vikingload
Member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2020
- Messages
- 31
I have a pair of kenetrexs that I love for cold weather but my new favorite is La Sportiva Karakoram. Love how they do in the summer and also warm in the winter.
Boots for Elk Hunting?
- Thread starter RugerHawg413
- Start date
I have a pair of kenetrexs that I love for cold weather but my new favorite is La Sportiva Karakoram. Love how they do in the summer and also warm in the winter.
KB_
Well-known member
I just finally found a pair of Marine Corps issue rat boots from wellco on ebay. I loved those boots back in the day, I'm so glad I got another pair. We'll see how they do for elk hunting this year but i've been using them for antelope and long hard hikes and they work great. I didnt spend 400$ for them either 
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CTELK83
Active member
I found that you can only kill elk with
Danners, Mathews bow, Tundra truck, First Lite clothes, vortex binos, exo pack, viper trick broadheads and phelps mouthcalls.
I hope I'm wrong, cause I just replaced my old danners with Kenetreks!
Danners, Mathews bow, Tundra truck, First Lite clothes, vortex binos, exo pack, viper trick broadheads and phelps mouthcalls.
I hope I'm wrong, cause I just replaced my old danners with Kenetreks!
Thats funny but great move on the boots. I’ve mostly worn Danner over the years and they worked well for me but now too have started using Kenetrek. Insulated Mt Extreme for snowy cold hunts and Hardscrabble for warmer weather. What a difference. Worth it? You’ll never know until you pull the trigger. IMO worth ever penny but you have to experience it for yourself. Always thought they were just a label and over hyped but after trying them on I immediately knew what all the hype was about. When you find a boot that just fits right you’ll know it.
tchartwick
New member
Boots are completely subjective. I would highly suggest you go try on as many as you can. They need to fit, then ask and read the reviews https://voy-voy.com/best-hunting-boots/ on the boots that fit you the best. I like the Irish setter boots, super comfortable and waterproof.
Last edited:
Wildabeest
Well-known member
I’ve had a weird experience with Kenetrek. Actually went to the “factory store” last year when I was in Bozeman. Super cool place, BTW. If you like big horn sheep, you should check it out. Insane how many sheep mounts in there - all taken by two guys. How do you get that many OIL tags?!?!?! 
Anyway, the guy measures my foot and says “you’re a 12”. Every shoe I’ve ever bought in the past 30 years has been a 10-1/2, but I said “OK”. So he brings me a 12. I try it on. Feels really good, but too big. So I tell him that I’m normally a 10-1/2, but he insists that I’m a 12 and that I really want to err on the side of larger size so I don’t jam my toes on downhills. I said “but they feel loose, I’m concerned about blisters”. To which he says, “let’s try try a narrow to tighten them up.” So he brings me a 12 Narrow. These feel better and more snug. So i buy the Mountain Extreme 400 in 12N. I had a hunt late Nov in MT that was limited hiking in snow. Boots worked out great, so I’m thinking, “obviously that guy at the store knows more about boot fit than I do”.
Fast forward to March. Snow is melting in UT and it’s time to start hiking and shed hunting where I’m covering more miles and more rugged terrain than my Nov hunt in MT. A couple of hours into my first outing, feeling a hotspot on my heel. By the time I get back to the trailhead, I’m hating life. When I get home, I see why...
Bottom line is that I really want to like these boots. I’ve got some pretty messed up feet and ankles, and they seem like they would work well if I get into the right size and boot. I think I have two problems. First is the size. I should have gone with what I thought was right for me vs. what the guy in the store was telling me. That’s on me. Second, in retrospect I think an uninsulated boot would be better for me. I think part of the issue with that blister was the fact that I was hiking in much warmer temps where my feet were sweating more and moisture was a contributing factor. I’ve never had issues with cold feet, and actually have the opposite with being too hot and sweating more than the average person. So I should have gone with non-insulated - again, that’s on me.
So now my quandary is do I double down and spend another $450 on a pair that will better suit me. That’s a big pill to swallow. And I’m not sure there’s a huge market out there for a used pair of 12 Narrow boots.
I have gone out and tried on some other higher end boots, but none feel as good to me as the Kenetreks. So I guess I just need to suck it up and bite the bullet on newer ones. The 11R in the Mountain Extreme NI feels really good in the store. Hindsight is always 20/20.
Anyway, the guy measures my foot and says “you’re a 12”. Every shoe I’ve ever bought in the past 30 years has been a 10-1/2, but I said “OK”. So he brings me a 12. I try it on. Feels really good, but too big. So I tell him that I’m normally a 10-1/2, but he insists that I’m a 12 and that I really want to err on the side of larger size so I don’t jam my toes on downhills. I said “but they feel loose, I’m concerned about blisters”. To which he says, “let’s try try a narrow to tighten them up.” So he brings me a 12 Narrow. These feel better and more snug. So i buy the Mountain Extreme 400 in 12N. I had a hunt late Nov in MT that was limited hiking in snow. Boots worked out great, so I’m thinking, “obviously that guy at the store knows more about boot fit than I do”.
