Kenetrek vs schnees

[whitingja]

Great. Thankyou sir.

 

[WRO]

I really like my scarpa triolets..

 

[Gumbo]

I returned two pairs of schnee beartooths because the break-in flex-point destroyed my big toe/top of foot on the right foot on both pairs. I tried the Kennetrek mountain extreme 400 gram boots and they were great but too hot for most hunting (I now use them for very cold hike hunts). I bought a pair of uninsulated mountain extremes and they have been great for 3 seasons so far. No leaks, no blisters, and sole wear has been great. I will buy another pair for sure. They are the best NI tall boot I've ever owned. I did have to add a thin, flat insole to keep my foot from sliding forward. My 400s of the same size have seen much less use but they do make my feet cramp a little, they seem a smidge tighter. I wonder if they take insulation into account when sizing?

For what it is worth, the Schnee's used section was FILLED with beartooth boots last time I was there. Can't say why obviously, but lots of people apparently didn't like them either. BUT lots of people say Kennetreks give them massive heel blisters too. Feet and stride are different. What works for one won't work for another. Try 'em on, wear 'em around the house, and hope when you hit the trail they feel great there too.

 

[Jason Snyder]

The sell used boots there? What is the price range on them?

 

[Matt W.]

Lot of good info when we did this last year.
http://www.rokslide.com/easyblog/entry/rokslide-s-boot-month-new-reviews-and-killer-giveaways
Reviews are good, but you often learn just as much in following the threads and reading multiple feedback on the same product.

I really like my Lowa Bighorns, they just seem to fit me well.

IMO, brand is a way to help you measure quality, and there are several good brands to choose from. Harder part is finding the boot that fits you, brand be darned. With that said, some guys pound the mountains in cheap boots and never have an issue. Its pretty dang crazy how different feet are in terms of boots and performance....

 

[Gumbo]

The sell used boots there? What is the price range on them?

Yeah, in the basement of the Bozeman downtown store they have (or at least had) a lot of used Schnee's hunting and pac boots. Last time I was there was a year or so ago. I don't remember specific prices, but I seem to remember thinking they were a good price, although I never really considered buying used boots. Most of them were pretty clearly returns and some had been used hard, but some seemed like they were in pretty good condition. Might be a good route to try specific boots and see how they feel in the field. Schnee's is pretty generous with returns and have been good to me.

 

[quent]

some awesome info! Been talking the wife into heading up to yellow stone... a malicious attempt to cover up my desire to stop by schnees and check these boots out lol

 

[Elkfever]

I went with the Beartooth 200 Insulated. First pair leaked the first day out while hunting blacktails in SW WA in some incredibly wet conditions. Very comfortable boots but wasn't going to tolerate wet feet at that price. Called Schnees and got awesome customer service. They shipped me new boots within a few days before my next hunt and I was off with no issues. Break in process has required minimal effort but has only gotten more comfortable with time. I will look at the uninsulated, 6" version or the 6" Absarokas for next year's muley hunt in the Eagle Caps during early October.

 

[Schnee's]

The sell used boots there? What is the price range on them?

We do have used boots, but aren't selling them at this time for reasons unknown to me.. I'm working on this and will let you guys know if/when we will sell them. A lot of them look brand new. Mostly from people buying them and walking a mile in them and then deciding that they don't like the fit or something. They then get sent back and we can't sell them as brand new.

 

[Schnee's]

I went with the Beartooth 200 Insulated. First pair leaked the first day out while hunting blacktails in SW WA in some incredibly wet conditions. Very comfortable boots but wasn't going to tolerate wet feet at that price. Called Schnees and got awesome customer service. They shipped me new boots within a few days before my next hunt and I was off with no issues. Break in process has required minimal effort but has only gotten more comfortable with time. I will look at the uninsulated, 6" version or the 6" Absarokas for next year's muley hunt in the Eagle Caps during early October.

Sorry to hear you had a problem with that first pair, I'm really happy we could get you into another pair and take care of you! Hope you get many miles out of your new boots!

Matt

 

[nflesher]

I have had both the Kenetrek Mountain extremes and I now have the Schnees Beartooth insulated. I would buy the Schnees again hands down over the Kenetreks. The mountain extremes served me well, but after treating them the last time with Kenetrek's boot wax, the left boot seemed to shrink up or something. The toe box killed my toes and the heel cup tore my heels up, but only on my left boot. No idea why it happened, but they were to uncomfortable to wear after that. I think the Schnees are much more comfortable, they don't take as much to break in, and my feet feel much better after a long day. I think the 200 grams on insulation will serve me much better as well. My feet stay cold anymore for whatever reason. I would much rather stop and let my feet air out for a few minutes if they sweat than have cold feet. I hate cold and/or wet feet.

I can't say a bad word about my mountain extremes though. I put them through a lot and they held up good. They were stiff at first and took a lot of walking to break them in, but they were good after a while. I glued the toe back on three times on the right boot and the rubber rand was coming off in several places, but they had seen a lot of abuse. I stopped at Schnees store in Bozeman last summer, and tried them on before buying and must say, I really liked the staff of that place! Kurt helped me out and I tried on several boots and he was more than willing to help me get the right boot and make sure I had a good fit. Schnees will have my business in the future I promise you that.

I also noticed a lot of boots that were used while at the Schnees store across town and was told they were returned for fit issues mostly but some were returned for other reasons. Any company that stands behind their products like that will always have my business. PERIOD

 

[boom]

Schnees customer support is fantastic. When I bought mine they told me to wear them out to see how they fit. If not, they would send a new pair. I bought with confidence.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

 

[Schnee's]

Thank you both for the kind words! I am very happy you had a great customer service experience with us and we hope you get many years out of your boots!

