Hunting Boots

[BadHunter7]

I just got a pair of Crispi Thor for early season and for my later season boot I can’t decide between Kenetrek Mountain extreme insulated or non-insulated or Crispi Guide 200. I hunt South Dakota prairie for mule deer and black hills for turkey but my job moves me around a lot. Could I please get some advice? Being from Iowa this type of hunting is new to me.

 

[RockAndSage]

I have several pairs of Kenetreks of different types, and they're outstanding boots. That said, I wear them much less now than I used to - they've become gear almost exclusively for very cold-weather/snow, extremely rugged, steep terrain, or if I expect to not be doing much walking. The reason for this is their weight - they're tanks, and last a long, long time, but they're heavy. And every pound on your feet burns the energy of carrying about 7lbs on your back. If it's not snow, extreme cold, or extremely rugged/rocky terrain, I go with Salomon Quest 4s. They're light, pretty rugged, and very comfortable for me.

Given what you've shared, and are looking for late-season/cold weather boots, the Kenetreks would be a great choice for your cold-weather situations. And because of that, I'd recommend the insulated boots. If you already have a pair of non-insulated, the insulated would help round-out your gear.

 

[Marble]

If you like the crispi boots, stay with those and find a style with the insulation level you're looking for.

That's what I did. I got a pair and liked them so much I bought the insulated version also.

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[Rogue Bay]

I have the Kenetrek Guide 400s and absolutely love them. Living on the coast and hunting in mild conditions, I’ve not typically used insulated boots but find the 400s to be versatile. I used them on a late season northeastern Oregon elk hunt this year and can’t say enough about them. Even in several feet of snow and frigid temps my feet never felt it.

 

[Jtb.kfd]

I used Kenetreks (uninsulated and 1,000g insulated) for many years. Thought I loved them until I went away from leather boots 5-6 years ago. I won’t ever go back. The Kenetreks lasted 8+ seasons of hard mountain hunting but my feet started getting wet on about the third year. The gore Tex lining just wears. They also sucked when they got wet from snow, then dried in a tent overnight and the leather would shrink slightly (started on year 3 or so). They were painful to walk in for the first 30 minutes until they softened back up. I took good care of them, treating them several times a year. They were also very heavy, but built like tanks. I finally went to synthetic boots for weight reduction, softer flex ratings and to avoid the shrinkage of leather. For most of the year I use non insulated. When hunting in cold conditions sitting for long periods or snow shoeing I use uninsulated boots sized up one half size. Then I add a heavyweight wool sock and my feet stay very warm. When I am doing a late season hunt and will be in snow all the time then I choose an insulated boot. I rotate my frontline uninsulated boots out after two seasons now and use them for off season scouting/rucking for another two years. Replacing boots every two seasons has helped with warmth as my feet are always dry.
Crispi Briksdal are my uninsulated and insulated mountain boots of choice.
Salomon Toundra Pros are my insulated extreme cold weather boot of choice.

 

[MOwhitetail]

Welcome to the slide. I’m also from Iowa. A lot of people seem to love Kenetreks (especially the salesmen at Scheels as they get a nice commission off them) but I’m not really a fan. To me, the soles are too slippery on anything wet, almost to the point of being dangerous. They’re also really heavy and take FOREVER to dry should you get them really wet on a hunt. If you’re not hunting super steep/rocky terrain and carrying a really heavy pack, I think that kind of boot is overkill anyway. Your Thors should do fine in either of your situations. Just get a pair of gaiters (they’re all about the same) and layer appropriately.

 

[jmez]

200 grams of insulation isn't going to do much. It isn't enough to keep your feet warm if stationary. It is enough to make your feet sweat when active so they get cold much faster when you quit moving. The only time I wear insulated boots is ice fishing and late season sitting in a tree stand. Then it's big, 1200g insulation.

Live in the Black hills. I wear Crispi no insulated year round.

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[Bull_n_heat]

Welcome to the slide. I’m also from Iowa. A lot of people seem to love Kenetreks (especially the salesmen at Scheels as they get a nice commission off them) but I’m not really a fan. To me, the soles are too slippery on anything wet, almost to the point of being dangerous. They’re also really heavy and take FOREVER to dry should you get them really wet on a hunt. If you’re not hunting super steep/rocky terrain and carrying a really heavy pack, I think that kind of boot is overkill anyway. Your Thors should do fine in either of your situations. Just get a pair of gaiters (they’re all about the same) and layer appropriately.

I would agree here. Kenetreks are great boots, but probably overkill for most folks. I own 5 or 6 pairs of them, but they shine in steep rocky terrain because they have an extremely stiff shank. Because of that, it seems it takes about 4 months for them to break in.

If I was hunting mellower country with more soil, I would pick something different. If you have a boot that fits you well, that's the most important thing (hence why I have so much redundancy in my boots), so if those Crispis work for you, that's what I would stick with.

 

[grizz19]

Man a lot of it depends on if your like a stiffer boot or not. The Kenetreks are a stiffer boot than the guides. Personally stiff boots eat my heals up so I can’t run them. I have a pair of the guides and love those boots.

 

[Eric Arbanasin]

Have more than one option. I run tennis shows when antelope hunting. Quieter than boots. Then HANWAG for mountains. Then some cheaper Salomon winter boots when snow is on the ground. Just nice to have options


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