The 10 Best Hunting Boots
A successful hunt demands more than the right weapon. You need to have experience, patience, and the right protective clothing to survive the wilderness. The best hunting boots are especially important as you will walk for miles through hazardous terrain sometimes in unforgiving weather conditions. If your hunting boots are not up for the task, you will quit barely a mile through the hunting area.
Your hunting boots should survive carrying you through hills, swamps, across rivers, on stones, and so on many other terrains. All the while, the show should keep your feet dry and warm. Most hunting boots are tall to protect you from brushes and sticks that might injure your legs while you walk. This is pretty much why you cannot use your ordinary jogging shoes in the wilderness.
Below are some of the top shoes for your next hunting trip.
RATING – ****
PRICE – $$$$
The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme might be the most expensive shoe on this list but it is also the toughest. Kenetrek design this shoe to withstand the harshest mountain environment and keep your feet protected. The top features 100 percent full grain leather that will withstand scratches and pricks in the wilderness. To make the shoe even tougher, the company utilizes one piece vamp with no seams down to the tongue. This ensures that the shoe remains waterproof and resists abrasion in a mountain environment.
The boot features nylon midsoles that offer enhanced flexibility and increase the waterproofness of the boots. Inside the boots have steel shanks that do not bend when you step on step on stones thereby keeping your feet protected. Each boot comes with a reinforced rubber sole guard for reinforced abrasion resistance.
Kenetrek further adds Wind-tex waterproof membrane which not only keeps the shoe dry but also ensures the shoe is flexible and breathable.
KEY FEATURES
- 100 percent full grain leather top
- Rubber sole
- Nylon midsole with steel shanks
- Wind-tex waterproof and breathable membrane
PROS
- Tough for use in all terrains
- Waterproof so you can walk in puddles of water
- Breathable to keep you dry
- Excellent traction with its K-talon outsoles
CONS
- Relatively heavy
- Pricey
- Takes longer to break in
RATING – *****
PRICE – $$
The Muck Boot The Original comes in handy when you hunt in the wetlands where the temperatures can be unforgiving. It is a tall boot that might cover up to your calves to protect you from sticks and brushes. Around the calf area, Muck Boot uses a stretch-fit binding that offers a snug fit to ensure you do not lose your warmth or get cold.
The boot’s upper features a 5mm flex foam with 4-way stretch nylon fabric. By blending these tow materials, the boot is lightweight, waterproof, and does not restrict movement. Its rubber soles resist abrasion when you walk in rough terrain. Each pair comes with self-cleaning outsole wraps to provide protection on the entire perimeter and offer added stability when you walk on steep terrain. Instead of shanks, the boots have additional achilles reinforcement to protect your feet.
Muck Boot made the boots to withstand temperatures from subfreezing to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
KEY FEATURES
- 100 percent CR Flex foam upper
- Rubber sole
- Achilles reinforcement
- Self-cleaning outsole wraps
PROS
- 100 percent waterproof
- Highly flexible not to restrict your movement
- Lightweight
- Highly stable on steep terrain
CONS
- Relatively less durable
- Not ideal for use in the mountains
- Can get so hot during a summer hunting trip
- Bogs Bowman
RATING – ****
PRICE – $
If you need hunting boots on a budget, the Bogs Bowman might be your best choice. These are tall boots to cover your leg up to your calves. With their length, your legs are safe from sticks and brushes in the wilderness – especially if you hunt in areas where the trails are not formed yet. Its upper sports a leather construction in camo patterns to match any other camo hunting gear you may wear.
Inside, the boots feature a 6mm neoprene insulation coupled with a Bogs Max wick lining and air mesh. This way, the boots protect you from cold while keeping your feet dry during summer hunts. Its aggressive tread when you walk on slippery and steep terrain. Bogs further uses Scent Compact biotechnology so you boots will never have any unwanted odors.
