Danner Pronghorn all leather - Good general backcountry hunting boot?

[Mruda1]

I’m wearing Pronghorns as we speak and just got back from a hunt. Been wearing the same pair for the past 4 years without any issues. It’s the only boot that has withstood the Southern AZ terrain and nasty catclaw, in my opinion. Happy hunting!


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[bmart2622]

Worst boot Ive ever worn, gave me blisters everytime I wore them.

 

[jonny5]

After my first back country elk hunt this year, which put the final nail in the coffin for my old hunting boots, I'm looking to get a new pair this year that will be used almost exclusively for mountain and western hunting. I've been considering a pair of Danner Pronghorns, the all leather version with 400 gram insulation, as a general western hunting boot that'll cover me for everything from early season elk and pronghorn hunts with summer like temps, to late season elk hunts. I know Danner's aren't Kennetreks or Schnees or Crispis or Lowas, but I'm also upgrading my tent, sleeping bag, and several other pieces of gear so I'm not sure my gear budget will have room for a 4-5 hundred dollar pair of boots. Anyone use these and will they last me several years of hunting? I live in the east, so I only go on 1, maybe 2 trips out west a year, and I hunt bears and deer in the mountains of PA a handful of times a year. Most of my other hunting is OH archery, and I have other boots for that. Thanks!!

If you can part with the cash, the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes are as good as they get! If you are more budget conscious, the Irish Setter elk trackers are the most comfortable, durable pair of $200 boots you can find. I went through a few sets of Danners before I found these 2 boot options. Both are superior to the danners, IMHO.

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[D snyder]

I agree with jonny5. If you can afford it, go with the top of the line boots. Kene, Lowa etc. few things are more important than what you put on your feet...
I went to CO in 2017 and wore Tibet’s BUT, the guides were wearing Danner Pronghorns - all leather -and Danner High grounds.

 

[Felix40]

Just get something that fits your feet. Dont worry about what other people are wearing. Keep in mind that these heavy boots everyone is recommending will wear you out and slow you down but may be worth it for the support. I personally like a light leather boot like Oboz bridger or lowa renegade. They work for me and I found that out by trying them on.

I think insulated boots are going to be too hot for sept elk but thats just my opinion. I sweat pretty hard in hiking boots.

 

[bmart2622]

Kennetrek makes a nice boot, no doubt, but there are several other companies that make better prices boots that I feel are better than Kennetrek.

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

Kennetrek makes a nice boot, no doubt, but there are several other companies that make better prices boots that I feel are better than Kennetrek.

Like? . . .

 

[bmart2622]

Hanwag, Crispi, Schnees, Lowa....all cheaper than Kennetrek and just as good if not better. Those are just the brands I have personally tried. The new boots from Lathrop and Sons I liked better but are priced about the same.

 

[D snyder]

Gotta disagree with Felix on the heavy boot comment. These are heavier boots, Lowa, Kenetrek vs Danners. You will notice tha as soon as you pick them up in the store. However, it’s not the weight that wears you out, it’s the lack of ankle support and the lesser midsole of the lower cost boots.
Additional material around tha ankle adds weight but provide much better ankle support. Something I didn’t even realize I was lacking on previous boots. If you’ve never worn boots that genuinely provide ankle support you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes.
Lowas use a full bed,PU-Polyurethane midsole. PU is a dense, extremely durable material. It’s also heavy and costly.
My Danner High Grounds use an EVA material. It’s much lighter less costly and plenty durable.
What it doesn’t do as well is prevent intrusion into your foot bed nearly as well.
IE step on a pointy rock or root while wearing a heavy pack and you feel it on the bottom of your foot. These little intrusions, one after the other, begin to add up. After a few miles. This creates foot fatigue fast and is what really tires you out. If you don’t believe me I can direct you to a section of the Appalachian Trail which will convince you. It’s where I learned how real this is.
Now you’re fatigued, you’re wearing a pack heavy with meat and you have a steep side hill to traverse on your way back to camp. - recipe for a turned ankle.
The boots HAVE To fit your foot well or they aren’t going to be any good though.
500.00 boots that don’t fit will hurt your feet.

 

[Gorp2007]

Felix and D Snyder are both correct, even if they disagree with one another. Heavier boots will make each step harder on your legs, which means that your legs will tire out faster. That's why ultra distance hikers use the lightest shoes available (within reason). However, a lighter boot with less support will cause more wear and tear on your feet and ankles, which can make every step on uneven terrain harder. This is magnified with a heavy pack.

Figure out what your biggest limitation will be and buy the boots that will help keep you on the mountain longer. For me, I know that my legs will keep up but my feet get tired quick when I'm hiking over broken terrain, so I got a pair of heavy boots for hunting (Kennetreks) but still use a low top hiker for anything involving a trail or light backpack loads.


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