Tennis shoes for elk hunting

[cnelk]

Anyone use tennis shoes for elk hunting?
Many times I have thought about it as sometimes the terrain is dry and many miles are put on running and gunning in the mornings
They are light and give good support

Thoughts?

[easeup]

I do mr. cnelk.
well sort of. I switched over to lightweight hikers about 6 yrs ago for Sept elk chasing. In reality those things are nothing more than high top tennis shoes with a little lugged sole and of course a goretex membrane. I wished I had done it 30 yrs ago if they existed back then.

[bowhunterty]

Used a Salomon tail running shoe this year on my elk hunt. It's even is goretex lined. Pair it with gaiters to keep the dew out it can't be be beat. Light and comfortable. They even make a mid (high top) version. Check out there website.

[cnelk]

im thinking about using my SealSkinz socks in running shoes next fall.
Just curious about the tread design?

[Lefty]

Im using Cabelas Arizona trail hikers, light weight and great for my style of hunting. Of course Cabelas quit making them, I dont even think they made it in a catalog

[>>>---WW---->]

I tried em several times. They worked great. Only big problem was keeping the burrs and stick tites out of my socks. LOL! Most running shoes have somewhat of a lug design on the sole that provides enough traction.

[Indian Summer]

I'm wondering if those SealSkinz will make your feet sweat?

I've used the waterproof hikers. Not enough ankle support for my liking.

BUT.... if I'm just hiking or scouting with no weight and nice weather I still use them sometimes.

[T/H]

There is not a tennis shoe or sneaker I would trust my feet to in the terrain I hunt. Both in NM and CO. I need the extra support of a good hunting boot!

[buglmin]

For years, Randy Ulmer used New Balance running shoes when he hunted elk. With the sponsors now, he doesnt.
I wear lite weight hikers for most of my September elk hunting, never needed a heavy boot. I like to feel what is under my feet when I step.
Abe Meline wore either wrestling shoes or football cleats for most of his elk hunting.

[cnelk]

I'm wondering if those SealSkinz will make your feet sweat?

My feet sweat all the time anyway

[cnelk]

For years, Randy Ulmer used New Balance running shoes when he hunted elk. With the sponsors now, he doesnt.

Amazing how more $$$ can influence your technique...

[buglmin]

Any more, its all bout money...sponsors want to see their products on TV shows, which sucks for guys shooting 3D's that deserve the sponsorship.
Randy used to be a good guy to talk to and to visit after a 3D shoot, and more then once he used my arrows as aiming points on the pratice range,,,lol, said my white feathers made great aiming points.
Abe believed that the hard plastic on the football cleats sounded like an elk hoof when it clicked on rocks. Still would blow my mind to see him chasing elk in wrestling shoes when he chased elk in the cathedral bluffs up nw of here...that guy was truly an elk talking fool (no offensive Paul)
Had the honor of meeting him in 1992 when he was chasing the same bull we were in unit 2 in NM...a big dark bull we called chocolate.
I see guys out here always wearing the latest bestest thing on the market every year, but the best shoe ive wore for chasing elk in early Sept is the Merrell or Columbine, although the Hi Tech is a good boot too. Like a lite boot, that allows my foot to breath. And changing socks during the hunt helps keep the feet dry when you do sweat...
Hope the weather up north is better then down here,,,dang snow

[POk3s]

I would be all for it. I just can't seem to find one I truly like so I keep wearing boots.

I've HEARD wrestling shoes make great hunting shoes. ankle support plus a light sole for quiet steps.

[Swede]

I have used tennis shoes and even slip ons when hunting tree stands and the access was easy. I used them only when I could go back to the truck if I needed the ankle support for packing out on uneven ground.
I sure agree with Buglmin's take on how bow hunting has become too commercialized. I got tired of Bow Hunter Magazine. It is mostly commercials. Even the few articles left, all have a list of products the hunter used on the hunt. Most of the time it makes no difference what brand of product you use. Some brands of boots and bows fit me better than others. The same can be said for very few other items. Brand X won't make you a successful hunter. Rarely does it make any difference, but too often that is where new hunters focus their attention. As soon as they get started with one brand, companies know their customers stay there for a long time.

[buglmin]

I remember in high school and college how much a set of Russian wrestling shoes cost us, and today, they are even more expensive. I would rather spend the money on a pair of boots...
But, why back in the 80's and early 90's, there wasnt that much of a boot market. So yessir, a lot of times hunting in tennis shoes was second nature. And the worst thing is, a great set of high top basketball shoes had great ankle support...
Every magazine is extremely commercialized anymore...and the hunting articles that were published in the 70's, 80's, and 90's are a thing of the past. Now adays, its all how to articles. Guy kills two or three bulls, and all of a sudden he is an elk expert and writing articles bout it. Man, do i miss Judd Cooney and Jim Dougherty...

