7 Best Hunting Boots for men in 2022

Don’t you just love the hunting season and the adrenaline rush that comes from tracking down the game? Of course, guns, arrows, and camouflaged outfits get the job done, but there’s one more essential hunting gear you shouldn’t overlook. Your hunting boots!

The best hunting boots will ensure that your feet are protected from harmful external factors, comfortable enough to navigate through different terrains, and even musk your natural scent to improve your chances of pinning down the target. 

To make things easier, we’ve gone through hundreds of products to come up with a list of the best boots in the market to help you secure the bag.

Let’s get straight to business!

Quick Answer : Best Hunting Boots

In this article, we’re going to review the best boots for Hunting

Irish Setter Vaprtrek Hunting Boots (Best scent control)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re comfortable hunting boots	They run narrow for some people
Excellent scent control
They have sufficient ankle support
They help to reduce fatigue
Impervious to snake bites

The Irish Setter Vaprtrek hunting boots are built to stand the test of time. To begin with, their uppers are made of full-grain leather and abrasion-resistant nylon that are sturdy and durable. That means even if the hunting terrain has sharp objects and snakes, they won’t tear or bite through the uppers and injure your feet.

In addition to that, Its outsoles are specially built with bi-directional lug patterns that improve traction while you’re walking on low traction surfaces. More succinctly, if you’re hunting for the big game in the mountains or other terrains with slip hazards like rocks, wet grass, and mud, these boots will improve your footing balance to prevent serious slip and fall-related injuries.

Talking about comfort, these boots were formulated with technology that reduces the weight of the boot. This way, you’ll easily navigate through terrains without feeling foot fatigue. Also, its outsoles are hard in the midsection to protect the ligaments from pressure as you walk on hard surfaces.

These Irish Setter boots have removable outsoles that can be replaced with custom-made ones to suit your feet. For instance, if you have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and shin splints, you will need orthopedic insoles that can relieve pain; this helps to improve your concentration while you’re aiming at the target

Not to forget, they feature a scent ban technology that keeps your natural scent from sending the bag into hiding.

Guide Gear Hunting Boots (Most durable hunting boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Designed with thinsulate ultra insulation	They could be heavy for some people
Made with durable rubber sole
It comes with waterproof breathable membrane
They’re comfortable and breathable
They’re warm in cold weather

These men’s hunting boots are a perfect choice if you’re going end season mountain or tree hunting when temperatures are extremely low. They feature a 2400g thinsulate that prevents frostbite by retaining your body heat to keep your feet warm. Moreover, if your feet gets too hot and you start sweating, its mesh-lined EVA insoles will evaporate perspiration to keep your feet dry.

In case a monsoon hits your hunting area while you’re chasing the bag, these boots have waterproof uppers and membranes that keep out water. Additionally, its outsoles have lug patterns that improve traction so you won’t slip on wet slippery terrains as you navigate. 

Thanks to its EVA midsoles and PU insoles, your foot won’t easily get fatigued while you’re covering the ground. This is because they absorb pressure from the ground and cushion sensitive spots like the ball of your feet. On top of that, its collars are padded to prevent painful blisters while you’re hunting. Another thing; its traditional laces and 8-inch shaft help to set your ankles in place and prevent sprains.

Of course, these boots are made with durable materials that can withstand the tough conditions hunting throws at you. Its uppers combine leather and nylon to create boots that are wear and tear resistant. Also, its outsoles are made of rubber that doesn’t split easily.

The only problem with these boots is that they’re too heavy and hot for some wearers.

Lacrosse Atlas Hunting Boots (Best waterproof hunting boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re durable boots	They require a break-in period
Excellent cushioning and arch support
They keep your feet warm when it’s cold
Includes molded scratch rubber toe for extra protection
They’re waterproof and slip-resistant

The Lacrosse boot company is famous for decades for making the best rubber hunting boots that can stomp through fields, swamps, and creeks without breaking a sweat. Their Atlas number in specific, features lugged outsoles that function like a four wheel drive system by securing your footing, both under dry and wet conditions. 

