Best Hunting Boots: Reviews, Tips and Tricks That Works in 2018

Do you hunt?

If yes, then it goes without saying that the best hunting boots should appear on top your list of the basic hunting essentials.

Whether you’re a new or experienced hunter, the right pair of hunting boots will go a long way in helping you trek and tread on the roughest terrains- thick bushes, muddy waters, marshlands, etc. - with the ultimate confidence, and peace of mind.

That said, you need to know that the market has a multitude of these boots (probably due to their high demand). And that means shopping for the right pair isn’t going to be that easy.

Fear not, though.

Our able team has just finished putting up an A to Z guide on how to buy the perfect pair of hunting boots for both the beginner and experienced hunters.

What’s more;

We also picked and comprehensively reviewed the 12 top-rated, most popular hunting boots (with unrivaled comfort, durability, and waterproofing) on the market today.

Honestly, this guide will save you a lot of your precious time so that you can entirely focus on bagging that trophy.

Without further ado, let me walk you straight to the guide…

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Why Hunting Boots?

So you still don’t understand why you need to put on that pair of good hunting boots when heading to your hunting spot?

Experienced hunters fully understand the need for the hunting boots and the benefits they come with. Let’s discuss these benefits with you below:

  • Safety: The primary reason why you should wear a pair of superior hunting boots when heading to the hunting fields is that they offer your feet maximum protection. They’re constructed from durable materials that ensure your feet remain unexposed to harmful elements like thorns, prickly shrubs, insect bites, etc. Some even come with snake protection fabric to keep you from rattlesnake’s poisonous bites.
  • Comfort: another critical reason why you should put on those hunting boots is the comfort they offer you. The shoes incorporate comfort-enhancing features like insulation, waterproofing, breathability, and lightweight design- all of which ensure your feet remain comfortable all day long (allowing you to walk far and long).
  • Support: cases of dislocated ankles and calves injuries are common among hunters, more so those who hunt in the steep, uneven terrains. Luckily, the best hunting boot pair can go a long way in offering you the maximum calves and ankle support you need in such territories- adding to your overall feet safety/protection.
  • Camouflage: The boots also contribute to hiding you from the game you’re chasing. This comes from the fact that most manufacturers are now finishing their products with camouflage patterns that blend perfectly well with your hunting environments. And this minimizes the chances of the game spotting you and fleeing or attacking you.

I also learned of some sophisticated hunting boots that are capable of eliminating your human scent to ensure the game do not detect your presence!

Best Hunting Boot Reviews:

1. LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18" Hunting Boot:

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The LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18" ranks among the best waterproof hunting boots available on the market today. It features a hand-laid, durable rubber construction that makes it an entirely waterproof boot that you can trust to walk with you and keep you dry- through the muddy and swampy hunting areas.

Besides waterproofing, the boot provides you with a load of other pleasing features that makes it a darling among all hunters. It features an embossed neoprene liner that promotes smooth airflow inside your feet.

Additionally, the liner efficiently wicks all the moisture present (including your sweat) to ensure your feet remain dry and comfortable all day long. Hunters are also crazy about the shoe’s 1600g Thinsulate Ultra that keeps your feet warm when hunting in the cold weathers.

With a shaft that extends to a length of up to 16 inches, you can rest assured that this boot will offer your feet the ultimate protection from all the harmful elements you can think of. Because it weighs 5.5lbs only and incorporates the lightweight EVA midsole cushioning, this shoe will make your feet feel comfortable for years to come.

Highlighted Features:

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    Neoprene/rubber materials
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    Lug Sole sole
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    Shaft measures approx. 16” from the arch
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    Waterproof boots
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    Embossed liner for increased air circulation
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    Comfortable fit

2. Arctic Shield Men's Waterproof Durable Insulated Rubber Neoprene Outdoor Boots:

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Next in the line, we have the Arctic Shield Men's Rubber Neoprene Outdoor Boots. They come with an extremely affordable price, but that doesn’t make them any less helpful to you as a hunter. 

Like our first boot up there, this Arctic Shield shoe features a durable rubber and neoprene materials construction- making it 100% waterproof that keeps your feet dry in the muddy, snowy, and sloppy conditions.

Another reason why this boot made it to our list revolves around its heat-resistant insulation. This is capable of capturing and returning up to 90% of your body warmth. This prevents the heat radiated from your body from escaping- a massive plus for those who hunt in the cold weathers.

