When searching for the best hunting boots, what matters most is not getting hurt and staying comfortable. Keeping your feet warm, dry and injury free is imperative to your success and fun in the field. What you wear on your feet can make or break your everyday life and when you venture into the nation’s wild places in search of game where there is no sidewalk and nowhere kind for feet and knees, boots are worth their weight in gold.
The best insulated boots for cold weather are a specialized tool just as the best hunting boots for women are tailored for females and understanding how and why they work can go a long way to making sure you pick the correct pair of boots.
Whether you need hunting boots for elk hunting or a summer rubber boot for checking trail cameras the best tool for the job is out there and reading the reviews of the best the industry has to offer can go a long way to ensuring you pick a great product.
The 5 Best Hunting Boots for Everyone
Hunting Boots | Best For |
|---|---|
#1 Pick Overall | |
Kids | |
Women | |
Cold weather | |
Rubber |
The above table lists the top 5 hunting boots ever made and a boot has been chosen in every category so there is a pair for everyone. You can click on the boots above to see the price and more user reviews, or you can use the quick navigation below to jump to the section you would like more information. As you can see there is a more detailed review on each of these boots further below.
Materials and Construction
Boots take lot more abuse than other pieces of gear. No other piece of equipment is expected to stand up to you constantly stomping, gouging and grinding it into rock getting it completely soaked and then roasted over a fire and dried immediately.
Materials for boots need to be sturdy. Whether synthetic or nylon look for doubled up fabric with reinforcement in critical areas such as the tongue, toe and heel. Inspect how the eyelets are arranged and how they fit into the boot and how they sew on the trim up around the ankle.
Small variances in how individual companies do things make for big differences on the trail or in the tree stand. A single misplaced stitch can ruin the design of the boot and make them cold, not waterproof or wear out prematurely.
The two main things to consider are the adhesives and the stitching that is used to construct the boot. The best materials on the planet can go into a pair of boots but if they aren’t sewn together correctly they’ll fall apart as soon as you take them outside.
Inspect the boots for loose threads, botched uneven or unorganized stitching and seams that aren’t sturdy. Be wary of the opposite too. Stitching that is too tight causing the material to pucker or not lay flat is a sign of rushed production and is prone to ripping out of the fabric. These are signs of improper stitching and need to be avoided.
Adhesives on neoprene or rubber boots shouldn’t seep out of seams or look weak and porous. See that all the rubber has been sealed and kept tight during the manufacturing process or the boot will leak and be cold.
Leather vs. Synthetic
The main construction of the boots is usually made of either leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. The new age of wiz-bang-space age materials have really made strides in comfort and durability rivaling boot leather. The gold standard for years was double thickness boot leather, but the new materials offer advantages such as:
- Greater waterproofness
- Faster wear-in
- Greater durability
- Little or no maintenance
When shopping for hard use boots it's important to look for quality leather with a clean face free of cracks or imperfections; those are target spots for wear and breakdown. If you choose to buy synthetics that make up the boot always look for tags indicating genuine products.
Materials like Gore-Tex and Cordura are often faked but are never improved on. There’s a reason so many products feature these and they’re well worth the investment. Leather has been the stand by for many, many years but as new materials make strides in comfort and the ability to wear in quickly and resist degrading leather is being given a run for its money.
Waterproofing
The ability to repel water is a make or break for almost all hunting gear. Some designs of boots such as rubber boots that offer seamless material and naturally waterproof materials offer great protection for crossing creeks or slogging through mud but can heat up faster and make you sweat more than any other design of boot.
The object of any waterproof garment is to repel water without making the person so wet from sweat otherwise this defeats the point of the garment in the first place. Everyone has had the experience with some cheap plastic poncho that just didn’t hold up and did more harm than good.
The holy grail of waterproofing materials is Gore-Tex. Gore-tex and materials like it are thin materials with pores that are too small for liquid water to pass through but are plenty big for steam and evaporating water to escape. This means that rain and water stays out but your skin can breathe and sweating doesn’t leave you drenched.
Boots are only as waterproof as far as the membranes that make them up. If your boot has an 18 inch upper that covers up to your knee but only has Gore-Tex for the bottom third, you’re going to get wet in knee deep water.
Other attention needs to be paid to the quality of the leather and stitching on the boot. Leather is porous and low quality leathers will begin to leak after a long water submersion. Wet boot leather can ruin a multiday hunt. Look for a boot made by a craftsman who knows what they’re doing and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots have many advantages. They’re made of cheaper materials and can be made by machines so they’re typically much cheaper than a leather boot of the same quality. They’re also waterproof throughout their entire length and often are lighter with more protection to boot!
Rubber boots also hold and transmit less scent than any other design because of their construction and are much easier to deodorize. Rubber boots really come into their own when the weather calls for rain, snow or wet terrain.
