Guys,

I’m getting ready for DIY elk hunting trip for the first time this year. Costs for gear are already mounting, tent, cot, Badlands 2200 Backpack, new arrows and string for my bow, etc.......

I know you shouldn’t skimp on your boots, and I’m not going too, but I’m looking hard at some Belleville 693 military goretex boots around $200. Is this stupid? Should I pony up $100-$150 more for some Danner, etc.....?

Anyone serve and wear these or very similar. The ratings are great and seem to have very little breakin time. Planning on hitting some of the local conservation area trails this spring/summer to exercise and test boots/gear out. We will be packed in to our hunting area, but will hunt for 10 days on foot.

I’m hoping to make this an annual thing, but costs are mounting!

I'd be looking at buying a few pairs of boots. Break them in real well before you go on your hunt. I've seen some of the best boots get soaked, and that's one thing you don't want is to be hunting in wet boots. Buy boots with varying weights of insulation, IE: 400gram, 800gram, etc. You may get there and realize a lightweight hunting boot is what is needed, or you may get there with snow on the ground. Elk country can also change over night. One day its beautiful, the next you get a foot of snow... Be prepared for that. That's what I do, and it has worked out very well for me. Elk hunting is a major learning experience and test of equipment. Some guys will tell you to buy the most expensive boot you can afford. BTDT, and so has my elk hunting partner. That doesn't guarantee you will have dry comfortable feet at the end of the night. You'll get a kick out of some of these guys' suggestions, so grab your popcorn.

SEMOmike: I sure enjoy and rely on my Danner Elk Hunters for my late season Elk Hunting.
I have a triple lifetime supply of these boots on hand as I bought them over the years at a discount source.
They are comfortable, give my ankles great support, and if treated properly are rather water proof and if treated properly last a long time - I am finding out.
My suggestion pay once - care for them and keep your feet accustomed to them.
I hope what ever boot you decide on works well for you and I hope your 10 day backcountry Elk is enjoyable and successful!
Let us know.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Any 11.5 EE You were looking to get rid of?

I played around with military issue boots for some time and then tried Danners for a year or two. Last season was my first season in Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. I should have made the jump to a better boot years ago. I would look at expenses and do what ever I had to do to get the best boot possible.

Feet are different. But spend the money to get the best boots you can for your feet. I like the Kenetreks, alot. But they don't work for everybody. I would not hunt in either of those boots you listed. Get great boots and skimp on other stuff if you have to. You do not need thousands of sitka or kuiu either. I guide and hunt in Wyoming and spend lots on boots and then look for deals on everything else. STP, camofire, wrangler outdoor pants, Prana, spring sales on warm stuff. And look at other companies besides hunting brands.

I, along with several buddies, love Lowa GTX Renegades......comfortable, minimal break in, good support. Love em.

Good advice here. Spend extra on the boots,bag the high dollar camo monkey suits. I have killed a lot of big critters in cheap camo, or faded carhart sweat shirts.

SEMOmike: Nope mine are all 11's with normal width.
Good luck and again hold a garage sale or something to come up with the extra bucks to spend on a VERY good set of boots.
Again best of luck come fall.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I bought a pair of Danner Pronghorns over 20 years ago. The wife had a come apart when I told her how much they were. (About $120.00). That's about $6 a year. Money well spent I think as they are still going strong.

My advice is to buy boots that fits your feet - then look at the price tag. It doesnt matter how much you saved or spent if they dont fit you. I guarantee if your feet blister up early in the hunt, you'll be done for the rest of the hunt and the rest of your gear will sit in camp. Boots to me are probably the most essential part of the gear choices because I've had feet issues. I'd rather have a walmart Savage 30-06 and a $500 pair of boots.

Finding elk requires you cover alot of ground. Elk hunting is one of those hunting activities where the amount of effort increases the odds. Finding elk requires alot of hiking up/down steep topography. Your feet are the key link between you and the ground - and success.

