How long are your boots lasting?

[Okie-hunter]

How many months are yall getting out of your boots?
I really like the feel of my Lowa Renegades. However, my first pair lasted less than 12 months before stitching in the toe started ripping out. REI warrantied them on 2/5/25 and I ended up with the newer model “evo” version. I just got home from a turkey hunt and the leather behind the toe box has a 1/2” rip all the way through the leather. I’m not the easiest on boots but I’m also not wearing them every day or climbing the Rockies every weekend. I treat the leather when it starts looking like it needs it (3-4 times on this particular pair). I guess I’m just wondering if my expectations are too high for these boots?

 

[BAKPAKR]

This photo was from this morning. I got this pair of Raichle Montagnas in late 1993 or early 1994 and used them on a hike across the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in March 1994. I only hiked in them part of the trip as we skied about a quarter of the way. They had a lot of use the first few years. I usually use lighter boots now.

 

[Okie-hunter]

I got this pair of Raichle Montagnas in late 1993 or early 1994 and used them on a hike across the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in March 1994. I only hiked in them part of the trip as we skied about a quarter of the way. They had a lot of use the first few years. I usually use lighter boots now.

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I guess this is a classic example of “they don’t make em like they used to!”

 

[justinspicher]

I have a pair of Scarpa Fuegos I’ve had since 2015, with a few thousand miles on them. They started their journey as my wildland firefighting boots and have been used on almost every outing I’ve been on since.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I guess this is a classic example of “they don’t make em like they used to!”

All leather boots with few seams have held up best for me.

 

[Okie-hunter]

For reference, here’s the rip in the leather on my 14 month old Lowas. It was a muddy one this weekend and these boots stayed damp most of the time but I don’t feel like they should be ripping at only 14 months

 

[LongWayAround]

Lowa renegades fail at the toe seams consistently. Lots of guys like them because they are comfortable out of the box, but it comes at the cost of durability. It looks to me like your boot has likely gone through several wet/dry cycles without good care so they start to crack and dry rot.

I have gotten up to a few years out of their more robust boots with near daily wear.

 

[CMcCormick1805]

I’m coming up on year 3 of my Crispi Briksdal MTN boot and have noticed some peeling on the rubber rand and a seam beginning to blow out on the back. The outsole is holding up but I fear this may be the last spring bear season for the Briksdal. They are super comfortable and became my goto boot once the original lapponia was discontinued. I’m not certain on the mileage of them but it’s well over 250 I’m sure.

 

[Okie-hunter]

It looks to me like your boot has likely gone through several wet/dry cycles without good care

I live in Oklahoma. You can go for a morning walk in the spring through ankle high grass and your boots are saturated from dew. So yes they get wet but they’re only ever air dried and have been treated multiple times. I also try to minimize mud on them when stored. I guess it’s just disappointing because I’m sure with them being 14 months old Lowa will give me the middle finger.

 

[learnr]

I’m wearing Danner Pronghorn 8” uninsulated alll year round in ne SD about 1.75 pairs a year. I don’t wear mud boots so they get muddy/wet/abused. Only boot that tall I’ve worn that I can comfortably run in. They definitely aren’t worth what they’re getting for them. I always buy them in the November sale.

 

[Okie-hunter]

@learnr Ive read Danner boots are not what they used to be in quality. How much of a sale is it in November typically?

 

[fsr731]

9 years. Kenetrek mountain extremes. Use for everything, hunting, work around the property, ice fishing, snow shoeing. Soles are pretty worn and have been for a while, minor nicks from scree field scrambling, and almost too much break in because not as supportive for the height as they used to be. Oh, and water proofing is not as perfect as years ago, If I keep them waxed well, all good, but I think the waterproof barrier has degraded. I'd say I should have replaced these at 7 years. But honestly, they mostly just need resoling.

 

[GunsAreFun]

Got my Meindl Comfort Fit Hikers in 2019.

I’m guessing they have 2000 miles on them.

 

[Maverick1]

Boots that weigh 2 pounds per pair have a much shorter lifespan than those that weigh 4 pounds per pair.

My feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back really prefer boots that weigh 2 pounds per pair, though. My wallet does not.

I buy new boots about every 2-3 years. The stitching and soles hold up reasonably well on the lighter boots, it is comfort and cushioning that loses their effectiveness.

 

[learnr]

@learnr Ive read Danner boots are not what they used to be in quality. How much of a sale is it in November typically?

They change the pronghorn a bit end of 2019, I always say found some different kids that would sew them for almost nothing. Just sometimes the feeling you get when you read the tag that says where they’re made ….. No they’re not really good boots but super comfortable except at $280 I’m starting to wonder… my bad the sales like 1st December I think the last day is December 5. At least 20% off.
I’m here to learn. Let me know if there’s a better boot. Kennetreks seemed great but woof I suppose if one last what 2 pair of danner do….

 

[feanor]

I’m a cheap skate with boots, so I try to find the pair that I need for hunting, and break them in, then set them aside and train and hike with other boots in the rotation(usually cheaper ones). Then my hunting boots will last multiple years depending on the hunting schedule.

 

[5MilesBack]

How long are your boots lasting?

A lot longer than I expected. I've worn my Zamberlans every archery elk season since 2013 and besides the worn soles they're in great shape.