Elk boots.

[Mosby]

When hunting out west I normally wear my Asolo hiking boots or my Lowa's with 200 grams of thinsulate(depending on temps/weather). Both are all leather and have GoreTex. If I hunted in the late season or during a real cold spell, I would have at least 400 gram thinsulate boots on. IMO opinion ankle support is really important when hunting in the rockies. If you are buying new boots, I would get them quickly and start breaking them in before you go. Stiff, all leather boots need 20-30 miles of walking to make sure they are broken in and make sure that they fit properly. Bunch of good boots out there but I would get some good leather/gore tex ones for elk and save the rubber boots for other hunts.

 

[rileybassman]

How cold would you say uninsulated tibets could go with two pairs of merino socks?

 

[Mosby]

I only hunt with one pair of merino wool socks but if I am hiking and sitting for short periods, I can wear my uninsulated Asolo's when its in the 40's or above. The key to that is I am not sitting all day. If I was sitting all day or for long periods of time with cold weather(maybe below 40) and snow, I would want some insulated boots. If you are sitting for short periods, glassing, calling and moving then you could make it work with your boots/socks above freezing but you will need to keep moving. If it is in the 20's, snow and I am sitting for hours at a time, I would want insulated boots regardless of the socks. Gaiters could add a few degrees to the boots warmth. I sometimes take wool boot blankets in my pack, if weather is iffy or not sure how I am going to hunt. I like to be comfortable. I hunt longer when I am.

 

[TimeOnTarget]

How cold would you say uninsulated tibets could go with two pairs of merino socks?

I rarely wear insulated boots anymore, MY feet just sweat to much and then are instantly cold. Gotta be well below zero before I start thinking about insulated boots anymore.

And this includes sitting in the treestand.

 

[stevenm2]

always bring extra socks in your pack. My Kenetreks kicked my butt! 3 years and still not broke in. getting better but... I bought a pair of lowa tibets and never looked back.
I Always have a pair of back up boots in camp and dry socks in my pack

 

[rileybassman]

Good tips with the extra socks... I am wondering as I have not used marino sock liners in a hunting season before... only cotton with thick socks over them... if past cold feet issues were more due to wet feet... looking forward to seeing how it goes this year with a better system.

 

[TimeOnTarget]

always bring extra socks in your pack. My Kenetreks kicked my butt! 3 years and still not broke in. getting better but... I bought a pair of lowa tibets and never looked back.
I Always have a pair of back up boots in camp and dry socks in my pack

Kennetreks were the worst boots I've ever put on my feet. They just were not for me.

 

[Biggs300]

Kenetreks take a while to break in. My Mountain Extremes took over 50 miles of hiking/hunting before they were fully broken in. But it never kept me from wearing them on numerous elk hunts in CO. That was 3 years ago and they are still going strong and are now my most comfortable boot. Kenetreks probably aren't designed for everyone's foot but they sure fit me well, as do my Kenetrek Grizzly's. The Grizzly's were ready to go after just 10+ miles of hiking.