Are you looking for a quality pair of hunting boots but not sure which one is best suited for your needs? Well, we are here to help you make the right decision. When shopping for the best hunting boots, you will want to consider insulation, dryness, tread, durability, comfort, and lacing. We will discuss these factors later on in our buyer’s guide.
Having a good pair of boots designed for hunting expeditions can be the difference between a successful hunt and unsuccessful hunts. This is because, without the right boot, you will not be able to go to damp or muddy terrain or even hunt when it is snowy or icy. That’s why you should take your time to choose the right hunting boot.
After scouring the web and analyzing tens of hunting boots, we settled on six top-rated models. Our analysis was based on expert reviews, manufacturers’ information, and customer reviews. Check out our top products first before we review the six hunting boots.
Top 3 Best Hunting Boots; Comparison Table
| Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Hunting Boots | Big Game Irish Setter 880 Men’s Hunting Boot | Tide We 16’’ Hunting Boot | |
| 100% waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lacing | Yes | Yes | No |
| Material | Leather | 100% leather | Neoprene and Rubber |
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Hunting Boots
Kenetrek is a boot company that was founded in 2002 and known for its top-in-the-line boots for hunting and hiking. The Mountain Extreme boots are a perfect example of what Kenetrek is capable of. They feature full-grain leather uppers to last and keep your feet dry and warm. Below are some of the features that make the boots stand out.
2.8mm full-grain leather
These amazing hunting boots feature thick uppers to enhance its waterproofing capabilities. Besides, the 2.8mm thick uppers help to resist abrasion from rocks and other rough objects in the wild. The leather has been double-reinforced using a triple hand-stitching to offer long-lasting performance.
The one-piece vamp construction does not feature seams and for all good reasons. The design makes the boots more comfortable and improves its waterproofing capabilities.
Nylon Midsoles
Moving to the middle part of the Kenetrek boots, it offers a soft and strong midsole to protect all areas of your feet. The 7.7mm nylon midsoles are incredibly soft and designed to support you while carrying your loads. They have been reinforced with steel shanks that comes handy when walking in rough and irregular terrain.
400g Thinsulate Insulation
When hunting in cold weather, you need extra warmth and comfort to keep your feet dry and warm. The entire interior of the boots has been covered with 400g of Thinsulate to keep you warm even in extreme cold. Combined with the breathable Wind-tex material, these boots are best suited for hunting in cold weather.
K-Talon Outer Soles
For extra rough terrains, the K-talon soles do not give in to abrasion. Furthermore, they are lightweight to move effortlessly. The soles feature tread marks for maximum traction when climbing on slimy rocks and hills.
Features
- 8mm thick leather uppers
- 7mm nylon midsoles
- 400 g Thinsulate
- K-talon outer soles
Pros
- Offers excellent traction
- It’s warm and breathable for comfort
- Look classic
Cons
- It’s relatively expensive
Tip: Great for mountainous hunting
LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 800G
If you are in search of a pair of boots that can withstand all the rigors of hunting and can guarantee comfort, check the LaCrosse Men’s hunting boots. These are among the best boots for hunting in very cold conditions and navigating in rough terrains of the wild.
Multilayer rubber
The boots feature several layers of pure rubber at the toe and heels to absorb shock and protect your feet from injuries. They all feature a double vamp to protect the toes should something heavy drop on them. So no matter where the hunt takes you, rest assured that these boots will keep you safe. It also features a unique tread pattern on the outsole to give you the traction in the rocks, snow, and slippery terrain.
800G Thinsulate
Do you hunt in very cold conditions? These boots offer ultra-insulation, thanks to 800g of Thinsulate placed on the interior side of the boot to offer warmth around your feet. Although the generous amount of Thinsulate may make them bulkier, they are best suited for extremely cold weather.
Neoprene lining
The neoprene lining does a terrific job in making the boots waterproof. When working in mud, rain, and other wet conditions, these boots can do the job without getting damp or cold inside. The boots also feature a neoprene gusset at the back to accommodate different calf sizes and room to slide in your pants.
Embossed Wick Liner
Another area where the Alphaburly Pro scores high is its ability to promote air circulation into the feet. It boasts an embossed wick liner that not only enhances its waterproofing but also keeps your feet from sweating.
