Thanks for the vid. I'm shopping for my first hunting boot as I lay here like a slug recovering from neck surgery and have the pleasure of living in Spokane while I do it. Between the outdoor stores and the boot companies I should get myself into the best boots I've ever worn with the best fit I've ever had. Will be stopping by White's boots to try on their insulated Lochsa boots today. Wish me luck!
I’ve tried on the Lochsa boots, they seemed like good boots comparable to the ones I reviewed. They had a fair bit of “volume” and ran too large for me, but that’s not unusual and they will likely work well for a lot of folks
@@chilly460 My buddy who basically is my hunting mentor uses the insulated Kenetrek extremes. I will end up trying on both and probably more to find the perfect fit. Thanks for your feedback!!
This was a awesome video. Honest reviews are hard to find now with people getting everything sent to them, I live in Colorado and hunt Elk, I love the Kennetrek Mountain Extreme and the Wildland Fire boots. You are spot on with the review of the Mountain guides, That foot bed is different and takes some breaking in. If you get the Mountain Extreme's I hope you have the same luck I had with mine, Out of the box and on the hunt, No break in needed. I also wear the Lowa hiking boots, But to me they are a different boot, Still a excellent boot though.
Very good review. Saw your other video and have Kenetrek ME non-insulated on the way. I was a bit dismayed to hear your tests indicate the ME's don't have the stability you'd like. Still, your reviews give me confidence the MEs will still be the right boot for me for now. Thanks for your work posting the reviews. Well done.
Thanks for a helpful review. I ended up with the Meindl comfort fit hunter and am very happy with it. I would avoid the Hoffman's unless you have really narrow feet - I have D width feet and ordered a "wide" boot from Hoffman AND sized up, and my toes were crushed; had to pay shipping both ways.
I have a set of Schnee Granite series, and love them. Great boot for the real rough stuff here in Montana. They're a flex three boot but are stuff enough for crampons or snow shoes. I'm just not a Kenetrek guy.
I've been looking at pulling the trigger on a pair of quality hunting/hiking boots. I appreciate the breakdown you gave on these. It will definitely help me in my efforts to find a quality boot. Be well.
Just got a pair of mountain extremes couple weeks ago. I hunted the Missouri river breaks for two weeks and wow is all I can say. If you get a pair you won't be disappointed
@@chilly460 Any updates on those? I tried a pair on in a store and they were very comfy for my feet. The more I wear my Schnees Beartooth, the more pain I'm in! Thinking of just splurging on the Kenetreks
@@chilly460 That’s my experience on the beartooths. Too narrow (even in a wide) at the midfoot and super hard - ball of foot hurts. Thanks for comparing these.
I owned 3 pairs of Meindl for summer, fall and winter hunting. I liked the boots but I ran into a serious problem. Since I only used them for hunting I kept them for many years. The soles fell off on all three pairs and I found that the inner rubber sole had deteriorated to a black powder. I have since switched to Lowa. I won't purchase Meindl again. The insulated pair lost the sole a week ago so now I'm researching for another insulated pair.
Precisely why I'm here...scouting for new boots because my Meindl Perfekts just had both soles completely fall off. Glad i decided to put them through their paces before my elk hunt next month. Black powder was an apt description of the bottom of the soles. Only wore them for hunting out west...4 six day hunts or 24 days so not great longetivity.. The first was in 2009 but I would expect better...even after 14 years, with seldom usage but proper care.
@@jasonkendrick1974 it’s not the boot makers fault, you hit the nail on the head when you give the age of the boot and you only wear them occasionally. The best thing to do is wear them all the time, any make of boot with a similar sole will do the same. I have a pair of Lowa boots and they have gone the same way. Google Hydrolysis, which is the chemical breakdown of PU.
Time destroys things almost faster than use. Especially synthetic materials unfortunately. I may be wrong, but I doubt any of the other brands are using a more shelf stable synthetic for their soles than meindl, and I doubt meindl is using the same materials in their new boots that they were 15 years ago.
The first boot reminds me of my Altberg Kisdons in the way the rubber rand is fitted and the the type of leather used. The sole on your boots though I believe is one of the ice grip types soles. Oh and both have a Sympatex lining.
