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Best Turkey Hunting Boots on the Market Today

By Updated:14 Mins Read
best turkey hunting boots

Turkey hunters looking for new boots to protect their feet this turkey hunting season have several new, and some unique, options to choose from.

To pick the best boots for turkey hunting is difficult with terrain, weather conditions, hunting style and the presence of venomous reptiles varying across North America. The newest introductions of boots for turkey hunters introduced at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s convention offer something to satisfy everyone no matter what situation you turkey hunt in.

Here is a list of the best turkey hunting boots for multiple situations and preferences this turkey season:

Best Overall Turkey Hunting Boots (Lace Up): Danner Pronghorn (Click to Shop)

When it comes to lace-up boots for turkey hunting, the Danner Pronghorn is hard to beat. This boot is on its fifth generation, being improved five times over the past two decades. Danner boots are worn by the military, police and others who have boots on their feet day after day, year-round. This is a testament to the comfort and durability of these boots.

Pros

  • Proven design
  • Good support and comfort with aggressive tread
  • Gore-Tex lining for waterproof
  • Leather with Realtree camouflage trim
  • Available in various insulation levels

Cons

  • The uninsulated boot isn’t available in camouflage

Where to Buy:

-Last seen at Amazon for $279, limited options at Scheel’s for $269

Best Pull-On Turkey Hunting Boots: Lacrosse Venom 2 Wellington (Click to Shop)

LaCrosse’s upgrade to its Venom line, the Venom II Wellington, is a pull-on style waterproof boot. Constructed of leather with a 900 Denier nylon upper, this boot has a Dry-Core lining to let moisture escape from the inside but not let water in. The boot is finished in NWTF Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage. The knee-high boots have Snake Guard all the way around. This flexible material, which is lightweight yet impenetrable to snakes, is inserted in between the liner and outer of the boot. LaCrosse tests it’s snake boots by having a latex balloon inserted in the boot and encouraging snakes to strike at the boot. Any penetration would pop the balloon.

Pros

  • Proven Snake Guard technology verified by a third-party lab through a vigorous process.
  • Knee high to cover the most common snake strike areas.
  • Mossy Oak NWTF Obsession is designed to blend into the spring woods.

Where to Buy:

Lightest Turkey Hunting Boots: Lite Boots 16″ Classic (Click to Shop)

The company is called Lite Boots because that’s what their product is. Lite boots are made from EVA foam and the 16-inch boot is a perfect turkey hunting boot.

The injection molded, one piece boot won’t leak as there are no seams to wear or crack with age. Lite boots are good for a wide variation of temperatures, being rated from 10 to 80˚ Fahrenheit. As for comfort, I was told Lite Boots were like wearing Crocs with bumps in the bottom, and that is how they felt to me. Like Crocs, Lite Boots fit better with wear. These are the lightest 16-inch boots I have seen.

Pros

  • Light weight
  • One-piece construction won’t come apart.
  • Wide temperature rating
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not good for rocky terrain
  • Not as much ankle support

Where to buy:

Best Turkey Hunting Snake Boots: Irish Setter New Turkey Boot (coming in May)

Irish Setter’s new Terrain snake boots hit store shelves in May, and quickly became one of the best snake boots on the market. Based on the company’s proven Terrain line of boots with a combination of leather and nylon, this waterproof lace-up boot uses Irish Setter’s Ultra-Dray waterproofing system. It comes in Mossy Oak Obsession to make it ideal for turkey hunters. The EnerG sole brings athletic shoe technology gives a burst of energy with each step. Cushin Comfort tongue technology is designed to minimize pressure on the shin and there is four-way stretch for added comfort.

The Irish Setter Terrain uses the company’s SnakeGuard technology to keep snake fangs and thorns from penetrating. This is a non-woven material that is combined with leather to provide toughness. On top of the other features, the Terrain boots has ScentBan to kill bacteria that cause odours.