Features
- 5mm neoprene core
- Embossed liner offers better circulation
- 800g Thinsulate
- Comfort zone: -50 to 40 degrees
Pros
- They are light in weight at 5.2 lbs.
- Are easy to wear and take off the boots
- 100% waterproof
- The color and pattern of the boot is well-suited for hunting
Cons
- Although light, a few customers said they are a bit bulky
Tip: Great for hunting in cold areas
Irish Setter Men’s 2875 Vaprtrek
If you like specialist brands, then this boot from Irish Setter is a proper fit for you as they have been perfecting their boots game since the 1950s. These boots pack lots of technologies to ensure its breathable, lightweight, and durable. Read some of the ground-breaking features of this boot:
Ultra-dry waterproofing
Another area where Irish Setter did a perfect job is in the moisture management system. The Gore-Tex membrane makes it fully waterproof to prevent water from reaching your feet. This membrane also helps to maintain a cool and breathable environment.
Scent Ban Technology
Are you looking for the best boots for feet odor? These boots offer a scent control process that kills bacteria that cause odor. The scent is added to the leather, footbed as well as the lining of the boots for efficiency.
RPM Technology
The company reduces the boots’ weight by up to 40% than most boots using the RPM technology. This technology is a composite material that adds to the durability of traditional material without the extra weight.
SnakeGuard Material
These snake boots stood above all other featuring a now-woven material construction combined with nylon to prevent you from snake bites, fangs, thorns, and other elements capable of penetrating inside the boots. Another snake-proof protection feature is the fact that it can be laced up to the knee. So, if you plan to trek in a place where snakes are a big concern, these boots will give you the protection you need.
Features
- Knee-high 17 inches
- Weighs 3 lbs.
- Offers the scent ban technology
- 100% leather and synthetic
- SnakeGuard Construction
Pros
- Offers laces up to the knee
- Easy to put on and off
- Very light and doesn’t hurt the feet
Cons
- The eyelets are too small when threading the laces and may slow you down
Tip: Great for hunting in cold areas thanks to their moisture management
Irish Setter Men’s 2870 VaprTrek 8”
For hunters planning to trek in the backcountry where traction and stability are must-haves, these VaprTrek boots are for you. They have been designed with an athletic hunter in mind as they are light yet durable to face the harshest conditions and demands of most hunters.
Scent Control
Like most boots from the Irish Setter, the boots come with the ScentBan technology that works magic to expel bad odor in weeks. Furthermore, wild animals have a strong sense of smell, meaning they can catch a whiff of your smell and avoid the area. This is why this special technology by Irish Setter is so underrated.
Fully waterproof
Apart from keeping your feet odor-free, a serious hunter knows how important it is to keep their feet warm and dry. This model features the UltraDry technology featuring a waterproof membrane all-round the boot. You can cross through a creek or walk in the pouring rain without worrying about your feet getting cold or wet.
Realtree Xtra Camouflage
The pattern on the boots is primarily designed to hide your presence from animals. The Realtree Xtra is a realistic camouflage that includes lifelike images to conceal your presence while hunting, making it difficult for animals to notice you and flee.
Solid Construction
Many boots are made of plastic and other cheap material that can only survive for months, especially for avid hunters. Fortunately, these feature high-quality leather with RPM construction to reduce the overall weight by half.
They even feature snake protection to keep you safe when hunting in areas with snakes. The aromatic technology wraps the area near your toes and heels as are the most exposed area. The 2870 Vaprtrek model feels soft and allows you to walk in any terrain while adjusting your walking.
Features
- Weighs 2 pounds
- 7-inch shaft
- High-grade rubber sole
- RPM Composite technology
- ScentBan reduces odor
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Waterproof and breathable
- Offers great value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for extremely cold and wet environment
Tip; Great for hunting in areas that need you to trek for long distances
Big Game Irish Setter 880 Men’s Hunting Boot
Are you in the market for a dominant game hunting companion? Introducing the Big Game Elk Tracer that gets you covered. This product will take you through the toughest terrain where only the leading bulls rule thanks to the excellent stability.
Let’s have a look at the benefits that this product brings!
Removable EVA footbed
This product features an EVA footbed with memory foam to add more comfort. It is also designed with rubber soles that are fitted with multidirectional lugs to enhance traction. To boost flexibility, the ELK Tracer comes with a shock-absorbing midsole that generates superb bouncing back.
