For the best performance when out in the fields, it is vital that you take good care of your feet. If they are aching, freezing, or hot, it can be difficult to focus on the hunt. And unlike a jacket, which you can take off at any time, it is almost impossible to take off your boots when in the middle of a hunt.
As someone who goes hunting often, buying a decent pair of hunting boots is an investment, you won’t regret. Hunting boots are available in a variety of colors, sizes, features, and shapes – factors that can make choosing a good pair an overwhelming task.
This article will be looking at some of the elements to consider when looking to buy a pair of men’s hunting boots that suit your needs and comfort.
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Choosing the Best Pair of Hunting Boots
A good pair of hunting boots is worth its weight in gold, which is why it is vital that you choose a pair of boot that suit you and your needs. Almost all hunting boots have universal features, some that are probably not that important to you and others that you probably want. For instance, hunting boots with thick insulation will just be awful if you’re trekking through a humid environment.
Best Hunting Snow Boots – Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 15.25″ from arch
- Boot opening measures approximately 17.5″ around
- 8 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility
While it may seem a bit obvious, what you need to understand is that each pair of hunting boots is made to serve a specific purpose. Depending on where and when you’ll be hunting, chances are you will need different pairs of boots for each occasion and environment.
Function
There are several categories when it comes to hunting boots with each category having unique traits that differ from the other as well as serving specific functions.
Uplands boots – these are the traditional hiking boots many of us are fond of. They’re designed for long distance trekking on gentle and even terrain and are generally used by early season elk hunters and bird hunters.
Best Uplands Hunting Boots – Irish Setter Men’s 808 Wingshooter Waterproof 9″ Upland Hunting Boot
- Leather
- Rubber sole
- Removable Polyurethane footbed
- UltraDry Waterproofing technology.
- Counter:Heel-Molded. Height:9-inch
High country boots – high country hunting boots are made for the serious hunter considering their quality and toughness. High country boots are the preferred hunting boots by big game hunters and are great for trekking through rugged, high and steep terrain.
Best High Country Boots – Danner Men’s High Ground 8″ InsulatedHunting Shoes
- 100% Leather and fabric
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 7.75″ from arch
- Thinsulate Ultra Insulation
- Ultra durable, oiled nubuck leather with abrasion resistant leather on the high-wear areas
Overboots – Overboots are best for use during colder days for additional warmth and are great for sedentary hunting.
Best Men’s Overboots – Ranger 15″ Rubber Supersized Men’s Overboots
- Durable, flexible, industrial weight rubber is hand-laid and vulcanized at high heat for 100% waterproof construction
- Oversized design
- Five sturdy buckles for secure fit
- Rugged ribbed outsole for added traction
Rubber boots – if your hunting excursions normally involve crossing streams, wading through swamps or being in damp environments, then a good pair of waterproof rubber hunting boots are what you need.
Best Mens Rubber Hunting Boots – LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ Hunting Boot
- 100% Neoprene/Rubber
- Lug Sole sole
- Shaft measures approximately 16″ from arch
- >Boot opening measures approximately 16″ around
There are dozens of things you will need to consider when determining which hunting boot is best suited for you, and it’s important to keep in mind that a decent pair of hunting boots is a great investment.
Material
There are lots of materials used in the construction of hunting boots, and different materials are meant to cater to different needs. Considering this, it is vital that you understand the meaning of some of these terms.
– Leather – leather is one of the most popular and one of the oldest materials used for hunting boots. While it isn’t breathable, it does offer lots of protection from moisture, and its durability and stiffness make it a great option when it comes to providing exceptional foot protection and support.
Best Leather Hunting Boots – Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot
- 100% Leather
- Synthetic sole
- Boot opening measures approximately 14″ around
- Ankle-high hunting boot with leather upper featuring speed-lacing system and contrast moc-toe stitching
- UltraDry Waterproofing technology.
– Gore-Tex – this is one material that offers plenty of ventilation albeit being waterproof. The textile is a great choice for fall and winter hunting due to its fine insulation.