[High Country]

I read an article by Randy Ulmer and he claimed that running shoes were his footwear of choice. He advised making sure the shoes were all synthetic (to keep odors down) and if possible, to bring several pairs.

[Indian Summer]

Yeah.... I've seen the pics of the places guys like Randy and Chuck Adams hunt. Guys like us could just about wear sandals to hunt there!!!

I'd bet it's been a long time since they scooted across rock slides or danced along a blowdown 4+ feet off of the ground.

[foxvalley]

It would be so great to wear lightweight tennis or wrestling shoes,and I am very envious of the guys that can.I tried moccasins,and heavy sock like things that had leather on the bottom,and would take my boots off and use these when I got close to the elk.They worked,sort of,exept when the ground was wet,then it was like trying to walk a wet log.The panhandle is steep and rough,ancle support is extremly important here.It seems like every year I twist my ancle,and know that if I was wearing anything less,my hunt would be over.
I have a big box of "bowhunter" magazine from the 70s,and it was truly a different day back then.It's a shame to see some of my archery heros "drink the coolaid" and endorse products they don't even believe in.

[wideangle]

These shoes are highly rated by long distance hikers.
I have used these for two seasons of archery hunting in OR and CO and they hold up very well.

http://blog.montrail.com/2010/05/montrail-at-plus-review/

[buglmin]

Has anyone tried the Lowa's? A very expensive boot, but a few guys that use them say its the best they've tried, and these guys were hardcore Keenatek users...
Yessir. I've got Bowhunter, Bow and Arrow, and Archery World magazines from the 60's thru the 80's, and those guys really knew how to tell a story...

[In-S-Heart]

I normally make sure the animal is dead before I put my hands on it ..... hence no need for wresting shoes ...

[Broken arrow]

I have lowa renagades and I love them!!!! Shoebuy.com sells them just watch for the deals. Think I paid $200

[elkmtngear]

Lightweight, low-top Gore Tex Hikers for me. I've got 3 Seasons on a pair of Merrells.

[ORelksniper]

Jeff, what model of Merrells are you wearing?

[elkmtngear]

Sniper,
The closest I could find in their current line are the MOAB. They look the most similar to mine.

[slim9300]

Anyone use tennis shoes for elk hunting?
Many times I have thought about it as sometimes the terrain is dry and many miles are put on running and gunning in the mornings
They are light and give good support

Thoughts?

In 2009 I used them on my Gila hunt for the entire 10 days of the season. If I could do it over with some trail gators I would say that they are perfect for that kind of cushy terrain.

Here's what I had on:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Mobile/Product.mvc.aspx/12465M/28972?dimensions=0&galleryKey=0

[ORelksniper]

Thanks Jeff and Slim. I saw the mid height Moab at my local Cabela's...they looked good but are relatively inexpensive compared to Danner, Lowa, etc. Think I'll give 'me another look.

[pointysticks]

i wish!

i almost lost my leg when i was younger in a motorcycle crash. i fixed my leg, but my right foot will forever be tingly and numb in places. i sometimes dont even feel the ground with that foot. i just put it down until it stops moving. now i rate myself as a weak hiker. i have flimsy ankles. i would sprain my ankle daily if i wore tennis shoes. or i would destroy my foot by smashing it down too hard on something.

i wear great boots. they are like boxing gloves for my feet.

[WA Backcountry]

Montrail waterproof trail runners for me. I always keep a pair of gaiters with me to keep the socks dry in the morning. I can't stand wearing my heavy boots when hunting elk in the early season. It amazed me how much quieter I can be with the trail runners. Late season I always wear the standard high top leather boots.

[crazyaboutelk]

Well, I wear Merrill hiking boots. Personally I think it is more about what fits your needs and feet. I have heard of some guides wearing old converse sneakers in the Bob Marshall Wilderness years ago. However, I personally would stick with something that has good ankle support and a sole that will stand up to rock.

[>>>---WW---->]

If you happen to have a Murdocks Farm & Ranch store in your area, you might want to get down there and check out the tennis shoes that are on sale. I just bought some $80 Columbia for $36. They are supposed to be waterproof and have an agressive lug sole on them. Just thought I'd pass it along.