KEY FEATURES
- Leather upper
- Rubber sole
- 6mm neoprene insulation
- Waterproof membrane top
PROS
- Tall enough to protect your calves
- Breathable to keep you dry and cool
- Sports an insulation lining to keep you warm
- Lightweight construction
CONS
- Relatively less durable
- Sole lacks shanks and strengthening to protect from stones
- Heel area feels stiff
- Under Armour Slingwrap Phase
RATING- *****
PRICE – $$
Under Armour has gear for active wearers and their Slingwrap Phase hunting boots sport the same quality of construction. The boots feature a nubuck leather upper with textile to enhance durability and flexibility. The nubuck leather takes a shorter time to break in and is lightweight to keep you comfortable.
UA uses its innovative storm waterproof membrane to make the boots waterproof without limiting breathability. Further, the company uses scent control technology to ensure that the reindeer don’t smell your presence. Inside, the boots also have Cupron anti-bacterial copper-infused sock liner. With anti-odor technology, the boots inhibit the growth of microbes that might cause nasty odors.
The boots have a light EVA midsole to cushion your feet from impact. Further, the rubber sole is strengthened to ensure you walk over rocks comfortably.
KEY FEATURES
- Nubuck leather and fabric upper
- Rubber sole
- Storm waterproof membrane coating
- Scent control lining with anti-odor technology
PROS
- Resists odors even after days of wearing
- Scent control so you can stealthily approach your prey
- 100 percent waterproof
- Great price quality ratio
CONS
- Relatively heavy
- Does not protect your calves
- Wide for a narrow feet
RATING – *****
PRICE – $$
The Lacrosse Aerohead is a tall boot that covers your calves. Its top is a combination of 50 percent neoprene and 50 percent rubber. These two materials are lightweight and flexible for comfort when you go on long hunting trips. LaCrosse further adds a waterproof membrane so you can walk through swamps and puddles of water. At the calf area, the boots have an adjustable gusset from where you can adjust the boots for a snug fit. This ensures you do not lose warmth and cold doesn’t get in.
Each boot comes with patented AeroFoam technology for added comfort, durability, and flexibility. The boots are markedly quiet. The boots sport molded polyurethane over its 7.0mm neoprene core that makes the boot lightweight and waterproof. It also has a polyurethane midsole that offers additional cushioning when you walk on rough terrain. Further, LaCrosse uses a hardened polypropylene shank that protects your feet when you walk on rocks or uneven ground.
Inside the boot is a polyester jersey liner that wicks away moisture and dries quick.
KEY FEATURES
- Neoprene and rubber upper
- Rubber sole
- Polyurethane midsole
- Polypropylene shank
PROS
- 100 percent waterproof
- Adjustable gusset making the boots easy to wear and remove
- Highly breathable
- Abrasion resistant
CONS
- Not ideal for very cold temperatures
- A little bulky
- Size runs large
RATING – ****
PRICE – $$$
If you are shopping for a mountaineering boot, this might be a good choice for you. The boots come with formfitting leather upper that offers an athletic feel. This upper material further features a Gore-Tex membrane that makes the boots waterproof and enhances breathability. There is also a specialized Gore-Tex lining material that wicks away moisture and keeps you warm.
Each boot features microporous rubber midsoles that offer protective cushioning while still keeping the boots light in weight. Further, the company uses FrameFlex Lite plates that keep the boot stable when you walk on rough terrain. It has a wide front for metatarsal accommodation allowing more space for you big toes.
The boot comes with an asymmetrical closure system that allows the boots to flex when you walk on uneven grounds. It has other asymmetrical features that enhance the comfort and protective qualities of the boots.
KEY FEATURES
- Leather upper
- Microporous rubber midsole
- GoreTex protective membrane
- Rubber sole
PROS
- Rugged construction for durability
- Waterproof so you can walk in water puddles
- Lightweight construction for comfort
- Designed for used in uneven terrain
- Highly flexible for unrestricted movement
CONS
- Leather takes longer to break in
- Shoes do not protect you past the ankle
- The heel area feels stiff
RATING – *****
PRICE – $$
The Windrose 60G features a nubuck leather upper that offers flexibility and durability. On the outer side, the leather material has a dry-core lining that keeps the boots waterproof enough for you to hunt in the wetlands. Inside, the boots have a thinsulate ultra insulation that keeps you warm when you hunt during the cold season.
