Boot opinions???

[centaur]

The time has come yet again for a new pair of medium weight hikers. I go through at least a pair a year, and would love to find something that would have a bit more longevity. Anybody out there  have any luck finding a boot that will withstand 1000 plus miles in a year in rocky terrain, or am I dreaming? I have ended up buying boots in the $80 range for the last few years, since the $120+ boots didn't seem to last any longer. What are your experiences?

[Ryan Rothhaar]

I used to walk through a pair of Rocky's or Cabela's brand hunting boots each year.  Finally in 2003 I bit the bullet and bought a pair of Russell's (the TLC Woodcock all leather boot).  These boots have been all over, including elk country in MT several times, British Columbia, Victoria Island in the NWT (nothing but rocks there) and in the Basalt/sand country of Australia.  They are also my go-to whitetail boots and I put on LOTS of miles year round scouting.  I need to send them in this spring to have them resoled as I've walked them smooth, but the leather is as new, and they only get better with age.  I grease them regularly with Montana pitch blend.  Bought a second pair 4 years ago (insulated) that I use later season.

They are pricey ($300-400), but my first pair has outlasted $600-700 worth of Rockys and I don't see and end to them.

Ryan

[Onions]

Centaur,
I have had great luck with Hi-Tec boots. I don't hunt rocky terrian, however, I wear them all spring, summmer, fall, walking fields for work. I also use them for early season deer hunting.
One pair usually last me 3-4 years of hard use (1000plus miles).
I have worn everything from custom made White's, Mendels, and Danners. The Hi-Tec's last as long, at a fraction of the cost of the others.

chris <><

[Matt_Potter]

Danner - I have about 9 zillion miles on mine and have worn through 2 sets of vibram.

Matt

[imhntn]

I usually wear Danner Pronghorns.  They are comfortable but I have had trouble with the goretex leaking water after one season.  The boots are fine but my feet get wet.

[hunt it]

Cazbelas is discontinuing their Mountain hunter series made in Italy they still have some in stock. $269.00 I believe. These are hard to beat for rocky country. I have three pair of them, dang comfortable. The other good option is Vasque Alpines but they are $400.00 or so. All good boots that should give you years of service if looked after. $80.00 boots and mountain terrain don't go together in my book. In rough country especially carrying a pack you need good ankle support/protection.

[GMMAT]

The pronghorns just don't fit my feet well.....AND....they've leaked since day 1.

I've had awesome experiences with Vasque sundowners.  I'm on my 4th pair, since 1995.

I'm in the market, also, and I'll be watching this thread.  I need to go ahead and get a pair (and get them broken in) for a CO elk hunt in Sept..  I think I've narrowed it down to the Vasque's and the Kennetrek Mtn. Light hunters.

[Whip]

I have a pair of Mindel's from Cabela's that are doing great after three seasons of mountain hunts plus who knows what in between.  I doubt I'm up to a 1,000 miles, but they look like they have plenty more left in them.  I wore them all week in Texas this month through mud, rain and snow the entire week and never once had wet feet.  Most leather boots won't keep water out very well after the first few uses, but these are doing great.

[Lost Arra]

I primarily wear Lowa's (Tibet) but I've had a couple of pairs of Montrail Torre's which are less pricey.

Buy the boot that feels good to YOU and assume that some day it will probably wear out.

Good deal on a nice boot (they also carry it in a wide sizing):

  http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___19440

[fortpeck_longbow]

got to go with kenetreks, try some on and you will see why they are so much money$$$.

[hunt it]

The cabelas Mountain hunter is made by exact same company as Kenetrek and is $100.00 cheaper. You'll only find them online in sale items but great deal while they last, if they have your size. They come insulated and non insulated.

[centaur]

Keep 'em coming guys. I tried Danners years ago but they were always too narrow for my feet. Hi Tecs are comfortable, but I destroy them in a few months. Maybe I just need to open up my wallet and drop some serious cash; it does seem that you get what you pay for.

[huntin_sparty]

Ive had good luck with Danner and Lacrosse for rubber my terrain in lower Michigan is probably different than your needs in Wyoming though.

[Elk whisperer]

Just got some ASOLO'S use them in rocky country.  and I am picky about boots. they are good ones

[RickH]

My favorite boot for mountain hunting is the Lowa Ranger. They're a little pricey but they definitely will last and are comfortable. I've been through a lot of boots over the years(Danners, Vasque, Merrill, and Cabelas) and these Lowas are the best for me. The Danner Pronghorns are pretty good boots too. My experience with the gore-tex liner is that they will all leak eventually when they are soaked for extended periods, such as walking through wet undergrowth all day. I think they start leaking when the pores in the gore-tex get full of mud and such. If you have a place where you can put on a few different brands and try them out it could save you some money.

[bowfiend]

I've got a pair of the aforementioned Cabela's by Meindl with the "perfekt" footbed and they are very comfortable. I probably have around 300 miles on them and they are hoding up well. I generally prefer a lighter boot and my go to pair for warm weatehr hunting and hiking is the Lowa Goretex Mid. I'm on my 4th pair and they are the most comfortable boot I've ever worn. They wear like a running shoe but hold up like a boot. They're light weight, but I've put crampons on them to get through ice and snow in the spring mountains.

Lots of good stuff out there.

[Bjorn]

My fav by far is the Asolo TP535, all leather, non GT so they breathe, and still are quite waterproof. I find if a boot is too long wearing  it tends to be noisy and slippery.

[fireball31]

Oakley's. I have had my tactical oakley's since fall of 2006.  They made it through lots of miles in Iraq.  They made it through bridgeport mountain training.  They aren't waterproof, but I absolutely love'em. There still going strong.  I wish that I could replace the soles because they are finally wearing out.

[JimB]

I have had good luck with Danners and I have the same problem with the width.I can't wear their regular's but they come in a wide.That is what I have to use.If you haven't already,you should try the wide.I also have a pair of Asolo's that have been real good.

I have been hearing so much good stuff about Kennetrek that they are definitely going to be my next boot.

[Jeff Romans]

I'm currently breaking in a pair of Danner 453 GTX's.  So far they have been handling the snow and mud here in Montana just fine.  Took a bow hike yesterday in the Beartooth Mountains and theTFX soles seem to be stout and grippy.  No problems with leakage up to this point.  They are an all leather boot and they are requiring a decent break in period.  So far so good.