I have hunted elk several times and each time I have had trouble with my feet. My first couple of trips, I wore hanwags and each time my feet were numb on the top for months. Last trip, I wore danner pronghorns and had a better trip but I prefer a lighter shoe. The ground around home is much steeper than the elk mountain so I am looking to try out a minimal hiker. Anyone elk hunt with this type of shoe?
Saloman Quest 4D GTX check them out they are a great boot I love them they are light but give boatloads of support. Widow
Under armour speed freak wear like a shoe IMO. Lightweight and breath good. I wore them down on the Gila on an elk hunt and really liked them. Enough ankle support to make the hard climbs.
I am a Danner boot fan but I do have Merrell I wear and thier light weight.
I do. I really like the Inov8 shoe line. Nothing but positive things to say about my 390GTX.
I haven't had that type of problem, but I do think everyones foot is different, and there is probably one boot that fits everyone well. finding yours is the tough part....
personally, I like the heavier boots cause im kind of a clutz and need the ankle support
I wore my LL Bean Maine Hunting Boots on both Colorado elk hunts at 9-10k in the San Juan Mountains.
In really rough country and doing a lot of off trail stuff my feet do better with a stiffer boot. Those Hanwags are very well thought of and I can't help but think its a lacing issue.
I do use the mid high day hiker type boots from Danner, Vasque and you might like those. All boots benefit from a good insole
Light shoes are great till you have 80 lbs of elk meat on your back. I'd strongly recommend finding a good fitting pair of heavier boots that you can at least leave in the truck to be used if packing an elk out.
Check out I longbow web. Then check out the mini mill boots
I like a light non bulky boot or sneaker myself. I like the lightest quietest waterproof boot I can find. I use sneakers a lot if its dry and been known to hunt miles in just wool socks but that's me. I like my latest pair of boots the Lowa renegade. light as a sneaker and waterproof but haul a load just fine.
These are what I was looking at. The North Face hedgehog gtx 3. http://www.backcountry.com/the-north-face-hedgehog-guide-tall-gtx-hiking-boot-mens?rr=t
They look good to me. I have some North face sneakers in a low top like that that I like. The only thing I have found that the mesh on the out side dose snag sticks and stuff and will trip me up sometimes.
I personally wouldn't wear them elk hunting but the La Sportivas make a trail running sneaker that has built in mini gaiters that might work for you. I wear a pair without the gaiters and really like them for dry conditions hiking trails
I second the Solomon gtx 4D
Best boot I have ever worn and will never buy anything else.
Lowa Renegade, on my 5th pair. Bought a pair of low cut NF hedgehogs last year for trails, little narrow in the toe for me and didn't care for the arch support after a few miles. At the same site that you posted, there is a pair of Lowa hylanders at a great price. Have a pair that work well for me. Boots and bows...everyone's a little different.
Hanwags this passed elk season in Idaho, first time elk hunting for me, no problems at all with them. The two guys I was hunting with had Danner Pronghorns and the Hanwags won ! Too bad you have problems with them.
I have yet to figure out why folks think you need heavy boots to carry a load. I wear tennis shoes training all summer with 40-80 lbs. Loads. Never once wished I had more. I had a hard time giving up my traditional hunting boots ( Meindel), but now that I've seen the light I can't imagine going back.
I have worn the gore tex merrill reflex hiking shoes on countless elk hunts. Though I switch to my meindle boots to pack the heavy loads out. Wouldn't even consider heavy boots for hunting. 10-15 miles a day is normal and light boots go a long way to make it easier.
I hunt in tennis' when the weather is mild(I'll have some wet feet tho) and Wing boots as the season advances.
QuoteOriginally posted by Trumpkin the Dwarf:
Light shoes are great till you have 80 lbs of elk meat on your back. I'd strongly recommend finding a good fitting pair of heavier boots that you can at least leave in the truck to be used if packing an elk out.
X2.
Wore a lighter pair of hikers for my one elk hunt and loved them... Until we had to pack the bull out.
They were fine on flatter ground but side hilling on steep slopes was harder. Next trip I'm leaving a sturdier pair of boots at the camp next to my frame pack!
I read about this boot and finally gave it a try. Treksta Evolution Mid. About as minimal as a hiking boot could be. Very good fit for my narrow foot. Wish it had a rand, but like running shoes it does not. Except it is made in China I would rave about it. I would readily hunt elk in it.
