after doing an extensive review of mountain boot with know good idea. I posting this in the site with the most informed readers and users. I know boots are very personal, but I would like to here what everyone has to say. When buying good mountain boots prices can get big. so I want to make sure I have looked at all options.
I'm looking for a light weight, med stiff, mid height top, full / 3/4 rand boot.
Mountain Boots
http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/tibet-gtx-hi/2108965599/2
http://kayland.com/products/it/018015040/
http://www.crispiusa.com/gran-paradiso-gtx-abss-dtl.html
http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/climbingapproach
www.salewa.com (http://www.salewa.com)
http://www.meindl.de/english/
www.kenetrek.com (http://www.kenetrek.com)
www.hanwagboots.ca/ (http://www.hanwagboots.ca/)
I didn't read all the reviews, but in my opinion a fair mountaineering boot review should include Scarpa and Zamberlain. Not only do I wear these boots afield, I make my living in them as well. My two favorites, but as you mentioned boots are very personal and the two I have mentioned are at the upper end of the price scale. Fantastic boots.
Jake
Not familiar with all of those you list. I've had good luck with Danners and Vasques, but my favorite and what I wear now is Kennetrek. The best fit I've found for my feet, and very good support.
I had great experience with Meindl.
The Perfekt hunters are probably the best leather boot I have ever worn. I still experiment with different brands, but have not found a better boot yet.
Like you said, very personal. Everybody has quite different foot needs.
Not on your list, but look into the Asolo Powermatic. Solid boot and great price. Also look into the Lowa Mountain Expert
I have had excellent service from my Meindl Perfekt Hikers, and that is from a guy with poor arches. I have used mine on four trips for elk hunting in Colorado. My experience has been very wet climate during the first week or two in September and these boots have kept my feet dry. I could wear them from day one without any break-in sore points. I would definitely buy these again.
I should note these will be my Rocky Mountain Goat boots, so heavy pack weights and steep country.
I have had good luck with Lowa, Vasque and Asolo. Try before you buy.
http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/cevedale-gtx/2100504545/12
These are new from Lowa anyone had a chance to try yet.
Love my Vasques (also), but basically do not stand up to the weight of the loads and side hilling of the terrain.
Salomon boots
http://www.salomon.com/us/range/hiking-footwear.html
They were recommended to me by a Navy SEAL. Take that for what it's worth, he swore by them and after a year with my Salomon boots and shoes I swear by them too.
Unless you're sure you have the same foot they used to design their last, you really need to worry more about fit than anything else. I suffered through years of foot agony before I found that Keen boots fit my feet. Keen is sort of marginal as far as mountain boots are concerned, but they just came out with the Liberty Ridge, which is an all leather boot which I would consider wearing in rough mountain terrain. They used to have another one a number of years ago, but quit making it.
Of course, this information does you no good unless you have the same kind of foot they designed the Keen boot for. If you do, it could be priceless.
Salewa Raven Combi GTX's. Perfect fit from the moment i put them on, and not a problem since.
More boot than most guys need unless they are grinding it out for goats or sheep, or for rugged elk/mule deer country.
I spent A LOT of time trying on boots until i found what works for me.
I wear nothing but Kaylands now, but they are no longer distributed in the US. They were a game changer when I found them primarily due to fit, they are for a narrower foot! You can still find them on an internet search, I just bought a pair of their low cut shoes last week off the big auction site. If you have a narrow/low volume foot, I would highly recommend their Zephyr model, it's fairly water proof but can get soaked by wicking in over the top I believe but they breathe so good you can feel a draft, I actually had to get wool socks to wear with them. They were a game changer for me, went from feeling rubber legged at the end of the day because my feet were swimming in my too wide Danners to feeling like I could go back up the mountain again at the end of the day, I now have five separate pairs of them including two pairs of shoes, and a back up pair for the Zephyrs! If you have a narrow foot they run the same length as Danners. If you don't have a narrow foot, they aren't for you!
QuoteOriginally posted by MnFn:
I have had excellent service from my Meindl Perfekt Hikers, and that is from a guy with poor arches. I have used mine on four trips for elk hunting in Colorado. My experience has been very wet climate during the first week or two in September and these boots have kept my feet dry. I could wear them from day one without any break-in sore points. I would definitely buy these again.
X2 for me.
I wore Danners for years while I lived out west and they treated me fine.