 The fact that this insulation is also windproof design means that the shoes will keep your feet warm when trekking in the chilly climates or when shoveling your way out of a blizzard.

Something else you’ll love about this pair is its neoprene uppers plus rubber overlays and extra protection in the forefeet, heels, and arches- all of which keep your feet fully protected from various harmful elements.

 The removable insoles offer your feet the ultimate cushioning. And the durable rubber outsoles provide you with a super-solid traction on the slippery terrains.

Highlighted Features:

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    Durable rubber and neoprene material
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    Waterproof hunting boot
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    Very warm and comfortable
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    Easy on and off shoe
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    Removable insoles for excellent feet cushioning
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    Durable outsoles with super-solid traction

3. Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8" Hunting Boot:

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Red Wing Shoes, one of the famous manufacturer of top-quality boots in the whole US, presents you with their Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8" Hunting Boot. The high-performance shoes come with some of the most advanced features you’ll ever find in a boot. 

One such feature involves the ScentBan technology that effectively eliminates all the unpleasant odor-causing bacteria in your shoe, ensuring you never experience bad foot odor after wearing your boot for long.

Another great feature that puts the boot on the map is its ultra-lightweight design of only 2 lbs., ensuring your feet do not get fatigued quickly. This makes it one of the lightest hunting boots available on the market today.

 Note that this lightweight aspect is attributed to the patented RPM technology- the cutting edge composite material that not only reduces weight but also makes the boots highly durable.

This Irish Setter further enhances your comfort with its 10% waterproof and breathable UltraDry technology that uses complex waterproof materials to prevent water from getting into your shoes, as if that’s not enough, this technology also features a great moisture wicking lining to further ensure your feet remain dry/comfortable at all times.

Highlighted Features:

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    Synthetic construction
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    Rubber sole
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    Shaft measures around 7” from arch
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    Lightweight, ankle-high boot
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    ScentBan scent control
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    UltraDry waterproofing system
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    Realtree Xtra Camouflage

4. LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18” 1600G Hunting Boot:

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We feature another highly popular hunting boot from LaCrosse- the Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18” 1600G Hunting Boot. This pair shares nearly all the features with our first boot on this list (also from LaCrosse). 

It comes ready to handle the demands of your hunting life as well as offer you the ultimate comfort. The main difference between the two shoes is the cost, with this model comes at a bit higher price than the other one.

Regarding construction, these boots are made using several layers of top-quality rubber materials around the heel and toe section. This offers your feet the much-needed extra-protection against all the harmful elements you can think of. Not to forget that the rubber material has unrivaled durability for extended lifespan.

The upper part features additional rubber layers plus neoprene which combine to make your boot highly flexible, scent-free, and waterproof. The adjustable neoprene gusset lets you quickly remove/put on the shoes as well as offer you a comfortable fit.

Just like pour previous Lacrosse, this model also comes with the 1600G Thinsulate which offers you the best when it comes to retaining your body heat and making your feet warm- even when hunting in the coldest weathers or conditions. Thanks to the embossed liner, your feet will enjoy unlimited air flow and remain dry at all times (the liner was excellent moisture wicking properties).

Highlighted Features:

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    Durable fabric and synthetic construction
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    Durable rubber sole
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    Shaft measures about 15.5” from the arch
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    Heel measures around 2”
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    Hand-laid premium rubber over 3.5mm neoprene core for increased flexibility, scent-free, waterproof comfort
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    Embossed liner for enhanced breathability and moisture management

5. Northside Men's Renegade 400 Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boot:

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Moving on with our hunting boots review list, we take a look at the Northside Men's Renegade hunting boots. Its upper is made from durable leather and synthetic materials for extended service life. Plus, the materials are waterproof to ensure slush and snow do not seep into the feet and cause discomfort to your feet.

The super-rugged Renegade boot comes with a whopping 400G Thermolite insulation, which translates to a cold rating of up to 40 degrees F. This makes it one of the best insulated hunting boots on the market today. 

Just like our previous boots, this Northside hunting footwear also comes with a highly efficient moisture-wicking lining that helps prevent sweat from accumulating inside the shoe and making you feel uncomfy. Add this to the cushioned EVA insole, and you’ll have a boot that will make your feet feel ultimately comfortable for the rest of your hunting life.