I packed out 80lbs of elk meat this year wearing a pair of Keen Targhee Mid hiking shoes with no trouble at all. This is the only shoe I have worn for years while bowhunting. Then I switch to Hanwag boots for late season hunts in the snow. It all comes down to preference, but I would much rather wear a light weight "shoe" than trying to stalk and sneak in clunky boots.
Socks are as important as boot!!!!!
What did you wear on your feet?
I have given serious consideration to trying out a pair of wrestling shoes.
I currently use Merrill hikers and they are quite comfortable, but i like very little on my feet. Guess I'll have to get off my wallet and spend $40 to see if it is going to be a possipility.
Here is an article about hunting with minimal boots ya'll might find interesting....
http://www.ilongbow.com/Reviews/Mini_Mil_Boots.html
I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet, so regular hiking boots with heels and a narrow toebox just don't work for me anymore. So, I've been looking for a boot that I can use for hiking and hunting.
I just bought a pair of these; http://www.lemsshoes.com/Mens-Boulder-Boot-Black_p_102.html.
My initial impression is they're going to work. They were comfortable out of the box, didn't irritate my nerve problems, and were dry and had good traction in wet vegetation and mud of our club range. I can't wait to get out on my first backpacking trip with them and hopefully confirm my initial impression.
My son and I regularly use Asolo and Lowa boots; but you asked about minimalist. One day my son forgot to put on his boots and socks and walked several miles in his slippers-he didn't bring it up so I didn't talk about it either! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
So I guess you can hunt elk in just about anything!
Next day he had his boots on.
as long as I'm not crossing rivers, I will wear my KEENs Oh man do I love those. I personally think hiking boots are way better than "hunting boots" .
no matter what you choose go with something with a stiff sole.
A few years back i ran into some veteran elk hunters who were wearing BASEBALL CLEATS..
whatever works....they told me they had been using them for years...
I think it is obvious by the number of responses there is no right answer, it is all a matter of personal need and preference.I swear by a Merrill mid hiker (Gore Tex). Fits me like a moccassin. I live in the mountains and spend much time above tree line, whether packing out a heavy load of moose meat or carrying a very heavy backpack they give me all the support I need. Of course I keep moccassins in my day pack for making those silent stalks.
One thing about boots light or heavy is they must fit your feet. To often it seems hunters buy a certain brand of boot because they are popular or their buddy wears them. Every brand has a different fit so first you need to find one that works for you. Then pick the style within that brand.
Lot of times I just wear a pair of Sketchers. Love em. Good traction and very light weight. As to ankle support. I am very careful in the woods. If I am hunting real rocky convoluted terrain I wear my Danners.
God bless, Steve
I'll go x2 on the Under Armor "SpeedFreaks". Wore them in Colorado Elk/Deer hunting and liked them a lot!
Harry
Think i'll take the plunge and order some mini mil boots.
If is an active hunt and the weather is not very bad, the use of light and non waterproof shoes can be a great option. With cold weather, use neoprene socks, and the heat of your feets will dry the shoes and will not be colds.
Use other socks, goretex or similars, to use in the camp if your shoes are wets. As you will be in non active mode your feets will be colds very fast into a wet shoe, so using a waterproof socks your feets will be comfortables. Gore socks are not a good idea when you move but good for this in the camps if you don't want to carry extra shoes.
Typical between the ultralight backpacking people, not for everybody, but it works for many.
Sorry for my english
Please, do NOT say you're sorry. Your english is MUCH better than mine. Thank you for your input AND please get more involved in the forums. Knowledge is wasted if not shared.
Im a huge fan of Keen and Asolo hikers. I wear Keen 99% of the time everyday and also in the woods.
I just dont like heavy full hunting boots anymore. I also dont like the blisters, and hotspots.
With hikers I never get blisters, hotspots, or tired of them weighing me down.
Wont find me in the woods in a danner or rocky type boot again.
Im either in a hiker or a hip boot, or a winter pack boot. 99% of the time its a Keen hiker.
Thank you Mike!!
Hey Timmy,
I've found it best to change shoes every other day. My most comfortable pair of shoes felt horrible on day 3. Swapping every other day seemed to really help if you have the option and space to carry a second pair.
Tim
I use Mendle light hunters. Not exaclty cheap, but for where I hunt the best combination of "feel" and lightness with enough support (barely) for steep side slopes.
Like some of you I did not like the weight nor the loss of stealth offered by the stouter boots. Then there are the boots that are heavy, but offer little more support than a light shoe.
I would be on my butt a lot and soaking my sore feet an evening if I wore LL Bean boorts in the terrain I hunt.
