Every seasoned hunter we know would agree that the wrong footwear can easily ruin the hunt. It doesn’t matter if your target is elk, hog, or duck. If your feet are wet and cold, you’ll quickly become miserable.
Not only will this kill the fun and excitement of the hunt, but it can also mess with your aim. That’s why you need some of the best hunting boots for your next trip into the wild.
There are lots of types of hunting, and just as many types of hunting boots…
So, how do you find the perfect pair for you? That’s where we come in; we’ve done the research, and here are the results in our review of the best 10 men’s hunting boots currently on the market, plus our useful buying guide.
Let us help you find the right fit for your feet so that you can spend more time practicing your aim and sharpening your skinning knife.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Hunting Boots Reviews
- 1.1 1 Lacrosse Men’s Atlas 8″ Hunting Boot – Most Comfortable Hunting Boot
- 1.2 2 Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hiking Boot – Warmest Hunting Boot
- 1.3 3 Kenetrek Everstep Orthopedic Non-Insulated Boot – Most Durable Hunting Boot
- 1.4 4 Irish Setter Men’s 808 Wingshooter Hunting Boot – Best Fowl Hunting Boot
- 1.5 5 XTRATUF Legacy Series 15″ Neoprene Men’s Fishing Boots – Best Hunting and Fishing Boot
- 1.6 6 Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot – Best Winter Hunting Boot
- 1.7 7 Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8″ Gore-Tex Hunting Shoe – Best Waterproof Hunting Boot
- 1.8 8 LaCrosse Men’s 4xAlpha 16″ Waterproof Hunting Snake Boot – Best Budget Hunting Boot
- 1.9 9 Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boot – Best All Purpose Boot
- 1.10 10 Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Hunting Boot – Best Big Game Hunting Boot
- 2 Best Hunting Boots Buying Guide
- 3 So, what are the Best Hunting Boots?
Top 10 Best Hunting Boots Reviews
1 Lacrosse Men’s Atlas 8″ Hunting Boot – Most Comfortable Hunting Boot
If your upcoming hunt is going to require some trekking, you’ll want to ensure your boots provide two things. Your feet need to be kept dry, and they’ll need to be protected from all forms of injury. This is why we like the Men’s Atlas Hunting Boot from Lacrosse.
What happens when rubber meets leather?
The Atlas 8” Hunting Boot features a rubber sole and a Nubuck leather upper. This provides you with a lightweight and abrasion resistant material that is truly tough. The sticky rubber compound used for the sole is called LaCrosse Grip LXG. This stuff is rather amazing and provides excellent traction in any environment. The InfiniTrac lugs are designed to adapt to the ground you cover.
This means you’ll have great traction no matter where you are. You’ll also have excellent support thanks to the DuraFit rubber heel cup. This locks the ankle into place for increased stability.
And we’re just getting started…
To make the fit even better, Lacrosse also fitted the Atlas Hunting Boots with metal eyelets. There are also metal open hooks to help you achieve that nice tight fit.
We also like the molded rubber toe cap for the protection it provides. Like the heel cup that extends extra high, this is abrasion resistant and keeps your feet protected on uneven or broken ground. Your feet are also protected from water thanks to the Dry-Core 100% waterproof lining. So, can you see why this is one of the best leather hunting boots for the price?
But wait, we’re still not finished here…
You will also want your boots to provide you with a comfortable footbed mile after mile. That’s why these boots have an EVA rubberized midsole for shock absorption. This keeps you going by providing you with a cushioned midsole.
There is also a molded PU footed that is both lightweight and highly durable. Together these provide you with some of the most comfortable hunting boots for the price.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- DuraFit rubber heel cup.
- InfiniTrac lug pattern.
- 100% waterproof Dry-Core lining.
- LXG outsole compound.
- Durable rubberized EVA midsole.
- Lightweight molded PU footbed.
Cons
- The unique lug design may take some getting used to.
2 Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hiking Boot – Warmest Hunting Boot
If you’re heading into the mountains after some cold weather game, then your priorities may shift slightly. You’ll still need that traction and support, and you obviously will still want dry feet.
But the Mountain Extreme Boots from Kenetrek take it one step further…
These boots feature both a Windtex waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry, and an insulation layer. With 400 grams of Thinsulate packed in, your toes will be nice and warm.
We think this is really important, especially when sat still in a blind. The ground is rather cold at certain times of the year. When that cold seeps into your toes, it can quickly work its way through the body.
But are they tuff?