I would not be afraid to buy a used pair of top-line boots in excellent condition. I've bought more than a few pair boots, worn them 2-3-4 times and figure they aren't for me. I buy running shoes this way - floor models, returns, etc. I really dont care if Bubba tried them on or even wore them a couple times. I'll take the 50% savings because I go through running shoes and hiking boots pretty quick. I dont get a year from a pair of running shoes. Hiking boots are 12-18 months. Hunting boots last longer because I have 3 pairs that I rotate depending on weather.

Don't overlook Meindl boots, I bought a pair for a very rugged country Mountain Goat hunt. They are a serious boot for hiking and hunting.

BWinters hit the nail on the head.
I haven’t Elk hunted but look at the basics if the body isn’t comfortable to the conditions your I trouble.
And a Savage shoots as well as a Merkel or Kimber in the hands of a proficient shooter at a target the size of an Elk or moose.
Buy a better optic as well. A $700 Swarovski Z 3 is an excellent scope or other high quality scopes.

Go to your local REI and get fit for a good pair of hiking boots. Scarpa, Crispi etc. Pass on the military boots.

get a decent pair of gaiters at REI too. I rarely wear insulated boots even in snow and wear gaiters and two pair of socks. Pick up some BD flip lock aluminum hiking poles ( on sale now REI) . Or buy used ski poles for $10. They'll work fine.

I wear trail running shoes (altras) for early archery season while hunting. $60 on sale. Solomons are good too. I bring a good pair of hiking boots along for pack in and pack out.
Walmart wrangler nylon pants $20 work great. Pick up 2 wool t shirts. They're amazing and don't stink

What he said.

Try on a bunch of brands. Took me a while to find the right boots. Don’t overlook insoles like Superfeet and good socks.

Skip the advice on multiple levels of insulated boots for a pack in bow elk hunt.

‘Wish I would have tried Altras sooner.

They don't make the boots I wear anymore well Cabelas no longer carries them. Cabela Miendal Perfct hunters. Great boot, As stated already get the superfeet insoles and don't skimp on socks and get sock liners as well.

:LAPolicegear is running a big sale on boots, including Danner...Might be worth a look,

https://lapolicegear.com/?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=display

Good luck with whatever you choose

Spend your $$ on boots and glass. Do everything you can to make sure your boots are broken in before the hunt. I wore Danners for years and was happy. I made the switch to a pair of Schnees beartooths this year and I’m not looking back. A good friend tried a pair and didn’t like them at all and eventually switched to Kennetreks. Bottom line is you need to find boots that feel good to you and put some miles on them before your hunt. Good luck and take lots of pics!

Throwing down good coin for an excellent boot is always a safe bet... You’re probably going to use them more than just this one elk hunt.

Here’s some quick numbers. In 22 years, I’ve bought three pairs of Danner Canadian boots. They cost me between $165 on a crazy one off sale up to $359.00.

After 22 years. I’m still using 2 pairs of the Canadians. If the weather is pouring rain, I switch between a couple pairs allowing the wet boots to slow dry. I have invested $883 dollars. The boots cost me $40 dollars a year with basically a brand new pair still in the box.

If you buy a really good boot and take care of them, you’re money ahead. The only thing that can deflate your investment dollars is if your hunting in rough, rocky, shale or lava sharp terrain. I doubt there is a boot made that can withstand 2-3 season getting shredded by this type of topography.

Buy a great boot...Hunt them, take care of them, and if they are the type that can be rebuilt and resoled like the Danner Canadian. Your almost getting a new boot for $85 bucks once you’ve worn them out.

Buying 2 pairs of quality boots will increases the life of each pair, especially if your hunting climate is really wet...Being able to dry your boots properly while wearing the second pair is a benefit to your feet and your boots.

With the above said...I hunt all different types of topography. This off season I caught a sale on Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boots. I liked them enough that I bought a second pair to keep for sometime in the future.

