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Best Hunting Boots with Buying Guide

Hunting Boot
Are you in the market looking for a good pair of hunting boots to purchase for your hunting expeditions but are a little bit confused as to which from the multitude of boots on the market to spend your hard earned money on? If you answered yes to this question, then you are in luck because we have taken our time to review some of the best hunting boots currently on the market in order to make the often overwhelming activity of looking for a good pair of hunting boots much easier. Hunting boots come in various materials, designs, sizes, price ranges, etc, which play significant roles in making it the more overwhelming and confusing choosing the right pair of boots. But rest assured because we have narrowed down your choices for you with this post. Below, you can read the short versions of the reviews of these great hunting boots and decide for yourself which of them fit the bill.

Best Hunting Boots Comparison Table

Picture Name Weight per Pair Measures Price
Our review LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18 1600G Hunting Boots 5.5lbs 15.5" from arch $$
Our review BOGS Bowman Waterproof Hunting Boots 5.2lbs 14.5" from arch $$
Our review Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8 Hunting Boot 4lbs 7" from arch $$
Our review Lowa Men's Hunter Goretex EVO Extreme Hiking Boot 4.5lbs 9" from arch $$$$
Our review Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting Boot 3.9lbs 9" from arch $$$$
Our review Irish Setter Men's 2859 Grizzly Tracker 9 Hunting Boot 2.2lbs 9" from arch $$
Our review Irish Setter Men's 840 Havoc WP 800 Gram 10 Big Game Boot 4lbs 10" from arch $$
Our review Rocky Men's Bearclaw 3D LTT Hunting Boot 5lbs 9" from arch $$$
Our review Irish Setter Men's 860 Elk Tracker Waterproof 1000 Gram Boot 4lbs 12" from arch $$$
Our review The Original MuckBoots Adult FieldBlazer Hunting Boot 2lbs 15" from arch $

LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18” 1600G Hunting Boots

LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18” 1600G Hunting Boots

The LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18” 1600G Hunting Boots can enhance your hunting game like nobody’s business thanks to the abundance of technologically advanced features that they come loaded with. These renowned boots, which are made entirely from very high-quality rubber (including their soles), are totally waterproof. This means you can rest assured your feet will be kept dry regardless of how wet the environment you find yourself in is. The Alphaburly Pro provides your feet with plenty of ventilation thanks to the embossed neoprene liner that it comes with. This keeps your feet perspire free and comfortable all the time. The Alphaburly Pro incorporates 1600G of Thinsulate Ultra to keep your feet warm when you find yourself hunting or hiking in very cold climate.

With a shaft that measures 16 inches in height from the arch, these boots offer protection to your lower legs while you are on the move. Weighing just 5.5 lbs per pair, the boots are so light in weight that you can move about very comfortably in them for several miles without becoming fatigued easily. To further enhance the comfort these boots offer, the manufacturers engineer them with EVA midsoles that come with very thick cushioning to cushion your every step.

The Alphaburly Pro’s neoprene gusset feature allows people with all manners of calf sizes to comfortably wear the boots while at the same time allowing for the easy wearing and removal of the boots.

The boots’ Burly Pro outsoles are responsible for the excellent traction they come with – a very useful feature that allows you to move confidently through slippery terrains such as mud and snow without slipping.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Lightweight (5.5 lbs a pair).
  • Comfortable.
  • 1600G Thinsulate Ultra.
  • High Traction makes it perfect for slippery surfaces such as mud and snow.
  • Neoprene Gusset allows the accommodation of different calf sizes.
  • Active Fit keeps foot in place.
  • Durable and totally waterproof.
  • Cushioning EVA midsole provides excellent shock absorption as you move.
  • 18 inches in height.
  • Made with high quality rubber that is scent-free.
  • Embossed liner that enhances air circulation.
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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BOGS Bowman Waterproof Hunting Boots

BOGS Bowman Waterproof Hunting BootsThe BOGS Bowman Waterproof Hunting Boots from BOGS Footwear provide you with comfort and stability during your hunting expeditions so you can concentrate on the hunt instead of your feet. With each boot weighing just 2.6 lbs, the Bowman Hunting Boots are considered one of the lightest big game hunting boots you can lay your hands on.

The Bowman’s Realtree and Mosy Oak camouflage design that blends very well with your environment in the wild, coupled with its Aegis antimicrobial odor protection inner sole that eliminates foot odor, saves you from easily giving away your location to the prey you are hunting.

Worried about literally experiencing cold feet while hiking or hunting in cold climate? Well worry no more! The Bowman hunting boots are equipped with 6mm Neo-Tech insulation that keeps your feet warm when the mercury drops. The waterproof neoprene lining that these boots feature has very impressive ability to repel water, thereby allowing you to hunt in all manners of wet conditions without worrying about water penetrating into the boots. Some boots that come with excellent waterproof features unfortunately don’t allow your feet to breath, but the Bowman hunting boots don’t behave that way since they incorporate the famous Max-wick lining along with Airmesh that allows air to circulate properly in the inside of the boots, thereby allowing your feet to breathe and stay dry.

Some boots that come with excellent waterproof features unfortunately don’t allow your feet to breath, but the Bowman hunting boots don’t behave that way since they incorporate the famous Max-wick lining along with Airmesh that allows air to circulate properly in the inside of the boots, thereby allowing your feet to breathe and stay dry.

To make it very easy to take the boots off, the manufacturers outfitted them with a heel kick at the back, which prevents you from struggling to remove the boots at the end of the day.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • 100% waterproof.
  • Very light in weight (2.6 lbs per boot).
  • Aegis antimicrobial attribute eliminates foul odor from developing in the boots.
  • Heel kick at the back makes taking the boots of very easy.
  • Very comfortable.
  • Camouflage design.
  • 6mm of Neo-Tech insulation to keep feet warm in cold weather.
  • Max-Wick lining allow your feet to breathe.
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

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Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8″ Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8The Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8″ Hunting Boot is a high performance big game hunting boot from one of the most famous boot manufacturers in the United States, Red Wing Brands of America, Inc (Red Wing Shoes). The VaprTrek Boots, which are made entirely of rubber, boasts of Irish Setter’s exclusive ScentBan technology that kills odor-causing bacteria in order to keep foul odor out of the boots. This means regardless of how long you wear the boots, you are not going to experience foot odor.

Weighing only 2 lbs, these boots are considered one of the lightest big game boots you can get on the market. Their remarkable light nature is mainly the handiwork of the patented RPM technology, which is a cutting edge composite material that the manufacturers incorporate into the boots to not only massively reduce their weight but to also increase their durability while at the same time enhancing the comfort of the wearer.

To further enhance your comfort, the VaprTrek boots come with another exclusive technology from Irish Setter, a breathable and waterproof UltraDry technology that uses highly sophisticated waterproof components to repel water. The technology also comes with an excellent moisture management lining to keep your feet dry and comfortable all the time.

Other notable features these boots come with include Realtree Xtra® Camouflage to conceal your presence from game, ArmaTec™ Technology that makes the boots very rugged and durable, and CuShin™ Comfort Tongue Technology that minimizes the pressure the tongue of each boot puts on your shin in order to ensure that you enjoy long-lasting comfort.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Very lightweight (2 lbs) and durable.
  • Breathable and Waterproof UltraDry Construction.
  • Patented RPM technology that significantly brings down weight of boots.
  • ScentBan to fight foot odor.
  • Rubber sole with high traction.
  • 100% waterproof.
  • Realtree Xtra Camouflage.
  • ArmaTec™ Technology to enhance durability.
  • Supported with a 12-month warranty
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Lowa Men’s Hunter Goretex EVO Extreme Hiking Boot

Lowa Men's Hunter Goretex EVO Extreme Hiking BootThe Lowa Men’s Hunter Goretex EVO Extreme Hiking Boot, which is made of very high-quality Nubuck leather is acclaimed by many a hunter as one of the most durable and comfortable hunting boots out there.

The Hunter’s waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX fabric lining, coupled with the premium Nubuck leather and the synthetic (rubber) soles it comes with, gives you the ability to hunt in all kinds of wet environments without experiencing wet feet. In addition to further enhancing the water repelling ability of the Hunter, the synthetic rubber soles join forces with the Hunter’s patented Vibram® Masai Tec to provide very excellent traction so you don’t accidentally slip when walking or running on slippery roads or trails.

When it comes to the issue of comfort, this 10-inch tall Hunter boot offers one of the highest levels of comfort you can find in an outdoor boot thanks to comfort-enhancing features such a breathable construction that keeps your feet cool and comfortably dry all day, a trademark pending tongue stud that allows for an excellent distribution of pressure, a balance footbed that allows for fit customization, and LOWA’s exclusive anatomically-contoured C4 tongue that literally cradles your feet and cushions every step you take while at the same time allowing for a quick break-in-time.

