On an elk hunt, nothing is more important than your feet. Improper selection of elk hunting boots will create hot spots and blisters, which will run you off the mountain before you can run carbon or send lead through a big bull. Don’t let that happen. Opt for one of the to-come elk kicks and dominate the terrain.
I remember my first archery elk hunt as if it were yesterday. Sadly, it’s not the handful of bugles or the sight of a young 5-point bull raking a tree that jumps to the forefront of my brain. Mostly, I remember the pain. My hunting buddy and I packed in deep. We were young and in excellent shape, and no ridge or basin was too far. Three miles into our walk, I felt a burn in the soft skin on the arch of my right foot. I ignored it. Two miles later, the spot felt like someone was holding a lighter on it. I also detected burning on the pad of my left foot, right under my toes, and in my right toe.
At mile six, we had to stop. I removed my Walmart special boots, and both of my feet looked as if they’d been in a meat grinder. Young and dumb, neither of us had excellent first-aid options. Though I powered through six grueling days, the fun of the hunt was gone. Elk hunting is hard. When your feet are on fire, and you’re bleeding through your socks, the hunt becomes even more challenging.
I couldn’t move through the woods like I wanted, and steep accents and gnarly descents would bring me to my knees. I believe I would have killed a bull on my first-ever public land DIY wilderness elk hunt if it hadn’t been for my feet.
So, why the Walmart specials? Again, I was young and dumb. Plus, I was broke. I learned that the hundreds of dollars I spent on clothing, food, etc., should have gone to a pair of quality boots.
Friends, I promise, when it comes to the elk woods, boots matter. There are gear items you can skimp on. Elk hunting boots aren’t one of those items. Take your time, research, and opt for the best pair of elk kicks you can afford that match your hunting style and the time of year you’ll be hunting.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorites to shorten the learning curve. Click in the orange to read more about why it was chosen, and click the green to shop.
Best Overall: Zamberlan 1110 Baltoro Lite GTX RR
Best Crossover Elk Boot: Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400
Best Uninsulated Elk Boot: Meindl Comfort Fit Hunter
Best Insulated Elk Boot: Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000
Best Women’s Elk Boot: Crispi Women’s Briksdal
Best Lightweight Elk Boot: LaCrosse Ursa MS
Best Budget Elk Boot: Danner Vital
Best Overall: Zamberlan 1110 Baltoro Lite GTX RR
I’ve penned a pile of boot articles over the years. All those articles have one thing in common: I awarded a Kenetrek boot with the “Best Overall” award.
Don’t fret. Kenetrek’s are amazing elk boots and will appear in this article. However, I’ve leaned on Zamberlan’s 1110 Baltoro Lite GTX RR for the past three elk seasons. I’ve worn these ultra-lightweight Vibram Starlite outsoles with lightweight EVA midsoles boots across the West. I’ve scaled crumbly, rocky, shale-lined canyons, granite peaks, and every terrain in between. I’ve walked with the boots under a heavy load more times than I can count. They have served me well on horseback ventures, and not once did I get a single hot spot, even during the break-in period.
The boot combines technical performance with a lightweight construction that makes you feel like you’re roaming the Rockies in a pair of Brooks running shoes. I’ve discovered the Perwanger uppers to be bulletproof, and the PU-coated rubber rands on the toe box and heel boost durability. These boots grab any terrain, under any weather condition, and dominate it. The slim design allows me to maneuver through and around any landscape, and the GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membranes are waterproof and breathable. I’ve never treated these boots with any wax or water-repellant product, and after three seasons, they still keep my feet dry and comfortable.
If your elk hunt is happening from August through October when insulation isn’t necessary, these boots are a win. Pair them with one of Zamberlan’s excellent sock options—I like the Alpine Peak Climbing and Backpacking Scree options—and you’ll be ready to dominate the elk woods.
Best Crossover Elk Hunting Boot: Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400
What is a crossover elk boot? Simple. It’s built to handle any elk terrain but also makes an excellent option for other hunt missions like Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, mountain goat, moose, etc.
I have to think long and hard when giving many of these awards. Not for this category, though. I’ve taken my Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400s worldwide—most recently to Africa for plains game—and they are remarkable.
