Lightweight Hunting Boots?

Never in Doubt

Active Member
Jul 9, 2012
304
0
I used Danner Jackal II last year, they were on sale for $120. Some people had problems with the boot leaking but mine never did. I plan on using them again this next year. It is a very lightweight boot, IMO.(but my boot experience is limited)
 

OregonJim

Very Active Member
Feb 19, 2014
795
0
Oregon Coast
I love Danners.
I make it in to the factory store every chance I get.
I tried the Pathfinder GTX last year. (they look pretty comparable)

For me they just didn't cut it. They are pretty much a waterproof high top sneaker.
It is lightweight, and it didn't leak, but it just wouldn't stay laced no matter what I tried.
I recently purchased another pair of Pronghorns. They are heavier but they last several seasons and are extremely comfortable.

I still take the lightweight Pathfinders if my feet are aching and I'm on a short afternoon hunt in Elk Camp.
 

JWM

New Member
Feb 21, 2014
17
0
I love Zamberlans lightweight backpacking boots. They can be pricey but I've never had a problem with my feet being sore or uncomfortable. They provide a ton of support and feel great on long trips.
 
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NE69

Active Member
Jan 6, 2013
372
59
65
Southwest Nebraska
I do things a little different and most wouldn't agree with me. I used to work out year round 6 days a week, lift in the morning and run at night to get ready for elk season. I would buy the best pair of running shoes I could find a couple months before hunting season and wear them training and while hunting. I always take a couple pair of boots (meindl) if I end up packing heavy loads. I still prefer to hunt in light weight running shoes or hiking shoes. I love my meindls and haven't ever had a blister but they are heavy. I always feel better at the end of the day with less weight on my feet. I like to think I can go farther with less effort. I started out this year in WY in the meindls but was having slippage issues on the slopes in the Bighorns due to the snow and rain. After a gashed shin on a rock I switched to some merrell low hiking boots with vibram soles and got along great. I did wear gaiters to stay dryer. Being 55 years old I didn't think the ankles would still handle the low shoes but I was fine. I actually wore them packing meat out this year with no problems. My brother in law used to do the same years ago when we hunted Colorado at high altitude. They work for me but might not for you.
 

RokToy17

New Member
Jun 11, 2014
9
0
Currently Deployed...
Another vote for the Salomon's I have the Quest 4d GTX's, a step down from the cosmics. They are awesome! I have had great luck with them.

http://www.salomon.com/us/product/quest-4d-gtx.html
I have used Danners for the better part of 15 years (USMC), and have been generally pleased.

I am extremely interested in the Salomon Quest 4D GTX though. My main concern is in the fit. I typically like "wide" boots, but Salomon does not offer this in "wide". Anyone have a fit assessment for widths?
 

Murdy

Active Member
Dec 13, 2011
359
0
North-Central Illinois
I picked up a pair of Hanwag Banks boots and wore them a bit during this last spring turkey season. Kind of a cross between a hiking boot and a true hunting boot (a lot more substantial than something like a Merrel Moab or Keen Targhee, but still on the light side). Very comfortable. Sierra was clearancing them and a few similar models. Watch the sizing (they are sized in UK sizes, but I only went down a half size and they're perfect -- standard advise is to go down a full size for UK, I believe).
 

newguy220

Member
Jul 12, 2012
104
0
Idaho
I've had good luck with Danner Pronghorn for about a year. I don't know if its my feet or the rocky country I hunt, but after a year of hunting the boots kill my feet when wearing them so I've been looking into the Danner Ridgemaster, it is suppose to be like the Pronghorn, but made in Portland. Anyone try these yet?

I bought a pair of the Cabelas Meindls and wore them for two years and either they never broke in or they just didn't get along with my feet because after a few hours my feet were aching horribly. The only reason I stuck with them so long is because they had good ankle support and it never felt like I was going to twist an ankle.

newguy220
 

grizzly

Active Member
Dec 3, 2013
195
1
UT
I just got some Kenetrek Bridger Ridge. My feet are wider than most and a lot of shoes pinch, but these seem to fit great. Looking forward to trying them out this weekend.
 

MountainHigh

Active Member
Jul 19, 2014
301
3
Fort Collins, CO
RokToy17- I just joined the forum and have been reading though threads of interest. I own the Salomon Quest 4D GTX boots. I have a fairly narrow foot and they fit great. I am not sure how they would work on a wider foot. My experience with the boot is they are the best backpacking boot I have ever owned. Last elk season put over 80 miles on them and still use them everyday for work for over a year now. Super comfortable and and a great backpacking boot platform.
 

coloradoshedhead

Active Member
Jul 9, 2014
156
25
Colorado
Under Armor Brow Tines, for archery season. I have taken them to check my trail cams a few times and they have been great so far. Light and still 8" tall. Lots of tread and so far plenty of cushion.
 

In God We Trust

Very Active Member
Mar 10, 2011
805
0
Colorado
I have to second the Danner Pronghorn. I have been using them for years and they are a great boot for the price. You can get a better boot if you want to spend 250+ but the Pronghorns are hard to beat. I do use My Meindl Denalis on multiple day trips because of the support they offer under heavy loads but they are by no means light. I have heard good things about the UA Speed Freaks also.
 

roknHS

Member
Sep 25, 2014
135
0
North Idaho, Tick Fever Country
I like soles that flex when I walk....went with the Under Armour Speed Freak. Plenty of sole flex, very lite weight, fits my foot tightly yet not so much as to cause discomfort, nice cushioning on the inside, quite warm for not being insulated, great traction soles, waterproof, tough material on the outside. I've got some miles on mine and have nothing to complain about. Got these on sale after Christmas under $130 bucks. Their $200 dollar boot has a better lace hook system but for the difference in price I'm good with the Speed Freaks.
 

jmwyoming

Active Member
Feb 28, 2013
238
107
57
Lost springs wy
The wolverine antelope is only 2.4 lbs, goretex, and uninsulated. I have no complaints with mine. I've hunted in mine for 2 years now. Wyoming and Colorado elk seasons. They are very comfortable and little to no break in.
 

Lungbuster

New Member
Oct 10, 2014
13
0
I have a pair of Lowa Tibet Pro Gtx and love them. They have a leather glove liner and weren't to bad breaking. They suggested spraying them with something like camp dry over mink oil as the mink oil would soften the leather to much. Check out zappos.com free shipping and returns and they had them on sale for $280
 

mtncowboy

Member
May 10, 2014
76
0
WY
I love my asolo boots! At 2.2 lbs. you can't go wrong. They hold up good and have been an excellent boot for early season.
 

B&C Blacktails

Active Member
Mar 1, 2015
237
0
Solomon mid GTX boot. Its a boot company for high country snow skiers. This boot is amazing. Hunted w. murderers ck in elk in Oregon buddies boots were Danner Pronghorn and Meindl. There's were both leather and my Solomon GTX is synthetic and super light. 16 inches of wet snow all day. There socks were a little wet and mine were nice and dry.

I did buy a pair of kenetrek hardscrabble 400 this year. Found a pair for 35% off. Some of my buddies swear by them. We'll see how they perform this fall.