Another year, another boot, another leaker.

[KurtR]

Looks like a better job of applying the cream would go a long ways. Water just beads off my kennetrak and meindls.

 

[gearguywb]

It’s a bit like rolling the dice for waterproof boots.

My Crispi’s have went through two Alaska hunts without leaking. My wife’s Kenetreks have done fine. Our guides K’s leaked badly

 

[Poser]

I'm not familiar with Crispi's line. Are these 2 ply softer leather or 3 ply? I find my softer leather, 2 ply boots to be more preferable for comfort, but they will wet out in wet vegetation. My 3 ply, stiff leather boots generally will not. In wet vegetation, your moisture can't bead up and roll off which is the process your boots rely on. In that case, they will be prone to wetting out.


Things that will help:

1. Clean your boots diligently every single time you use them
2. Condition and/or apply waterproofing every time your boots get soak and wet

 

[Legend]

Anyone who says no boots are truly waterproof hasen't worn Kenetrek.

I'm not praising Kene's in fact I won't buy another pair. 2 seasons and the sole is worn slick. Seams on the heals are completely busted wide open to the windtex. They are still 100% waterproof and always have been.


I'm sending them in for repair and a resole. They fit me like a glove and I will continue to wear them, but next I might try Schnees Beartooths, I've seem them go more than 2 seasons without needing a resolve and maintain waterproofing.

Waterproof is one of the most important things for me. I detest wet feet.

2 pairs of hardscrabble failed on me. One on my goat hunt and I had gotten used to having toenails.

2 pairs of crispi colorado failed but at least their warranty department was good to work with.

Goretex is not a very strong material and neither is kenetreks version.

 

[grfox92]

2 pairs of hardscrabble failed on me. One on my goat hunt and I had gotten used to having toenails.

2 pairs of crispi colorado failed but at least their warranty department was good to work with.

Goretex is not a very strong material and neither is kenetreks version.

No experience with the hardscrables. Everything could potentially fail, but from what I've seen on the forums over the years it seems Kennetreks would be the least likely.

Like I said, I am going to try something different. The quality just isn't what it used to be.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[fishslap]

FYI, once I’ve had a boot leak for the first time, I’ve had a difficult time re-establishing water proof-ness using conditioner/waterproofer/sealant. It seems to be quite temporary if doing a lot of hiking and encountering wet grass or snow. Just my experience.

 

[Beendare]

I put 7 layers on a pair of Salomon x ultra low and they still leaked.

Oh man, that surprises me....I've used that diluted silicone to fix 2 different sets of boots and they are still waterproof.

 

[grfox92]

Oh man, that surprises me....I've used that diluted silicone to fix 2 different sets of boots and they are still waterproof.

I couldn't remember who it was that originally posted this method.

I did it on a pair of Solomons and it all peeled off almost immediately.

I'm about to try it on a pair of Kenetrek Corries that my buddy busted apart shoeing horses, I've scrubbed them with dish soap. I'm going to scrub them again with castile soap before doing it.

Are you just doing regular omd GE Window and door type silicone?

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[wapitibob]

After Crispi saw the water test pics (their request), boots were sent back, again per their request, and a replacement pair has been shipped to me, no charge.

Best service I've had from a boot company.

 

[AlwaysChasinTailNHorns]

Hanwag Alverstone II's. Just finished my 2nd September in them with a bunch of miles, big creek crossings, 2 days straight of rain, and my socks stayed dry. My most recent trip was a mountain goat hunt in the most rugged stuff Colorado has to offer. My hunting partner switched to them this year and also loved them. The other guys in our group all had different boots and ended up with wet socks.

I was just about to type a similar comment me and my dad have ran the Hanwag Alverstone IIs for two season now and this year we were in the high country got hit by all day rain one day and three isolated hail storms, crossed creeks, and dealt with muddy trails and wet grass every morning and my hollow alpaca wool socks were dry after every day hunting. As long as Hanwag always puts out quality they’ll be the only boot I hunt with extremely comfy and crazy durability.

 

[Dave0317]

I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t use waterproof at all, unless I really really need it. For me, that means below 32F and snow on the ground.

In warmer situations, I’d rather the boots just get wet, and then change socks and/or “walk them dry” which can be done with a very breathable boot. Waterproof boots cannot do that. They also likely won’t dry in a few hours overnight.

When I do need it, all leather boots with a Goretex liner. And keep the exterior treated with regular old shoe polish.

I’d say I agree with this article by Andrew Skurka.

In what conditions will I hike in "waterproof" footwear?

I discourage "waterproof" footwear for 3-season conditions. But for winter temperatures and snowpack, I use and recommend them.

andrewskurka.com