A good hunting trip doesn’t only require patience, experience, and the right weapon: one of the most important factors in determining how well your trip goes is your choice of hunting boots!
To help you pick the best choice for your needs, we’re going to look at the best hunting boots out there.
Table of Contents: 1. Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot - Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots2. Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot - Best Rubber Hunting Boots3. Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Waterproof 200 Gram 12″ Big Game Hunting Boot - Best Waterproof Hunting Boots4. Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Lightweight & Durable Leather / Canvas Hiking Boots - Best Mountain Hunting Boots5. Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boot - Best Lightweight Hunting BootsLet’s get right to it.
1. Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot - Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots
Last update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
If you’re for an amazing pair of winter hunting boots, the Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot just might be the right pick for you.
It’s almost completely composed of rubber, with a 95% rubber composition. These top hunting boots are ideal for colder temperatures, with a comfort rating of -40°C. A synthetic sole and a nylon collar really make this boot worth its price.
This is an extremely dependable product, built for the coldest and harshest conditions out there. To top it off, it’s also waterproof, so it’ll keep your feet dry and free from moisture.
There’s a number of unpleasant complications you can suffer from if you head into harsh winter climates unprepared, and the Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot helps you avoid them.
What we liked most about this boot is that it has an 8mm Thermal Guard removable liner to ensure that your feet stay warm and protected throughout your hunting trip.
Pros- These boots are completely waterproof and moisture-free
- The 8mm Thermal Guard keeps moisture away and preserves heat inside the boot
- They can be used in warmer weather by removing the liner
- Extremely durable and high-quality
- Very easy to slip on and off your feet
- The sizing of the boots is a bit difficult to figure out because of the thermal guard
- The heel of the boot can wear out after use
The Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot is a good option if you’re looking for a good quality, sturdy, and very warm boot for snowy conditions.
It’ll keep you warm and provide a good amount of protection as well. So, if you’re looking to hunt in cold weather, these boots could very possibly be the right option for you.
Kamik Men's Hunter Snow Boot Made in CanadaLast update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
2. Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot - Best Rubber Hunting Boots
Last update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
Rubber boots are generally known to provide a good amount of insulation, but it’s unlikely that too many insulated hunting boots will do the job better than the Muck Boot Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot.
These boots give you a solid amount of insulation and protection against harsh weather conditions. They’re waterproof and highly resistant to moisture in general.
One of the top priorities for hunters is to protect their feet from getting too cold or injured, and the Muck Boot Hunting Boots definitely aid in those areas.
Not only are these boots contoured to the foot’s shape, but they also have an extremely comfortable EVA molded midsole that provides extra protection and support for your soles as you traverse rocky areas and difficult terrain.
These are among the best rubber hunting boots with a high-quality rubber exterior that shields your feet from sharp objects, impact, or other dangerous natural elements. The fleece lining makes them very handy in winter as well.
What we liked most about these boots is how warm they are, as they are suitable in temperatures between -40°F and 40°F. If you want a handy pair of insulated rubber boots, opt for the Muck Boot Hunting Boots.
Pros- These boots are completely waterproof and moisture-resistant
- High-grade rubber exterior keeps your feet insulated
- Sole support and protection
- Extremely durable and high-quality
- Exceptional in cold temperatures
- 5mm neoprene adds a lot of flexibility to the boot
- MS-1 exterior with tough design
- Their tread is not as durable as some other options
- Not suitable for warmer temperatures
The Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot is a good option if you’re looking for a good quality, sturdy, and very warm boot for snowy conditions.
It’ll keep you warm and provide a good amount of protection as well. So, if you’re looking to hunt in cold weather, these boots could very possibly be the right option for you.
Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men's Hunting BootLast update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
3. Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Waterproof 200 Gram 12″ Big Game Hunting Boot - Best Waterproof Hunting Boots
Last update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
Were you looking for an amazing waterproof option? The Irish Setter Hunting boots have lots of unique features tailored to provide a nice, clean, moisture-free experience.
