Elk hunting in Altra boots (zero drop / lightweight)?

[apieceofwork]

Looking for input from guys who hunt in zero drop / light boots, especially Altra.

For more than a decade I've been backpacking in the now discontinued Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM. This boot works so well for me that I purchased multiple pairs before they were discontinued.

Now that I'm planning my first elk hunt, I looked at Altra's lineup and noticed they have a taller boot with a bit more ankle support (Lone Peak 9 Mid). I bought these to test, but wondering if they'll be enough for hunting.

I appreciate that hiking on trails is different than packing out an animal off trail, but after wearing boots that weigh less than one pound each, I'm struggling with the idea of going back to a heavy, stiff boot. I'm sure you've heard the adage that says an additional pound on your feet is like five additional pounds on your back.

I wore the Lowa Tibet GTX on my first two backpacking trips when I thought I needed a big rugged boot (flex 4 on the gohunt scale), and it wasn't a great experience.

This will be a November elk hunt in central Oregon. FWIW, this is not a backpack hunt - will be hunting out of a wall tent. Not super concerned about insulation.

 

[Braaap]

The Vivo Barefoot tracker esc has a good following on here and it’s zero drop, no sole stiffness or ankle support. If your used to zero drop and a soft sole then wear what you normally do on your elk hunt. I wear the Vivo’s for elk and everything else.

 

[sndmn11]

You'll be fine.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I wore vivo trackers last year, so be doing so going forward

 

[cuerro viejo]

I can’t get 4 months out of the low lone peaks, I can’t image how y’all get any mileage off trail.

but, from mid to tall sounds like a win to me

 

[gostovp]

Agree with others, wear what works for you and what you know you can handle. Some people need a stiff and heavy boot. I also thought the same, and while I’m not in the same camp as you, I’m moving towards more of a Flex 1 or 2 on the GoHunt scale and a lighter boot. I do make a point to do foot and ankle strengthening exercises several times a week ( note that I don’t have any issues with my ankles or feet that might prescribe a stiff boot…like a previous fracture or history of ankle sprains, etc)

 

[dgfavor]

My favorite boot ever was the Altra Tushars that unfortunately only had a one or two year production run. I used the shiz out of mine and begrudgingly parted with them when it was apparent there was no coming back...[moment of silence]

I have not found Altras to be the most durable...in fact I don't find them durable much at all. I have had a few pairs of their runners and have just decided no mas. I have found Topos to be similar but better built. I have hunted elk, sheep, deer, chukar, etc. in my Topo Trailventures and loved them. Had them for 3 years and figured the uppers would just get shredded but they never did. Ultimately the foam on very bottom started to break out so I replaced them with the Terraventure WP shoes and used them all thru chukar season. No probs.

 

[Hnthrdr]

My favorite boot ever was the Altra Tushars that unfortunately only had a one or two year production run. I used the shiz out of mine and begrudgingly parted with them when it was apparent there was no coming back...[moment of silence]

I have not found Altras to be the most durable...in fact I don't find them durable much at all. I have had a few pairs of their runners and have just decided no mas. I have found Topos to be similar but better built. I have hunted elk, sheep, deer, chukar, etc. in my Topo Trailventures and loved them. Had them for 3 years and figured the uppers would just get shredded but they never did. Ultimately the foam on very bottom started to break out so I replaced them with the Terraventure WP shoes and used them all thru chukar season. No probs.

Altra’s were the best back in the day, they blew up in popularity and their durability, went straight into the dumpster, that was on fire I got a pair of Merrill 0 drop hiking boots last year and they were great, once again durability is kind of an issue… don’t think I would want to do a big pack out in them, but they were a good option

 

[NXTZ]

I used altars in the past and loved them-got the vivo trackers a year ago and haven’t considered anything else since. Check out the thread on them/formidilous’s gear thread. I live in central Oregon and use them for everything (except muddy chores on the farm). Add some waterproofing if the conditions are wet.

I use liner toe socks with a waterproof cycling sock if it’s really nasty and that combo has been more effective than any non rubber “waterproof” boot I’ve tried for keeping my foot dry and comfortable

 

[htlt_surfboards]

I agree with others that durability will be your main concern. I wind up going through multiple pairs of lone peaks a year from just trail running. The upper always blows out before the bottom is gone.

 

[apieceofwork]

Thanks for the input. FYI, here are the new Lone Peak 9's I just received as compared to my Lone Peak 4. Glad to see them offering a slightly taller boot, and from handling them they feel a bit more durable.