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Expensive Hiking Boots?

I have worn Zamberlan boots for the last decade. Very comfortable (for me) and indestructible. Cost is anywhere from 300-500 for a pair. I always use super feet green inserts as well.
 
Surprised to see as many mentions of Merrill's as there are. Tried them for a while but never had a pair stay together for more than 8 weeks or so of everyday use. They were really comfy which is why I kept trying them but after about 4 pairs, I punted and moved on.

I didnt think about the Renegade's or I would have mentioned them in my earlier post. They have been a great boot, my everyday wear boot, not hunting boot. They are 3+ years old now and still look new. Really comfortable boot. Caught these on a clearance sale and got them for $100.
 
HunterBob said:
I had looked into the Irish Setter Vaportreks but they seem to get mixed reviews online. Have you had any personal experience with these?
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I had a pair of these a couple years ago and was impressed for a little while but they went down hill pretty quick. I think it's a newer model now but they look similar. They lost their rigidity and waterproofness after a season and became painful to walk in. I've had a different pair of insulated irish setters for about 15 years now, though, that are still in good shape. Though I only wear them a handful of times a year. I tried the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX last year. They're good if you have a long walk on a trail but off trail they weren't my favorites. I'll probably get another year or two out of them but I think I want to try a pair of Renegades this year.
 
I use to wear Danners at work but s switched to Kenetreks. Everyday wear and still look newer at 2 years than a lot of others guys boots at work. I initially bought the Kenetrek Hardscrabble and liked them so much I bought a pair of Hard Tactical. I have an extremely high arch and get hot spots so I have to take up my heels to avoid blisters. I have yet to find a bit that prevents this issue. Seems lesser in the Kenetreks though.

I also bought a pair of Crispi Nevada's to see if they were better than my Kenetreks. I like them but I still get the heel lift. They are comfortable though. They do occasionally cause my right foot to go numb though after several miles (issue with my high arch and under pronation).

The stiffer boots require a longer break in period. My Crispis required about 50 miles. My Kenetreks just a few miles. These boots should last me the rest of my life.

Waterproofing in boots doesn't help for sweaty feet. If you're walking a lot, you will need to swap out socks. I found this out in the Colorado mountains.

If I did it again, I think I would have bought the Kenetrek Desert Guides as there is no waterproofing material just leather. Would be better in warmer environments.

I'm still looking for the perfect boot though, but Kenetrek seem the closest for me. Most high end boots allow returns if you're ordering online. Might have to pay for shipping though.

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I run 2 pair of boots primarily
First is a pair of crispi Thor these were my first pair of higher end boots I’ve owned and they are just awesome boots. I’ve got ridiculous miles on them and multiple seasons

I picked up a pair of kenetrek mountain extreme 400g and holy crap these things are not only insanely comfortable they are built like tanks. Just a bit heavier boot but I go all the way into Jan wearing them in mi

I just picked up sheepfeet insole (they custom make it to your feet) and although pricing this thing is a must for me going forward (I have always had issues with my feet)
 
Homebrew454 said:
I use to wear Danners at work but s switched to Kenetreks. Everyday wear and still look newer at 2 years than a lot of others guys boots at work. I initially bought the Kenetrek Hardscrabble and liked them so much I bought a pair of Hard Tactical. I have an extremely high arch and get hot spots so I have to take up my heels to avoid blisters. I have yet to find a bit that prevents this issue. Seems lesser in the Kenetreks though.

I also bought a pair of Crispi Nevada's to see if they were better than my Kenetreks. I like them but I still get the heel lift. They are comfortable though. They do occasionally cause my right foot to go numb though after several miles (issue with my high arch and under pronation).

The stiffer boots require a longer break in period. My Crispis required about 50 miles. My Kenetreks just a few miles. These boots should last me the rest of my life.

Waterproofing in boots doesn't help for sweaty feet. If you're walking a lot, you will need to swap out socks. I found this out in the Colorado mountains.

