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Kenetrek 10” Mountain Extreme, Non-Insulated Review

Editor: Shane


Basic Description of item:

The Kenetrek is a stiff mountain boot. It is waterproof and breathable. It uses a proprietary “K-Talon” outsole that is replaceable if you outlast the issued one. They are built to carry heavy loads in rough country.

Just the Facts:

  • 2.8mm full grain leather uppers
  • Rubber rand
  • Waterproof and Breathable” Wind-Tex” membrane
  • Re-soleable
  • 3.9 pounds per pair
  • Made in Italy

Story

If I had to use only one word to describe the Mountain Extreme it would have to be “harsh”. They do their best work in rough, rocky, steep country. They make carrying a heavy pack easier on your feet. They help keep a hunter on his feet and off his ass (or face) when he most needs help.  They do not feel like house slippers or tennis shoes or Danner Pronghorns for that matter.  They are my go- to boot for most, but not all situations.

I ordered the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes after packing out a bull in a pair of “comfortable” boots. After two trips up a steep, rocky draw and two heavy loads out, my feet were twisted, bruised and sore.  It wasn’t that the boots were faulty; I just took the wrong tool for the job.  The Mountain Extreme is a tool designed for that very job.

I had never worn a mountain boot so I was a little surprised by the stiffness of the sole on these boots. The sole is built around a full-length nylon midsole and a steel shank.  The sole does not flex or twist so it provides great support and protection, especially when side-hilling. The uppers are made of very heavy leather but they use a flex notch to allow more natural movement of the ankle.  I felt a little like a stormtrooper when I first put them on but, after a few laps around the house I started to learn how to roll with the stiff sole.

The tongue is attached all the way up the sides so the boot is waterproof to the top. Kenetrek uses the Wind-Tex membrane to keep the water out and to allow the boot to breathe.  The top opens up very wide despite the attached tongue. I have a fairly high instep and the boots are still easy for me to get into. I have heard complaints about Kenetrek boots leaking. The only water that ever got in mine came in over the top.

The boot has a rubber “rand” that adds additional protection to the bottom inch or so of the boot and the foot in it. This is a great feature that extends the life of the boot. Some leather treatment products break down the glue that holds the rand on. Some will actually damage the rubber itself so choose carefully.

I like Superfeet insoles. They are much more substantial than the issued insoles and I have never worn these boots without them. If you stopped at the Kenetrek booth at the expo you saw that they are pretty fond of them too.

I am on my second set of soles. Carter’s in Bozeman does the work for Kenetrek. They are quick and reasonably priced. The soles seem to wear pretty fast but I abuse them. And the uppers still have plenty of use left so it is money well spent.

I have had these boots for three years now. I have put a lot of miles on them. As previously stated, this is my first experience with this type of boot so I don’t have anything to compare to. I do know that these boots are much better than anything I’ve used for steep, rocky terrain. They even make side-hilling more tolerable. (It’s never good, is it?)  They are relatively heavy at four pounds per pair. They are very stiff and therefore noisy. They would not be my first choice for still hunting easy country or stump sitting. Good stuff is never cheap and these boots offer no exception at $375 a pair. ($390 and $410 for the insulated versions).What the Mountain Extreme IS, is a very well built boot that excels at making rough country and heavy packs easier on a hunters feet.


What they could do better:

  • Improve the insole. At this price point, the consumer shouldn’t have to add anything

Kenetrek 10” Mountain Extreme, Non-Insulated Review
  • Functionality
    (4)
  • Value
    (4)
  • Ergonomics
    (4)
  • Durability
    (4.5)
4.1

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