This is because they offer waterproofness and natural insulation at a weight leather boots can’t compete at. They are great for preseason scouting when you may have to cross a high stream or hike into an area with wet grass but leave little scent because the deer tend not to notice the smell of rubber and the scent itself doesn’t rub off into the ground or vegetation.
All these advantages do come with some down sides though. Many people find rubber boots extremely uncomfortable. This is because almost all rubber boots come sans boot strings. They just cradle the foot and ankle. Meaning if you have slim ankles or little calves they can slip off and flop around miserably. They also can heat up and hold moisture making them ungodly hot and wet inside. It’s down to the choice of the hunter but rubber boots offer advantages and newer designs have overcome many of these problems.
Kids Boots
Buying good boots for kids can be tricky business. You want your children to enjoy the outdoors and love hunting but you don’t want to shell out too much cash for boots they’ll grow out of. Sometimes you’ll have hand-me-down items that can be kept but if there’s only one hunter than there becomes a problem.
Buy boots that have high value and can serve multiple roles. Take a hard look at what kind of conditions your kids will be out hunting. Do you really plan on taking out your kids in -10 degree weather? On the flipside many state game agencies offer late season youth hunts which may leave you with no choice.
Consider buying rubber boots a size too big for your kids. They’re cheap and naturally waterproof with little maintenance. In the summer they’ll flop around a little bit and in the winter they’ll be able to wear an extra sock and stay warm. By the time they’ve outgrown them, the pair of boots will be ready to replace anyway.
Summer Boots
Summer boots are all about lightweight and breathability. If you can balance this with waterproofness than you’re in good shape. Summer boots will need taller upper than winter because water, briars and scree from the woods can make it extremely uncomfortable to scout or hunt small game.
Snake boots that go all the way to the knee can be a literal life saver if the weeds get tall and a snake makes its bed near the trail you walk down. Venomous snakes are found in most states especially all over the South. You owe it to your loved ones and yourself to protect yourself from creepy crawlies that can hurt you.
Insulation
Choosing an insulation level can be tricky. Too little and you’ll get potentially deadly cold feet. Too much insulation in your boots causes some of the least comfortable conditions known to man. The insulation in a boot is a safety feature that shouldn’t be overlooked.
As a rule of thumb a serious hunter can get by with two sets of boots. A thick pair of rubber boots a half size too big can serve duty from turkey season until late fall by changing the socks you wear inside the boot. Lightweight hiking socks in the summer, and thick wool socks in the winter.
When the temperature starts to really dip down, heavy leather insulated boots should be chosen. As a rule of thumb for every 10 degrees under 20 degrees Fahrenheit you need 200g of insulation. For 0 degrees Fahrenheit consider 800g insulation to really protect your toes. Also remember the socks you wear matter. Choose quality socks that add warmth and protection.
Protecting your boots from getting wet is extremely important. While new insulations can keep your toes warm while wet, it won’t be comfortable. Be sure to think about what kind of water protection you’ll need. Use gators, high boots, or water proofing spray to protect your toes. Soggy boots will stay wet for days.
Hunting Boot Reviews
The #1 Best Overall Hunting Boots
Danner Pronghorns
Legends never die and neither do Danner Pronghorns. These boots are the most widely used boots by western hunting guides and by far the most recommended boot by outdoor agencies. In fact, Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends these boots to hunters chasing elk in the high country through some of the roughest terrain in the lower 48.
This model of boot by the legendary maker, Danner, is more of a line of boots than a single model. They come in model from full leather with enough insulation to keep a polar bear warm to light weight camouflage model that breathe and stay dry in dense jungle.
Danner is on what they consider to be the fourth, and best yet, generation of pronghorn. This is where the legend behind these boots come from. They’re classically styled but constructed with revolutionary design and materials. These include any number of camouflaged synthetic uppers, Gore-Tex and boot quality leather.
The basic model is their uninsulated full leather boot. This is a great all around boot for hunting in almost any weather condition. The most important thing to know about this boot is how supportive, waterproof and quality it is. The materials used throughout are heavy duty leather, Gore-Tex, and tough as nails rubber to make what they call their TERRAFORCE foot bed.
The boots come in all common sizes and run true to fit with a generous toe box. The 8 inch upper is fully waterproof and is tight enough to support the ankle and take pressure off the top of the foot without chafing, cutting off circulation or smothering the calf.
The boot uses good design to shield stitching and tie in pint to keep them from being torn off or damaged while in the field. A welcome feature that also makes a snag free design possible that works. The rubberized toe and heel really bites into the trail and keeps you from slipping while the Gore-Tex lining keep you from getting wet all the way up to the edge of boot.
