Mid top hiking boot

[Moon]

Can someone recommend a good all around mid-top hiking boot with an aggresive sole that I can use during elk season?  Recently I looked at some made by Morrel/Pategonia/Keen and they all seemed to be well made, but I don't know much about them.  Can they hold up in the mountains?

During last years elk hunt I used Danner boots, but they seemed a little heavy/bulky for climbing mountains and they gave me blisters on my blisters.  

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[McDave]

The main difference between Keen and the others is the fit.  Keen fits people who have wide feet in the front and narrow heels.  All the other boots, however fine they may be, give me blisters or corns on my little toe because their last is not the same as my foot.  So I only wear Keen boots for hunting, backpacking, etc., now.

Of course, your foot is probably a different shape than mine is, so you have to experiment for yourself.  But good fit is by far the most important thing, with everything else being a distant second.

This also includes so-called "custom made" boots, which don't fit my feet as well as Keen boots do.  They should, but I have to assume they aren't quite as "custom made" as they would lead you to believe.

[Moon]

Thanks, McDave.  Of the one's mentioned, I liked the Keens the best.  I wear size 11D and the extra room up front felt really good.  I just hate the blisters just like everyone else.

[kadbow]

As long is there is not too much snow on the ground, I really like my Assolo backpacking boots for elk hunting.  I have the Sasslongs which seem to fit narrower feet pretty well but they have several models in the sturdy boot category.  Check out Sierra Trading Post for some decent deals.

[58WINTERS]

asolo 520 or 535. 520 has gortex 520 does not
$250.00 range

[58WINTERS]

oops! 535 does not have gortex

[scedvm]

Merrell's are what I find the most comfortable and what I wear to work and hunt in.  Some of the models are not very durable and I wear them out quickly but they are very comfortable.

[MTArrowLauncher]

I love the Vasque Wasatch boots, mine are my go to elk /everything Boots until the snow forces pac boots

[T Lail]

I have used Vasque, Kayland and Merrell.....without a doubt the Merrells all ways fit better and lasted the longest.....

[Shedrock]

I love Merrells. The Merrell Reflex has been a favorite of mine for years. Really like the Perimeter model as well. Both have Gore-Tex. I have tried the cheaper Merrell models, just waterproof, not Gore-Tex, and have found they make my feet stink bad. Plus, not as comfortable.

For elk hunting, I think you might like the Perimeter model. I have only seen that model on the Merrell website.

[Tim Nuss]

I have a pair of Kenetrek "Hardscrabble" Hikers that that work very well for me in all conditions. Great boots in my opinion.

Tim

[centaur]

My Keen experience has been that they are very comfortable, but wear out really fast. Like Shedrock, I like Merrells, but I have also had good success with HiTecs, which aren't very expensive but seem to last well.

[Scott Teaschner]

I have gone through a pile of boots most fit but seemed to only get a season out of them. Danners imported boots never seem to hold up and there throw aways and you can't resole them. I find any boot that is rebuildable a better value. They may be a little more money at first. But after a few rebuilds you will be money a head. Whites Boots make a solid lace to toe boot called Dri Boot its very rugged but to heavy for my liking. I put my money on Kenetrek its a light weight boot even the insulated models. Its a very rugged boot and has a great tread. They require very little breaking in. I had a pair of boots that where crippiling me while guiding. When I got out of camp I went to Bozeman and bought a pair derictly from Kenetrek. They said they would need a little breaking in but they felt like slippers compared to my others. That was two seasons ago with hard use and no problems. Kenetreks are resoleable which I feel makes them a better value than say Lowas and other high end boots that are not rebuildable. They also have a rockered sole which really cuts down on fatigue you dont have to flex that sole as much walking and it is a tremendous advantage in rough country. I dont know if they even mention that in there advertiseing but its great.
Scott

[nightowl1]

Many many miles in my keens. The waterproof work really well.

The keens fit my foot perfect and make a world of difference on my long treks after hogs in the swamps.

[bowslinger]

The best boot for you is the one that fits best.

I have relativley narrow feet and Vasque fits me better than any other major make of boot, including Merrell, Danner, Redwing, Asolo, Keen, etc.  I own two pair of Danners, which a are a close second.  The Danners are great with large bulky socks but let my foot slide side to side a little on steep sidehills.

Try on as many different brands as possible.  I suggest you have your feet measured because the recommended size may be based as much on your arch length as your width and total foot length.  Good Luck!

[slivrslingr]

Go to a REI store, they usually have many different models you can try on.  There are several stores in the Austin area.  You might look at the Lowa Renegade boots.

[mikebiz]

LL Bean Gore-Tex Cresta Hikers.  I have logged a lot of miles in mine.  Great boot.  LL Bean carries high quality products and stand behind them 100%.  These boots come in three widths as well.  

Another excellent boot is the Vasque Sundowner.  Owned several of these over the years.  Rock solid.

[mahantango]

Another vote for Keens. Probably not the most durable as I'm on my third pair in five years, but for me the fit and comfort can't be beat. I wear them nearly 365days/year hunting, hiking and for my work boots as a residential carpenter.

[Elkchaser]

All great suggestions so far. Find the pair that fit your feet and
put many miles on them before heading to the mountains after elk to get them good and broken in. Your feet will be happier.

[Rob DiStefano]

there are a lotta great boots out there, but as others have mentioned, the FIT is PARAMOUNT and most everyone's feets is different.  try b4 ya buy!

i've been very happy with a pair of hi-tec ultra-lite altitudes, which were recommended by an oregon park ranger.  right on.