With its DuraFit rubber heel cup that keeps your heel in place for a secure fit for added stability when you walk on uneven ground. For even more comfort and support, Lacrosse uses a thick advanced midsole that cushions you and supports your feet at all times. Its multi-directional non-loading lugs give you stability on slippery and uneven terrain.
The boots are available in mossy oak breakup country patterns that to match with any other camo colors that you may wear.
KEY FEATURES
- Nubuck leather upper
- 100 percent dry-core lining
- Thinsulate Ultra insulation
- EVA midsole
PROS
- Rugged construction for use in all terrains
- Waterproof construction to use in wetlands
- Warm but breathable materials
- Highly durable
- Reinforced rubber sole to protect your underfoot
CONS
- The tread pattern is not aggressive enough
- The leather upper needs sometime to break in
- Relatively heavy
RATING – *****
PRICE – $
The Thermator Mid-Rise Hunting boots from XPETI are ideal for the budget shopper who needs high quality and protective boots. You can choose from a collection of three colors; black, light gray, and camo. The camo is the most ideal for hunting given that most of your other clothing might have the same patterns.
Each boot comes with a waterproof mesh upper and a waterproof membrane to keep your feet safe when you walk in water. Further the boot has a rubber toe cap protection and a rubber outsole for optimal trail grip when you hike on rough terrain. The sole is very aggressive and offers enhanced traction that grips the rocks for added stability.
The molded ankle support and the moisture-wicking mesh lining keep you warm when it is cold but dry by wicking away sweat. Inside is a sturdy midsole that offers support and cushioning especially when you are carrying a heavy load. You can walk in these boots even when temperatures get to -25 degrees Celsius thanks to its Thinsulate insulation material.
KEY FEATURES
- Rubber sole
- Polyester upper
- Waterproof mesh upper
- Molded ankle support
- Thinsulate insulation
PROS
- Keeps you warm when it is cold
- Highly breathable
- Supporting and cushioning when you have a heavy load
- Lightweight
CONS
- Does not protect you past the ankles
- Relatively less durable
- Heels feel week when you walk on rocky surfaces
RATING – ****
PRICE – $$
If you need an affordable shoe from a popular rugged gear manufacturer, the Valsetz from Under Armour might be a great choice for you. The boots feature a synthetic upper that makes them very light and flexible so you can follow your prey for long distances. Its rubber sole also added to the reduced boot weight and resists abrasion to keep the boots in good shape for a long time. UA adds a waterproof membrane that makes the boots ideal for use in the wetlands.
It has a medial side zip that allows you to put on and remove the boots with so much ease. Because you need more support around your ankles, UA adds a ClutchFit ankle support system that keeps your underfoot protected when you walk on rocky or uneven grounds. A strengthened rubber toe cap gives you added protection while the welded polyurethane film around the perimeter of the boot adds abrasion resistance.
KEY FEATURES
- Synthetic upper material
- Rubber sole
- ClutchFit ankle support system
- Side zip for easy on/off
PROS
- Affordable pricing for quality boots
- Lightweight
- Mesh upper adds breathability
- Added support for you ankles
CONS
- Relatively less durable
- Narrow for users with wide feet
- Zipper feels difficult
RATING – ****
PRICE – $$
The Rocky Retraction 800G is an affordably priced full-grain leather boot. Rocky adds nylon to the boots to make them flexible, waterproof, and lighter. Unlike other full-grain leather boots, this does not need time to break in and it is light in weight. Its synthetic rubber sole further adds to the lightweight nature of the boots. They come in Realtree Xtra camo that matches with any camo hunting pants you might have.
Rocky adds a waterproof membrane that keeps the boots dry and warm even when you walk on puddles of water or hunt the wetlands. They have an insulation lining that further protects you from the cold and wicks away sweat making the boots ideal for all hunting season. The tough midsole offers cushioning even as it supports you when you are carrying a heavy backpack with your kill in it.