Of course, the last thing you probably want is to sprain your ankle in the event your feet accidentally get stuck in between rocks as you push deep into elk and deer country. That’s why these boots have 8 inch shafts and a traditional lacing system that helps to set your ankle in place to limit the chances of sprains.

Did we mention they feature rubber heel cups? While traversing through uneven ground these cups lock your heels tightly in place. This cancels out heel movements that cause painful blisters which ruin the fun of the hunt. Additionally, it has an abrasion resistant molded rubber toe cap that offers lightweight toe protection.

Furthermore, Atlas boots have thick midsoles made of EVA that work in conjunction with their cushioning polyurethane footbeds to provide superior shock absorption. This feature helps to prevent foot fatigue and pain as you hunt for hours. Aside from that, its durable leather uppers are flexible for all day comfort.

In terms of handling weather, they have a dry-core waterproof lining that keeps out water when it’s wet or raining and wicks out perspiration when it’s hot. Its 400g insulation also keeps your feet warm when it’s chilly.

Kenetrek Mountain Hunting Boots (Best for mountain hunting)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
They’re designed with excellent grip	It could be expensive if you’re on a tight budget
They’re waterproof
They’re tough and durable
Impervious to snake bites
It offers excellent insulation

The Kenetrek hunting boots are designed by a company that understands your foot needs when it comes to hunting. In fact, its founder Jim Winjum is a sheep hunting fanatic who noticed the lack of proper boots in the market then prompted this design.

To begin with, their uppers are made with rubber that traps your scent; this comes in handy when hunting for elk since they have an acute sense of smell that helps them evade danger. 

Furthermore, since their rubber and leather uppers are tough and durable, they will give you value for money and protect your feet from injuries resulting from thorns and sharp objects as you navigate through terrains. Beyond that, snake bites don’t stand a chance with these boots because of the tough barrier.

More impressively, the Kenetrek boots are constructed with a Windex waterproof membrane that’s also breathable. This will keep your feet dry while you traverse through various weather conditions. On top of that, its one piece construction tongue seals out water and debris. 

Lastly, these boots include a 7mm nylon midsole that’s rigid to protect the foot’s pressure from impact as you walk to prevent pain and strain. Also, its slip resistant outsoles are lightweight to limit fatigue.

Muck Boot Woody Arctic Ice Extreme (Best for muddy and snowy terrains)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Insulated rubber hunting boots for winter	The grass and camo color fades out fast
They’re comfortable boots
Ideal for muddy and snow terrains
It has a snug top line that keeps out debris
They protect against snake bites, stings and scratches

These are one of the best men’s hunting boots for cold weather. For starters, they’re made using rubber and neoprene which is 100% waterproof; it will keep your feet dry as you hunt around mucky and muddy terrains. On top of that, they’re easy to clean after the hunt. In most cases, all you have to do is just spray water on them using a high pressure hose, and your boots are clean.

The Woody Arctic Ice Extreme is insulation rated for temperatures as low as -60 F°, thanks to its neoprene, rubber, and fleece lining. This way, if you’re hunting in snow, or in the event a monsoon hits your hunting ground, your feet will remain warm and toasty. 

Beyond that, it has a snug top line that keeps out debris, cold and small critters that might crawl into them. Similarly, its uppers are tough to protect your feet against stings, snake bites, and scratches from shrubs and thorns. Also, they have Bob-tracker molded outsoles for sure traction on ice, snow, and mud.

Did we mention, they’re one of the most comfortable hunting boots. Their rubber and neoprene upper are flexible to prevent foot strain. Not to mention, their foam-insulated footbed cushions the foot’s pressure points to prevent foot fatigue. On the other hand, its EVA midsoles absorb shock as you walk to protect your ligaments and tendons from injuries.

Zamberlan 1013 Leopard hunting boots (Best for rugged terrain)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
It’s durable	They require a break-in period
It’s comfortable
It’s incredibly breathable
They offer excellent ankle support
They’re ideal for rugged terrains

These boots are constructed with top notch premium full grain leather upper and rubber outsoles that can withstand the vigorous nature of hunting. Not to mention, they’re handmade for precision, then taken through rigorous quality checks to ensure that you get the best out of every boot.

