High Quality Athletic Boot?

[69ChrisCraft]

I'm looking for a boot that's as close to a hybrid athletic type/pack for extended weekend trips. I've had Danners and Under Armour that fit great but didn't hold up at all.... I then went to Kenetrek Mountain Extreme and Meindl Denali and had horrendous heel slip issues.

I'll be hunting Wilderness areas and will generally pack in 4-8 miles then hunt from there so I'd prefer something a little more athletic than a stiff mountaineering type. I'd greatly appreciate any insight from those who may have similar experiences.

 

[Beastmode]

Salomon quest 4d is a great boot with plenty of support but not too much. I actually where them to work. Really lightweight and comfortable.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

^^^^ X2

I have a pair that I wear for hiking and early hunting and a pair I wear almost daily.

 

[RockBridge]

Take a look at the Asolo Fugitive 95

 

[Bmcox86]

I 2nd the fugitives. Great support

 

[69ChrisCraft]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks fellas, I'll check em out

 

[Ironman8]

I've had a pair of Fugitives for about 3 years now and they're still going strong. Goretex still works which is probably most surprising. Definitely not a mountaineering boot but gives enough support while still being able to sprint in them without feeling cluncky. Lots of SOF guys use them out in Afghanistan with their typical heavy loadouts, so I assume they'll work well enough for packing out a heavy load of meat. I'll be using them this year in Idaho.

Also, get some aftermarket insoles. The stock insoles are really thin and weren't very comfortable for me. The Lathrop insoles have made the Fugitives a MUCH more comfortable boot for extended use.

 

[JGO]

I've had similar experiences to those you described. I've tried many things, from waterproof trail runners to the leather casts like the Mtn Xtremes. One of my favorites and something you may want to consider is the Kennetrek Bridger Ridge series. The high version has EVent for waterproof. Solid boots for sure.

 

[kickemall]

Salomon quest 4d is a great boot with plenty of support but not too much. I actually where them to work. Really lightweight and comfortable.

X3. I had the same two boots you listed with the same problems. The Quests are the most comfortable I've owned. No more heel slip.

 

[rodney482]

X4 on the Quest

 

[69ChrisCraft]

Just ordered the Salomans from REI. Thanks guys