Explore lightweight archery elk hunting boot options designed for steep climbs in elk country. Get insights on stability, comfort, and performance
If you’ve archery elk hunted in August and September, you’ll know that you want a boot that breathes well and saves some weight. It’s been said that every pound on your feet equates to five pounds on your back — and it's common to cover a lot of ground on your feet with a pack on your back while chasing elk. The miles can add up quickly. In my experience, it’s not uncommon to stack up five to 10 miles a day. Over the course of a week, that’s 35 to 60 miles, and if you’re fortunate enough to kill a bull, it can be brutal packing out your camp and meat. I’ve worn everything from heavy, all-leather boots to ultralight trail shoes, and after years of trial and error, I’ve landed on lightweight, breathable, supportive boots for archery elk hunting. Reducing the weight of your boots will lessen the fatigue you feel in your thighs and calves and will help you cover more distance efficiently. Not to mention, your recovery time will be quicker.
Elk live and thrive in some nasty terrain. You’re dealing with deadfall, loose rock, and steep sidehills, regularly crossing creeks or wet meadows. Lighter boots mean you can pick through that mess faster and quieter. They don’t feel like you’re lifting bricks with every step. The stiffness level of the boots that will work best for you and your feet is personal and also depends on how much time you have to break them in. We have a stiffness scale we use in our GOHUNT Gear Shop that can give you an idea of what each boot we carry in the shop is going to feel like. That scale is listed below.
Built for light and fast trekking. Think of your favorite trail running shoes, but capable of rocky, demanding terrain.
Flexible enough that they offer out-of-the-box comfort, but can handle miles of rocky terrain. Perfectly suited for mild to moderate mule deer, elk, and antelope country.
Ideally suited for mountain hunts with moderate to steep technical terrain where more rigidity is required. Some break-in time is required, but they will likely become your favorite do-it-all hunting boots.
Best suited for hunts at or above timberline, where the terrain gets steep. Flexible enough that it can handle miles of comfortable climbing, but stiff enough to offer support and rigidity with a heavy pack.
Our stiffest boot option. Best for alpine hunting and mountaineering. Use it in bighorn sheep and mountain goat terrain as well as the toughest elk and deer terrain.
Learn more about our boot stiffness scale below:
For most archery elk hunting terrain throughout the West, my suggestion is a boot in Flex 3 or 4 categories. I also like some of the Flex 5 boots, but if you’re buying a pair relatively close to opening day, I would lean more towards the Flex 3 or 4 options. If you have time, some of the Flex 5 boots can be excellent options, but you’ll need ample time to break them in properly. My personal favorites are in the Flex 4 range. As noted, I’ve tried everything from lightweight trail running shoes/boots to very stiff mountaineering boots and while I like the dexterity a very flexible trail runner gives me in rocky terrain, I’ve found that my legs feel much more fatigued over multiple days of hunting when I wear those. My hunch is that the flexible sole is doing very little to provide stability and support as I am climbing uphill and sidehilling, which forces my leg muscles to do a greater portion of the work.
In August and September, I’m usually hunting in warmer weather. A thick all-leather boot can trap heat and wet my boots out from the inside out due to perspiration. This isn’t uncommon, no matter what boot I choose, but heavier, thick leather boots don't dry out as quickly, nor does it move moisture like a lighter version. Trapped moisture can add to blisters and hot spots — both things I don’t want on a backcountry hunt. Lightweight boots let my feet vent, dry out faster, and keep me hunting instead of dealing with foot problems.
Archery elk hunting is challenging enough without your gear working against you. Lightweight boots help me go farther, faster, and with less fatigue. They’re more comfortable during that time of year, they keep me in the field longer, and with elk hunting, that’s really the difference maker. It’s often said that with archery equipment, everything has to go perfectly, and you need repetition to find success. It just takes longer, and your boots are a critical factor in allowing you to get those chances. So, if you’re gearing up for elk season, ditch the heavy thick leather boots and give a lighter boot a shot.