The Zamberlan is an ideal boot for warm weather hunting spots like California, Florida, and Africa. They feature a Gore-Tex lining and Microtex collars that wick out moisture and let in cool air. This means you won’t lose the bag because of the discomfort of hot sweaty feet. Also, their 6-inch shafts and traditional lacing offer you sufficient ankle support to hold heavy loads while traversing through uneven ground.

To help you keep your footing regardless of the surface, their Vibram outsoles are extremely rugged. Also, they’re engineered with an uplifting forward locker and a downhill braking re-solable dual density polyurethane midsoles. This will provide you with a solid breaking without compromising on lateral support as you go downhill in the backcountry.

To achieve extreme levels of comfort during the hunt, you will first need to wear them with thick socks at home to soften their leather uppers. To put it into context, if you wear them straight out of the box, they could rub against your skin and cause painful blisters.

Rocky hunting boots (Best deer hunting boots)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Designed with mid foot support	The eye rings are weak
Durable boot with waterproof layer
They offer excellent traction
It’s lightweight to reduce fatigue
They prevent sweaty feet

Are you in search of boots that are comfortable, durable, and breathable for an upcoming bird hunt? Look no further, than the Rocky Uplands. Their uppers are made with break-in-free material that molds into the shape of your foot for excellent comfort. Beyond that, they have a thorn and briar guard that resists tears and snugs. 

These boots will also ensure that you enjoy every minute of the hunt, thanks to its San Crispino construction consisting of an energy-returning memory footbed that absorbs shock, and a fiberglass shank that adds additional support and stability. Not to mention, it’s a lightweight boot to reduce foot fatigue considering you’ll probably walk for hours.

Talking of stability, these boots 8 inch shaft and traditional lacing system set your ankles in place to keep your feet from overpronating while you’re hunting. On top of that, they have treaded outsoles that secure your footing; this way you won’t tumble down with your gun or arrow and accidentally hit the wrong target.

Another thing; if you have feet that sweat excessively, these boots will work in conjunction with your absorbent nylon socks to keep you dry. This is because they feature a membrane that wicks out perspiration without letting in water.

Types of hunting boots

Rubber Hunting Boots 

These knee-high hunting boots are usually made of either rubber from latex sap or polyvinyl chloride that is vulcanized; this makes them waterproof. To put it into context, if you’re going duck hunting, they will help to keep your feet dry as you walk through muddy, marshy, and wet terrains such as riverbanks. 

Besides that, they trap the scent of your feet and prevent them from escaping. This feature comes in handy as you hunt for whitetail deers, bucks, elk, or bears since your foot scent can blow away your camouflage and send the bag running.

Read our review on best rubber hunting boots

Upland hunting boots 

These boots with a shaft height of 6 to 8 look like standard hiking boots. However, they’re modified to suit hunters that are in pursuit of upland game. They feature grooved outsoles, ankle support, and comfortable insoles that enable you to traverse through grassy and flat terrain that’s often hilly without feeling pain or strain.

Then again, bear in mind that the grooved outsoles are only sufficient for grassy surfaces and not rocky ones.

Mountain hunting boots 

Mountain boots are built with high shafts that offer ankle support to prevent ankle sprains as you hunt on tough terrain. It also has a stiff midsole that protects your foot ligaments from rough terrain. Additionally, they have deep lugs to keep you on your feet as you hunt on rugged terrains filled with trip hazards.

Furthermore, since mountains tend to be cooler than leveled ground, mountain boots are designed with insulative properties that keep your feet warm to prevent frostbite.

Snake Boots 

If you’re into snake hunts in places like Florida, these knee high length boots are designed with thick uppers that will prevent snake bites. Similarly, consider the best waterproof boots to keep your feet dry as you hunt through muddy and wet terrains. Aside from that, they come in two options; uninsulated and insulated hunting boots; this enables you to choose based on weather conditions.

Field Boots

Field boots are generally constructed with a variety of features in the upper to strike a balance between breathability and durability. Also, they mostly consist of full grain leather, mesh, and nylon.

Things To consider when purchasing Hunting Boots

Hunting Environment 

It’s almost impossible to get a hunting boot built to handle all terrains and hunting environments and even if you do, it will probably offer you average performance. 