KEY FEATURES
- Full grain leather and nylon upper
- Synthetic rubber sole
- Additional camo nylon on outer upper
- Waterproof construction
PROS
- Rugged leather construction for durability
- Offers great balance between support and comfort
- Lightweight construction
- Camo color for stealth hunting
CONS
- The heels feel stiff
- Lacks enough heel support
- Waterproofing might fail you in heavy rain
Shopping Guide
What kind hunting boots are good for you? A good pair of hunting boots should feel comfortable – which means you should get the right size and consider any unique feet features that you might have. If the boot doesn’t fit well, even if you get the most expensive boots, you will still have blisters at the end of the hunting day.
How tall should your boots be?
Your hunting boots should protect your feet, under-feet, your ankles, and sometimes your calf. Your hunting boots should at least protect your ankles since you will be walking for long distances. Some boots actually come with added ankle support that ensures your ankles feel comfortable regardless of the number of miles you will walk.
Taller boots are great when you are walking in unestablished trails where sticks and brushes might injure your calves. However, some tall boots might feel uncomfortably hot when you wear them during hot weather.
Rubber, leather, or neoprene?
Leather is the ultimate rugged hunting boot material. There are different types of leather including full-grain leather, nubuck leather, and soft leather. Full-grain leather is the most rugged but it takes longer to break in. You might have to wear your boots a few weeks prior to the hinting trip to ensure they are comfortable by the time you go for your trip. Nubuck leather and soft leather easily break in but they are relatively less durable.
Neoprene and rubber boots have almost the same quality. They are lightweight, breathable, and flexible. However, neoprene cannot be patched.
Rubber soles are the most common for hunting boots thanks to their flexibility and abrasion resistance.
Consider Sole Grip Pattern
You need an outsole that protects you from slippery and steep grounds. Granted, pick boots that have deep and aggressive lugs to ensure you do not slip and fall as you follow your prey.
Waterproof
All hunting boots should be waterproof as you never know what will happen when you venture deep into wilderness. Most boots feature a waterproof material to keep off water. When shopping, ensure that the waterproof membrane does not affect the breathability of the boots as you need to boot dry inside and outside.
Warmth
If you will be hunting during the cold season or early in the morning, you need boots with a layer of insulation that keeps you warm. Full length boots are the warmest if you hunt exclusively in winter. However, they may not be comfortable enough for a summer hunting trip for hunters who need versatile boots.
Comfort
There are many factors that determine the comfort of a boot including the support and comfort of the midsole, fitting, breathability, insulation, ankle support, and weight. When shopping ensure that your boots fit perfectly, they have a layer of breathable insulation to keep you warm and dry, and they support your ankle for long walks.
Flexible boots offer less motion restriction for hunters who will be walking for long distances.
Weight
With your heavy backpack, weapons and other hunting gear, and sometimes your kill in your backpack, you need to reduce weight as much as possible. While a heave boot might offer more protection, you need a boot that balances durability and weight. Even a few ounces will mean a lot for every mile you walk.
Conclusion
The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme hunting boots are a great choice for hunters who need extreme ruggedness. Although they come at a premium price, the boots offer ultimate durability and protection. They feature full-grain leather construction. The boots are not heavy and neither are they so light; they give you a sporty feel so you can walk for miles without fatigue.
If you are looking for the best hunting boots that balance weight, price, comfort, and functionality, the Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 might be the best choice for you. The boots protect your ankles without breaking your bank. It features a synthetic upper and a synthetic rubber sole – which make it light, waterproof, flexible, and comfortable. Being a boot from UnderArmour, you can expect the advanced features such as moisture-wicking capacity and Thinsulate insulation.
If you are looking for a more rugged boot that costs less than premium leather boots, the Lacrosse Windrose 600G might be the most ideal for you. It features strong nubuck leather and breaks in fast. It comes with the full qualities of nubuck leather; it is waterproof, and light.
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