Elk hunting with minimal foot ware

[The Night Stalker]

I bought a pair Solomon gtx 4's.  I have not worn them enough but I am still undecided so far. I still do not like the weight of them. I will probably go with a waterproof low hiker with a wide toe box. I am going to try some Keens.

[Jorge]

In my experience, the lights hikers with Gore and similars are a waste of money as they flex too much for the membrane and the Gore, or similar, brokes easily. Usually are waterproof during only some weeks.

[steadman]

I used Keens one time following Mr. Cox on a mule deer hunt. They were thrashed after one day, glad I had my meindles as a back up. That being said that was some rough terrain. I like the idea of a light weight mid hiker as well for our early season, as long as the terrain is not ridiculous. Still undecided on brand....

[cobullelk]

Personally, I wear Vasque Sundowner (Goretex) leather mid-hikers.  I've tried lightweights on occasion, but was never satisfied with the support.

[Hummer3T]

bare foot?  


lol

[elkbreath]

This is my opinion...I'm barefoot a lot of the time when elk hunting and prefer to go far and fast. There are times though that we must go shod (early morning wool sock time), for those moments I like marrell trail glove, or vivobarefoot.

 http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens#q=terrain.Off-Road

or vibram

   

Ive packed elk out with all three, and several with the vibrams and merrel.

If you walk, run and live with this type of high proprioceptive shoe, your feet, ankles, knees, etc actually end up thanking you-and repaying you in strength, flexibility, coordination and balance.  Carrying heavier loads is not an issue.  

Its interesting how often this topic is beginning to come up.  Seems like we see at a couple times a year now.

[David lozzano]

if its dry I use my salomon xa3d ultra 2, I love them!

[Jorge]

I have been using Salomon and the minimus by New Balance that are closer to barefoot but in a conventional style. Other ítem to consider are the gaiters, short ones. The ones from the ultra trail world are greats, well designed to run.

[NY Yankee]

Check ot the Mason shoe catalog. Their line of work shoes are a real good shoe. They come smooth or lug tread. Get the Velvet ease insole. They are leather but light enough to wear 12 hrs at a time and heavy enough to be supportive. Dad has some and has worn them for many years and they are still good. 6 or 8 inch height. Not overly expensive.

[Homebru]

Originally posted by Dan bree:
Check out I longbow web. Then check out the mini mill boots

Other than the link suggested, has anyone tried these with a heavy pack on?
homebru

[lone hunter]

[Mike Vines]

There is always the option of spraying from mid calf down with Rino Liner.

[jhg]

What I have learned is that lighter less rigid footwear is great if you are young (it does matter) and don't mind the loss of efficency that happens with a softer shoe in the woods.

More of your energy is used up in maintaining forward motion with a softer shoe than one with a more rigid footbed. This has been proven by cyclists a long time ago and this is applicable to us when we hunt across slopes especially, were we use up a lot of energy maintaining ankle rigidity.

I have chosen a compromise, because, lets face it, rigid footwear sucks for stalking no matter if light or heavy. They just don't let you sense terrain or objects under foot.
That said, I can see the desire to have a lighter shoe, getting more ground feedback and better balance. You can get that in a fairly stiff footbed boot too. But plan on spending 300.00 or more to get there and fit better be perfect or its all for naught.

Joshua

[kadbow]

I have boots from light to heavy that work for me.  I usually wear all of them at some point during the elk season depending on weather and terrain.  A light hiker doesn't cut it for me in 10" of snow.

[Stixbowdrew]

I go bare foot as much as I possibly can, if footwear is required I'm in my vibram five fingers , they have many different models to pick from. My ankles legs and feet are much tougher and stronger from doing this. Minimalist footwear makes sense to me. Did the Ute native Americans have hanwag and other frankenstine style boots? If you give yourself adequate time and allow you body to adjust to minimalist footwear there would not Be an issue with wearing these in the mountains. Just my 2 cents.

[kadbow]

You can stand in snow for 12 hours in your five fingers? Not me.

[dragonheart]

Originally posted by Mike Vines:
There is always the option of spraying from mid calf down with Rino Liner.

[Stixbowdrew]

Originally posted by kadbow:
You can stand in snow for 12 hours in your five fingers? Not me.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/five-fingers-lontra-mens.htm

[robtattoo]

Well, I spend around 8 months of the year barefoot. But, I live in Middle Tennessee so I'm not exactly hacking it up & down 10k' mountains.
I researched the heck out of boots for this September's trip to Colorado & after looking long & hard at every & all the available minimalist options, talking to many long-time western hunters, outfitters & climbers, I heeded all their advice:

Minimal shoes are great for hiking & hunting, if you're 100% used to them & have no weaknesses & issues & aren't carrying a ton of meat.
If, however, like me, you have any form of arthritis, plantar fasciitis, weak knees, or you're just not used to it; go with a well fitting, well broken-in, stiff soled boot with excellent ankle support.
It may feel odd if you're used to nothing around your tootsies, but your feet, knees, ankles & back will thank you for it after side-hilling with 70#+ strapped to your back.
I ended up buying a pair of Lowa Tibet GTX.

[tracker12]

Originally posted by Stixbowdrew:
I go bare foot as much as I possibly can, if footwear is required I'm in my vibram five fingers , they have many different models to pick from. My ankles legs and feet are much tougher and stronger from doing this. Minimalist footwear makes sense to me. Did the Ute native Americans have hanwag and other frankenstine style boots? If you give yourself adequate time and allow you body to adjust to minimalist footwear there would not Be an issue with wearing these in the mountains. Just my 2 cents.

The Ute didn't wear Hanwang because they were not available to them.  They just might have worn them given the chance.  I wear the lightest boot I can get away with but in rugged country and packing I wear a older pair of Italian made Vasque boots that were designed for the backcountry and have the ability to attach crampons.