Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400???

[Big Sky]

Thinking real hard about buying a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 boots. However I've read some mixed reviews. Some guys love them and claim they are the neatest things since sliced bread. Others say they leaked water after little use and Kenetrek made no effort to honor any kind of warranty. I'm always a little skeptical of guys that rant and rave about how great an expensive product is. I think sometimes the price influences the review more than the truth about the subject. In other words a guy forks over a bunch of money and doesn't want to admit that anything is wrong so he feels better about his purchase. However there are some super hard-core hunters on this site that I know will give an honest review of Kenetrek boots. So please, those of you that own them what are your likes and dislikes?

 

[JohnCushman]

I own a pair and I love them. They do take a while to break in, though. I've never warn them in water or wet conditions, so I can't answer to that, but I use the wax from Kenetrek. They are not overly hot in the summer time, either.

 

[Wyodeerhunter]

Here's my opinion of them: they suck big balls. I can't go on a hike up here in ak without them getting soaking wet. I've had cabalas meindl boots that out preform them in every aspect. I got my kenetreks for cost but I will never buy another pair again.

Im buying lowas for this spring/summer.

 

[1_pointer]

I've not had any trouble other than I had to change my sock setup to help prevent heal slippage. That said, I don't think they are nearly as comfortable as my Meindls (not from Cabelas) that I had previoiusly. Unless I got a screamer of a deal on a pair of K-treks, my next will be Meindl or Hanwag.

 

[Big Fin]

Here's my opinion on them: THEY ROCK. (sorry wyo, I couldn't resist)

I have had a pair of 400s since early 2008. Tons of miles on them, under heavy loads. No wet feet. No cold feet. After four long hunting seasons, they still are in great shape.

I was using them before they had ever heard of this TV show.

If you can, try on a pair and see how they fit your feet.

 

[Lawnboy]

Here's my review

Pros: They are the lightest and most comfortable "tall" mountain boot I've worn. They broke in real fast.

Cons: My pair and my dad's both leaked under the first year we had them.

Pros: We recieved incredible customer service and they took care of our problem no questions asked. So far the new boots are not leaking.

I love the soles for gripping wet rock. They are softer than most vibrams which will cause them to wear a bit faster but their ability to grip wet rock is well worth the trade off .

I was contemplating the hardscrabbles because I wasn't sure about wanting a tall boot. I'm soo glad I went tall (Mt. ext.) the leather is real soft and pliable and you hardly realize you're wearing a tall boot but you get all the benefits of a tall one.

I have had the same problem with Lowas, Vasque, Danner, Merrell in regards to leaking before I felt they should. I'll be honest it sucks to pay even a $100 bucks and not have them make it a season without leaking. It's wrong. I buy lightweight hikers every season for mowing in the rain and every year they leak before seasons end. No matter what brand. I'm trying some Scarpas this season.

I think almost all manf. are suffering from this whether it's Gore tex, wind tex, event or whatever. Somehow the membranes aren't holding up when put into a boot application. I've got to believe it's the stiching that is required in a boot application. There are some great boots out there but if they can't remain waterproof then they are worthless.

If these next pair leak before the end of hunting season I will be disappointed for sure. The fit and feel of Kenetreks is awesome but I can't afford wet feet on a sheep hunt. If they do leak I'll stick to buying $150 boots knowing that I'll be replacing them sooner than later.
Like I said they are extremely comfortable. I wonder what kind of luck Miller has had with leaking between both his Kenetreks and Lowas? He's put as many working miles on both brands as anybody.

 

[mtmiller]

Others say they leaked water after little use and Kenetrek made no effort to honor any kind of warranty. ... So please, those of you that own them what are your likes and dislikes?

BS, I have to say I am a fan of the boot. I am surprised to hear about the leaking issue. I have stood in 4" water for about an hour while taking pics and have never had a leak issue. I also wear this boot nearly every day for work and have never had an issue. I love the boot, but when I am climbing the mountain it doesn't work well on "my" foot. I have some SheepHunters that are a dream for my heel.

I don't consider this a boot issue, but more of my foot issue. I don't think you can go wrong with the Kenetrek as long as your foot doesn't screw it up. Good product.

 

[theat]

I love mine. I have weird feet and have always had issues with rubbing/blisters. I can honestly say that I have never gotten a blister in the three pairs I have. I bought the first pair retail the fall of 08. My feet loved them so much that the next january on the way to a late season hunt north of yellowstone I stopped by their store in Bozeman and bought two more pairs for $110 a piece, best deal ever!

My first pair did start to leak after two years but only if I haven't sealed them after a few weeks of use.

I agree with Lawnboy--the rubber they use for their soles wears a little faster than vibram, but they grip very well.

 

[CabinFever]

Others say they leaked water after little use and Kenetrek made no effort to honor any kind of warranty. ?

If they did indeed leak, I have a real hard time believing they didn't warranty them unless the boots were completely beat to hell and no reasonable person would expect them to hold water.

 

[CabinFever]

I think almost all manf. are suffering from this whether it's Gore tex, wind tex, event or whatever. Somehow the membranes aren't holding up when put into a boot application. I've got to believe it's the stiching that is required in a boot application.