I picked up a pair of Meindls for a couple of big hunts in the NWT and BC. They were outstanding , but I couldn't find my style anymore once I wore them out.
I am now wearing Crispis for mountain hunts and have found them to be great boots and probably more consistent fit wise from style to style than any boot company I have tried. I really like them.
I recently found a great deal on some Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers and am wearing them for everyday work around my property. So far I am impressed with them as well.
D.P.
Zamberlan! I am going on a high country buck hunt this year and this is what I will be using. They are one of the best boots out there. Look at Kuiu
they had a boot developed just for them for high country hunting and they are Zamberlan. but bring some money they are costly. I had purchased my Zamberlan boot before I new Kuiu had them or I would have purchased from them.
Dave
How many guys own good mountain boots? That's the number of different feet and different opinions you can find. One guy's all-time best boot is little more than wasted money to another. After a lot of years spent in boots...and if I was looking at boots for a goat hunt...here's what I would probably do:
Narrow things down to a select number of boots.
Locate those selected boots in my size.
Order all those boots at one time and compare them.
Narrow it down further to a couple pairs and really evaluate their qualities.
Pick your best pair and send the others back with a nice thank-you note.
Finally: get those new boots totally and completely broken in. Get your feet broken in to the boots. Boots and feet are a combo deal and both must adjust to the other. I learned the hard way about being SURE my boots and feet are ready. Never take a boot into a setting without trying it out in a similar setting.
I've owned many boots. I'm currently prepping a pair of Zamberlan Vioz 1024 boots for Alaska and some western mountain hunting. I think the quality is superb, so could easily recommend the brand.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kevin Dill:
How many guys own good mountain boots? That's the number of different feet and different opinions you can find. One guy's all-time best boot is little more than wasted money to another. After a lot of years spent in boots...and if I was looking at boots for a goat hunt...here's what I would probably do:
Narrow things down to a select number of boots.
Locate those selected boots in my size.
Order all those boots at one time and compare them.
Narrow it down further to a couple pairs and really evaluate their qualities.
Pick your best pair and send the others back with a nice thank-you note.
Finally: get those new boots totally and completely broken in. Get your feet broken in to the boots. Boots and feet are a combo deal and both must adjust to the other. I learned the hard way about being SURE my boots and feet are ready. Never take a boot into a setting without trying it out in a similar setting.
I've owned many boots. I'm currently prepping a pair of Zamberlan Vioz 1024 boots for Alaska and some western mountain hunting. I think the quality is superb, so could easily recommend the brand.
Well said.
I have to add, before I mentioned I liked the Meindl.
At the time I was an active industrial electrician constantly working in and out of trenches, carrying 4", 10' lengths of RIGID conduit (heavy) on my shoulders, constantly going up and down ladders, etc.
In other words...beat my feet senseless.
My feet were killing me, and I had bought the Meindls for my Colorado elk hunt.
I started wearing them at work every day.
My feet actually healed. The quality of the fit was so much better than my standard work boots that my foot troubles went away. By the time my hunt came along, the boots were beautifully broken in.
So I had a really good chance to try them out and beat them.
I cannot wear them any longer due to mandatory composite toe in our footwear.
But at least at the time I knew my mountain boots were just what I needed.
When buying mountaineering boots (which is what it sounds like you are looking for) access to a ledge and incline board are important.
Full shank rigid/crampon compatibles need to be perfect in fit, as they will not flex to "break in".
This is where buying online and trying to sort out what a boot can do can be tough. A knowledgeable store that deals in mountaineering boots will have a rock incline and ledge set up so you can spend a half hour in them and see if they will really work.
I know. Not a lot of stores like that in SK, but maybe an excuse to roll out west for a preseason scouting trip/boot buy expedition?
What Kevin Dill said x2
I did the same thing and ended up with Asolo Powermatics. I wore them everyday on an 8 day elk hunt and they were awesome. One of my best equipment purchases. Still wear them a lot and still awesome
I'm also planning to buy the first pair of expensive boots after all these years. I've been buying various box store brands in the $150 range. I usually get 1-2 years out of them.
I'll admit to date I haven't put much stress on a boot because I usually am just walking a mile or less and then climbing a tree. I have had some nice blisters on a couple of elk hunts because of the low priority I've placed on boots.
I've been studying the Cabela Meindl.
I like this thread!
