Choosing hunting boots can be a challenge, especially if you’re pressed for time. After all, there are many factors to consider before lacing up a pair of boots, whether it’s for a hunt through rugged terrain or a spring turkey hunt in a field. We’re here to help you narrow down the possibilities with recommendations for boots suited to various purposes. Each has been put to the test in the field. Consider this your one-stop guide for picking out your next pair of hunting boots.
For your convenience, the selections are here, click the green link to learn why we chose the boot for the selected category, click the orange to shop the lowest price:
- Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots (Slip On): Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro – Shop men’s / Shop women’s
- Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots (Lace Up): Rocky Arctic BearClaw – Shop from $185 (Use Code NA20)
- Best Hunting Boot for Spring and Fall: Irish Setter VaprTrek – Shop Now
- Best Rubber Hunting Boot: Dryshod Evalusion Hi – Shop Now
- Best Turkey Hunting Boots: Dryshod Southland – Shop Now
- Best Upland Hunting Boots: Rocky Upland Hiking Boot – Shop Now
- Best Boots and for snaky terrain (unisex): Rocky Prolight – Shop Now
- Best Elk Hunting Boots: Danner Pronghorn – Shop Now
- Best Hunting Boots Under $100: Rocky Core Comfort 8″ 800G Insulated Boot – Shop Now
- Best everyday wear hunting boot: Lacrosse AlphaTerra – Shop Now
- Best Hunting Boots for Muddy Terrain: Frogg Toggs Ridge Buster Mud Boot – Shop Now
Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots (Slip On):
Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro (Click to Shop men’s from $229 / Click to Shop women’s from $172)
The Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro boots are renowned for their exceptional quality and performance in outdoor environments. They feature a unique blend of high-quality rubber and neoprene, providing not only waterproof protection but also flexibility and warmth. The Alphaburly Pro boots are equipped with an embossed liner that improves air circulation, thereby reducing moisture inside the boot. This feature ensures that feet remain dry and comfortable, even during long hours in the field. Additionally, these boots boast an adjustable neoprene gusset, which allows for a wide range of calf sizes, enhancing the fit and comfort. The outsole is constructed with a special tread pattern for superior traction in varied terrain, making them ideal for navigating through muddy, slippery, or uneven surfaces. Overall, the Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro boots are a top choice for those seeking reliable, high-performance footwear for cold winter environments. Important to note that if taking boots off easy is important to you then these are not the boot for you, please scroll down to the Dryshod Evalusion.
Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots (Lace Up):
Rocky Arctic BearClaw 1400G Insulated Camo Boot (Click to Shop from $187 with Code NA20)
The Rocky Arctic BearClaw is an incredible cold weather and durable boot for the winter whether you’re a hunter or just someone who likes to get outdoors in the colder and snowy weather. Couple it with a price tag under $200, it’s a no brainer for anyone looking to keep their feet warm but also prefers the lace up over slip on. It’s warm and comfortable, yet not too bulky. The bottoms have great traction for those on the go and rucking hills. Staying dry is not an issue either, these boots have Fore-Tex fabric with patented technology that is not only waterproof and windproof, it’s also breathable. Tip: If you are one of those in between size feet people, the move would be to order the larger pair. The normal fits the thin foot, and the wide fits wide and normal feet in my opinion.
Best Hunting Boot for Spring and Fall:
Irish Setter Boots Vaprtrek – (Click to Shop from $119)
Vaprtrek boots with a height of eight inches are offered by Irish Setter Boots in both men’s and women’s sizes. After years of using both men’s and women’s Vaprtreks, I can safely say they’re equally comfortable, durable and useful. These boots have 400-gram Primaloft insulation to help keep feet warm—but not too warm. They are made using full-grain leather and ArmaTec XT, an abrasion-resistant, tough material. The boots have a Mossy Oak Break Up Country camouflage exterior to reduce the risk of game animals catching glimpses of movement.
These are the boots to get when you want durable yet fairly lightweight boots for spring or fall hunts. They have an exceptionally long life, even for those of us who hunt heavily. I’ve been so impressed by these boots that I now have a pair in each truck, in the mud room and on my boot rack. They are that versatile and dependable.