In 2021, when I drew my once-in-a-lifetime archery big horn sheep permit, there was no question what boot was going on my feet. The 400-gram Thinsulate insulation adds a “just right” amount of warmth without hindering maneuverability or making your feet feel like they are in a sauna. You’ll cheer the 10-inch tall leather uppers crafted with 2.8mm premium full-grain leather. These uppers provide comfortable ankle support no matter how rough the terrain gets, and the 7mm nylon midsoles give extra support when your back is loaded down with meat and horns.
A rubber rand encompasses the toe, heel, and lower sides of the boot for ultimate protection, and you won’t find a better outsole than the lightweight K-Talon outsole. I will note that the lugs are almost too aggressive on milder terrain, but if you spend time breaking them in and training with them in milder terrain, you will be just fine.
I recommend treating the boots with Kenetrek’s Waterproofing Boot Wax once per year. This boosts overall boot longevity and keeps water out.
Best Uninsulated Elk Hunting Boot: Meindl Comfort Fit Hunter
Legendary hunter and good friend Scott Haugen told me years ago, “Dude, get yourself some Meindls.” Haugen, as usual, was right. If you’re looking for a pair of top-end leather, uninsulated boots that will allow you to search for elk nirvana and bring you back in total comfort, the manufacturer’s Comfort Fit Hunter Uninsulated is an excellent go-to.
Weighing only 3.8 pounds, these 9.25-inch tall boots ensure mobility and perform under heavy loads. The boots are GORE-TEX lined for total waterproof protection, and the Comfort Foot design gives you more room in the toe box. The heel cups hug the heels snugly for a custom fit and feel, and Meindl’s exclusive cork footbeds make these boots feel like clouds on the feet.
If you decide to go the Meindl Comfort Fit Hunter route, size down. It’s nothing extreme, but if you wear a US Men’s 11, go with a US Men’s 10.5.
Best Insulated Elk Hunting Boot: Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000
This isn’t a click-bait article. You work too hard to make your elk dreams come true, and if you’re looking for a top-tier insulated elk kick, Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme 1000 is it.
Yes, I realized that’s two Kenetrek mentions, but I don’t care. During the late season, when you’re posted up on mountain ridges blanked in snow and frigid north winds howl, these boots keep your feet and toes comfortable and toasty.
The boots’ build and specs match those of the Mountain Extreme 400—the main difference is these boots have an extra 600 grams of Thinsulate. The boots, at 4.5 pounds, are still generally lightweight. I’ve made long late-winter horseback rides in them and walked miles and miles in rough terrain. No, they aren’t as comfortable and flexible as the 400s, but you can’t expect them to be. The extra insulation adds weight and some bulk, though not much.
Best Women’s Elk Hunting Boot: Crispi Women’s Briksdal
I don’t have experience wearing these boots, but that doesn’t mean I did an internet search and picked the first ladies’ boots I came across. I have lots of female friends who hunt, and this boot was mentioned by more than one of them.
The boots weigh roughly 3.2 pounds and feature 8-inch tall water-repellant Nubuck leather uppers. The leather is premium and ultra-durable, and the asymmetrical lacing system ensures a custom fit and feel. The stretch nylon tongue adds an element of comfort, and a rubber rand encompasses each boot for maximum protection from rocks, brush, etc. Several of the ladies I spoke with told me they have used these boots for several years, and they show little signs of wear and tear.
The 3 Flex Rating means maximum mobility when covering rough terrain, and the Vibram sole with bi-density polyurethane shock-absorbing midsole ensures an excellent grip and comfort with each step. The boots feature 200 grams of GORE-TEX Insulated Footwear Lining.
Best Lightweight Elk Boot: LaCrosse Ursa MS
I received my pair from LaCrosse in late May. I’ve worn them on two scouting trips where I’ve put over 30 miles on my feet. I’ve also worn them for backyard and farm chores because the boots are light and have a remarkable athletic feel. They will be my go-to archery elk boot this fall.
At only 7 inches tall, the 3.1-pound pair of boots promotes excellent maneuverability, and the uppers, sole, and entire build are German-tank tough. Twice, I’ve crossed small rivers while wearing them, and not only did the boots not leak, but there’s no better test for a sole than walking on slippery rocks. The Vibram Mont Outsole was engineered for mountaineering and trekking, and it’s one of the finest outsoles I’ve ever used.