Still on the issue of comfort, the Hunter incorporates 200 grams of Primaloft® insulation to keep your feet warm in cold temperatures.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Leather construction.
  • Synthetic sole with Vibram® Masai for excellent traction.
  • Nubuck leather upper.
  • Anatomically contoured C4 tongue.
  • Breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX lining that comes with 200g of Primaloft® insulation.
  • 10 inches tall.
  • Made in Germany.
  • Protective rubber rand to enhance durability.
  • Available in Antique Brown and Brown versions.
  • 12-month warranty.
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Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting Boot

Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting BootThe Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting Boots are made of very tough full grain leather uppers that are 2.8 mm thick. The toughness and design of the leather make the boots both abrasion-resistant and water repellent. Away from the leather, the Mountain Extreme’s breathable, waterproof Windtex membrane helps in preventing moisture from entering into the boots, thereby keeping your feet dry always even in the wettest environment.

Despite being very rugged and sturdy, these boots have a weight of just 3.9lbs per pair, which gives them a spot in the list of some of the lightest big game hunting boots.  The K-Talon outsoles these boots proudly feature have the ability to bite multi directionally in any terrain you find yourself in and provide very high traction so you don’t slip and fall on slippery surfaces such as muddy grounds and snow covered rocks.

Since the Mountain Extreme boots are non-insulated, your feet will always remain comfortable in temperatures that are warm.

Other outstanding features of the Mountain Extreme boots include 7mm nylon midsoles that provide extra support when carrying heavy loads, a high level of comfort and a reinforced rubber sole guard that enhances the durability of the boots by making them abrasion resistant.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Lightweight (3.9lbs per pair) and rugged.
  • Rubber soles.
  • 2.8 mm thick full grain leather construction.
  • Rubber sole guard to enhance durability.
  • Comfortable.
  • Made in Italy.
  • K-Talon outsoles for excellent traction.
  • Breathable and waterproof Wind-tex membrane.
  • Non-insulated to keep feet comfortable in hot climate.
  • Water repelling ability backed with a 12-month warranty.

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Irish Setter Men’s 2859 Grizzly Tracker 9″ Hunting Boot

Irish Setter Men's 2859 Grizzly Tracker 9A serious boot for serious hunters, the Irish Setter Men’s 2859 Grizzly Tracker 9″ Hunting Boot is an extremely durable boot made with a full grain leather and nylon upper that is abrasion-resistant. The manufacturers further enhance the durability of the boot by reinforcing its high-wear areas with ArmaTec™, which is renowned for its remarkable ability to resist abrasion.

Featuring 1000g of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Ultra insulation, this boot keeps your feet warm and comfortable in freezing temperatures. Wearing the boot, you can track your prey through heavy rain, streams, swamps and other wet environments without bothering about your feet getting wet thanks to the boot’s UltraDry™ construction that prevents water from entering into the boot.

To help prevent foot odor, which is not only an embarrassing problem but can also give away your presence to game, the manufacturers incorporate the renowned scent control technology ScentBan™ into the boot to kill bacteria that cause foot odor. With the boot’s Rugged Mountain Claw outsoles that come with serrated teeth for excellent traction, you can move through demanding terrain tracking your prey without worrying about accidentally slipping regardless of how slippery the ground is.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Highly durable.
  • 100% waterproof construction.
  • Rubber soles with good traction.
  • Provides excellent comfort.
  • Mossy Oak Break Up Infinity Camouflage color.
  • Abrasion-resistant technology ArmaTec™ enhances durability.
  • ScentBan™ to eliminate foul odor from boot.
  • 9 inches in height.
  • 1000g of 3M Thinsulate™ Ultra insulation to keep feet warm in very cold temperatures.
  • Warranty supported (12 months).

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Irish Setter Men’s 840 Havoc WP 800 Gram 10″ Big Game Boot

Irish Setter Men's 840 Havoc WP 800 Gram 10The Irish Setter Men’s 840 Havoc WP 800 Gram 10″ Big Game Boot is one of the most famous and capable big game hunting boots from Irish Setter – a brand that has established itself as one of the top producers of quality hunting boots. The Havoc Boots, which are designed with big game hunters in mind, are constructed with full-grain leather uppers with water repelling ability.

The waterproof leather uppers, coupled with the breathable/waterproof GORE-TEX membrane the boot incorporates, make these boots 100 percent waterproof. And unlike some 100% waterproof boots out there that perform poorly when it comes to the issue of air circulation inside them, the Havoc Boots allow air to circulate properly in the interior of the boots thanks to the breathable GORE-TEX fabric lining.

The 800g of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation does an excellent job keeping your feet warm and comfortable when the weather is cold. Talking about comfort, the Havoc Boots come loaded with several other comfort-enhancing features including a non-metallic shank that allows for underfoot support, CuShin comfort tongue that reduces the pressure the boot’s tongue puts on your shin and a lightweight construction (only 32 oz. per boot) that prevents you from fatiguing easily.

The UltraFlex Big Game outsoles of the 10-inch Havoc Boots are broad and slip-resistant, and therefore offer you great traction and stability when you find yourself moving through very demanding territory such as rocky terrain. In addition to that, these outsoles also offer you great flexibility needed for climbing things such as hills, mountains, trees, etc.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Durable.
  • Lightweight (each boot weighs only 32 0z.).
  • UltraFlex Big Game sole that provides high traction and stability.
  • Comfortable right out of the box.
  • Non-metallic shank.
  • 10 inches in height.
  • Removable polyurethane insole.
  • 100% waterproof protection.
  • Full grain leather upper that is waterproof.
  •  800-gram of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation for warmth when the weather is cold.
  • CuShin comfort tongue to keep shin area comfortable.
  • Breathable Gore-Tex waterproofing membrane keeps feet fresh.
  • 12 months warranty.

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Rocky Men’s Bearclaw 3D LTT Hunting Boot

Rocky Men's Bearclaw 3D LTT Hunting BootThe extremely rugged and durable Rocky Men’s Bearclaw 3D LTT Hunting Boot isn’t like the average boot that you are used to in the sense that it not only functions as a very excellent hunting boot but it can also function as a work boot thanks to its stylish nature, durability, high level of comfort and dependability.

For maximum durability, which is one of the most famous attributes of the Rocky boots, the manufacturers engineered the boots with a storm welt, tough nylon, very quality full-grain leather and an excellent Goodyear welt construction.

Away from their durability, the Rocky boots are also widely acclaimed for the excellent comfort they provide thanks to features such as Rocky’s patented perforated cushioned Air-Port™ footbed that cushions your every step while allowing air to circulate inside the boots and the breathable GORE-TEX® fabric membrane which also promotes proper circulation of air inside the boots to keep your feet perspire free and comfortable while reducing foot odor in the process. In addition to ensuring air circulates very well in the boots, the GORE-TEX® fabric membrane is also responsible for keeping water out of the boots, thereby making them waterproof.

If you are worried about whether these boots can keep your feet warm in cold climate, worry no more. The manufacturers engineered the boots with 200g of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation which does an excellent job keeping your feet toasty when the temperature drops.

Other relevant features of the Rock Boots worth mentioning include an excellent lace-up system that allows for a very conducive adjustment and Rocky’s renowned multi-directional BearClaw3D outsole that provides a very high level of traction to keep you from falling when walking or running on slippery terrains.

Regardless of where you wear these boots, whether in the wilderness or at your workplace, these insulated boots will proudly show off their extreme durability, excellent water repelling ability and high traction to make walking and hiking more enjoyable.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Very durable construction.
  • Steel shank.
  • Comfortable.
  • Air-Port® cushion footbed for comfort.
  • High quality full-grain leather and strong nylon construction.
  • 200g of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation for warmth in cold climate.
  • Breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane.
  • Lace-up system featuring hooks, D-rings and a lace-to-toe pattern.
  • BearClaw 3D outsoles that offer excellent traction.
  • One-year limited warranty.

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Irish Setter Men’s 860 Elk Tracker Waterproof 1000 Gram Boot

Irish Setter Men's 860 Elk Tracker Waterproof 1000 Gram Boot

The Irish Setter Men’s 860 Elk Tracker Waterproof 1000 Gram Boot is one of those top tier big game hunting boots on the market that allow you to concentrate on tracking your prey and bagging game instead of your feet because it is durable, dependable and highly comfortable, which is why it is one of the most ideal choices for backcountry hunters.

