8 Best Elk Hunting Boots in 2022 with Reviews and Buyers Guide

If you’re an elk hunting enthusiast, then you probably already know that hunting gear can make or break the hunt. Based on that, it’s essential to get a pair of elk hunting boots that will provide you with comfort, protection, and endurance to get a trophy in the upcoming elk hunts.

Nonetheless, with numerous brands in the market, it can be overwhelming trying to nail down the best elk hunting boots. Lucky for you, we’ve relieved you of the hard task by researching and coming up with reviews on the best Elk hunting boots on the market.

Quick Answer : Best Elk Hunting Boots

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Elk Hunting Boots ( Best Overall)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re extremely durable	Insoles could be insufficient if you have painful foot conditions
They’re very comfortable
They’re breathable and waterproof
They’re available in wide sizes
They have both men’s and women’s fittings

The coveted spot for the best overall goes to the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme. To begin with, they’re available in non-insulated, 400 grams, and 1000 grams Thinsulate. That means its insulated options will help keep your feet warm and prevent frostbite, especially on the end-season hunts.

On top of that, they feature 10-inch shafts that support the ankles to prevent sprains as you hike up uneven terrains. Not to mention, they help to promote a natural structure especially if you overpronate. This will help to absorb ground pressure and protect the delicate parts like the feet’s ligaments from injuries. 

In terms of construction, these Italian-made boots are crafted with premium full grain leather upper that can take a beating. To put it into context, they’ll shield your feet from injuries resulting from sharp shrubs, splints of wood, and even insect bites and stings. Underneath, their Windtex waterproof & breathable linings help to keep your feet dry regardless of the weather.

Did we mention its uppers’ one-piece seamless vamp construction not only keeps our moisture but also prevents rubbing? This way you won’t face the horror of painful blisters and itchy feet from fungus and bacteria building up as you track down Elk. Also, its lightweight K-Talon outsoles help maintain your footing and reduce foot fatigue.

Lowa Tibet Elk Hunting Boots (Best durable hunting boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re breathable	They’re non-insulated
They’re lightweight
They’re padded to prevent blisters
They’re almost break in free
Designed with efficient speed lacing system
They have a durable construction

Are you in search of boots for your pre-rut hunt? Look no further, the Lower Tibet hunting elk boots feature a Gore-Tex membrane that wicks out perspiration and lets in air to keep your feet cool especially when the day starts to warm up. However, since the Elk population tends to migrate towards watering holes when it’s hot, you might need these boots Gore-Tex linings and durable leather uppers to keep your feet dry.

Of course, they can handle the most treacherous terrains, they’re engineered with Nubuck leather that’s not only durable but also flexible for superior comfort. In addition to that, their PU injected insoles and full-length stabilizers provide top-notch shock absorption. This feature improves your endurance by preventing pain and foot fatigue while you’re carrying a 50 lbs+ pack on tough terrain.

Beyond that, its anatomically contoured padded tongue and collar prevent blisters that can slow down your hunts. Also, its special ankle flex design makes it easy to walk for longer distances without straining. Likewise, its non-slippage lacing system and threaded outsole help to support your feet and keep them from twisting or slipping while traversing on uneven ground.

Lastly, the Lowa Tibet Elk boots might be the last early season hunting boots you coulsd buy in a long while. This is because they’re handcrafted in Europe with premium materials. Moreover, their outsole construction leaves room for reconstruction once they wear out. This means they will save you money and minimize the amount of waste on the environment.

Irish Setter Men’s 882 Elk Tracker (Best archery elk hunting boots) 

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re more affordable than Kenetrex and Lowa	Not as durable as the Kenetrex
They’re engineered with a scent ban technology that keeps the feet odor-free
They have waterproof protection
Their outsoles are threaded to improve traction on low traction surfaces
They’re lightweight and comfortable
They have a 600 G Thinsulate

Just from the name, you can get a rough idea that these boots were designed with elk hunters in mind. But the real question is, do they deliver? For starters, this 12-inch boot is designed with 600 grams of Thinsulate ultra insulation, to keep your feet warm as you go for hunting trips in the late seasons when it’s extremely old.