Most comfortable boots I’ve ever had were Hanwag. Straight out of the box. My current boots are Lowa and they took quite a while to become comfortable. Had to wear them for an hour or so here and there until they were comfortable. They’re on their second soles now so I’m looking at a pair of Meindl Islands next up. I get about 18 months out of a pair of boots before the PU midsole gives up. If the Meindl doesn’t last longer that the others, I’m going back to Hanwag after them.
I'm interested in Hanwags and have been looking at the Tatra Top GTX. Glad to know they break in easily, the consensus is Hanwags are on the stiff/heavy side but that may be leftover from their older mountaineering boots.
@@chilly460 I had the Tatra GTX. They have a stiff sole and a curve so you sort of roll them as you walk. Very heavy leather but they were just like slippers on my feet. I’ll give Meindl a look next (I have a pair of Desert Fox boots by them already) and if they’re not longer lasting, I’ll go back to Hanwag. Either the Tatra Top (ones I had were a bit low for my taste), Alaska or Yukon. The PU soles breaking down quickly on my boots is probably from me wearing them almost every day and the wet climate (Ireland).
@@chilly460 Thanks for the review, Iv worn Hanwag for many years and they are by far the best boot for me. I own and wear several models ,I wear them daily for work and hunting and fishing. I ordered a new pair of special forces gtx last year and on delivery I noticed the quality had significantly changed. Hanwag were designed and made in Germany but are now made in Croatia and unfortunately the quality has gone. Never did any model let me down once even working as a arborist and abusing them. It’s a shame but the way of our crazy throw away world. Regards Simon
Excellent assessment of the boot quality and attributes! I wear my boots five days a week (Hanwag, Lowa and Meindl) for work. Long days following bird dogs and hiking uneven terrain makes a believer out of you when you walk in good footwear.
Yep, at first I wanted lightweight and flexible as they're definitely more comfortable walking around in the store, but once I understood how much less fatigued my feet were walking hard ground with these type boots, no turning back.
I am absolutely torn between a pair of Kenetrek Extreme 400 and Hoffman Explorer 400. You are one of the few people that I have heard talk about heel blisters on the Kenetrek. I have never experienced heel blisters before, so I am wondering if that would even bother me. On the other hand, I hear Hoffman can sometimes have a lump in the sole that is bothersome. I really am torn between the two. I am looking for a cold weather boot for hiking in PA. Any advice would be appreciated.
Fit is such a subjective thing. I’ve owned two pairs of Kenetreks and ended up selling both, the Hoffmans are my favorite boots and were just with me on a two week chukar hunt.
Meindl is just perfect. Whether I am hunting in southern Germany, trekking along trails or alpine hiking. Meindl always delivers. They last for many years and protect your feet like a bastion.
@@carl8568I have been hunting with a pair of Meindl's for at least 9 years now, and the boot is still great. Lots of tread left on them. My only complaint right now, and the reason I'm starting to shop for a new pair of boots is they don't feel quite as supportive around my ankles as they did for such a long time. I'm on the fence if I want to try something new, or just stay with a boot that's been great for such a long time.
@@ristgreg88 I ended up buying a pair of Bestards- Breithorn Pro GTX, made in Spain. Pretty hard to acquire, I had them shipped from the UK to Australia but the price was insane. $275 AUD (so like $185 USD) including shipping! Could not find anything even close to that price from Lowa, Meindl, Scarpa etc. Goretex, full rand, 2.7mm nubuck leather and they have the EVA sole so it's not prone to PU rot like most boots. I think the polyurethane rot is more common in humid areas, but I didn't want to have to worry about it. It is a wider boot, I've stacked a couple of insoles and plan to take them up to 6000m+ in the Himalayas. They seem very solid so far.
Waterproof for me comes in at most important….would you say that they are all on the same level for waterproofing ( minus the Crispi) also what’s your take on Gaiters? You sir are my boot/gear guru now.
Yes, so far they’re all about the same for waterproofing minus the Crispis. I haven’t personally run gaiters so can’t speak to them, with newer pants that dry quickly I haven’t felt the need to wear them to keep pants dry, and wearing a 10” boot I haven’t felt like I need them to keep junk out of the top of the boots.
Stumbled on this today in my search for a quality pair of boots. How's the updated infor looking as far as longevity? Im currently still watching this video and will be searching your playlist.