That’s why we think these are some of the best insulated hunting boots for the price. The high 10” leather upper provides ultimate protection thanks to the full grain 2.8mm leather.
This has been triple stitched all the way through for increased durability. So, they’ll not only keep your feet dry and warm, but they are also built to last. This is also evident in the forged boot hardware that swivels rather than snapping. These are also corrosion resistant, which is a smart detail.
What about the sole?
These boots have a K-Talon Outsole that is extremely grippy and provides excellent traction. The 7mm nylon midsole gives your feet stability, but we really aren’t huge on the insole. It’s more a matter of the arch in your feet, so they may fit you better.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Windtex waterproof membrane.
- Custom K-Talon Outsole.
- 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation.
- 10” high leather upper.
- Reinforced rubber sole guard.
Cons
- Many buyers swap out the insole for greater arch support.
3 Kenetrek Everstep Orthopedic Non-Insulated Boot – Most Durable Hunting Boot
Another hand-made Italian boot from Kenetrek is their Everstep Orthopedic Boot. It’s a better option if you don’t require the warm insulation noted on the Mountain series reviewed above.
Is that the only difference?
No, but there are some similarities, like the 10” tall leather upper. This is still composed of the same 2.8mm full grain leather for comfort. And yes, it has the triple stitching employed on these boots for durability as well.
Additionally, the Everstep Boot features the Windtex waterproof membrane and the swiveling lace hardware noted above. So, it’s highly durable and designed to keep out the weather.
But what’s different about this model?
The Everstep features a 19° rocker bottom and lateral bar stabilizers. This has helped the boot to achieve an AFO classification for stability.
When you combine this with the K-Talon outsole traction, you get one hell of a boot. We think it’s one of the best non-insulated hunting boots for trekking in.
(5 / 5)Pros
- Windtex waterproof membrane.
- K-Talon Outsole traction.
- 19° rocker bottom.
- 10” high leather upper.
- 2.8mm full grain leather upper.
Cons
- Not the cheapest hunting boots we reviewed.
4 Irish Setter Men’s 808 Wingshooter Hunting Boot – Best Fowl Hunting Boot
One of the best upland hunting boots is made by Irish Setter. Their Men’s 808 Wingshooter is ideal for fowl hunting no matter the weather outside. We also think they are some of the best looking boots out there.
What makes these boots so good?
The 808 Wingshooter Boots are crafted from 100% leather, with a rubber sole for traction. The upper shaft is about 8.5 inches high when measured from the arch, making them ideal for keeping out debris.
They are also treated with an UltraDry Waterproof Technology. This, combined with the contrast-stitched moccasin toe, provides you with a super comfortable boot.
We like our boots to lace up tight…
Thankfully these boots feature speed-lace hardware towards the top and a large boot opening. This makes it fairly easy to get the boots off and on, even with their high neck.
In the end, we really like the white rubber Irish Setter sole on this Wingshooter Boot. We can see why this is the boot that made the brand famous, and we’d recommend them for your next pheasant hunt.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Crafted from 100% leather.
- White Irish Setter sole.
- UltraDry Waterproof Technology.
- Speed-lace hardware.
Cons
- Not the best boot sole for icy surfaces.
5 XTRATUF Legacy Series 15″ Neoprene Men’s Fishing Boots – Best Hunting and Fishing Boot
We wouldn’t go so far as to say there is one pair of boots we’d wear on any hunt. In fact, when it comes right down to it, sometimes you need something more akin to fishing boots. Luckily, Xtratuf makes the Legacy Series Neoprene Fishing Boots.
Are these the best fishing boots for the price?
Depending on your needs, these just might be the best water boots there are. They are constructed from triple-dipped latex neoprene for a completely waterproof boot. Actually, these are also ozone, acid, and chemical resistant as well.
Even better, the material is both lighter and softer than normal rubber. This makes them much more comfortable for long days in or around the water. We’d recommend the Legacy Series for fishing and hunting waterfowl.
You never know when the retriever might fail to comply…
If that were to happen, you’ll be thankful for the slip-resistant Chevron outsole. This gives you excellent traction on slippery surfaces.
We also like the moisture-wicking Breathe-O-Prene material the insole is made from. This absorbs shock and features an open cell breathable membrane that dries out quickly.
But wait, there’s more…
Even better, you can order these boots with a toe and heel guard. That is to say that the heel counter has been designed to secure the foot from sliding around.
The toe guard is either simple rubber, or you can order these with a steel toe. This is a great feature to protect your toes from the unexpected.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Triple-dipped latex construction.
