15 Best Hunting Boots (Review) In 2021

How Do We Choose Our Selection Of Hunting Boots

Hunting boots require a little more “oomph” than regular boots. It’s this “oomph” that we kept in mind when we began to narrow our list down to the 15 best hunting shoes. While an awesome pair of kicks won’t turn you into a pro hunter overnight, they certainly will help you to head in that direction. It’s with this ideology that we relied on the following factors while deciding on which boots made the cut.

Brand - We always look for brands that have stood the test of time in offering quality products along with an excellent before and after sales service. At the same time, we also keep an eye on who’s new on the block and we’re always keen to add innovative and promising products to our lists. We research what sets one brand apart from the other and we compare items until we’re left with what we feel is the best of the best.

Quality - There’s nothing more disappointing than purchasing a product online only to be disappointed with its’ quality of delivery. This is why we strived to find hunting boots that not only promise to deliver superior elements but also come with rave reviews to back up the brand’s intentions.

Reviews - At Gear Hungry we appreciate opinions and we thrive on feedback. To us, reviews matter and they’re the ultimate selling point. This is why we scoured the net to see what consumers have to say and, in this instance, we gathered reviews from a variety of both amateur and professional huntsmen.

Price - We definitely don’t want you to fall short on a pair of quality hunting boots because you’re restricted by budget. This is why we endeavored to feature a diverse range of hunting shoes that come in at costs from low to high. The good news is that the more competitive price tags still have magnificent features and include quality designs as well as durable materials.

Features To Look For In Hunting Boots

Hunting can be challenging, to say the least. To increase your chances of a successful hunt, it’s important that you are wearing the right gear from head to toe. The ultimate pair of hunting shoes should be designed in such a way that they provide maximum comfort and support over an extensive period of time.

Fit - Ensuring that a boot fits and adjusts well to your foot is of the utmost importance. A boot that’s too big or too small has the potential to render all the awesome features null and void and your performance out on the field will definitely not have support from your footwear. Browse through each brand’s sizing recommendations and don’t be surprised if you have to size down or size up between the different boot types.

Traction - The tread pattern found at the bottom of each boot plays a very important role. This tread, together with a flexible rubber sole, will give you the traction you need to have a good grip on any terrain, including smooth, slippery, and wet surfaces (think mud and snow).

Support - The last thing we want while playing any sport is for our feet and legs to ache. Hunting boots that offer good support will allow you to spend hours on your feet without them becoming sore and sweaty. You preferably want a design that supports your arch and ankle so that they don’t take any strain. A boot that sits securely to your foot (usually reinforced with laces or buckles) also helps to ensure that your feet, ankles, and calves get the support that they need to keep moving.

Height& Weight - Hunting boots come in all different sizes, shapes, and weights. Most makes vary from 6 inches tall to over 18 inches tall and the preferred height really depends on the type of hunting conditions you plan to find yourself in. For example - short boots are excellent for open field hunting since they’re lighter in weight. Tall boots are perfect for wet or snowy conditions because they are more effective at protecting against these elements. Swamp and marsh hunters should resort to the tallest of boots because they are the most likely to encounter wet conditions where water could get sloshed into boots that are lower in the cut.

Water Resistance - Waterproof boots are a standard for all huntsmen. When you’re out on a hunt its important that your feet remain dry and comfortable, which means that water shouldn’t be able to access them at all. Both genuine leather and neoprene are highly water resistant and if they are reinforced with double stitching or seamless bonding, then you can hunt happily knowing that your feet will be kept dry.

Insulation - Nothing ruins a hunting trip more than cold or sweaty feet. Hunting boots are each designed with different amounts of in-built insulation. If you will be hunting in a hotter climate, then opt for boots that feature 200 grams or less of insulation. If it’s snow that you’re going to be trekking through, then look for hunting boots that have more than 800 grams of built-in insulation. If you are not sure what to expect from the conditions, then our advice is to go for a pair of boots with less insulation, since you could always layer up with wool socks or insert thinsulate liners.

Lacing -If you are wondering why many hunting boot brands come with what might seem to be over-complicated lacing systems, then we’ve got the answer. When laces are pulled together and tied correctly, then they give added support to our feet, calves, and ankles. This support not only protects us from injury but it also makes the fit more comfortable and secure as we take on challenging terrains or increase our movement. If it’s lace-up boots you’re going for, then we recommend that you look for a brand that features quality laces with durable and rust-proof buckles.

Scent Masking - Nobody likes smelly feet and a foul odor could alert animals that your presence is near, sending them into flight-mode. To avoid being detected, we suggest that you select a pair of hunting boots that feature scent masking technology. This will help to keep odors from escaping your hunting boots while still keeping your feet fresh and sweat-free.

Types Of Hunting Boots

Upland Boots - These boots are the most classic of the range and are ideal for long distance and open field hunting. Upland boots are most often used for bird hunting or for tracking down early-season elk and similar field animals.

High Country Boots - Often referred to as mountain boots, this hunting gear is usually purchased by seasoned hunters who like the challenge of hiking through mountainous terrain. High Country boots are extremely sturdy and durable and are the ideal choice when hunting deer and elk.