[fiddlerE]

Anyone try the rubber shoes with individual toes - they look like they could be quiet - watched a friend last summer hike down hill for 2.5 miles with those and i couldn't get him to admit there was any real pain....Can't imagine hiking with those and a pack on - but slow still hunting through prime habitat or that last 50 yards of a stalk...

[Jaquomo]

I love the Merrell Moabs for most elk hunting and all-around hiking in the terrain where I live and hunt. They fit me well, too.

Andy Johnson swears by trail running shoes with SealSkinz socks when it's damp. I asked him if his feet sweat and he said not as much as you'd think. He covers a lot of miles on his bivy hunts. I have some but have never used them for elk hunting. May rethink that.

[Seminole]

I will stick to my Kenetrek Hardscabble boots. They are light enough and protect my feet. I have not had a blister since I put them on and Joe will tell you that beats using duck tape. A poor pair of boots can ruin you.

[Indian Summer]

Ha ha Seminole... so you traded the duct tape in on some Kenes. Nice because, as Pointy put it: "boots, they are like boxing gloves for my feet"
Amen to that Pointy!

I'm considering a pair of those Hardscrabble hikers. Tell me more.

I guess we are wrong when we say duct tape fixes anything... although it did work.

[GetemDuck]

Tennis shoe work well early season when weather is nice, but for the last 5 years i've been wearing a light weight boot designed like a tennis shoe, and this give more ankle support over that rough terrain.....i'd give you the name of the shoe if i could remember it but i'm forgetful, not that it would do any good since cabela's discontinued then years ago, the were ugly sponge print on pig skin so the camo looked bad ....lol but i knew they were going to so i bought 3 pair out of the bargain cave when they did so i still have a will before i need to replace them.

Getem Duck

[RockChucker30]

Last year I started hunting in my Lowa Tibets but after a couple days switched to Inov8 trail runners. Worked great even on the pack out.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1362666164.381637.jpg (174.81 KiB) Viewed 66503 times

They're not waterproof so rainy days require a vapor barrier or neoprene sock.

[mtnmutt]

RockChucker30,
Your short gaiters in the picture: what brand and style are they?

The only time my feet get cold is when they get wet from the dew and frost, so I am looking for waterproof shortie gaiters. I use hiking shoes or hiking boots but gortex isn't that great even with reproofing.

[RockChucker30]

OR Flextech gaiters. They work well. The big size is good for boots and a bit big for trail runners. I need to get a pair of the smaller ones.

[WindedBowhunter]

A few years back I wore my Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX Trail Running sneaks. While they were great to hunt in for feeling the ground, traction, lightweight, they did not provide the ankle support that I personally like. They do provide great foot and arch support as my feet did not get sore or tired on my 7 day hunt in the Bob.

To clarify my feet were a little sore wearing these boots on the hike in and out of 5+ miles into the backcountry with your 65lb pack.

I have thought about giving either the Salomon XA Pro 3D Mid GTX or Wings Sky GTX 2 a try. I friend of mine loves his Wings, as he even hunts with them in AK chasing caribou, bear and sitka deer!

[Elkmedic]

I have bad ankles and need the ankle suport. I went with the midweight Merril Moab. Vibram sole, breathable, waterproof and light weight. My feet feel great at the end of the day whether I got stuck in rain, rocky terrain, or hot dessert conditions. I have even tested them in 2-4" of snow while hunting and feet stayed warm too. good all aroud boot for about $120.

[ELKrazy]

Great thread!

I've been wondering this very thing.

For you guys wearing sneakers or ultralight hikers, are you bivy hunting with camp on your back? Do you change boots for packing out elk?

I keep hearing, you need lots of support. But then I read about guys that switch to ultralights and say they'd never go back. I have to wonder are the stiff heavier boot crowd just missing out?

I used to do a lot of hiking on an old ski trail and around what we call "mountains" here with a 90-120# molle pack on my back. Most the time I wore ICB boots (usmc intermediate cold weather boot). BUT....sometimes I wore my running sneakers. My legs and feet always felt more fresh with the sneakers, but I always felt at risk for twisting an ankle on downhills or when sidehilling. Going up never seemed to be a problem. Dropping pack weight below 45# or so made it to where you could get away with sneakers for everything.

My plan for elk hunting involves maybe two pairs of boots and two packs. My large pack can carry everything and then some...including gear and elk meat if I'm so blessed.

However, if I'm "on elk" I plan on dropping the big pack and taking my assault pack which is really light. It will have a wind puffer, knife, water bladder, TP, lunch/snacks, map/compass and some emergency supplies. Weighs like 12#.

I figure I could get away with very light boots or sneakers when hunting, but might need stiffer boots for humping gear or packing out elk. I'd prefer to have one do-it-all boot if possible though and the lighter the better.