Pros

  • Uses the last technology
  • Waterproof
  • Scent control
  • Various comfort technologies to make boot more comfortable
  • Reasonable price for all these features

Cons

  • Without side zippers more difficult to put on and take off

Where to buy:

Best Rubber Turkey Hunting Boots: Chene Gear Light Zippered Knee Boot (Click to Shop)

Chene is turning heads with its premium waders and boots. The Light Zippered Knee Boot is promoted as the ultimate run and gun boot due to its light weight. The rubber outer boot has an air mesh liner on the inside to trap sweat and allow it to escape over time. Chene claims these boots are a pound lighter per boot than competitors. Turkey hunters who are regularly crossing ditches should look at Chene’s Slough Boot with gaiters that come up to the knees.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Zipper allows ease of putting on and taking off
  • Designed to capture sweat and keep feet cooler
  • Extra inner soles allow custom fitting
  • Available in Mossy Oak’s Bottomlands and Greenleaf and solid colors

Buy it online from chenegear.com for $200.

Best Turkey Hunting Boots for the Price: Muddy Outdoors (coming in May)

Best Turkey Hunting Hiking Boots: Lowa Renegate GTX Mid Hiking Boot (Click to Shop)

There are times when hiking boots are the preference for turkey hunting. This can include later season, mountainous terrain and evenly-tilled fields. It’s hard to go wrong with Lowa boots. This German company recently celebrated a century in business and has been a standard for mountain climbing. The Renegade GTX Mid is one the company’s flag ship lines and I have been wearing mine longer than any past hiking boot.

Pros

  • Proven line
  • Gore-Tex liner for waterproof and breathability
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Solid construction to support the foot.

Cons

  • Not available in camouflage
  • Lower height

Where to buy:

Best Women’s Turkey Hunting Boot: Muck Boot Fieldblazer (Click to Shop)

Muck has become a favorite for hunters looking for a rubber/neoprene boot. The new Women’s Mossy Oak Country DNA Fieldblazer tall is a consideration made to fit female hunters. It offers the comfort and durability that Muck is known for, plus a few extras for hunters. Besides the Mossy Oak camouflage, these boots have a blaze orange lining that rolls down while travelling to turkey hunting spots. These are the only boots for turkey hunting that offer this and earns it a best boot for turkey hunting for women. It also features a bioDEWIX foot bed for odour and moisture control.

Pros

  • Offered in both women’s and men’s models
  • Has blaze orange lining that can be rolled out for walking to turkey spots for safety
  • 15-inch height
  • Proven comfort and durability that Muck is known for.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Boot:

The first consideration when choosing a pair of turkey hunting boots is looking at the terrain where hunting will take place. In most cases, even if it’s a dry day, turkey hunters are out first thing in the morning when there is still dew on the grass. This means waterproof boots is a necessity, even for fair weather hunters.

Color is another factor turkey hunters should be mindful of. One of the turkey hunting tips that will always stick with me is Al Stewart, a turkey hunter and retired upland game biologist from Michigan who likely trapped more turkeys than anyone else, told me even bright colors on crests on hats can be spotted by turkeys. With that in mind, I believe camouflage boots are a must. Some brown or green trim is fine, but why not choose camouflage if it’s available?

Insulation is another factor. Many boot lines come in uninsulated for warmer temperatures and varying degrees of insulation for cooler temperatures. This is a tough one I often wrestle with as mornings near the freezing point aren’t uncommon in turkey season, but temperatures can warm up in a hurry. There are other cases, particularly in the north or western mountains, where cooler temperatures can prevail.

Tread and ankle support should be another consideration. For instance, those hunting sandy soil agriculture fields might not think they need a lot of tread. But, travel a few miles from a sandy field and clay can take over. Anyone who has hiked out through a clay field after it rains knows how slick it can be and appreciates every bit of tread on their boots. Obviously, those who hunt in rocky terrain know they need more tread. Don’t forget about ankle support either. Hiking across uneven rocks, or even the forementioned clay field, needs support from the boot to make walking easier and lessen the chance of a twisted ankle.

Those who are hunting in areas with venomous snakes should look at snake boots. Some shrug it off, saying they always see snakes before they would step on them, or never see them at all despite being in their known territory. All it takes is one snake bite and the unpleasant hospital stay that could accompany it to wish snake boots were worn. Snake boots with zippers on the side make putting boots on and taking off knew-high boots easier.

The old stand-bys for turkey hunting boots include LaCrosse, Danner, Irish Setter and Muck. There are some line additions from two of the three of these for 2024, both as very different snake boots. There are also some very different products from smaller companies that fill a void. Those crossing ditches to get to turkey hunting grounds off the beaten path should look at the latest from Chene.