The Irish Setter Elk Trackers’ 100% waterproof nature, which is made possible by the GORE-TEX fabric lining it comes with, allows you to walk through all manners of wet environments and still remain dry.

Weighing only 4lbs, these 12-inch high boots incorporate an advanced composite material that is responsible for their lightness. The lightness of these boots, coupled with other features such as a memory foam to cushion your every step, a four-way stretch nylon for flexibility as you walk, and a CuShin™ comfort tongue technology that cushions your shin area as you walk, makes the boots one of the most comfortable hunting boots out there. Still on the issue of comfort, the boots feature 1000g of 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation to keep your feet warm in freezing temperatures.

Most boots on the market will develop some odor when you walk in them for extended periods of time, but this isn’t the same for the Irish Setter Elk Trackers since they come with the famous ScentBan™ technology, whose primary role is to kill odor-causing bacteria to keep your boots odor free.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Durable.
  • Leather construction.
  • Lightweight and comfortable.
  • Synthetic sole.
  • Waterproof GORE-TEX lining.
  • 1000g of 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation for warmth in extremely cold days.
  • ScentBan technology to prevent foot odor.
  • Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive outsoles for excellent traction.
  • Steel shank that provides support.
  • Comfort cork EVA insole for enhanced comfort.
  • 12 months warranty.

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The Original MuckBoots Adult FieldBlazer Hunting Boot

The Original MuckBoots Adult FieldBlazer Hunting Boot
The Original MuckBoots Adult FieldBlazer Hunting Boot, also known as the MUCK, is a very high quality knee-high hunting boot from the Original Muck® Boot Company. The MUCK, which is made from quality rubber and textile, incorporates self-cleaning and slip-resistant rubber outsoles that allow you to walk or run on slippery surfaces without worrying about slipping.

Wearing these boots, you can rest assured that your feet will receive maximum protection and comfort regardless of how many miles you walk in them and what terrain you travel through. This is made possible thanks to features such as the wrap-up toe bumper that protects the toes against scuffing, flex-foam layers that keep the feet dry, warm and comfortable even under the coldest of climates, and reinforced shanks and Achilles support panel. To further enhance your comfort, the MUCK has its interior lined with breathable Airmesh linings that allow for sufficient air circulation within the boot to keep your feet comfortable all the time.

You will also appreciate the MUCK’s totally waterproof 4-way stretch nylon and water repellent shell that keep your feet dry all the time even when you find yourself tracking preys through swamps, streams, mud, etc.

After a tiring day in the field, the last thing you want to experience is the struggle of taking off your boots – a struggle many boots burden their wearers with. But with the MUCK, you do not have to struggle for a moment taking off your boots thanks to its kick-rim feature, which allows you to easily and quickly kick off the boot whenever you want to.

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 Features at a Glance 

  • Airmesh lining that is breathable and cool.
  • Rubber and textile construction.
  • Lightweight.
  • Comfortable.
  • Durable.
  • Totally waterproof.
  • High traction rubber outsoles that self-cleaning.
  • Kick-rim feature for easy removal.

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Things to look out for in a Hunting Boot before buying it

Okay, your mind is made up to venture on a serious hunting expedition this year! You’ve purchased all the requisite tools, including a rifle, scope and backpack, and are poised for a great hunting season. However, a few weeks before your highly anticipated hunting expedition is to begin, you realize you forgot to purchase one of the most important hunting gears – a good pair of hunting boots! Before you start to freak out because the market is flooded with so many brands of hunting boots that you are left confused, you should take a moment to read this post. Here, we shall discuss some of the most important things you need to look out for when shopping for a new pair of hunting boots to aid you in making your hunting expedition a comfortable and successful one.  We strongly believe that after reading this post you will be equipped with sufficient information to make it easier for you selecting the right pair of hunting boots in a market flooded with all manners of hunting boots.

Comfort

One of the most important things to look out for when shopping for hunting boots is the level of comfort that the boots can offer. By comfort, we are talking of things such as an excellent insulation, lightness of weight, the ability to prevent feet perspiration and smell, water tightness and safety. All these things come together to allow you move through all manners of demanding terrains in great comfort. You should know that the more comfortable your hunting boots are, the higher your chances are of enjoying a successful hunting expedition. The last thing you want on your hunting trip is to experience the nightmare of a highly uncomfortable pair of boots that leaves you spending more time worrying about your feet instead of focusing on tracking your prey.

Below are some comfort-enhancing features that many famous brands of hunting boots come with:

  • Insulation: If you will be hunting in the summer or in warm temperatures, insulation might just not be a topic of concern to you. Nevertheless, we think that it’s appropriate to mention it – especially for those hunting in the fall/winter. Insulation is one of the most comfort-enhancing features that many boots come with.  Boots that incorporate insulation are able to trap heat from your body to keep your feet warm and comfortable in cold temperatures. There are several kinds of insulations used by footwear brands to keep their boots warm, the most famous of them being Thinsulate. Thinsulate is the most preferred kind of insulation used by most of the most famous brands of footwear because of a number of reasons, most notably because of its extreme lightness and effectiveness in retaining warmth in footwear.
  • Breathability:  If you plan on walking for several hours during your hunt, you should look out for boots that are breathable. A breathable boot is basically one that allows air to circulate properly in its interior at any point in time, thereby preventing excessive sweating and keeping your foot dry and comfortable. Most of the best breathable hunting boots on the market come with a premium breathable/waterproof membrane called GORE-TEX which allows your feet to breathe.
  • Scent prevention technology: As the name implies, scent prevention technology, is a highly advanced feature that most boots incorporate to kill odor-causing bacteria in the boots, hence eliminating foul odor from developing in the inside of the boots.
  • Waterproof: And if you are going to walk in wet or swampy regions, you should look out for boots that come lined with neoprene, a waterproof liner.
  • Lightweight: Another thing to consider when buying a pair of hunting boots is weight. This is very important because it determines how fast and comfortable you can walk during your hunt. When boots are heavy, you may get tired easily from walking long distances, which is necessary for hunting game that run away or hide from you. This can negatively impact your chances of success.

The above are some of the most prominent things to look out for in a hunting boot, as far as your comfort is concerned.

 High Traction

The level of traction that the boots can offer is another major factor to consider when you are in the market searching for a new pair of hunting boots. By traction, we are referring to the grip that your boots have on the ground so that you do not slip and fall. Depending on the terrain in which you hunt, traction may or may not be an issue. For instance, if you are hunting mostly on regular trails and the weather is fair, traction might not be much of an issue. However, when you are hunting or hiking through demanding and rocky terrain, a boot that offers very high traction is a must.

Camouflage for Concealment

The next factor to consider when buying hunting boots is its concealing element, i.e. camouflage appearance. In the business of hunting, you want to conceal yourself as much as possible from your target and other dangerous animals in the field. Certain superior hunting boots come in colors, including Missy OakRealTree, and Green.  Camouflage on hunting boots can also put the odds of a successful hunt in your favor. The reason why camouflage on boots may work in your favor is that some animals aren’t able to perceive colors such as that it has the ability to excellently blend with your environment, thereby making it difficult for animals to easily spot you.

Height of Boot

Finally, you should also check the height of the boots before you buy them because they determine to a certain degree how safe and comfortable you will be during your hunt. Some hunting boots are high enough to cover significant portions of your calves. Such high boots offer superior protection against elements such as thorns and snakes that are often found in some terrains. It is worth noting that despite the advantages that come with tall hunting boots, the taller a boot is, the more weight it often comes with.

Durability

It would be a total waste of money and time to purchase hunting boots that come with all the great features mentioned above if they are not durable simply because they would not last very long! Durability is a function of the materials used to make the boots as well as the way the boots are designed. The market is flooded with boots that come with various degrees of durability. More often than not, the more durable a boot is, the more expensive it is. Having said this, it doesn’t mean that all expensive boots are durable and all cheap boots are inferior. When purchasing a pair of boots, take some time to look at the material used in constructing it. A durable boot is always made of materials that are quality and designed to withstand very rugged hunting conditions.  You do yourself a huge disservice if you purchase boots that aren’t durable since hunting boots happen to be arguably the most abused piece of hunting gear in the field. If you, therefore, purchase boots that aren’t durable, you can trust that they are not going to last very long considering the sheer amount of abuse they would face in the field. When you invest in a pair of hunting boots that is very durable, you can rest assured that you are going to get value for money as it will last for a reasonably long time despite the amount of abuse you heap on it.

