Archery Elk Boot Recommendations

[Philotheos777]

I have a mid-September archery elk hunt planned in Montana (elevation 4,100-5,600'). My Kenetrek Mountain Extremes seem a little overkill for this hunt. I would appreciate any recommendations on early season, spot & stalk hunting/hiking boots. Thanks!

 

[DKennedy951]

I wore Crispi Colorados for my 2023 Montana archery elk hunt and for all my whitetail hunting back east.

 

[2Stamp]

I like a more flexible boot when it comes to archery hunting. I use the Crispi Lapponia the most.

 

[UKwildcatfan]

Danner warm weather Expeditionary boots.

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

I have a mid-September archery elk hunt planned in Montana (elevation 4,100-5,600'). My Kenetrek Mountain Extremes seem a little overkill for this hunt. I would appreciate any recommendations on early season, spot & stalk hunting/hiking boots. Thanks!

You might consider our Encompass boot... Its a great trekking boot!!! Here is the link.

Mountain Hunter™ Encompass

Best Hunting Boots by Lathrop And Sons, Designed for the 4-season hunter with stand-out characteristics that include more flex at the forefoot, low-cut upper height, and overall lighter weight.

lathropandsons.com

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask...

 

[highcountrymuley]

Last yr I got lighter with my September backpacking boots with the Zamberlin Salathe boots. I like them

 

[Dave0317]

Danner warm weather Expeditionary boots.
View attachment 885879

Something like this is what I prefer as well.

I’ve found the Garmont T8 Bifida to be great for my feet. I’ll wear out a pair every two years, but they are lighter and even more breathable than the Danner above. The Danners most likely would last longer though.

For early season hunts, I usually find the advantage of breathability allows me to cover ground a lot better than what I I would in a waterproof boot. Waterproof boots tend to hold more moisture in the inside as well, and that contributes to blisters. As it gets cooler, I add a thick set of wool socks, and I still get a good balance of warmness and breathability.

Once snow is on the ground, I find it more tolerable to switch over to waterproof and insulated.

 

[wapitibob]

Go to rei, pick, pick out a hiker you like, return if they don't work.

 

[Isildur]

Kenetrek non-insulated. Period. They are on a whole different level. Expensive? Yes. But how much is the rest of your elk hunt gonna cost? And if there is one thing that will ruin your experience and memories, it is not your bow or the arrow or Broadhead you chose. It’ll be your feet. Do yourself a favor. Buy the Kenetreks and you won’t think about it again. (And no, I don’t work for them. I just went through a closet full of boots before my Kenetreks and hope to save you the trouble!)

 

[CMF]

I've tried Lowa Renegades and Salomon Quest, both decent, got a season out of them.
Last year I tried Salomon elixir active, they're shorter top and lighter and I liked them better, but debris getting in them was a little bit of an issue.
Kenetrek Corrie Hikers were a bit heavier, but last through the season, which is what I thought I wanted, but they ended up being a bit too heavy.
I plan on going back to the Salomon quest mids for an Aug. sheep hunt. I just know I'll only get a season out of them.

 

[5MilesBack]

What size do you wear? I've always had great performance from Zamberlan boots. A couple months ago I bought a pair of Zamberlan Sierra GTX's from Scheels that were on sale for $179, normally $295. I think I got the last pair of 13's they had, but they do still have some small sizes, and Beretta USA has a pair of 12's on sale as well.

They're really lightweight and comfortable. I've been wearing them quite a bit. They should do great for archery season, as that's what they're designed for.

Zamberlan 700 Sierra GTX - Men's Hunting Boots Made in Italy | Zamberlan USA

The Zamberlan Sierra GTX is built to be an all-purpose, early-season hiking and hunting boot ideal for archery, shed hunting, and everyday light hiking.

www.zamberlanusa.com

 

[twdjr]

I've been wearing Lowa Renegade the past 10-12 years on my September archery elk hunt.

 

[Philotheos777]

Kenetrek non-insulated. Period. They are on a whole different level. Expensive? Yes. But how much is the rest of your elk hunt gonna cost? And if there is one thing that will ruin your experience and memories, it is not your bow or the arrow or Broadhead you chose. It’ll be your feet. Do yourself a favor. Buy the Kenetreks and you won’t think about it again. (And no, I don’t work for them. I just went through a closet full of boots before my Kenetreks and hope to save you the trouble!)

Thanks for the recommendation!
I have the Kenetrek Mt Extreme. They're great boots for early rough country just a little too stiff for the terrain I hunt most frequently.

 

[Winnie]

Schnees Beartooth. Like the Kenetrek, they are on a whole 'nother level.

 

[mtnbound]

I have a mid-September archery elk hunt planned in Montana (elevation 4,100-5,600'). My Kenetrek Mountain Extremes seem a little overkill for this hunt. I would appreciate any recommendations on early season, spot & stalk hunting/hiking boots. Thanks!

Crispi is always my first choice for boots.

 

[Philotheos777]

Crispi is always my first choice for boots.

Which model is your go too for early season, light, not too stiff?

 

[mtnbound]

Which model is your go too for early season, light, not too stiff?

I would do the Laponnai either the Lites or the 3's.

 

[jonesn3]

Schnees Beartooth. Like the Kenetrek, they are on a whole 'nother level.

This is what I like and use for archery and everything else. On my second pair of Beartooth 0g boots. I might be interested in something lighter but the full height boot is nice for heavy pack outs

 

[6.5Express]

Another vote here for the schnees beartooth. I haven't found another boot that with that mix of support and flex that I need for early season archery hunts.

 

[Forrest4Trees]

I have Schnees Timberline and Beartooths that I like, probably like the Timberlines more, I just tend to grab them more often.

However, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with very light high cushion boots? I have run a couple marathons and the trend/science there is that added cushion really helps with foot recovery and speed. I can imagine that carrying over to mountain hunting too with something like the Hoka boots. I know you will burn through those quicker, but for someone like myself that only gets 1-2 weeks a year hunting in the mountains I mostly care about optimizing my ability to cover ground on the mountain, not how many seasons will the boots last. However, I'm also worried about rolling an ankle and a boot blowout on the mountain.

Just wondering if anyone has any first hand experience on light high cushion boots?