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 ($514.95) and Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000 ($534.95)
This boot style provides a bit of a “two-fer” because it covers both the 400-gram and 1000-gram Thinsulate boots. There’s simply no better boot for truly cold weather or challenging mountain hunts than the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. These boots are more rigid than lighter-weight boots that are meant for less strenuous hunts. Their rigidity and impressive toughness is very useful when you’re chasing predators or mountain goats. The 400-gram boot is, of course, a bit lighter and not as toasty as the 1000-gram version. However, each has its purpose depending on the temperatures you’re facing.
When you pair the Mountain Extreme with Kenetrek’s Ultimate Liner Lightweight Over-the-Calf Sock, (with or without a heavier boot sock over it), you have the perfect combination for difficult winter hunts. Features of the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme include 10-inch uppers with a one-piece vamp construction tongue. That means there aren’t openings where water or snow can get in. They have double- and even triple-stitching at high-stress points and K-Talon outsoles. Yes, these are heavier boots on your feet than some others, but they are well worth that facet when you’re braving snow and ice. While others in your hunt team are suffering, your feet will be doing great. These boots are made in Italy and they last for quite some time.
Best Rubber Hunting Boot:
Dryshod Evalusion Hi Super Lightweight (Click to Shop from $174.95)
The Dryshod Evalusion Hi Super Lightweight Hunting Boot gets the top pick for the most comfortable hunting boot on the market. They have a Dureva technology/compound that eliminates the need for a secondary rubber sole and provides extreme comfort in most any situation. Aside from comfortable it is also an extremely quiet boot due to their multi-lug tread resulting in silent flexing and bending when curving over the ground’s elements. The lugs provide good traction but are not too aggressive that they pick up and retain mud. This boot maximizes air circulation and prevents moisture builup with its Densoprene Foam that both keeps your foot warm and keeps moisture out.
For those of us who like a rubber boot for the beginning of white tail hunting season, this one comes out on top for several reasons. The insole has a good, supportive arch, making them comfortable to walk long distances without having sore arches. Their 16-inch height makes it easy to ford wet areas or even small streams. The outsole design is wide, giving you a firm support underfoot, and helping to prevent ankle twists when traversing rugged ground. The wide heel sole provides great stability, plus gives a convenient point to grab when you are trying to kick off the boots. The design of the boot upper helps to keep your calf area warm, which in turn keeps your lower foot warm. Yet the shape of the upper hugs your calf just enough to not have the boot “slap” against your shin and back of your calf while walking and allows a hunter to let rain pants come down over the outside of the boot, rather than tuck them into the upper. Experience has shown they are comfortable in temperatures from 30’s to 60’s. They run true to size; I would recommend buying a half size larger to allow for the use of a good wool sock.
The Dryshod Evalusion comes in Super Lightweight Ankle length and Hi in brown, black, camo, and more. Prices vary from $129.95-$192.39 depending on color and sizing options. Dryshod is known for dependability and durability and this shoe should withstand the test of time and hours spent walking.
Best Turkey Hunting Boots
Dryshod Southland – (Click to Shop from $174)
The Dryshod Men’s Southland Warm Weather Waterproof Camo Rubber Hunting Boot is specifically engineered for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who demand both comfort and performance in warmer climates. These boots are meticulously designed with a focus on breathability and moisture management, essential for maintaining comfort during long periods of activity in warm weather. The boots feature a durable, 100% waterproof rubber exterior, ensuring that feet stay dry even in wet conditions. The camouflage pattern is practical for blending into natural surroundings, making it an ideal choice for turkey hunters or all hunters alike. Inside, the boot is lined with a lightweight, moisture-wicking material that keeps feet cool and dry. The boots also boast a DS1 molded outsole, which provides excellent traction and stability on various terrains, from wetlands to rocky paths. The reinforced tuck board with rigid shanks adds to the stability and support, making these boots not just comfortable but also protective for the feet and ankles. Overall, the Dryshod Men’s Southland Warm Weather Waterproof Camo Rubber Hunting Boot is a top-tier choice for those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and efficient boot for their warmer-weather outdoor activities.
