Recommendations on a quality midweight nimble/flexible hunting boot?

[krist003]

Hey Roksliders,

I will try not to be too long winded here, but I wanted to see if you could give me some recommendations on boots for hunting. I usually hunt with a bow out west in all types of terrain, but nothing too crazy or rocky. Temps from about 20-100 degrees, usually dry ground in CA and AZ, mountains and desert.

I like being deadly quiet so sometimes I wish I could wear a pair of running shoes, but those don't work well with a big pack on or carrying out big game. I tried on the Salomon Quest GTX that everyone recommends. Seem like a nice boot, but I am not thrilled with the appearance and they seemed a little stiff. Also tried the Salmon Ultra GTX mid, but they don't have much top of foot protection. I am about 160lbs and very fit so I am leaning toward a more nimble/flexible boot. I love the classic look of the leather Kenetrek,crispi,meindl, lowa's but they seem like they would be too stiff and bulky for me.

I have been using a pair of Danner RAT hot weather military boots for the last few years and they are very comfortable, durable and flexible, but the sole it a little large and bulky. They are also HEAVY and give me hot spots with my high instep/arch.

I am looking for a quality boot, so high prices wont scare me off. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Ashtoncherry334]

check out Schnees Timberline boots, they are full leather and pretty flexible. I picked up a pair that was a return and they didnt fit, they are in the classifieds if you are interested.

 

[jjd]

Looking for the same thing. The Schnees timberline mentioned above look interesting, but I think would be heavier than I want. The crispi lapponias and innov8 roclite 320 gtx are what I’m debating between.


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[krist003]

You guys are awesome. I have been looking all over and here are two options I didn't even know about. The Schnee's Timberline and Crispi Lapponias look to be a great balance to what I am looking for. Saw a post that Schnee's is coming out with a new Outlook EVO boot that is totally redesigned. Crispi Thor looks like a good one too.

 

[Akicita]

Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid or Hi - I've been running the Hi for over a year now and they have met all expectations for a light and fast boot with great durability and fit.

 

[camping1601]

If you can get past the looks of those 4d's they will be a good choice. Although they seem stiff now they will turn into a heavy duty pair of basketball shoes with some time. They will get very soft, but keep the traction and ankle support.

 

[The Ri Guy]

Lowa Zephyr's are a great boot, I just couldn't get them to fit right for me.

If you're a half size, the size down will be too tight, and the size up will be too sloppy. At least, that was true for myself, my dad, and my uncle.

 

[Akicita]

If you can get past the looks of those 4d's they will be a good choice. Although they seem stiff now they will turn into a heavy duty pair of basketball shoes with some time. They will get very soft, but keep the traction and ankle support.

I hate to bash them because so many of you like them, but I have not experienced good durability or weather resistance with the Quest 4 D's. . . In their defense I will add that I live, work and play in tough terrain, and that I'm also very hard on gear . . . Pictures of a pair after 9 months of duty specific wear and use.

 

[LostArra]

I've used the past two versions of the Salomon Quest with typical results (good initial comfort, limited lifespan and questionable waterproof longevity). I found them to be a good quiet stalker.
I'm now done with Salomon and I'm looking at Oboz as an alternative. I'm using (and liking) some low hikers now that I got at a deep discount and might try some mid height hikers for early season. I do have Tibets for heavy duty use but they are not a sneaky boot for archery season.


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[camping1601]

I hate to bash them because so many of you like them, but I have not experienced good durability or weather resistance with the Quest 4 D's. . . In their defense I will add that I live, work and play in tough terrain, and that I'm also very hard on gear . . . Pictures of a pair after 9 months of duty specific wear and use.

I'm actually not a fan of them because of what they are, but I feel they are a good fit for what the op is looking for. I have them and don't like how flexible they are and the lack of under foot protection, but I can't deny how they've held up or how nimble they are.
I have used mine for countless (I mean countless) trail, hunting, and daily wear use miles over a few years and I'm still wearing them.
I don't personally like them, but I think they would fit the op's use very well.

 

[camping1601]

IMHO if they would make that shoe a little stiffer and give it some underfoot protection it would be a home run in it's class.
Maybe give it some more ankle flex also.

 

[deerhunter628]

I bought a pair of Hanwags. They are a good pair in the catagory youre talking about.

 

[jjd]

I hate to bash them because so many of you like them, but I have not experienced good durability or weather resistance with the Quest 4 D's. . . In their defense I will add that I live, work and play in tough terrain, and that I'm also very hard on gear . . . Pictures of a pair after 9 months of duty specific wear and use.

Too many reports like this. This is what keeps me from trying a pair or a couple of other salomon boots that look interesting and fit what I’m looking for.


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