GORE-TEX fabric lining
To prevent water leakages from the outside, these boots come with a Gore-Tex membrane to make it waterproof. This technology involves billions of pores per square inch to prevent moisture from getting to your feet. Besides, it helps to expel heat, especially when working in areas with high temperatures, by enhancing the evaporation of sweat. This keeps your feet dry and warm.
200g Thinsulate insulation
The Gram Irish Setter is constructed with a 3M Thinsulate to trap heat radiated from your feet. This also helps to regulate temperatures during the cold seasons as the material can trap cold as well. Thinsulate lining is also lightweight to help you withstand long hunting hours.
Exclusive Odor control system
If you have a problem with sweaty feet, these boots could be an ideal choice for you. It is built with Scentban technology to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Features
- Constructed using 100% leather
- 200 Gram 3M Thinsulate insulation
- Removable EVA footbed
- Scent ban technology eliminates odor
- 12-inch arch
Pros
- Comfortable design
- Fully waterproof
- It provides excellent traction
- Helps to reduce feet odor
Cons
- A few customers said the boots are relatively heavy
Tip: Great for tough terrain
Tide We 16’’ Hunting Boot
If you want to go hunting and make a kill, you need high-quality hunting boots that can provide maximum stability and comfort. With the Tide Men hunting boot, you can get wherever you want regardless of the terrain. Whether you are navigating through thick bush, swamps, and mountainous topography, the large anti-slip rubber slugs grip the ground firmly.
Let’s find out what makes this Hunting Boot is exceptional!
Polyurethane design
If you are fond of hunting, choosing light boots is essential to keep you moving for a long distance. To shed-off extra weight, this boot is manufactured with polyurethane instead of traditional rubber to enable you to track your prey for long hours.
Breathable Neoprene
Having tight-fitting boots one thing, but if the air circulation is limited, this could lead to bad odor, hot spots or blisters. Fortunately, this product comes with a flexible neoprene with a simple-to-install mesh that regulates the temperature inside the boots.
100% Waterproof CR Flex-Foam
Do you find it challenging to hunt in swampy and muddy places? Well, this product is built with CR Flex foam that is 100% water-resistant to prevent any leakages. Moreover, the 4-way stretched nylon helps keep your feet dry.
Excellent Insulation
Tide We Rubber Boot comes with heat insulation technology that helps in retaining your body temperature up to 90 %. This is done by lining the radiated heat which keeps you warm to enable hunting with maximum comfort. The interior surface is covered with 400 grams of Thinsulate and is comfort-rated for -30 to 5 degree Celsius.
Features
- 100 % water-resistant CR Flex
- Heat resistant insulation
- Weighs about 4.5 pounds
- 4-way stretch nylon for comfortable feet.
- Comfort zone: -30 to 5 degrees
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible
- It has a self-cleaning outsole
- Has a self-cleaning ribbed outsole
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- A few customers reported receiving larger boots than the actual size. Be sure to mind the size chat when picking your size.
Tip: Multipurpose. Can be used in different hunting areas
Best Hunting Boots- Buying Guide
Now that we have read our hunting boots reviews, let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider to ensure you pick the right boot;
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How well do they fit
One of the things to check when it comes to choosing the right pair of hunting boots is how well they fit. If your hunting boots do not fit you well, then, unfortunately, you will always have a hard time hunting in the wild. You will pay for this in the jungle.
Regardless of how quality or perfectly designed they are, if they do not fit properly on your feet, then consider them to be useless.
A good fitting boot will cut off air circulation, and this is not to mean that they will be too firm or tight. Another major feature of a boot that fits perfectly is that it leaves room for your toes to wiggle. Wearing hunting boots that fits your feet well not only enhances your comfort but also prevents injuries.
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Consider the weather condition of the area you normally hunt
To make sure that you get the right hunting boots, it is important to check their features to ensure that they are compatible with the terrain and weather conditions of the area you are going to hunt in.
For example, a pair of boots needed for hunting in extremely cold weather will be different from that you need to hunt in warmer areas.
For warm climates where moisture is a big factor to worry about, you need boots that allow your feet to breathe. This means that they will need to be lightweight and be well-ventilated. The boots will not need insulation since you will not need your feet to retain warmth in such areas.