I’ve sold some pairs but the Hoffman, Crispi, and Lowa are still going strong. The Rand has delaminated on the Hoffmans and all of them have cracked leather at the major crease in the toe box but still well intact. The Crispis are no longer waterproof in heavy conditions
Just got a pair of Meindl Vakuum Hunters. My first pair of high quality boots. Deer hunt a lot in south central VA and excited to put them to work in some of the hills around there.
I'm in the Richmond area, these type boots are great for the cutovers around here with all the slash on the ground. Vakuum Hunters are next up on my list.
@@chilly460 have you made this purchase yet? I’ve been settled on this as my next boot. They don’t seem to run any special at any point of the year unless I’m missing something?
I do a lot of backpacking and also hunting in California but am starting to do cold weather Colorado and such hunting and hikes. I really have my eyes on the crispy Nevada. Do you think that boot would do well in warmer weather aswell as cold weather. The uninsulated.
I hunted Montana this year when it was 93*, and some 75* days locally and can say the Crispi Guides start to get warm in those temps. Not sure any boot is going to feel great in the 90s but I think it’s a lot to ask of an all leather boot
This is really useful thanks for a great review of many boots. One question on waterproofing - is it ever too wet for goretex lined boots and you would prefer to wear rubber boots? For example on a week long hunt in pouring rain and muck would your goretex boots still be dry at the end or would your socks be wet? What is the limit for the waterproofing of these boots ? Thanks!
From a fellow Virginia grouse hunter, thank you for the review. I'm currently wearing the Shnee Beartooth. In a 10.5 wide. I have a wider foot out at my toes, regular heel area. Between the Lowa and Hoffmans, which direction would you go? Thanks
I’ve watched this review and the more recent one with addition of the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. You said the Extremes didn’t seem like a good boot for side-hilling which I do a lot of. I have a wide toe box but a narrow heel. In regards to side-hilling, it seems that you tend to favor a boot that rides low in the foot bed and is sturdier. With my sizing and your insights for what has worked for you, what boot would you recommend. Also, I’m a 10/9.5 (the 10 is first because 9.5’s are usually quite tight in the toe box, especially on my right foot since it’s about a half size larger.) Thanks for posting these reviews, they’re really informative and I can honestly say they’re the best I’ve found.
I have a pair of Kenetrek MTN Extreme’s and can attest to the fact they aren’t good for side-hilling. It’s actually the reason I found this video is due to frustration and fatigue over that deficiency. I loved the boots at first but the issue gets increasingly worse over time especially once broken in and the provide less support. I ended up wearing out the sole more on the outside which further compounds the problem.
Kenetrek boots all the way. I ware the hardscrabble boots every day in the summer and there 400 mountain extreme in the winter. I am not a hunter but other then $700-$800 whites or nicks these are the most comfortable boots on concrete all day.
You are dead right Sir, wet grass from dew or fine mist is the worst. Lifting the foot 'sucks the moisture in' if you can imagine that kind of process going on. Kind regards.
I'm looking at the Hoffman or crispi...and possibly the kenetrek...out of the two you have, which do you prefer??? And I plan on wearing these for hunting and even work. And would you stay with the 8" or 6" in the Hoffman??? I'll be hunting mostly in the Appalachian mountains and foot hills. Thank you
I have the Crispi, Hoffman, and the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. This is definitely subjective as they all perform well, but I like the Hoffman’s best. I get a heel blister with the Kenetreks fairly quickly, and with the Crispis with lots of climbing.
How is the Hoffman Explorer in E (wide) compared to the Schnees beartooth in E (wide) or Crispi Nevada/Guide in standard? I have the Schnees Beartooth in Wide and they're just a tad too narrow. The Crispi Nevada feels quite good widthwise (could probably go ever so slightly narrower and be happy. I want to try the Hoffman Explorer, just not sure if I'd need standard or wide.
I only bird hunt so I’m moving and staying warm, so take that in mind as opposed to a guy in a tree stand. I wore uninsulated in 6” snow in WV twice recently, 24* days, and my feet were ok. That said, standing still in the snow I’d start to feel a chill so if I were static I’d consider insulated under 30*
One of the best and most honest boot analysis videos I've seen on youtube. Thank you for the detailed overview. You mention that the Crispi Guide had a generous toe box, of the boots you own which do you think would be most appropriate for a foot with a narrow heel and wide forefoot?