The Altitude was designed to combine a breathable and technical fitting upper with the long-lasting comfort of a dual-density midsole. It has a full-length, even flexing board last and the CRISPI Vibram megagrip outsole. Crispi gives the Altitude a 2.5 flex rating, which is a bit more flexible than I like, but they’re comfortable out of the box and require almost no break-in miles. The upper is composed of a soft leather and synthetic material. It also has a full polyurethane-coated leather rand to protect the boots from breaking down while sidehilling. The GORE-TEX lining ensures your feet will stay dry while maintaining breathability and protection against wet conditions. The Altitude is a versatile hunting boot. It can handle rough terrain with a pack, but is also flexible enough that it does well in low to moderate terrain when you may be hiking many more miles.
Weight: 3 pounds per pair (size 9) Price: $375
The Briksdal MTN is a fully synthetic mountain hunting boot with all the structure and support of a full leather boot. The upper is built from brushed microfiber synthetic combined with Putek synthetic fabric to provide structure, breathability, and abrasion resistance. The asymmetrical lacing system increases the ability to customize the fit of the boot. This boot has the CRISPI EFX midsole and the Vibram Megagrip outsole. It also has the three-flex board last, which is a 3 Flex on our scale. A GORE-TEX full-surround lining ensures your feet stay completely dry while maintaining breathability in wet conditions. The Brikdal is the tallest version on my list at 9 inches. While I have not always liked taller boots, this doesn’t feel cumbersome or pinch my calves on the descent, and it does offer great ankle support. Overall, this is a really comfortable boot out of the box and required almost no break-in time. It’s also relatively lightweight for a taller boot that feels like it will be really durable over time.
Weight: 3 pounds, 6 ounces per pair (size 9) Price: $430
Salewa calls the Mountain Trainer Mid a robust and reliable alpine trekking boot. It’s made from suede leather with a full protective rubber. The Achilles portion and cuff are padded with foam and synthetic material, as is the tongue portion of the boot. A waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX performance comfort membrane offers weather protection and breathability. It will keep your feet dry and comfortable, including during periods of intensive activity. The dual-density expanded PU midsole offers a good balance of cushioning and stiffness to cope with both steep ground and flat, rocky terrain. The Salewa 3F lacing system combines secure support and provides more stability on the heel zone. It has a Vibram outsole with deep lugs for improved grip and traction in a wide range of conditions. Salewa boots have one of the best heel cups of any boots I have tried. We give the Mountain Trainer Mid a 3 Flex rating, meaning it’s supportive, but will require very little break-in time.
Weight: 2 pounds, 14.3 ounces per pair (size 10) Price: $319.95
The Ribelle HD is the stiffest boot in this article, and it feels like it when you hold one in your hands and try to flex the sole. When I put it on my foot and walked in it I was very surprised at how well it moved with my foot and how comfortable it felt. The outsole features a Vibram Precision Tech Roll with a rocker profile, which, according to the manufacturer, reduces fatigue on long hikes. It also has what they call a double last construction for superior foot support. The upper is made from Perwanger suede leather to withstand the rigors of rugged terrain while maintaining flexibility for efficient movement. The Sock-Fit XT construction wraps your foot securely for a precise and comfortable fit. A full perimeter rand delivers superior support and durability across rugged terrain. They utilize what they call 37.5 lining, which actively removes moisture vapor before it becomes sweat, keeping feet dry. That lining is paired with a HDry B5 membrane for waterproofness and breathability. We give the Ribelle HD a 4.5 Flex rating on our scale.
When I recently grabbed a number of boots from our warehouse to try on, I was skeptical of this boot based on the fact that it looks and feels rigid in the hand. When I tried it on, I was pleasantly surprised by the fit, finish, and comfort of this boot. Out of all of the boots I tried on, it was definitely in my top two with regard to what I’m looking for on a backpack-style archery elk hunt. It was cushy and comfortable through the upper, supportive in the ankle and under the foot, and it felt like it would break in nicely. This isn’t a boot I’d suggest you could put on right out of the box and take off for a 10-day backpacking trip. I think it will require some break-in miles, but in the long run, I believe it would be a lightweight, durable, supportive, comfortable boot when you’re carrying real weight and covering miles in nasty terrain.
