Kenetrek 400 Mountain extremes or Lowa Tibet GTX Hi

[ShepDog]

I have one heck of a delima. My wife has bought me 2 pair of boots mentioned above. She told me to pick which ones I like the best. They both feel very good however they are both pretty stiff boots. I generally put on 5-10 miles a day when hunting. The steeper and farther away from people and roads is what I do.

Will they soften up and which boots would any of you all choose???
Yes, my wife is awesome!!

 

[sneakypete]

I have the mountain extremes and I wouldn't trade them for anything!

 

[hardstalk]

You can't go wrong with either. I think the lowas will suit better for a light pack kinda day. 45-60 lbs. That being said there no slouch with a heavy pack either. But the kenetreks (at least my experience) are suited for heavy packs and nasty terrain. Swap the leather with plastic and they double as ski boots. Kenetrek has a hechuva shank. Lowas seem to soften up a bit shank wise after a few miles.

 

[hardstalk]

Ps. Your wife got a sister

 

[ElkTrout]

I have the Mountain extremes and I don't think I will ever wear anything else! I love them. But with that being said they are a very stiff boot. It seems it took about 45-50 miles to really break them in. So if you are patient with them I think you will love the end result. Never had a blister while breaking them in. Not familiar with the Lowa's.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ElkTrout]

And yes, awesome wife!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ShepDog]

Thanks for the responses.

How about longevity? Stitches, laces, and sole staying together. I expect my boots to last several years and beyond. Any issues with either boots falling apart and if so did the company warranty them or what did you do???

 

[ShepDog]

PS
She does have a sister and is married as well. Her husband has some great equipment too.
Sorry

 

[tdcour]

I have the lowas but not the hi version. I love my lowas. I have an odd shaped foot and the kennetrek boots didn't fit quite right in the heel. I know a guide that wears his all year long for elk, deer, lions, bears... Everything so the kennetreks will be good too. Either are good just make sure you keep the pair that fits your foot the best.

 

[hardstalk]

I just returned a pair of lowas this year. I bought them a couple months ago on a clearance sale. After a sheep hunt they had a wild "click" to them. I sent them in and the shank had broken. They were prompt on keeping me happy. They gave me last known msrp for the boot. Which was about 180 more than I paid and offered me a 40% coupon for my next purchase. I made out like a bandit on a new pair of Baffin pro LL. My previous pair of lowas were baffins also. Held up well and are still kicking( 3-4 years) I recently used some contact cement to glue the soles back on. I think the failure was entirely my fault though. I tend to put my foot in the campfire when my feet are cold and it kills the life of the glue. I lean for a leather lined boot. Where I scout sheep its 100+* in the summer. In the colder months I just use a thicker wool sock and it works good. Never had to send in the kenetreks, but I rarely use them. They are stiff and have a special purpose.