Whether you’re hunting in the cold weather or wet conditions, this is the ideal shoe for you. It comes with a waterproof design to keep off water and wetness from reaching your feet. Its durable rubber sole offers you the ultimate traction to prevent you from accidentally slipping in uneven terrains or slippery conditions.

Highlighted Features:

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    Durable, long-lasting leather
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    Rubber sole
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    Lightweight EVA midsole
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    PVC mudguard and heel stabilizer
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    400G thermolite insulation
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    Shaft measures around 8” from the arch
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    9.5” distressed nylon and leather upper

6. Kamik Men's Hunter Boot:

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For the hunters on a tight budget, looking for an affordable shoe with exceptional quality, consider the Kamik Men's Hunter Boot. The boot is ideal for all hunters who mainly work in the cold conditions, given its ability to provide you with the ultimate warmth in the coldest of the terrains. Hunters who base their activities in water will also find this 100% waterproof shoe a great option.

One of the top things our team liked about this is its removable insole (the 8mm thermal-guard liner) that comes designed to offer you unlimited support and comfort. We also loved the adjustable snow collar that enables the shoe to fit around the calves comfortably. 

 The collar offers such a snug fit that all the warmth generated by your body remained locked inside. And all the mud, snow and water are kept out and away from your feet. The synthetic sole offers you the best in terms of traction to ensure you remain safe when walking in the roughest terrains.

The boot opening measures approx. 15.5” around, the heel measures approx. 1.25”, and the shaft measures approx. 13” from the arch. While this shoe might not look stylish, its performance does not disappoint. The fact that it hangs in the lower price range makes it the best choice for hunters on a small budget.

Highlighted Features:

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    Synthetic make
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    Synthetic sole
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    Shaft measures around 13” from arch
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    Heel measures around 1.25.”
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    Boot opening measures approx. 15.5” around
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    Waterproof knee high boot
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    Removable 8mm thermal-guard liner
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    Adjustable snow collar

7. Guide Gear Giant Timber II Men's 1400 Gram Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots:

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Guide Gear Giant Timber II Men's Hunting Boots isn’t just any other shoe you know. It is a boot made for serious hunters, packed with the most unique and game-changing features you’ve never seen before.  

ScentMask is one top feature you’ll doubtlessly appreciate in this shoe. It easily controls your human scent, ensuring the game you’re hunting do not detect your presence (keeping you a step ahead of other hunters).

Another reason you should get this pair of hunting boots today revolves around the 1400G Thinsulate Ultra Insulation. Needless to say, this will capture and retain up to 90% of all the heat produced by your body to keep your feet warm in the coldest terrains.

 Say NO to frozen fingers! As if that’s not enough, the shoe comes with a waterproof HydroGuard breathable membrane that acts as your flak jacket against ponds and puddles. You don’t have to fear hunting through waters and wet environments with this shoe.

Durability isn’t an issue in this boot. It comes with 900-D uppers, in addition to the waterproof suede leather, both of which gives the shoe the level of ruggedness it requires to take you through years of hunting.

The oil-resistant rubber outsole doesn’t disappoint when it comes to boosting your traction and grip on the rough hunting terrains. And the permanent, mesh-lined promotes cushioning and bouncing (for extra comfort) and cool breathability.

Highlighted Features:

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    Waterproof hunting boots
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    1400G Thinsulate insulation
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    Mossy oak camouflage pattern
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    HydroGuard breathable membrane
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    Durable suede leather plus 900D nylon uppers
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    ScentMask for controlling your scent in the woods
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    Oil-resistant rubber outsole
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    Permanent, mesh-lined EVA

8. MuckBoots Men's Pursuit Fieldrunner Hunting Boot:

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Our eighth hunting boots review spot goes to the MuckBoots Men's Pursuit Fieldrunner Hunting Boot. If you don’t fancy the nylon/leather combo boots, you’ll definitely love this boot as it comes with entirely different materials- textile and synthetic construction. Without a single doubt, these materials have a reputation for durability, so they’ll last a lifetime.

The outsoles that come with these boots have a new, extensive waffle design that delivers the best traction in snowy and muddy environments. Looking at the interior of these shoes, you’ll learn that they feature a 5mm neoprene material, lined with fleece, to deliver maximum warmth and comfort to you. The fact that this boot comes with an etched height of up to 13 inches from the arch makes it an ideal model for stomping the streams and streaks.

