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Are you an avid outdoorsman? If so, you’ll want to grab a great pair of boots. Hunting is one of the most popular outdoor pursuits, so we took a comprehensive look at the best hunting boots on the market.
After aggregating tens of thousands of actual user reviews, doing many hours of research, and testing the top pairs – we can confidently recommend the best hunting boots. Whether you want an upmarket pair, a budget pick, or just a pair of boots that blends in – we’ve got you covered.
Our Top Pick
Timberland Ankle Boot
This pair of boots has thousands upon thousands of positive user reviews, and we loved the fit. Perfect for any outdoor activities, but especially great for hunting – they are easily our top pick. Highly recommended.
Other Great Picks
Under Armour Valsetz
Under Armour is not known for their shoes or boots, but this pair is spectacular. These boots are perfectly camouflaged, extremely comfortable, and very affordable. While you can certainly get a cheaper pair, we recommend these for anyone who is serious about hunting.
ArcticShield Rubber Boots
This budget-friendly pair of boots is perfect for anyone who is a frequent hunter, and they also work great for other outdoor activities. We tested them in some shallow water, and they even worked for small fishing excursions. Definitely recommended.
Irish Setter 2870
This pair of boots blends in perfectly to nearly any environment, and are extremely durable. We tested them in every condition imaginable, and after all the abuse – they barely showed a dent. Thousands of user reviews agree – these are a great pair of boots.
TideWe Hunting Boot
These boots are not only waterproof, they also retain heat. We loved them, especially in cold conditions. Users have noted that they also work great for ice fishing, though we did not test them in this specific way. Definitely recommended.
Rocky Core Neoprene
This affordable pair of hunting boots from Rocky offers everything you’ll need. They’re comfortable, durable, and are also waterproof. While you can certainly spend more on a pair of boots, if you’re on a tight budget, these are a perfect choice.
Hisea Hunting Boot
These sleek boots blend in perfectly in nearly any environment, and they are also extremely durable. These boots work great for camping, fishing, hunting, or any other outdoor activity. Definitely recommended.
R Runfun Hunting Boot
These camouflage boots blend in with trees, leaves, and grass – and are also extremely lightweight. We loved the durability and fit of this pair as well, and many users have noticed how high quality the construction is. If you want an affordable pair of hunting boots, these are one of the best options.
Muck Boot Hunting Boot
We were impressed by how comfortable this pair of hunting boots was in our testing – and we also love the affordable price. Able to withstand any conditions, these are the perfect choice no matter what kind of activity you want to engage in.
Rocky 800G
This stellar pair of boots from Rocky are certainly not a budget pick, but they are extremely well-made. With durable construction, a comfortable fit, and great camouflage – they are nearly unbeatable. Definitely recommended, especially if you’re a serious (and frequent) hunter.
What Are Hunting Boots?
We’re all probably familiar with boots – but hunting boots are part of a very specific (and uniquely-crafted) niche. Not only do hunting boots need to be essentially indestructible – withstanding rain, snow, rocks – but they have to provide you with plenty of support.
This is doubly true, if you carry a heavy pack while hunting. Additionally, they should be able to find a secure grip on any kind of terrain – including rocks.
On top of that – they should be lightweight enough that your feet aren’t exhausted by the end of the day. In short, hunting boots need to check a lot of boxes, which is why we singled out the best hunting boots on the market today.
What Are Hiking Boots Made Out Of?
Leather has traditionally been the go-to material for constructing boots, but nowadays there are many different options available. Synthetic materials are lighter than leather, but provide almost the same level of support.
Synthetic materials are also more flexible, and can last just as long as leather boots. In our testing, we liked both synthetic and leather boots, so the the choice ultimately comes down to what you personally prefer.
Neoprene is one common material that is common for hunting boots. An example of a popular hunting boot brand, on the other hand, would be Danner.
Whether you want a sturdy footbed, or a rubber sole, it’s important to understand that different materials provide different features. If you have a thicker sole, you may get more cushioning, for example.
How Tall Do Your Hunting Boots Need To Be?
If you want more support, or you wear a heavy pack while hunting – you’ll want to choose a pair of boots that goes all the way up to your lower calf. If you have a light pack, or want less support, opt for boots that are 6 to 7 inches instead.
Do You Need Waterproof Hunting Boots?
While you can opt for hunting boots that are not waterproof – we don’t recommend it. You want to be prepared for anything that might happen – and you are very likely to encounter water during any hunt.
