The Best Hunting Boots 2016 & How To Buy The Right One
Hunting boots are invaluable to any outdoor expedition, including simply hiking or trekking. The best use for these boots is obviously for hunting where their features come in most handy.
The best hunting boots are application oriented, meaning they are supposed to be more practical than aesthetic. While some of the boot products we review below may look good, our primary focus is on their use in the wild.
The idea of hunting boots goes back several millions of years when we started to leave caves and explore beyond the zones we considered familiar. With new challenges and terrain came fresh survival requirements, and a hunter with sore feet is not agile.
That said, your entire hunting experience (as hunters across the millennia would agree) depends on how comfortable your legs (especially lower legs; below the knee) are throughout the hunt.
If you can stay on your feet for hours and not experience damp, chafing, stress, aches, or cramps, you will make a much better hunter.
Choosing the right hunting boots should be based on material, durability, what it provides in general, and if those features match your specific hunting requirements. We will cover this and more in detail in this guide.
Top 5 Best Hunting Boots On The Market
These handpicked products are the best on the market today. See if one of these is right up your alley, and base your judgment on practical points while also considering the disadvantages.
PRODUCT | QUALITY | PRICE | OUR RATING | Buy It Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LaCrosse Men's Venom Scent APG HD Snake Boot | A | $$$ | ||
Bogs Men's Classic High Camo Winter Snow Boot | A | $$$ | ||
LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18” Hunting Boot | A | $$$ | ||
Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8 Inch Boot | A | $$$ | ||
The Original MuckBoots Women's Woody Max Outdoor Boot | A | $$$ |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
LaCrosse Men's Venom Scent APG HD Snake Boot
Via Amazon.com
Here are some of the main features on the LaCrosse Men's Venom Scent APG.
- Materials: leather and fabric
- Snake bite protection; 360-degree
- Rubberized sole
- 18-inch shaft
Benefits:
With strong rubberized soles and a design made of leather and fabric, you can expect long-term use and high durability ratings with this pair.
The 18-inch shaft goes all the way up to the knee. You can easily slip into and out of these boots thanks to a zipper design running along the side.
Waterproofing comes in the form of a dry core lining that also cuts odor accumulation. Hydra technology is responsible for total waterproofing.
The price is in the affordable range, especially considering all the features and high-end material and design incorporated into these boots. Their ultimate feature is snake bite protection.
Who Can Use It
Hunters who know their terrain is going to have venomous or even non-venomous snakes will certainly appreciate the protection these boots bring.
This includes damp or muddy zones, tropical ones too, where snakes are aplenty in the underbrush. If you like a good looking boot that is also waterproof and designed as a snake guard, these are the ones for you.
How It Helps
The rubber soles are great and provide ideal grip on otherwise uneven or slippery ground. The 1” platform and 2” heel make a thick sole indeed. Quality and durability find the definition in the fabric and leather going into these boots.
You get 360-degree snake bite protection. Often you may not even feel one of them land the bite, the thick material is as comfortable as it is tough.
All this helps you stay more focused on the hunt. The only disadvantage is that the waterproofing potential is not long lasting; after a while, damp can enter and result in humid boot interiors.
2. Bogs Men's Classic High Camo Winter Snow Boot
Via Amazon.com
Here are some of the main features on the Bogs Men's Classic High Camo Winter.
- 14-inch shaft, long and highly protective
- Sole is rubberized and so is the boot itself
- Perfect for winter and snowy terrain; deep puddles and muddy pastures included
- Can protect in cold weather up to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit
- Completely waterproof
- Moisture-wicking sock liner; removable
Benefits
The wonderfully camouflaged pattern on these boots merges with forest or snow-filled terrain. The 14” shaft protects your lower leg from sundry ground level hazards. Especially non-slip in nature, the rubber sole is great for use in slip-worthy terrain like snow.
The waterproof design is sure to come in handy. The 4-way stretch inner bootie render these boots quite flexible for hunters. Great for cold weather use; can safeguard up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Who Can Use It
Hunters seeking the perfect pair of boots for use in snowy or other unreliable terrains will find these a great fit in more ways than one.
If you desire good camouflage (classic mossy oak) and boots that are not subject to water leakage or heat accumulation, these are superb selections, they come specially designed to fight these problems.
They also battle odors (anti-microbial insoles), which can prove advantageous when hunting big game.
How It Helps
The Neoprene material in the upper portion of the boots ensures waterproofing and flexibility. There is no odor at all, thanks to moisture-wicking sock liners that can be removed. There is very little heat accumulation.
An internal shank provides outstanding lower leg support for those hunters who spend long hours in the wilderness. You merely slip into and out of these boots; convenient.
Keeps mud, snow, and damp out thanks to high uppers. Downsides: no snake bite protection, no dedicated external toe safeguard, humid interiors after prolonged hunting session, not a good fit for those with wide feet.
3. LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18” Hunting Boot
Via Amazon.com
Here are some of the main features on the LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18”.
- Material: leather; durable, long lasting
- EVA midsole; cushioned for added comfort, good shock absorption
- 16-inch shaft; up to knee; ideal protection
- Embossed Neoprene liner; keeps feet cool and comfortable by promoting air circulation
- Waterproof
- Snake bite safeguards
- Adjustable upper buckles
Benefits
Having cold wet feet is a big no-no for hunters, and these boots prevent that scenario altogether.
Outstanding for use during winter and autumn. Made of naturally insulating Neoprene, you can appreciate the odor-free properties of these boots. A thickly cushioned EVA midsole with shock absorption features ensures long-term hunting in any terrain.
A rear gusset makes for superb fit capabilities and lower leg comfort. Better air circulation inside the boot, thanks to an innovative Neoprene liner. It also offers snake bite protection.
Who Can Use It
Hunters with not so sturdy legs need all the help they can get to keep up with the hunt. These boots come designed with a thick EVA midsole that works magic on your soles.
You can be on your feet for longer. Those who desire a reliable pair of boots for any terrain, especially challenging ones, will like what this pair brings to the trail.
How It Helps
A combination of naturally insulating Neoprene and quality rubber (scent-free) makes for some of the most efficient hunting you can manage; amateur and professional alike.
Animals cannot pick up the scent of these boots. Also, good air circulation ensures no odor accumulation inside the boot space. Whatever the terrain, the soles are crafted to rise to the challenge.
With two rubber sheet layers at the in-step and three in the toe guard and heel, snake bite protection just got an upgrade. No water enters the boot. Downsides: does not fit all foot sizes.
4. Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8 Inch Boot
Via Amazon.com
Here are some of the main features on the Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek.
- Synthetic imported material
- Rubberized sole; extra grip
- Waterproof (UltraDry system)
- Odor control (ScentBan)
- 7 inches from arch to ankle
Benefits
This ankle-length hunting boot is perfect for early season game hunting. RPM technology has seriously made these ones of the most lightweight boots on the market (40% lighter than traditional pairs).
They work well in terrain with snow, water, and/or mud. The soles provide ideal balance and traction. Specialized outsoles help keep mud, snow, and dirt from entering the boot.
Who Can Use It
Any hunter looking for supreme comfort in boots that are only ankle-high and not all the way up to the knees will adore what this pair can do for them. They stay quite dry and emit no scent, two more traits hunters will love to see in outdoor gear.
Amazing waterproofing for those who demand this in hunting boots not to mention their usefulness in tough terrain. These are one of the best hunting boots with the ankle-length design.
How It Helps
As mentioned earlier, these boots bring superior comfort and non-scent material. The scent ban material on the footrest, linings, and leather add to the excellence; unnoticeable in the brush.
This is also one of the lightest boots available today. Rubber and nylon, artfully woven and layered into the design, enable the UltraDry technology to work their waterproofing magic, this includes outsoles.
Abrasions, cuts, and snags do not affect the material; high durability quotient. You have a convenient snug buckle and strap closure. There is moisture-wicking sock liner on the inside.
Thick insoles serve as cushions and allow you to stay on your feet for longer. Downsides: average air flow and ventilation, heat accumulation despite the absorbent insole insert.
5. The Original MuckBoots Women's Woody Max Outdoor Boot
Via Amazon.com
Here are some of the main features on the Original MuckBoots Women's Woody Max.
- Rubberized sole
- 13-inch protective shaft from arch to knee
- Designed as a pull-on boot
- Camouflage pattern on the shaft
- Ideal for slender legs and feet
- Waterproof
Benefits
The mossy oak break-up camo design is a gorgeous way to join the hunt and stay hidden from game. Made especially for women’s feet, these boots bring marked comfort for all-day hunting expeditions. It safeguards against cold as well as hot temperatures; -40 F to 60 F.
The Achilles overlay in the heel area offers remarkable support for long hunting treks in wooded country. They also fit around a wide calf. The flex foam and rubber sole additions offer high comfort and flexibility.
Who Can Use It
Women and even men with slender legs or small feet will enjoy these boots. They are not overly large-set but at the same time they bring superior comfort and protection on a par with so-called ‘tougher’ hunting boots. These are the best hunting boots for women.
How It Helps
In addition to breathable air-mesh linings, you also get noteworthy comfort padding, abrasion-resistant outsoles, and full waterproofing.
These boots are also great for warm weather where they protect from over-heat accumulation, and their cold weather safeguarding is just as great; they keep the interior manageable despite large temperature fluctuations.