Additionally, it fuses high-quality leather and Gore-Tex to achieve weather-resistant boots; they’ll keep your feet dry by wicking out sweat when it’s hot and prevent water from getting in when it’s wet. On top of that, they have lugged outsoles that help keep your footing as you walk on mud, muck, deep snow, and even when sidehilling on steep mountains. 

It gets even better with its scent control technology that neutralizes odor. This means your cover won’t be blown, considering an elk’s sense of smell is 1000 times more acute than humans and can detect smells from over 600 yards as a mechanism that helps them evade predators, in this case, hunters.

In terms of comfort, they feature removable EVA footbeds that are contoured to the shape of your foot to provide you with arch support. This way your body weight will be evenly distributed throughout your arches to prevent pressure that results in foot pain and fatigue. Likewise, its high shafts minimize strain around the ankles.

Rocky Men’s Retraction Hunting Boots (Best budget hunting boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They keep your feet comfortable	They’re not breathable
They’re affordable
They offer excellent ankle support
They’re anti-slip
They’re waterproof boots

You don’t have to break the bank to get yourself a decent pair of Elk hunting boots. The Rocky Retractions’ feature an 800 g Thinsulate that’s sure to keep your feet warm and toasty during the hunt. Moreover, if you’re a fan of camo, you’ll enjoy its Real tree xtra camo print that’s blended into its uppers. 

Who would have thought nylon boots could hold up well to tears and abrasions? These boots’ nylon uppers will protect your feet from injuries as you walk through woods and bushes on a hunt. Beyond that, the uppers and linings are waterproof; you can comfortably walk through wet conditions without having to worry about wet feet.

Another thing; these boots are engineered with EnergyBed footbeds that feature memory foam. They can contour to the shape of your foot to cushion your ligaments against pressure and absorb shock with every step you take. Thanks to this feature, you’ll feel as though you’re walking on soft fluffy clouds even while on rocky terrain, improving your chances of catching up with the target.

With its cushioning grooved rubber sole,  it’s easier to walk through muddy, wet, snowy, and rocky surfaces without losing your footing. Then again, its 8-inch shafts and traditional lacing help to secure your ankle to promote a natural gait and minimize ankle sprains while you’re busy focusing on the bag.

Danner Pronghorn Hunting Boots (Best Comfort Boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Ideal for cold weather	They have a long break-in period
They’re waterproof
They offer superior traction
They’re extremely comfortable
They’re breathable
They offer excellent ankle support

These pair of boots have been the go-to elk hunting boots for the past two decades. They feature a range of insulation with 400g for the pre rut, 800g for the rut, and 1200g for the post-rut hunts when the temperatures hit cold extremities. Nonetheless, regardless of the insulation, they’re comfortable straight out of the box and require little to no break-in.

Built with CamoHide leather and reinforced with Terraforce technology, they will not only save you money, but they’ll also protect your feet from scratches, bites, stings, and skin irritants as you traverse through bushes. On top of that, its wear-resistant rubber outsoles are designed to protect the feet from sharp and maintain footing while on low traction surfaces. 

Surprisingly, although these boots are sturdy, they’re still lightweight so that you can walk for long distances while carrying heavy loads without feeling tired fast. Besides that, their Ortholite footbeds absorb shock from getting ground to cushion your ligaments against long-term painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and shin splints. 

Another feature that makes these boots appealing to any seasoned elk hunter is their breathable and moisture-resistant Gore-Tex lining; it wicks out perspiration and prevents water from getting in. You won’t get back home from the hunt with smelly feet and a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria that cause skin conditions like athletes’ feet.

Lowa Tibet Hunting Boots ( Best mountain hunting boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They include padded tongues for comfort	They could be expensive if you’re on a tight budget
They’re waterproof
They’re breathable
They offer excellent ankle support
They’re very durable

The Lowa Tibet boots are built to handle almost anything an avid hunter can throw at it over miles of walking on uneven surfaces. For starters, they have been engineered with premium wear and tear-resistant nubuck leather uppers and rubber rands. With this, they will shield your feet from cuts as you walk through uneven terrain with thorns and sharp wooden splints.

What’s more, if you plan on carrying a pack that weighs more than 50 lbs during the hunt, their Polyurethane injected midsoles and full-length stabilizers will provide underfoot support to help prevent foot pain and fatigue. Also, their Vibram outsoles absorb shock to protect the foot’s ligaments and tendons from injuries that might cause painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Another thing; their ankle collars, and tongues are padded to prevent blisters while you walk for long distances. Likewise, their 8-inch shafts and traditional lacing system help to set the foot in place for a neutral gait if you overpronate. Nonetheless, setting the ankle in place doesn’t necessarily mean stiffness since the boots have a special ankle flex design for easy walking.

