Hunting Boots

Whether you’re deer hunting or ice fishing, we’ve got you covered on which hunting boots are perfect for you.

Hunting season is upon us, and it’s time to get ready! 

One of the most important things we should prepare before going on a hunting trip is a good – trusty pair of great hunting boots. 

The boots you bring on your trip should suit your hunting needs. 

But you may be asking…

Which ones are the perfect hunting boots for you? 

You don’t have to worry – we’re here to help you. We’ve put together BugOuBill.com’s ultimate definitive guide for the best hunting boots. Read through this review and discover:

• The five best hunting boots on the market,
• Their specifications, pros, and cons,
• Which one is the most affordable, most suited for winter, etc., 
• And lots more… 

Let’s get boot up! 

INTRODUCTION

It’s no secret that having the right hunting gear is important for a successful hunting trip. 

And arguably – the most important hunting gear is hunting boots! 

Our feet are extremely important when hunting. We can’t move around if our feet suffer from uncomfortable hunting boots.

We can’t go from one spot to another if our boots can’t handle the mud and debris – we may encounter them during the hunt.

And most importantly… 

We don’t want our boots causing us to slip or fall over.

Believe us. Hunting trips can end early because you chose the wrong pair of hunting boots. 

So…

We must have the right pair when we hunt. 

With this, you may ask what to look for in hunting boots. 

That’s why…

We scoured the market for you – to find the right boots that suit different hunting needs!

Curious to know more? 

Then let’s get moving!

Best Hunting Boots

Why Trust Us?

We know how important hunting trips are. For some, it’s become a tradition, something they look forward to every year. 

And as we’ve established earlier…

Your choice of boots can make or break a hunting trip. You wouldn’t want to cancel a hunt because you encounter some problems with your boots. Moreover, we also wouldn’t want any accidents on our hunting trip, just because we don’t have the appropriate footwear.

At the same time…

We understand your hesitation about buying hunting boots. With a lot of options on the market, you may get confused about selecting which one is the best for you.

But that’s what we’re here for.

We did the work for you and personally tested several different hunting boots. We subjected different brands of hunting boots to various tests and found out which ones stood out the most. 

This review is the culmination of those tests. We hope to curate a list of hunting boots that fit your needs. 

Section 4: Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Hunting Boots

Different types of hunting boots

There are two main categories of hunting boots: field boots and rubber boots. 

Field boots provide you with protection from water and insulation. They are often made of full-grain leather, mesh, and nylon materials. A downside of field boots is that they can develop odor over time.

In this review…

We featured two hunting boots categorized as field boots: our Editor’s Choice (Rocky) and Guide Gear’s Leather Boots. 

On the other hand, as the name suggests, Rubber boots are made of rubber. 

Unlike field boots… 

They do not have any scent, so some may prefer them. They are also waterproof, which means they are suitable for water-logged areas. 

We featured two outdoor boots categorized as rubber boots: our Best Value  (LaCrosse) and our Top Pick (MuckBoots).

Still, there is another type of hunting boots known as snake boots. So, we featured 4xAlpha Snake Boot (LaCrosse). They are specifically designed to keep snakes away from you.

You can also check out some tactical boots designed to function under extreme conditions while remaining comfortable and agile for the wearer.

Features to look out for

Many hunting boots nowadays come with a lot of features that are meant to improve your hunting experience. Still, the following are features you should mainly look out for when purchasing hunting boots.

• Protection from Water

This is an important feature for hunting boots – more often than not. You’ll find yourself hunting under the rain or snow and crossing streams to get to your hunting area. 

Waterproof boots provide your feet with protection from the water and keep them dry so you can also move and walk with ease. Whether hunting during the winter or warmer seasons, your boots must be waterproof. 

After all, no one wants to walk in soggy boots or have frozen feet while hunting, right?

• Insulation

Now…

More doesn’t always mean better. More insulation won’t mean a better pair of boots if you don’t use them accordingly. 

Insulated boots are great for hunting trips during the winter. They will keep your feet warm and prevent them from being frozen. Keep in mind to look at how much insulation comes with your boots. 

On the other hand…

Imagine using your hunting boots in warmer seasons – steer away from boots with insulation. It will be an uncomfortable experience to wear insulated boots with high temperatures. 

Product  and specifications explained

Material – There are a lot of materials used for hunting boots. The most common are full-grain waterproof suede leather, mesh, nylon, rubber. These materials reflect the features of the hunting boots. 