Thanks
Matt

Schnees customer support is fantastic. When I bought mine they told me to wear them out to see how they fit. If not, they would send a new pair. I bought with confidence.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

I have had both the Kenetrek Mountain extremes and I now have the Schnees Beartooth insulated. I would buy the Schnees again hands down over the Kenetreks. The mountain extremes served me well, but after treating them the last time with Kenetrek's boot wax, the left boot seemed to shrink up or something. The toe box killed my toes and the heel cup tore my heels up, but only on my left boot. No idea why it happened, but they were to uncomfortable to wear after that. I think the Schnees are much more comfortable, they don't take as much to break in, and my feet feel much better after a long day. I think the 200 grams on insulation will serve me much better as well. My feet stay cold anymore for whatever reason. I would much rather stop and let my feet air out for a few minutes if they sweat than have cold feet. I hate cold and/or wet feet.

I can't say a bad word about my mountain extremes though. I put them through a lot and they held up good. They were stiff at first and took a lot of walking to break them in, but they were good after a while. I glued the toe back on three times on the right boot and the rubber rand was coming off in several places, but they had seen a lot of abuse. I stopped at Schnees store in Bozeman last summer, and tried them on before buying and must say, I really liked the staff of that place! Kurt helped me out and I tried on several boots and he was more than willing to help me get the right boot and make sure I had a good fit. Schnees will have my business in the future I promise you that.

I also noticed a lot of boots that were used while at the Schnees store across town and was told they were returned for fit issues mostly but some were returned for other reasons. Any company that stands behind their products like that will always have my business. PERIOD

 

[GKPrice]

I've had all 4 and for me, Lowas win easily, but not so much the Tibets as the Bighorns and Mountain Extremes. Lowas fit like they were made for me and that's what counts. Kennetreks just don't work for me at all and IMO, the Schnee boots are really narrow as even the wides didn't fit me right. Boots are so personal with regard to fit, that you really need to try them first, and that is difficult. I went through at least 20 pair before finding the perfect boot for me. (Lowa Bighorn). All of the boots you mentioned are great boots, it comes down to what works best for your foot.

I went to Lowa a few years ago and have not even glanced back ... THAT said, "IF" you are inclined to shop at Cabela's the broad choice of Meindls seem to all get solid "great" reviews and their return policy makes it a tough choice particularly if your feet are difficult to fit

 

[MtnManZ]

I tried on many boots these past few months. It was time to replace my 5 year old Danners. I tried on the following brands (Hanwag, Kenetrek, Schnee's, Asolo, Salomon, Meindl) and maybe a few others...but I never did find any Lowa's to try on. For my foot, I decided on the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Uninsulated (archery elk boot). Between the Schnee's and the Kenetrek, I liked the feel of the Kenetrek better (seamless tongue didn't create pressure points on the top of my foot like the Schnee's did) and I liked the pivoting eyelets for the laces. However, I do like the rigid midsole of the Schnee's boots, which keeps them more stiff throughout their lifetime.

Just try on as many boots as you can and decide from there. Good luck.

 

[squeekieslayer]

question: Do you like your heels to have skin on them??

If yes: Buy Lowa or Schnees

If no: Buy Kennetrek

that easy

Joe

 

[MtnManZ]

question: Do you like your heels to have skin on them??

If yes: Buy Lowa or Schnees

If no: Buy Kennetrek

that easy

Joe

Depends on how Kenetreks fit one's foot. I have not had any heel issues with mine, but I was certain that they fit correctly...more on that:

Kenetrek suggests going a half size up...which I think is bad advice. I've talked to guys who have many years on Kenetreks and they gave me the advice to size down a half size to a full size. My foot measures right at a 10...and I went with a size 9. No heel rub and plenty of room in the toe box. I have about 20 miles on them so far and my feet are happy.

 

[Jason Snyder]

question: Do you like your heels to have skin on them??

If yes: Buy Lowa or Schnees

If no: Buy Kennetrek

that easy

Joe

That's kind of an ignorant and broad brush statement. Different lasts fit different feet. Trying to wear a boot that doesn't have the correct last for your foot and expecting it to work is a recipe for disaster. I know plenty of guys who wear Kenetreks for many miles a year with no issues whatsoever. I've read plenty of accounts on here and other forums about people having issues with Lowas also. If they don't fit your feet, the brand is pretty pointless.

 

[boom]

That's kind of an ignorant and broad brush statement. Different lasts fit different feet. Trying to wear a boot that doesn't have the correct last for your foot and expecting it to work is a recipe for disaster. I know plenty of guys who wear Kenetreks for many miles a year with no issues whatsoever. I've read plenty of accounts on here and other forums about people having issues with Lowas also. If they don't fit your feet, the brand is pretty pointless.

I agree with Jason. What fits my feet, someone else might hate.

What to shop for in shoes is not a team sport. You have to go it alone. What we can offer each other is opinions on durability, break-in ease, etc. oh and evaluate customer support.

My brother loves his kenetreks. He has long talon like feet . Jk.

 

[squeekieslayer]

I understand it was an over-exaggeration guys... that is what sarcasm is based in. Do a search... the VAST majority of boot fit issues and heel blisters are from Kennetreks. I tied everything with mine, even asked one of the owners himself to help me out... still no go. I wanted them to work because i really liked them.

I know at LEAST 10-15 people PERSONALLY that have switched away from kennetreks because of heel issues.

Do a search... its not just being a fan boy. Count the threads.

Joe