Weight: 2 pounds, 1 ounce per pair (size 9) Price: $419
The Thor boot has a minimalistic feel and an almost cult-like following since it launched with the original Thor a number of years ago. The Thor II is an early-season, ultra-lightweight boot with a stiffer flex rating of 4. The CRISPI Claw sole is designed to handle any type of terrain or condition. The Thor II utilizes suede and an upper material called Putek, which is a Cordura material woven with threads of polyurethane. This allows the boots to remain lightweight and breathable while drastically increasing its durability. It’s a super-breathable boot, but is still waterproof due to the GORE-TEX lining providing waterproofness in wet conditions. The overall height of the Thor II is 8” for added ankle support. One of the biggest drawbacks to the Thor boot is the weight. However, if you’re looking for one of the lightest, stiffest boot options for elk hunting, these have to be in the conversation.
Weight: 2 pounds, 12 ounces per pair (size 9) Price: $309
Twenty-plus years ago, I ponied up the money for my first set of “real” hunting boots, which were a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. I wore those until my toes were showing through the bottom, front portion of the sole. They were an incredibly comfortable all-leather boot that lasted me several years. The only issue was that they were tall and heavy. The Bridger is a newer model in Kenetrek’s lineup, and I think they’re worth considering for archery elk hunters. The Bridger High is 7” tall with its K-Strap and padded ankle collar that wraps your foot for support and comfort. They utilize full-length nylon midsoles and pair them with the KT-Light outsole. The lugs are deep on the tread for solid traction on a variety of terrain. The supportive footbed provides foundational arch support, and the heel pocket feels secure and solid. They are water-tight due to the Windtex waterproof, breathable, flexible membrane. The uppers are suede and padded synthetic materials for durability and comfort. When I tried on the Bridger High and walked around in it for a while, it was comfortable, supportive, and felt lightweight on the foot. We give the Bridger a Flex 4 rating on our scale, which puts it in the wheelhouse for support with a heavy pack. It was one of the boots that impressed me and, with some break-in, would be an excellent option for all-day wear while chasing elk through demanding landscapes.
Weight: 2 pounds, 14 ounces per pair (size 10) Price: $329.95
Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to go to New Zealand to hunt Himalayan tahr. It turned out to be one of the most technical, physically demanding backpack hunts I’ve ever been on. My boot of choice for that hunt was a pair of Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX boots, which was an all-leather version of this boot. I couldn’t have been more satisfied with that boot. Through some of the steepest, wettest terrain I’ve ever hunted, it performed flawlessly. I didn’t have one blister or hot spot, and it was supportive in all the right ways while still being comfortable over many miles. The Zodiac Tech LT is, in essence, a synthetic, lighter-weight version of that boot. The precision last and BAS midsole deliver comfort and support. A full rubber rand makes it durable while sidehilling. The upper portion of the boot is composed of what they call High Tenacity fabric. The ankle collar is stretchy and comfortable. I found the heel pocket to be secure, and it locked my heel in without any slip. The GORE-TEX ePE lining keeps your feet dry, and the Vibram Precision outsole grips well on a variety of conditions. We give the Zodiac a Flex 4 rating. While I had great luck with minimal break-in time, I believe this boot would require some miles to fit like a glove. I’ve been very happy with the Zodiac and, with the LT version being even lighter, I think it’s worth checking out if you have an archery elk hunt quickly approaching.
Weight: 3 pounds per pair (size 9) Price: $399
We’re getting late in the game, but I still think there’s time to get a new pair of boots if you need them for the upcoming September archery elk seasons. Trust me: few setbacks can break your spirits as quickly as a couple of silver dollar-sized raw blisters on your heels. If you need boots, get them ordered and start putting some training miles on them now. A durable, comfortable, and supportive pair of hunting boots is a key piece of equipment worth spending money on. May your feet take you far, your arrow find its mar,k and please make the most of this September. They only come around once a year, and who knows how many more of them we’re each going to get. All the best!
