Buying a hunting boot is one of the most difficult decisions a hunter can make next to choosing a rifle. Hunters and outdoorsmen spend a lot of time on their feet, thus the proper footwear selection is essential to their comfort and willingness to stay in the field for longer periods of time and harvest that trophy animal. When choosing a quality boot there are many features that need to be examined. In this article, we are going to take an in-depth look at the Kenetrek Hardscrabble boot.
Kenetrek Hardscrabble
Specs
- 7″ tall 2.8mm thick premium full grain leather uppers with one-piece vamp construction with no seams down the tongue for abrasion resistance and waterproofness
- Reinforced double and triple stitching in high wear areas
- 7mm nylon midsoles for extra support with pack loads
- Boot hardware that swivels instead of breaking
- Reinforced rubber sole guard for extra abrasion resistance
- Non-insulated for comfort in warm temperatures
- Windtex® waterproof breathable flexible membrane
- Lightweight K-Talon™ outsoles provide excellent traction
- Weight 3.5 lbs
- Made in Italy
- Price Starting at $420.00
First thought for me was, what is that $420.00 getting me and how is it better than the boot I am currently wearing. It’s simple, the fit. They have three different widths that the majority of their boots come in: narrow, standard, and wide. This allows for you to get the correct size, length, and width to fit your foot. Secondly, the limited flexibility in the sole of the boot. You would think that limited flexibility in this boot would cause it to be uncomfortable but it’s not the case (once you take the time and break these boots in).
I harvested this bear while on a backpack hunt 6 miles back in Idaho’s Backcountry wearing my Kenetreck’s. From sunup to sundown, this truly is a boot that I trust in all conditions.
This limited flexibility is handy when it comes to putting a heavy weight on your back for longer packs. This is also a product that is built to last. I am currently on year three with these boots and they don’t need to be rebuilt yet.
Packing my bear and camp out 6 miles back to the truck. These boots really do perform best when tasked with heavy weight on your back.
This isn’t the perfect boot by any means. It has an all leather upper so it doesn’t breathe as well as a Cordura upper boot would. In early season hunts, this can cause your feet to sweat. When you don’t have these boots broken in, I would not recommend going for long hikes in them, due to the fact that they are very stiff they can cause heal slip which will lead to blisters on your heels.
Three years of hard hunting and hiking and these boots are ready for more.
All in all, I would recommend these boots to everyone, in fact, my wife and father-in-law now have a pair. This is a great all around boot for hunting and hiking. If you do hunt in those early hot seasons I would just recommend bringing a second pair of socks to change out mid day.
Learn more by visiting kenetrek.com
For $420 a pair, they should carry that pack for you.
I have worn Hard Scrabble boots for 10 years or more and to me there are no better boots any where. They are great for hiking, back packing, and hunting, not so great for standing around in. These boots are made for motion. I’ll always own a pair.