The leather used in these boots is stitched right and of the correct quality. The leather is downright bulletproof but because the material has been processed correctly the boot breaks in quickly without wearing out prematurely. This is the gold standard for boot makes, trying to find a balance between durability and comfort. The Danner pronghorn does this expertly.
The Danner pronghorn does get a tad bulky when you start adding insulation but the boot handles this well. They’re by no means lightweight boots to begin with, a problem Danner has been fixing in the newer generations of the boot, but the insulation can make it difficult to hike or run quickly.
These boots are the best mountain hunting boot, elk hunting boots or the best winter hunting boots where a rugged, warm and waterproof hunting boot is needed. They have a place at home in the deer woods or when waterproof supportive footwear is needed.
The Best Hunting Boots for Kids
Muck Boots Rover 2
Buying hunting boots for a kid is a problem. You want to buy them a quality piece of equipment so they stay comfortable and enjoy hunting but they grow so fast you don’t want to really “invest” in an expensive piece of gear. Muck boots are a great option because they’re inexpensive but durable enough to last until a kid grows out of them. You don’t have to worry about not taking care of them because they’re 100% rubber.
Muck boots have been a leader in rubber hunting boots for years and they’re newer designs represent the best value in hunting boots available today. Muck has improved their designs of youth boots by making their outsole more rigid and “grippy” than in previous designs. The diamond pattern on the outsole grips wet logs, trails, rocks and truck step up with ease but doesn’t hold mud like other boot outsoles can.
They’re not the classic “waffle stomper” rubber boots. They’re lightweight because of their hybrid construction that uses rubber on the bottom and surrounding the foot for waterproofness and insulation but switches to neoprene rubber in the top. The neoprene upper makes the boot lighter, more comfortable while letting the boot breathe easier.
Most importantly this boot was designed form the ground up to be a kids boot. The heel measures a scant 1.75 inches in drop and balances well with the tick .75-inch platform. The whole boot has been sized for including the 10 inch upper, much shorter than typical rubber boots, and the opening measures 14 inches around. This makes it so there’s not too much loud slopping when a youth walks in them.
Muck has also added extra toe and heel protection, a feature lacking in some rubber boots, that works well to keep blister, sticks and rocks from damaging your kid's feet. It's a tough and durable but almost spongey material that works well for protection and support.
Muck just got these boots right. They come in three different size groups, toddler, little kid and big kid. They work in almost any hunting situation a kid wants to be in and can serve double duty in the summer for fishing or scouting. These boots come in at a price that is very reasonable for kid’s equipment and come in a variety of sizes.
Many kids grow up hunting in Muck boots because of how affordable they are and the performance they get for the price. They can be bought a size too big and work with an extra sock until your kid grows into them, and by the time they grow into them the boots are ready to be replaced anyway. They come in several different camouflage patterns and solid colors, they are the best hunting boots for kids.
Best Woman’s Hunting Boots
Under Armor Brow Tine 800gram
Gear manufacturers have been making leaps and bounds in recent years in designing gear for female hunters. Ladies need more than just a smaller size, especially when it comes to intimate items like boots. Boots for women need special consideration such as a larger toe box to accommodate long toenails and thicker socks, a thinner foot bed and overall lighter construction. Women also generally have thinner calves so "One size fits all" rubber boots tend to flop and chafe women more than men.
Women also tend to get cold easier than men and need more insulation in their boots. Just a few years ago women specific boots didn’t exist and now available on the market are great options like the Under Armour Brow tine.
With a female specific model these boots fit the bill in that they offer enough insulation and water protection, durability and traction where it counts while keeping the entire boot very lightweight to avoid fatigue in the field. This boot is manufactured by Under Armour, a premium maker of athletic and outdoor equipment. Known for their skin tight spandex they make some of the best camouflage for hunting available. They use high quality materials and use modern athletic designs to save weight and maximize usefulness.
These boots start with 800grams of primaloft synthetic insulation. Primaloft is a synthetic insulation that keeps you warm even if it gets wet and dries fast. It provides great protection from the elements and competes with down for weight to warmth ratio. The whole boot is wrapped with a proprietary fabric from Under Armour called Cold Gear. It absorbs body heat and it reflects warmth back onto the insulation to add that extra kick to be 100% you’re comfortable.
The boot is designed for an athletic gait with a high drop at the heel and aggressive lug pattern on the bottom of the boot for traction. The sole of the boot is thick and does a great job of stopping sticks and rocks from poking and prodding your feet. The boots have an extra bumper of thick rubber at the toe and heel to keep you from stubbing and hurting your feet if you trip up or move too quickly.
The final layer of protection on the boot is the Gore-Tex lining that keep the entire boot waterproof without weighing it down. A dry boot is a happy boot and these boots feature the breathable Gore-Tex and panels of camouflaged nylon to ward off rain and allow your feet to breathe.