You’ll also love the mossy oak camouflage pattern that comes with these shoes. It blends perfectly well with nearly all the outdoor environments, and this gives you a huge advantage in that you’ll remain undetected by the game you’re hunting.

Highlighted Features:

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    Textile/synthetic construction
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    Synthetic sole
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    Shaft measures approx. 13” from arch
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    Boot opening measures approx. 15.25” around
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    5mm neoprene/breathable PK mesh lining
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    Extended rubber coverage w/ angled topline
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    Realtree XTRA
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    Midsole: Achilles Reinforcement
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    High-traction outsole

9. Guide Gear Men's Monolithic Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boots:

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Looking for the best cold weather hunting boots? Say hello the Men's Monolithic Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boots, also from the reputable Guide Gear brand. The shoe offers you comfort when hunting in the cold winter months or early in the morning, thanks to its 2,400 grams of Thinsulate. That’s a BIG-time barrier against cold. And that’s how you say goodbye to freezing toes!

Other than unlimited warmth, the shoe is also waterproof. This comes from the fact that it’s made from waterproof and breathable membrane. In other words, the boots will keep your feet dry when hunting in the rain, mud, and snow environments. What’s more, the boot features an EVA insole that offers protection and stability to your feet when trekking in the harsh climates.

Like all the other Guide Gear footwear, these shoes have a high level of durability. They’re made using premium leather materials as well as 900 Denier nylon material that makes them rugged and long-lasting in the face of rough and tough hunting conditions. Don’t forget the boots also feature oil and slip-resistant rubber outsole for sure traction on all terrains.

Highlighted Features:

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    2,400 gram Thinsulate for ultra-warm feel
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    Sure-grip rubber lug outsole
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    Waterproof, suede leather
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    900-denier Mossy Oak nylon uppers
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    Rear pull-on loop
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    3/4-gusseted tongue for keeping out water and debris
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    Removable, mesh-lined EVA midsole

10. Rocky Men's Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot:

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The Rocky Men's Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot comes with an outclassed performance for all hunters. Unlike most of the boots out there, the shoe comes with easy speed hooks to make them easy to put on, even when you’ve your gloves on. It presents you with even more premium features that you can’t find in many other hunting boots- all at a reasonable price.

Taking a closer look at the shoe, you’ll note that it comes with a high-lift 1000g Thinsulate Ultra insulation material that offers you maximum warmth when hunting during the cold winter months. 

The fact that this insulation material also dries easily and quickly means that your feet will remain dry for the entire hunting trip. What’s more, these awesome babies come with full waterproof properties that ensure a totally dry and comfortable environment for your feet- with no coldness, dampness, and wetness.

Don’t forget that the shoe also features a removable EVA midsole with excellent moisture wicking properties and improved breathability.

The brown leather and 1000 Denier Cordura nylon materials used to make these boots act as sufficient evidence that they’re built to last and take on any abuse. The rubber sole, on the other hand, gives the shoe the ultimate traction it requires to help you walk with confidence in the slippery and rough/uneven terrains out there.

Highlighted Features:

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    1000D Cordura nylon plus brown leather
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    Rubber sole with unmatched traction
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    Shaft measures around mid-calf from arch
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    Mossy Oak pattern
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    High-loft 1000g Thinsulate ultra insulation
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    Easy speed hooks make it easy to put them on

11. LaCrosse Men’s AeroHead 18” 7.0mm Hunting Boot:

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For those hunters hunting for the best lightweight hunting boots, the LaCrosse AeroHead is made for you. It took a total of 4 good years for the manufacturers of this pair to complete its design. During this period the company fully developed it to meet your hunting needs in different hunting conditions, plus it was tested for over 4,000 miles to prove its durability and ability to perform on various terrains.

The truly revolutionary pair of hunting boots comes with a patent-pending Aerofoam technology. This is a groundbreaking new construction technique that provides you with the most comfortable fit, enhanced flexibility, and unrivaled durability- all in a super-lightweight boot.

If you look closely around the neoprene core, you’ll discover a shell molded with polyurethane- which is more durable, insulating, flexible, and lightweight compared to rubber.