You can go for your trophy all day with an aggressive sole for excellent traction, shock-absorbing cork midsole for long-lasting comfort, and full-grain waterproof leather for support.
Unlike a couple of other boots on this list, these hunting boots are made completely out of leather, which is a good choice considering its durable qualities.
What makes it such an amazing waterproof option is the fact that it has a 200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation and waterproof GORE-TEX fabric lining. The GORE-TEX lining makes it completely waterproof and moisture-free.
We tried it and found that the soles on these boots are shock-absorbent to a considerable extent. This way, you can follow your prey all day without being hindered by pesky terrain conditions or annoying watery areas.
These boots are a generally sturdy option, with the tough rubber outsole having multi-directional lugs for premium balance. The inbuilt odor inhibitor and the EVA insole make sure your feet stay very comfortable throughout the day.
Pros- These boots are completely waterproof and moisture-free
- Quality leather exterior
- Moisture-free interior
- Odor inhibitor prevents the build-up of bad odors
- The GORE-TEX fabric lining is amongst the best in the market for waterproofing
- Extremely durable and high-quality
- EVA insole is designed for maximum comfort and seamless experience
- Shock-absorbing midsoles
- Full-grain leather
- These boots are decently heavy
The Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Big Game Hunting Boot is a great waterproof boot that provides a host of features to elevate your hunting experience to the next level.
These boots are an amazing investment for people who think rubber boots are too clunky for them, but still want to enjoy a moisture-free experience.
While they may be somewhat bulky owing to their weight, they’re still a good enough option to justify a purchase.
Irish Setter Men's 880 Elk Tracker Waterproof 200 Gram 12" Big Game Hunting Boot Removable comfort cork EVA footbed with memory foam; ScentBan technology to kill odor-causing bacteriaLast update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
4. Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 2 GTX Lightweight & Durable Leather / Canvas Hiking Boots - Best Mountain Hunting Boots
Last update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
At some point, you might want to hunt in rocky areas or mountainous territory. If you’re confused about which boots you should go for? Don’t be! While we can’t objectively state which mountain hunting boots are the best on the market, these boots are certainly up there somewhere.
They’re made from nubuck leather, so durability and resilience won’t be an issue. You might notice that these boots look like a hybrid mix between a hunting boot and a high-length sneaker.
What’s interesting is that despite the unique design, the company has managed to create a product that keeps your feet safe and ensures maximum comfort at the same time!
If you’re concerned about comfort, let us just step in and say that we were honestly surprised by how general-purpose these shoes are. We tried them on, and we found that they instantly adapt to your foot shape, which is ideal for a long journey.
This is an amazing choice if you want a good amount of support for your ankles. If you’re traveling with a lot of heavy equipment, these boots will help you along the way. Also, they’re built for inclined terrain, so hunting on mountains and rocky areas will be a great deal easier.
In conclusion, they offer Sensifit wraps around the midsole region, so rest assured that damage from rocky terrain will be the least of your worries!
Pros- Perfect for traversing rocky terrain
- Quality leather exterior
- High traction Contagrip sole
- Extremely durable and high-quality
- They are designed for trail running
- 4D Chassis technology
- GORE-TEX footwear
- It supports the ankles when carrying heavy equipment
- No break-in time
- Comfortable midsoles
- The soles can detach from the boot after continuous use
The Salomon Men’s Canvas Hiking Boots are perfect for harsh external conditions and raised terrain.
The host of amazing details, such as no break-in time, ankle support, comfortable midsoles, GORE-TEX support, Contagrip soles, and a lot more add to the overall desirability of the product.
If you want a unique look and a comfortable experience, these boots are for you!
Salomon Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX Lightweight & Durable Leather / Canvas Hiking Boots Weight : 640g ; MIDSOLE HEIGHT : 10 MM / 22 MM; High hiker featuring rugged lacing hardware and protective rubber toe capLast update on 2020-07-19 PST - Details
5. Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boot - Best Lightweight Hunting Boots
The Lowa Tibet GTX Trekking Boots are the perfect option if you prefer lightweight, mobility-based boots without compromising too much on sturdiness and protection.