For instance, some boots are made with rubber and nylon for waterproofing. Still, some boots provide waterproofing by being completely made from rubber. 

Another feature influenced by materials is the insulation capabilities of hunting boots. On their own, they provide little insulation, so materials such as Thinsulate and neoprene are used to provide insulation. 

Weight – Hunting boots should be light enough that you won’t have difficulty walking in them. When you’re on the hunt, you should be able to move quickly. Still, some boots may be heavier or bulkier than others because of their added features. It’s up to you to decide how much weight you are willing to carry on your feet. 

Size – Boots come in a variety of sizes. You have to choose the right size to maximize their features. You can utilize the sizing guide provided to pick out the right size. Like our Editor’s Choice, some hunting boots offer half-sizes and wide-size options to get your true size. But for the boots that come in whole sizes, it’s best to size up if you have half-size or wide feet.

These are things to consider. 

Fit – When buying hunting boots, this is an important consideration. You don’t want a pair that’s too small or too big on you. Your mobility will take a hit if your hunting boots do not fit you. So, be sure to check the sizing guide and read reviews so you can choose the right size. 

Moreover, some boots have specific features to enhance their fit on you. For instance, our Best Value has an ankle fit technology and an adjustment strap at the mouth of the boot, which ensures the boots stay fit and secured as long as you get the right size. 

Terrain and Weather Conditions – Before buying a pair, consider where and when you’ll use them. Different terrains and weather conditions may require a different kind of footwear for you to make the most out of your hunting trip, so plan accordingly. 

Jargon buster

Buying hunting boots can be confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the jargon used. Here are some of the technical words we encountered while making this review: 

• Traction – means the resistance to slipping. Hunting boots should provide you with great traction on most terrain, as you will be walking through rough elements like debris, mud, and snow. 
• Thinsulate – a thin, synthetic material trademarked by the company 3M. It is used in insulation for clothes and shoes, suitable for extremely cold weather conditions. Footwear with Thinsulate can be categorized based on how many grams of Thinsulate they have. The most common amounts of Thinsulate in boots are 200, 400,800, 1200, and 2000 grams. The more grams of Thinsulate present in the boots, the more insulation it offers. 
• EVA– stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and is a common material for outsoles and midsoles. They make shoes (in general) more comfortable out of the box and 
• Outsole – the outermost layer of a boot

Best Hunting Boots Top Tip(s)

Here are some tips for buying hunting boots. 

Make sure to choose a boot that will fit you well. 

It may seem like a no-brainer, but this is something to keep in mind when buying hunting boots. Ill-fitting boots are a waste of money, so you need to choose a pair of well-fitting boots. Well-fitting boots should comfortably fit around your foot and ankles. You should still be able to wiggle your toes, and you should not feel a pinching sensation when you fit them. 

Also, If you plan on wearing socks with your boots, consider fitting them with the same socks you use for hunting for a better fit. 

Choose the right style for your hunting trip.

Rubber boots will work best on hunting trips where you know you’ll be walking through mud and small bodies of water, while leather (e.g., Nubuck leather) hunting boots will keep you warm and comfortable, so they’re better suited for colder seasons.

Section 5: FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions 

Q – How tall should your hunting boots be?

A – Hunting boots with a boot height of 9-10 inches are preferable because they provide extra stability and support than ankle-high boots. Moreover, higher boots protect natural elements such as water, snow, dirt, and foliage. Many people may want ankle-high boots because they are lighter, but your safest bet is to go with higher boots.

Q – What is a good weight for hunting boots?

A – Generally, you would want a pair of lightweight hunting boots so that you can move with ease. But keep in mind that added features such as insulation will add weight to your boots. 

Q – What is the best design for a hunting boot?

A – The best design for a hunting boot is the one that will fit your needs. For instance, if you will be going on a hunting trip in an area you know will be water-logged and muddy. Then the best design for you is probably a boot that fits snugly and covers most of your legs.

Section 6: Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Value for Money  

Hunting boots come in various price points, from cheap ones to more expensive ones.

There are times that we may think that the most expensive option is the one that can give us the highest quality.

But we know that’s not always the case. 

Price points are not always indicative of the quality. You could be getting good quality for half the typical price.

That said…

If you’re looking for an affordable pair of outdoor boots that you can take on your next summer hunting trip, then our Best Value – the  La Crosse Men’s Hunting Boots is for you! 

