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Boots recommendations for western hunt

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cchadww

Well-Known Member
Going on my first mountain hunt in September to Idaho for bear. Researching the best boot. My only criteria is that I have a bunch of points built up on my Cabela's card, so I plan to purchase from Cabela's/Bass Pro. :-)

Right now, I'm leaning towards a non-insulated Kenetrek boot.

Any input from those who've done western hunts?
 
A buddy of mine who goes out west swears by Kenetrek but said it takes a lot of miles to break them in.
I don't go out west but I went with a Crispi boot, not sure what model, but I love them so far. Light wt and comfortable. They seem to be holding up well, which for what they cost they better.
 
Hawk32 said:
A buddy of mine who goes out west swears by Kenetrek but said it takes a lot of miles to break them in.
I don't go out west but I went with a Crispi boot, not sure what model, but I love them so far. Light wt and comfortable. They seem to be holding up well, which for what they cost they better.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes, planning to buy now to break in this summer.


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Crispi Idaho II is what I bought maybe 5-6 years ago. Highly recommend although I wish I'd have gone 1/2 size up, I don't have much room for thick socks. Pay attention to the toe box, some high end boots are tighter than others and if you need a wide toe box I wouldn't overlook that.
 
Lowa tread shallow enough doesn’t pick up too much mud adding weight to boot.Not much break in time. Gortex water proof all leather.Hiking back boot Regenade GTX . Did add arch support liners helps with climbing.I don’t care for a heavy boot walking all day.
 
@cchadww - congrats on your first mountain hunt... so exciting!! I've done a lot of western hunts. Depending on the points & cash, specifically from Bass Pro, I'd recommend these:
- Kenetrek
- Danner Pronghorns
- Under Armour (for a cheaper, mid-height, non-insulated...these can be good but won't last nearly as long)

https://www.basspro.com/l/hunting-boots-shop-all#sortCriteria=@bvavgrating descending&f-brand=Danner,Kenetrek,Under Armour
(I don't recommend all these models but the link will get you to a filtered page showing just those above brands)

Style is up to you...the mid length is a great overall workhorse, but for really steep terrain, you'll probably be better off with the higher ones. For insulation, I would get at least a 200g boot but no more than 400g... with a good, moisture wicking sock (my favorite is Eberlestock's, but they don't make them anymore. I also love these Vortex socks), you won't be too warm in warm weather, and it'll definitely help on cold, glassing mornings and certainly later season hunts.

I wear Schnees these days and love em (Granite 200), but I've worn the others and they're really good too. My son has worn the Danner Pronghorns on a few western hunts and loves his. Good luck! Any other questions, holler.
 
Thx for all the tips, guys! Checked Bass Pro in Council Bluffs hoping to try some on. They didn’t have any high-end boots in stock. Did try the Danner Pronghorns on. Will probably order a pair of Kennetreck online and ship them back if they don’t fit.


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I ran Danner pronghorns when I first started out west, which were ok, then I went to a fancy 450 boot (Zamberlan maybe) that made my feet kill and were heavy. I have finally settled on Hoka hiking boots, and they are the cat's ass for my purposes in the elk mountains. Light, good cushioning, and enough support for me.
 
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