How much insulation? 400-1200?Hello gents...
I've had a few posts asking for advice and CBN has been outstanding at providing great advice with solid reasons to support the comments, so, here I am asking again.
I've been on-line researching a pair of boots for early season elk with a bow. September-October weather in elk country. I've seen El Cheapo boots at Cabela's for $80-100 and I've been on sites where boots were over $400 for a pair. Everyone CLAIMS their boots are the ticket for the job. That's what sales is about---hype. After reading tons of reviews from buyers; some good, some bad, I'm trying to figure out who's got the best product for my budget- $200-$250 max for the boots. I'm not an every season mountain hunter like those of you who live out in elk country. I take the occasional guided trip so I'd end up using them here after my hunt. I want dry, lots or support, great traction, breathable and comfort.
Danner and Irish Setter have mixed reviews from dozens of hunters. Range is from great to not worth the money has been written. Seems where they're made plays a big role in quality also (US vs China/VietNam).
Those of you who bow hunt elk or deer in the western terrain and conditions please tell me your opinions. I plan on a one time purchase that has to last.
Thanks
Boots for early season archery elk hunting
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Yup...I'd say so! Mixed reviews all over the net. I really don't want to buy a boot I'm not going to be happy with.2400 grams might get a little uncomfortable.
Uninsulated is my preference at this time. With all the different type of socks out there with Merino Wool and wicking abilities, I can easily adjust to a drop in temps without having cold feet in those early morning chilly temps.
Stew, I realize my boots maybe a little overkill for ya, BUT, I've learnt that you really DO get what ya pay for with boots! And on a serious trip, they are the MOST important piece of equipment! They are the only thing that separates you from the ground! And they have to put up with a lot, while keeping your feet dry and blister free!!!That combo doesn't come with cheap boots, sorry to say!
I've got extremely narrow feet, so I have to go with boots from Italy, AKU. They are tough!!!.... I tried the cheap $250ish stuff, like Merrel. What a joke! I can pretty much kill a pair of those in one hunt, and my feet got so wet in them that I got athletes foot so bad, I had to cut my hunt short! That sucks!!! Ya, a week long sheep hunt, caboshed in 3 days!!!
So, if you're still listen'n buddy! Can I suggest dig'n a bit deeper into the ol' budget, and look at brands like Scarpa, and AKU, if ya got narrow feet. For wider fits, more like Hanwag, Crispi, and Miendle.
Then try them on and wear them for a while....they should be real snug all over with no pressure points. You can also undo lases to avoid this, if needed. If your heel moves more than an 1/8", KEEP LOOK'N!!!
And I'd recommend a good thick pair of Smatwool Expedition socks with a wicking sock under it! The extra cushioning will keep you feet in awesome shape on steep terrain!!!
You won't regret it!
KTK
I've got extremely narrow feet, so I have to go with boots from Italy, AKU. They are tough!!!.... I tried the cheap $250ish stuff, like Merrel. What a joke! I can pretty much kill a pair of those in one hunt, and my feet got so wet in them that I got athletes foot so bad, I had to cut my hunt short! That sucks!!! Ya, a week long sheep hunt, caboshed in 3 days!!!
So, if you're still listen'n buddy! Can I suggest dig'n a bit deeper into the ol' budget, and look at brands like Scarpa, and AKU, if ya got narrow feet. For wider fits, more like Hanwag, Crispi, and Miendle.
Then try them on and wear them for a while....they should be real snug all over with no pressure points. You can also undo lases to avoid this, if needed. If your heel moves more than an 1/8", KEEP LOOK'N!!!
And I'd recommend a good thick pair of Smatwool Expedition socks with a wicking sock under it! The extra cushioning will keep you feet in awesome shape on steep terrain!!!
You won't regret it!
KTK
Any of the higher end boots like both of those should be great! IF, and I mean IF, they fit perfect!
Then, if ya got a high arch, look at arch supports, like the cork ones by Birkenstok...
Try new boots at home for a couple hours also. Leather will soften and stretch, so buy 'em tight, but without pressure points...
I've learnt all this the hard way!....
I'll always listen to your advice KT!!! You've never mentioned one thing in all of our conversations that didn't seem well thought out and supported by your experience.Stew, I realize my boots maybe a little overkill for ya, BUT, I've learnt that you really DO get what ya pay for with boots! And on a serious trip, they are the MOST important piece of equipment! They are the only thing that separates you from the ground! And they have to put up with a lot, while keeping your feet dry and blister free!!!That combo doesn't come with cheap boots, sorry to say!