 Cost

Of course, cost is the one thing that most boot buyers can never do away with. Unless you can get your boots for free, all boots come at a cost and you must choose wisely. Very high-end boots that come loaded with some of the best premium features can cost you an arm and a leg. Obviously, those that have the bare minimum wouldn’t cost as much. The trick here is to think carefully about the type of hunting activity you want to partake in, and choose boots that offer the non-negotiable features you need to be successful in the field. Whatever choice you make, you should ensure that in the long run you get value for money.

 Warranty

Finally, you should check with the vendors of your boot whether the boots are backed up with a warranty.  You can easily find out about this by visiting the official website of the manufacturers of the boot or by reading online reviews about the boots.  Certain boots come with limited warranty whereas others come with a lifetime warranty. And some manufacturers can even repair your boots for you at a cost.  The bottom line is that it is never a wise idea using your hard-earned cash to purchase a pair of hunting boots whose manufacturers don’t support with a warranty. We always recommend buying hunting boots that come backed with reasonable warranties so that in the event that your boots develop a problem shortly after you have purchased them, you can easily send them back to the manufacturers to have them fixed or replaced.

Conclusion

If you find the time to look out for important things such as cost, durability, comfort and warranty when shopping for your next pair of hunting boots, you might just save yourself lots of disappointments, inconveniences, discomfort and so many other negative things that can greatly hinder you from having an enjoyable and productive hunting expedition. All the best!

How to choose the right pair of Hunting Boots

Now that you have read about the most basic things that you need to look out for before purchasing a hunting boot, let us now take a look at how to go about choosing the right hunting boot that could suit you perfectly for your hunting expeditions.

Hunting Boots should fit you perfectly

One of the most important things when it comes to choosing the right pair of hunting boots is that the boots fit you perfectly. If your boots don’t fit you perfectly, it goes without saying that you have unfortunately chosen the wrong pair of hunting boots, and you will pay heavily for that in the field. Regardless of how feature-heavy your boots are, they are considered useless if they don’t fit you very well. A good fit boot will not cut off circulation and will not be too tight or firm. Another major characteristic of a boot that fits you very well is that it allows you to wiggle your toes. Wearing a pair of hunting boots that fits you well will not only enhance your comfort and prevent injuries but will also make a day of hunting simpler.

Hunting Boots should match Weather Condition, Terrain and Style of Hunting

In order to make sure that you get the right pair of hunting boots, it is imperative that the boots are compatible with the following things: the kind of weather condition you are going to be hunting in, the kind of terrain your hunt will take place in, and last but not least your style of hunting.

Weather Condition

In order to get the right pair of hunting boots, one of the most important things to take into consideration is to make sure that the boots match the kind of weather condition that you are going to be hunting in. For example, the kind of boots you will need when hunting in extreme cold or sub-zero temperatures will surely be different from that which you would need when hunting in the summer or in warmer weather conditions, and going ahead to use winter hunting boots for hunting in warmer weather conditions is surely a bad idea. Below we shall take a look at a number of climates and the kinds of hunting boots that match them perfectly.

  • Warm climates: If you are going to be hunting in warm conditions where moisture isn’t something you need to worry about, then the boots you wear should be lightweight and properly ventilated (breathable) in order to allow your feet to breathe. The boots don’t need to be insulated since you don’t need them to retain warmth in warm climates. If moisture will be something you expect to come across, then your boots need to be equipped with a powerful waterproof technology such as GORE-TEX® in order to keep moisture at bay and keep your feet comfortable.
  • Cold climates: Hunting in cold climates first of all requires boots that come with a decent amount of insulation in order to retain warmth as you make your way through the cold or freezing temperature. Here, the amount of insulation you’d need in your boots will largely depend on the coldness of the climate. Typically, the colder the climate and more sedentary your hunting is, the more insulation your boot should have and vice versa. Currently, the most famous insulation used by many brands of hunting boots is 3M Thinsulate because of its remarkable thinness and ability to trap body heat excellently. In addition to having a decent amount of insulation, your hunting boots also need to be water repellent if you are hunting in cold climate that is accompanied by snow. Furthermore, your boots need to be tall to combat the cold. The taller the boots are, the more warmth they will give you. However, you should know that taller boots tend to be heavier than shorter ones.

Terrain in which you hunt

Not all hunting boots are suitable for hunting in all terrains. For example, the kind of hunting boots you would need when hunting in a mountainous and harsh terrain would surely be different from the boot you would use when you find yourself hunting in a moderate terrain. Below are a number of different hunting terrains and the types of boots that match them:

  • Swampy or wet region: If you are going to be doing a lot of hunting in wet environment, then you need knee-high rubber or waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. If the hunt in the wet or swampy region would involve you walking for tremendously long distances, then your boots need to come with sophisticated breathable, waterproof technology that not only prevents water from coming into contact with your feet but also allows your feet to breathe. A good example of such a technology is the premium breathable GORE-TEX fabric membrane that does an excellent job in keeping moisture out of the boot in order to keep your feet dry while at the same time wicking out perspiration vapor so your feet remain comfortable.
  • Snake region: If you are going to be passing through rattlesnake country, then we strongly advise that you go in for a pair of tall snakeproof boots in order to keep yourself safe from snake bites.
  • Mountainous and aggressive terrain: If you are going to be hunting in mountainous and very harsh environments, your boots need to come with rugged outsoles that offer very excellent traction for stability. Also, for your comfort, your boots should be breathable – especially if you are going to be doing a lot of walking and hiking. The breathable nature of the boots will keep your feet from perspiring excessively and keep your feet comfortable.

Style or Type of Hunting

The last but not least important thing needed to be taken into consideration before you can get the right pair of hunting boots is to know the style of hunting you are going to be engaging in. For instance the boot you wear during sedentary hunting activities such as sitting in a tree stand all day will differ greatly from that which you wear when engaging in active hunting such as stalking your prey for miles and miles.

  • Sedentary hunting: If you are going to be engaging in sedentary hunts during warm temperatures, then your hunting boots don’t need to come with too much premium features since you wouldn’t be doing much walking, climbing, wading, etc. However, if your sedentary hunts will take place in very cold climates, one of the most important features your boots need to come engineered with is insulation – a great deal of it. Can you imagine what would happen to you when sitting for hours in your treestand in freezing temperature without an adequately insulated pair of boots to provide you with sufficient heat to keep your feet warm? Your feet will get so cold, you will be forced to run out of the treestand and abandon the hunt.
  • Active hunting: On the other hand, if you are going to be engaging in active hunting that involves a lot of hiking, climbing, etc up and down mountainous terrains, then it is imperative that your hunting boots are not only extremely rugged but also lightweight and incorporate several technologically advanced comfort-enhancing features such as high traction outsoles, breathable/waterproof construction, supportive midsoles, etc. If the active hunting is going to take place in cold weather, then it’s important that the boots incorporate a good insulation like Thinsulate to keep your feet toasty as you move up and down in the cold tracking your prey.

You should know that if you do not properly match your hunting boots with the particular hunting activity you are going to be undertaking, the weather condition you will be hunting in, and the environment in which you will be hunting, regardless of whether the boots you wear come with all the basic necessities a pair of hunting boots should come with, you are still going to find your hunting expedition very challenging simply because you are not using the right pair of boots to hunt. Getting the right pair of boots will see you spend less time worrying about your footing and more time focusing on the hunt, thereby increasing your likelihood of performing at your best in the field.

Common Problems of not using the right hunting boots

The most common problems hunters face on the field for failing to use the right hunting boots include the following:

  • The boots aren’t capable of providing the hunter with sufficient warmth when they find themselves hunting in cold temperatures.
  • The boots keep in too much warmth in warmer climates, thereby leaving the hunter’s feet highly uncomfortable and excessively sweaty.
  • The boots do not come with excellent traction and therefore cannot grip very well on slippery surfaces, thereby causing the hunter to experience issues with accidental slips on rough and slippery terrain.
  • The boots don’t provide the hunter with excellent waterproofing ability and therefore cause his or her feet to get wet in wet regions.
  • The boots do not fit the hunter well either because they are too tight or too loose and therefore cause great discomfort or injury while hiking or running.

When you choose the wrong boots for your hunting trip, you are likely to experience at least one or more of the problems mentioned above.

Types of Hunting Boots

Despite the market being flooded with all manners of hunting boots that come with all sorts of features, hunting boots can be roughly divided into only three types, namely Field Boots, Rubber Boots and Snakeproof Boots.

