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Expensive Hiking Boots?

Crispi's and Schnees are my favorites, particularly the Timberlines.
Kenetreks Mtn extreme are hands down the worst boot I ever owned. They were very comfy on flat terrain, but going up any incline whatsoever mutilates and eviscerates my heels. Even with Leukotape on them you can feel how sore they are after walking just a few hours. I know of plenty others who experienced the same thing as me. I tried different insoles, lacing techniques, lacing pressure, everything. These boots just hate my feet. And they're too stiff for my liking as well
 
I’m looking into crispi boots to be my all around hunting boot. Anyone pay attention to stiffness ratings when buying saddle hunting boots?
 
Bowtie747 said:
I’m looking into crispi boots to be my all around hunting boot. Anyone pay attention to stiffness ratings when buying saddle hunting boots?
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I would try to stay at 3 or under. I think anything over that would be too stiff. If you can try them on first, you may find you prefer a stiffer boot. What Crispi boot are you looking at? I have the Nevada's and they're comfy. I kind of wish I went with the Colorado's though because I have Kenetrek hardscrabble that are really similar to the Nevada's.

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I have been wearing the Crispi Valdres for a few years now. It is a 3 and I dont think I would want anything any stiffer. They are a little more firm through the mid foot than something like the Lowa Renegades or the Irish Setter Vapor Treks. Not sure I could be any happier with a boot than I am with the Valdres. Biggest thing though is the boot has to be the right one for your foot. If you have wide feet the valdres will likely not be the right boot for you it has a slightly more narrow toe box than the others I mentioned which I needed for mountain hunting. Would get hot spots with the others from the front of my foot moving in the toe box. If you just hunt flat ground or small rolling stuff that wont be an issue. A 3 rating works great to support your foot in a foot loop or being on a platform with your heel hanging off.
 
BTaylor said:
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.
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Merrell Moabs were my go-to daily wear boot for a couple of years. I think I went through two or three pairs of them. Ultimately I decided that I didn't care for the Gore-Tex lining as my feet just stews in boot so equipped, and Merrill dropped the non-waterproof Moab. I bought another pair of Merrell hikers - I forget the model - and tore out a lacing loop the first time I took them hiking. They really like those sewn-in webbing lacing loops, and didn't put enough stitches into it. Since then I haven't bought another pair of Merrells, or another pair of boots with sewn-in lacing loops, without inspecting the lacing loops for failure points.

Not sure what you want out of a hiking boot, but don't over look 'duty' or 'tactical' boots. I like my Rocky S2Vs so much I own 3 pairs I rotate between, so I can make sure they dry out between wearings. Black, tan, and coyote. They also sell camo S2Vs. I also a pair of Lowas and 2 pairs of Solomons.... I may have a problem... in my defense, I got them for free from work. I digress... the cheaper Rockys actually work better with the years of mistreatment my arches and ankles have endured. The Dr. Scholls arch supports in the Rockys work great for me, but I need to experiment with other arch supports in my other boots before I find a comfortable solution.
 
Bowtie747 said:
Anyone pay attention to stiffness ratings when buying saddle hunting boots?
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You can also use a rigid orthotic-style insole to increase the stiffness, if you like a softer sole. I did that for 1-sticking with my muck boots.
 
Homebrew454 said:
I would try to stay at 3 or under. I think anything over that would be too stiff. If you can try them on first, you may find you prefer a stiffer boot. What Crispi boot are you looking at? I have the Nevada's and they're comfy. I kind of wish I went with the Colorado's though because I have Kenetrek hardscrabble that are really similar to the Nevada's.

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Brisksdal or the valdres! Was focused on the vals but thought I might want stiffer. Guess I was wrong. Probably go with the valdres. I used a steel shanked Kenetrek all last year since they were my work boots. Not sure if it helped or hurt me.
 
BTaylor said:
I have been wearing the Crispi Valdres for a few years now. It is a 3 and I dont think I would want anything any stiffer. They are a little more firm through the mid foot than something like the Lowa Renegades or the Irish Setter Vapor Treks. Not sure I could be any happier with a boot than I am with the Valdres. Biggest thing though is the boot has to be the right one for your foot. If you have wide feet the valdres will likely not be the right boot for you it has a slightly more narrow toe box than the others I mentioned which I needed for mountain hunting. Would get hot spots with the others from the front of my foot moving in the toe box. If you just hunt flat ground or small rolling stuff that wont be an issue. A 3 rating works great to support your foot in a foot loop or being on a platform with your heel hanging off.
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Sweet! Those are the ones I’m looking at the most. Only thing holding me up is the briksdal say 100% waterproof where the valdres say waterproof membrane
 
I think the first thing you need to accept is there is no such thing as waterproof and breathable. If any boots are waterproof they'll be hot and your feet are going to sweat in them. You may want to check out some of the jungle boots at an Army/Navy surplus store. The environment you described is exactly what those boots were designed for.
 
My personal favorite boot of all time and a good option to the Crispis are Schnees Timberlines. They have great flex, but stuff enough to not feel hot spots when standing on a platform or sticks. My pair are in great shape and yet I want to buy them again as Schnees just upgraded all the hardware on their mtn boots for 2023
 
Bowtie747 said:
Sweet! Those are the ones I’m looking at the most. Only thing holding me up is the briksdal say 100% waterproof where the valdres say waterproof membrane
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I dont wade in mine very much but they have had a good bit of use in heavy dew and a little snow and I have yet to have wet feet. It's coming I know but so far they have been great in that regard.
 
Ok I’m gonna update mine I just got my new Lathrop & Sons mountain hunters. They’re hands down the best boots I’ve ever owned, I have about 35 miles on them in the last 3 weeks. They broke in super quick & fit amazing. Full disclosure I had only about 3 brand choices for size 15 mountain hunting boots. If you’re not hunting steep terrain I’m not sure it’s worth the $.
 
Bigterp said:
Ok I’m gonna update mine I just got my new Lathrop & Sons mountain hunters. They’re hands down the best boots I’ve ever owned, I have about 35 miles on them in the last 3 weeks. They broke in super quick & fit amazing. Full disclosure I had only about 3 brand choices for size 15 mountain hunting boots. If you’re not hunting steep terrain I’m not sure it’s worth the $.
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I've only heard good things about them. I've looked at their custom boots but don't think I could talk the wife into allowing me to get them.

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