Best Upland Hunting Boots:
Rocky Men’s Upland Hiking Boot – (Click to Shop from $140)
Designed for the serious upland hunter, these boots combine durability, comfort, and practical design. They are crafted from high-grade materials, featuring a robust full-grain leather upper that offers exceptional durability and protection in rugged terrains. The boots are also equipped with a waterproof layer, ensuring feet stay dry in wet conditions, a crucial feature for hunters traversing through dew-covered fields or shallow streams. Comfort is another standout feature, with a cushioned footbed and supportive midsole that provide all-day comfort, reducing foot fatigue during long hunting trips. The outsole of the Rocky Upland Hunting Boots is designed for traction and stability, with a pattern that grips well in a variety of terrains, from rocky outcrops to loose soil. Additionally, the classic design of these boots, combined with their practical features, makes them versatile for both hunting and casual outdoor activities. Overall, the Rocky Men’s Upland Hunting Boots are a reliable choice for hunters who need footwear that can withstand the demands of upland hunting while providing comfort and protection.
Best Boots and for snaky terrain (unisex):
Rocky Prolight Hunting Waterproof Snake Boot – (Click to Shop from $167)
Snake boots are more of an issue in the southern part of the country, but these boots prove useful anywhere across the nation.
The Rocky Prolight Hunting Waterproof Snake Boot is designed for unisex wear. It spans sizes from 4 to 15, medium or wide. (You need to read the size chart to determine men’s sizes, because that’s how Rocky sizes these boots). These boots have 16-inch uppers. Unlike some snake boots, they’re made in lace-up style, which is nice if you prefer to keep your boots secure and keep out more than just snakes.
Mine (female) have served me well in numerous states and have proven to be the correct height for blocking any snakes that are froggy enough to try striking as you walk by. (The worst you might feel from that is a quick bump as they bounce off the boot.) This aspect is especially useful in Texas, where seeing venomous snakes is never a surprise and is always expected. So, when it’s prime snake time, you want these boots.
These boots utilize Rocky’s waterproof system. It’s one that remains breathable, so the boots are able to resist mud and rain, keeping your feet dry. They’re constructed from full-grain leather and nylon, and they have a polyurethane and rubber outsole. With a total weight of about 1.5 pounds, they’re really not excessively bulky, especially when you consider their height. These aren’t awkward or uncomfortable snake boots, either. Do your legs get hot with these? I’d say yes, but not ridiculously so, and that is a small price to pay for protection from our fanged friends. Rocky gives these boots a Mossy Oak Break Up camo outer layer to help them blend in and uses tan leather over the stress points.
Best Elk Hunting Boots:
Danner Pronghorn (Click to Shop from $289)
The Danner Pronghorn boot is produced in men’s sizes, but I’ve found that the sizing works just fine for women, too. That’s not something you can say about all boots, since women do tend to have narrower feet.
These boots are considered the foundation of the company’s hunting boot line-up. They are now in their fifth iteration, which is impressive. Danner Pronghorns are made to keep you comfortable and stable during your hunt—both important elements. These boots are great for deer hunts and any hunt that involves light to moderate hiking. Their 400-gram boots with a GORE-TEX waterproof liner.
Their eight-inch, full-grain leather upper is resistant to wear and also delivers fantastic longevity. The 400-gram PrimaLoft insulation helps keep your feet from getting excessively cold without being too much for warmer weather. These boots also have a Realtree Edge camo pattern, so the colors are great for most terrain. A Vibram midsole cushions feet during the hiking portion of hunts and a TERRA FORCE NEXT platform gives users solid arch support. Danner Pronghorns are excellent boots for chase hunts, whether you’re chasing feral hogs, whitetail deer, elk, or turkeys. These are the kind of boots that will have you wanting to buy multiple pairs (believe me).