For cold climates, you need boots that have decent insulation so as to retain warmth inside to prevent your feet from freezing. The amount of insulation you need depends on the extreme of cold weather in the area you are hunting. One of the most famous insulation system most boots have is the 3M Thinsulate. This helps to trap your heat and also keep moisture on outside from penetrating your boot.
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Consider the terrain
Hunting boots are designed for different terrains. For example, there is a boot for mountainous regions while others are designed for regions with snakes.
For hunting in swampy or wet regions, you will need a boot that is knee-high and one made from rubber. It needs to be 100% waterproof and should have breathable material. Boots with GORE-TEX membrane do an excellent in keeping moisture out of your boot while also preventing your feet from sweating.
For areas with snakes, you need to go for a pair that covers your calf area to keep you safe from snake bites.
For aggressive terrain and mountainous regions, go for boots that have rugged outsoles to ensure excellent traction and stability. Also, because of walking for long-distance, you need boots that are breathable.
Features of Best Hunting Boots at a Glance
- Durable and sturdy to ensure that they last long regardless of the abuse they undergo in the jungle
- 100% waterproof to protect you from getting wet when walking in wet environments
- Breathability to ensure comfort even when walking for long distances
- Camouflage pattern to help you blend in perfectly with the vegetation in the field
- Insulation equipped to make it easier to hunt in cold climates
- Backed by a sensible warranty
- High traction to prevent slips in slippery surfaces and rugged terrain
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Hunting Boots
Among the top 6 best hunting boots we have reviewed here, this hunting boot by Kenetrek is our top option. Made by a renowned company, this all-leather boot has a high traction outsole that will keep you stable even when hunting in steep terrains.
It is our favorite boot due to the great support it provides to your ankles, all while being comfortable and lightweight.
It has a waterproof, breathable membrane and features a Thinsulate insulation lining to keep your feet dry and warm.
With this boot, you will not have to worry about the condition of the weather or steepness of the terrain. Even the toughest of hunting expeditions can be enjoyable and worth it thanks to the comfort these boots provide. Kenetrek has thoroughly tested these boots, and thus you can wear them with the assurance that they will last and serve you comfortably for a long time.
Big Game Irish Setter 880 Men’s Hunting Boot
Our 2nd recommendation is this hunting boot from Irish setter. It not only stands out because of its attractive, manly design but also because of its great features.
Here are the main things that made us choose this boot as the 2nd best-hunting boots in this list;
- It has ScentBan, an exclusive scent control feature on its material and lining that control odor and kills bacteria
- GORE-TEX membrane on its surface allows moisture inside to come out while blocking moisture from outside to penetrate inside. This means your feet will stay dry and warm
- The 3M Thinsulate insulation keeps your feet warm, even when you are in damp areas
This heavy-duty boot is ready to handle any rugged terrain you take it to. It is insulated and fully waterproof, which means you will fall in love with it.
Tide We 16’’ Hunting Boot
Whether muddy or damp, this hunting boot can handle it all. Its camouflage design makes it great for hunting in different jungles.
But this is not what made us choose this hunting boots from TideWe. What made this hunting boot stood out is its 100% waterproof design as well as their lightweight nature.
What’s more, their heat-resistant insulation means that heat radiated from your body will not escape, which means that your feet will stay warm, even when hunting in rainy and damp areas.
The Features That Made the Above Three Boots Stood Out
There are a few things that made the above three boots emerge the best among the ones we have reviewed in this guide. And these are also features you should use to analyze and pick the right boot for your hunting expeditions;
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Good fit
This was the first thing we checked when analyzing the six hunting boots. After all, if your toes hurt, you will have a hard time hunting. In fact, you will be looking for an opportunity to remove your boots to give your feet a short break. Now, imagine hunting during cold season or during winter and your hunting boots are hurting your little toe- this will distract you as you cannot take them off.
That’s why we kept this feature in mind when analyzing the six boots. It is true that all the boots we have reviewed in this guide have a good fit, but the above boots have a close-to-perfect fit. After analyzing the reviews of the customers who have bought them, we saw highest percentage of their reviews praising their good fit.
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100% waterproof
Of course, we had to make sure that the boots we are recommending are 100% waterproof. Two of the three are thick-padded to prevent moisture from penetrating your feet. Therefore, if you like spending a lot of time in the woods pursuing your prey, then any of these three boots will be of great help to you as they are 100% waterproof.