Joshua
I bought a pair Solomon gtx 4's. I have not worn them enough but I am still undecided so far. I still do not like the weight of them. I will probably go with a waterproof low hiker with a wide toe box. I am going to try some Keens.
In my experience, the lights hikers with Gore and similars are a waste of money as they flex too much for the membrane and the Gore, or similar, brokes easily. Usually are waterproof during only some weeks.
I used Keens one time following Mr. Cox on a mule deer hunt. They were thrashed after one day, glad I had my meindles as a back up. That being said that was some rough terrain. I like the idea of a light weight mid hiker as well for our early season, as long as the terrain is not ridiculous. Still undecided on brand....
Personally, I wear Vasque Sundowner (Goretex) leather mid-hikers. I've tried lightweights on occasion, but was never satisfied with the support.
bare foot?
lol
This is my opinion...I'm barefoot a lot of the time when elk hunting and prefer to go far and fast. There are times though that we must go shod (early morning wool sock time), for those moments I like marrell trail glove, or vivobarefoot.
http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens#q=terrain.Off-Road
or vibram
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn33/elkbreath/IMG_8115.jpg)
Ive packed elk out with all three, and several with the vibrams and merrel.
If you walk, run and live with this type of high proprioceptive shoe, your feet, ankles, knees, etc actually end up thanking you-and repaying you in strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. Carrying heavier loads is not an issue.
Its interesting how often this topic is beginning to come up. Seems like we see at a couple times a year now.
if its dry I use my salomon xa3d ultra 2, I love them!
I have been using Salomon and the minimus by New Balance that are closer to barefoot but in a conventional style. Other ítem to consider are the gaiters, short ones. The ones from the ultra trail world are greats, well designed to run.
Check ot the Mason shoe catalog. Their line of work shoes are a real good shoe. They come smooth or lug tread. Get the Velvet ease insole. They are leather but light enough to wear 12 hrs at a time and heavy enough to be supportive. Dad has some and has worn them for many years and they are still good. 6 or 8 inch height. Not overly expensive.
QuoteOriginally posted by Dan bree:
Check out I longbow web. Then check out the mini mill boots
Other than the link suggested, has anyone tried these with a heavy pack on?
homebru
There is always the option of spraying from mid calf down with Rino Liner.
What I have learned is that lighter less rigid footwear is great if you are young (it does matter) and don't mind the loss of efficency that happens with a softer shoe in the woods.
More of your energy is used up in maintaining forward motion with a softer shoe than one with a more rigid footbed. This has been proven by cyclists a long time ago and this is applicable to us when we hunt across slopes especially, were we use up a lot of energy maintaining ankle rigidity.
I have chosen a compromise, because, lets face it, rigid footwear sucks for stalking no matter if light or heavy. They just don't let you sense terrain or objects under foot.
That said, I can see the desire to have a lighter shoe, getting more ground feedback and better balance. You can get that in a fairly stiff footbed boot too. But plan on spending 300.00 or more to get there and fit better be perfect or its all for naught.
Joshua
I have boots from light to heavy that work for me. I usually wear all of them at some point during the elk season depending on weather and terrain. A light hiker doesn't cut it for me in 10" of snow.
I go bare foot as much as I possibly can, if footwear is required I'm in my vibram five fingers , they have many different models to pick from. My ankles legs and feet are much tougher and stronger from doing this. Minimalist footwear makes sense to me. Did the Ute native Americans have hanwag and other frankenstine style boots? If you give yourself adequate time and allow you body to adjust to minimalist footwear there would not Be an issue with wearing these in the mountains. Just my 2 cents.
You can stand in snow for 12 hours in your five fingers? Not me.
QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Vines:
There is always the option of spraying from mid calf down with Rino Liner.
:laughing:
QuoteOriginally posted by kadbow:
You can stand in snow for 12 hours in your five fingers? Not me.
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/five-fingers-lontra-mens.htm
Well, I spend around 8 months of the year barefoot. But, I live in Middle Tennessee so I'm not exactly hacking it up & down 10k' mountains.
I researched the heck out of boots for this September's trip to Colorado & after looking long & hard at every & all the available minimalist options, talking to many long-time western hunters, outfitters & climbers, I heeded all their advice:
Minimal shoes are great for hiking & hunting, if you're 100% used to them & have no weaknesses & issues & aren't carrying a ton of meat.
If, however, like me, you have any form of arthritis, plantar fasciitis, weak knees, or you're just not used to it; go with a well fitting, well broken-in, stiff soled boot with excellent ankle support.
