New boot recommendations, not too stiff

[LCguy]

Looking at purchasing a new pair of boots for the upcoming season. I have worn Danner Pronghorns for the last eight years and have been really pleased with their performance (shocking for this forum, I know) and fit but would like something just a touch stiffer for the upcoming season. I hunt Deer, elk, turkey and quail in New Mexico so can vary from super steep, to rocky foothills, to rolling hills, to flatter country. I don't really like a super stiff boot because I feel more stable when I can feel my foot flexing a little bit, especially in some of the rockier stuff we have in the units I hunt. Budget-wise, would prefer not to spend much more than $450 but can go up as needed. For those who don't like a stiffer boot, what's your go-to?

 

[Jordan]

I like my Schnees Beartooth. They do sales often and can be had for under $450 pretty easily. I used to wear a stiff boot and these have good flex but are still stable in the mountains.

 

[Agross]

Meindl

 

[skip189]

Have been running the Crispi Summits the last couple years for bowhunting and early rifle and they are great.

 

[Mountainrancher]

Schees timberline or Hoffman traverse

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

Lowa Camino, Lathrop and Sons Encompass...

 

[TxLite]

I really like my schnees timberlines

 

[aachey]

After having pronghorns and now schnees beartooths, the beartooths are what you’d want. They’ll be just a little bit stiffer but still have all the flexibility.

 

[Blcktail56]

Crispi valdres

 

[Steve300xcw]

I hit up the clearance sale a couple months back when they had Hanwag Yukon's for $120. While I sure wouldnt want them to be any stiffer. I have zero complaints about them. Shoulda bought a couple pairs

 

[Amos Moses]

Currently breaking in some Crispi Lapponia 3s. Destroyed my heels with blisters on the first 10 mile hike, but they seem to be getting a lot more comfortable now. Real flexible boot.

 

[Tilzbow]

The previously mentioned Lowa Caminos or Schnee’s Beartooth would both be good choices assuming they fit your foot. Both a very similar fit, with the Camino being a lower and slightly stiffer boot.

 

[Blcktail56]

Currently breaking in some Crispi Lapponia 3s. Destroyed my heels with blisters on the first 10 mile hike, but they seem to be getting a lot more comfortable now. Real flexible boot.

They are great until you get into really steep shit. I had a pair for work and they held up well and were comfortable from the start for me

 

[Trogon]

Hoffman summit is my go to. Great mountain boot. Not crazy stiff, but enough to handle some steep scrambles and down climbing. Schnees beartooth also very good if you want something taller.

 

[sheajeff]

Hiking around the San Juan’s here in Colorado the last sixteen years, I have tried all of the top boot companies, my personal favorites would be,Meindl followed by Hanwags

 

[SuperDUECE22]

Crispi Valdres II

 

[LCguy]

After having pronghorns and now schnees beartooths, the beartooths are what you’d want. They’ll be just a little bit stiffer but still have all the flexibility.

Do they fit similarly?

 

[Ucsdryder]

Looking at purchasing a new pair of boots for the upcoming season. I have worn Danner Pronghorns for the last eight years and have been really pleased with their performance (shocking for this forum, I know) and fit but would like something just a touch stiffer for the upcoming season. I hunt Deer, elk, turkey and quail in New Mexico so can vary from super steep, to rocky foothills, to rolling hills, to flatter country. I don't really like a super stiff boot because I feel more stable when I can feel my foot flexing a little bit, especially in some of the rockier stuff we have in the units I hunt. Budget-wise, would prefer not to spend much more than $450 but can go up as needed. For those who don't like a stiffer boot, what's your go-to?

J

Post in thread 'Boots: light and fast or heavy and bomb proof?'

May 20, 2025

Use to wear and still have some Scarpa Grand Dru’s which are about as stuff of a hunting boot as you can get. If I’m packing out of a super steep hole I can toe in and they are nice. However the last couple years I’ve switched to light foot wear and don’t foresee going back.
Last fall i wore lone peak hikers all season and they were great, wore them in the rubies in steep rocky stuff and in really nasty river breaks. Killed my bull and had to pack meat for almost 8 miles, really Rocky sidehilling, two river crossings and up over two saddles and the lone peaks were awesome and my feet...

• JasonM

There is some good stuff in this thread. The Schnee boots are great! That being said, I’d opt for 2 pair of boots. Something light, like a Salomon 4d in warm, dry conditions, and something like the schnee beartooth for wet, mountain terrain.

 

[UKwildcatfan]

Looking at purchasing a new pair of boots for the upcoming season. I have worn Danner Pronghorns for the last eight years and have been really pleased with their performance (shocking for this forum, I know) and fit but would like something just a touch stiffer for the upcoming season. I hunt Deer, elk, turkey and quail in New Mexico so can vary from super steep, to rocky foothills, to rolling hills, to flatter country. I don't really like a super stiff boot because I feel more stable when I can feel my foot flexing a little bit, especially in some of the rockier stuff we have in the units I hunt. Budget-wise, would prefer not to spend much more than $450 but can go up as needed. For those who don't like a stiffer boot, what's your go-to?

Lowas. Try several brands on. Lowa fit me best.

 

[LCguy]

J

Post in thread 'Boots: light and fast or heavy and bomb proof?'

May 20, 2025

Use to wear and still have some Scarpa Grand Dru’s which are about as stuff of a hunting boot as you can get. If I’m packing out of a super steep hole I can toe in and they are nice. However the last couple years I’ve switched to light foot wear and don’t foresee going back.
Last fall i wore lone peak hikers all season and they were great, wore them in the rubies in steep rocky stuff and in really nasty river breaks. Killed my bull and had to pack meat for almost 8 miles, really Rocky sidehilling, two river crossings and up over two saddles and the lone peaks were awesome and my feet...

• JasonM

There is some good stuff in this thread. The Schnee boots are great! That being said, I’d opt for 2 pair of boots. Something light, like a Salomon 4d in warm, dry conditions, and something like the schnee beartooth for wet, mountain terrain.

Hmmm, now I'm thinking maybe just something super light. I hunt in central New Mexico mostly and during Muzzleloader seasons (late October), so I never really have to worry about it being super cold and I run hot anyway. When I am hunting when it's cold (quail), I'm usually walking the entire time anyway. Or maybe I'll just get another pair of Pronghorns. They fit my feet perfectly and have performed for me, so why overthink?