Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Kenetrek - Time to move on

Asolo Fugitive GTX.

What works for one person may not for another. My solution has been to switch 100% to low tops. For me, lace up high tops resist bending at the ankle which turns the upper part of the shoe into a fulcrum forcing my heel back into the back of the shoe with too much force. Low tops allow my ankle to flex so my foot contacts the ground full length and the force of walking remains up on the ball of my foot rather than being transferred to the back of my heel. I haven't worn a shoe that covered my ankle bone or higher in about 4 years. Even in snow, I find that waterproof low tops, good socks, and properly fit gaiters keep me just as dry and more warm than boots.

Something to think about. YMMV of course.

How much time 'til your hunt? Do you have time to experiment?

Tom

Not surprised, this is a common issue with Kenetreks. I had the same problem and moved on to Lowa Tibet Pros.

Crispi Nevadas came in today. I'm very fortunate, the fit could not be any better.

The difference that I noticed immediately between the Hardscrable and the Nevada is that the Nevada has more of a natural bend in the toe area. I have a feeling this alone will greatly reduce heel slippage.

Pard, if you are going after Coues anywhere I've ever hunted them, steep will be your daily bread.

These if they fit.

I'm new to the steep stuff. The Nevadas seem up to the task. Am I wrong?

Also, what are the negatives of less forefoot midsole stiffness, as in the Nevadas?

Unless you wear crampons, I think stiffness is vastly over=rated. I don't like stiff boots.

I hunt coues many days a year. I have Hardscrabbles or Hardscrabble lites (can't remember which) Once broken in, I have no hot spots with them. The first two pairs didn't last more than an outing or two but this pair is a good boot. I don't like boots higher than about 7-8". I had good service from Meindl Alaskas but they wear out too quickly. The Perfekts are flimsy compared to the others.

Arizona coues country is very hard on boots. It is, however, typically dry.

They heavier the load, rougher and steeper the terrain, the more important a stiff sole is to me. Everyone's feet are different I suppose, but that's what has worked for me and kept my feet going on long hunts.

I'll be packing in 55 pounds or so wearing stiff soled Asolos come Nov. 3rd for my 7 day Coues hunting adventure, best of luck on yours.

If I knew that I could survive 7 days blisterless with stiff soles, they'd be a slam dunk, but I'm not sure of that. As it stands I'm leaning towards a less stiff sole without the risk of blisters. The Nevada's have more ankle support than the Hardscrables, so good there.

Clint, how flexible are the Nevada boots. What would you compare them to. Do they just flex at the ball. I am wanting some with some flex and it sounds like those might fit my feet, normal to wide on the fronts with narrow heels.

There's a lot of disagreement about "ankle support." Many believe not allowing the ankles free range of motion ultimately makes it more prone to injury by not allowing movement (and thereby strengthening). I also think "stiffness" belongs in the same discussion, as overly stiff boots also limit the ankles free or natural range of motion.

I'm 55 and have had ankle support preached at me my whole life. Recently however I started to rethink it. This summer I decided to use lightweight low hikers on a week long backpack here in Montana's Beartooths. Eureka. I doubt I'll ever use boots on a summer backpack again. Talk about more comfortable, and less fatigue.

A lot of what I did on the trip was close to the hardest backcountry hunting I do, including sidestepping on super steep, off trail climbs, including steep scree slopes and rock fields.

Stiff boots are made for crampons. I'm just not a believer they're necessary, or even desirable, for non-technical climbing. And most mountain hunting falls into the latter category.

I'll still be using mid or tall boots for my hunting, primarily because of insulation/foot protection (a hard surface surrounding the foot). But given the right warm conditions I believe I'd have no issues using low hikers with a good sole.

This is an ongoing discovery for me, and the end of the book is not yet written. I just know I'm no different than anyone else and am just as subject to "group-think" as the next guy if I don't make an effort to think a new thought/try something different.

A few rambling thoughts this Sunday morning...

Where stiff boots shine, at least for me, are protection for past ankle & foot injuries.

Really stout boots like the Lowa Tibet Hi and the Hanwag get me into the high country--both are Godsends...for me.

Used the Lowa uninsulated this August for the first time. A little stouter than the Hanwag, I believe

Prefer a lower boot and also employ an Asolo for flatter climes--but the high tops do a better job of stabilizing in rough steep country

It seems like the stiff sole boots aggravate my PF more than flexible soles. I also am fighting bursitis in my heel which I find no cure for. I am leaning towards support with cushioning.

these helped me cushion-wise...bit pricey

lathrop footbeds

I prefer some sole protection and other than that the most flexible shoe / boot available. I only really want a boot when I am trying to keep my feet dry. If someone made a grippy, lightly soled, full grain upper (longevity) , I'd order them tomorrow. Otherwise, its just grippy hiking shoes, for most mountain environments and replace them every 6 months. I do prefer boots in the cactus, but that is the only place in dry conditions I will seek them out.

These type threads always interest me, as like a lot of us I too seem to always be in search of the elusive "perfect boot".

One thing that resonates in these threads is the fact that we all have very different needs in a boot. I have a wide foot up front with a normal heel. I have old ankle injuries that require a certain amount of support.

My newest boot is the Lowa Camino GTX. I have taken the time to pursue the best size and have taken advantage of the Wide offering from the company. I have worked out with a pack some while wearing them and it's looking good so far.

I would love to try the Salomon Quest 4D but unfortunately they don't offer wide boots.

Yes, they only flex at the ball of your foot. Its hard for me to compare because I've only ran kenetrek hardscrables for the last 10 years. Based on what you are saying, I definitely suggest giving them a try.