It may feel odd if you're used to nothing around your tootsies, but your feet, knees, ankles & back will thank you for it after side-hilling with 70#+ strapped to your back.
I ended up buying a pair of Lowa Tibet GTX.
QuoteOriginally posted by Stixbowdrew:
I go bare foot as much as I possibly can, if footwear is required I'm in my vibram five fingers , they have many different models to pick from. My ankles legs and feet are much tougher and stronger from doing this. Minimalist footwear makes sense to me. Did the Ute native Americans have hanwag and other frankenstine style boots? If you give yourself adequate time and allow you body to adjust to minimalist footwear there would not Be an issue with wearing these in the mountains. Just my 2 cents.
The Ute didn't wear Hanwang because they were not available to them. They just might have worn them given the chance. I wear the lightest boot I can get away with but in rugged country and packing I wear a older pair of Italian made Vasque boots that were designed for the backcountry and have the ability to attach crampons.
I wear a pair of mukluks for my winter hunting. Crepe sole, I spend an awful lot of my time barefoot and my legs are very, very used to it. I live in the Appalachians, not the Rockies but I spend my hunting time clambering over fallen trees every five feet it seems. Socks are the thing that make the hunting experience, and my wife makes me awesome ones that can keep my feet warm through all but the worst of stalks. I need to find a waterproof liner for rainy hunting, but worst comes to worst I head back to the house-I'm just hunting my land.
My feet are hardened against thorns, gravel, immune to poison ivy, and very used to being unshod or minimally shod. I used my toes for climbing all the time before the stroke, and it's paying off in trying to regain my mobility. We came equipped with marvelous attachments for getting around, give them a try.
QuoteOriginally posted by Trumpkin the Dwarf:
Light shoes are great till you have 80 lbs of elk meat on your back. I'd strongly recommend finding a good fitting pair of heavier boots that you can at least leave in the truck to be used if packing an elk out.
Words of wisdom here .... unless you have ankles of steel
lots of great advice here. Some things iv'e learned with this very experiment. find a pair of boots that fit. match them with the right sock and insole + the right lacing configuration and you will last longer on your feet. The right fit starts with the width and length and then go from there. A stout boot with good support will also protect your feet and those ligaments around your ankle. ligaments are one way streets if you tear one. It wont really ever heal. On missed step in a running shoe and you could suddenly find yourself in the middle of a nightmare.
They don't need to be hunting specific brands or super lightweight... or expensive. Going too far the other way with boots has its downsides. Pick up any trail running shoe in your hand and twist it. if it moves with little effort it will put all the strain of an uneven surface on your foot muscles which will stop you dead in your tracks. trail runners are for trails and not for the uneven mess you will find in the elk woods. They are not designed for the steep slopes especially on descent. In fact, any shoe gets you up the mountain but only a good boot gets you down in good enough shape to do it again and again.
another consideration is how you walk. It sounds silly but it often gets overlooked. When you try them on they shouldn't change your gait very much if at all. lots of modern boots like lowa, zamberlain, crispi etc. have a built in flex point at the ball of your foot that make the break in a breeze and the gait more human. if the boots make you walk like a giant flat footed robot look elsewhere.
lastly, break them in! Live in them until you are 100% happy with thte fit. get used to them and make them conform to you any way you can.
Best of luck.
Ll bean when dry and Schnees with bob sole when too steep or wet is what I do. Super light, quiet, no gore tex or insulation. Dry quick if necessary and I just smear the sealer on em. Done this for several years now. I've had trouble with the super duper danners and the like. They are loud, heavy, and not flexible enough in steep terrain so they rub or put pressure on tendons funny.
I have used Bean boots since 1982 and they are what I am using currently, but I have also had great success with Schnee boots and the air-bob sole.
I prefer Pitch Blend for leather treatment, but I have also used OBENAUF'S with excellent results as well.
I have owned only one pair of Danner's and I gave them away after one season.
Strangely enough, one "size" doesn't fit all....
YMMV
Keep the wind in your face!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
I have your answer. Thru the years I had really struggled with footwear on elk hunts. Last year bought some of the new Danner High Ground 8" lightweight boots. Unbelievable. As dumb as I am the weren't even broken in. Walked 8 miles a day for a week in the NM mountains and never got sore. My day pack used to have athletic tape, bandaids and moleskin. Won't need it this year.
Struggled for years with footwear elk hunting. Last year was the only year I have ever looked forward to pulling on the boots to chase elk. They are the new Danner High Grounds. Absolutely perfect. 8 miles a day out of the box and not a single blister or sore.