Turkey hunters don’t always give enough consideration to their boots, but they should as boots keep their feet dry, provide shock absorption for the rest of the body and are the grip when walking across rough terrain. A top quality turkey hunting boot can literally make or break a long hunt.

The latest introductions in turkey hunting boots fill some niches that were open and also offer some refinements of existing technology used by the industry stalwarts.

FAQ’s

1. What makes a good turkey hunting boot?

A good turkey hunting boot should be waterproof, provide excellent traction, and offer sufficient support for your ankles. Given that turkey hunting can involve long walks through various terrains and conditions (such as woods, fields, and wet areas), your boots should also be durable and comfortable for extended wear. Breathability is another factor to consider, especially for hunting in warmer conditions.

2. Are waterproof boots necessary for turkey hunting?

Yes, waterproof boots are highly recommended for turkey hunting. Morning dew, rain, or crossing small streams can be common, and wet feet can lead to discomfort and potentially end your hunt early. Waterproof boots ensure that your feet stay dry, allowing you to focus on the hunt.

3. How important is boot insulation for turkey hunting?

Boot insulation depends on the weather conditions you’ll be hunting in. For early season turkey hunting, where temperatures can be warmer, you might prefer boots with little to no insulation. However, for late-season hunting in colder conditions, boots with insulation (200-800 grams) can keep your feet warm and comfortable.

4. Should turkey hunting boots be camouflaged?

Camouflage can be beneficial but isn’t always necessary. While full camo gear helps you blend into your surroundings, the movement is more likely to give away your position than the color of your boots. However, many hunters prefer camouflaged boots for a complete concealment strategy.

5. How do I choose the right size turkey hunting boot?

Choosing the right size involves considering both length and width for a comfortable fit. Remember, you might be wearing thicker socks than usual, so trying on boots with those socks is wise. Some hunters prefer boots a half size larger to accommodate thicker socks and to ensure there’s enough room for toe movement, reducing the chance of blisters.

6. What kind of traction should turkey hunting boots have?

Look for boots with deep, aggressive tread patterns. Turkey hunting can involve traversing muddy, slippery, or uneven terrains, so your boots should offer excellent grip to prevent falls and maintain stability.

7. How do I take care of my turkey hunting boots?

Proper care extends the life of your boots. Clean mud and debris off your boots after each hunt. Allow them to dry naturally away from direct heat sources. Treat leather boots with a conditioner to keep the material supple and waterproof. Store your boots in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and cracking.

While there are many quality brands out there, some popular ones among turkey hunters include Irish Setter, Danner, LaCrosse, and Muck Boot. These brands offer various models tailored to hunting needs, including waterproofing, insulation, and camo patterns.

9. Can I use hiking boots for turkey hunting?

Hiking boots can be used for turkey hunting, especially if they meet the essential criteria: waterproof, good traction, and comfortable for long treks. However, specialized turkey hunting boots might offer additional features like snake protection or better camouflage.

10. What’s the difference between men’s and women’s turkey hunting boots?

The primary difference is often in sizing and fit, as women’s boots are designed to accommodate the typical contours and size range of women’s feet. Some brands also offer women-specific features for comfort and support. It’s important to choose a boot that fits well, regardless of the gender designation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best turkey hunting boots is crucial for ensuring a successful, comfortable, and safe hunting experience. Throughout this article, we have discussed various factors such as waterproofing, durability, comfort, and camouflage, all of which are vital in choosing a pair of boots that will stand up to the challenges of turkey hunting. The right boots not only protect your feet from the elements but also enhance your stealth and mobility in the field. While personal preferences and specific hunting conditions will ultimately guide your choice, investing in a high-quality pair of turkey hunting boots is an investment in your hunting success and enjoyment. Remember, the best turkey hunting boot is the one that best meets your individual needs, keeping your feet dry, comfortable, and ready to tread quietly on any hunting adventure.

Continue to gear up for turkey season with our best of content for 2024:

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Jeff is a passionate outdoorsman who enjoys hunting with his family in Southwestern Ontario, and beyond. Jeff looks forward to turkey hunting each spring, and then switches to fishing with his family for perch, walleye and bass in the summer. In the fall, Jeff is busy chasing whitetails, waterfowl, fall turkeys and moose when he isn’t working or pheasant hunting with his English cocker spaniel.

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