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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 338
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 338 |
I went on a Dall sheep hunt in 2015 to the Chugach range - I had a successful and very fun hunt. Thought it would be my last great adventure but now in my mid 50s the sheep are calling my name again. This time I am going to the Brooks range in a few years and hoping for a great experience and maybe another beautiful white ram.
After much consideration and advice from my outfitter I went with plastic boots on the Chugach hunt. While the kept me safe and on the mountain (no small trick in the area I hunted) I HATED them. Left them in AK hoping to never, ever see them again.
Now some years later with mild numbness in my toes I am going back and need to protect my feet as much as possible.
What boot recommendations would you make for the Brooks? I am hoping to get them this year and take a couple of years to break them in/get my feet used to them.
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 371
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 371 |
I have settled comfortably into Hanwag boots, specifically the alaska gtx and trapper gtx (for late season). It’s the first brand I can walk into a store, buy a pair and then head straight out on an endless adventure without any concern for my feet (this from experience). They fit my feet exceptionally well and I know several others in the same boat. Construction is top notch and they last through constant abuse in the shale. Meindel would be another top brand I’ve heard great things from. No matter what boot, I always recommend upgrading the insoles. I will also recommend that the first step when bringing any boot home is to glue all the seams around the rand before waterproofing.
Last edited by Nashville; 01/13/22.
Pitter Patter!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 95
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 95 |
Those are great boots. Lowa has something similar -- Tibet GTX Hi (no insulation) and Hunter GTX Evo Extreme (200g insulation).
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,022
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,022 |
Paul, good luck!! In 2015 when I was on the other side of the mountain from you guys, I used the Hanwags on the right in Nashville's photo. They held up fine, and they are very comfortable.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 338
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 338 |
Phil - I am thinking I may be stupid to try it again, but I just cannot seem to help myself!! Those Hanwags look really good - I will add them on to my list to try out. I wish I had bought a pair in 2015 I have also been looking at the Crispi Colorado and Birkdale -- at the end of the day I will buy several different boots and try them all on to see. What upgrade insoles are people using?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,483
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,483 |
I've had really good luck with the Hanwag Yukon LL and the Lowa Tibet LL. For insoles, find a model of Superfeet that matches your arch.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,022
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,022 |
What upgrade insoles are people using?
Mine are custom made, sorry no help.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 95
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 95 |
I tried a handful of OTC insoles and noticed the arch was different between brands ie forward/back from my arch or too aggressive. Like boots, I would try a few different ones. I use Superfeet greens (high arch), because they fit me the best. I use them in all my shoes/boots and replace them at a cadence based on useage -- ie most heavily used is typically an annual replacement. Also, I had custom growing up, and I prefer Superfeet but as always YMMV.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,621
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,621 |
I've had really good luck with the Hanwag Yukon LL and the Lowa Tibet LL. For insoles, find a model of Superfeet that matches your arch. Been a long term fan of Lowa in general and have enjoyed 2-3 pair of Tibets. Great suggestion on the superfeet insoles. Game changer on most footwear. Good luck!
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11,521
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11,521 |
Lowa sheephunters....So comfortable..(for me)
Remember, fit trumps name.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 956
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 956 |
I’ve never sheep hunted in Alaska but I’ve been hunting Stone Sheep in BC for a lot of years. This last season I tried a pair of Kennetrek Hardscrabble boots and I was very impressed with them.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 24,272
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 24,272 |
Nashville,
Hello.
What type 'glue' do you use?
PRESIDENT TRUMP 2024/2028 !!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Bristoe The people wringing their hands over Trump's rhetoric don't know what time it is in America.
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 371
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 371 |
Nashville,
Hello.
What type 'glue' do you use? I’ve been using “gear aid aqua seal” for the past few years. Seems to hold up well if you prep the boot first. Store the tube in the freezer after opening.
Pitter Patter!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317 |
I think most of the boots mentioned will work. Fit is key.
The brooks are not as rough as the chugach, although there are certainly rough parts. You will likely do more walking than climbing, but you will still want something with a good rand as there can be tons of scree.
Good luck, again!
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,649
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,649 |
Best insoles I've used are those by Lathrop and Sons. I'd not be afraid to try their boots either. That said, Meindls fit my feet better than anything else I've tried.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,702
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,702 |
What upgrade insoles are people using?
I've been wearing some custom for many years, but last year, bought a set of Sheep Feet. So far the Sheep Feet have worked well and having an extra set keeps me from having to switch from one pair of boots/shoes to another.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,128
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,128 |
https://meindlusa.com/collections/mens-collection/products/comfort-fit%C2%AE-extreme
These are awesome
If you find yourself in a hole....quit digging
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 9,450
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 9,450 |
Elk,
My favorite by far are the ones that I wore yesterday. They are one piece Italian leather and craftsmanship. Vibram Norwegian welt soles that go hundreds of miles with confidence soft enough to be grippy on rocks, yet supportive at any weight. I haven't hunted your area, but have been in wet woodlands, steep hills, bouldering, and all conditions...feel like a mountain goat. Comfortable Glove leather lined. 6" Tall and 3 sets of hook quick lace up and differential adjustments. . I've never seen better boots. They usually go on hunts and hikes. They breath very well too compared to anything else I've worn in the weight category. That's probably because it doesn't cut corners with synthetics. Just $300 ms. Not a bad price because they last far longer than my other boots. However many hundred miles later, the calf skin lining in the heel box is worn through, but just as comfortable as ever. We are expecting snow Sunday, so I will be wearing merino socks as insulation and a light coat of conditioner for water repellent/salt protection. Alico one piece smooth grain Italian art.
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,250
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,250 |
i'd not go too stiff of sole. my .02
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,022
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,022 |
Elk,
My favorite by far are the ones that I wore yesterday. They are one piece Italian leather and craftsmanship. Vibram Norwegian welt soles that go hundreds of miles with confidence soft enough to be grippy on rocks, yet supportive at any weight. I haven't hunted your area, but have been in wet woodlands, steep hills, bouldering, and all conditions...feel like a mountain goat. Comfortable Glove leather lined. 6" Tall and 3 sets of hook quick lace up and differential adjustments. . I've never seen better boots. They usually go on hunts and hikes. They breath very well too compared to anything else I've worn in the weight category. That's probably because it doesn't cut corners with synthetics. Just $300 ms. Not a bad price because they last far longer than my other boots. However many hundred miles later, the calf skin lining in the heel box is worn through, but just as comfortable as ever. We are expecting snow Sunday, so I will be wearing merino socks as insulation and a light coat of conditioner for water repellent/salt protection. Alico one piece smooth grain Italian art.
Is the brand a secret? I think that was the question.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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