New Boots and Trail Shoes Worth Consideration
Whether it is an old favorite or something new, you know that I am always out there looking for the very best gear on the market. The two from Lowa are new versions of boots that have already passed the test and are GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS from me, the others are boots/shoes that I think might be of interest to some of you.
RECOMMENDED - The new and improved Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is an upgrade from the previous offering. Nothing earthshaking just better all the way around. Still the quietest boot I own (even on hard floors) and light. As with many of the Lowa models, these come in narrow and wide versions. The Renegades are also available in black for duty or uniform use. It is a great light hiker or early season hunting boot that now has a little more structure and support than the last ones which was already on my "keepers" list.
RECOMMENDED - Another Lowa Boot on my "keepers" list is the Ranger GTX, in fact, I named it the best all around boot a couple years back. This is the same boot but now also available in a taller 8 inch version called the Ranger GTX Hi. More evidence that Lowa is turned on and tuned in to what the serious outdoorsman wants and needs in the field. I can see the BORSTAR Agents in Southern Arizona or Special Operators in Afghanistan using these and loving them. It is a phenomenal boot with fantastic environmental adaptability.
The 760 Steep GT from Italian boot maker Zamberlan looks to have the right stuff but I have not been able to get a set out in the field yet. Not too stealthy but that won't be an issue for many of you. Check them out if you get a chance, I have heard good things about them. I will let you know what I think after I have had a chance to use them.
The AT Plus was supposed to take the place of the venerable Hardrock in the Montrail hiking line but, frankly, I am still not sure why it needed to be replaced with anything other than...more Hardrocks. If I sound a little bitter it is because I am. The Hardrocks were without question my favorite trail shoes and I was not alone. However, I am trying to roll with the punches and give these an honest chance. Problem for me is that they only come in one width and it seems to be fairly wide. I have the right length but I have to wear my thickest socks in order to get my feet to take up all the extra volume which feels a little sloppy. The Montrail pedigree is impressive but the jury is still out on these.
The Hardscrabble Light is a new addition to the Kenetrek line. Kenes are a popular boot with many in the Western hunting community and I have tested the heavier Hard Scrabble Hikers in the field with good results. They are a well made, solid boot. Not sure how these are different yet but I will try to find out and report back to you.
Later.
RECOMMENDED - The new and improved Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is an upgrade from the previous offering. Nothing earthshaking just better all the way around. Still the quietest boot I own (even on hard floors) and light. As with many of the Lowa models, these come in narrow and wide versions. The Renegades are also available in black for duty or uniform use. It is a great light hiker or early season hunting boot that now has a little more structure and support than the last ones which was already on my "keepers" list.
RECOMMENDED - Another Lowa Boot on my "keepers" list is the Ranger GTX, in fact, I named it the best all around boot a couple years back. This is the same boot but now also available in a taller 8 inch version called the Ranger GTX Hi. More evidence that Lowa is turned on and tuned in to what the serious outdoorsman wants and needs in the field. I can see the BORSTAR Agents in Southern Arizona or Special Operators in Afghanistan using these and loving them. It is a phenomenal boot with fantastic environmental adaptability.
The 760 Steep GT from Italian boot maker Zamberlan looks to have the right stuff but I have not been able to get a set out in the field yet. Not too stealthy but that won't be an issue for many of you. Check them out if you get a chance, I have heard good things about them. I will let you know what I think after I have had a chance to use them.
The AT Plus was supposed to take the place of the venerable Hardrock in the Montrail hiking line but, frankly, I am still not sure why it needed to be replaced with anything other than...more Hardrocks. If I sound a little bitter it is because I am. The Hardrocks were without question my favorite trail shoes and I was not alone. However, I am trying to roll with the punches and give these an honest chance. Problem for me is that they only come in one width and it seems to be fairly wide. I have the right length but I have to wear my thickest socks in order to get my feet to take up all the extra volume which feels a little sloppy. The Montrail pedigree is impressive but the jury is still out on these.
The Hardscrabble Light is a new addition to the Kenetrek line. Kenes are a popular boot with many in the Western hunting community and I have tested the heavier Hard Scrabble Hikers in the field with good results. They are a well made, solid boot. Not sure how these are different yet but I will try to find out and report back to you.
Later.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or BS'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
Posted by Wade Nelson at Sunday, July 25. 2010 
Categories: Feet
Tags: kenetrek lowa montrail hunting boots trail shoes zamberlan
Categories: Feet
Tags: kenetrek lowa montrail hunting boots trail shoes zamberlan
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