Good hunting boot help.

Pathfinder76 · #1 05-12-2019, 02:26 PM

I’m looking for a new pair of boots. My HanWags are at the end of their life and the new pair I bought are quite frankly a disappointment. I’ve thought about going full synthetic and light, but full leather uppers might still get the nod.

I’ve looked at Crispi but I don’t know anyone personally that has used them. I have a good friend that is liking his La Sportiva Nepal’s, but I worry they might be a bit too much for stiffness (I’ll try a pair on next week). I’ve also looked into Lathrop & Sons new self branded offerings.

Does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks.

Wrongside · #2 05-12-2019, 02:50 PM

My lastest pair of Hanwag Yukons are nowhere near the boot of my previous pairs. Don’t know what direction I’ll go yet, perhaps LL Lowas.

In for whatever info comes out in this thread.

RedZippa · #3 05-12-2019, 03:20 PM

If you are near Calgary, I would recommend going Norseman Outdoor Specialist. Outstanding shop for high quality European boots. Hard to make any recommendations because everyone’s feet are so different.

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obsessed1 · #4 05-12-2019, 04:08 PM

I have been running 511 duty boots the last few years. All leather 6" boots with zippers. Comfy and waterproof. Good grip and I've never had tired sore feet. I also use them as my hikers. Also had a pair of Solmon hikers in the past that I really liked. Everyones feet/ knees/ back are different and require different fit/ support

ram crazy · #5 05-12-2019, 04:31 PM

I bought a pair of Salomon GTX boots about 9 yrs. ago and they have been awesome. They are goretex, light weight and very comfortable there was no break in needed.

ctd · #6 05-12-2019, 04:56 PM

A pair of Bass Pro Tactical boots.
Waterproof, light weight, comfy and last a while. Surprising good grip.
Most of all for a cheaper price.

kmacisaac · #7 05-12-2019, 04:59 PM

I run the Hanwag Alaska GTX....3rd pair and I haven't looked back. I have foot issues and with my orthitics everything works well. I've tried Kenetreks, looked at Lowa and it just wasn't a great match. I think it's all personal preference and your type of use. I hike and hunt the mountains so a durable leather boot is important to me. With a little TLC every no and then, I just treat them with a water proofing and I'm good to go. If I was to look at any other boot it would be at Scarpa. They tend to fit wider (at least with ski boots) and that is something I require. As far as Lathrop & Sons go, I've dealt with them before and they are excellent folk.
Best of luck on your search.

Stir · #8 05-12-2019, 05:02 PM

Scarpa if you have narrower feet.

marky_mark · #9 05-12-2019, 05:11 PM

I have the crispi hunters..
Best boots I’ve used

JTRED · #10 05-12-2019, 06:44 PM

I'm a big fan of Scarpa Kinesis pro GTX, the first boot I've ever had that keeps you dry hunting/backpacking for six days in wet snow conditions. I use Nikwax for waterproofing and it really lengthens the life of the gortex and keeps the leather in great condition.

BEL · #11 05-12-2019, 07:04 PM

Meindl boots are great. BEL

Huk · #12 05-12-2019, 07:24 PM

I've got Danner hood winter lights which are awesome but they don't have a rubber rand which is a little annoying. Also have a pair of their military boots for summer hiking, usmc rat goretex but they don't make them anymore. Anyhow the American made boots are legit.

Bought a pair of Schnees beartooth insulated in October and they are the business. They were great in steep snowy country this past fall.

pikergolf · #13 05-12-2019, 07:36 PM

I really enjoy my Lowa Trekker boots, very comfortable. My Hanwag Tatras are nice as well, but with a little softer ankle support.

Prairiewolf · #14 05-12-2019, 07:49 PM

Lowa Tibet GTX for the past four seasons - awesome. I can put miles on for multiple days with no issues. Up/down/sidehills, you name it. Full confidence in these.

BigJon · #15 05-12-2019, 07:49 PM

Check out Altberg. I don’t have much use on them yet as I just bought them this past winter but I like them so far and think they’ll serve me well. I have the defenders. Full grain leather with NO goretex lining, which is what I wanted as more and more I think goretex is a pretty good scam.

To me, they are a bit less stiff in the sole and the uppers than hanwag alaska’s.

