Heavy Duty Hikers-Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers-Light Mountaineering Boot-Hunting Boot
The Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers with Smartwool Light Hiking socks after a Six mile loop in the McDowells.
Class-light mountaineering, made for heavy loads and rough terrain
Height-high, 7 inches, 8 loops/cleats plus mid-tongue roller
Materials-2.8mm leather, metal loops/hooks, heavy duty rubber rand
Insulation-none but the skin is thick and there is good padding around ankle
Waterproofing-Windtex waterproof breathable liner
Cushion-footbed is thin, midsole is firm, outsole is stiff, nylon midsole
Flexibility-good at the ankle, fore foot, breakover point, very supportive
Tread-K-Talon, aggressive
Volume-medium to full, has comfortable tongue, excellent lacing system
Width Availability-yes, Wide
Weight-my 11 D US weigh 2 lbs 0 ounces per boot
Crampon Compatibility-yes, strap on only
Quality-very high, made in Italy
Break In-no, they were comfortable out of the box
You regular readers know that I am evaluating about 30 different pairs of boots for my recommended boot list. Boots are the biggest, single gear category we deal with here and it is not easy to cull out the best ones or even a top three for a couple different reasons. First, there are so many outstanding boots available. Second, because feet are what we are trying to fit here and they are all different. Something that might be good for me, a pretty standard size 10.5 D street shoe, won't work for my brother, who has the goofiest 8.5 EEs you have ever seen.
These particular boots are made in Italy for Kenetrek of Bozeman, Montana. As with most of the boots at this level, quality and attention to detail is outstanding. Impeccable. Really, these are very well made boots. Since I prefer 6 to 8 inch boots, I can't wear anything taller, I picked the Hardscrabble Hiker model which is a 7 inch, all leather, heavy duty model with a Windtex waterproof/breathable booty. While these boots are not insulated they do have a padded lining and thick, ultra low nap, rough out leather. As you can see from the pictures, the heavy rubber rand wraps the entire side of the boot for superior protection and longevity.
Note how high the rand comes up around the toe box and the mid-tongue lace lock.
The full, one piece tongue is pre-creased and lays down nicely even on the first wearing. Half way up the middle of the tongue is a lace lock that allows the top and bottom sets of laces to be at different levels of tightness. A nice feature and more common in the high end boots. It gives the user a fine degree of adjustability and control for all types of terrain and weather.
Note the padded collar and the inlayed strip of non-slip material in the foot bed.
The Kenetreks were comfortable right out of the box and handled my 6 mile mountain test loop without so much as a hot spot. They accommodate moderate plus to full volume feet well. They sit up a little bit higher so you feel taller, sort of like driving a truck as opposed to a car. These are heavy boots, right at 4 lbs per pair and are made for hard days, heavy loads and difficult terrain. That means that they have a firm feel and a pretty stiff sole. Bedroom slippers they are not but they provide tremendous support and control. I like these boots very much.
I had not heard of Kenetrek before reading about them on one of the hunting forums. The guys that were talking about them are very experienced and gave them their highest recommendation. So I ordered a pair. I am glad I did. I also posted a message on one of the big backpacking forums asking if anyone had any experience with Kenetrek and despite all the people that read the post not one responded. That is unfortunate, this would be a good boot for some of them.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
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