Although they do not offer insulation…

…they are still a good pair of boots to have for a hunting trip during warmer seasons. They will help you wade streams and creaks. Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing them to muddy terrain with their ankle fit technology and adjustable strap at the top of the boot.

Ease of Use

This is an important criterion to consider when choosing the right hunting boot. You should be able to use the hunting boots easily, especially when you’re out in harsh conditions.

That said…

We find that our Top Pick, the Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Insulated Rubber Hunting Boots is the easiest pair of boots to take on your next hunting trip! 

You can put them on in a breeze and take them off just as easily. Thanks to the loop at the top of the rear of the boots. 

Plus, with the other features that they come with… 

…they’re worth the money you’ll be spending for them. 

Durability

With hunting boots…

…we want something that will last us a long time. It’ll be a waste of money if we happen to buy a pair that can only last us a hunting season. 

But worry not! 

All of the boots we reviewed performed well in the durability test. 

But… 

If you want a pair that will truly get you through anything. Then our Editor’s Choice by Rocky is the one for you! 

These deer hunting boots are waterproof and with 800 grams of Thinsulate insulation. So you use them for hunting in a variety of terrains. These boots can withstand the harshest elements. 

Moreover, they are made with leather and nylon, making them durable. Plus, the scratch rubber toe provides extra durability.

Insulating

Three out of the five boots we listed provide insulation. 

However…

We find that our Top Pick by Muck Boot offers the best insulation. These rubber boots come with a 2mm thermal foam and 8mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene liner to keep your feet warm.

 I’d say the warmest boots. These boots can provide insulation from temperatures -60 °F to -30°F, making them the ultimate hunting boots for the winter season.

Still…

We can’t discount the insulation capabilities of our Editor’s Choice by Rocky and the Guide Gear Leather Hunting Boots. They both utilize the Thinsulate material to ensure that your feet stay warm. 

Specifically… 

The boots made by Rocky have 800 grams of Thinsulate, while the boots by Guide Gear have 2400 grams of Thinsulate.

Adjustability

Good hunting boots (that come in your right size) should be able to adjust and fit your feet. 

With all the boots we listed…

…we find that our Editor’s Choice, Best Value, and Top Pick offer the best adjustability for different reasons.

Our Editor’s Choice, right out of the box, is already comfortable. But thanks to its EnergyBed footbed with memory foam, this pair of boots will adjust further and provide you with more comfort. 

On the other hand…

Our Best Value pick gets a 10 for best adjustability because of its ankle fit technology, which ensures the boots fit around your foot and ankle. These comfortable hunting boots also have an adjustable strap at the rear of the top. This allows you to adjust the mouth of the boot to your calf. 

And of course…Our Top Pick also gets a perfect 10 for adjustability, with its stretch-fit topline allowing the boot to fit snugly around your calves. Plus, the 8mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene liner provides insulation and ensures adjustability. So, the boots adjust to your feet and prevent blisters.

Our Final Verdict: Best Hunting Boots

We’re in the final stretch in the search for your perfect hunting boots!

Are you still with us?

We hope so! Below, you can see all the final marks for each hunting boots we have on this list. 

We know that we can’t always have it all, so these boots each have a certain feature that makes them stand out – and it’s up to you to decide which one speaks the most to you.

Conclusion: Best Hunting Boots

So… have you made your choice yet? 

Well, if you want to hear our two cents, then we can tell you that you won’t go wrong with choosing either our Editor’s Choice, the Rocky Men’s 8 Inch Retraction 800G Hunting Boot, or our Top Choice, the Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot. 

They both scored the highest among the rest, and they offer insulation and waterproofing. Moreover, they are durable and can stand the harsh conditions you may encounter on your hunting trip.

But…

If you want a budget-friendly option that will still provide you good quality and experience, then our Best Value pick, the LaCrosse Men’s Grange 18″ Waterproof Hunting Boot, maybe the best option for you. 

They cost less than the other boots on the list but are still sure to give you what you need during your hunting trips. 

Although…

We reiterate that they do not provide you with insulation to better suit hunting trips in warmer seasons. Still, you’re getting a pair of boots that can get you through muddy terrain and water-logged areas and perfectly fit your ankles and feet. 

Whichever hunting boots you choose, we hope we can make your decision process easier.

Now that you’ve finished hunting for the perfect footwear, it’s time to turn your attention to the hunt. We’ll see you in the wilderness!