I prefer the Kenetrek boots for big prairie type hunting like in Wyoming. The sole on the Kenetrek’s are super slick when stepping on wet logs or rocks in the PNW rain forest.

I’ve yet to find a better all leather 100% water proof boot for rugged coastal hunting then Danner Canadian’s....Which are still one of the few boots Danner still makes in the USA.

😎

I used danner Canadians for years. Great boot, but heavy. Switched to Meindl Alaskans and never looked back.
Thinking out loud. A pair of Schnees packs for snowy/cold conditions and a pair of uninsulated Meindl's would be about perfect for all conditions one would expect to encounter while elk hunting.
I can get Kennetreks for free through my employers boot voucher program. However the darn things are so stiff and hard that they are plain uncomfortable just walking around the boot shop in them. No thanks.

I am a cheap azz bottom feeder. I wear hi techs altitudes. Wear out about a pair a year. I been using some Irish setter elk hunters the last two years in the snow. I like them. But gaiters are very nice to have. Especially quite fleecy type. As long as you ain't in the sticker bushes.

I'm wearing a pair of Bellevilles right now. Don't do it! Been wearing military issue for 23 years now and they are fine for the office but thats about it

I broke(cracked) the soles on 2 pairs of Danner boots . Never again

Agree!

Great choice.

+1 on the Renegades.

Probably weren’t Canadians...

Pretty much anything Danner offers in a mid price range and made in China or other Asian country is crap. Pronghorns I’ve seen destroyed or not be 100% waterproof as an example. 😎

Eagle II's if such is made anymore, they were made in Potlandia Orygun. Airbob soles.

I wear duty boots every (working) day. I don’t wear Bellevilles as I just don’t care for how they fit my feet. I do wear Danner duty boots, but I wouldn’t recommend them for mountain hunting. Duty boots have changed quite a bit in the last twentyish years. Used to be you could get a heavier leather boot like the Danner Acadia but Danner doesn’t make it in Coyote so I can’t wear them in uniform. Duty boots now are geared to be lightweight and comfortable more than heavy load carrying boots.

Now, will a duty boot last a couple of years of 10-day hunts? Sure thing if you don’t wear them otherwise.

Boots are very individual. I like Schnees, my buddies Kenetrek and White.

If I prioritized elk hunting money I would get boots before glass, only because you can get some pretty darn good glass for decent money now.

For all the Elk hunting (mountainous) conditions I have encountered, Danner Sierras have served me well. 200 grams Thinsulate, Goretex and can be resoled.

A word of caution if you have a high instep, you may have difficulty putting them on which a couple of my hunting buddies found.

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/danner-sierra-gtx-boot_10321930#productSummary

I've settled on one of the following 2. Mostly because I trust the Danner and Thorogood name and they are both made in the USA. I currently have a pair of Thorogood Slip ons and Thorogood 6" lace ups that are both my favorite boots to wear. There is a 20% off Danner boot sale going on right now


https://www.workbootsusa.com/dagr8b...qqYr_5wIVtSCtBh2bKQZcEAYYBCABEgIiYvD_BwE

https://www.workbootsusa.com/thorogood-814-4141.html

What are you guys' thoughts?

A lot of the styles you guys mentioned are nowhere near here to try on and don't come in wide sizes.

Boots/shoes are a personal thing, but I wouldn’t want to do many miles in either.

I get along a lot better with a hiking boot vs a “hunting boot”.

Makes sense. Elk hunting usually involves way more hiking than hunting.

i always wear 2 pairs of socks and high top leather hiking boots and if new i break them in in the summer. also if possible i use a electric boot dryer every night when i can.

Try several pairs on. You will probably find different sizes are needed in different brands. With varies too. Dont buy too short but a wee bit narrow initially is OK. Try them on with the weight socks you will be wearing and after exercise when your feet are swelled.
Order several pairs from places with a good return policy or visit a place like REI etc where you can try multiple brands.

