Schnee's or Kenetrek?

[Russ Clagett]

I need some advice from those who have used either of these pac boots. I am looking at the 10 inch model they both offer, they are somewhat close in price, and seem to offer the same features.

Who has used either brand, and what can you tell me about them? I sit alot when I hunt, and on other hunts I walk ALOT so I need really good boots.

Thanks for the help.

[Herdbull]

The guy that runs Kenetreck used to work at Schnee's. I have the Kenetrek 10" isulated model and like them very much for what you intend. I sit in tree stands and they are good for climbing using tree steps etc. I sit all day sometimes and they will get you down to about 20 degrees. Temps much below that and you will need a more insulted style boot for sitting. I also hunt in grown over strip-mines, and these boots work great for up and down hills of snow or ice. I don't think there is much diffrence between the two boots; however, I went with the Kenetrek because I do not like "bob" soles that Schnee's has for tree stand hunting because they grab into the stand grate to much and don't allow you to shuffle or slide your feet as easily or as quietly when you have to rotate in the stand to meet a moving deer etc. Don't get me wrong I like the bob soles for stalking etc, but the "K" pattern that Kenetrek offered is more versatile for me.  Mike

[Big'n]

Russ, I haven't tried the K boots yet. My Schnees that I wear are 5 years old and I hunt hard (4-5 days a week) in the Mtns. and flat ground. The way that I made my choice was to look at what the guys that hunt the hardest terrain (Rocky Mtns.) are wearing. If your hunting hard, I promise they won't let you down.

With that said, I hear the K boots are good also. Like you said they look almost identical. I wouldn't be afraid to try them but I know you can't go wrong with Schnees.

[kadbow]

Russ, PMed you some interesting info on the kenetrek.  I just ordered a pair a couple days ago.
Mark

[Covey]

I have a pair of kenetrek 10" grizzly and I love them,they are very comfortible and very tough perfect for hiking.  NO COMPLAINTS!!!

[Keuka]

I don't want to compound your problem but you may want to take a look at Hoffman Boots. I own two pair and they're real good boots.

[Rooselk]

Originally posted by Keuka:
I don't want to compound your problem but you may want to take a look at Hoffman Boots. I own two pair and they're real good boots.

I have a pair of Hoffman's that I purchased in 1994 and they're still going strong. I have a buddy that swears by his Schnee's but I've been very impressed with my Hoffman's.

[Tim]

I have half a dozen pairs of each in the house between my sons, my wifes and mine.  Both are great and no complaints on either.

[Barney]

Schnee's, Whites and Kenetrek are all good boots.  wearing kenetrek right now.

[Baffinland Archer]

Have not used Kenetrek but bought a pair of 13" Schnees Hunter IIs. Simply put: the best boot I have ever used for long-distance roaming over some of the roughest, meanest, coldest country in the land.

You would not go wrong in buying a pair of Schnees and as a bonus, the company is very easy to deal with and actually cares about customer service.

My two bits' worth

Robert

[Russ Clagett]

Thanks guys!

I've never had a pair of the rubber bottomed boots so fit is important. Do these boots have enough support for walking all day? It sounds like it, from what you guys say.

So how do I size em? I want the pac boots with the liners, so should I get em bigger? How much bigger?

[swp]

I wear a 10.5 and ordered an 11 from Schnees, with a liner sock and smartwool heavyweight sock they fit like they were made for me.
I liked the uninsulated pair I got for X-mas so well that I turned around and ordered the insulated ones the next week. Best money I ever spent!  

[Baffinland Archer]

G'day Russ,

The beauty of the Schnees is that they fit and wear like a hiking boot. I was pleasantly surprized at how much support they provide. Unlike traditional bulky pac boots, your feet don't slip and slide around inside. The fit is snug and comfortable. I suggest ordering your regular boot size if you go for the insulated model. Unless you are standing still, the liner provided, gives you plenty of warmth.

My only criticism of the Schnees is that I feel they should have included a removeable footbed. For some reason, they have not included this feature in the Hunter II, although my feet have never been cold in them.

cheers

Robert

[Greg Skinner]

I have a pair of the Schnee's insulated.  I normally wear size 9 1/2, but they only come in full sizes, so I got a 10.  I use Powerstep orthotic insoles which I put inside the thinsulate liner.  With a pair of heavy wool socks they fit as well as my Danner hiking boots - snug and comfortable with all the support I am accustomed to.

[B.O.D.]

I wear a size 11 most of the time, with the insulated liner and a pair of heavy smartwool socks, I had to go to a 12.

They fit like a nice leather boot though and are very comfortable.
I love mine.  
BD

[bowfiend]

I hunt a lot of steep stuff and have found that the leather on my broken in schnees is more flexible than I'd like. I think if I had to do it over again, I'd spend the extra on a pair of whites becuase htey seem a little more rigid and stable.
Of course the schnees only come out when the weather gets really nasty and they are very comfortable for wlking on logging roads etc.

[Naphtali]

Regarding pac boots, is any of those mentioned available in narrow sizes? I need to replace mine and I wear a 10-1/2 A -- almost like ice skates.

I bought L.L. Bean's many years ago because these were the only non-custom-made pac boot available in narrow sizes.

[Labs4me]

Russ:

I've owned a few pair of Schnees over the years. I presently own a 10" pair referred to as the Outfitter II with the tire track tread and 400 grams of insulation. I prefer this tread over the lug tread of the Hunter II because the tire track tread picks up less mud and snow.

Schnees boots are very well made. Really, as well built or better built than the nicest boots out there. The leather upper will require the application of a waterproofing conditioner. I have mostly used Montana Pitch Blend to waterproof my boots with good results, which Schnees used to sell and recommend. Because of the soft rubber nature of the soles, you must store these boots away from direct sunlight. You will also need to apply a conditioner to the leather before you store your boots for the off season or the leather uppers will crack.

The relatively soft rubber bottoms on the soles of Schnees packers are not as tough as the hard rubber sole bottoms of some other hunting boots I have owned, but then again, they tend to grip better and slip less than hard rubber soles. Also, Schnees boots are only offered in even sizes. So if you normally wear a half size, you'll have to round up to the next size. And do just that- round up and not down or you'll probably regret it.

I wore a pair a Schnees to the Michigan Bunny Stomp on February 16th. Temps were in the single digits during the morning hunt and the average snow depth was easily over 12". Like always, my Schnees kept my feet bone dry, warm and comfortable- and we did some hard walking through some nasty bunny cover.

For what it's worth...

[Russ Clagett]

okay, that's awesome guys. I really appreciate all the advice and help. I think I'm gonna get a pair.

thanks

[Marblesonac]

Before this thread I had not heard of Kenetrek.

Once I saw this thread I did a search and found Kenetreks website and bought a pair of 10" Grizzly blems for a great price.

I have worn them at my farm Friday, Saturday and Sunday to take my dogs for a run.  I walk about 3 miles each day through mainly woods with some small hills.

Those boots rock.  They were immediately comfortable.  They are the same quality as my Schnees.  The only complaint I have is they sometimes make my feet too warm and they do not sell an uninsulated model.