Another Boot Thread

[vancewalker007]

How are you guys buying boots by mail?
It takes me a good while at Sportsman's Warehouse (great selection of brands), trying on boots. No brand has the same fit at the same size. You just know when you hit the right one.
I just can't see ordering boots online, trying them on, sending them back, one pair at a time.

Merrills used to fit my fit perfectly, but they changed something in manufacturing and no model seems to work now.
Danners are usually a great fit.
Would like to move up to Kenetrek or Schnees.

In some cases getting a couple sizes or styles and trying them then sending back what you don't like is the only way. I have had luck going to outdoor shows and trying some. It isn't easy. Also, I encourage you to call and talk to the manufacturer if you have specific foot issues. They can steer you to the right models to try.

 

[dfanonymous]

How are you guys buying boots by mail?
It takes me a good while at Sportsman's Warehouse (great selection of brands), trying on boots. No brand has the same fit at the same size. You just know when you hit the right one.
I just can't see ordering boots online, trying them on, sending them back, one pair at a time.

Merrills used to fit my fit perfectly, but they changed something in manufacturing and no model seems to work now.
Danners are usually a great fit.
Would like to move up to Kenetrek or Schnees.

I've been wearing salomon's from the deserts of Iraq to the mountain villages of Afghanistan, so they work for me in the Colorado Rockies to dry *** Arizona desert. I wear the same size in all salomon's so I buy them online. Worry free.

 

[LanceS4803]

The closest Sportsman's Warehouse in Columbia SC so I might have to make a trip up there to walk around in some of these boots.

That is actually a pretty good store. I stopped in there all the time when I was at Ft Jackson. At the time, the shoe dept had some knowledgeable folks.

 

[Troutslayer2]

Little bit late in the game to be breaking in boots for this season... I was having a hard time breaking in some Scarpas this summer. I ended up working out in them a couple times, doing box jumps, jump squats... Glad I did they fit like a glove now but it took like 20 miles and the workouts to get them whipped into shape. My girlfriend turned me on to these adhesive tape strips that go over any hot spots that you may get and they alleviate any friction. I now keep a couple in my pack just in case.

 

[jaw719]

Hunt is next year.

I think I am down to the Kenetreks and Crispis. I looked at Schnees and Meindls and Danner but the Kenes and the Crispis seem to be most liked.

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

Crisipi

 

[338weatherby]

How are you guys buying boots by mail?
It takes me a good while at Sportsman's Warehouse (great selection of brands), trying on boots. No brand has the same fit at the same size. You just know when you hit the right one.
I just can't see ordering boots online, trying them on, sending them back, one pair at a time.

Merrills used to fit my fit perfectly, but they changed something in manufacturing and no model seems to work now.
Danners are usually a great fit.
Would like to move up to Kenetrek or Schnees.

I ordered Crispis and Schnees and wore them in the house up and down stairs all day and on an elliptical machine. Returned the Crispis due to slipping in the heal. Return shipping was only $8 and well worth being able to try at home when spending $300+. I don't have a choice really either. Not many options for mountain boots in Northern MN

 

[jaw719]

Crisipi

That's how I'm leaning I think. Seems to be similar quality and durability but much lighter than the Kenetreks.

 

[Lee Deming]

I have no good advise on boot brands, and know your hunt is next year, but:

Right now I have about 15" of snow on the ground and another 10-15" in the forecast for this weekend when season opens... lows around -1F Saturday night.

This isnt unusual, but neither is +50F around this time of year. Might not be a bad idea to bring two pairs, one uninsulated or light insulated. If its hot out and your feet sweat, then youll have issues the next day if a cold front comes in.

This is gre

Hunt is next year.

I think I am down to the Kenetreks and Crispis. I looked at Schnees and Meindls and Danner but the Kenes and the Crispis seem to be most liked.

I have had two Kenetrek models. Both uninsulated. I've hunted all over MT in them from the Breaks to the mountains and have used them at all times of the year. I typically go to a pac boot when the temps drop to single digits. They are great boots on steep slopes, uphill and down. If you wear merino wool liner socks and a merino sock for warmth you should be fine as long as you don't plan to sit still for long periods. Neither of these models leaked-ever.

 

[meatyrem]

That's how I'm leaning I think. Seems to be similar quality and durability but much lighter than the Kenetreks.

What I like the most about the crispi is their injected polyurethane midsole that give much better support because it's a more dense material and doesn't break down as much and as quick as the EVA midsole which is what the kenetreks use I went away from the EVA because the soles break down too quick and what I found through Lowa and crispi using the polyurethane midsole is it takes much longer to break down and it supports heavier weights either from pack weight or just larger person is it holds up better under heavier loads which is why these style of boots are sought after by backcountry hunters carrying heavy packs. I'm larger 280lbs and have great support and the rebound off every step is great in that the sole doesn't skwish down as much as EVA midsole and anything that has Eva midsole is too squishy and doesn't rebound like the polyurethane midsole.
I have the Lowa mountain boots for my job and while I'm on duty sometimes for 16+ hours it really pays off with that better sole.

 

[LanceS4803]

My girlfriend turned me on to these adhesive tape strips that go over any hot spots that you may get and they alleviate any friction. I now keep a couple in my pack just in case.

What did she recommend?
I am absolutely not prone to blisters, but think a pack of these would be cheap, light weight, insurance to keep in the pack.

 

[LanceS4803]

Just got an email that camofire has Crispi boots on sale today only (23 Oct), 50% off.
Camofire

 

[HFleftyTikka]

How are you guys buying boots by mail?
It takes me a good while at Sportsman's Warehouse (great selection of brands), trying on boots. No brand has the same fit at the same size. You just know when you hit the right one.
I just can't see ordering boots online, trying them on, sending them back, one pair at a time.

Merrills used to fit my fit perfectly, but they changed something in manufacturing and no model seems to work now.
Danners are usually a great fit.
Would like to move up to Kenetrek or Schnees.

The Sportsmans Guides boots seem to run true to size they also include a scale with most everything they sell that tells were they run true to size or if they run small or large, they carry a large range of name brand boots at good prices plus there Guide Gear house brand which I have had excellent luck with

 

[cbat]

I also have flat feet and ankle issues. I have had several pair of Danner's in the past but wanted more support in a quality boot and I believe the Danners are now made in China.
Ended up with Meidl's Perfekt Hunter. They may not make this model anymore but get a boot with sturdy leather for good side support. Not as light as composites but I needed the extra support. While elk hunting in the mountains this year, I spend a fair amount of time hiking in the dark over rocky terrain. A killer for twisting ankles. The Meidl's served me well. There are a number of good quality boots but you need to fit your own individual foot for best performance.
I have custom orthodic inserts which help my flat feet a lot. (Most boots cannot support your arches as much as needed). As suggested, you can break them in on a eliptical or stair stepper machine.
Good luck in your search.

What orthodic are you using ?