Field Hunting Boots

Field boots are usually made of materials such as nylon, mesh and leather and often come with different grams of insulation to keep their interior warm when the weather becomes very cold. As the name implies, a field boot, is constructed strictly to be used for field activities such as hunting, hiking, mountaineering, etc. Of all the aforementioned materials used in constructing field boots, leather and nylon happen to be the most commonly used materials. Majority of the most popular brands of field boots on the market use a combination of leather and nylon in constructing their boots. Leather boots tend to be the best for hunting in very harsh and rocky areas, in which you will need a rugged pair of boots to provide you with a firm and stable stand on the ground.

Rubber Hunting Boots

A rubber hunting boot, as the name clearly implies, is a hunting boot made of rubber. Being made of rubber, these hunting boots are noted for their remarkable ability in keeping your feet dry regardless of the amount of time you spend trekking through wet environments such as snow, swamps, mud, etc. Despite these boots naturally not being the best in keeping your feet warm and protected in very cold weather, these days many of them come with insulation to trap heat from your feet and keep them toasty in the cold. Rubber boots come with a number of appealing features such as being waterproof, scent-free and lightweight.

Snake Proof Hunting Boots

A snake boot or snakeproof boot is a hunting boot that is constructed with the sole aim of protecting the wearer’s feet and legs from snake bites. These boots, which can either be rubber boots or field boots, come with longer collars and snake bite resistant fabrics to make it is impossible for the sharp fangs of snakes and other reptiles to penetrate them and harm the wearer. If you are going to be hunting in regions where snakes are often rampant (snake country), then you definitely need these boots to save you from the lethal strikes of these reptiles.

Leather vs. Rubber Hunting Boots

One of the biggest questions people often ask themselves regarding hunting boots is: Should I go in for rubber hunting boots, or leather hunting boots? The answer to that question isn’t a simple yes or no; it depends on a number of factors, most notably the type of hunting you intend engaging in. But the bottom line is that both leather and rubber boots come with pros and cons.

Advantages of Leather Boots

Below are the most common advantages of owning a pair of leather hunting boots:

  • Breathability: Since leather breathes (that is it allows air to pass through it), boots made from leather enable your feet to remain cool and reduce the amount of perspiration that your feet produce.
  • Comfort: The breathable nature of leather, coupled with the fact that it easily molds to take the shape of your foot as compared to other plastic or synthetic materials, makes leather boots very comfortable to wear.
  • Durability: One of the biggest advantages of leather boots is their remarkable durability. Boots made from real leather can last much longer than those made of synthetic materials such as rubber.

Disadvantages of Leather Boots

  • Scent: They come with scent, which can easily give your location away to animals.
  • Heavy: These boots tend to be heavier than rubber boots, which means they can easily cause you to get fatigued especially if you are engaged in a very active hunt that requires a lot of walking or hiking.
  • Not easy to clean: They are not as easy to clean as rubber boots are.

Advantages of Rubber Boots

The major advantages of owning a pair of rubber hunting boots include the following:

  • Scent-free: Since they are purely constructed from rubber, which doesn’t absorb sent the way leather does, they often tend to be scent-free. As a result of this, they reduce the likelihood of animals identifying your location through scent.
  • Easy to Clean: These boots are very easy to clean – at least they are much easier to clean than their leather counterparts.
  • Lightweight: They tend to be very light in weight.
  • Waterproof: They do a great job repelling water.

Disadvantages of Rubber Boots

  • Not good at keeping feet warm: One of the biggest disadvantages of rubber boots is the fact that they tend to struggle with keeping your feet warm in very cold weather.
  • Not very durable: These boots are not as durable and rugged as boots made from leather are.

Insulation in Boots

Insulation is one of the most important things you need to look out for when purchasing a pair of hunting boots. But before we move any further, what really is insulation in boots? A boot is said to come with insulation when it is engineered with materials that prevent cold air from outside the boot making its way into the boot while at the same time preventing warm air in the boot from leaving the boot, thereby keeping your foot warm in cold climate. This therefore means that insulated boots are warmer than non-insulated boots (boots that do not come with insulation).

Insulated vs Non-insulated Boots

Hunting boots will be either insulated or non-insulated. But the question many hunters ask is, should I wear insulated boots or non-insulated boots? Both types of boots are great and come with their advantages and disadvantages.

Insulated Boots

The main advantage of insulated boots is that they keep you warm and protected in cold weather. So if you are going to be doing a lot of hiking and hunting in cold or freezing temperature, then insulated hunting boots are better for you since they have the ability to keep in a great deal of warmth to keep your feet warm and comfortable in freezing temperature. However, these boots come with a number of downsides, most notably not being the best when you find yourself hunting or hiking in warm or hot temperature simply because they keep in too much warmth, thereby making the interior of the boot too warm for your comfort. Also, these boots tend to be pretty bulky mainly because of the additional material used in giving warmth to their interior.

Non-insulated Boots

Non-insulated hunting boots also have their pros and cons. The biggest advantage associated with boots without insulation is the fact that they won’t make you uncomfortable during warm temperatures by retaining too much heat in the boot. Also, they are tend not be as bulky as their insulated counterparts since they do not come with extra material to retain warmth.

When it comes to the disadvantages of these boots, the obvious one is their inability to give you sufficient warmth to keep your feet toasty in very cold climates.

NOTE: It is imperative that you know that these days there are certain brands of hunting boots that come with removable insulation, thereby giving you the unique opportunity to enjoy the advantages of both insulated and non-insulated boots.

Types of Insulations for Boots

Today, thanks to advancement in technology, there are several types of insulations available for hunting boots or boots in general, the most common of them being Thinsulate.  Other pretty well known types of insulations include PrimaLoft, Heatseaker, Wool Felt, Zylex, Opti-Warm, Multi-Layer Foam Liners, Omni-Heat, Fleece/Shearling Linings, and Aerogel. Below, we shall take a look at each of these insulation types.

Thinsulate

Thinsulate, also known as 3M Thinsulate, is without a shred of doubt the most famous kind of insulation used in boots to keep their interior warm. Thinsulate is a synthetic fiber insulation made of several microfibers (extremely thin fibers) that come together to effectively trap the heat produced by the body in order to keep the body warm in cold climates or wintery conditions. In addition to keeping the body warm, Thinsulate also enhances your comfort by allowing any moisture (mainly perspiration) generated by the body to evaporate, thereby resulting in higher levels of comfort. Thinsulate was first introduced to the world in 1979 by an American company called 3M Corporation (formerly called the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company). Since its introduction to the world in the late 1970s, Thinsulate has gone on to become the most effective and comfortable insulation option on the market. It is therefore no surprise that it is used in all kinds of everyday wear from boots to gloves to jackets.

Why Thinsulate Insulation is the Most Effective for Footwear

There are so many reasons why the majority of footwear brands prefer Thinsulate insulation to other insulation options.  Here are some of the most important reasons why Thinsulate is the preferred choice for keeping hunting boots warm when the mercury starts to drop:

  • It is very effective in retaining the warmth in boots during cold days.
  • Despite its remarkable effectiveness in retaining warmth, it is very thin and lightweight, and therefore doesn’t add significant weight and bulk to the boots.
  • It allows moisture (sweat) to escape from within the boots, thereby further enhancing your comfort by keeping you feeling good all day.
  • It is very durable and can withstand all manners of abuse even frequent washing.
  • It is so reliable it doesn’t lose its ability to insulate even when it gets into contact with water unlike some insulations do.

PrimaLoft

PrimaLoft is another popular synthetic fiber insulation (but not in any way as popular as Thinsulate) that was developed in the early 1980s and used mainly in the U.S. Army. Being a synthetic insulation, PrimaLoft works almost the same way Thinsulate does – it is made of microfibers that trap heat to keep the body warm and comfortable. Also, just like Thinsulate, PrimaLoft insulation is also measured in grams and used in a number of everyday wears from boots to gloves to retain warmth in cold conditions. PrimaLoft synthetic insulations can also insulate even when wet, and therefore can be used in cold and wet environments. While PrimaLoft is very good in keeping you warm in the cold, it is not as effective and as comfortable as Thinsulate. Another major drawback of PrimaLoft is the fact that it isn’t very durable.

Zylex

Zylex insulation from Kamik is a removable liner that has the ability to trap warm air while at the same time wicking moisture from inside the boot. In addition to that, this insulation engineers a thermal foil which does a brilliant job in deflecting cold away from the foot to keep you warm and enhance your comfort in cold temperatures. Zylex insulation is mainly found in Kamik boots.

Heatseeker

Heatseeker is a synthetic insulation from The North Face that works in almost a similar fashion like Thinsulate. The North Face incorporates this synthetic insulation in their boots and apparels mainly because of the insulation’s excellent compressibility ability and its brilliant warmth to weight ratio. In addition to that, the Heatseaker is also very durable, resilient and comes with little bulk.

