Lowa Tibets vs. Schnees Beartooth vs. Kenetrek Hardscrabble

[gelton]

Looking at picking up a new pair of boots to fill the gap between my Lowa Renegades and Lowa Hunters. Looking for a non insulated boot that offers more support and coverage than the 6 inch Renegades but really not looking for a 10 inch boot either.

The likely choice would be the Tibets as I really like my Lowas. The only reason why I am considering branching out is because I had a little heel lift in the Renegades that caused blisters on this years archery elk + I needed a little more support and height as I was regularly crossing creeks that were deeper than 6 inches.

I also think it would be wise to test a different brand than lowa to see if a waxy type leather construction offered in the Schnees may be more water repellent and not become saturated. I have found with Lowas (nubuck) that even with heavy treatment they only last 4-5 days before becoming saturated and have a suspicion that full grain waxed leather might hold up better and longer.

Anyone have any experience with these boots and if so, what is your preference? Also, if I am missing a brand of un-insulated 7-8 inch boot that I should consider, let me know that too.

 

[TEmbry]

I've had the Kenetreks and currently using the Tibets... No comparisons for my foot, Tibets are more comfortable by a landslide. In torrential downpours for days on end I've just come to accept that my feet will eventually get damp. This is why several pairs of dry socks and building a fire at night can work miracles. Never had a boot prove otherwise except big rubber boots.

I got hot spots and blisters every single week long trip I did in Kenetreks from 2009-2013... Not a single blister this year in Lowas. If your foot already likes Lowas I would stick with what works best.

 

[Snipershirt]

Go with Hanwags and thank me later. PM me and I'll go into further detail as I've used the above mentioned boots.

 

[Sboada]

I will throw in a recommendation for the Beartooths to round things out. I absolutely love mine. For me they are about the perfect all around boot. Plenty of support to hunt elk in the mountains and comfortable enough to wear pheasant hunting and general all around use. I have the Kenetreks and really like them but they are heavier and stiffer and limit, for me anyway, what I use them for. I had the Hanwags but they didn't offer enough ankle support for me, but they have a loyal following. Great thing about Schnees is their like it forever or return it guarantee. Can't go wrong with giving them a try.

 

[Mmcan]

I finally got my Lowa Tibets broken in and was truly happy to have been patient during the process. Had some pretty bad blisters when training on hills but learned where to apply the moleskin/leukotape and kept going. No blisters in 6 days of intense hiking.

I was VERY HAPPY that I had the "tall" boots as well. No way my ankles would've been happy without them when I missteped a time or 2. They were awesome protection.

But go to the Lowa website and see how they recommend water sealing your boots before your trip. My feet never felt wet or really even too sweaty w good socks (even on hot days) but the leather will hold moisture.