Thanks to the thick layer of cushion on the underfoot, you’ll also find an integrated shank of polyproline that helps improve the foot support. The boot’s rugged rubber outsole has a great traction that keeps you safe when treading in the roughest and most slippery terrains.

Long story short…the LaCrosse AeroHead redefines your comfort and protection while in the hunting fields.

Highlighted Features:

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    Rubber/neoprene
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    Rubber sole
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    Patented Aerofoam technology for extreme durability and comfort
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    Thick polyurethane midsole for extra cushioning
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    Oversized polyproline shank for added support and stability

12. Irish Setter Men's Vaprtrek 8" 400 Gram Hunting Boot:

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No better way to close our list than with another product from one of the trusted brands in the footwear industry, Red Wing Shoes. This shoe comes with the same ScentBan lining in the other Irish Setter model to help kill all the bad odor-causing bacteria inside. This goes a long way in maintaining the hygiene of your feet.

The shoe is made from full-grain leather that’s 100% waterproof to allow you to hunt in the wet conditions without letting water to get into your feet. Besides, the leather has a camouflage upper that blends well with your hunting environment, giving you an advantage over the game you’re targeting.

With up to 400 grams of insulation, your feet will remain soaked in warmth for the whole day. We also can’t fail to mention the Armatec heel that offers enhanced protection over the top of your heel. Above all, the boot features a memory foam collar for improved boot shaft stability as well as the perfect ankle fit.

Highlighted Features:

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    Synthetic make; rubber sole
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    Shaft measures approx. 7” from arch
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    8” lace-up hunting boot
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    400G ​​​​PrimaLoft insulation
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    Full-grain waterproof leather
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    Realtree Xtra Camouflage
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    UltraDry waterproofing system
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    ScentBan technology for killing odor cleaning bacteria
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    RPM composite technology for reducing weight

Hunting Boots Buying Guide: Things To Look For

As I told you earlier, the numerous boots available on the market makes it hard for you to get the right pair for your hunting needs.

However, if you follow the factors below when looking for the best hunting boot on the market:

Construction Material

The first thing you should start checking in any pair of hunting bits is the type of material used to make them. This comes from the fact that different boots are made from various materials.

Here’s a list of the most common materials used in the design of hunting boots:

  • Leather: most of the shoes you’ll find out there are made of leather. Leather has an advantage of extreme durability. It also shows a great performance when it comes to keeping moist from reaching your feet and giving you a unique fit. However, it has poor breathability.
  • Nylon: nylon boots, most of which come with fair pricing, are great for people looking for a boot with excellent airflow, lightweight, and flexibility properties.
  • Canvas/fabric: canvas boots come with superior breathability, lightweight, and dries quickly when they get wet. They’re the perfect choice for hunters hunting in the hot weathers.
  • Rubber: if you’re looking for waterproof boots, consider rubber hunting boots. They’re 100% waterproof and comfortable. If you’re hunting in the snakes’ territory, these boots will also offer you maximum protection. Unfortunately, they’ve limited flexibility and poor breathability.

Note that you can also come across shoes made from other materials like Neoprene, Gore-Tex, Closed-Cell Foam, Suede, etc.

Waterproof Capabilities

You also need to check whether your boots come with great waterproof capabilities. This will ensure that they easily repel water and prevent your feet from getting wet (and uncomfy) when hunting in the swampy and muddy areas or early in the morning.

However, keep in mind that the more waterproof your boots are, the less breathable they are. So be sure to look for a pair that strikes a perfect balance between breathability and waterproof.

Height

You should also check the height of your shoes as they determine how safe and comfortable you’ll be when wearing them.

If you intend to hunt in areas with dangerous elements like thorns, snakes, etc., then you should go for high boots that thoroughly cover your calves. Besides, tall boots will give your calves and ankles better support (especially for the hunters with a history of ankle injuries).

However, keep in mind that the taller the boots are, the more weight they might come with.

Type of Hunting Boots

You’ll be amazed by the different styles in which the hunting boots come in. During our research, we categorized the various styles of boots into three main groups:

  • High country boots: high country boots come with high durability, excellent support, and unrivaled durability. This makes the best choice for hunters hunting the big game in the steep mountains.
  • Upland boots: for the all the upland bird hunters, this is your ideal shoe. It comes with a lightweight design, allowing you to walk comfortably. They come with little traction and support since you’ll be using them in moderate terrains. 
  • Multi-purpose boots: then we have the multi-purpose boots, the most common type of hunting boots on the planet today! Intended for all-around use, these shoes come with extreme traction on nearly all surfaces and high durability for extended service life.