Iv used most , but soles are crappy 6 to 8mm max tread , i can flatten most soles in a year , these companies shoult take a leaf from hanwag trapper too boots , (soles)
You’d have to define “better”. At this point, quality and features wise, there’s not a great range between the boots especially if you factor cost. They have their strong and weak points, Crispi have great ankle support and break-in, but are the only boots that arent 100% waterproof of the ones I personally own.
@@chilly460 Aesthetics are important to me. Subjective. Not using them for hunting. Regular hikes etc in California and Hawaii. Bought the Nevadas on the way now.
Jeff Bommarito I will say if based on looks alone, I like the Crispis best. That said they’re all fairly similar being all leather with a rubber rand, just not much room for variance. Guys I hunt with can’t tell the difference if I’m wearing Crispi/Hoffman/Kenetrek with pants covering the top of the boots
Just added it up, I have $1250 invested for the 6 reviewed plus maybe a bit for shipping I didn't factor. Like I said in the video, I didn't pay full retail for any of them.
@@chilly460 you won’t be disappointed. I’ve have a pair that I have hunted and backpacked …. Hell I even climbed Mt Adams in ( with crampons ) . That pair was bought in 2008 and still running strong. I use obernoffs to keep them tip top. They spoil your feet. Treat them well and they will last for a very long time… Believe me when I tell you I hinted plenty hard out here in Western Washington with them… they keep your feet protected and dry
I heard someone else say that they owned a bunch of brand of boots and hoffman out performed them. This list included crispi and kenetrek. Im about to purchase the hoffman armor pro.
Maybe so, but I covered 7 boots in 30min. If I didn’t include background about the “test” I’d have fifty comments bitching that I didn’t wear them long enough or that I was comparing 8” and 10” boots
i think you rambled the perfect amount and by far the most unbiased informative video i have found. i wish you had some affiliate links to click on to show my appreciation.
I have a pair of Red Wings I wore when I worked in a paint warehouse, they've held up great over the years. Does Red Wing sell hunting boots? Seems they're all Irish Setter branded. I guess I'd try a set of Wingshooters with something other than the crepe sole.
That’s about $3000 worth of boots I’ll smash the button for ya !
Much appreciated!!
Great video. Just enough detail about what matters most. Also, good to see reviews from one person that has actually worn all these boots.
Outstanding Real World Review of at least 3 Grand in boots. Thank you sir.
Thanks for the vid. I'm shopping for my first hunting boot as I lay here like a slug recovering from neck surgery and have the pleasure of living in Spokane while I do it. Between the outdoor stores and the boot companies I should get myself into the best boots I've ever worn with the best fit I've ever had. Will be stopping by White's boots to try on their insulated Lochsa boots today. Wish me luck!
I’ve tried on the Lochsa boots, they seemed like good boots comparable to the ones I reviewed. They had a fair bit of “volume” and ran too large for me, but that’s not unusual and they will likely work well for a lot of folks
@@chilly460 My buddy who basically is my hunting mentor uses the insulated Kenetrek extremes. I will end up trying on both and probably more to find the perfect fit. Thanks for your feedback!!
This was a awesome video. Honest reviews are hard to find now with people getting everything sent to them, I live in Colorado and hunt Elk, I love the Kennetrek Mountain Extreme and the Wildland Fire boots. You are spot on with the review of the Mountain guides, That foot bed is different and takes some breaking in. If you get the Mountain Extreme's I hope you have the same luck I had with mine, Out of the box and on the hunt, No break in needed. I also wear the Lowa hiking boots, But to me they are a different boot, Still a excellent boot though.
Very good review. Saw your other video and have Kenetrek ME non-insulated on the way. I was a bit dismayed to hear your tests indicate the ME's don't have the stability you'd like.
Still, your reviews give me confidence the MEs will still be the right boot for me for now.
Thanks for your work posting the reviews. Well done.
Thanks for a helpful review. I ended up with the Meindl comfort fit hunter and am very happy with it. I would avoid the Hoffman's unless you have really narrow feet - I have D width feet and ordered a "wide" boot from Hoffman AND sized up, and my toes were crushed; had to pay shipping both ways.
I have a set of Schnee Granite series, and love them. Great boot for the real rough stuff here in Montana. They're a flex three boot but are stuff enough for crampons or snow shoes. I'm just not a Kenetrek guy.
I've been looking at pulling the trigger on a pair of quality hunting/hiking boots. I appreciate the breakdown you gave on these. It will definitely help me in my efforts to find a quality boot. Be well.
