There are many kinds of boots to choose between. When it comes to hunting out in the woods or elsewhere, you don’t want to wade into the brush with a sneaker on because your feet will get torn to pieces.
A sturdy pair of hunting boots is essential to keep the feet warm and dry when walking through deep underbrush or slogging through wet marshy fields.
Here are Our Recommended Elk Hunting Boots:
Going out with a bow in hand while wearing inappropriate footwear is not smart and often results in coming back with blisters in all the wrong parts of your feet.
Danner Men’s Pronghorn Realtree Xtra 1200G Hunting Boot
The Danner Men’s Pronghorn Realtree Xtra 1200G Hunting Boot is a solid-looking performer that’s available in either Brown Realtree or Realtree Xtra F15 camo choices. Those not only blend into the environment but also match existing clothing & apparel.
Check Latest PriceBesides the camo fabric, leather is used to provide waterproofing and complete the look of this boot. The eyelets are secure and hold the uninspiringly single-color laces in their position. The boot is available in sizes 7 to 14 (most in half-sizes).
The inside of the Pronghorn hunting boot is waterproof Gore-Tex lining that will keep each foot warm and dry. The brown coloring of the main body of each boot is interrupted by the black rubber sole.
PROS:
- Two camo styles in fabric/ Camohide leather mix texture
- Gore-Tex 1200g Polyurethane Ortholite waterproof inner lining
- Thick black rubber sole
- Excellent for cold weather conditions
CONS:
- Maybe a little toasty in the summertime
There is a good grip to the sole with its patterned rubber tread with the Danner logo imprinted near the center.
LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ Hunting Boot
Check Latest PriceThe LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ Hunting Boot is a different type of footwear that uses a rubber and neoprene basis rather than a leather and camo fabric one.
Rubber, which is laid by hand, is positioned over a core comprised of shaped neoprene to insulate and protect each foot. The gusset also made from neoprene is removable.
A neoprene liner allows air to move around while wearing each boot and is an improvement over fleece. Both the toe and heel benefit from additional rubber layers for extra protection and comfort.
The Alphaburly is available is sizes 6 to 15 (in whole sizes only). It is offered in either Realtree Xtra Green or Green (quite dark) colors/fabrics.
The shaft rises to 16-inches from the arch to the top which is suitable for taller people as well as shorter ones. An EVA midsole better supports each foot for days out hunting or trekking.
PROS:
- Multi-layered rubber for durability
- Neoprene inner, lining and foot support
- Midsole with additional padding to avoid impact damage
- Keeps feet warm and dry in winter
CONS:
- Neoprene retain heat a little too well for summer
The boot is ideal for colder climates particularly with its multi-layered approach with neoprene used extensively which tends to retain heat extremely well.
Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting Boot
Check Latest PriceThe Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting Boot is no-nonsense footwear that matches a 2.8mm leather seamless upper with a Wind-Tex membrane that keeps the water and damps out.
A nylon midsole that’s 7mm thick helps provide extra bounce when loaded up with all your hunting gear. The K-talon rubber sole provides excellent grip and is protected by a sole guard that’s been reinforced to protect against scrapes and scuffs in the woods.
The beautiful brown leather has a high, padded tongue and supportive collar. The lack the insulation still ensures the feet stays dry and warm enough, but in freezing environments then a pair of wool socks is a useful addition to bringing along.
PROS:
- Excellent waterproof boot for rugged terrain in all weather conditions
- Leather upper made from a single piece of hyde
- High collar
- Nylon midsole
- K-talon outsoles
- Rubber guard to protect the material from scuffs
CONS:
- Single color
- Stiff sole
The non-insulated boot is available from sizes 7 to 16 (with great size choices including half-sizes and variations).
Sorel Men’s Conquest Boot
Check Latest PriceThe Sorel Men’s Conquest Boot is a serious-looking fabric and leather footwear that is made for mountain climbing, trekking, and hunting.
The shaft rises to 8-inches from the arch. The inclusion of Thinsulate (400 grams) protects the feet from cold up to minus 40-degrees Fahrenheit.
The leather is waterproofed, and there is a barrel lock snow collar and a gaiter bootie which avoids snow and water finding its way inside the boot too.
The Conquest boot is available in Bark (brown), Boulder (dark gray), British Tan, and Tan colors. Its sizes range from 7 to 15 (half-sizes 7.5 to 12 only).
The base of the foot uses a molded EVA, with a durable rubber sole that provides improved grip in both directions simultaneously.
PROS:
- Multi-Direction Rubber Lug Sole
- 400 grams of thinsulate(TM) ultra insulation
- Waterproof
- Built-in gaiter bootie with drawstring and barrel lock snow collar
CONS:
- liners are not removable
When walking on uncertain ground, the adjustment strap for the Achilles helps avoid ankle injuries; this is a feature not seen in many boots usable for hunting.
Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boot
Check Latest PriceThe Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boot is one you can wear across a variety of terrain. Sporting the typical look with brown sepia and black (no other color options available), it is striking as a trekking boot that doubles as one suitable for hunting too.
The boot is available in sizes 7D to 14D (available in most half-sizes).
The shaft is high measuring 7-inches from the arch of the foot up. Both the collar and tongue enjoy extra padding, with the tongue extending higher. The eyelets in the shape of a D-letter hold the attractive patterned laces which support fast lacing up when in a hurry or replacing a snapped lace quickly.
Check Latest PriceThe upper is leather which provides proper waterproofing, the mid-sole is PU, and the sole is made of a tough synthetic.
PROS:
- Multi-layered waterproof boot
- Leather upper
- PU midsole
- Gore-Tex waterproof lining
- FlexFit heel and ankle flexible support
CONS:
- Only one color offered
The inside of the Tibet GTX is a Gore-Tex lining which is also waterproof and sturdy throughout. The fit for the ankle is more comfortable as it features the FlexFit heel and ankle for greater flexibility.
When it comes to hunting boots, one must be flexible. Many boots are made for climbing or trekking specifically rather than being intended and designed for hunters, yet these boots are great options.
The choice of primary materials is either rubber or leather uppers, typically with a nylon midsole and a rugged sole made from rubber or composite material. The amount of insulation (and whether any is provided at all) should be a key consideration; not all boots are ideal for spring and summer months when heavily insulated.
A quality liner is a major factor too, and some boots have one that is removable. Lastly, the sole is important because some offer dual-direction lugs that grip the ground better whereas other soles perform less satisfactorily.