What boots for elk hunting

[Sticks&Strings]

I am looking for a good pair of boots I could wear elk hunting and also on a trip to lake tahoe during spring break. My cowboy boots arent going to cut it.

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[MLank]

People will say

Crispi and Danner I’m sure.

I have crispi.

[Sticks&Strings]

Originally Posted by MLank

People will say

Crispi and Danner I’m sure.

I have crispi.

How about the kuiu scarpa?

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[jaker_cc]

Solomon, crispi, kenetrek, under armour.... there are a hundred different boot makers that make good boots.

The brand of the boot is far less significant than the way the boot fits your foot. Try on as many as you can to find what fits you the best and get an after market insole if you are planning on putting some miles on them. Also, break them in properly before heading into the mountains with them. Makes a world of difference. Lace them up tight

[DoveBlaster]

Early season archery or mid/ late season rifle will be a deciding factor imho. I wear schnees granite for cold weather and I’ve had good luck with the Salmon Gx4? for early season archery besides this past year when we got three to five inches of snow. Whichever boot you decide on condition the leather and buy some legit merino socks.

Like said above, buy the boot that fits your foot, not the boot your buddy or someone online prefers.

Last edit- Schnees has 20 or so % off right now

[hooligan]

Salewa

[4BarN]

Look at Meindls also.


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[Hammerdown]

I like my Crispis, but whatever you go with make sure you wear them to your local walking trails or track and make sure they're right for you.

[txhoghunter2]

I love my Solomon boots. They’ve held up to lots of hard miles.

[Burnadell]

I haven't been elk hunting in 21 years, and I'm sure they have improved on boots since then. I can only add that they should be waterproof/Goretex and as tall as possible/practicle. There may be times when you need to cross a stream or walk through a marsh. You dod not want water coming into your boots.

Google "best elk hunting boots" and you will get some good ideas.

[C R Cox]

Lowa
Renegade

Feel broke in from day one. Me and the wife wear them they are awesome

[TildenHunter]

Lowa are really comfortable


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[cnc_xt]

I recently purchased Kenetrek’s. Really like them so far..

[ramrod]

Another vote for Danner. Lots of miles in the mountains and wore them this week to play in the snow.

[Miller]

Crispi Crossover Light. They keep you dry and you don't sweat your butt off in them.
I have been hiking all over in the snow and ice in them this week and they kept me dry and comfortable.

I use them on vacation like you described and for September elk hunting.

I have a pair of Schnees I like a lot, but I use those more for when I don't have to go as many miles. I use to have a pair of Kenetrek that were on par with the Schnees.

I also have a pair of Solomon for lighter use.

None of those compare to the Crispi.

[RJK70]

Lowa Renegades are great


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[wytex]

Meindl USA boots.

[docmay]

It’s like buying a bow, gotta see what fits you best. My favorites are Lowa and Lathrop&sons. They are true mountain boots. I have work meindel and kennetrek as well. Danners may work for some but in my experience they are a little soft. Meaning I feel lots of rocks through the soles and don’t feel like the ankle support is great. But, I have bad ankles. Big difference in an early season bow hunt for elk and a late season rifle hunt. In most cases if you are mobile you won’t need an insulated boot. For early season, warmer temps I have a lightweight pair of asolo hikers that I wear. Biggest thing is make sure they fit and break them in!

[docmay]

I have a few different options to choose from!


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[texizona]

It depends on the terrain, how many miles you will be walking and how many times you will use them. Danners will last for a couple of trips, but if you plan to use them for multiple trips and a lot of miles, the pricey Italian boots really shine. Zamberlans are my favorite and will last many years, if you take care of them as recommended. If you are hunting steep terrain, stiff soles are much easier on your legs and feet.

Two other items that are very important if you hunt in wet and rough terrain. Gaiters and trekking poles will make your hunt more enjoyable. Too bad I waited so many years to start using them.

[unclefish]

I prefer the GTX style for Sept hunting no matter what brand you get.

I have had great luck with Salomon Quest and not so great luck with Keen Targhee II. Keen's waterproofing layer was terrible on the boots I had...but the boot was comfy and held up well.

[DapperDan]

I live the Crispi briksdal. Super supportive on steep terrain and rocks. I’m selling a pair of 9’s in the classifieds. My feet tend to swell on extended hunts but I like a snug boot. These didn’t stretch as I thought they would being leather so I’m going to go with my normal shoe size and not a half size smaller. They are my favorite hunting boot I’ve ever used by far.


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[Grand Passage]

If you want to be in the cool club, you wear either Crispi or Hanwag.

Make sure the boot fits your feet.

I love the fit of Danner, but I’ve been let down by their “waterproofness”.


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[PlanoDano]

Originally Posted by texizona

It depends on the terrain, how many miles you will be walking and how many times you will use them. Danners will last for a couple of trips, but if you plan to use them for multiple trips and a lot of miles, the pricey Italian boots really shine. Zamberlans are my favorite and will last many years, if you take care of them as recommended. If you are hunting steep terrain, stiff soles are much easier on your legs and feet.

Two other items that are very important if you hunt in wet and rough terrain. Gaiters and trekking poles will make your hunt more enjoyable. Too bad I waited so many years to start using them.