Glad it was helpful
I've had all of these I now wear mostly crispi but I still have a pair of un insulated kenetreks I use for day hikes or scouting.
I’m about to try the schnee beartooth 400g. Got an elk hunt in December and the boots are on sale for $299. I’ll use them whitetail hunting also
You cut off when you were talking about the Meindl multigrip sole. What were you going to say?
Boot height is measured from where your heel sits. It’s how high it comes up on your leg
Thanks for the great comparison! Just ordered some lowa tibets on sale for $190 and pining over lowa reviews until they arrive lol
Good choice, they're a great all around boot and very durable
Just got a pair of mountain extremes couple weeks ago. I hunted the Missouri river breaks for two weeks and wow is all I can say. If you get a pair you won't be disappointed
Good to hear! I just picked up a pair on a trip to Montana and have about 10mi in them while training dogs, so far so good
I absolutely love my ME's.
@@chilly460 Any updates on those? I tried a pair on in a store and they were very comfy for my feet. The more I wear my Schnees Beartooth, the more pain I'm in! Thinking of just splurging on the Kenetreks
@@JulienKozak I like the Kenetreks much more than the Beartooths, softer footbed and wider toe box
@@chilly460 That’s my experience on the beartooths. Too narrow (even in a wide) at the midfoot and super hard - ball of foot hurts. Thanks for comparing these.
Mindl allways number one
I owned 3 pairs of Meindl for summer, fall and winter hunting. I liked the boots but I ran into a serious problem. Since I only used them for hunting I kept them for many years. The soles fell off on all three pairs and I found that the inner rubber sole had deteriorated to a black powder. I have since switched to Lowa. I won't purchase Meindl again.
The insulated pair lost the sole a week ago so now I'm researching for another insulated pair.
Precisely why I'm here...scouting for new boots because my Meindl Perfekts just had both soles completely fall off. Glad i decided to put them through their paces before my elk hunt next month. Black powder was an apt description of the bottom of the soles. Only wore them for hunting out west...4 six day hunts or 24 days so not great longetivity.. The first was in 2009 but I would expect better...even after 14 years, with seldom usage but proper care.
@@jasonkendrick1974 it’s not the boot makers fault, you hit the nail on the head when you give the age of the boot and you only wear them occasionally. The best thing to do is wear them all the time, any make of boot with a similar sole will do the same. I have a pair of Lowa boots and they have gone the same way. Google Hydrolysis, which is the chemical breakdown of PU.
Time destroys things almost faster than use. Especially synthetic materials unfortunately. I may be wrong, but I doubt any of the other brands are using a more shelf stable synthetic for their soles than meindl, and I doubt meindl is using the same materials in their new boots that they were 15 years ago.
boots review starts at 4:15
The first boot reminds me of my Altberg Kisdons in the way the rubber rand is fitted and the the type of leather used. The sole on your boots though I believe is one of the ice grip types soles. Oh and both have a Sympatex lining.
Most comfortable boots I’ve ever had were Hanwag. Straight out of the box. My current boots are Lowa and they took quite a while to become comfortable. Had to wear them for an hour or so here and there until they were comfortable. They’re on their second soles now so I’m looking at a pair of Meindl Islands next up. I get about 18 months out of a pair of boots before the PU midsole gives up. If the Meindl doesn’t last longer that the others, I’m going back to Hanwag after them.
I'm interested in Hanwags and have been looking at the Tatra Top GTX. Glad to know they break in easily, the consensus is Hanwags are on the stiff/heavy side but that may be leftover from their older mountaineering boots.
@@chilly460 I had the Tatra GTX. They have a stiff sole and a curve so you sort of roll them as you walk. Very heavy leather but they were just like slippers on my feet. I’ll give Meindl a look next (I have a pair of Desert Fox boots by them already) and if they’re not longer lasting, I’ll go back to Hanwag. Either the Tatra Top (ones I had were a bit low for my taste), Alaska or Yukon.
The PU soles breaking down quickly on my boots is probably from me wearing them almost every day and the wet climate (Ireland).
