Kenetrek - Time to move on.....

[ctsmith]

Kenetrek Hardscrabbles

I've logged well over 200 miles in these boots but most of those miles were on mild terrain with a light pack. In the past few months I've been training for a backpack coues hunt. The training consists of a 55 lb pack and as much elevation as I can find in south Alabama (which isn't much). With duration of any significance, sweat, and hills, combined with the pack weight, I am getting hot spots despite a callused heal. Liners don't help. Leukatape helps but I don't want to get on the coues mountain and learn it doesn't help enough.

Looks like I better pull the trigger on another pair of boots fast and start logging the miles. Based on the pole in this forum, it looks like the Lowa Tibet GTX will get the first shot.

This is a callus, not a blister. You'd think it would offer enough protection. But then again, the fact that there is such a callus is reason for concern.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I would never tell another man to NOT buy more cool gear. However, I have had the same hotspots on both my feet for decades no matter what footwear. From issue combat boots to spend your hikers. Some were worse than others for sure but in the end, if I know I am going to be logging miles under weight I have to mole skin and tape those spots no matter what footwear I have.

 

[cowboy]

Been there - done that with the Kennetreks. Switched boots - no heel problem. Good tough boot but they just go on short hikes now.

 

[jmez]

I had the same issue with Asolo boots. They weren't callus's however, they blistered me. I switched to Hanwag and haven't had a blister or hot spot since. Haven't taped my feet in three years. It is all about the fit.

Probably worth a call to Lathrop and Sons. I called them, nice people and very helpful. I told them what I was currently wearing, what my foot and heel looked like and how my foot strikes the ground when I walk and they recommended the Hanwag's. It is all about the fit.

 

[couesbitten]

I'd recommend the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX, great boots, everybody I know that has them, loves them.

 

[PathFinder]

I wear my calluses like those like a badge of honor. Once your feet look like that all over you can wear any boot you like without crying about heel lift. I have yet to find a stiff boot that doesn't have some degree of heel lift. It isn't just about fit. The way the boot behaves dynamically has a huge effect. Stiffer boots naturally have a harder time avoiding heel lift.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[squeekieslayer]

I had kennetreks... they game me blisters like that for 3 years if i didnt tape... so i switched to lowa tibets... no blisters but like the Kennetreks 10X better for stability, warmth, comfort. I just tape now. i would rather tape with my kennetreks then use my lowas.

that said if you wear 11.5 ill make you a deal

Joe

 

[ctsmith]

Thanks for the input guys.

Squeek, have you been in really steep and rocky terrain with the tape? I am worried that on day two I learn that the tape only works for so long, and my hunting partner will show no mercy. LOL

 

[mcseal2]

I have Kennetreks and have no issues, I agree it's all about the fit.

 

[doverpack12]

I would at least try another brand of boot. I use leukotape and actually rub so hard that the adhesive works its way from the sticky side of the tape to the other side and will stick to my sock. I feel like with a caulus like that you have some major friction and tape may not solve the problem once it starts. I don't use kenetrek my heel would never stand a fighting chance.

 

[rfc86]

Schnee's is giving a discount to Rokslide members for their Granite boots. Maybe if you call them and explain your situation, you will get the same discount on a different pair as well. I have the Beartooth and they are awesome.

 

[striker3]

From what I understand about the Schnees discount is that they are discounting a few different models over the next few weeks. The Granites were just first.

 

[LaHunter]

Hey ctsmith,

The Lowa Tibets are awesome boots. I have had a pair for the past 3 years and really like them a lot. These are good stiff sole boots for steep terrain and carrying wt.

As far as your blisters / calluses go, I think wet feet (sweat) plays a big role. I live in N. La, so during our southern summers, while we are doing our training hikes, the 95 degree heat + the 90% humidity results is extreme sweating, at least it does for me. A stiff sole boot along with soaked feet will results in heel movement in the boot and cause blisters. I can literally pour sweat out of my boots when I am done with my training hikes, and I am completely soaked with sweat. For this reason, I use the Lowa Renegades for my training hikes. These are hiking boots, with a more flexible sole vs the Tibets. My feet take time to get used to carrying weight in hills, but with the flexible sole, my heel seems to stay in place better and I don't get blisters.

Hope this helps. Good Luck

 

[b0nes]

Cabelas meindl perfekts are tough to beat.

 

[GKPrice]

Cabelas meindl perfekts are tough to beat.

^^^^^^^^^good advice I think

 

[Gumbo]

Bummer. Seems folks either love or hate Kenetreks. I have three pairs, and have run the mountain extreme NI hard for about 4 seasons with no blisters, but then again I never get blisters. I think some feet are just more prone to them, my wife gets blisters no matter what boots she wears. Everyone's feet are different and what works for one doesn't work for another. Good luck, hope you get the issue solved before the hunt!

 

[ctsmith]

I appreciate all the input.

FWIW, I have never been one to blister, but then again, I'm a flatlander and rarely go steep with a heavy pack.

Regarding the Cabela Meindl, I've tried them. For me, it was the worst feeling boot I've ever had on my foot. Funny how that works.

LAHunter, I think you may be on to something. I believe the heat and (excessive) sweat is playing a large part of it. Maybe they will be fine with temps ranging from 20 - 60.

 

[Peterson3030]

I'd recommend the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX, great boots, everybody I know that has them, loves them.

I bought a pair of these a couple months ago and they're a great boot for $140. My first trip was roughly 15 miles to break them in and I've never had any hot spots or other rubbing problems. They seem like a very sturdy and well designed boot for the price.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[JayPee]

My Schnee's Absarokas have been flawless. I have probably 100 miles on them now with not a single blister or even a hotspot. Always have used darn tough socks and a cool max liner with them. Last weekend the last 5 miles out was with sopping wet socks due to water running in from the top, and still no issues. I believe that there are a pair of boots out there for everyone, and that blisters and calluses aren't something you should just learn to deal with

 

[ctsmith]

Pulled the trigger on the Crispi Nevada. The insulation has me hesitate, we'll see. Hoping they fit me.