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.

 

[sneaky]

Side hilling is where I notice the biggest difference in the wide toe box shoes like Altras and Topos. Way too much side to side slop while side-hilling. I thought I was going to like Topos, but they've given me a case of plantar fasciitis after trying them this past year for work. I just wear lightweight Zamberlans now, and my feet are much happier.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

 

[dcopher]

I used to run Altras but the durability was pretty poor, switched to Topos about 2 years ago and they hold up much better in my opinion. I ran Terraventures about half the elk season last year as a test and they performed fantastic. I will probably bump up to Trailventures this year for the little extra height and protection.

 

[dgfavor]

Side hilling is where I notice the biggest difference in the wide toe box shoes like Altras and Topos. Way too much side to side slop while side-hilling. I thought I was going to like Topos, but they've given me a case of plantar fasciitis after trying them this past year for work. I just wear lightweight Zamberlans now, and my feet are much happier.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

Interesting - side hilling in more minimal footwear feels way better to me...really doesn't feel like side hilling at all to me the way it did with a stiff boot that seemed to torque on the whole foot/ankle. I will say 10 or 12 years ago when I started using lighter footwear my feet would be so stiff after a day of side hilling chasing birds or the like - like a muscle "just getting back in the gym" soreness vs injury soreness. I get none of that now at all.

I used to run Altras but the durability was pretty poor, switched to Topos about 2 years ago and they hold up much better in my opinion. I ran Terraventures about half the elk season last year as a test and they performed fantastic. I will probably bump up to Trailventures this year for the little extra height and protection.

I really, really liked my non-waterproof Trailventures - they don't appear to make them anymore. They were ridiculously light and breathable. My feet would actually be crazy dirty at end of day just from the dust that was able to filter in. Pseudo-grounding muther erth hocus pocus. I'm curious how breathable the waterproof versions are...?

 

[menhaden_man]

@Huntinmechanic just asked me on PM about the Altras, saw this post and thought I'd share response.

On your question about elk hunting, I used them this last Oct but also had a more legit boot for when it was wet, rocky, or packing a big load. The Altras are really comfy but not very durable in my experience.

***

The Altras are great, maybe on my 8th pair. Never ran in my life until late 30s, then broke 1,000 miles the year before turning 40. If you're logging some big time, say 10 mile runs at a 8 minute pace (I'm about 200 lbs too) you can get fair mileage out of them on asphalt - maybe 300+ miles. They'll cramp your calves at first but you'll get used to them. Pretty sure my first 3-4 pairs were called Superior.

Moved to Lone Peaks my last two pairs, one was the hiker with some ankle support and the other a low top that was the water proof version. Did a little elk hunting in the Lone Peak hikers this year. I like them because they're pretty light and really comfy, but they are not very durable and can get soaked with a light dew. Traction is good (B), cushion not so much (C), and durability is probably a D. Don't know if they still come with the 'gravel' insert but I have a couple pairs floating around and that helps when you know you'll be in some rocky terrain. The low top all weather Lone Peaks are really nice but I haven't beat them up on trail yet. I got a pair of Crispi Laponias for a lighter mountain boot and have been happy with those so far.

Good luck.

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

Currently at 300+ miles mostly running trails with my current lone peak shoes. Great trail shoes, but I would trash them in deadfall and side hilling.

 

[EJFS]

Yep, ankle support is way over rated. It's all about getting your feet accustomed to off trail steep hiking. My knees and ankles hurt worse when I wear stiff boots. I wish they'd improve traction on the lone peaks. Going to try the Forest Trackers that seem to be the rage here soon.

 

[hrhunter]

Bought a pair for 109 canadian, didn't wear them for more than 10 days and it is falling apart. Do not buy

 

[LongWayAround]

I love the Lone Peak mids, I'm on my fourth pair.

I know the minimalist boots are tending, but for me, I'm not wearing them while elk hunting. They're just not what I want on my feet while packing heavy loads on steep slopes.