Opti-Warm

Another pretty common synthetic insulation is Opti-Warm, which is designed by Merrel. This insulation also works by trapping the heat from your body to keep you warm in cold temperatures. Opti-Warm is capable of doing this without the extra weight that a number of similar insulations come with. Another advantage this synthetic insulation comes with is its excellent loft retention ability. Opti-Warm can only be found in clothing and boots manufactured by Merrell.

Shearling Insulation

Shearling insulation, which is also called Fine Fleece, is used to insulate many brands of boots thanks to the fact that it is remarkably warm, soft, cozy and lightweight. The major downside to Shearling insulation in boots however, is its problem with durability. Boots – especially outdoor boots don’t take much time to break down. Also, they are not the best pair of boots to be used for high levels of activity in extremely cold conditions.  It is for this reason most Shearling insulated boots tend to be fashionable boots.

Despite all these aforementioned insulations being great at retaining warmth in boots and ensuring your comfort, Thinsulate is still widely regarded as the most effective and comfortable type of insulation for all manners of boots from hunting boots to hiking boots to stylish or fashionable boots. Thinsulate comes with numerous appealing features that most of these insulations can only dream of. It is for this reason many consider Thinsulate the king of insulation.

What are Grams of Insulation?

Insulation is measured in grams, and therefore when we talk about the grams of insulation in a boot, we are basically referring to the thickness or weight of insulation in the boot. Insulations, especially synthetic fiber insulations such as Thinsulate and PrimaLoft, are measured in grams (grams per square meter). Boots on the market that incorporate these kinds of insulation often come with insulation between 100 and 2000 grams. The higher the grams of insulation a boot comes with, the more warmth the boot is capable of retaining, and vice versa.

How Many Grams of Insulation You Need In Your Hunting Boot

The amount of insulation you need for you hunting boot largely depends on the coldness of the climate you are going to be hunting in and your level of activity. The more freezing the temperature, the more insulation you are going to need in your hunting boots to keep your feet warm and comfortable.

Below is a list of the recommended amount of insulation required for your hunting boot based on the coldness of the climate you are going to be operating in:

  • 200 Grams of insulation: If you are going to be operating in mildly cool weather or are going to be engaging in high activity levels, then you need a pair of hunting boots that come with 200 grams of insulation to keep your feet comfortable.
  • 400 grams of insulation: It is recommended that you wear a pair of hunting boots that come with at least 400 grams of insulation if you are going to be in mildly cold climate or engaging in activities of moderate levels.
  • 600 grams of insulation: If you are going to be hunting in very cold weather, then it is advisable to put on a pair of boots that incorporate 600 grams of insulation so your feet can stay toasty and comfortable.
  • 800 grams of insulation: Hunting boots that have 800 grams of insulation are ideal for you if you are going to be in extremely cold weather and be engaged in light levels of activity.
  • 1,000+grams of insulation: It is advisable that you wear a pair of hunting boots that come with more than 1,000 grams of insulation if you are going to be in extremely cold weather engaging in activity levels ranging from light to minimal.
  • 2,000 grams of insulation: You are advised to put on a pair of boots that come with 2,000 grams of insulation if you are going to be in the most extreme of cold conditions (such as sub-zero temperatures) where you are going to be engaging in very little or no action.

Breaking in your New Pair of Hunting Boots

One major mistake many people make upon getting a new pair of hunting boots is take them on a major hike or hunting trip without first of all taking the time to break them in. When you fail to break in your new pair of boots before venturing on a major adventure in the wilderness, your feet are going to suffer. It is as simple as that! It is for this reason experts constantly advise that you take some time to break them in before you head out on a major expedition. But what really is break in time? For those of you who do not know what it is, break in time can simply be defined as the time it takes for a brand new pair of boots to become comfortable for the wearer. Majority of footwear are not comfortable right out of their boxes even if they fit you very well. They are often stiff and can be very uncomfortable or even cause pain to the wearer when worn for the first time. However, with the passage of time, the boots become more comfortable. This is what is referred to as their break-in time.

Not all hunting boots come with the same amount of break-in time. The break-in process of different boots takes different times and would often largely depend on the materials used in the manufacturing process as well as the manner in which the boots were constructed. Some boots take shorter break-in times whereas others such as high quality leather boots take significantly longer break-in times. Generally speaking, boots that come with more supportive functions are the ones that tend to take longer break-in times.

How to Break In Your New Pair of Boots

There are a number of very simple steps you can do to break in that new pair of hunting boots you just purchased for yourself. Follow the simple steps below to break in your boots:

  • Start by wearing your new pair of boots at home and walk in them around the house to get a feel of the boots and identify any trouble spots. It is recommended that you wear the pair of socks and insoles that you intend wearing on the major hunting trip so your feet get used to them. In tying the lace of your boots, you are advised not to tie it too tightly – tie them snugly. As you move around your house with your new pair of boots, you’ll notice how stiff and uncomfortable they are. You shouldn’t worry about that since it is normal for most new boots to feel that way upon wearing them for the first time. Just carry on wearing them while running errands around your house or taking short walks around your neighborhood.
  • After a number of days of moving around the house and neighborhood in your new boots, you’ll notice that the stiffness of the boots along with the discomfort you were experiencing earlier will drastically reduce or even disappear.  When this happens, you can graduate to wearing the boots for longer distances around town. Make sure that your feet feel comfortable in the boots at each stage before increasing the distance.
  • When you can finally cover several miles in your new boots without feeling any discomfort, it is now time to hit the trail with the boots.

Breaking in new boots takes time and patience. But if you are patient enough and devote some time and effort to thoroughly break your boots in before you head out on a major hunting trip, you’ll not only experience great comfort walking in the boots but your feet will thank you at the end of the day.

Benefits of good Hunting Boots

For a hunting expedition to be successful and safe, one will need a pair of superior hunting boots. In this post, we discuss the benefits of wearing good hunting boots, and we trust that such a discussion will enable you to avoid the specious glitter of “just any boots” or even bootless hunting. Below, we take a look at some of the major reasons why it is important to have a good pair of hunting boots each time you go in the field looking for game.

Protection in the Field

First of all, wearing hunting boots guarantees maximum protection when you are in the field. Hunting boots are usually made of rubber, fabric or leather, all of which are materials that leave your feet unexposed to harmful elements, including thorns and prickly shrubs, in the field. Some hunting boots even incorporate snake protection fabric that can protect you from the poisonous bites of rattlesnakes. Such hunting boots are called snakeproof boots.

 Ankle and Calf Support

Another way in which good hunting boots guarantee your protection is by providing adequate support for your ankles and calves. When hunting in extremely steep terrains, it becomes necessary to do a lot of climbing as you track your prey or target. But such multitasking can cause you to unknowingly climb at the wrong angle and dislocate your ankle or even tear some of the ligaments in your calves.  Thankfully, most modern hunting boots are designed to not only support your ankle but also cover significant portions of your calves. Such a support system minimizes your chances of overstretching your calves or dislocating your ankles.

Concealing you from Game with Camouflage Feature

Today, some of the best brands of hunting boots on the market have the ability to protect you from your prey and other dangerous animals in the field by keeping you concealed from them. How do these boots do that? They are capable of playing a significant role in keeping you hidden from animals thanks to the camouflage pattern they come with that blends effortlessly with the surrounding shrubs to reduce your likelihood of being spotted by your prey or some other dangerous animal and minimizing your risks of blitz attacks by animals. Other sophisticated hunting boots also come with scent elimination features that eliminate human scent from the boots to further reduce the likelihood of animals identifying your location through your scent.