Rubber hunting boots are usually waterproof, but boots made from other materials may not be. It’s important to carefully look at the listed features of a boot, before buying.
Finding The Best Fit For Hunting Boots
While you always want shoes and boots to fit snugly – this is even more crucial with hunting boots. Unlike some shoes and activities, you can’t take off your boots while hunting.
Be sure that the boots fit snugly, and also provide great support for your ankles. You don’t want to twist an ankle while running or chasing an animal, and you also don’t want to be injured and stuck in the middle of the woods.
Insulation For Hunting Boots
Insulation is hugely important for hunting boots, and more insulation is almost always better. This provides for better protection from the elements, as well as jagged rocks and other dangers.
If you only want to hunt lightly, and in mostly warm climates, you may opt for less insulation. However, based on tens of thousands of user reviews, as well as our own testing, we recommend opting for more insulation than you think you might need – this will ultimately keep you safer.
Finding The Right Lacing
Lacing is often completely forgotten about, but it is actually crucially important. Higher laced boots will support heavier packs, and will also help you avoid a twisted or broken ankle.
The average lace height is 6 inches, but some boots lace all the way up to the lower calf. These boots will be more supportive, and are a much better choice for heavier packs.
Do I Need To Worry About The Soles Of Hunting Boots?
Soles can make a huge difference, when choosing between pairs of hunting boots. Thicker soles will provide more support, while thinner soles will be lighter.
Based on our research, testing, and thousands of other user reviews – we recommending opting for thicker soled boots. They will provide optimal support, and will be better able to withstand any treacherous conditions you may encounter.
Can I Wear Hiking Boots To Hunt?
You can absolutely wear hiking boots to hunt with, but they won’t be as strong as hunting boots. Both boots are very similar in basic terms, but hunting boots are sturdier, typically more resistant to water, and are also stiffer.
That being said, many hunters use hiking boots to hunt in – and some even wear sneakers. Based on tens of thousands of user reviews (and our own testing) – we still think hunting boots are the best choice.
But feel free to experiment with any type of shoe, during your hunting trips. While we personally haven’t tried hunting with sneakers – some swear by it.
How To Break In Your Hunting Boots
No matter what pair of hunting boots you go with, it is crucially important to break them in. Boots with leather uppers (as well as thicker soles) may require even more breaking in.
Wear the boots outside, around the house, and anywhere you can – until they feel more comfortable. You’ll also want to make it past the point where you may be getting soreness and blisters from your boots.
By the time you get them into actual hunting conditions, your boots should be comfortable, easy to wear, and cause you no pain. Lighter and smaller boots may require much less breaking in, but we still never recommend skipping this important step.
Do Socks Matter When Wearing Hunting Boots?
Surprisingly, socks can make a big difference, when it comes to hunting boots. The thicker the socks, the warmer your feet will be – which is especially important if you are going to be taking the boots into water.
Socks also matter when it comes to the fit of the boots themselves. If you have a tight fitting pair of boots, you won’t be able to get bulky socks (or multiple pairs of socks) inside the boots.
There are also specific elements of your socks that will make a difference. While your boots will provide a lot of support, you will want socks that allow for lots of circulation.
Polypropylene and merino wool will be two of the warmest materials, when it comes to socks. So if you know you’re going to be in a cold climate, opt for socks made with either of these two materials.
Two other important factors include overall comfort, as well as how much moisture the socks can repel. Even if you don’t plan on going in the water, your boots may very well get wet, so we recommend always opting for socks that repel the most water.
Some Other Factors To Consider
There are a huge number of factors to consider, when we get down into the details of hunting boots. For example, you may prefer nylon uppers, suede, shock absorption, an EVA midsole, or even Thinsulate ultra insulation.
Different boots will offer different features, so it’s important to prioritize what is more important to you. Hunting season in Iowa is far different than hunting season in Alaska, so location and climate are two other relevant factors to consider.
Another important factor – brand. For example, Lowa is one manufacturer that most Americans may not have heard of – even though they make great hunting boots.
As you become more familiar with hunting boots, you’ll recognize specific models – like the Pronghorn from Danner. If cold weather is a problem, you will likely want to opt for waterproof boots – in case there is snow on the ground.
Ankle support is another key feature, and some also highly prefer a rubber outsole on their boots. Weather conditions are crucial for hunting, and they are just as important when it comes to choosing a hunting boot – as these are not your average work boots.
