What are the best boots to chase elk in southern Colorado in late September?
Danner pronghorn
I like the Cabelas "elk Hunter" by Danner.
Mike
That's kinda like asking who the best woman is for your wife.
I'd try a few and find one you like.
I've hunted in September in sneakers and in 800 gram thinsulate boots(when is snows).
Really depends on the weather, how high you are, etc.
I usually take a couple of pairs of boots...I love my Cabela's Cornstalker goretex for warmer weather.
I have a pair of REI brand hiking boots(goretex) that I like too.
You can get rain/snow and lots of it at times so get 2 or 3 pair of goretex that you like.
a pair that is well broken in and fits you nice better have a pair or two in different inssulation but a boot that works for one person probably wont work for another everyones feet are different good luck hunting a bow elk hunt is a dream hunt of mine have fun and enjoy!
If youre willing to spend the money Russell Moccasin is going to be the best, they are custom made for your feet.
I've had a varity of Danners but I got a pair of Cabela's "Perfekt™" 7" Hikers by Meindl three years ago. I don't think I'd go back. There was no break-in time for these boots. I've really put them to the test elk hunting and hiking. The only thing they haven't done for me is harvested an elk. Allen
Russel Moccasins a great boot, I like their stalkers. Lowa's boot's are nice, so are danners.
I prefer not to wear boots at all. Barefoot for me. Fast, quiet, Feet good for miles on end. Even carrying 150ish pounds on the way out. Our feet are more capable than we baby them to be. My Feet/legs no longer get tired, more stable, etc..Though, I have a pair of Lowa's around in case things get frigid.
I LOVE vibram fivefingers for hunting/running/hiking.
five fingers site (http://vibramfivefingers.com)
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn33/elkbreath/IMG_8115.jpg)
I also have the insulated neoprene version for wetter colder days. Nothing like being barefoot, and this is the next best thing.
Yes ,Russell and Meindl are Great boots,the first for any weather the secon in snow and long days of rain
Danner and Meindl are pretty hard to beat.
I have a pair of Russels that are worth about 10 cents. The soles came unglued after one elk trip. Had the fixed and now they are comming off again. I'd never even consider another pair, over priced and of sub-standard quality.
Any shoe or boot that has a thin sole for quiet still hunting. Dave2old is giving you excellent advice.
I'd throw Asolo 520 in the mix. They are well built, waterproof, and comfortable. But foot are all different. Best to try them on and see what works for you.
White's lace-to-toe smoke jumper boots. :thumbsup:
Mine have been to hell and back on more than one occasion, and were comfortable on that journey...
I have hunted in all kinds of boots. I have two pairs of Meindle boots and a pair of Russell grand slam sheep hunting boots that are the cat's meow for hunting in the steepest, rockiest mountain country you can find. They have the vibram soles that are very tough, great traction bottoms but not so great for quiet stalking. Those good quality spendy boots however are not my favorites. I have an old pair of summer weight Rocky boots that are not insulated and not waterproof (anymore) that I prefer to wear most of the time. They fit like a pair of extra, extra hightop tennis shoes, lightweight and quiet with soft rubber soles that have some feel to them. The best boots for you are the ones that you like, the ones that are well broke in that won't hurt your feet after days and days of pounding and abuse. Waterproof is an important feature if you don't like wet feet. I hate wet feet myself but my favorite boots will be wet inside after the first morning. I bought a couple pairs of the waterproof goretex booties and I am going to try to get a few more seasons out of my old boots if I can get past them leaking so bad. Hate to give up on something that has worked so well for so long.
I LOVE my Maine hunting shoe. I tried the Vibram FiveFingers and they didn't fit quite right. May have been a sizing issue. I have other "barefoot" shoes that I prefer.
For hunting I really like the Maine Hunting Shoe.
homebru
I love the Lowa Tibet GTX. Non-insalated gore-tex and verry stiff. They hold up great with heavy loads and my feet don't move around inside (no more blisters). My feet get beat up when I am in rocks with boots that have light weight soles. You guys that do the sneeker or barefoot thing have way tougher feet than me. Steve
Meindl. hands down. BILL
Any lightweight comfortable boot or hiker. The more important issue is what socks to choose. Do not wear cotton socks. Go with a light weight wool.
Absolutely what TJ said about socks! Marino wool all the way...
I hunted MT in 2006 and used a pair of Danner Pronghorns with 400gr insul.
They were perfect for me. Very comfortable, soles are softer than a lot of hard vibram soled boots, so better for sneakin', and extremely lightweight.
Kinda middle of the road price wise too...a lot are cheaper, some are more expensive...
The one's with an Elk standing broadside at twenty yards in front of them!
:thumbsup:
Seriously I have Meindl's and Russells both are fine boots, I think the Meindls have better support and the Russells can't be beat for all day comfort. I've packed loads with both and both have held up well for me.
Pat
The only thing I would add is whatever boot
you end up with, make sure they are broke in.
And carrying some big bandaids doesn't
hurt neither. I have gotten blisters
with comfortable broken in boots while packing
out the meat.
up and down, up and down, up and down.
My first pack was brutal. I was wearing a brand new pair of boots.
I have hunted elk here in Colo for over 30 yrs. I always wear the work boots that my feet are used to. Why change when you wear them every day. I also take some boots with the rubber bottoms and leather tops / insulatated liners for when we get snow on the ground.
Never had a problem. When you wear your boots only for hunting your feet never get used to them.
Custom made pair of Russell Boots.
http://www.russellmoccasin.com/index.html