Which type of these boots fits your hunting style and needs?

Comfort

Another quite important aspect to consider when shopping for your hunting shoes is the level of comfort it offers you.

One of the tell-tale signs of a shoe that will offer you excellent comfort is adequate insulation. Most of the manufacturers use Thinsulate for its unmatched ability to retain warmth and keep your feet warm when hunting in the cold weathers.

Another sign involves excellent air circulation to allow your feet to breathe. You don’t want your feet to sweat and get soaked in the same sweat inside your boots after walking for long distances. That will doubtlessly distract your focus.

Above all, ensure the boot comes with a lightweight design. This ensures you don’t feel like your feet don’t get fatigued easily after walking in the boots for short distances only. Look for weight reducing features such as EVA midsoles and ultra-thin linings. Some boot also comes with soles that don’t collect mud and soil as you walk.

Other factors:

  • Size (Fit): Your ultimate goal here is looking a pair of boots that offer you the perfect fit. Try out as many boots as possible until you find that one pair that fits your fit perfectly and comfortably.

If you buy the wrong size and fit, you’ll struggle walking with it.

  • Camouflage Pattern: some shoes also come with camouflage patterns. This is a huge plus for hunters as it helps them fully blend well with the surrounding environment and prevent the game they’re hunting from easily detecting their presence.
  • Cost-saving Boot: the market has both expensive and cheap boots. I’m assuming you want to save as much money as possible in your shopping, so I advise you to be a smart buyer. If you’re on a tight budget, look around until you find a cheap pair that comes with excellent quality and features.
  • High traction: this will save you from accidental slips when hunting on the slippery surfaces or the rugged terrains.

Why You Should Get Lightweight, Comfortable, And Waterproof Hunting Boot?

From the hunting boots guide we’ve just discussed above, you can see that we listed Lightweight, Comfortable, and Waterproof as some of the KEY factors to consider when purchasing your hunting boots.

In this section, I’ll shed more light on why these three crucial factors indeed matter…

1. Lightweight

A pair of hunting boots with a lightweight design is highly recommended. It helps significantly reduce fatigue of your feet as well as your body (considering that you won’t need a lot of energy to lift the shoe as you walk).

The less fatigue you are, the longer you can walk, and the more productive you become.

Not to forget that you’ll feel more comfortable in lightweight hunting shoes.

2. Comfortable

The level of comfort offered by the hunting boots boils down to breathability, insulation, and a perfect fit. If your shoes come with these three aspects, then we can rate it as a comfortable pair.

Here’s why;

Insulation (Thinsulate material is usually used for this purpose) ensures that your feet remain warm and comfortable all day long. This is essential for folks hunting in the cold weathers or for those who hunt early in the morning.

The boots breathability translates to its ability to promote smooth air circulation. This keeps your feet from sweating and soaking in the sweat, which can make them feel uncomfortable.

If the pair fits you perfectly well, with no foot or toe being squeezed, then you can wear the shoe all day long and comfortably walk long distances.

3. Waterproof

The third factor- waterproofing- refers to the boots’ ability to resist water or prevent it from penetrating and reaching your feet.

For those who hunt in the swampy, muddy or wet areas, you know how awkward it feels when water gets into your feet and makes you walk with soaked boots. This will even disrupt your mind from focusing on your targets.

Ensure you get 100% waterproof hunting boots to avoid such awful scenarios.

Overall, the best hunting boot that comes with a perfect balance of these three key features- lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof- will make your hunting life easier, more fun, and productive.

Proper Maintenance Tips

It’s a well-known fact that hunting boots undergo more abuse than all the hunting gear you carry to your hunting location.

For this reason, it’s essential that you take care of your boots after a long day in the fields to ensure they continue performing well (and for an extended period of time).

Follow the expert tips below on how to take care of your hunting boots:

PS: We’ll focus on taking care of the two most common types of hunting boots (rubber and leather boots):

1. Clean your shoes after a long, dirty day

One way to keep your shoes at their best is to thoroughly clean them after wearing them to remove any dirt and grim present.