@@Dreyno The Hoffman Explorers have the same "roll" in the sole that you describe, good to know that about the Hanwags
@@chilly460 Thanks for the review, Iv worn Hanwag for many years and they are by far the best boot for me. I own and wear several models ,I wear them daily for work and hunting and fishing. I ordered a new pair of special forces gtx last year and on delivery I noticed the quality had significantly changed. Hanwag were designed and made in Germany but are now made in Croatia and unfortunately the quality has gone. Never did any model let me down once even working as a arborist and abusing them. It’s a shame but the way of our crazy throw away world.
Regards
Simon
@@chilly460 I second the Hanwag choice. The Alaska GTX are hands down the best boots I’ve ever come across. Unbeatable in my opinion!
Excellent assessment of the boot quality and attributes! I wear my boots five days a week (Hanwag, Lowa and Meindl) for work. Long days following bird dogs and hiking uneven terrain makes a believer out of you when you walk in good footwear.
Yep, at first I wanted lightweight and flexible as they're definitely more comfortable walking around in the store, but once I understood how much less fatigued my feet were walking hard ground with these type boots, no turning back.
What would the best boot be for wide, flat feet?
Lowa
You left the best boots out of this review...
ZAMBERLAN
I’m sure they’re great boots but I tried several on and they just don’t fit me well. Not a knock on the boots.
Would you say the Kenetreks have the best overall build quality? Thanks for the vid
Hard to say which are best as they’re all wearing well, but if I had to pick one it’d be the Lowas
@@chilly460 Wow. That’s surprising I figured the Kentreks. The Lowe’s are probably cheapest Retail. Thank you.
@@tap42alnew models Lowas are $465
I am absolutely torn between a pair of Kenetrek Extreme 400 and Hoffman Explorer 400. You are one of the few people that I have heard talk about heel blisters on the Kenetrek. I have never experienced heel blisters before, so I am wondering if that would even bother me. On the other hand, I hear Hoffman can sometimes have a lump in the sole that is bothersome. I really am torn between the two. I am looking for a cold weather boot for hiking in PA. Any advice would be appreciated.
Fit is such a subjective thing. I’ve owned two pairs of Kenetreks and ended up selling both, the Hoffmans are my favorite boots and were just with me on a two week chukar hunt.
@@chilly460 Thanks for the info. I was leaning more towards Hoffman. Meindl Kibo GTX Hunter 300 look tempting too?
Meindl is just perfect. Whether I am hunting in southern Germany, trekking along trails or alpine hiking. Meindl always delivers. They last for many years and protect your feet like a bastion.
What do you make of the claims about longevity issues? Kind of unsure if Meindl Islands or Lowa Tibets are the go.
@@carl8568I have been hunting with a pair of Meindl's for at least 9 years now, and the boot is still great. Lots of tread left on them. My only complaint right now, and the reason I'm starting to shop for a new pair of boots is they don't feel quite as supportive around my ankles as they did for such a long time. I'm on the fence if I want to try something new, or just stay with a boot that's been great for such a long time.
@@ristgreg88
I ended up buying a pair of Bestards- Breithorn Pro GTX, made in Spain. Pretty hard to acquire, I had them shipped from the UK to Australia but the price was insane. $275 AUD (so like $185 USD) including shipping! Could not find anything even close to that price from Lowa, Meindl, Scarpa etc. Goretex, full rand, 2.7mm nubuck leather and they have the EVA sole so it's not prone to PU rot like most boots. I think the polyurethane rot is more common in humid areas, but I didn't want to have to worry about it. It is a wider boot, I've stacked a couple of insoles and plan to take them up to 6000m+ in the Himalayas. They seem very solid so far.
Waterproof for me comes in at most important….would you say that they are all on the same level for waterproofing ( minus the Crispi) also what’s your take on Gaiters? You sir are my boot/gear guru now.
Yes, so far they’re all about the same for waterproofing minus the Crispis. I haven’t personally run gaiters so can’t speak to them, with newer pants that dry quickly I haven’t felt the need to wear them to keep pants dry, and wearing a 10” boot I haven’t felt like I need them to keep junk out of the top of the boots.
Stumbled on this today in my search for a quality pair of boots. How's the updated infor looking as far as longevity? Im currently still watching this video and will be searching your playlist.
I’ve sold some pairs but the Hoffman, Crispi, and Lowa are still going strong. The Rand has delaminated on the Hoffmans and all of them have cracked leather at the major crease in the toe box but still well intact. The Crispis are no longer waterproof in heavy conditions
Any advice on what product should I use to treat hiking / hunting leather boots?
