Archery Elk Boot Recommendations

[oldskool67]

I’m sure I’ll get flamed for this but… the Under Armour Hovr Dawn are extremely comfortable and have pretty darn good support for a hyped up basketball shoe. If you can find some on sale I would try it out. And I own / use traditional “ mountain hunting boots” like Lowa and Hanwag as well.

 

[D_wit22]

Go somewhere you can try on some and pick the most comfortable boot to your foot. That beats any brand! $100 comfortable boots beat $500 uncomfortable boots every time

 

[rclouse79]

I have always worn Salomon quest boots for everything, but I picked up a pair of Salomon x ultra 360 at Sierra for a good deal. They feel more like a trail runner. I think I am going to give them a try this September.

 

[blackwood]

Kenetrek Mountain Extremes fit me well and have held up to a good amount of use & abuse.

 

[nphunter]

I use to be a big fan of stuff boots, wore Lowas and Scarpas for a long time. The last couple of years I switched to Altra lone peaks and my feet have been great. I have regular mid hikers for most days and some GTX for when it gets wet out.

 

[2weak2flex]

Let me just preface this with “I love quality equipment/gear”. I bought my first pair of Crispi boots in 2012 (Kanada Uninsulated). They were my first pair of “high quality” hiking/hunting boots. I loved them!

I ended up losing them after a couple years. I jumped around across Kenetrek, Lowa, and Zamberlain since. I like trying new stuff.

That said, I never really loved any of those other brands.

Fast forward to 2 weeks ago and I received my new pair of Crispi Kenai GTX Uninsulated boots.

Out of the box, they felt like home when I put them on. Maybe it’s just my foot, but man…I will never stray to another boot manufacturer again.

Crispi - all the way, in my book!

 

[Athor119]

Vote for Crispi Summit or Attiva, as others have said go uninsulated.

 

[MallardSX2]

I like to protect my feet in a major way when I’m hunting. Especially on a “high stakes tag”.

I wear these. They are a bit heavy but they protect my feet and I have never had foot problems or sore feet while hunting.

 

[jimlitzinger]

Another vote for the light and comfortable Crispi Lapponia. I like the flex in this boot too! Not too stiff!

 

[jimlitzinger]

Another vote for Crispi Lapponia. Light, I prefer more flex, and comfy!

 

[jonesn3]

I’ve been trying out a slightly used pair of Crispi Lapponia II’s this summer. I like the weight, not too stuff, but they just torched my heels each time I’ve worn them. Probably have 20 miles on them at this point, will keep trying to make them work. At this point, being close to season, might just stick with the Beartooths

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

 

[hibernation]

For September, I like as little boot as possible. Trail runners or something like the Merrell Moab for most days, with lightweight low gaiters to keep the dust and rocks out. I keep a more traditional leather Asolo boot at camp for days when it's wetter or if I'm just packing an animal out. Trying out the vivobarefoot shoes this year.

 

[Rabbit46]

One more vote for the Crispi Lapponia 3’s. Light and fast!

 

[oldskool67]

The ones that fit your feet best should beat any brand recommendations. Everyone’s feet are different and different brands and boots within the same brand can be built on different lasts

 

[junitas03]

The ones that fit your feet best should beat any brand recommendations. Everyone’s feet are different and different brands and boots within the same brand can be built on different lasts

Completely agree. Everyone's foot, gait, hips, legs, arches etc. are different - I don't believe there is the "best" boot out there, though I believe everyone has their personal "best" or favorite.

When I first started hunting the Mountain West I asked all my buddies what they wore, read every forum there was - I actually got more confused.

I went to a SCHEELS and tried on every single boot they had in stock - walked around and landed on the Crispi Altitude. Then bucked up and ordered Sheepfeet insoles because I know from playing D1 college sports, taking care of your feet, arches, ankles, hips, knees, et al. is most important thing.

I rocked the Altitudes and then transitioned to the Briksdal MTN's - I like that they're super lightweight, fit my foot and lace-up comfortably, and I can move with them on.

This year, I decided to give the Schnee Beartooth V3's (0g) a try. Met a fella that recommended them over Crispi for durability, honestly did not like them at all. Too big, felt like I couldn't move and hated the height / stiffness of leather. But, the toe box, heel and forefoot felt great. So I put the Sheepfeet insoles in them, and have been giving them hell whilst training for an Elk hunt in MT in a few weeks.

Now, they're my favorite. Do I feel "light and fast," no, not really. I don't even know what that means or if it's remotely possible whilst wearing a heavy pack and traversing elevation through mountainous terrain.

But, I do feel safe, supported and confident on any terrain. And, they'll last 10x longer than any synthetic boot out there. And, they've gotten more comfortable every time I've put them on my feet.

I get 1.5 seasons out of a pair of Altitudes and Briksdals - these Schnees will last (at least) 3x longer than that before needing serious TLC.

I guess what I'm saying is $500 is not the same for everything you spend it on. Just like a boot isn't the same for everyone.