The sole treads are quite deep and provide amazing traction on terrain as tricky as snow and ice, even mud and streams. It retains good warmth without resulting in humid conditions; this enhances comfort.
FlexFit technology promotes mobility on any terrain. The soles stay comfortable even when you are carrying slightly heavy loads.
Downsides: when passing through water you need to apply water repellent, it is not 100% waterproof, maintenance is high and these boots need sealer twice a year, foot waterproofing is bad despite the Gore-Tex liner.
Compare
Product Name | Size | Materials | Features | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LaCrosse Men's Venom Scent APG HD Snake Boot
Amazon.com | 18-inch shaft | Materials: leather and fabric | Snake bite protection; 360-degree | Hunters who know their terrain is going to have venomous or even non-venomous snakes will certainly appreciate the protection these boots bring. |
Bogs Men's Classic High Camo Winter Snow Boot 
Amazon.com | 14-inch shaft, long and highly protective | Sole is rubberized and so is the boot itself | Perfect for winter and snowy terrain; deep puddles and muddy pastures included Can protect in cold weather up to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit Completely waterproof Moisture-wicking sock liner; removable |
|
LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18” Hunting Boot
Amazon.com | 16-inch shaft; up to knee; ideal protection | Leather; durable, long lasting | EVA midsole; cushioned for added comfort, good shock absorption Embossed Neoprene liner; keeps feet cool and comfortable by promoting air circulation Waterproof Snake bite safeguards Adjustable upper buckles | Hunters with not so sturdy legs need all the help they can get to keep up with the hunt. |
Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8 Inch Boot 
Amazon.com | 7 inches from arch to ankle | Synthetic imported material | Rubberized sole; extra grip Waterproof (UltraDry system) Odor control (ScentBan) | Any hunter looking for supreme comfort in boots that are only ankle-high and not all the way up to the knees will adore what this pair can do for them. |
The Original MuckBoots Women's Woody Max Outdoor Boot 
Amazon.com | 13-inch protective shaft from arch to knee |
| Designed as a pull-on boot Camouflage pattern on the shaft Ideal for slender legs and feet Waterproof | Women and even men with slender legs or small feet will enjoy these boots. |
How To Pick The Best Hunting Boots
While we are tempted to play-tease and say ‘go to store, buy the right hunting boots, and purchase’, we feel a little more elegance is called for in this part of our buying guide.
- Check the material. There are rubber and leather options, with fabric interweaves. Can you maintain it? Do you know how to clean and dry it properly? Are you comfortable in it?
- The price tag, while important, should not necessarily be a deciding factor. What if there are better boots that bring exactly what you need, and all that you need, on the hunt? Those extra dollars become an investment not a waste.
- Ask, consult, and question. Even if you feel you are being a nuisance, you are the customer. Ask representatives online or at the store, all you need to know about the hunting boots you want.
Do your own homework and take those questions with you. You will save money, time, and disappointment, which is worth those few minutes of embarrassment.
Tips For Using Hunting Boots
Here are some smart tips for hunting boot usage.
- To maintain the best hunting boots in the group, cleanliness is paramount.Clean and dry them aptly.
- Clean your boots only after the hunt, never during it.
- Wear them an hour before hunting. Give you time to break them in even if you have used these boots before. You will notice discomfort sooner and resolve the issue at home before entering the wild.
- Always buy hunting boots based on need and not looks. Only hard practical features are going to be of any real use in the wilderness.
- Take them to the manufacturer or a competent boot repair center once every month. You can get repairs done on time, especially snake bite damage, abrasions, and so on.
There are other ideas, but we have shortlisted the most relied on points when it comes to hunting boots.
FAQs
1. How well do they cover the lower leg / foot?
The lining in the uppers ensures a comfortable cinch. The shaft stretches from archway to ankle or archway to knee; depending on boot design.
2. Will leather be affected in any way?
Patches and water spots are a possibility. Maintain leather hunting boots, keep them clean.
3. Can these boots be used outside of hunting?
If they come designed to keep your feet warm and safeguard them from extreme cold, you can indeed use them to help at such times.
4. Will they work on all terrain?
Not every hunting boot can. Buy the ones that suit the terrain and have features that explicitly say they are good on this or that terrain; snow, mud, stream, lake, ice, stone, etc.
Conclusion
Buying the best hunting boots is easier imagined than achieved. You need to suit the boot to the terrain or landscape in which you are about to hunt. These boots are outstanding innovations where comfort meets sophistication.
You gain tough features like snake bite protection, abrasion-resistant material, and non-slip sole grips. Hunting boots come equipped with waterproofing and protect your feet and legs from extreme temperatures.
All you need to do is set a budget and choose one of the best hunting boots for your purposes. They will last you decades with good maintenance and cleaning, and serve you admirably out in the wild.
My blog have more information about hunting boots.You can read more about hunting boots