Fast forward to March. Snow is melting in UT and it’s time to start hiking and shed hunting where I’m covering more miles and more rugged terrain than my Nov hunt in MT. A couple of hours into my first outing, feeling a hotspot on my heel. By the time I get back to the trailhead, I’m hating life. When I get home, I see why...
Bottom line is that I really want to like these boots. I’ve got some pretty messed up feet and ankles, and they seem like they would work well if I get into the right size and boot. I think I have two problems. First is the size. I should have gone with what I thought was right for me vs. what the guy in the store was telling me. That’s on me. Second, in retrospect I think an uninsulated boot would be better for me. I think part of the issue with that blister was the fact that I was hiking in much warmer temps where my feet were sweating more and moisture was a contributing factor. I’ve never had issues with cold feet, and actually have the opposite with being too hot and sweating more than the average person. So I should have gone with non-insulated - again, that’s on me.
So now my quandary is do I double down and spend another $450 on a pair that will better suit me. That’s a big pill to swallow. And I’m not sure there’s a huge market out there for a used pair of 12 Narrow boots.
I have gone out and tried on some other higher end boots, but none feel as good to me as the Kenetreks. So I guess I just need to suck it up and bite the bullet on newer ones. The 11R in the Mountain Extreme NI feels really good in the store. Hindsight is always 20/20.
It depends what works for your feet, For me personally, the mountain boots like Kennetreks, Crispi, Schnees etc. absolutely do not work for my feet.
I love the Irish Setter Elk Trackers, insulated and un-insulated, they are my go-to boot.
I love the Irish Setter Elk Trackers, insulated and un-insulated, they are my go-to boot.
ignorethefringes
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2016
- Messages
- 3,032
I’ve had a weird experience with Kenetrek. Actually went to the “factory store” last year when I was in Bozeman. Super cool place, BTW. If you like big horn sheep, you should check it out. Insane how many sheep mounts in there - all taken by two guys. How do you get that many OIL tags?!?!?!
Anyway, the guy measures my foot and says “you’re a 12”. Every shoe I’ve ever bought in the past 30 years has been a 10-1/2, but I said “OK”. So he brings me a 12. I try it on. Feels really good, but too big. So I tell him that I’m normally a 10-1/2, but he insists that I’m a 12 and that I really want to err on the side of larger size so I don’t jam my toes on downhills. I said “but they feel loose, I’m concerned about blisters”. To which he says, “let’s try try a narrow to tighten them up.” So he brings me a 12 Narrow. These feel better and more snug. So i buy the Mountain Extreme 400 in 12N. I had a hunt late Nov in MT that was limited hiking in snow. Boots worked out great, so I’m thinking, “obviously that guy at the store knows more about boot fit than I do”.
Fast forward to March. Snow is melting in UT and it’s time to start hiking and shed hunting where I’m covering more miles and more rugged terrain than my Nov hunt in MT. A couple of hours into my first outing, feeling a hotspot on my heel. By the time I get back to the trailhead, I’m hating life. When I get home, I see why...
View attachment 152078
Bottom line is that I really want to like these boots. I’ve got some pretty messed up feet and ankles, and they seem like they would work well if I get into the right size and boot. I think I have two problems. First is the size. I should have gone with what I thought was right for me vs. what the guy in the store was telling me. That’s on me. Second, in retrospect I think an uninsulated boot would be better for me. I think part of the issue with that blister was the fact that I was hiking in much warmer temps where my feet were sweating more and moisture was a contributing factor. I’ve never had issues with cold feet, and actually have the opposite with being too hot and sweating more than the average person. So I should have gone with non-insulated - again, that’s on me.
So now my quandary is do I double down and spend another $450 on a pair that will better suit me. That’s a big pill to swallow. And I’m not sure there’s a huge market out there for a used pair of 12 Narrow boots.
Man that sucks. If they weren't narrow we'd be having a PM conversation right now lol.
stealthy_bowman
Well-known member
Surprised he said that. When boots are too big, that is exactly when you end up jamming your toes on the decent because your foot slips forward thereby crushing your toes with every step. This will cause your toe nails to turn black and eventually fall out.
Rancho Loco
Well-known member
Get boots for the walk out, not the walk in.