It’s one of the best lightweight hunting boots out there, so it’s definitely worth its price. This boot has a synthetic sole, amazing D-ring eyelets, and speed-lacing hardware.
Also, to ensure a comfortable fit for long hunting trips, it comes with a padded collar and tongue. Just like a couple of other boots on this list, the Lowa Tibet GTX Trekking Boot comes with a waterproof GORE-TEX lining.
To make it an even better product for its price, this boot comes with a Climate Control perforated lining that manages wetness and moisture. A lack of comfort will never be an issue for you because of the C4 anatomically contoured tongue.
It’s a great lightweight option to suit your hunting needs and facilitate faster movement.
Pros- Perfect for traversing rocky terrain
- Quality exterior
- Lightweight
- Padded collar and tongue
- Extremely durable and high-quality
- GORE-TEX footwear
- C4 anatomically contoured tongue
- Comfortable midsoles
- The sole can wear out easily
- The fit can be an issue
These boots are ideal for hunters who prefer lightweight boots with a variety of handy features. They are very comfortable, so expect an enhanced hunting experience.
The fit can be an issue at times, though, so just be mindful of your priorities before you buy this pair of boots.
Tips to Consider
There are many concerns that might be racing through your head right about now. To help you out, this section will inform you of the most important things you need to know before you buy hunting boots!
Hunting is one of the most difficult, demanding, and yet, engaging activities to take part in. It requires an immense amount of patience and physical aptitude.
Lots of people hunt for pleasure and for survival. You need to be aware that while it may look easy and safe from the outside, hunting can be deadly if you’re unprepared.
So, hunting boots are outdoor footwear used for hunting. They can be used either for sedentary, moderate, or serious hunting purposes, and such footwear is typically heavy-duty and waterproof.
There are two main hunting types: aggressive hunting and sedentary hunting. Active hunting is a form of hunting that needs you to really warm up, step up, and do all the activities needed to get your catch. It has plenty of jumping, walking, climbing, and ducking to it.
Also, good hunting takes you to the farthest places and toughest terrains to get hold of your most awaited kill. Sedentary hunting involves long hours of waiting, camping, and just laying out traps for your prey.
Hunting boots are commonly available in the form of rubber (or synthetic) or leather, and in various sizes and lengths of the feet. Hunting boots are also suitable for use in winter or just for fashion purposes.
Hunting boots, therefore, should be carefully selected once you have thoroughly assessed all your needs and the specific requirements for your hunting trip.
Here’s a quick run-down of the various types of hunting boots you may encounter.
Knee-high Leather Boots:
When you need the odor and/or water protection, these boots are the best choice. They are ideal for creeping through trees and other trap structures, as you can clean them with dirty water to get rid of unpleasant odors like gas or your own stench, odors that would otherwise give you away.
Pac Boots:
If you know that you’re going to deal with low temperatures as well as snow and ice, turn to a leather upper and rubber bottom Pac boot, plus a more robust outsole model.
The best styles fit just as snugly and comfortably as boots built for hunters on the backpack, but they will keep you warmer.
Non-insulated Hiking Boots:
6 “all-leather, medium-duty, non-insulated hiking boots are some of the best boots you’ll find out there. Good for everything from spring turkeys in Florida, to antelope in New Mexico, to travel days between your home and hunting grounds. They should be made of sturdy leather, ideally about 2.5 mm, protecting your feet from thorns and sharp rocks.
Additional Factors
Now let’s look at the various factors you need to consider when looking for good hunting boots. Here’s our list:
Boot insulation
The amount of insulation you need depends largely on the weather where you’re hunting. Obviously, as the weather gets colder, you’ll want to opt for boots that provide a lot of insulation.
When you hunt at temperatures below zero, you will need a considerable amount of insulation so that your feet stay warm. Otherwise, the lack of circulation down there can be painful. The constant movement required on an active hunt, however, will keep your feet warm, requiring less isolation.