Best Hunting Boots Under $100:
Rocky Core Comfort 8″ 800G Insulated Boot – (Click to Shop from $92)
The Rocky Core Comfort 8″ Insulated Boot is designed to provide exceptional durability and comfort for outdoor enthusiasts. Engineered with a sturdy 8-inch height, it offers ample ankle support and protection in rough terrains. The boot features a robust outer material that resists wear and tear, ensuring longevity even in the most challenging outdoor conditions. Its core comfort technology is a standout, incorporating an insulated lining that keeps feet warm in cold environments and moisture out with its waterproof construction. This insulation is not just for warmth; it also contributes to the overall comfort of the boot, making it suitable for long hours of wear. The boot’s outsole is crafted for superior traction, providing stability on slippery or uneven surfaces. Additionally, its cushioned insole is designed to absorb impact, reducing foot fatigue and enhancing the comfort level during prolonged use. The Rocky Core Comfort 8″ Insulated Boot is an ideal choice for hikers, hunters, and outdoor workers who demand a blend of comfort, warmth, and ruggedness in their footwear.
Best everyday wear hunting boot:
Lacrosse AlphaTerra (Click to Shop From $95)
It’s a tossup whether to list the massive benefits of Lacrosse’s muck boots or focus on the AlphaTerra, because this is a company that produces some wonderful mud boots.
We’re focusing on the AlphaTerra because these are the ankle-height boots that should literally live in your truck or by the back door. Who among us hasn’t decided to go on a hunt at the last minute, or forgotten their favorite hunting boots at home? Lacrosse AlphaTerras come in men’s and women’s sizes. The women’s version is currently only offered in black and white. If you’re a woman who wants camo or boots that don’t have high-visibility strips of white, you may want to stick to men’s sizes.
The Mossy Oak Bottomland-patterned AlphaTerra has a six-inch height. It’s a one-piece, pull-on boot with no laces or buckles, although it does have a zipper closure on the side. They’re made from rubber and insulated neoprene with an EVA midsole. They offer stellar water protection (as long as you remember their shorter height). These boots also make wonderful transition boots between a muddy field and home, or from a hunt to your kid’s soccer practice. They’re comfortable enough to wear just about anywhere and they are also a lot easier to clean than many other boots. For those of us who have a tendency to wear hunting boots more often than not, the Lacrosse AlphaTerra is a nice option that doesn’t quite scream, “I’d rather be in the woods,” and manages to look and serve as a functional, useful shorter boot.
These boots can be worn hunting, hiking, out, doing chores, walking the dogs, or just simply having a beer in the garage. The only places these boots can’t be worn are extreme cold- and high-water conditions as the neoprene will let in water.
Best Hunting Boots for Muddy Terrain:
Frogg Toggs Ridge Buster Mud Boot (Click to Shop from $119)
The Frogg Toggs Ridge Buster Mud Boot makes the list for best muddy terrain but could almost make it for its cold weather applications as well (depending on which Thinsulate you choose on the 600/1200 options). Although it’s a higher boot it boasts all day comfort and has the option as mentioned above to be a warm boot (1200g thinsulate) or a breathable boot (600g thinsulate) for the springtime mud hunts.
These boots come available in Mossy Oak, RealTree Edge, Brown, and RealTree Timber. There are available options as a Mud Boot, a Knee Boot, and a Lite Mid Boot. and they make both men and women’s models. Frogg Toggs is a brand you can trust with excellent customer service and response should you need it. Their boots are durable, dependable, and made for most any conditions – including fishing boots as well!
Customizing Your Boots:
If you feel that the style of your hunting boots is a bit monotonous and you want to revamp them, embroidered patches are a great option that you can use to revamp your hunting boots. You can select your favorite style and customize it yourself. Using embroidered patches to remodel your hunting boots can make them look even better.
You can customize hunting, outdoor sports themed embroidered patches to decorate. Embroidered patches with different themes will give you a different look and feel. Using embroidery patches to remodel your hunting boots brings you a different kind of remodeling fun.
In conclusion, selecting the right pair of hunting boots is crucial for any outdoor enthusiast. The best hunting boots combine durability, comfort, waterproofing, and insulation to suit various terrains and weather conditions. It’s essential to choose a boot that not only protects and supports your feet but also enhances your hunting experience by allowing you to move stealthily and remain comfortable during long hours in the wilderness. Whether you’re trekking through wet marshlands or rugged mountainous terrain, investing in a high-quality pair of hunting boots is a decision that pays dividends in both performance and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Remember, your hunting boots are more than just footwear; they are a crucial tool that can significantly impact the success and enjoyment of your hunting adventures.