When it comes to weather conditions, these hiking boots have waterproof uppers and breathable linings that work best for pre-rut elk hunts that are warm. On the other hand, if you’re looking for boots for your end-season hunts when it’s snowy, these boots won’t be able to keep your feet warm.

Propèt Men’s Blizzard (Best for Diabetics)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They are ideal for wide fit	The insulation is not sufficient for extreme  temperatures for some
They have soft linings
They have a responsive cushioning
They’re waterproof and breathable
They’re lightweight and insulated

Are you a diabetic in search of hunting boots for the elk hunting season? The Propèt Blizzard has you covered. They’re designed with a wide fit to prevent friction and rubbing that might cause painful blisters. Similarly, their pure leather uppers are rugged to shield your feet from injuries as you walk through terrains with thorns, shrubs, and branches.

Of course, the leather uppers are not only stain-resistant but also waterproof; you can comfortably walk with them through wet terrain. Likewise, their nylon mesh linings wick out perspiration; this helps to prevent microbial growth that causes skin conditions like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. 

More impressively, they feature a 3mm Thinsulate lining and Vaporex heat-retaining insole that keep your feet warm when hunting under low temperatures. These features are prompted by the fact that research finds diabetics to be more prone to developing wet gangrene when exposed to frostbite. 

Lastly, they have a lightweight construction and EVA midsoles that help to relieve foot fatigue as you walk for long distances. On top of that, they have a traditional lacing system that can be adjusted for better comfort. 

Irish setter Vaprtrek Hunting Boots (Best for Wide feet)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They are ideal for wide feet	Not suitable for all feet sizes
They’re durable
They’re comfortable
They designed with scent control
They’re waterproof

If you’re a hunter with wide feet you’re probably already familiar with the trouble that comes with landing on well-fitting hunting boots. Lucky for you, the Irish Setter Vaprtrek hunting boots are specially designed with wide sizing to ensure that your feet don’t get cramped up and bruised during your hunt. 

Aside from that, their uppers are made with flexible materials that require little to no break-in period. This way, your feet are safe from blisters and bunions caused by constant rubbing from the uppers. Similarly, thanks to their lightweight construction, it will help you walk long distances in search of elk without getting fatigued faster than you bargained for.

Talking of fatigue, their polyurethane footbeds are contoured to absorb pressure from the ground. To put it into context, it will cushion your foot ligaments from injuries especially if the terrains are rugged. Beyond that, their threaded outsoles are stiff to protect the feet from sharp rocks.

In regards to weather, these boots are formulated with water-resistant uppers and linings that keep your feet dry. Furthermore, its 1200g insulation keeps you warm and toasty during those snowy end seasons hunts. Beyond that, they feature moisture-wicking linings that not only wick out perspiration to keep your feet dry and cool when it’s hot, but it also cancels out the odor.

Things To Consider When Purchasing Elk Hunting Boots 

Material

If you want to purchase hunting boots that will serve you for the long haul without wearing or tearing faster than you bargained for, it’s important to put the boots’ materials into consideration.  Based on that, you’ll notice that most of the best elk hunting boots’ uppers are made of premium leather because it’s durable, flexible, protective, and breathable to some extent. This means they’ll hold well to abuse from the harsh rugged environment as you hunt. 

On the other hand, hunting boots made of synthetic materials like nylon, PVC, PU, and faux leather repel water, won’t stain easily, and are cheaper than leather. However, when it comes to durability, some hunting boots made with synthetic materials might only last you for a maximum of 3 years compared to the 10 years offered by leather when well taken care of.

Thanks to technological advances, some synthetic materials have caught up with leather in regards to durability.  The only issue is, synthetic boots that match up with leather tend to be a bit over the average price point.

read about best rubber hunting boots

Height

Another important factor to consider when purchasing elk hunting boots is the shaft height. If you overpronate and need better ankle support, we would recommend elk hunting boots with high shafts ranging from 7 inches. They’ll help set your ankle in place to prevent ankle sprains in the event your foot accidentally slips in between rocks.