I’ve had good luck with Obenauf’s
@@chilly460 thanks for your quick reply
Thanks for the info. Killer review
Just got a pair of Meindl Vakuum Hunters. My first pair of high quality boots. Deer hunt a lot in south central VA and excited to put them to work in some of the hills around there.
I'm in the Richmond area, these type boots are great for the cutovers around here with all the slash on the ground. Vakuum Hunters are next up on my list.
@@chilly460 have you made this purchase yet? I’ve been settled on this as my next boot. They don’t seem to run any special at any point of the year unless I’m missing something?
I do a lot of backpacking and also hunting in California but am starting to do cold weather Colorado and such hunting and hikes. I really have my eyes on the crispy Nevada. Do you think that boot would do well in warmer weather aswell as cold weather. The uninsulated.
I hunted Montana this year when it was 93*, and some 75* days locally and can say the Crispi Guides start to get warm in those temps. Not sure any boot is going to feel great in the 90s but I think it’s a lot to ask of an all leather boot
This is really useful thanks for a great review of many boots.
One question on waterproofing - is it ever too wet for goretex lined boots and you would prefer to wear rubber boots? For example on a week long hunt in pouring rain and muck would your goretex boots still be dry at the end or would your socks be wet?
What is the limit for the waterproofing of these boots ?
Thanks!
Eventually the boots become to saturated for goretex to work so if it’s a constant downpour I’d go rubber boots
Which boots do you feel are the most durable for someone who hunts on a daily basis?
How is the waterproofing on the Crispi? Thors
Ok, not as good as the leather boots. More water resistant than waterproof
thanks for the heads up there
From a fellow Virginia grouse hunter, thank you for the review. I'm currently wearing the Shnee Beartooth. In a 10.5 wide. I have a wider foot out at my toes, regular heel area. Between the Lowa and Hoffmans, which direction would you go? Thanks
I’ve watched this review and the more recent one with addition of the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. You said the Extremes didn’t seem like a good boot for side-hilling which I do a lot of. I have a wide toe box but a narrow heel. In regards to side-hilling, it seems that you tend to favor a boot that rides low in the foot bed and is sturdier. With my sizing and your insights for what has worked for you, what boot would you recommend. Also, I’m a 10/9.5 (the 10 is first because 9.5’s are usually quite tight in the toe box, especially on my right foot since it’s about a half size larger.) Thanks for posting these reviews, they’re really informative and I can honestly say they’re the best I’ve found.
I think this gets into a bit of personal preference, but I’ll say I’d wear the Crispi or Schnee if I knew I’d be side hilling all day.
I have a pair of Kenetrek MTN Extreme’s and can attest to the fact they aren’t good for side-hilling. It’s actually the reason I found this video is due to frustration and fatigue over that deficiency. I loved the boots at first but the issue gets increasingly worse over time especially once broken in and the provide less support. I ended up wearing out the sole more on the outside which further compounds the problem.
Kenetrek boots all the way. I ware the hardscrabble boots every day in the summer and there 400 mountain extreme in the winter. I am not a hunter but other then $700-$800 whites or nicks these are the most comfortable boots on concrete all day.
You are dead right Sir, wet grass from dew or fine mist is the worst. Lifting the foot 'sucks the moisture in' if you can imagine that kind of process going on. Kind regards.
I'm looking at the Hoffman or crispi...and possibly the kenetrek...out of the two you have, which do you prefer??? And I plan on wearing these for hunting and even work. And would you stay with the 8" or 6" in the Hoffman??? I'll be hunting mostly in the Appalachian mountains and foot hills. Thank you
I have the Crispi, Hoffman, and the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. This is definitely subjective as they all perform well, but I like the Hoffman’s best. I get a heel blister with the Kenetreks fairly quickly, and with the Crispis with lots of climbing.
How is the Hoffman Explorer in E (wide) compared to the Schnees beartooth in E (wide) or Crispi Nevada/Guide in standard? I have the Schnees Beartooth in Wide and they're just a tad too narrow. The Crispi Nevada feels quite good widthwise (could probably go ever so slightly narrower and be happy.
I want to try the Hoffman Explorer, just not sure if I'd need standard or wide.
No idea how they compare in wide, as I wear a regular width. I’d say Crispi Guide is widest, then Explorer very close, Beartooth is narrower
At what Temps would someone consider going to an insulated boots ? I will be out from 32f to 50f .