You can see grams of insulation, which refer to grams per square meter of fabric. Understanding the proper amount of insulation you need for your hunt is an important metric in determining how successful it goes.
The Fit
You know what they say about the fit. It has to be perfect. It’s tricky because when you’re on the hunt, you probably won’t be wearing regular, thin fabric socks.
In colder weather, you’ll likely have thick socks on, which take up a lot of space in the boot interior. You’ll have to choose the fit while keeping that in mind.
As you experiment with a wide variety of boot styles, you’ll discover what helps you hunt best. It comes down to personal preference, ultimately, but remember that there are certain factors that you can not leave to personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, so we’ve discussed a lot of interesting details about hunting, the precautions you need to take, the boots you need, and why you need them.
By now, hopefully, you have a much better understanding of what you’re getting into, provided that you didn’t already have basic information about hunting boots. However, here are answers to some common questions.
How Can I Choose the Right Hunting Boots for Me?
Hunting boots are made from a wide variety of materials and mixtures such as rubber and leather. Before you buy a pair of boots, be sure to identify your needs well.
What kind of hunting will you be doing? What will the terrain be like? What kind of boots do you feel comfortable in? Assess all these questions and then pick your choice based on the boot that seems like the best choice for your specific situation.
Will Waterproof Boots Leak if I Walk in Wet Areas All Day?
No, most good quality waterproof hunting boots can withstand wet areas, grainfields, and other water-based places without leaking.
Should I Choose a Synthetic Boot or a Leather Boot?
It depends mostly on personal preference. Leather boots are the more common option since they’re generally a bit tougher and more durable than synthetic boots.
But this shouldn’t be too much of a concern, just go with what feels best.
Should I Choose Insulated Hunting Boots or Uninsulated Hunting Boots?
For everyone, foot sweat and circulation are different, so some people can wear an isolated boot on hunts where my feet would be completely swamped.
Hiking in rocky terrain can get your blood flowing, and your feet warm fairly fast, even with an uninsulated hat. So, worry only about if the weather is cold enough to opt for insulated boots.
Best Brands
This section will give you a brief overview of the various brands of hunting boots we’ve mentioned throughout this article, along with a few others, just to give you a brief overview of who they are and what they do.
Kamik
Kamik is one of the more popular hunting boot brands out there. They offer plenty of other options in terms of footwear, so be sure to check them out!
Muck Boot
Muck Boot is a US-based company that specializes in making performance-based boots. They claim that their boots are 100% waterproof and resistant to moisture. We think that’s a pretty sweet deal!
Irish Setter
Irish Setter is a boot company that specializes in making products tailored to harsh, physically demanding conditions and scenarios. Their products are well-known and are praised for their sturdy quality.
Salomon
Salomon isn’t really your traditional hunting boot brand. They’re actually a sportswear-oriented brand that produces a wide range of sportswear, such as clothes, shoes, and exercise equipment. Their hunting boots are no pushovers in the market, though.
Lowa
The last brand on our list is Lowa, which is a boot company based in the United States. They’re actually pretty prominent in what they do. They may be last on this list, but they’re certainly not least.
Wrapping Up
With that, you’ve officially reached the end of this buyer’s guide! Congratulations!
We hope you learned more about hunting boots, their usefulness, and other useful details about them. By now, you probably have an idea about the type of boots you need to buy.
Whether you pick rubber or leather, clunky or lightweight, insulated or uninsulated, we’re sure you’ll be making a much more informed choice.
Our top pick is definitely the Irish Setter 880 Elk Tracker Waterproof Big Game Hunting Boot! These boots are very high-quality and rated as one of the best waterproof boots on the market. Their unique construction and brand value add to their reputation in the market as well.
However, if you prefer boots for a comparatively colder climate, we do think that the Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot will serve you better than the 880 Elk Tracker. All in all, it depends on where you’re hunting and, to a certain extent, what you’re hunting.
Hunting boots can be a difficult purchase, given their comparatively rare appeal in some areas. With that in mind, we hope this guide helped you out!