LaCrosse combined the shank, lasting board, and midsole into a single unified piece, reducing weight while still providing elk-goers with a boot that doesn’t sacrifice support. The open-cell polyurethane footbed is comfortable, and I appreciate the addition of the HexGuard Rand. The rand encompasses the entire boot, providing maximum abrasion resistance and lasting durability. The Ursa MS boots are non-insulated.
Best Budget Elk Boot: Danner Vital
Regarding elk hunting gear, I don’t like to hear the word “budget.” Budget often leads to hot spots and blisters. However, I have no problem recommending Danner’s Vital. Trust me, $200 is a budget boot in the world of elk kicks, and this fit-true-to-size, 8-inch tall, under-three-pound make is an excellent choice.
The multi-direction lug outsole ensures a solid grip, and the open-cell polyurethane footbed and Danner Dry waterproof barrier ensure all-day comfort. Plus, Danner went a step further to ensure hot spots and blisters won’t cripple your elk hunt. They call it Multi-Density Foam, which aims to eliminate hot spots and pinch points. The Lock & Load Lacing System means ghillies across the forefoot for a secure and quiet fit, and locking speed hooks mean rapid lacing.
FAQs
How Do I Know What Elk Boots To Pick?
I often get asked this question at seminars, via email, and through social media. It’s an excellent question and, honestly, a difficult one to answer.
First, the good news: Many remarkable elk boots are on the market. Now for the bad news: You can’t try them all on and test them on your feet for a few days.
You need to decide how, when, and where to hunt elk. This will help you narrow your search. For example, if you only plan to bow hunt elk in August or September, you can eliminate all boots with over 400 grams of insulation. If you’re looking for a boot that will serve you well in all but winter’s coldest months, a boot with 400 to 600 grams of insulation should be considered.
Visit outdoor sports stores and try on and get a feel for as many boots as possible. Then, when you find a boot that fits your feet like a glove and performs well in the elk woods, buy two or three pairs of that exact model. This way, you will have a great pair of boots for years.
Do I need to break my elk boots in?
Yes. While I have put boots on my feet that required no break-in period, you want to avoid heading to the elk woods guessing. Nothing is worse than trying to maneuver through elk country with hot spots and blisters screaming at you. Plus, just because boots don’t give you hot spots or blisters doesn’t mean they are comfortable. I like to spend a week breaking in my elk boots.
How much difference does insulation make?
Insulation can be good and bad. The more insulation a boot has, the heavier and less athletic the boot feels. For example, my feet thanked me when I started wearing my Zamberlan 1110 Baltoro Lite GTX RRs (uninsulated) instead of my Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400s (400 grams of insulation) on early-season elk hunts. I felt more maneuverable and more athletic when moving through the woods. However, on the flip side, there will be times when insulation is a must. This is another reason to pair your elk boots with the terrain and time of year you’ll be hunting.
How much should I spend on elk boots?
No one can answer that question but you. I always plan on spending between $350 and $550. Know going in that when it comes to boots, you get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to spend your money on boots, it’s just like elk broadheads. Nothing is more important than taking care of your feet.
How long will my elk boots last?
Boot longevity depends a lot on care. For example, I don’t leave my elk boots outside on the front steps at home. When elk season is over, I clean them up and, if required, treat them with a boot wax. As I mentioned earlier in the article, my Zamberlan boots have been on my feet for three elk seasons, and I have no doubt they will make a fourth. I’ve also worn these uninsulated boots on hunts for turkey, deer, pronghorn, and bear.
Plus, many top-tier bootmakers have warranty programs; some even allow you to send in your boots to get new soles. Great boots are worth their weight in gold.
Final Thoughts
Don’t make the mistake of buying cheap elk boots. Not only will bad boots cripple your elk hunt, but they won’t last. You can buy a single high-quality pair of elk boots that will last you for years and serve your elk needs well, or you can spend $60-$90 per year on sub-par boots that will hurt your feet, keep your feet wet, and break down by the end of the season. I think you know what to do. Have a blessed and excellent fall!