If I did it again, I think I would have bought the Kenetrek Desert Guides as there is no waterproofing material just leather. Would be better in warmer environments.

I'm still looking for the perfect boot though, but Kenetrek seem the closest for me. Most high end boots allow returns if you're ordering online. Might have to pay for shipping though.

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I struggle with heel lift in Zamberlans and some other higher end boots I have tried. For me Asolo's completely lock down my heel. I have both the Falcon's and the Hunter GTX's. Sierra trading post has several pairs at the moment. They might be worth a look for you.
 
GCTerpfan said:
I struggle with heel lift in Zamberlans and some other higher end boots I have tried. For me Asolo's completely lock down my heel. I have both the Falcon's and the Hunter GTX's. Sierra trading post has several pairs at the moment. They might be worth a look for you.
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I may have to take a look. I even do a special heel lock that helps a lot with the Kenetreks but not the Crispis

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Homebrew454 said:
I may have to take a look. I even do a special heel lock that helps a lot with the Kenetreks but not the Crispis

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yeah, I tried several different lacing techniques to try to lock my heel into a pair of Zamberlans I really wanted to keep They helped but not enough. Asolo’s haven’t required anything special. Obviously can’t promise they will work for you but I’ve been happy with them.
 
Maybe my son gets my Crispis then. The Kenetreks I use at work too.

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I was always reluctant to spend more on higher end boots and always bought a lot of merrills when on sale. A few years ago a bought some Crispi's and won't/can't go back. They are tough as nails and super comfortable. I wait for sales and buy when models I like are being discontinued. I have 2 pair of Lapponia and just ordered another pair of Attiva mids when they went on sale. My experience is you spend more up front but save big time in the long run
 
Here are some 3 year old Kenetreks. Have 300+ miles on them. I just cleaned them and put their waterproofing boot wax on them. You can see my struggle with uneven heel wear due to under pronation. These boots will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Most of the expensive brands allow new soles to be put on, which I'll probably do to these after this hunting season.

I've read that most expensive boots need to be worn at least twice a month in order to keep in the best shape. If not there can be issues with the soles and delamination.
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Homebrew454 said:
Here are some 3 year old Kenetreks. Have 300+ miles on them. I just cleaned them and put their waterproofing boot wax on them. You can see my struggle with uneven heel wear due to under pronation. These boots will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Most of the expensive brands allow new soles to be put on, which I'll probably do to these after this hunting season.

I've read that most expensive boots need to be worn at least twice a month in order to keep in the best shape. If not there can be issues with the soles and delamination.
73b19c852132cc7648c2365a66ee4e73.jpg


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Wow, thanks for the info and for taking the time to take the pictures. I am definitely going to look into that brand!
 
I think Crispi, Kenetreks, and some of the others will wear similar. Try them on walk with them in store, if one is close. I ordered them online and tried them. I sent a pair of Schnees back. Good quality boot but didn't fit well.

For me, the Kenetreks just fit a little better than the Crispis I have. But I do have a pair of Sheepfeet in my Kenetreks, which may aid in comfort.

Some of the boots take a a bit to break in. Crispi probably the least break in for most. For me the Kenetreks fit great right away, no break in. Crispis were a few miles. Some claim 50 miles for stiff mountain boots.

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I have a pair of Kenetrek. I like the fit and comfort. Since the Kenetrek has a very stiff sole, they have a rocker sole which makes walking easy. I have a fused right ankle and the rocker sole makes walking a lot easier. I also have a pair of Irish setters and a couple pairs of Rocky I bought on sale. With my fused right ankle, it makes buying boots a lot more difficult. But nothing compares to the Kenetrek for long walks.
 
I was using Keen the past year and a half to maybe two years. I liked the fit, but I've walked out of 3 pairs in that time..... I will admit, they warrantied them, but on this last time they said I would have to send the pair back for inspection if it happened again (no problem honestly) but I'm over the headache and worrying about getting wet feet in the middle of a hunt. Id personally avoid Keen. So now I'm on the hunt to find new boots!
 
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