Meindl, Crispi, Lowa? Boots?

[Traxion]

I need to find some new boots. I feel like I haven’t found a good set since my original Danner pronghorns went to heck. I’ve found that $80-$180 boots really are all about the same. I’m ready to buy really nice boots. Looking to Meindl, Crispi, Lowa, etc. I’ve been getting more hiking style boots rather than heavier, taller mountain boots. They’ll see everything from backpacking to upland to a very occasional mountain hunt.

Not looking for any specific model recommendations, but more so just overall experiences with the higher end boot brands. Durability long term is an expectation I have at this price point.

Scheels is carrying Crispi now. But otherwise will have to order and try out if I choose something different. Is what it is I guess.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Pheasant 54]

I have been happy with my Kenetrek's . If that's another one you want to consider

 

[Hamm's]

I have a pair of Crispi boots. Most comfortable boots I've ever had, right out of the box.

 

[Twitch]

I bought a pair of crispi’s 4 years ago…they’ve been on a few elk hunts and I have been very happy with them. They’ve held up well and are super comfortable

 

[Kurtr]

I had miendls I really like and got kenny mountain extreme I really like now

 

[NodakBob]

I’ve had Crispi and Kennetreck in the hiker style you mention. They were pretty equal, just go with the ones that feel best. I wear my kennetrek hardscrabble hikers 6 days a week, two years old and still feel great and no leaks.

 

[Narcs]

I’d reiterate what NoDak Bob said- go with what boots fit your feet most comfortably. For me a great pair of bird hunting boots were not the best when chasing mountain critters. I remember wearing Meindl’s mountain boots when pheasant hunting-dumb and more dumb. I decided to try a pair of Hoka “hikers” last year, as my feet are pretty beat up. I look like a dipshit, but they are very comfortable and have worked great for bird and deer hunting. I wouldn’t wear them on a mountain hunt, however.

 

[fireone]

LL Bean Cresta hikers for me, every day. They are not leak proof but stand up very well. I've wore the same pair most days since 2016.

 

[riverview]

ive been impressed with my crispi boots, only thing i wish there non insulated were a little more non insulated.

 

[Retired-Guy]

Love my Crispi boots.

 

[Whisky]

Like you I favor a shorter hiking height boot. The lighter the better. So I tried the Crispi Colorados, they have more synthetic built into them. Since you mentioned durability I would avoid a boot like that. I burned out a pair of those in 2-3 years. But I did wear them a lot in the off season as a daily winter boot. The Goretex membrane is not meant for longevity and when you have all that synthetic material it just makes it worse. My advice is stick with a 100% leather upper if longevity is important to you.

 

[Ruttin]

Go try a bunch on. My crispis took a long while to break in. The Meindls were great right out of the box. The kennetrax took some time as well. The the meindls for bird hunting. The crispis and Kenny's work for elk way better on my feet.

 

[grantfurness]

I love Meindles. I have a tall insulated pair & a shirt I insulated pair. They’re well made & I get a lot of life from them. As for comfort, it all depends on how they fit your feet. Tough to know that without wearing them, unfortunately

 

[guywhofishes]

They’re almost all made in Italy I reckon.

 

[grantfurness]

Crispi & Kennetrek are made in Italy, Meindle & Lowa are made in Germany. It seems like all of the top quality boots are from those two countries

 

[Pheasant 54]

Best pair of hunting boots I ever owned was a pair of Vasque. They were light weight , never leaked, and were unbelievably comfortable. When they finally wore out I went back to get another pair and they had quit making them , switched to Kenetrek and have been happy with them

 

[grantfurness]

Vasque Sundowners were awesome back in the day. I was bummed when they stopped making them. It’s too bad Vasque is gone

 

[gillraker]

I love my Meindls! Have an uninsulated pair and 400gm insulated pair, they fit my feet well, are tough as hell, been to AK, TX and several places in between. I haven't tried the others you mentioned, but a friend really likes his Crispi's.

 

[SDMF]

Meindl Vakuum for me (actually mine are the Cabela's Denali before Cabela's dropped Meindl). I wear them for pretty much all my hunting provided I'm going to be moving. I do pretty well in non-insulated boots as long as I can move a bit now and then.

 

[Kentucky Windage]

Am I the only one here incapable of pronouncing 75% of these brand names?