These boot weight in at an outstanding 26oz. That is plenty light for a heavy duty 3 season boot for a lady who is ready to head into the woods. These are the best hunting boots for women who are looking for a modern design and can appreciate a quality piece of gear that will last.
Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots
Wolverine Ridgeline 5520
Nothing ruins a hunt faster than cold feet. The hardest part of keeping warm feet is battling moisture, and adequate insulation with weight and bulk. The boot Maker Wolverine has done a great job with the Ridgeline 5520 insulated hunting boot. The boot combines a rugged outsole, heavy duty leather upper, 100grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation, and a Gore-Tex membrane to create a water tight and ultra-warm foot friendly boot for serious hunters.
When the temperature drops on a late season deer hunt and you are tracking elk on a mountain hunt in the 3rd rifle season a warm boot ready to rock and roll is needed for safety and comfort. Cold feet are no joke! Having the right equipment can literally save your life and a set of quality boots is a piece of safety equipment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Wrapping these boots is a mix of heavy duty leather and synthetic camouflage material that hold up well from abrasion and hard use. The rubberized toe protects your feet from rocks and the sole of the boot is plenty thick for even the rockiest of trails you’d encounter. These boots are thick, there’s no doubt about it but the way they feel on the foot is slimmer than you’d expect and moving isn’t unnatural or hard to do.
The real measure of a boot comes when the rain rolls in or the trail gets wet, really wet. A boot that leaks or soaks with water is pretty much useless. Drying a boot in the cold on the hunt is extremely hard to do. This boot features a full Gore-Tex lining and Thinsulate Ultra. Gore-Tex is Gore-Tex and needs no introduction but when combined with the 1000g of Thinsulate Ultra it creates a potent waterproof barrier.
Thinsulate is a synthetic insulation that keeps you warm even while wet and dries quickly. It is very warm and is available about as thick as it gets on these boots in 1000grams in each boot. Nothing should stop this boot. They represent the best cold weather hunting boots available on the market, a slim lined heavily insulated and securely waterproofed boot.
Best Rubber Hunting Boots
Lacrosse Aerohead
Lacrosse makes the absolute best rubber boots on the market. Rubber boots is their forte. They make boots for trapping, farm or ranch work and most importantly for hunting. Their newest boot is the Aerohead. They advertise that it took 4000 miles of test to create and perfect the Aerohead boot and it definitely shows that every step they took they focused on making the best product they could.
The main selling point of this boot is that the modern design and materials have overcome almost all of the complaints that many hunters have of rubber boots. The old problems of being too heavy, not breathing, too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter are gone. The old days of waffle stomping floppy boots tromping through the woods are gone.
This new age of purpose designed hunting boots are championed by hunters who need a rugged, waterproof, and low scent boot with no compromise. Here is where the Aerohead is the tip of the spear.
First, they feature a light weight breathable form of rubber that is stiff where it needs to be and supple where it should be. The whole boot feels great because of the hybrid design. Many boot makers advertise breathability but these boots deliver.
The rugged outsole grips the trail well, without clogging up with mud. Many boots feature odd huge outsoles that resemble monster truck tires but they wear out quickly and tend to tear off when you need them most. These boots feature a plenty "grippy" design without too much material.
The toe box is generous to allow for thick socks and the heel cup holds the ankle secure. By far the best feature is the calf strap at the top of the upper. This is a simple strap that all rubber boots need. It keeps the boot from flopping around and making unwanted noise. Just a simple piece of webbing but it means so much. The loose floppy unsecure feeling that used to accompany boots is gone and it is the unsung hero of the new boot.
Because the strap keeps the upper tight to the calf, real meaningful support is given to the ankle and arch of the foot. A welcome relief to ground pounders who stalk deer for miles through the backcountry.
These boots represent the best deer hunting boots available. They come in several different forms that feature a lightweight design if you hunt down south or a fully insulated boot for the northern whitetail chasers. Another, though slightly unconventional, use of these boots is for upland game hunting. The lightweight version of the Aerohead may be the best boots for upland hunting because of the supportive, warm and waterproof qualities but certainly serve double duties for turkey hunting or deer hunting boots.
In Summary
The fit and function of your boots is extremely important. They’re not not a jacket where if they get too hot it’s practical to take them off and cool off. Boots have to do their job no matter what the temperature is, what the weather is like or what the terrain is and nothing can ruin a hunt faster. This is no place to skimp and buy a bargain brand boot. Cold toes or chafed blistered feet will end even the most dedicated hunters dreams of success. Look for deals on quality brands and read hunting boot reviews to find the best hunting boots for your purpose.