I only bird hunt so I’m moving and staying warm, so take that in mind as opposed to a guy in a tree stand. I wore uninsulated in 6” snow in WV twice recently, 24* days, and my feet were ok. That said, standing still in the snow I’d start to feel a chill so if I were static I’d consider insulated under 30*
32-50 is warm weather. I’d stay with non insulated or 200g max.
good video best regards from scandinavia
One of the best and most honest boot analysis videos I've seen on youtube. Thank you for the detailed overview. You mention that the Crispi Guide had a generous toe box, of the boots you own which do you think would be most appropriate for a foot with a narrow heel and wide forefoot?
The Crispi Guide or Hoffman Explorer were best at avoiding heel slip for me, with the Guide probably being better if you have a wide forefoot.
Iv used most , but soles are crappy 6 to 8mm max tread , i can flatten most soles in a year , these companies shoult take a leaf from hanwag trapper too boots , (soles)
Are Crispis better than the rest?
You’d have to define “better”. At this point, quality and features wise, there’s not a great range between the boots especially if you factor cost. They have their strong and weak points, Crispi have great ankle support and break-in, but are the only boots that arent 100% waterproof of the ones I personally own.
@@chilly460 Aesthetics are important to me. Subjective. Not using them for hunting. Regular hikes etc in California and Hawaii. Bought the Nevadas on the way now.
Jeff Bommarito I will say if based on looks alone, I like the Crispis best. That said they’re all fairly similar being all leather with a rubber rand, just not much room for variance. Guys I hunt with can’t tell the difference if I’m wearing Crispi/Hoffman/Kenetrek with pants covering the top of the boots
For me its the La Sportiva Nepal
Thanks for the review. Very helpful 👌
Glad it helped
I am having a hard time to buy shoes online without try them out
Good review thanks!
Thanks a lot.
Welcome, hopefully it was helpful.
Crispy mountain guide is hands down best hunting and work boots ever.
Crispi diotto top
Bro! You’ve got thousands of dollars in boots!!!
Just added it up, I have $1250 invested for the 6 reviewed plus maybe a bit for shipping I didn't factor. Like I said in the video, I didn't pay full retail for any of them.
Kenetrek are just a small $500 dollars a pair you know 😅☹️
That Lowa boot is crying for some waxing.
You sound like john goodman
Roseanne Goodman or Big Lebowski Goodman?
Hawg Wag boots
I haven't gotten my hands on a pair, but they're on the list to try
@@chilly460 you won’t be disappointed. I’ve have a pair that I have hunted and backpacked …. Hell I even climbed Mt Adams in ( with crampons ) . That pair was bought in 2008 and still running strong. I use obernoffs to keep them tip top.
They spoil your feet. Treat them well and they will last for a very long time…
Believe me when I tell you I hinted plenty hard out here in Western Washington with them… they keep your feet protected and dry
If there's an emergency and you can only grab one, what are you reaching for?
Well that gets into fit more than anything, which is subjective. But, probably surprise a lot of folks that I’d take the Hoffman Explorers.
I heard someone else say that they owned a bunch of brand of boots and hoffman out performed them. This list included crispi and kenetrek. Im about to purchase the hoffman armor pro.
Nice boots, I use my military boots for hiking in the woods.
And built by the military contract lowest bidder. Lol. (Former USMC infantry.)
Lathrop & sons
It's pronounced...a·puh·la·chn. HAHA
He rambles on too much
Maybe so, but I covered 7 boots in 30min. If I didn’t include background about the “test” I’d have fifty comments bitching that I didn’t wear them long enough or that I was comparing 8” and 10” boots
i think you rambled the perfect amount and by far the most unbiased informative video i have found. i wish you had some affiliate links to click on to show my appreciation.
No Red Wings? They would destroy the rest.
I have a pair of Red Wings I wore when I worked in a paint warehouse, they've held up great over the years. Does Red Wing sell hunting boots? Seems they're all Irish Setter branded. I guess I'd try a set of Wingshooters with something other than the crepe sole.
Red Wings would definitely not destroy these. Haha. Very different use cases.
Not hiking vs hiking.
@@russelllieser4226 Not sure what you're saying, are you referring to the Thors? They were only used as a weight comparison
Great review very much appreciated