QuoteOriginally posted by McDave:
Unless you're sure you have the same foot they used to design their last, you really need to worry more about fit than anything else. I suffered through years of foot agony before I found that Keen boots fit my feet. Keen is sort of marginal as far as mountain boots are concerned, but they just came out with the Liberty Ridge, which is an all leather boot which I would consider wearing in rough mountain terrain. They used to have another one a number of years ago, but quit making it.
Of course, this information does you no good unless you have the same kind of foot they designed the Keen boot for. If you do, it could be priceless.
I second this post... i have tried a lot of different hiking boots with various results. Keeping my feet dry in wet weather has always been a big part of it too...... I have been wearing Keen boots for the last few years with great comfort and durability. I wear them year round for day to day work & have my hunting boots set aside so i don't trash them out so quickly....
Thanks everyone,
I have done 9 goat hunts, and worn out 6 pairs of boots (vasques) also I have a pair of koflachs, to stiff, noisy.
looking/upgrade to a pair of boots for just mountain hunting. I will never buy boots over the internet, I have wide and high feet, just need that in store experience. I do my research this way in many ways and this is one. when your looking at $400 to $800 Canadian for good mountain boots, you want to weight your options and explore all choices and opinions.
Ok, one other option if you can do it, take a weekend trip to Denver and go to the rei. They are experts at boots like you want!
Here's a link to the Asolo powertmatic. 210$
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-power-matic-100-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~5487a/
Most of the responders have tried more boots and have more experience than I do. Ill give my 2 cents anyway.
I have elk hunted CO last 10 years. I have terrible boney feet, bad super high arch and narrow to boot. They blister almost instantly with most boots. I am a real tenderfoot flatlander. It is my weak link for western hunting.
I have tried Danners, vasque, and even bought a custom pair of Russell sheep hunters. My feet were hamburger after a short time with them. I know how to break in boots, none of them worked.
I bought the Meindl Perfect hunters. So far the last 3 trips, no blistered feet. I have also switched to llama wool socks, seem to be a little more slide in the heel, seems to prevent blisters for me. The boots have good support, big enough toe box, and pretty good waterproof after treatment. Not bad for a couple hundred bucks.
An aside, I have bought 2 pairs of Keens for work, I like the wider toe box. They are really nice so far.
Lowa
I got myself some salomons back in December and they are doing incredible.
http://www.rei.com/product/881783/salomon-quest-4d-ii-gtx-hiking-boots-mens
I am with you on that boot Matty. I have been breaking in a pair for a month or so now. I really like them.
I had a pair of substantial leather hikers (though not a full mountaineering boot) that were Lowa's- they were extremely comfortable and well made. Currently wear Keen's in that category. In fact, all my footwear is currently Keen's. Obviously, I think highly of them, and the fit is superb.
I have the good fortune of being able to try on a whole lot of boots, as I'm always not far from some very good outdoor sport shops. And I'm extremely particular about the right fit and construction. My feet sound like Bigriver's, and the above boots work great, though they're widely liked by folks with wide feet as well.
Fit and feel matter immensely, as said. Trying on as many as possible, till you are sure of the fit, necessary, even if it means ordering 'em to try 'em.
The incline board tip is a simple and effective way to check for potential heel blisters. I also get a feel for how good the friction is of the sole - think wet rock, logs, etc.
QuoteOriginally posted by Matty:
I got myself some salomons back in December and they are doing incredible.
http://www.rei.com/product/881783/salomon-quest-4d-ii-gtx-hiking-boots-mens
Despite the fact that Matty and I have stumbled onto the same boot and have similar experience with it, YMMV.
homebru
QuoteOriginally posted by Matty:
I got myself some salomons back in December and they are doing incredible.
http://www.rei.com/product/881783/salomon-quest-4d-ii-gtx-hiking-boots-mens
I wore these out within several month of buying, just as my every day boots, fabric ripped behind the toe rand and the sole got a tear.
For all my climbing, when I'm still able to do it, I wear crepe sole mukluks for winter, and leather sole moccasins for summer. The ability to bend my foot over obstacles is the single greatest thing I find in trying to climb. Haven't had anything able to go through the shoes, partly because I can feel it there before I put my full weight on it.
Rigid boots just hurt my feet. Badly. I also can't use them to suss out if a foothold is steady or not. With these, just a little pressure will tell my foot if it will hold.
I don't have the Rockies, but the Appalachians were no issue in shoes like this. My "nobody knows about it" fishing spot is a near vertical climb. Explains why I haven't been out to it in a while.