Yessir, for packing weight in tough country I use Zamberlan 1014 Lynx Mid GTX in wide. I have a pair of Danner light II also but prefer the Zamberlans. If I am deer hunting are don't see a heavy pack out I might step down in weight to something like Saloman X ultra and if the terrain will allow I will use light weight hikers like Altra Lone Peaks. The OPs foot might be different. The particular Zamberlan and Danner I mentioned take a heavy break in and you do not want to be breaking them in on concrete. If you are using a guide and not having to pack out the lighter choices might be better - each pound on the foot is like 5 on the back.

[huntingfanatic]

Whatever you get just remember what boot may be good for hiking around hunting elk may not be good for hiking with a pack loaded with elk. Ankle support is very important

[Milkfisher]

I bought Schnees. It hurt my wallet. dang fine boots i expect to last 10+ years. I felt like I broke them in after about 20 miles. I also have a pair of under armor that took zero miles to break in. I wouldnt expect them to last more than a few years but they were cheap in comparison to the schnees.

[KLAPPER]

I have had crispis for 3 seasons and they have quite a few miles on them they have the ankle bone support system that really does wonders and they are also still waterproof which says a lot IMO I did put super feet insoles in them from day 1 and they have been great also.

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[friscopaint]

Originally Posted by 4BarN

Look at Meindls also.


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used mine for years, cabelas brand by meindl, excellent ankle support and comfortable walking all day. Mine were all leather

[Sticks&Strings]

Ok follow up, where is the best place to try most of these on?

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[rtp]

Crispi here. Great boot.


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[docmay]

Originally Posted by Sticks&Strings

Ok follow up, where is the best place to try most of these on?

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It’s going to be tough to find a place to sample a bunch. I don’t know what the big box hunting stores carry but it’s usually limited for the boots mentioned above. I have bought Lowa’s and Asolo at REI. Too bad there isn’t a DSC or SCI show this year. You could find them all at those shows.

One additional comment and it may be basic. Don’t skimp on socks. My recommendation would be wool and I use darn tough, bridgedale, and smart wool. Good socks make a huge difference!

[Sticks&Strings]

Originally Posted by docmay

It’s going to be tough to find a place to sample a bunch. I don’t know what the big box hunting stores carry but it’s usually limited for the boots mentioned above. I have bought Lowa’s and Asolo at REI. Too bad there isn’t a DSC or SCI show this year. You could find them all at those shows.



One additional comment and it may be basic. Don’t skimp on socks. My recommendation would be wool and I use darn tough, bridgedale, and smart wool. Good socks make a huge difference!

Thank you very much. Great info

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[saintsfan]

Lowas

[huntingfanatic]

Be sure to add a polypropylene sock liner

[glen]

They are like running shoes. Gotta get some for your foot. I wear Asolo. I also found that when actually hunting i wear shoes more. Boots get me to camp with my pack.

[ballgame]

Kenetrek

[tgridley]

Wear what the guides wear, Kenetreks are by far the best and your feet will not get wet. They are more expensive than most but worth every penny.

[GARY]

Originally Posted by Sticks&Strings

How about the kuiu scarpa?

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I wouldn’t say you need Kuius version of scarpa, but after buying a pair of scarpas for hiking Alberta at insistence of Alberta hiker and hunting buddy , they became my go to western hunting boot into winter season. Dancers for the absolute coldest or sitting conditions.

Meindels also really popular witb my Canadian friends. I haven’t personally tried these yet.


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[Dc78]

I like my Lowa’s.

[Quackerbox]

The good thing about the more expensive boots are they will let you try them and ship back if you don't like them.

I wore danners for years. I had a pair I wore 5 days a week at work. Loved them so much I went thru 3 or 4 pair for hunting.

I finally jumped into the "cool club" with schnees. Thats after I tried crispi. I wanted something to walk miles in for an antelope hunt.. I'm happy with the decision I made for my feet.

IMO take advice from the guys here who actually do it.

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[PlanoDano]

If I was younger and knew what I know now I would have had a pair of Limmers made. I am afraid I do not have the years left running up and down the mountain to justify the expense. The yankees make a good custom boot.

[Traildust]

Are you packing in or just using a guide? TBH will oversell the hail out of ya!

[Drop Tine]

Originally Posted by Sticks&Strings

How about the kuiu scarpa?

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I've got a set of Scarpas and Lowa Renegades. Unless you're going to be hunting some very steep country I recommend the Lowa's. They have been great for many miles on my feet. The Scarpa's are just very rigid.

[Randy Madden]

I love my Solomon’s. Bought them about 4-5 years ago. Been on dozens of hunting trips and I wear them dang near every day. Best boots I’ve ever had.

[Randy Madden]

Wearing them now watching a cornhole
tournament.


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[Traildust]

Originally Posted by Randy Madden

Wearing them now watching a cornhole
tournament.


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What models?

[Randy Madden]

I found them on sale, I think I paid 150 something


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[Sticks&Strings]

Originally Posted by Traildust

Are you packing in or just using a guide? TBH will oversell the hail out of ya!

Using a guide. New Mexico.

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[Traildust]

Originally Posted by Sticks&Strings

Using a guide. New Mexico.

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Go with what Randy uses^^^^^^^
Get some good socks and sock liners. You'll be fine. You won't look like a hillbilly when you're hiking either!

I've got Meindl's, but I'm gonna try those Solomon ^^^ this year in CO. Something less clumsy and a little more athletic.

[7sdad]

100% blister free.

https://www.salewa.com/en-us/mountain-trainer-lite