Boot recommendation for elk

[beforethehunt]

Looking for a boot recommendation. I like a shorter boot with a fairly flexible sole that is waterproof. I prefer all leather since I can treat it and keep the boot waterproof. Also prefer something fairly lightweight. What do yall recommend?


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[butcherboy]

Meindl or Crispi fit me the best. I lean towards Meindl since they seem to have a wider toe box. My new pair this year are the Meindl Vakuum Hikers.

 

[Trogon]

I have used many many boots and recently tried the Hoffman summits. They are phenomenal boots. Light for all leather (simple construction with minimal stitching and flashy doodads). All around very well made and fitting.

They are slightly less stiff than a typical all leather mtn boot (lowa Tibet as an example). But they are not as flexible as something like a schnees timberline or mission.

 

[N.ID7803]

Hoffmans https://hoffmanboots.com/product/6-hoffman-explorer-light/

 

[def90]

Which ever boot fits best out of the box. You need to try a bunch on and see what feels best on your own feet

 

[mtnbound]

Crispsi Lapponia or Wyoming are two great choices.

 

[BackcountryIdaho]

Solomon gore-tex trail running shoes. Seriously.

 

[Burnsie]

Solomon gore-tex trail running shoes. Seriously.

^^^^^ This^^^^
I went this route as well - I have a pair of Innov-8 Gore-tex mountain running shoes with graphene soles. You would be surprised how much lighter your legs feel and how much less foot and leg fatigue you have at the end of the day. Its night and day difference from your typical heavy/clunky leather hiking boots. Obviously not a great option if you're late season hunting and are into deep snow, but for your typical September archery elk hunt, they are the ticket.

 

[Weldor]

Kenetrek Hardscrabble. After you break them in, they work well.

 

[elkguide]

Meindl.

 

[taskswap]

Which ever boot fits best out of the box. You need to try a bunch on and see what feels best on your own feet

This.

There is no "best" boot for everyone. I spent a fair bit on some nice Danners that gave me the worst blisters and aching arches I've ever had. For 3 years I hunted in a pair of Dicks-Sporting-Goods-sourced $100 Timberlands and they were amazing, until they fell apart (but hey, for the price... I must have put 300 rough-terrain miles on them...) The year that happened, the only backup I had available was a pair of Dewalt work boots and I put 50 miles on THOSE without hurting myself so it just goes to show, the best boots for you are the ones that fit, and that you have.

 

[Weldor]

This.

There is no "best" boot for everyone. I spent a fair bit on some nice Danners that gave me the worst blisters and aching arches I've ever had. For 3 years I hunted in a pair of Dicks-Sporting-Goods-sourced $100 Timberlands and they were amazing, until they fell apart (but hey, for the price... I must have put 300 rough-terrain miles on them...) The year that happened, the only backup I had available was a pair of Dewalt work boots and I put 50 miles on THOSE without hurting myself so it just goes to show, the best boots for you are the ones that fit, and that you have.

Agreed

 

[WaWox]

I never wore boots for backpacking and am loath to use heavy boots now either. Vivo barefoot seem to be a great compromise especially if you are used to low or zero drop shoes.

I bought Salomon gtx boots, about the lightest conventional hiking boots, and my feet are more tired after a 2mile test hike with my toddler than after 6miles in trail runners WITH a pack or 4 miles in Vivo ans very heavy pack.. Just don't get the stiff sole boots appeal...

Vivo barefoot work well for wetter terrain bc of higher rise. With gaiters even deep snow should be fine but haven't tried it myself.

 

[beforethehunt]

The problem of lighter boots is durability and waterproofness. Is there a lighter boots that is flexible, durable (enough to last 2 years or so) and stays waterproof?


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[WaWox]

The problem of lighter boots is durability and waterproofness. Is there a lighter boots that is flexible, durable (enough to last 2 years or so) and stays waterproof?


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I haven't worn mine for long enough but I have two positive sources re water proofness and durability:

1. Form on this forum likes them
2. My kids outdoor preschool (truly outdoor, no shelters, and in session every day of the school year in the rainy PNW) recommends the kids version and the teachers wear the grown up vversion. I don't think they make enough money to buy $180-270 shoes all that frequently even if they are work wear so they seem to be holding up for them

 

[Customweld]

I wear Hoffman Explorers year round. I don't think they are the best, but they fit my feet the best. Meindl's wear very well and are a tougher boot in terms of construction (that's my opinion). I've got a pair of Glockner's that won't wear out, they just keep going. I tried Schnee's Granite's and I wanted them to work out because they were an extremely well built boot, but they just didn't mesh well with my feet. Kenetrek's are well built but killed the soles of my feet.

 

[mtnbound]

The problem of lighter boots is durability and waterproofness. Is there a lighter boots that is flexible, durable (enough to last 2 years or so) and stays waterproof?


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As I mentioned before I have had good luck with Crispi boots and I wear them every day at work. In the field I also wear the Vivobarefoot ESC and love them but you build up to them for foot strength and while I have been impressed with waterproofness I have seen some comments on using waterproof socks with them at times.

 

[elkliver]

Stick with a quality brand and then its just a matter of what one is best for you. Hanwag is probably my favorite. avoided Kenetrek for a long time and now have a pair i absolutely love. Crispis are also good . I used to be a fan of Meindels but once Cabelas got in the mix, their quality plummeted.

 

[butcherboy]

Don’t buy Meindl’s from Cabela’s. Buy them direct from Meindl USA.

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

Meindl or Crispi fit me the best. I lean towards Meindl since they seem to have a wider toe box. My new pair this year are the Meindl Vakuum Hikers.

I wear wide toe box shoes most of the time like vivo's, altra and lems and I have never seen a boot with a toe box shaped like the Meindl boots you mentioned. Do they really curve like that?