With these boots, you can confidently walk even in damp areas with streams and shallow rivers and muddy patches without worrying about water getting into your feet.
For instance, the boot made by Irish Setter has GORE-TEX lining to ensure no water get inside your boots. Yes, you will pay more for these boots, but they will be worth the money, especially if you normally hunt during cold seasons or in watery areas.
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Insulation lining
Cold feet are no fun at all, which is why you have to find boots that will keep your feet warm. That’s why we had to check for the insulation level of the boots, and all the boots we have recommended here provide great insulation.
With insulation, we mean that no warm air will leak out from your shoes and no cold air will seep inside. This is made possible by the insulation lining on the inner side of these boots. Also, the snug fit design around the ankles prevents warm air from leaking out.
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Quality, heavy-duty soles
One thing that determines the quality and durability of a hunting boot is the soles. Your soles need to be quality enough to withstand harsh terrains. Besides, it should provide great traction on different terrains.
If you are an avid hunter and your backpack is loaded with hunting gears, you will need to go for hunting boots with a heavy-duty sole. Heavy-duty soles mean that your boots will not only provide you with adequate support but also ensure your stability.
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High height
Hunting boots should have a height that is above your ankles for the sole purpose of safeguarding your feet against mud, snow, and water. Therefore, we made sure to pick hunting boots that offer adequate ankle support to prevent slip-ups caused by ankle problems.
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Laces
Lacing was another thing we considered when picking the right hunting boots for you. On average, hunting boots should have 6-7 inches of laces that go up to the ankle area. Two of the three boots we have recommended have laces up to the top to keep your boot well-fitted to your feet.
Laces help to keep your feet in place without constricting the movement of your ankles. For people who don’t like laces, we have included one hunting boot that fits well on your feet as though it is laced.
All the above three models will keep your feet movement intact so as to prevent broken and twisted ankle.
FAQ About Best Hunting Boots
What is the best waterproof hunting boot?
Well, all the hunting boots in our list are waterproof, but there is one that with 100% waterproof ability- Big Game Irish Setter 880 Men’s Hunting Boot. Therefore, if you are looking for a hunting boot that will enable you to tramp even in damp areas, then this is the boot to go for.
What are the best mountain hunting boots?
Hunting boots for mountainous areas should have great traction and a perfect fit for stability and to prevent twisting ankles. However, if we were to choose one, we will go with Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Hunting Boots. This boot has great traction and is designed for mountainous areas.
What is the best cold weather hunting boot?
Hunting boots for cold weather hunting should offer great insulation and waterproof abilities. And in our case, we can term all these boots as great for cold weather hunting.
Which hunting boots are warmest?
Again, the warmth of a boot is determined by the insulation it provides and how good it prevents moisture from penetrating the boots. We can term all the boots in our guide as warm. But when it comes to choosing the warmest, we will go with Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Hunting Boots.
How Tall Should Your Hunting Boots Be?
This depends on your needs and the area you intend to hunt. For areas with shallow waters and mud, you need a hunting boot that reaches past your ankle region. For areas with snakes, you should go for hunting boots that reaches your calf area. For warm areas, you can go for boots that reach your ankle region.
What Is A Good Weight For Hunting Boots?
This is a matter of personal preference since different people have varying weights. Technically, hunting boots needs to be heavy-duty but lightweight. They should not weigh you down. Therefore, try to balance between quality and lightweight nature.
What Is The Best Design For A Hunting Boot?
Again, this depends on your preference. There are people who prefer laced boots while others prefer easy-to-wear-and-remove boots. It is all down to you.
What Is The Best Make For A Hunting Boot?
This is also a matter of preference. There are people who prefer ankle boots, calf-length boots, and others prefer regular boots. It is up to you to choose the right one for your needs.
Final Thoughts
After analyzing the six top-rated hunting boots on this list, we hope that you have finally decided on the best one for you. Maybe you decided to get the one with the best insulation lining for hunting in cold weather or one that is lightweight to enable you to walk for long distances without tiring.
At the end of the day, you don’t just want any hunting boots; you want the best hunting boots that suit your needs. Therefore, order any of the above hunting boots and enjoy comfortable hunting expeditions. We hope our hunting boot reviews and buying guide has been resourceful and you have managed to pick the right boot.
We wish you a successful hunt!
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