Hiking style Elk Hunting Boot decision: KEEN vs Salomon vs Merrell

[Nwihunter]

I have owned a pair of gore Tex merell hikers and couldn't even walk through my yard when the grass was wet without getting soaked feet. Even when they were brand new they leaked terribly.

 

[sneaky]

Don't overlook the Zamberlan 230 Crossers. Not too expensive and i put a ton of miles on mine in 2 and a half years. Just retired them actually.

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[sneaky]

They are still waterproof, if that helps. My hunting buddies went through several pairs of Quest 4D's in the same amount of time I had my Zamberlans. Their boots started leaking pretty quick and soles came unglued.

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[Beendare]

I like the merrill hikers in the breathable versions for dry hiking the hills...but their "Waterproof" versions have been anything but...so stay away.

I think boot selection is more about fit than anything else. The all leather versions definitely last longer than cordura....I go through those cordura boots in 2 seasons....which is about all you will get out of the waterproof liner anyway- if that.

The leather boots are so much heavier...especially when wet....but they do last longer if you use a boot treatment.

 

[sharpshooter269]

My vote is for the Meindl's Denali's personally but have heard great things about the 4D's.


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[Sapper]

Love my Solomon quest 4d

I second that! Mine were comfortable right out of the box and my feet felt fine with a pack on for a week in CO. My buddy had Danners on and was hurting.

 

[colobow]

I have the KEEN Oakridge Mid WP. For me, they are great for hiking ON trail. The tread is not as aggressive as I would like for steep off trail use. I trail run and hike in Altra Lone Peaks and am thinking of switching to Altra Lone Peak Mids for archery but I'm also looking at salomons.

Keep on mind I don't like a stiff boot and specifically avoid them during training to strengthen my feet.

Also, I haven't packed out an Elk and will be leaving stiffer boots in my truck in case my feet get tired after carrying that amount of weight.

 

[Frontline Defense]

Well just got back from the foot Dr and My Zamberlan and Crispis are a no go. I wearing Merrells right now and no issues. The heel height on both of those $400+ boots are too high. With Plantar fasciitis I have special inserts. Less than 5 minutes wearing the other two my right ball of my foot to my toes were screaming. Too much front load pressure. I might get the hight top version of the merrells and roll with it. I'm going for a 6 day hunt and maybe again in two years. Stay tuned for discounted size 14's Zamberlans and Crispis. Cut the tags off after wearing around the house. Figured I was good to go. Less than 500yds on both. SMH.

 

[Frontline Defense]

thanks for the info

yes, hunter is a little more robust than the hiker,,,both good boots. I also have their Alaskan Hunters (they are 6 years old) but only use them sporadically as they are better insulated and I don't need that very often

take care

I wish I had my jungle boots still from 1/75 lol.

 

[highcountrymuley]

For a lighter boot I went with Zamberlan Salathe boots. They are more expensive but I think in another class from the 3 mentioned by OP. Merrill are not rugged enough for me. I like them in a hiking shoe but not for hunting. Solomons are too narrow , never fit right enough to buy. Keens are about the quality of Merrill. Ok for hike shoe but don't trust them for hunting. Boots are among my most important hunting gear. I spend accordingly and have not had a blister or sore feet because of this. Don't cheap your feet! Good luck

 

[highcountrymuley]

FYI: I hunt mostly early season backpacking hunts. Lots of rain last year in 2 ND yr of wearing the Zamberlan Salathe. Feet were dry and comfy. I also wore them a few days on late season elk hunt in snow and temps in teens to 30's and 40's. Warm enough with 2 pair wool socks.

 

[Maverick1]

Well just got back from the foot Dr and My Zamberlan and Crispis are a no go. I wearing Merrells right now and now issues. The heel height on both of those $400+ boots are too high. With Plantar fasciitis I have special inserts. Less than 5 minutes wearing the other two my right ball of my foot to my toes were screaming. Too much front load pressure. I might get the hight top version of the merrells and roll with it. I'm going for a 6 day hunt and maybe again in two years. Stay tuned for discounted size 14's Zamberlans and Crispis. Cut the tags off after wearing around the house. Figured I was good to go. Less than 500yds on both. SMH.

9 years later…..knew it was a FNG….

 

[TradLife406]

Vivos

 

[Packer9037]

9 years later…..knew it was a FNG….

If FNG guy shows up and makes a post about boots, someone lambasts FNG for not doing their research and looking up posts already discussing the topic.

If FNG posts on an old thread, someone lambasts FNG for posting on an old thread.

In either case, "someone" needs to stop being a Karen

 

[bozeman]

Its not elk season, so it is 'forum karen season'

 

[Frontline Defense]

9 years later…..knew it was a FNG….

Yeah I'm a new guy. Google search pulled up this thread. South east flat land hunter. Former Army Ranger, Sniper and Gulf War Veteran. I always took the FNG under my wings and years later some are world champion shooters. Thanks for the help.

 

[dgfavor]

Vivos

Xeros

 

[sodaksooner]

It's all good. Ive done the same. That said, boot tech is somewhat better than 9 years ago. I actually posted on this one 9 years ago too....lol. FWIW, I am in Crispi's now but fortunately no foot issues. Hope you find something that works.

Yeah I'm a new guy. Google search pulled up this thread. South east flat land hunter. Former Army Ranger, Sniper and Gulf War Veteran. I always took the FNG under my wings and years later some are world champion shooters. Thanks for the help