No matter the manufacturer, I'm quite sure if you make that liner flex enough times, its gonna fail. Beyond that, Kenetreks boot has very little stitching and I would have to believe that that minimizes the chances of failure.

I would advise trying on as many of the boots in that price range and see what feels best for your foot. If you can, find places to try them on where they have someone who knows what their talking about to help with fitting and such, rather then where they give you the boots and walk away. If you can make it to the company's main office, that'd be best, else for big box stores, Scheels has the best knowledgeable experts.

I hope more people resopnd, I'd like to see what everyone has to say.

 

[d-bone20917]

I just bought a pair of the mountain extreme (non-insulated) about a month ago. I ordered them and a pair of Lowa Tibet Pros at the same time. There was no place around where I live to try them on so I ordered both pairs to see what fit me better. I wore them both in the house for about a week and the Kenetreks just fit me better and were much more comfortable then the Lowas. I will say that with a side by side comparison the Lowas appear to be better constructed, but the comfort wasn't there. I probably have 20 miles or so on the Kenetreks while hauling a 30 lb pack trying to get in shape for hunting season. They are the most comfortable boot I have every worn, but I have not worn them in any wet conditions yet. I will be real disappointed if they end up leaking this fall.

 

[Big Sky]

I knew I could count on folks here to share honest opinions. My current boots that I've had for a while are Meindl boots. They are tough and have held up well to a lot of abuse. They also maintained their water proof abilities for several years. However they have never been overly comfortable on my feet. Like Miller, I blame my feet not the boot in this case. The one thing I really don't like about them though is they get pretty slippery in wet conditions. The sole just doesn't not grip well on wet rocks, grass, or what have you. I've had my feet whip out from under me more times that I can count. Frankly I'm getting old enough that I don't bounce as well as I used to, and so I'm not a fan of suprise face to face visits with the ground. I hunt in a lot of wet conditions. In fact the ground is probably wet more than it's not when I'm out and about. So that sole issue and the boot being waterproof (not water resistant) is a big deal to me. It seems divided almost 50/50 as to whether the Kenetreks are water proof. Have to be honest that does raise some red flags in my buying decision.

 

[Big O]

Can't speak on the Kenetrek's, haven't owned any, although I'd like to try some. I have worn the Meindl Alaska Hunters going on 3 yesrs now. I was a little skeptical after I bought them, wasn't used to such a rigid boot after wearing $150 boots most of the time. Now I wouldn't trade them for anything. Most comfortable boots/shoes I have, period. They really conformed to my feet after just a few times out. No leaks so far.

Good luck.

 

[MNHunter]

Looking to get a pair myself. They fit awesome when I tried them on. I like that they come in varying widths...

 

[passinthru]

I was able to try on quite a few different brands at a show this winter. The Kennetrek mountain extremes were the most comfortable of the major brands for me. They fit awesome and felt like a great pair of boots. I was bsing with friends brother that works these shows all winter standing on concrete for days. And he said he grabs the kenetreks cause he knows his feet won't hurt at the end of the day.

But, I bought Scarpa Liskums for the support they offer. I was looking for a pair for mountain goat and sheep hunting. Thought it would help my draw odds . A guide i know swears by the Scarpas. He can wear out the others in a season of goat and sheep hunting.
I've been wearing with solar salt in my pack and couldn't be happier. They broke in fast with no hotspots or blisters. Cannot comment on leaking yet.
Good luck.

 

[dainer]

I bought a pair in the spring of 2009 to replace some Danner elk hunters. Break in was not an issue for me. Getting used to finally having some real support was the biggest challenge. Since then I have purchased the Hardscrabble hikers and Northern pac boots, all with the "K Talon" sole which is amazing.

 

[Gerald Martin]

I flat wore out a pair of Meindl Denalis after five years. Great boot. I've got the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme unisulated now and like them even better. A little longer break in period but the sole has better tread for slick rocks, bear grass and logs. I've taken a few face plants with my Meindls, especially after the tread had been worn down some.

 

[DreaminofMT6X6s]

Direct from a friend who owns an Arctic cat shop in town, "I wear them from Sept 15 to May 15 and they never fail.". The guy barely has a tread on them and he wears them on his sled...nough said. I love mime and have never looked back...even sold my lowas.

 

[Lawnboy]

I've got to believe that I am in the minority with my first experience. I was really hesitant to reply because I have recieved nothing but great service from Kenetrek. I have a friend who hikes and hunts more than anyone on this site and he's been using them for a couple years. If they sucked he wouldn't be using them. I would trust his opinion on gear as much as anyone.
I will say it again they are really comfortable, they have great tread for wet climates and I like that they lace down low.

I feel like you can't go wrong trying them. Every company will have some that leak . The real test is will they stand behind their product. So far Kenetrek has and I'm happy to recommend them.

 

[Desert Sheep]

I just ordered a pair online for 195 + shipping. I'm hopeful that my experience with them will be the same as the other positive posters on this thread.