Comfort

Another huge advantage that comes with wearing good hunting boots during your hunts is the fact that they provide you with comfort. Sometimes, how successful you are in a hunting adventure is directly dependent on how long and far you can walk. Indeed, your target may move away from you or be in hiding, and it’s up to you to persevere and find them. But when your feet are cold and full of blisters, walking long distances becomes painful. This is why many good modern hunting boots come equipped with several sophisticated features that guarantee comfort in the wilderness such as the following:

  • Insulation: To keep your feet warm and comfortable in very cold environments such as in sub-zero temperatures, good hunting boots incorporate insulation. A good example of an excellent insulation used by many brands of boots today is Thinsulate™, which is widely noted for its excellent ability to retain warmth in boots without adding extra weight or bulk to the boots.
  • Breathable features for comfortable dry feet:  Another type of comfort that good hunting boots provide is giving your feet the ability to breathe through the provision of excellent air circulation. Naturally, when you walk for long distances in shoes or boots, your feet begin to perspire, leaving a wet and often very uncomfortable moisture around your feet.  Not only is this extremely uncomfortable but it also contributes massively to foot odor. But good hunting boots prevent this from happening thanks to the incorporation of moisture-wicking features such as the renowned GORE-TEX® membrane designed to allow your feet breathe and stay comfortable as you engage in active outdoor pursuits.
  • Waterproofing ability: Unlike other footwear, good hunting boots often come with excellent waterproofing abilities. Some even have a 100% ability to repel water and prevent your feet from getting wet even if you walk through mud and swamps. Many famous hunting boots incorporate water repelling features such as neoprene, an excellent waterproof liner that prevents water from coming into the boots. This feature ensures that your feet remain dry and comfortable even when you find yourself in wet environment.
  • Weight-reducing features:  Another form of comfort that good hunting boots provide is the ability to be lighter than other footwear by incorporating a number of weight-reducing features such as ultra-thin linings and EVA midsoles. Another thing that makes hunting boots light and easy to walk in is the design of their soles. Most boots have soles that are designed to crush soil and mud while you walk in them. This way, they do not carry high amounts of thick mud, which add to their weight.

At this point, we hope that you are now fully convinced about the benefits of wearing good hunting boots. Before we go, we’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate that wearing good hunting boots for your hunt is better and safer than wearing just any type of boot, or going bootless. All the best, and we hope to see you in the terrain.

Features of good hunting boots at a Glance

  • Sturdy and durable construction so it can last a very long time regardless of the level of abuse they undergo in the field.
  • Lightweight to reduce fatigue and enhance the comfort of the wearer.
  • Water-resistant or 100% waterproof to protect your feet from getting wet when the wearer finds himself or herself in wet environments.
  • Very comfortable to walk in for miles and miles and in all manners of harsh terrains without worrying about the feet.
  • High traction to save the wearer from accidental slips in rugged terrain and slippery surfaces.
  • Camouflage pattern to help the hunter blend perfectly into the brush so his or her presence isn’t easily noticed by the animals he or she is hunting.
  • Breathable in nature so as to allow air to circulate very well within the boots’ interior in order to reduce perspiration and odor.
  • Versatile enough to be easily used for a number of activities in the field.
  • Insulation equipped for hunting in very cold climates.
  • Backed by a reasonable warranty or guarantee from the manufacturers.

How To Take Care of Your Hunting Boots

Taking good care of your hunting boots on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do for your boots if you want them to remain sturdy for a very long time. In this simple guide to cleaning and caring for your boots, we show you the simple things that you can do from the comfort of your home to take proper care of your boot – be it rubber or leather.

Taking care of Leather Hunting Boots

Leather hunting boots take more abuse than any other hunting gear you can think of. It is for this reason it is imperative that at the end of the day, you take proper care of them if you want them to last longer and perform at their peak all the time. Below are some simple steps you can take to improve the lifespan of your leather hunting boots:

  • Clean your non-waterproof leather boots with a damp cloth or a soft-bristled brush in order to get rid of dirt, grime and mud. It is important that the brush you use isn’t one that comes with a hard bristle since that can easily cause damage to the leather. For waterproof leather boots, you can use water and a cloth to remove dirt and grime.
  • After you have cleaned the boots, it is now time to get them dry. But in drying your boots, it is never advisable to use a direct source of heat or intense heat such as heaters, hairdryers, etc. Exposing your leather boots to extreme heat can easily weaken the leather and end up damaging it. It is always best to allow your leather boots to dry naturally.
  • When the boots eventually become dry naturally, the next thing you should do is treat the leather. To protect the boots, you should apply a very good conditioner and leather protector on them. This action not only keeps the boots protected but also allows them to perform optimally in the field.
  • If you are not going to be using your boots for an extended period of time, the best way to store them is in a cool and dry place. This means you should avoid leaving them in a place where they would have direct contact with sunlight or any source of extreme heat. Neither should they be stored in any place that is extremely cold.

Following the simple steps above will increase the likelihood of your leather hunting boots lasting longer and performing at their peak all the time.

Taking care of Rubber Hunting Boots

Taking care of rubber boots is relatively easier than taking care of leather boots. And just like leather boots, when you routinely take proper care of your rubber hunting boots, they are not only going to last you longer but will also perform at their best always. Listed below are a few basic tips that will guide you on how to go about maintaining and caring for your rubber hunting boots so their durability and performance are significantly enhanced:

  • If you want to extend the life of your favorite pair of rubber hunting boots, make sure you clean them whenever they become dirty (which is an obvious thing to do). In getting them cleaned, you can use a wet cloth or sponge to clean their exterior. If the dirt and grime on the boots are very stubborn, you can use water, soap and sponge or cloth to get rid of them.
  • Never use solvents during the cleaning process of your rubber boots since they easily damage rubber.
  • Having cleaned the boots, you should allow them to dry naturally. By naturally allowing your boots to dry, what we mean is do not use sources of extreme heat such as hairdryers and heaters to dry them since the extreme heat can easily damage your boots. Also, it is a bad idea trying to dry your rubber boots under direct sunlight or by placing them very close to extreme heat sources such as a fireplace or any other very intense artificial heat source. Doing this will damage the rubber and reduce the lifespan of your boots.
  • Regularly condition your rubber boots in order to keep them protected. For example, a pair of rubber hunting boots that undergoes regular conditioning is protected from the harmful effects of the sun, which can fade and destroy the rubber. This is the reason why frequently conditioning your boots is one of the best things you can do to make them last longer. In conditioning the boots, you should use a very good rubber conditioner and make sure that the boots are cleaned and dry before applying the conditioner. If you apply conditioner on boots that are dirty, the dirt will not allow the conditioner to make direct contact with the rubber to protect it.
  • When your rubber boots are not in use, you should store them in a place that is cool and dry. But make sure that the boots are thoroughly dry before storing them.
  • While in storage, make sure that the rubber boots do not have any direct contact with sunlight or any source of heat or intense cold. Furthermore, when storing your boots, you should not fold them since doing so can cause them to split or crack.

How to Get Rid of Bad Odor from your Hunting Boots

Today, some of the best brands of hunting boots come with features such as scent prevention technology to prevent bad odor from developing in the boots. Most of these scent prevention technologies such as the renowned Scent Ban™ from Irish Setter can be very effective in battling odor whereas others aren’t that effective. If you happen to have a pair of boots that come with a very effective scent elimination feature, then good for you. However, if your boots’ scent elimination technology isn’t very effective in preventing odor or if your boots do not come with any such feature, then it is imperative that you find a way to get rid of that bad odor in your boots. Failing to get rid of odor in your hunting boots is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First, it can be embarrassing and quite uncomfortable. Second, it can easily render your entire hunting expedition fruitless since the animals you are hunting can easily perceive the odor (human odor) emanating from your boots and use it to detect your presence. And of course every hunter knows what happens when the animals you are hunting suddenly detect your presence and location – they simply flee or worst attack you!

If we don’t want the scenarios above to happen, then there is the dire need for us to do our best to eliminate odor from our hunting boots. Eliminating boot odor can play a very critical role in determining how successful a hunter – especially a bow hunter’s hunting expedition will be. Following the advice below can play a significant role in mitigating or eliminating bad odor from your hunting boots.

Reduce or Prevent Foot Perspiration

One of the biggest reasons why your hunting boots become smelly is a result of a combination of sweat and bacteria. When you sweat into your boots, the interior of the boots become damp and create an ideal environment for bacteria that cause odor to thrive. These bacteria feast on your sweat drenched feet and release organic acids or worst volatile sulfur compounds, which is what causes that unpleasant odor on your feet and in your boots. The more you sweat on your feet, the more unpleasant your feet and boots will smell.

Since odor-causing bacteria thrive in sweaty places, it goes without saying that if you can minimize the amount of sweat your feet produce, you can reduce foot odor. But how does one reduce perspiration on the feet? There are a number of things you can do to achieve that.

  • Wear socks: Socks play a very important role in the fight against smelly boots. When you wear socks, they absorb perspiration from your feet, thereby making it difficult for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. This is the reason why people who fail to wear socks with their boots tend to experience smellier boots than those who do.
  • Wear Breathable Boots: Wear shoes that give your feet the opportunity to breathe. The more your feet breathe, the less sweaty they are going to get. And less sweat means less unpleasant odor.
  • Watch the type of socks you wear: The type of socks you wear can also contribute massively towards causing your feet to sweat and increase foot odor. For example nylon and polyester socks are not the best since they trap perspiration. Socks that are 100% cotton are far better than nylon or polyester socks when it comes to reducing foot perspiration since they are more porous and allow for proper air circulation. These days, advancement in technology has led to the manufacturing of certain types of highly advanced synthetic and wool socks that perform even better than 100% cotton sock in fighting foot perspiration. These socks come with the ability of wicking or transporting sweat away from your foot and out of your boot, which is a far more effective way in fighting boot odor.
  • Use unscented antiperspirant: Another good way to reduce foot perspiration is to apply an unscented antiperspirant liberally on your feet before wearing your socks.
  • Use foot powder: Dusting your feet with foot powder is also another way you can reduce sweating on your feet.

