Time for a boot upgrade, need some help

[Lnewton]

I have been a midwest whitetail hunter all of my life but this past year I have the bug for backpack/mountain hunting. I bought what I thought to be a decent boot in the Under Armour line up to discover it isn't enough for the load out packing elk. For the same elk hunt, my son bought Lacrosse windrose boots and said his feet felt great after packing out two bulls.

What I need help with is picking a better quality boot and not breaking the bank. Lets say the budget is 300 and under and I want non-insulated. I want something that is water proof (gtx), holds up well, has a nice toe box and doesn't require a long break-in period. Lowa, La Sportiva Nucleo and Salomon Quest have been some I have been considering because I can try them on locally at REI. Any input would be great and how they fit compared to Under Armour or Nike would be nice information.

 

[Rick Richard]

My pick through experience on my feet…Crispi

 

[Lowedown]

my Lowa Tibets have held up well. friends like thier Crispis, and Hoffman boots.

 

[257 STW]

Switched from Mendel`s to Whites Lochsa this year. Non insulated, and water proof. Love them.

 

[jasonco]

Whatever you choose, make sure it has a stiff shank for back packing and rocky terrain!

 

[Montucky Roamer]

shnees, kennetrek, Lowa, crispi, hanwg, meindl, zamberlan, whites , hoffman,Salomon, just to name some of the big ones. They r all fine boots. Thing is, the boot has to fit your feet perfectly. It's ALL about fit. So don't worry about price , they are your most important gear. Period. You need to really try em yourself, see what you like, some people need super stiff, some hate stiff boots and pack meat in trail runners, etc. But i will jut say the meindl comfort fit and crispi Nevada are MY favorites right now. If needed , order several pairs and try em , just return what doesn't work and start soon so you can REALLY shake them down.

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

I have been a midwest whitetail hunter all of my life but this past year I have the bug for backpack/mountain hunting. I bought what I thought to be a decent boot in the Under Armour line up to discover it isn't enough for the load out packing elk. For the same elk hunt, my son bought Lacrosse windrose boots and said his feet felt great after packing out two bulls.

What I need help with is picking a better quality boot and not breaking the bank. Lets say the budget is 300 and under and I want non-insulated. I want something that is water proof (gtx), holds up well, has a nice toe box and doesn't require a long break-in period. Lowa, La Sportiva Nucleo and Salomon Quest have been some I have been considering because I can try them on locally at REI. Any input would be great and how they fit compared to Under Armour or Nike would be nice information.

Darn I have size 14 and it is so hard to find a good fitting boot. I have been getting Danner for the over 20 years and they have been good to my feet. Only brand that fit properly. I had the Pronghorn 20 years ago and then they changed, people didn't like, and they changed back to the original Pronghorn. I actually switched to the Military style for hunting and they are GREAT. Personal preference. I always got the Danner on special programs where the cost was less than 50% or less. Have several Logger, Pronghorn, Powderhorn

M.E.B. (Marine Expeditionary Boot)​

Try to look for Danner Deals. The once had a program that you could join and get great discounts.

 

[dmj]

As said above don't worry about the cost. Worry more about the fit. And everyone's feet are different. And I think you have already answered part of your question, by looking for better fitting boots. I like kennetrek. But that is what works for my feet. Good luck with your search. And scoring 2 bulls sounds like you had some pretty good luck already.

 

[snuzzo29]

I have used Salomon Quests 4Ds before, they are a good boot but don't last very long. I am currently running Zamberlan Saguaros and have gotten 2 seasons out of them so far with plenty of life left. Go try on as many pairs of different boots you can and buy what fits your feet the best.

 

[Lnewton]

Cabelas shows they carry kennetrek, danner and Zamberlan so looks like I have another reason to go to my favorite store!!

 

[dan25]

Crispi guides my vote. Little pricey but worth it!

 

[PAGSDIII701]

Lathrop & Sons

 

[ingers007]

I switched to the Crispi's, sold on them!!

 

[rsbhunter]

While I understand the budget constaints, when you're A quarter of the way back to camp or the truck, and you're feet hurt so bad, you're miserable, you would gladly pull out your wallet and throw money or a credit card to someone to fix the pain. Save over next summer, read every post you can on hunting forums, and I would looking into backpacking forums, those people live on the health and comfort of their boots and feet.......like I said, being retired, money is tight, but sometimes it really is " buy once, cry once" rsbhunter