- Breathe-O-Prene moisture-wicking insole.
- Waterproof and chemical-resistant.
- Steel toe guard available.
Cons
- Not built to the same standard as they once were.
6 Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot – Best Winter Hunting Boot
Next up in our Best Hunting Boots reviews, we have a pair from Muck Boots, another manufacturer of high-quality water boots for hunting. Their Mens’ Arctic Pro Hunting Boots are designed for hunting season in those colder environments. We think they are some of the best value hunting boots for winter.
What sets these apart from other options?
When it comes to simple pull-on hunting boots, there is a huge variation in comfort. These boots are made from 8mm neoprene, which makes them highly flexible. In fact, they adjust to the shape of your foot to minimize chafing and blisters.
It’s also highly waterproof, but this isn’t anything special for this style of boot. What is special is that these are Muck’s warmest boots.
What makes them so warm?
The Arctic Pro Hunting Boots are fleece lined and feature 2mm of thermal foam beneath the footbed. This provides an extra warm boot that is comfortable from -60 °F to 30 °F. If you’re not an American, that’s just stupid cold and translates to -50 °C to -1 °C.
To keep in the warmth, these boots have a stretch-fit Comfort Topline to seal the calf up. This also keeps out debris, which we like.
Durable and rugged…
Another feature worth noting is the aggressive Bob-Tracker outsole. This is rugged, durable, and provides an excellent grip on most surfaces.
(3 / 5)Pros
- Great for cold weather.
- Highly flexible 8mm Neoprene.
- 2mm thermal foam insulation.
- Adjust to your feet for comfort.
- Steel toe available.
Cons
- Difficult to take off for some people.
7 Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8″ Gore-Tex Hunting Shoe – Best Waterproof Hunting Boot
Some of the best Gore-Tex hunting boots are made by Danner. We really like their Men’s Pronghorn Gore-Tex Hunting Boots for hunting in the wet. These feature a significant advantage over the waterproof pull-on boots we’ve just reviewed.
Why do we prefer lace-up boots?
When it comes right down to it, you’re never going to run too far or too fast in pull-on boots. You’ll need a good fitting boot if you want to really move after your prey. What you need is the Terra Forecenext Platform.
This brings you the combined force of internal and external shanks for increased stability. You’ll have better torsions control thanks to the greater arch support as well. To make them even better, Danner has included a Bi-Fit stability board. This gives you underfoot comfort while also cutting the weight of the boot.
What about keeping out the elements?
We also like lace-up boots for the greater reduction of debris making it into the footwell. To take this even further, this boot is fitted with the ultimate waterproof breathable membrane, Gore-Tex.
There is also PrimaLoft insulation to keep you warm on colder days. Throw in a Vibram SPE midsole, and you get a boot with great rebound for ultimate comfort.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane.
- Bi-Fit stability board.
- Terra Forecenext Platform.
- Vibram SPE midsole.
Cons
- Complaints of quality drop compared with Danner’s reputation.
8 LaCrosse Men’s 4xAlpha 16″ Waterproof Hunting Snake Boot – Best Budget Hunting Boot
One of the cheaper options on our list is also one of the more basic. It’s the 4xAlpha Hunting Snake Boot from LaCrosse. We think it’s the best cheap hunting boot in the pull-on style.
What are they made from?
These boots are made from premium rubber laid over a 3.5mm neoprene core. This provides a waterproof boot that is as flexible as it is comfortable. It’s also where the name comes from, as this is known as Flexible Snake Guard.
The underfoot support is provided by four layers of cushioning. This is called Quad Core Technology, and it makes the boots highly comfortable for the price bracket. We also like the active fit offered by the adjustable rubber gusset. It makes it much easier to take the boots off or get them on.
And that’s not all…
Surprisingly for the low price point, these boots also feature a multilayer rubber toe, heel, and shin guard. This both adds to the durability of the boots and saves your skin.
If that’s not enough, there is also a polyester jersey liner to help with moisture-wicking. This will help keep you comfortable and aids in drying the boot out for your next wear.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Flexible Snake Guard material.
- Multilayer rubber guards.
- Active Fit with adjustable rubber gusset.
- Quad Core technology.
- Polyester jersey liner.
Cons
- Some complain of a sloppy fit in the heel.
9 Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boot – Best All Purpose Boot
You don’t have to buy a new pair of boots just for hunting. At the end of the day, many hunting boots are trekking boots that have been relabeled. So, why not try the Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boots from Lowa for your next hunt?