Baking Soda

Not too many people are aware of the excellent deodorizing ability of baking soda. But baking soda is one of the most effective natural ways to get rid of footwear odor. Using baking soda to eliminate odor from your hunting boots is simple. All you need to do is sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in your boots and allow it to stay in the boots overnight. The next morning, when you are going to use the boots, just turn them upside down and get rid of the baking soda, which would have by then absorbed the unpleasant odor in your boots.

Avoid Damp Boots

Always endeavor to allow the interior of your boots to thoroughly dry between uses. The damper the interior of your boots, the better of a breeding ground they become for odor-causing bacteria to thrive and multiply. This is why it is very important that the inside of your hunting boots are kept dry all the time so bacteria can’t survive in them, thereby reducing the likelihood of bad odor developing in the boots.

Freshen Smelly Boots with Fresh Cat Liter

You can get rid of that smelly odor inside your hunting boots with fresh cat liter. Why you might not instantly embrace the idea of using cat litter to freshen your boots, you should know that it does the job of deodorizing your smelly boots thanks to its excellent deodorizing properties. All you have to do to take advantage of the remarkable deodorizing properties of cat litter is get a pair of socks and fill each one with fresh, unused cat litter and tie them off. Then place each tied sock inside each boot and let them remain in the boots overnight. The fresh cat litter will get rid of the odor-causing bacteria responsible for creating that unpleasant odor in your boots.

Remove Boot Odor with Alcohol

Bacteria fear alcohol like no man’s business since alcohol destroys them fast. So if you want to kill odor-causing bacteria and eliminate odor from your hunting boots, you can soak a cotton ball in alcohol and swab the interior of your boots with it. When alcohol comes into contact with the odor-causing bacteria, it eliminates them as well as the unpleasant odor they create in the boots.

Freeze Your Boots

Another effective way to eliminate odor from your hunting boots is to place them in a freezer overnight. While this might sound weird, it is really effective. All you need to do is place your boots in a plastic bag and allow them stay in the freezer overnight. The extreme cold temperature in the freezer will kill majority of the bacteria.

Odor-preventing Insoles

You can also purchase good odor-fighting insoles, which come with odor-eliminating properties to eliminate unpleasant smell from your hunting boots. All you need to do is replace them with the insoles that your boots come with and remove that unpleasant odor from your hunting boots. Some examples of good odor-fighting insoles you can get on the market that will absorb sweat and neutralize foul odors in your hunting boots include Dr. Scholl’s ® Odor-X ® Odor Fighting Insoles and ZEDERNA Cedar Wood Shoe Insoles.

Other Commercial Products to Eliminate Odor in Boots

Besides odor-eliminating insoles, you can purchase other commercial products that eliminate odors in boots such as disinfectant or antibacterial sprays, foot sprays and boot deodorizers that are very good at neutralizing unpleasant odors in your hunting boots. Some famous commercial products for combating boot odor include Funky Feet Shoe and Feet Deodorizing Foot Odor Spray, On Your Toes Bactericide Powder, Rocket Pure’s Natural Shoe Deodorizer and Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker Socks.

Change your Socks Frequently

Another simple way to combat odor in your hunting boots is to make sure that you regularly change your socks. The longer you wear those same dirty socks, the smellier your boots are going to be. Make sure that you wear a fresh pair of socks on every hunting trip. If the hunting expedition is going to last for more than a day, then it is advisable to go along with multiple pairs of fresh, clean socks.

Use Dryer Sheets to Combat Odor

Another simple and effective way to fight that bad odor in your hunting boots is by tucking fabric softener dryer sheets in them before you wear them. Do not worry about the dryer sheets adding extra weight to the boots or making you uncomfortable since they are extremely light and comfortable.

Wash the inside of the boots

Washing the inside of your boots is one of the most obvious ways to eliminate odor from them. But you should know that not all hunting boots come with washable interiors. However, if the interior of your boot is washable, then by all means wash it. In washing the inside, you can use scented soapy water and a soft brush or sponge. After washing, you can use a clean dry cloth to clean inside the boots before allowing them to thoroughly dry.

The above-mentioned tips are some of the best things that you can do mitigate or better still totally eliminate that offensive odor from you hunting boots so you can enjoy your hunts in comfort and increase your chances of bagging game.

Measuring the Size of your Foot for the Best Fitting Hunting Boots

One of the best things you can do for yourself when looking for the best hunting boots is to make sure that the boots fit you perfectly. Regardless of how good and durable a boot is, if it doesn’t fit you very well, it becomes totally useless. And in order to get the best fitting hunting boots, there is the need for you to know the exact measurement of the size of your foot. One of the best ways to go about getting the most accurate measurement of the size of your foot is to use a Brannock Device or hire the services of a professional shoe fitter.

But unfortunately not everybody can get access to a Brannock Device or pay for the services of a professional boot fitter. If you are one these people, you should know that you can still get the most precise measurement of your foot in the comfort of your home by following some of the tips below.

How to measure your Foot at Home

If you want to accurately measure your foot size from the comfort of your home without a Brannock device, you will need the following items: pen or pencil, a ruler or tape measure, a chair, and two pieces of plane paper which are each larger than your foot.

Simple steps to follow

  • Sit on the chair and place your foot flat on one of the papers. Make sure that your foot rests in a relaxed way on the sheet of paper.
  • Use your pencil or pen to gently trace your foot’s outline on the sheet of paper.
  • After tracing you foot, the next step is to use the tape measure or ruler to measure from your heel all the way to the tip of your longest toe. Having found the exact measurement, deduct anywhere between 0.20 and 0.25 inches (that is if you are measuring in inches) from the number. If you are using centimeters, you should deduct around 0.50 centimeters from the number. These deductions are mainly done to account for that tiny space that separates your foot from the line made by the pencil or pen you used in tracing the outline of your foot.
  • Don’t forget to write down the measurements.
  • After recording the measurements, measure the distance across the widest part of your foot, which is across the ball of your foot. Once again, you should deduct either between 0.20 to 0.25 inches or about 0.50 centimeters from whatever number you get.
  • Record the final measurement and do the same for the other foot.
  • You can now compare the measurements of the length and width of your foot with an appropriate sizing chart or the size chart of a boot manufacturer in order to get the right size boots.

Foot Measuring Tips

  • In measuring your feet, it is often advisable to wear the pair of socks you’d wear with the boots in order to get a perfect fit.
  • It is not advisable to take the measurement of your foot in the morning since the average person’s foot has the tendency of swelling or getting larger throughout the day. The best time to measure your foot is therefore somewhere late in the afternoon or in evening.
  • It is important to always measure both feet since the average person’s left and right feet often don’t have the same measurement.
  • Having measured both feet, use the larger of the two measurements to determine the actual size of your foot. So for example if the length of your right foot is longer than that of your left foot, use the measurement of the right foot. Also, if for example, the width of your left foot is larger than that of your right foot, then by all means use the measurement of the width of the left foot.
  • In order to be totally sure of the results, we recommend that you take the measurements at least twice.

Simple Tricks to adjust the way your hunting boots fit

If your hunting boots don’t give you the best fitting even after you have gotten the exact ones that match the size of your foot, you can do the following simple things to adjust the fit of the boots:

  • If the hunting boots are too tight or small, you can reduce the thickness of the socks you are wearing in order to create more room for your foot. For some hunting boots, you can also remove the insert that comes along with the boots and replace it with a thinner one in order to create extra room in the boot for your foot.
  • If the boots are too big for you, you can simply wear thicker socks or increase the number of socks you wear in order to minimize the extra space in the boot. Also, depending on the type of boot, you can replace the insole insert with a thicker one, thereby reducing the extra space in the boot for a more comfortable fit.

Final Conclusion

Hopefully, the guide above will help make the often overwhelming process of getting the right pair of hunting boots – be it rubber or leather boots – easier for you. In addition to that, we also hope that you can take advantage of the valuable information contained in this detailed hunting boot guide and use it to enhance your performance and comfort in the field, among several other useful things.

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