Boots vrs. Hiking boots

[Ridgerunner1524]

I'm thinking about some hiking boots. My main boots are Mendel perfect hunters but I was wondering about getting some hiking boots that might be lighter and lighter. Just wondering what some of you buys prefer? What hiking boots would you recommend. My hunting buddy and I cover a lot of ground a day and just think it would be nice to be able to go a little lighter weight. Thanks for any advice.

[ferris bugler]

It's really about the shape of your foot, but I prefer a boot made for backpacking and hiking to most hunting boots. Some brands that I like are Scarpa, La Sportiva, and 5Ten. I have never owned Kenetrecks, but have used Rockies and Danners and find them bulky comapared with a mid weight hiking shoe. Good luck.

[pointysticks]

for me it is about ankle support. when i am hiking, i am walking along a trail of questionable quality. hunting? i could only wish there was a trail. ever been in so deep, you wanted to kiss a game trail when you found one, "going your direction"?

i wear high, full leather, waterproof, boots. last year, i had an approaching animal. it was coming. i was standing in a bog. water just to the top of my boots. my feet were about to freeze, but i could stand it. in hiking boots, it would have been game over. i also have weak ankles. my wife calls them "little slender girl ankles". i need hunting boots.

having said that, i am shopping for hiking boots. i find myself hiking more and more. my hunting boots are just too much. i am going to portland in a few day. i hope to try on their new boot. it is getting great reviews. big money tho. but in portland i can hit their store, and buy it tax free

[Lefty]

For me I need a boot that will hold up. Ive been wearing different versions of Cabelas Hikers for 9 years. They are not a late season boot, about $100

[Indian Summer]

I'm all about the ankle support too. Add to that the fact that whatever is on your feet is guaranteed to take a beating in elk country. Sharp rocks and downed timber with pointy sticks (lol) protruding out of it etc. Camp fires! For that reason I'm a believer in leather. All of those Cordura type fabrics have a limited lifespan. Not only will a good leather boot last longer but it can be resoled. The longer you have boots the more comfortable they are. So for me it's a mid height to high leather boot with an aggressive tread. I like the air-bob soles. Right now I'm using Kenetrek Mountain Extremes but it sounds like you might really like their Hardscrabble Hiker. Give that a look. Good luck and take your time. Boots as I'm sure you know can make or break your hunt.

And welcome to the forums. Can't say I recall your previous post. You should stop by more often. Free beer here... tomorrow.

[navet]

I hunt in Adidas Terrex. Soles are very sticky. Gortex for waterproof. They are very light. They prolly wont last as long as leather but they are real comfortable.

[kevin_t]

I rarely touch a boot unless I'm cutting wood, or there is a lot of snow. I much prefer a lightweight shoe, and sort of liken the ankle support to alpine ski boots vs tele gear. Ankle support is needed if your ankles are not strong enough, but it puts extra stress on the knees. Tele skiers have fewer knee injuries because they have movement everywhere. All it takes is some time away form the boots to get the ankles strong. Granted , light hikers don't last near as long, but they don't cost as much either. However, I will say I have a ton of miles on some Montrail trail runners, and I've done up to 40 miles a day in the mountains with them, without a blister, so for me it works.

[one_elk]

I have worn a variety of high top hiking boots with the thought that a taller, 8 to 10 inch, boot would provide me with more ankle support but from time to time even with the taller lace up boot I still get some ankle roll, which of course is not fun at all. Last year I started wearing the Oboz “Sawthooth Mid dry” and through last hunting season, scouting and hiking through the summer and the first part of this elk season I have not had any ankle roll problem at all. I think it may be because of the softer sole, which thus far has not been an issue at all…..anyway it has been surprising to me that this lower cut boot seems to be preventing any ankle roll issues…anyway these have been great boots for me….best of luck to ya

[Solitude]

Boots vs hikers are really a personal preference item IMO. Just got back from a 5 day BIVY trip and I had leather boots on the entire trip and my partner ultralight hikers. Neither if us complained about our footwear choices and I do not see either of us switching for our second trip coming up.

For me, simply protecting my feet and ankles, especially when on steep side hills, leads me to a supportive boot every-time.

I have some Moab Hikers I wear around town that I could never see myself taking into the Backcountry, but I know others would and do.

Good luck in your search.

[WindedBowhunter]

The question here is what is the total weight of you and your gear?

Some boots aren't designed for weights over 250lbs, 300lbs, etc. It's best to contact them for clarification.

Also, what is the terrain like?
How far will you be hiking in and out or do you hunt day trips?
How strong are you calves and feet?

These questions will start to guide in the safest direction.

Remember, if your wheels are broken your hunt is over...