As with everything, your mileage may vary. Our ancestors didn't have all these "support" shoes, and they made the climbs just fine. It works for me.
For my 27 years experience of CO,WY,MT,ID,NM elk hunting Russell boots proved to be enough if you don't face wet snow and few days of rain.
But if you are looking for a very thought boot to hunt above timberline such as a goat or sheep hunt you really need more support,both lateral and inclined, here were Italian bootmakers excell,not to steer the pot!. The Alps are much more steep and rigged than the average Rockies and chamois hunting is very demanding with lot of dangers for the hunter,that must be preparedalmost as a climber. 200 hundreds years of experiences and dedications have taken many companies to perfection. Tre Zeta,Zamberlan,Crispi,La Scarpa,La Sportiva,just to name a few have models that suit the avid and dedicated hunter.a good pair of boots in the Alps is like a good life insurance.
I got a pair of the Hanwags, I thought they might be a little to stiff when not carrying a pack but I was wrong, very, very happy with them, they performed flawlessly on my Idaho elk hunting trip, never had any problem s at all ! They only cost me $150 bucks brand new !!
the current issue mountain boot for the Stan is made by Belleville...I think they call it the 950...it's way less expensive and a good boot.
I've tried Danner, Multiple types of Meindls, Lowas, Asolos and Kenetreks. The Meinde Denali is all things considered head and shoulders above the rest in my opinion. They have held up great on all of my mountain trips and are my daily go to boot hunting around home. I still wear a pair I bought 10 years ago. Extremely comfy and the most waterproof boots I have owned.
Are Meindl's are good now that Cabela's owns?
McDave hit the nail on the head. Wear boots that fit your feet. I like kennetrek mountain extreme, but they might not fit your foot.
The Meindl "Perfect Hunters" I bought from Cabela's this past season met my expectations for comfort and fit. I look forward to many years of service. With that said the Mendl "Danali" is a heavier boot made for serious mountain hunting. I'd advise trying them on before buying. I believe they run a little small. Good luck and be safe. :campfire:
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/dillbilly/Liskamm.jpg) (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/dillbilly/media/Liskamm.jpg.html)
This boot from Scarpa interests me a lot. I've read some very good reviews on it. Supposedly super-strong and durable, but enough flex for good walking characteristics. Might not be rigid enough for vertical rock use...not sure. I may buy a pair to add to my kit.
http://www.scarpa.com/liskamm-gtx
Lowa, Asolo and Meindl keep my feet pretty happy. Asolo TPS 535 is my all out favorite boot for Western conditions.
I have tried most brands (my boot collection rivals my wife's shoe collection :scared: ) and have settled on Kenetrex and Scarpa; they are what fit my feet best.
EDIT: I just saw your later comment on your previous goat hunting experience and your dislike for Koflachs, so I'm cutting this down to comment on the Tibet GTX Hi only, by relating my experience with the Lowa Sheephunters.
The Sheephunters were specially made by Lowa for Schnee's and are essentially a deluxe version of the Lowa Hunter GTX Extreme. The Hunter, as you may know, is a step up from the Tibet GTX. The Tibet GTX Hi that you're looking at is the same height as the Hunter.
After taking the Sheephunters on an elk hunt in Colorado, I came to the conclusion that they are closer to elk hunting boots than sheep boots (much less goat boats.) I know there are folks who have used them for sheep, but it wouldn't be my choice. They're just a smidgen too soft for my liking on sidehills. Like every pair of Lowas I've ever put on my feet, they're supremely comfortable and amazingly well constructed.
Mind you, I wore Pivetta 8s, Raichle Montagnas, then Limmer Standards for several years as a SAR dog handler. These are all stiff, stiff boots, which I like for steadiness underfoot in the dark with a pack.
I love Lowa boots. I have yet to find someone who has owned them and didn't feel the same. It is of course essential to get a good fit for your particular foot, which you already know!
Well,I had a chance to go try some on in Revelstoke B.C.s, I liked the scarpa's but to low a tongue(with the double tongue) for my foot. other brands just did not work for my foot, did not have a chance to try Lowa's, but ended up with Hanwag Alaska's in a wide, wow these boots are comfy. I think the best boots I have ever tried on /worn, and I have tried and worn/worn out lots. great heal feature, rand, sole, orthotic, support, etc....... I guess we will have to see how they wear/durability.
THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP AND SUGGESTIONS. Like I said right off the bat, boots are very personal, best advice was to go but my feet in some boots.