For the rubber boots, just use a wet sponge/fabric to clean their exterior. If the dirt and grime are too much, you can use soap as well.

For the leather boots, you’d want to use a soft-bristled brush or soft, damp cloth to easily remove all the dirt, dust, and grim present.

Keep in mind that allowing the dirt to accumulate on the shoes for long can result in dehydration, cracking, and damages to them.

2. Keep your hunting boots dry- Always!

Keeping your boots also contributes to keeping them performing well as well as extending their lifespan.

After you’ve cleaned your boots in step one above, make sure you dry them completely. However, don’t make the mistake that I have seen other hunters repeat every day- drying their boots using extreme heat sources (like hairdryers, heaters, etc.). This can end up affecting their durability and lifespan. Likewise, placing them near the fireplace or in direct sunlight isn’t advisable.

So, how do you dry your boots?

It’s simple- allow them to dry naturally by air!

3. Treat your leather/rubber boots regularly

You’ll also need to periodically treat your hunting footwear as part of maintaining its form and durability.

For the leather boots owners, you’ll need to treat your shoes using some quality leather conditioner. This not only helps protect your boots from damages and crack, but also ensures they perform optimally at all times.

Rubber boots too need regular conditioning using an excellent rubber conditioner (yes, they do exist). This helps protect your rubber from harmful elements like the sun which tend to fade and destroy it.

NOTE: before you condition your boots, ensure they’re thorough clean and dry. This will ensure you get the best results.

4. Store the boots in a cool and dry place

If you don’t plan to use your shoes anytime soon, it means they’ll stay idle for long. And that calls for proper storage techniques to ensure they retain their great performance and durability.

Just store your boots in a Cool and Dry place.

This way, they won’t come into contact with any extreme heat source or direct sunlight that can compromise its lifespan. Likewise, they’ll remain shielded from moisture that tend to affect their lifespan or even cause dampening (as well as bad odors).

Again, ensure your shoes are clean and dry before storing them.

Top Tricks That Will Make Your Hunting Boots Last Longer:

I know you want to use your newly acquired boots for a more extended period of time, right?

To make them your best buddies in the woods for more years, follow the tricks I’ve shared with you below:

1. Always keep your boots dry. If you go hunting in wet areas, keep them in an area with smooth air flow to let them dry naturally.

2. Waterproofing and conditioning your boots regularly is another excellent way of ensuring your shoes lasts for years. Ensure you understand the type of material that makes your boot for the best conditioning results. Leather uses natural oil pastes while non-leather uses chemicals.

3. Cleaning your boots- by removing dirt and mud- will also prolong the life of your boots. This comes from the fact that mud can easily get into the seams pores, and crevices- leading to cracks and damages.

4. Never dry your shoes in an extreme source of heat, including direct sunlight. This not only gives it a weird shape but also affects its quality.

5. If your pair develops cracks or holes, don’t lose hope. You can easily repair it by sealing the tears and cracks and continue using your boots for longer.

6. Never leave your boots outside in the winter season as the moisture and salt can hugely affect the durability of your shoe.

7. If you spend a day hunting in snowy and salty areas, make a point of removing all the snow and salt stains (use a good salt stain remover) in your boots before storing them for the next hunt. These elements tend to get into your boot soles and damage its padding, thus reducing its lifespan.

8. Check the soles for any embedded rocks and other debris and remove them immediately. Such elements tend to rob your boots their good traction, leading to accidental slippages.

9. Adding an extra sole insert to your boots not only helps maintain its durability but also improves its overall padding.

10. Buying several pairs ( 1-3 pairs) of hunting boots can also help you prolong the lifespan of your hunting footwear. This is especially true for the active hunters as they can rotate these pairs when heading to the fields.

11. Lastly, don’t neglect your shoes right after the hunting season is over. Remember that you’ll need them when the next season comes.

Follow our maintenance guide that we discussed earlier to help you clean, dry, and properly store your hunting boots until the next season comes in.

Final Verdict

After reading our full guide, the task of looking for the most perfect hunting boots pair for your hunting needs will become much easier.

Even better, our top-rated hunting boots review section provides you with a variety of hunting shoes that you can buy right now in preparation for the next hunting season.

Above all, don’t forget to put the valuable information we’ve offered you into practice to ensure the longevity plus increased performance of your shoe.

Keep hunting!

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