Footwear for elk hunting

[Deertick]

I\'ve got a pair of Miendel boots from Cabelas now ... and they are great for the heavy-duty stuff like scree fields, heavy backpack loads, etc.

I\'m thinking, though, of also taking along a lighter pair of soft \"hiker\" or \"walking\" shoes. Where I\'m planning on hunting, it\'s fairly gentle terrain. And since I\'m thinking September, I don\'t think I need a lot of insulation during the day. Sure, I could get wet, but I\'ve always dried out before. If it\'s warm, I\'m not too concerned about wet feet. (Although, I do enjoy just walking through water with good waterproof boots.)

Anyway, I\'m thinking that for mid-day or afternoon hunts, I may just get some lightweight, cheap shoes that can be thrown on quickly and won\'t weight me down.

Ideas?

 

[cohunter14]

John, I actually did something like this a few years ago, but not as extreme. What I did is buy a pair of Columbia boots, which go just above the ankle. They don\'t have any thinsulate, but are waterproof and very light. It has been a nice change from the traditional boots I used to wear. Keeps the feet warm, you get the ankle support, but you aren\'t lugging around a heavy boot all day. I think there are a number of different brands out there that make something similar. Here is an example of what I am talking about: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Foot...=SBC;MMcat104797980;cat104383080;cat104104980

These might be higher or heavier duty than you were thinking, but it is the smallest I would consider going when hiking in the mountains just because of the ankle support. Mine are also not noticeably heavier than any tennis shoe style that has good treads, so I just wouldn\'t see the reason to go lower.

 

[iccyman001]

I will try to look up the model name, but I used to have these really light pair of walking/hiking shoes that were very cheap. I think they were made by sketchers.

 

[VTHOKEE]

I had a pair of the Miendels from Cabelas and actually just returned them. Mine started leaking. Didn\'t have a receipt so they gave me store credit. I picked up a pair of the Under Armour wall hangers and so far love them. My Miendels were heavy and I actually preferred to wear my Merrel Moabs when I was elk and deer hunting here in NM. So for a light weight boot I would recommend the UA boots.

 

[Deertick]

I was hoping to hear from Still Hunter ... I thought I read that he used moccasins. That appeals to me ... they\'d dry out quickly.

But thanks for the responses. At least I know it\'s do-able.

 

[mtnmutt]

Trail running shoes: either Gortex or non-Gortex. non-Goretex drys out faster. I have both styles of the same model. I use them for hunting, hiking and backpacking. I once wore them hunting with 2 inches of snow on the ground.

First year, I used my all leather hiking boots. Next 3 years, I tried hunting boots. Then, I tried Vasquez Breeze hiking boots followed by Salomon hiking shoes. The hiking shoes were the first footwear to ever give me bad blisters. I choose the wrong model. I trashed my feet on a 5 mile backcountry hunt.

Walking through deadfall, navigating up steep hills, through scree and rock piles; I prefer the lightness, agility and flexibility of trail runners. I would not recommended these to anyone with ankle issues. Since switching to trail runners, I have far less twisted ankles and no blisters. I have never had any past serious ankle injuries and I have strong ankles. My feet are so much happier now with trail runners. Deadfall is not as much a nuisance now.

I do keep the more robust footwear in my car in case I need a workhorse for a heavier load.

This Summer, I will give it another try at hiking shoes. Perhaps Merrill Moab. My trail runners lack a good toe guard. I may take an older set and put gorilla tape on the front to experiment with retrofitting a toe guard on my trail runners.

For creek crossing, I use scuba/swim socks. Yes, it is time consuming to take shoes off and put on the scuba swim socks. I rarely cross a creek.

 

[Deertick]

For creek crossing, I use scuba/swim socks. Yes, it is time consuming to take shoes off and put on the scuba swim socks. I rarely cross a creek.

Good stuff.

You know, I\'m constantly aware that I need to SLOW DOWN in the woods ... then, anything that slows me down, I get rid of ... talk about counterproductive.

 

[Deertick]

non-Goretex drys out faster.

Here\'s some more good stuff ... I\'ll keep this in mind as I sort through this. \"Dries quickly\" is at least as important as \"Waterproof.\"

(In warm weather, when backup footwear is available.)

 

[mainebrdr]

John, which pair of Cabelas Miendel boots do you have. I was looking at some myself as they are on sale right now.

 

[Deertick]

Oh, geez ... I think they are the Denali version ... without the \"Perfekt\" cork in the bottom. They really are great boots -- for me. I\'m just thinking of trying a non-boot.

It\'s not that I\'m not pleased with them ... I use them a lot. But I\'m thinking of getting something that will do little more than protect my soles, but be very lightweight, in the warmer days of September.

 

[VTHOKEE]

Mtnmutt,
I have the Moabs that you are talking about. That\'s all I have used here in eastern NM when I\'m bowhunting mulies. They are really comfortable and have held up well to the elements. This year I am trying out the under armour boots.

 

[Swede]

Cheap boots won\'t hold up long. Get a pair that is appropriate for the use you plan for, and that fit well. I have had several custom, hand made boots. They are worth the price if you are making a living in them. Now days I go with good fitting over the counter boots I get at the factory. They hold up for many years of hunting.
The boots I buy now are Danners. Would they fit you well? I have no idea.

 

[elky McElkerson]

I can jog in my pair of Lowa Renegades. They feel closer to light hikers. I rarely wear my big boots now. I\'m a much faster hiker. I can\'t comment on longevity. But I only wear them for hunts. No daily wear. They are lasting fine this way.