I've got extremely narrow feet, so I have to go with boots from Italy, AKU. They are tough!!!.... I tried the cheap $250ish stuff, like Merrel. What a joke! I can pretty much kill a pair of those in one hunt, and my feet got so wet in them that I got athletes foot so bad, I had to cut my hunt short! That sucks!!! Ya, a week long sheep hunt, caboshed in 3 days!!!
So, if you're still listen'n buddy! Can I suggest dig'n a bit deeper into the ol' budget, and look at brands like Scarpa, and AKU, if ya got narrow feet. For wider fits, more like Hanwag, Crispi, and Miendle.
Then try them on and wear them for a while....they should be real snug all over with no pressure points. You can also undo lases to avoid this, if needed. If your heel moves more than an 1/8", KEEP LOOK'N!!!
And I'd recommend a good thick pair of Smatwool Expedition socks with a wicking sock under it! The extra cushioning will keep you feet in awesome shape on steep terrain!!!
You won't regret it!
KTK
Sure...I can up the budget if I needed to but here's my dilemma. I'm not going out west every season and hunting elk or high country mulies. I doubt I'll ever get to hunt sheep with the $30 plus thousand dollars it costs to go on a 10 day sheep hunt. So, I'm looking to invest in a pair of boots that I can trek to Wyoming or Montana with and bow hunt elk in the rut which will me mid september to mid october. I'm hoping to get back out west at least 2 more times before my age may limit me to such adventures. Lord willing, my health stays good well into my 60's so I can continue to hunt my butt off!
I'm going to bow hunt Ohio this november for deer so I'm hoping to finish all my arrangements for a 2021 elk hunt out west. The current boots I deer hunt in now will not be doable for out west ( I wear Muck Boots 80% of the time here hunting) so I'll need a good boot that'll get me through climbing those pine ridges, grassy meadows and poplar laden hillsides. My last mulie/whitetail trip to Montana I wore Danners. They worked but the terrain I covered wasn't purely elk terrain.
So...I've been reviewing so much stuff on-line that my head is overwhelmed with mountain boots! One guy swears by a brand while another says they failed miserably and leaked before the trip was over. Soles, coming off, too stiff, not stiff enough, no ankle support, too hot, pressure points, toe box cramped on downhill hikes you name it!
I looked at Crispi, Lowa, Zamberlan, Meindl, Asolo, Scarpa, Danner, Keen and Kennetrek- did I miss any?
YouTubed every darn one of them seeing what hunters and climber/hikers had to say. They have many varied opinions to say the least. One guy described it best..." people's feet are like snowflakes; not a one is the same!" He's absolutely right and since my region of North Jersey doesn't have stores that carry these kind of boots, I can't really try them on for a start and that's a problem. I do have an REI store 30 minutes awat which carries some of the brands I mentioned, however, walking around in a carpeted store for 10 minutes doesn't properly represent the terrain I'd be in!
I normally wear size 10 regular width shoes or a 10 1/2 depending on how they feel when on. Medium arch and not a wide foot for sure. What do I do? Buy and return, take a chance?
I hear ya buddy! That sucks ya can't try much there! Maybe try something in a Scarpa or Asolo. From what I remember, they're a bit on the narrow side, but still were too wide for me. I had to drive 3 hours to find my first pair of AKUs, because nothing else fit narrow enough!
Another alternative is a guy in northern BC that hand makes them! Ya, $1800 and a 3 year waiting list!!! That was going to be my next option, till I found AKUs!!!! A bargain at $450!!!! To me, especially on sheep hunts, ya can't put a price on comfy feets!!!!
But I've had a hunt'n partner that had his socks covered in blood by the time we got back to the truck...! Did I mention I'm a hiking addict!!!? lol
Another alternative is a guy in northern BC that hand makes them! Ya, $1800 and a 3 year waiting list!!! That was going to be my next option, till I found AKUs!!!! A bargain at $450!!!!
To me, especially on sheep hunts, ya can't put a price on comfy feets!!!!But I've had a hunt'n partner that had his socks covered in blood by the time we got back to the truck...! Did I mention I'm a hiking addict!!!? lol
Just looking at Scarpa vs Asolo now. Do you recommend one over the other? REI store has both brands so at least I could try them on.I hear ya buddy! That sucks ya can't try much there! Maybe try something in a Scarpa or Asolo. From what I remember, they're a bit on the narrow side, but still were too wide for me. I had to drive 3 hours to find my first pair of AKUs, because nothing else fit narrow enough!
Another alternative is a guy in northern BC that hand makes them! Ya, $1800 and a 3 year waiting list!!! That was going to be my next option, till I found AKUs!!!! A bargain at $450!!!!
But I've had a hunt'n partner that had his socks covered in blood by the time we got back to the truck...! Did I mention I'm a hiking addict!!!? lol
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