Rubber Boots - Rubber boots are your go-to footwear if you are venturing into wet and muddy conditions. They are 100% waterproof and are perfect for keeping your feet dry as you wade through streams, swamps, mud, and marshlands. Rubber boots tend to be high in design, which also helps to prevent moisture from sloshing over into your shoe.

Snake Boots - When you are out on a hunt, the last thing you want is to become the prey. Snake boots are high-rise boots that help protect your feet and lower legs from snake bites that, in a worst-case scenario, could be fatal. They are generally made from thick materials, like leather, so that the fangs of a snake cannot pierce past the tough fabric. Most high-sitting hunting boots can be regarded as a snake boot.

Over Boots - Overboots are exactly that, boots that fit over another pair of boots. Simply slip them over your hunting boots if you need extra warmth. While these boots are perfect for extremely cold weather conditions, they are not designed for long walks or challenging terrain.

Multi-Purpose Boots - Some hunting boots can be considered multi-purpose boots because their features allow them to be used in an assortment of activities. From yard and farm work to hiking and camping, multi-purpose boots give you the support and comfort you need for a wide range of activities. They also tick the boxes for being waterproof, insulated and sturdy.

Getting The Right Fit — A Few Useful Tips

1. Before purchasing a pair of boots, ask the manufacturer to provide you with their sizing guide. This will help you to match your actual size with their specs, which can often differ considerably between brands.
2. Remember to break your boot in well before relying on them for lengthy excursions.
3. Make sure you are wearing the correct socks with your boots. Thin fabrics could lead to blistering, so rather opt for merino wool socks.
4. Make sure that the footbeds and insoles give your arches the support you need. Correct ankle support is also very important.
5. Last, but not least, remember to match the boots to your hunting conditions. Boots should not only fit your feet but they should also match the terrain and climate you are about to navigate.

Hunting Boot Insulation

The type and amount of insulation you will need will depend on the length of your hunting trip as well as the weather conditions at the time. If you are trekking in sub-zero temperatures then you will need a lot of insulation to keep your feet comfortable and moving.

When you purchase boots, you will see that the insulation type is listed in grams. The higher the grams, the higher the built-in insulation will be. For example:

• Insulation up to 200 grams is ideal for milder temperatures.
• Insulation from 400 grams up to 800 grams is suitable for mild to moderate temperatures.
• Insulation that’s at 1000 grams and above should only be used for the harshest and coldest climates with temperatures well below freezing.

Maintenance And Cleaning Of Your Hunting Boots

Hunting boots can be quite costly and if you want to make sure that you get the most out of your pair, you will need to apply the correct cleaning and maintenance methods. We recommend that you ask the manufacturer to give you care instructions for your boots at the point of purchase. Cleaning and upkeep will depend greatly on the type of materials used and you shouldn’t attempt a cleaning method unless you are certain that the boots will not be damaged during the process.

1. Start by preparing the boots. Remove any laces and inner soles and allow the boots to air dry.
2. Once dry, use a soft bristle brush to remove loose debris and caked-on mud.
3. Use a lukewarm soap solution (make sure the detergent will not harm the boots’ material type) and then gently scrub the boots using a soft bristle brush that has been dipped into the cleaning solution.
4. Allow the boots to dry in a well-ventilated space away from heated conditions (heat could cause your damp shoes to warp or shrink).
5. If it’s leather boots you are cleaning, you will need to treat them with a waterproofing agent before they are completely dry. This will restore the quality of the leather.

Boots should be stored in well-ventilated cupboards and should never be kept in areas with direct sunlight. When in storage, you can use a wooden Shoe Tree to maintain the natural form of the boots. We recommend using a boot-care product on leather boots to keep the leather supple and free from cracks and scuff marks.

Hunting Boots FAQ

Q: What are hunting boots?

A: Hunting boots are footwear that has specifically been designed for lengthy outdoor excursions. The boots feature elements that not only help to keep you comfortable in different conditions but they are also engineered to essentially help you better your performance on the field.

Q: How tall should your Hunting Boots be?

A: This depends on your preference as well as the hunting conditions. Short ankle boots are perfect for trekking through low grasslands and are cooler to wear in hot weather. Taller boots, however, are ideal for excursions where you will have to trek through the likes of water and mud or dense bush where snakes and other dangerous critters lurk.

Q: Can the Hunting Boot protect you from snake bites?

A: It depends on the type of hunting boot you are wearing at the time. Shorter boots can still expose your ankles and legs to snakes on the ground whereas taller boots that are made with thick materials can protect you from bites to your lower body.

Q: How long will it take for boots to break in?

A: Some boots simply have a knack for being superbly comfortable and snug from the get-go. Even if this is the case, however, we recommend that you still give your boots time to sync it with your feet before embarking on lengthy or challenging excursions. The break-in process can take a couple of days to a few weeks. It all depends on the type of boot as well as how well your feet adjust to them.

Q: May I use my hiking boots for hunting?

A: Yes and no. Hiking boots can be used for hunting if they include the correct elements needed for the hunting conditions you are about to enter. Hiking boots are designed for specific trails and are differentiated by weight. Hunting boots, on the other hand, are categorized based on where they will be used.

Sources:

1. Best Hunting Boots » What Are The Best Hunting Boots? - Medium
2. How to clean and maintain your hunting boots - Outdoor Veteran
3. How to Break in Your Hiking Boots - Rei
4. Hiking boot - Wikipedia