Aside from that, they also keep the feet warm especially if you plan on going for elk hunts in the morning when it’s dewy or when it’s snowing. Similarly, they prevent snow and debris from getting into the boots and causing discomfort that might slow down the hunt. Lastly, elk hunting boots with tall shafts protect your feet from injuries and irritation as you walk through bushes with sharp shrubs or skin irritants like Poison ivy.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for boots that are lightweight and you don’t need extra ankle support, you might find mid-length hunting boots appealing.

Waterproof

Waterproofness is an important component to look out for in elk hunting boots especially if you plan on going for mid and late-season hunts. They’ll not only keep your feet dry and comfortable when it’s wet, but they’ll also keep dust and dirt from seeping in through the boots uppers if you walk through terrains with fine grain sand. 

Then again, although most waterproof boots are lined with moisture-wicking membranes that wick out perspiration and prevent water from getting in, most of them prove to be insufficient when it comes to breathability. More succinctly, during the early season, Elk hunt when temperatures get warm since most boots with waterproof gore tex lining get sweaty, in turn resulting in painful blisters.

Insulation

Insulation is key if you plan on going for an end-season hunt. Then again, low temperatures don’t necessarily translate to heavy insulation that’s more than 1000 g especially If you’re going to walk for a long period. The reason being, insulation that goes as far as 1200g can be heavy; leading to fatigue that might slow down the hunt.  

In addition to that, if your feet have good blood circulation and tend to get sweaty, chances are that your feet might get swamped with sweat if there’s too much insulation. On that

note, unless you have cold feet, try to avoid boots with heavy insulation of 1000 g onwards with a puffy jacket around your foot.

read our reviews on best women’s hunting boots

Shanks

A shank is a hard piece of material that is placed in between the outsole of the boot and the footbed. Therefore, they’ll determine how much the boots will flex. 

Generally, if you want elk hunting boots that are comfortable to walk around, you might want to look for boots with a soft shank.  However, since elk hunting boots with soft shanks do not offer sufficient shock absorption; there’s a high chance you might develop lower back pain if you carry heavy loads while wearing soft shanks.

Elk hunting boots with a stiff steel shank are great at providing support to the feet and arches while you’re walking through elk terrain. To be specific, if your hunt involves side-hilling or multiple days of off-trail elk tracking, they’ll help to distribute your weight evenly across the arches to efficiently absorb shock with every step you take. This means it will give you the endurance to walk for long distances without getting tired.

Midsoles

The midsole is a layer of material sandwiched in between the inner and outer soles of a shoe. With a soft midsole elk hunting boot, your feet will flex more than necessary and cause your feet to fatigue quickly. Nonetheless, if your foot is conditioned to highly flexible running shoes, you will probably find elk hunting boots with soft-mid stiff midsoles to be more comfortable.

The vast majority of elk hunting boots in this article have been designed with stiff midsoles. This means they’ll help to shield your underfoot from rocks and hard surfaces that might cause underfoot pain during the hunt, or even worse, long term foot painful foot conditions.

Weight

Lightweight boots offer soft soles with better grip. This means if you’re planning on going for early-season hunts, they’ll not weigh you down with fatigue or hot boiling heat. However, as the season progresses, you’ll probably need to choose elk hunting boots with stiffer outsoles to protect your underfoot from the pressure that comes with traversing through rough terrain.

When temperatures are low, choosing elk hunting boots with insulation going up to 1200g might be tempting. But bear in mind that since they’re heavy, they might cause foot fatigue or even foot pain that can slow down your hunt. 

Moreover, if you’re going to sit on a tree for your end-season elk hunt, there’s no harm in investing in heavily insulated boots since there’s probably little walking involved and your feet need to remain warm to keep from getting frostbite.

Scent control 

Did you know as a defense mechanism, elk can pick an odor molecule carried hundreds of yards away? This means, if you want to bag a trophy by the end of your hunt, you’ll need to purchase the best hunting boots with scent control technology. 

Common Question Answer

Conclusion

If we were to award the best elk hunting boots, we would pick the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme. They have great performances on a wide range of terrains and temperatures. Therefore making the hunt both successful and enjoyable.

Nonetheless, all the other boots we’ve reviewed are of high quality and they’re sure to give your feet the best hunting experience.