Boot Recommendations

[Big Sky Guy]

I’ve had Crispi Nevada’s and now the Kenai’s (same boot but with full grain leather instead of nubuck. The Nevadas lasted 5 years of mountain hunting/hiking here in Montana. They can be resoled but the nubuck was cracking so I opted for new Kenai’s. They are on sale for 20% off several times a year it seems. I prefer a full rand and leather, simple time tested design many manufacturers offer versions of. Also most brands offer a higher version and a lower ankle version, these are the lower (lighter too).

Biggest thing I can say about them is they don’t really require break in. I’ve never had any other high end brand but friends that have Kenetreks and seems like after 50 miles they become more comfortable.

Like mtmuley said above, once you get into the $3-350+ boots, pick one that fits well and go with it.

Kenetrek
Crispi
Hanwag
Schnee’s
Whites
Zamberlain
Lowa

Prly missing some but all of those have great boots.

 

[Speeddmn]

I have had less expensive boots from Under Armor, RedWing and Cabelas. All worked well but eventually broke down eariler than I expected.

The VA gave me two pairs of Kenetreks and I have a 3rd on the way. Mtn extreme NI, 400’s and the newer Corrie 2 is on the way. I also have their Bridgers high I am wearing more recently. I dont like them yet. The mountain extremes have been great!

I also have a pair os Scheens beartooths and although they fit and feel good the lacing system isnt as good as the Kenetreks.

In the end, you need to put them on and try them, no matter what when you tey them on in the store they wont feel as good as after 20-60 miles of use.

 

[BrentD]

My old Cabela’s Miendl’s have went their last mile and since we drew antelope tags, I need replacements ASAP. I like the 10in boot, the stiff sole, and the idea of cactus not poking me like they do in a lighter boot. Back home I whitetail and turkey hunt in the mountains and those Miendl’s were like having 4wd. I know they are still on Amazon but thought I would ask what others are wearing before I pulled the trigger.

If you know what you like, then don't go off the deep end on expensive boots you may not like at all. I've done that 3 times. I'm a Meindl fan. I like their wide toe box. Especially in the cold. Their price is almost reasonable compared to many others. So I stick with them and buy another pair if they wear out or a puppy gets hold of them ( )

 

[Whiskey Freak]

I have the Crispi lapponia and like them. Very light boot.

 

[hank4elk]

I'm back to Lowa's . 3 pairs I use now.
Liked some Meindls I've had.

Like Brent said use what you like and fits.
I went thru a period of getting boots that everything pokes through, they wear out right away or doesn't fit just right.

 

[Wild Bill]

If you like your Meindl's, as has been mentioned above, you can get them at Meindl USA webpage.

I just picked up a pair of Meindl Vaakum (new/very lightly used) from a fellow HTer and am really happy with the fit. They seem to be pretty good quality. Time will tell. My first go round with Meindl.

 

[WNC2500]

I had a pair of Meindl's first. Then went to a pair of Lowa's for NC/SC hunting. When I was in MT in 2017, I bought my first pair of Kenetrek's. I have the Mountain Extreme's, Hardscrabble, and a Kennetrek Grizzly Pac boot that I got from a HTer on here. I love the durability of the Kenetrek's. They are over 8 years old, and look and wear like new. I make sure to condition them every couple months or so. Kennetrek's are my go to for sure.

 

[ChaosOneZero]

+1 for Kenetrek Mountain Extreme (NI). I tried a pair of Crispis years ago (Nevada model, maybe?) and while they were extremely comfortable and a great fit, the toe box creased right on top of my big toe when I squatted/knelt so I had to return them (their customer service was top notch).

I wear a 11.5 4E in regular shoes - which makes finding quality boots a bit problematic. I went with the Kenetrek ME in 13W, which fits perfect.

 

[MNElkNut]

I have had great luck with Schnees as has the rest of my family. But I agree with MTMuley, go with a high quality boot that fits you well. I have normal feet and Schnees Beartooths fit perfectly. 2008 Beartooth waterproof until 2023 with a lot of hard use. finally the laces wore a hole in the tongue.

 

[44hunter45]

Try on a bunch. I think I tried on six different brands last time I chose a manufacturer.

I have two pairs of Hoffman’s. Looking at grabbing the Crispi Uplander. I’ve also worn Schnee’s, Lowa, and Zamberlans.

+1 for Hoffman. These used to be really hard to find and try on locally. They are in REI and Sportsman's Warehouse now. 100% returnable if mail ordered, so long as they have not been worn outside or treated. You really need to walk around in them a bit. I've been wearing 11 1/2 Wide. My toes are right at the end. Their lacing system helps prevent toe stress going downhill, but nothing is perfect. My next pair will be 12.

I have the 8" Explorers and 10" Hunter versions. Guaranteed Alaska proof.

 

[Valley1320]

Kenetreks!

 

[WVmike]

I love the 2 pairs of Zamberlaan's I use & would recommend them. The Lowa's I've used have also been great. I would not recommend Kenetrek. I know a lot of guys like them, but I've had some bad experiences with their boots & their customer service was horrible. I know a couple other guys who have also not liked them.

I have a pair of Zamberlan Sagauro's that I've had for about 5 years and they have never failed me. Probably not best for the desert due to the gore tex but they work for me.

 

[Bowhunt_406]

Another voice for Kenetrek Mtn Extremes. Personally I’ll never go to anything else. Going on four years now and they are still in great shape. Like others have said there are lots of great boots out there, just make sure they fit your foot.

 

[Wolfshead]

If it was me and I really liked the boots I had, and could get another pair of them I would go get them. Provided the quality was still the same.
I got a pair of the Schnee Timberlines last season for whitetail hunting here in N.Y. and I really like them.
If I know I’m going to be in the swamps and marsh areas I’m wearing my knee high rubber boots, but if not, I’m wearing my Timberlines.
They are stiff to me, and I wore them for approximately four miles the first day I wore them with no issues at all.
I have metatarsalgia, and I was fine in these.

 

[Laelkhunter]

I tried the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes, they just didn't work-excellent boot but didn't fit me right. I went to the Crispi WildRock, they are heaven on earth for all day comfort, stability, support for side hilling, and always waterproof. Midway has them on sale, or did a while back. BlackOvis.com is where I got mine. I also have a pair of the Crispi Idaho, same fit and comfort, but not insulated. The WildRock has 400 g insulation.

 

[Laelkhunter]

Just checked Midway for the Crispi WildRock, if anyone wears a size 8 EE, they have a pair for $171.00. Their part number is 415453. That's a super deal for some lucky hunter/huntress.

 

[shannerdrake]

Redwing bought out Vasque and is retiring the name and rebranding Vasque boots under the Redwing name.

There are some really good deals on Vasque out there. I recently got a pair of Vasque Breeze for $40 at Sierra Trading Post not too long ago. Hard to imagine a better antelope boot in my opinion.

 

[jpc01101]

Schnee Timberline and Beartooth 200G work well for me depending on temp. Whatever works best for your feet is the right boot for you. I will say that Schnees stands behind their stuff and will replace anything that doesn’t perform to your expectations.

 

[Khunter]

Just checked Midway for the Crispi WildRock, if anyone wears a size 8 EE, they have a pair for $171.00. Their part number is 415453. That's a super deal for some lucky hunter/huntress.

Nothing lucky about having a size 8 EE hoof.

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

I’ve never been let down with anything from Garmont.