Unless you are 22 years old or less, substandard footwear in tough country is not a good idea, not good at all.

My favorite boots were Ozark trail insulated, I would buy them in the spring closeout for about 12 bucks a pair.Walmart would carry them.

Of course they quit making them. When archery hunting remember stiff high quality boots are noisy. Unless you be shooting over 80 yards remember noise. A lot of archers I know take their boots off and finish the deal with moccasins or socks.

I stumbled into a pretty good deal on a pair of Kennetreks today.

I wouldn’t make fun of you in camp for either boot. Boots are very individual and you only have yourself to please.

It sounds to me like you like the Thorogoods. I’ve never worn them personally. Good luck!

Totally agree 400-800 gram insulated boots would be the last the last thing I would ever use on an early season archery hunt...............

I bird, elk, deer hunt late season with non insulated treated boots, two pair of good wool socks and gaiters.

If stand hunting for deer of course want heavily insulated boots

I had tried a lot of different boots over the years, and finally got around to buying a pair of Meindls from Cabela's.....very comfortable and have held up well. Granted I don't to go Elk hunting much anymore, but they have worked well!

863-4200 Thorogood Men's Veracity GTX Outdoor Boots https://g.co/kgs/EprgTP

Made a choice and bought these today for almost $100 off sticker price, love the company, US made. I’ll give a report after I’ve had a chance to walk around in them

It depends on the season and weather..

In the September archery or early wilderness hunts I've worn Solomon's, 6' high Walmart hiking boots, or White's Loggers -- but they are heavy. With the Solomon's, I'll wear 6" canvas gaiters.

In October before the snow gets deep I usually wear lightweight 9" Danners.

In November or when I know the snow will be deeper than a few inches I wear Lacrosse Mountaineers, with their air-bob sole.

If it's wet or snow covered, I'll wear mid-calf fleece gaiters.

Regardless of which boots I wear, I've never worn more than one pair of white cotton athletic socks under them.

My boot requirements are #1. They fit well, #2. Waterproof membrane, #3 Full Leather 8-10" tall uppers, #4 Full rubber rand. I've had Kenetreks, but they just don't fit my feet as well as Meindl. I was happy to see some folks from Cabelas go out on their own and start carrying Meindls after Cabelas quit doing so. My next will be from them or Lathrop and Sons, whom, IMO, make the best footbeds/insoles around.

Been through two pairs of Meidls through cabelas. first pair lasted, but my feet expanded and I sold them used. replaced with the Perfekt and really liked them. Used them about a week a year for 8 years. They started leaking badly last elk season. I returned them for a full refund and purchased Kenetrek. Equally or more comfortable and seem to be put together better. I have a partial season on them only at this point. Food for thought, the elk camp my brother hunts, every guide there wears Kenetrek.

I bring 2 pair of boots - a pair of 400 gram Pronghorns and a pair of Schnee Hunter Pac boots. It's nice tp have a pair of Pac boots if you get heavy rain or snow for a few days.

Most Elk "Hunters" around here don't need Elk Hunting boots,

as they Road Hunt in the front seat of their diesel picks, with the big lift kit..

but the cam seat covers must help conceal them, from elk, because they all have those along with camo clothing from head to toe..

I often think, the noise from an idling diesel driving down forest service roads also make it hard to sneak up on anything...

Funny to see people get out of their trucks to take a whiz, all camo'ed up, and on their feet they are wearing flip flops..

guess its a west coast CA/ So Oregon thing....

😀

Keen boots have worked great for me. Get a pair of gators and you’re set.

I've tried most of the top end boots and have settled on Crispi. Very comfortable, easy to break in, grippy bottoms and good support.

I’ve had a couple of pair in rotation normally like the Mendl 800,s & some Cabela’s 800 leather as well for 3rd season rifle hunts but 10 miles is a big day for me average is closer to 6-8 mostly snow & muddy footing. Do wear gaiters in the snow.