Elk hunting staples

[Frenchymanny]

I need a pair of comfortable uninsulated boots for elk hunting.
All I have right now is heavy duty insulated. And I need to put a serious amount of miles on those boots before the hunt!

I found a pair of Irish setter "Elk hunter" that I really like.

Any feedback on those?

F-Manny

[Rick Richard]

Kenetrek. Most comfortable hunting boot in my opinion.

[snag]

Asolo 520 is a great boot. I've been wearing these for 4 yrs now. They are very durable and comfortable with good foot and ankle support.

[meleagris1]

Boots are such a personal choice.  I spent a lot of money in my search for the perfect elk boot.  I've had Kennetrek Hardscrabbles, extremes, Asolo 520's, Danners etc.  I prefer softer soled goretex hiking boots to bowhunt elk, and have used Salomons the last 4 years and love them.  The stiffer soles of the all leather mountain boots didn't flex with my feet, didn't provide as secure grip on wet wood and rock, were noisier and were twice the weight of my current boots.  One tip I can give you is to look at hiking and backpacking stores for this type of boot, you will find a far better selection, higher quality footwear and more knowledgeable sales people than in most hunting shops.

[ron w]

I have had good luck with ASOLO Gortex hikers, also Danners but that was a while ago. I have a pair of Rocky boots right now that are good!

[ChuckC]

I have found that. .  for me. . I need to try them on and walk a bit.  Expensive does not make better for my feet.  In fact, the last two boots I bought were not the most (or even close) expensive, even though I gave myself a HUGE leeway in available cost.  Find what works, then buy two pair cause they will change before you need another set.
ChuckC

[Brazos]

I got a pair of Cabelas Mendal hiking boots.  Work real well.  If you are not wearing a heavy pack I would consider some sort of athletic, lightweight hiking shoe.

[Daz]

Hit up either of the Mountain Equipment Co-ops in Montreal, and try on a pair of Zamberlan Tofane GT RR's.

If they fit for you, (and once you get past the price) you will have a pair of rebuildable 'forever' boots, that are worth EVERY penny.

Again that is only if they fit (and you can get past the granola munchers at the front counter).

[Panzer]

Zamberlanes are a $450.00 boot!

[will_hunt]

KEEN OREGON MID-HIKERS. I have tried them all. Danner makes a good boot and Mendl does as well. I currently have a pair of Danner Grand Slam and a pair of Danner Full Curl for serious winter hunting in the Idaho snow.  If you are talking elk in the month of September. The Keen is the best. Light as a feather and major comfort. Get at least a half size if not a whole size larger and wear heavy woolen hiking socks. The last thing you want is blisters. Your hunt will be over. If you have a shot, you are likely to miss because your mind will be on the pain. I am SERIOUS.

[JEFF B]

hey my Brother why don't you try hunting in your Bare feet Boots are to expensive      oh and good luck on your hunt and dont forget what i said ineed pics

[Daz]

Zamberlans are cheaper here by about $75 a pair, but yup they are expensive.

Handmade in Italy (one piece leather vamp so no seams to leak), and rebuildable. My attitude is you can buy a low quality,somewhat so-so fitting pair of boots every couple of years, or buy a quality pair that fit well once and be done.

So expensive yes, but if you actually hunt in the mountains and put on serious miles worth every penny.

[FerretWYO]

Best boot I have ever found for elk hunting is the merell perimeter boot.

I know shed rock will vouch for them as well.

[Dirtybird]

salamon 4d boots are going to be my elk boots.

[PowDuck]

Originally posted by meleagris1:
Boots are such a personal choice.  

 One tip I can give you is to look at hiking and backpacking stores for this type of boot, you will find a far better selection, higher quality footwear and more knowledgeable sales people than in most hunting shops.

I couldn't agree more.

A HUNTING boot might not be the best option IMHO. I have found that the hiking boots are better for me. They are typically lighter and more supportive for me.

PS: Did you catch that I said, "FOR ME?"

[Frenchymanny]

Thanks everyone for the food for thoughts!

F-Manny

[tracker12]

Another +++ on what Powduck said. Another key point is where you are hunting.  I hunted a low counrty area in CO last year and spent many days in my tennis shoes.  Soft bottoms are way more quieter.  I was not carrying a heavy pack so I did not need  any more stabiolity than what I got.

[Paul Shirek]

I have used soft boots and hard soled ones like the Irish Setters. If the terrain is really steep, the hard soles will make things easier. True they are not quite as quiet but if you are going to put miles on... Also, most of the hiking boots I see are lower and thus not waterproof as much. I had to cross many streams and slews and a 12 in boot like the Irish Setter will be really good for that. I am going next fall and I will be wearing either Irish Setters or Schnees uninsulated...

[hogless]

Checkout hi tect altitude