My boot budget is about $150 tops.

A few I want to go try on are:

Cabelas Silent Stalker Sneaker
Merrel Moab Ventilator
Keen Targhee II


Does this seem realistic? Or am I out of my mind and need stiffer boots?

[RockChucker30]

ELKrazy,

Are you backpacking in? If so I wouldn't take a pair of boots and a pair of sneakers. That's a lot of extra weight, and weight is everything.

The boots vs. shoes argument basically boils down to this:
Boots- take big stiff heavy boots that will stand up to the terrain and keep your ankles secure.
Shoes - wear light nimble shoes that allow yourself enough traction and agility that you don't have to worry about ankle turns because you're a lot more surefooted.

I packed out my bull in low top trail runners last year and had no problems with ankle support. Train your ankles and step carefully.

[ELKrazy]

RockChucker30,

Thanks for the reply. I'm not 110% certain on anything yet, but here's the basic plan.

My friend has an area he likes and he will be setting up base camp and my friends probably plan on hunting in and out of base camp every day. A UTV and ATV will get all the gear to base camp.

Being that I am not normal in the head, I kind of want to set off on my own and do my own thing. It's just the way I like to hunt. I hate to step on someones toes for their spot or feel like something was kind of "handed to me". So I've been scouring maps of the area and am planning to get dropped off and basically backpack/spike camp in another area that is a little more rugged and remote.

Now, maybe I'll get there, strain my neck looking up at the terrain and stay at base camp with everyone else, but not likely. I want to down an elk, so whatever it takes.

I made my own tent that weighs just over a pound, have a sleeping bag that weighs 9oz and have really cut the non-essentials out of the pack. I don't have enough MRE's here yet to know what the pack will weigh total, but my guess will be 45ish pounds maybe. My main concern is packing an elk out.


I'm still leaning towards lightweight boots like the ones I mentioned above. Enough support to help a bit, but light and agile enough to let me get around well.

Sound about right for what I'll likely be doing?

Like you said, IF GOD WILLING, I have an elk on my back, I'll just have to step carefully.

Thanks again. I'll have to head to Cabelas one day soon to start checking out some of these boots.

[RockChucker30]

ELKrazy,

A 9 oz sleeping bag? How???

MRE's are convenient, but they are heavy and don't taste so great. Look into some dehydrated meals if you want that sort of thing. This year I'll be taking nuts, jerky, fruit leather, dates, lara bars, kind bars, etc, so I don't have to worry with cooking.

[ELKrazy]

SOL Escape bivy bag. I tested it down to 25*. Plan is to use a thermolite reactor liner, light base layer clothing (already have to bring anyway), and knit cap. If it's real cold, I can throw in a hand warmer. My tent is made of a similar type of reflective material so it also traps and reflects heat back at me and weighs very little.

I actually LOVE a few flavors of MRE's. (I've eaten them in the past) And my brother showed me a trick Marines use in the field to field strip them down for size and weight. Mine are much smaller and a little lighter than the way the come standard.

I think I'll eat one a day and supplement with other stuff like you suggested. I think the trick to keep energy up will be lots of small meals throughout the day (kind of the way I eat already). That's why I think you're on the money with that suggestion. I just want something to sit down to at night or for lunch that I can consider a meal.

Supposedly water is kind of scarce in the area, so I'm afraid to rely on dehydrated food, like Mountain House....Though they are still considerably lighter than my field stripped MRE's.

All of this is why I joined the forum, I need to talk to guys that have done it. Thanks again for the help. -Matt

[RockChucker30]

I'd rethink the SOL Escape bivy bag. They aren't exactly made for long term use and durability. Reflective material tent? As in mylar or survival blanket material? I'd rethink that as well.

A silnylon tarp, a cuben bivy from Zpacks, and a 26 oz down quilt from Enlightened Equipment is about as light as I would go while still maintaining some durability.

[ELKrazy]

I know they are extreme and the bivy likely won't last more than a season, but so far I'm pleased with them.

I'll be doing more thorough tests here on the AT and during turkey season. You might be right, might fall apart, but I need to try it to see if it can be done. I like pushing limits and challenging boundaries, so I have to try it. I don't usually do anything like other people do. I'm a total weirdo.

I'll look at the gear you recommended though should this not work out. Thanks.

[SGH31]

I used merrel moabs with gortex on my hunt a couple years ago and they worked good for the terrain we were in. Not much heavier than tennis shoes with better soles and water proof but not much ankle support. There are others that give the ankle support and still light weight