You can order direct from the UK or from a store called Rampart Tactical (I think) which is in Ontario.

brcarcol · #16 05-12-2019, 08:04 PM

Kenetreks are the best i have tried. Once broken in they are the most comfortable boot for my feet. They are also one of the toughest boots, with a toe box that works best for me. Zero issues with them. I have tried meindl, lowa, and Asolo. All were good, but can’t see myself trying another boot after using kenetreks.

brewster29 · #17 05-12-2019, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTRED

I'm a big fan of Scarpa Kinesis pro GTX, the first boot I've ever had that keeps you dry hunting/backpacking for six days in wet snow conditions. I use Nikwax for waterproofing and it really lengthens the life of the gortex and keeps the leather in great condition.

I have both these and the Hanwag Alaska GTX boots. They feel completely different but both fit well and are very durable. The Scarpas are a bit more compact and a bit stiffer.

Smokinyotes · #18 05-12-2019, 09:29 PM

I sold my hanwag Alaska GTX. When I bought them I wore them around the store for an hour and they felt fine. Brought them home and wore them around the house all weekend. Wore them on a 6 km hike and my feet hurt so bad I thought I was going to have to walk back bare foot. I took them to a shoe maker and he stretched the width as much as he could and they still hurt.

warriorboy10 · #19 05-12-2019, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prairiewolf

Lowa Tibet GTX for the past four seasons - awesome. I can put miles on for multiple days with no issues. Up/down/sidehills, you name it. Full confidence in these.

Have the same the past three seasons and have had no issues, will do the same again when needed.

jkruse · #20 05-12-2019, 11:51 PM

Have had many boots.Tried the Crispies fit was great but they only lasted a couple years the soles are a little soft I would say. Have the Lathrop And Sons for a year and a half. They are by far the best yet. I would recommend getting their foot beds and going with the boot they recommend for your feet. Its an expensive way to go but didn't realize what a good fit was until I tried them.

LuckilyWhelp · #21 05-13-2019, 05:11 AM

My Danner Sierra boots lasted me for a good while. They are for harsh conditions.

creeky · #22 05-13-2019, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stir

Scarpa if you have narrower feet.

x2

Pathfinder76 · #23 05-13-2019, 07:48 AM

Thanks for all the input. Has anyone had both HanWags and Crispi to compare sizing?

M.C. Gusto · #24 05-13-2019, 07:53 AM

Do you have a health plan at work that covers orthotics or boots? If you do, do what I did and get custom made Van Gorkum boots.

marky_mark · #25 05-13-2019, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

Thanks for all the input. Has anyone had both HanWags and Crispi to compare sizing?

The crispis seem true to size
I ordered mine from black Ovis got 2 sizes
Returned the wrong ones

kilgoretrout · #26 05-13-2019, 09:52 AM

As has been mentioned above you really need to just try them on as lasts are very different from one company to another as are peoples feet. Make a list of the boots that have a good reputation and reviews and go try them on to see if your feet are a match....not all of them will be a good fit for you but when you find the one that is you will know and very little break-in will be needed.... a well made good fitting boot will last you for years and they can be re-soled so its worth the effort to get the right fit.... as has mentioned give the Norseman a shout they are a small long term business.... there's a reason for this...

Oldan Grumpi · #27 05-13-2019, 10:37 AM

I've worn Danners for 20 years or so; once you understand their lasts and find the one that suits you, they're incredibly comfortable. Just make sure you buy the American made ones; the Chinese ones are no better than other run-of-the-mill boots.

If you take care of them they last forever, and if they ever do start to break down Danner actually has a rebuild facility in the U.S. to bring them back to new condition - which illustrates how highly people regard their boots!

I tried Redwings once; fit good, felt good to start with, but gave me heel spurs. (Completely missed my chance to run for President; I just wasn't on the ball.)

sako1 · #28 05-13-2019, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warriorboy10

Have the same the past three seasons and have had no issues, will do the same again when needed.

X3

Pathfinder76 · #29 05-14-2019, 07:03 AM

These look intriguing. I’ve been looking at them for a while. I’ve bought boots from them before and they are great to deal with as well.

https://www.rokslide.com/lathrop-son...r-boot-review/

Salavee · #30 05-14-2019, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldan Grumpi

I've worn Danners for 20 years or so; once you understand their lasts and find the one that suits you, they're incredibly comfortable. Just make sure you buy the American made ones; the Chinese ones are no better than other run-of-the-mill boots.

If you take care of them they last forever, and if they ever do start to break down Danner actually has a rebuild facility in the U.S. to bring them back to new condition - which illustrates how highly people regard their boots!

I tried Redwings once; fit good, felt good to start with, but gave me heel spurs. (Completely missed my chance to run for President; I just wasn't on the ball.)

Danners all the way . Have a pair of Mountain Lights and a pair of Canadians
Both over 15 yrs old and stiil going strong. They take some break in, but well worth the time.