If you don’t want smelly insoles, you may want to choose a boot that has ScentBan tech. This stops bacteria from causing foul odors inside your footwear.
Minimalist footwear enthusiasts, on the other hand – love Vibram hunting boots. We liked heavier boots in our testing, but sometimes these aren’t always optimal for long periods of standing and moving.
You can opt for boots that are made with polyurethane, or choose a specialized boot – like one with UltraDry technology. As you might guess, this tech has moisture-wicking – keeping your feet dry.
Another reason to choose a great pair of hunting boots? Avoiding snake bites. Besides rugged terrain, this is one of the scariest possibilities in the wild – and is yet another reason why you should choose the best boots your budget can handle.
Another example – if you get boots with a good shank, you will get even more support – especially when going uphill. To keep your boots in mint condition, opt for models that are very abrasion resistant.
If you want better grip, choose boots that have great lugs. Some boots even have scent control, or memory foam – which both provide for a more luxurious hunting experience.
Women’s hunting boots will be slightly different than men’s, so it’s important to choose from different pairs, if you are female. Outdoor boots are slightly different than hunting boots in general, while field boots are also very closely related to hunting boots.
You may want to choose boots that prioritize breathability, or maybe you want boots with a toe cap (which helps provide better protection from hazards). Whether you are big game hunting, or using a tree stand – it’s important to have the right boots.
If you want tons of comfort, you can get a pair of boots with OrthoLite insoles. If you are trekking for lots of miles, you may want to opt for VaprTrek boots, which have RPM technology.
There are also tons of great options that didn’t quite make the cut of our list. These include the Upland hunting boot, Mossy Oak boots, the Elk Tracker, Rocky men’s boots, and the Danner men’s Pronghorn boot.
Kenetrek also makes great boots, and we also liked the 2870 VaprTrek boot. If you want to prevent things from entering your boots while you’re hunting, look for a model that has a gusset.
Leather boots tend to be less breathable, while boots with ScentBan technology will obviously be less odorous. On the other hand, GTX boots will be resistant to everything, since they’re made with Gore-Tex fabric.
Does The Price Of Hunting Boots Matter?
While we love saving money, when it comes to choosing the best pair of hunting boots – you should be prepared to spend a little more. While there isn’t a huge difference between the cheapest pairs and the most expensive pairs of boots, the higher-end models are typically made with much more durable materials.
This means not only rock-solid waterproofing, but a boot that can last for an extremely long time. The higher-end boots also tend to be a little more comfortable, which is very desirable, since hunting can keep you on your feet for hours.
How To Choose The Best Hunting Boots For You
There are a huge variety of hunting boots on the market, so it’s important to choose the pair that best fits your own specific needs. This means factoring in fit, price, durability, and what activities you want to use them for (besides hunting).
What may be the best pair for me, may not be a good choice for you. If you want to frequently fish in the same boots – you’ll want to make sure you choose a waterproof pair of boots.
You may value how breathable a pair of boots is, or you may want to prioritize waterproofing instead. We recommend camo boots – but not everyone may want to go this route.
Amazon alone has lots of great choices for hunting boots – but they are certainly not the only supplier. You may want to get boots from the Irish Setter men’s online store – as they are a very well-known manufacturer of high-quality boots.
Their VaprTrek technology is quite popular, and may provide a better outcome for your hunting. But you could also go with snake boots, or a model made with full-grain leather.
The possibilities are truly endless. So combine all the relevant factors (including price) that are important to you specifically – to determine what are the best hunting boots for you.
The Best Hunting Boots
There you have it – our top picks for the best hunting boots. When choosing the best styles, it’s important to have mobility, as well as to be able to handle any terrain.
Boots with a strong outsole, as well as breathable material, often make for the best choice. Hiking boots can be used for hunting, but we recommend getting boots that are specifically designed for the activity.
You’ll also want boots that blend in with the environment, and can withstand any inclement weather. This means usually choosing a pair that has camouflaged coloring, as well as a style that won’t be too bright.
You may want a boot that has a very sturdy midsole – or Thinsulate insulation. Or maybe you care more about the outsole, or finding a boot with Gore-Tex material.
No matter what your needs are, we’ve got you covered. Of course there are many great pairs of boots besides hunting boots, so be sure to check out our other outdoor product reviews.