AZbywayofWI
Active member
Altra Lone Peaks 4.0 RSM! Basically high top trail running shoes, however the RSM version is Rain, Snow, Mud....so waterproof. I have walked through streams with them and have had my feet stay dry. I ran a Ragnar Trail will the non-rsm version and have hunted early season with them and they perform awesome. They have a wide toe box and a several connection points for gaiters. They are not insulated but if you are going to be walking there shouldn't be a problem since your feet will stay warm. If you are sitting and glassing, but a pair of merino wool socks such as Darn Tough Socks on and you will be fine. You can always bring a heavier pair of socks to throw on when you are sitting as well.
There is a podcast dropping on Monday with a foot doctor that hopefully adds some insight to the discussion of boots, blisters, etc.
Here is the podcast with Dr. Wilshire, a foot and ankle specialist in addition to a traditional archer who chases a lot of elk.
www.stitcher.com
Podcasts | Pandora
Discover your favorite Podcasts from a variety of categories including Daily News, Music, Business, True Crime, Comedy, Politics and more. Listen to Podcasts on Pandora.
Last fall I was in the same position and needed a new pair of boots. I walked out the store with a pair of kenetrek mountain extreme non-insulated. They didn't have the exact size I wanted and I settled for a half size bigger which I thought would work. Turns out they didn't work and I ended up returning them for a pair of crispi western hunters. Highly reccomend these with probably 150 miles on them, only complaint I have is even with only 200 grams of thinsulate, I still find them to warm for my liking. This however is not enough for me go to out and buy a pair on non-insulated boots.
rustednuts
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2018
- Messages
- 772
Were you wearing a liner sock? I’ve had very good luck with a thin synthetic liner then a wool sock. The liner takes any rubbing away from your foot and helps to pull moisture away from the skin. This works for me even in 105 degree temperatures.I’ve had a weird experience with Kenetrek. Actually went to the “factory store” last year when I was in Bozeman. Super cool place, BTW. If you like big horn sheep, you should check it out. Insane how many sheep mounts in there - all taken by two guys. How do you get that many OIL tags?!?!?!
Anyway, the guy measures my foot and says “you’re a 12”. Every shoe I’ve ever bought in the past 30 years has been a 10-1/2, but I said “OK”. So he brings me a 12. I try it on. Feels really good, but too big. So I tell him that I’m normally a 10-1/2, but he insists that I’m a 12 and that I really want to err on the side of larger size so I don’t jam my toes on downhills. I said “but they feel loose, I’m concerned about blisters”. To which he says, “let’s try try a narrow to tighten them up.” So he brings me a 12 Narrow. These feel better and more snug. So i buy the Mountain Extreme 400 in 12N. I had a hunt late Nov in MT that was limited hiking in snow. Boots worked out great, so I’m thinking, “obviously that guy at the store knows more about boot fit than I do”.
Fast forward to March. Snow is melting in UT and it’s time to start hiking and shed hunting where I’m covering more miles and more rugged terrain than my Nov hunt in MT. A couple of hours into my first outing, feeling a hotspot on my heel. By the time I get back to the trailhead, I’m hating life. When I get home, I see why...
View attachment 152078
Bottom line is that I really want to like these boots. I’ve got some pretty messed up feet and ankles, and they seem like they would work well if I get into the right size and boot. I think I have two problems. First is the size. I should have gone with what I thought was right for me vs. what the guy in the store was telling me. That’s on me. Second, in retrospect I think an uninsulated boot would be better for me. I think part of the issue with that blister was the fact that I was hiking in much warmer temps where my feet were sweating more and moisture was a contributing factor. I’ve never had issues with cold feet, and actually have the opposite with being too hot and sweating more than the average person. So I should have gone with non-insulated - again, that’s on me.
So now my quandary is do I double down and spend another $450 on a pair that will better suit me. That’s a big pill to swallow. And I’m not sure there’s a huge market out there for a used pair of 12 Narrow boots.
ignorethefringes
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2016
- Messages
- 3,032
Alright y'all. Due to a surprise surplus of funds it looks like I'll be ordering boots this year rather then next. So, final decision comes down to Kenetrek mountain extreme or Schnees beartooth classics? Both will be uninsulated.
D
Deleted member 28227
Guest
I have a narrow, pretty flat foot, and the beartooths fit me great. I went a 1/2 size down from my shoe size and a 1/2 size up from my ski boot size. All things considered they have held together well.
Life of a boot/Resoling boots
Given that there are ton of boot threads on here with the ubiquitous "buy once cry once comment", I thought this might be relevant to some new folks who are trying to decide if it's worth dropping $400 on a pair of boots. Schnee uninsulated beartooth - March 2015 Jan 2020 - These have been my...
www.hunttalk.com
I got some Crispi Thor GTX 2.0's this past weekend and wow. I've wanted to try them for some time, glad I finally got some. Light, super comfortable, perfect fit, look good, and much more protective than anything else in their weight class. My 11 wides weigh 49 oz for the pair.
