Non-Insulated Boot Suggestions?

benjblt

Member
Jul 5, 2015
114
2
Any suggestions on good non-insulated hunting boots? I'm looking for something that I can use for September-October Oregon weather. Has anyone used the Crispi Idaho?
 

Fink

Veteran member
Apr 7, 2011
1,961
204
West Side, MoMo
As always with boots, the boots that best fit your feet will work the best for you. That being said, I cannot say enough good things about my Hanwag Alaskans. My feet haven't gotten cold in them yet, despite some 20-30 degree usage. And most importantly, they've yet to leak, despite some fairly wet weather hunting in Idaho.
 

go_deep

Veteran member
Nov 30, 2014
2,650
1,984
Wyoming
Danner 453 Have over 500 days on mine, and there still in great shape.

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Hilltop

Veteran member
Feb 25, 2014
3,844
2,227
Eastern Nebraska
Another Danner fan here. I have the non-insulated Pronghorns. My current pair was purchased in October of 2014. Guessing I have 100 miles or so on them. I wear them for the majority of my hunting when I don't plan to sit still- mule deer, pheasant etc. They are still waterproof and comfortable today. I do use leather conditioner a couple times a year but no other maintenance.
 

benjblt

Member
Jul 5, 2015
114
2
Thanks guys. I'm on my second pair of Grouse's, of which the first was replaced because the sole was splitting. The second pair is now splitting. Both pairs were only after one season of use and my time spent hunting was split between 2 other pairs of boots.
 

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
If you will do a google search on the Lowa Tibet GTX boots you will likely find lots of good reviews. I have had a pair for going on 4 seasons and these boots are amazing. These are true mountain hunting boots, with a stiff sole with lots of support. Mine have never leaked at all, in spite of many days in the snow while mule deer hunting. These aren't inexpensive boots, but they are worth every penny. Shoebuy runs discounts regular and you can find them for 30% off at times.
Just like what has already been stated, fit is critical.
 

Team Kabob

Very Active Member
May 9, 2014
793
148
Lows Tibets or lowa renegades. Fit my feet good.


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idcwby

Administrator
Jun 23, 2015
2,183
5,181
Idaho
I've been using the Idaho Crispis for the last year and after they broke in, they are my favorite boots. I like how light they and they seem to be very tough and have held up great in the rocky stuff of the Owyhee's to the high mountain stuff.

I just got a pair of Lowa Tibet GTX Hi, after some issues with another boot, and have wore them for the last 2 weekends deer hunting with my dad. They broke very quickly and seem like a good sturdy boot. They seem stiffer than the Crispi and like they would be a great backpacking mountain boot.

idcwby
 

hoshour

Veteran member
I used to like my Danner Pronghorns but then the leather developed a fold just under the bone that protrudes on the outside of your ankle. The boot rubs it something awful now, so the boots have become unwearable.

Also, while Danners are comfortable right out of the box, they have a very flexible sole and leather that don't offer much support. How important that is varies directly with the slope of the hills you are hunting, the unevenness of the ground and whether you are backpacking.

I've had good luck with Meindls. I have a wide foot and they are one of the very few that I find comfortable.
 

DualResident

New Member
Oct 5, 2016
8
0
I love my Danner Pronghorns for everything from climbing into my tree stand to hunting elk in plenty of snow. I agree with hoshour though in that they lack support that is helpful on steep terrain and with heavy loads. Ill take the every day comfort and suffer a little bit on the steep hills and with a pack full of meat.
 

eslofquist

New Member
Feb 9, 2016
8
0
Kenetrek mountain extreme or Meindel Denali. Depends on the terrain you're hunting really. Danners don't hold up in the ultra-rugged terrain in my experience. But if you're hunting less than ultra rugged they are comfortable.
 

FitToHunt

Active Member
Kenetrek mountain extreme or Meindel Denali. Depends on the terrain you're hunting really. Danners don't hold up in the ultra-rugged terrain in my experience. But if you're hunting less than ultra rugged they are comfortable.
I had my choice down to those 2. I just pulled the trigger on the Kenetreks. Hoping they will serve me well. Seem like super high quality product.
 

Prez

New Member
Dec 28, 2014
14
0
New Jersey
I have Kenetrek Hardscrabble boots. Going on 4 years and I wear them often. Once they are broken in they feel great on the feet.
 

Vikingload

Member
Jun 12, 2015
115
0
Powell WY
Honestly for non-insulated the sky's the limit and really depends what works for your feet. I would suggest a trip to the big box store and try some on to see what works for your feet. Me personally I have a pair of merrells, salomon, and salewa shoes. For me in non-insulated merrells fit the bill. I've used them from Afghanistan to Africa to Nevada while in the military and they hold up. The price point doesn't hurt either. Now that I'm out I still use them here in the spring and summer for hiking and even a couple times during the winter when I need a lighter boot. I like them because they fit me feet, the salomon are too narrow as are the salewa.


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Plainsman

Member
Apr 17, 2013
53
1
SW WY
Really like the higher end boots as they seem to fit great and break in a bit easier than the rest but one more worth a look is the Danner Mountain Assault. Had mine for a month now and am extremely impressed in the quality vs cost. Great work boot, should be fantastic for this next fall too.