If your hunt requires you to pack in, these are the boots for you…
We like the 7” shaft (measured from the arch) for the support. It allows enough freedom to scamper over rough terrain while providing ankle support to minimize twists and sprains.
There is also a padded tongue and a padded collar. You should be able to trek for miles without discomfort. And, the D-ring eyelets match well with the speed-lacing hardware at the top. You’ll get a nice tight fit that feels good all day long, especially with the FlexFit ankle box. This allows the heel and ankle to flex naturally while hiking.
But are they waterproof?
Oh yeah, the GTX in the name of these boots relates to the Gore-Tex lining. This is waterproof and seamless for ultimate protection.
Plus, it’s matched with Lowa’s Climate Control perforated lining. So, it will keep the wet out and balances heat and moisture for comfort.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Seamless Gore-Tex waterproof lining.
- FlexFit natural ankle/heel box.
- Climate Control perforated lining.
- Padded tongue and collar.
- C4 anatomically contoured tongue.
Cons
- Not specifically designed for hunting.
10 Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Hunting Boot – Best Big Game Hunting Boot
The final option in our best hunting boots reviews is another from Irish Setter. Their Men’s 880 Elk Tracker boot is everything you could possibly want in a big game hunting boot. Plus, they are some of the best looking hunting boots out there.
We’d want to wear these everywhere…
However, they may end up being too warm for city life. That’s because these boots are equipped with 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation. This will keep you warm on long hunts but may lead to sweating in the office.
The shaft comes up your leg 9.5 inches from the arch, making these some of the best tall hunting boots. They are also waterproof thanks to the Gore-Tex lining.
Sometimes it’s all about the sole…
Irish Setter crafts the 880 Elk Tracker Boots with a comfort cork EVA footbed. This is removable and made with a memory foam layer for ultimate comfort.
There is also ScentBan Technology employed in these boots. It kills odor-causing bacteria that love to make their home in musty boots. Everyone will appreciate this feature, trust us.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- 9.5” 100% leather shaft.
- 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation.
- Gore-Tex waterproof lining.
- Comfort cork EVA footbed.
- ScentBan Technology.
Cons
- Not the longest lasting tread.
Best Hunting Boots Buying Guide
Now that we’ve looked at the top 10 hunting boots currently available, it’s time to narrow down the options. What you need from the boots will vary depending on what you intend to hunt, where, and when.
One thing to consider when shopping for new hunting boots is insulation…
We are huge fans of multipurpose gear. You can get boots for hunting that are wearable for weekend treks, working in the garden, or even around town.
However, it’s wise to remember just how brutal a hunt can be. There may be times when you have to sit still in the freezing cold for an extended period. These times require extra insulation that would make you overheat in the office.
However, not all hunts take place deep in the snow-laden forest…
Sometimes you really need a pair of water boots. These are ideal for fishing and hunting waterfowl. This style of boots are generally pull-on, and they often come up considerably higher on the shin.
You’ll want to note the sole of your boots, no matter which style you choose. Some boots have traction ideal for muddy environments, while others tend to be less rugged. When it comes down to it, what you need from a pair of hunting boots will depend on the hunt.
Then there is the whole other matter of the fit…
At the end of the day, the best pair of hunting boots for you is the pair that fits your feet the best. Most of the options above are designed well enough that they fit most people’s feet just fine.
But there’s always that oddball out there that finds they rub, but on the whole, you shouldn’t have any issues with the fit of any of these high quality hunting boots.
Looking for more superb Gear for your next hunt?
Then check out our reviews of the Best Hunting Backpack, the Best Shooting Mat, the Best Coon Hunting Lights, the Best Shot Timers, and the Best Headlamps for Hunting currently on the market.
You may also be interested in our in-depth reviews of the Best Green Lights for Hog Hunting, the Best Gun Oil Grease, the Best Shooting Rest, the Best AK Chest Rigs, and the Best Predator Hunting Lights you can buy in 2023.
So, what are the Best Hunting Boots?
As you can likely tell from our reviews, hunters are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality boots. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you might be hunting.
Hopefully, something we’ve reviewed has jumped out as a perfect match. If not, we’d recommend going with the…
Kenetrek Everstep Orthopedic Non-Insulated Boot
While they tend to be a bit more expensive than some options, they are more than worth every penny.
Not only are they built to last, but they are also built for comfort and stability. Plus, they’re perfect for most hunting environments and ideal for long treks.
Happy and safe shooting.