Best Gore Tex Men’s Hunting Boots – Rocky Bearclaw 3D Gore-TEX Waterproof 1000G Insulated Hunting Boot
- 100% Leather/Textile
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 9.5″ from arch
- Heel measures approximately 1.75″
– Rubber – rubber construction boots are great for hunting marshes and swamps because they are thick, heavy, inflexible and don’t hold scent. However, they aren’t that great when it comes to breathability or comfortability.
Rubber Hunting Boots – Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot
- Rubber
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 15″ from arch
- 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility
– Neoprene – Neoprene, just like rubber, is waterproof but not that breathable. However, it’s lighter and quite warm.
Best Neoprene Hunting Boots – ArcticShield Men’s Waterproof Neoprene Outdoor Boots
- Rubber
- Best quality rubber and neoprene
- Waterproof
- Very comfortable and warm
- Easy on and off
- Durable outsoles
Height
When it comes to boot height (also known as the upper), it is advisable that you consider the kind of terrain you’ll be trekking through and the amount of walking you’ll be doing.
If you’re going to be trekking long distances, the consider getting a boot with an upper that reaches your ankle. Short uppers offer flexibility which is vital to comfort when walking long distances.
If you’re hunting excursion will be taking place at high altitude places, consider getting a taller upper for stability and support. The extra support they provide will help lessen fatigue in both legs and feet and will prevent ankle injuries like twists and sprains.
When it comes to boots with tall uppers, consider the height. If its upper comes up your leg too far, it may limit comfort and mobility.
Waterproof
It goes without saying that if you’re planning to hunt marshy or swampy areas, waterproofing is essential. A good waterproof boot will allow you to walk through streams and puddle without your feet getting wet.
Waterproofing is essential if you plan on hunting all day and do not want to keep on stopping just to change your socks. Materials like Gore-tex offer both waterproofing and breathability, but be ready to pay the cost.
Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8″ Hunting Boot
- 100% Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 7″ from arch
- Light weight ankle-high hunting boot with extreme durability, ideal for early-season
- ScentBan scent control
- UltraDry waterproofing system
Insulation
If you are planning on hunting during the cold season, then insulation is necessary. But how much insulation is good? Well, it depends. If you are going to be moving around a lot, then less insulation is best than if you will be sitting a lot.
For passive hunting, get a boot with enough insulation to keep your feet warm. If are actively hunting and the boot you have on is heavily insulated, then chances you will think about removing the boots after some time for your feet to cool down. Remember, movement generates heat.
Best Men’s Insulated Boots – Bogs Mens Classic High No Handle Waterproof Insulated Boot
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 12″ from arch
- Boot opening measures approximately 14.5″ around
- Durable hand lasted rubber with four way stretch inner bootie. 100% Waterproof
- Lined with BOGS MAX-WICK which moves sweat away from your foot to keep you dry
Types of boot insulation:
– Uninsulated to 200 grams – boots with this insulation is great for hiking, stalking elk or any activity that involves a lot of running
– 400 to 800 grams – best for mid season and early hunters. The ideal insulation range
– 1 kilogram and above – such boots are best for hunts that require little to no activity and are meant to keep you warm even in the harshest of winter conditions
High Insulated Men’s Hunting Boots – Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot
- Synthetic
- Synthetic sole
- Shaft measures approximately 13″ from arch
- Heel measures approximately 1.25″
Durability
Durability is probably one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a pair of hunting boots you can trust. It is vital that you the boots you get are durable and will last a long time. Therefore, consider their construction – what are they made of?
Consider the quality of your boot’s sole. Soft rubber soles will wear down faster than harder ones but provide better traction and grip. Another thing to consider is the amount of stitching used to make the boot. Your boot’s stitches should be a bit higher and on the back to prevent them from tearing as they come in contact with sticks and rocks as you walk.
Best Durable Hunting Boots – TideWe Rubber Neoprene Boots
- Made with 100% waterproof CR Flex-Foam,absorbs impacts
- Heat-resistant insulation prevents radiated body heat from escaping
- Lightweight Rubber Neoprene Boot
- TideWe Muck Boot 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
By considering the above factors, finding the best hunting boots shouldn’t be that hard. Take your time when shopping for hunting boots to ensure that you choose something that will last you a long time and which you will consider a worthwhile investment.
