Better boots,……not the cowboy kind.

[bigbrowndog]

Didn’t want to hijack the “no bouncy, no good” thread.  I’m looking for really good hunting boots, and snake boots. Two of the ones for hunting that keep coming up are ones I’ve got zero knowledge of but the latest “top10” lists keep mentioning them, Crispi and Kenetrek.  These offer models specifically designed for ankle support, which I need due to being prone to ankle breakage and sprains, lately.  Anyone have experience with these companies, good or bad??

Also looking for some lace up snake boots for the same reason, I have been wearing slip on Chippewas for years and love them but again need ankle support, my other option is a lace up ankle brace and continue with the Chippewas.

Trapr

[Big Bore]

I know you need the ankle support for your snake boots, but just offering something from experience in them. My last pair of snake boots were lace ups. Absolutely, positively, no doubt in mind, will I NEVER own another pair of lace up snake boots again. They were a tremendous PITA to get the tension perfect from top to bottom. And because of such, once I put them on in the morning, I never took them off again until bedtime. Probably not a bad practice considering where we hunt but if the need arises to take them off midday, they suck.

The pair I just wore out were zip-up Ariats and they were awesome. Super comfortable, even over the rocky terrain at my lease. I also spent many nights hunting hogs with dogs in them so I've run a lot in these. Love them.

Just some food for thought.

[Fowler]

These are both excellent mountain hunting boots with incredible ankle support, are they a good boot for Texas brush country and snakes? Probably need a gator or something like that to go higher to keep snake fangs out...

[bigbrowndog]

Fowler, I’m looking at two different pairs, cuz I agree with you, two totally different uses, the Crispi and Kenetreks would replace my Pronghorns for Western hunting.
Randy, I agree on the lace up with that much lacing, I’ll look at the Ariats, as well as a slimmer ankle brace.

Trapr

[Fowler]

I’m looking at a new pair of boots for next year and those two are the top of the short list for me. The hard part is finding a stocking dealer where you can touch and try in a pair before dropping $450. The only grumble I have heard of either was the cost but of course you get what you pay for.

[Robster]

I have Kenetrek boots. Very well made. Very Comfortable. I have the insulated Mountain extreme. They also do very well when using snowshoes. I give them two thumbs up.

Although pricey, I bought mine slightly used on ebay. Scared to have to replace them looking at current prices.

[kevshell]

I have Irish Setter 878 for everyday boots. They're good but like tennis shoes compared to real boots. They also make an elk tracker which is good but they are not as supportive when in.....elk country. My wife had Danners when she broker her ankle. Last year she upgraded to Kenetreks last year. She's very happy with them. I'll likely get a pair this year as well. Many of the guys who guide at the ranch where we hunt wear them as well.

[rickiesrevenge]

To really know you need to try them on and walk around in them. Everyones feet are different. These days I prefer a stiff soled boot. Started hunting in danners years ago. Wore them as my duty boot for 20 years. Not a boot I'd take hunting anymore. They do not offer anywhere near the support I need. They will not stay waterproof for more than about a year. The stiffer boots all do. I'm currently wearing zamberlan 2092s. They are my everyday boot. When I head to the hills I wear a scarpa grand dru. On my second set of the scarpas as I wore out the first.

My family wears kenetrek boots. Not sure what model but they like them. They were also danner fans before switching.

Aaron

[bigbrowndog]

Jan 9, 2023 19:22:47 GMT -5 Fowler said:

I’m looking at a new pair of boots for next year and those two are the top of the short list for me. The hard part is finding a stocking dealer where you can touch and try in a pair before dropping $450. The only grumble I have heard of either was the cost but of course you get what you pay for.

I was in Missoula earlier this year and there were two big sporting goods stores there in town Bob Wards and another right across the parking lot a big chain. They had Kenetreks and Crispis on hand, I just didn’t know anything other than internet reports on them at the time.

Ive worn Danners for years and liked them, also have worn them As duty boots for FD.  Comfortable but not quite the support I’m hoping and looking for now. 

 Trapr 

[gunsbam45]

After a LOT of looking over a very long period of time, some guys I keep up with on youtube continually talk about their Crispi boots out of Italy. I called the bunch that's the importer to here, which is Black Ovis out in Utah. I told them I've got one foot that's a 14 A and the other closer to a double A, and that I wanted to be able to walk the hills of North Kansas again. The guy on the phone knew EXACTLY what I needed in European sizing, and which boot was the way to go for my needs, and they had it in stock, and he sent them and had them here in 2 days, and they're the best fitting anything my feet have ever seen. I haven't had a chance to use them yet but will soon along with the custom fit insoles from sheep feet that brought me out of being crippled in my left foot. They make a fit for everyone, and Black Ovis has them there. It's the only experience I have with the company, but it was the best experience I've ever had buying something like this so far.

[freeze]

Trapr,

I have been through several pairs of Danner Pronghorns, and always liked them.

For several years I worm Russell Moccasin, and they were great. According to my GPS I logged over 1000 miles in them hunting and training versatile hunting dogs. They were extremely comfortable but lacked ankle support and have really flexible soles. The main reason I looked for an alternative was a long hike on really hard rocky terrain which actually left the soles of my feet bruised.

I recently (this hunting season) tried a pair of Crispi Lapponia. They are slightly shorter than Pronghorns but actually seem to provide more ankle support. They also have a stiffer sole than the Pronghorns which I liked better on steeper or hard terrain.

I actually liked the Lapponia so well that I bought another pair to hold in reserve when these are worn out. I expect the spares will sit a while, since the pair I wore all this year seem to have held up quite well.

Just my experience, but I hope it helps.

-Freeze

[bigbrowndog]

Perfect, thanks for the reply freeze. I’ve worn Danner PHorns for years but found they can be hit or miss on long term comfort. The best pair I ever had I inadvertently left in Norway, and the replacement pair developed a pressure point on the top of my foot, making walking and wearing for hours uncomfortable. I’m still shopping and hoping to get a pair of Crispi or Kenetreks on my feet before making a decision.

Trapr

[cowpuncher]

I have been wearing Kenetrek boots for 20 years. I wear a pair out every 3 years, I have mtn extremes insulated and non and the hard scrabble boots. Been in every terrain there is. They are well made with good ankle support and very comfortable. I've worn Hoffman, Schnees, Meindl, Lowa and Scarpa but the Kenetreks fit better and are more comfortable.

[bushog]

Jan 30, 2023 23:04:05 GMT -5 cowpuncher said:

I have been wearing Kenetrek boots for 20 years. I wear a pair out every 3 years, I have mtn extremes insulated and non and the hard scrabble boots. Been in every terrain there is. They are well made with good ankle support and very comfortable. I've worn Hoffman, Schnees, Meindl, Lowa and Scarpa but the Kenetreks fit better and are more comfortable.

I’ve sent my Kenetreks back for a resold. Cheaper than a new pair and already broken in.

[cowpuncher]

The leather on mine get so stretched out from side hilling, the eyelets start to touch. Leather gets cut and worn, pretty much shot at 3 years. HARD miles!