Time for a boot upgrade, need some help

[Lnewton]

You can't run fast enough to give me ANYTHING made by Nike!!!

Just using that as a sizing reference. I wont buy Nike either.

 

[Ol' Red]

I just got a pair of Kennetrek boots, and wore them the next day on a short hunt. No break in time. I was looking for Crispi's, but they did not have my size at the time. Happy with the Kennetrek.

 

[Rick Richard]

I have several pairs of Crispi boots and a single pair of Kenetrek boots…I love them all. The only gripe I have with Kenetrek boots Is that the soles wore out rather quickly and the Rand started peeling back. Otherwise, extremely comfortable.

 

[Montucky Roamer]

I will say, althought I love my Crispi Nevadas as I mentioned...the insole/footbed is a total joke. Spend time getting the right footbed, pick on that fits your arch correctly and trim the insole to fit if needed. For example: superfeet green are absolutely horrible for me if I only pick a size to fit in my boot. The arch is in the wrong spot FOR MY FEET unless I buy a much larger one and trim the toe.
And as many mentioned , the services lanthrop and sons provide is extremely valuable.

 

[squeeeeze]

I'll start by saying I will never spend another penny on a pair on Danners. Too much money wasted and their boots are junk IMO. I don't care if they have a China line and a USA expensive line, their name is still on them and that's their reputation as far as I'm concerned.

I've been very happy with Meindls, especially for their price. My favorite was the Cabelas Meindl Denalis with fit IQ. They were around $250 I believe but no longer make them. Looks like they call them the Vakuum Hunter now. Very comfortable and durable with their Vibram soles and the rubber band all the way around on the models I've bought. I have a narrow foot and they fit me great. I am very hard on boots and tear them up quick it seems. Meindls are durable and a great boot all around.

I liked my Kenetreks but run wide so not ideal for me in std. sizes I've tried. My feet swim too much I need to try some narrower ones but not real common in stores. I will say the soles are crazy stiff but very ideal in rocky terrain and your feet don't tire and feel no rocks underneath them. Odd how you can pivot off your toe and support all your weight without issue.

For the quickest break in, soak them in the bathtub overnight and wear them around wet. Saves a lot of miles and potential blisters. This is a great tip I came across years ago. I'll have to check out the super feet Insoles. No matter the boot, an aftermarket insole upgrade is necessary (all the boots I've owned) for ultimate comfort.

 

[nwmnbowhunter]

All the top boots will work.

You have to try them on.

One brand I cannot wear because my heel slips.

Another brand i can't wear because the toebox is too narrow.

You will not know until you try.

Schnees and meindl fit my feet the best.

Meindl usa has their own website since cabelas dropped all their European models.

Order a bunch. Try them on in the house and return the ones that don't fit. [Make sure when you buy you can return no problem...]

I will wear a lot of "not top tier" gear before I ever wear less than perfect boots for my feet. I can be wet and cold, but if my feet feel good I can keep on trucking. Feet hurt and I'm done for.

 

[BillLarson]

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.

DANNER

 

[Scythe]

I first read about Sole insoles on RokSlide, the cork version was recommended over the polymer. I do like them better than Superfeet.
I have looked at Sheep Feet and getting a new pair of insulated boots or all in on some boots from Lathrop & Sons.

The Crispi Wyoming II I own have been great so far, bought them 09/2020 from Black Ovis. No issues, easy break in and I do have the cork insoles in them.

The Lowa Renegades I own have not been as comfortable but they have been durable, I wear these to work a lot. Driving short to medium distance, in and out of the vehicle, short walks and doing my repair work they are ok.

 

[dogz]

Best boots ever are the Salomon Quest 4 Goretex. I have worn this series of boots for years hunting Elk in Colorado and they are comfortable and give great support.

Amen to that for me and my feet as well

 

[Montucky Roamer]

Amen to that for me and my feet as well

If they fit you,sure.
Also they are waterproof for about a week. I'd still use em if they fit me better...I liked the lightweight and breathability of them for early seasons.

 

[Montucky Roamer]

If they fit you,sure.
Also they are waterproof for about a week. I'd still use em if they fit me better...I liked the lightweight and breathability of them for early seasons.

I wish more companies would branch out a bit on their sizing and foot shape. Offer some wides last models, etc.
For instance, I can't wear anything by Salomon, everything has a specific, narrow fit. But I wish I could, they have some sweet trail runners especially for winter, wet, etc.

 

[Reelamin]

You can't run fast enough to give me ANYTHING made by Nike!!!

LOL....Add me to your list as I just added First Lite to my list with Under Armor, Anderson Hitch, and Goodyear already on it for the hunting/outdoor world.

 

[belldar]

Lowa vote here

 

[Treeslug]

LOL....Add me to your list as I just added First Lite to my list with Under Armor, Anderson Hitch, and Goodyear already on it for the hunting/outdoor world.

I can easily understand Goodyear, but what is the deal with Under Armor? I was thinking about buying some for an upcoming bear hunt. It sounds like that would be a mistake.