For instance, if you’re going otter trapping, you will need a pair of hunting boots that are waterproof because the area is marshy and wet. That means you can’t use the same boots while upland hunting in hot places like California because your feet will get sweaty and uncomfortable.

In addition to that, if you’re hunting for big game like mountain goats or sheep, you will need to choose a mountain boot with deep lugs to prevent slip and fall accidents. This is because most mountains have rugged terrains filled with trip hazards like rocks.

The Right Fit and Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to hunting since it involves walking on different terrains for hours in search of the bag. Therefore, the last thing you probably want to miss out on is shooting the target, because of foot pain and fatigue caused by uncomfortable footwear.

Of course, some boots are comfortable straight out of the box. However, most hunting leather boots require a break-in period. Nonetheless, you can prevent the discomfort of new premium leather hunting boots by first wearing and walking with them inside the house at least one week before the hunt.

Since feet tend to swell up as the day goes by, it’s advisable to go boot shopping in the afternoon, as opposed to in the morning. This will ensure that you get boots with an allowance for the best comfort. Then again, if you’re going hunting when it’s hot, try and size up by ½  inch to prevent painful blisters, bunions, and discomfort later in the day as you hunt.

The other important thing to consider is the boot’s insoles. This is where it gets tricky because you can’t rely on a friend’s word since feet are built differently. To get maximum comfort from insoles, you will first need to know your gait type and what insoles best suit it. Once that’s out of the way, you need to choose boots with removable outsoles so that you can replace with ones that are specially built for you.

Of course, lightweight hunting boots are more comfortable than heavyweight hunting boots considering you will probably walk for hours, sometimes with a heavy backpack. Keep in mind that the extra weight will only cause you more fatigue.

Support

Different hunts require different levels of support. More succuntly, if you’re chasing big games like white-tailed deers or mule deers up west, a tree stand boot might not do the job. You will need to invest in hunting boots with sufficient ankle support. That means you need boots with shafts ranging from 6 to 8 inches. Also, they need to have an adjustable lacing system that will set your ankles in place.

Furthermore, to protect your feet if you get stuck in between narrow rocks, it is important to choose hunting boots with enough footbed support. If you need to know if your hunting boots have sufficient support, you need put your hands in the boots and twist them in the opposite direction; if they barely move, it means that they have excellent footbed support.

Then again, boots with steady support will probably take a longer time to break in compared to those that don’t.

Waterproofing

Purchasing waterproof hunting boots is quite vital especially if there’s a high chance of an early monsoon storm slamming your hunting area while you’re chasing your target. If this happens and your boots are not waterproof, apart from your feet getting wet and cold, they might also develop blisters.

Not to mention, if you’re going to walk through wet grounds you’ll want to purchase waterproof hunting boots.

Breathability

One of the most common problems hunters face while hunting is sweaty feet. This is not only uncomfortable, but it also forms a breeding ground for germs and fungi to thrive and cause itching, cracking, and peeling. Moreover, if you’re sweating profusely and feel uncomfortable, you might end up not catching anything at the end of your hunt.

Otherwise, you can purchase boots with a moisture-wicking mesh lining to eliminate perspiration and let in air to keep your feet cool. Also, you’d want to purchase boots that have ventilation holes or mesh at the top. 

Then again, we’d also recommend that you purchase merino, coolmax, polyester, olefin, or a blend as opposed to cotton socks since they’re more absorbent.

Durability

We bet no one enjoys replacing hunting boots only after one hunt. To get value for money, it’s important to invest in great hunting boots made with durable construction and materials. Based on our experience, boots made with full grain leather and rubber last longer than those made of synthetic material like nylon or bonded leather. 

Similarly, hunting boot construction plays a major role in durability. Boots that use the Goodyear welt construction last longer because the outsoles are carefully attached to the uppers using a strip of leather and strong stitches. That means the boots seal out any spaces that might let in water. It also leaves room for re-soling the boots if the outsoles wear out.

On the other hand, hunting boots that use cement construction tend to come apart faster especially if you’re hunting in wet and marshy environments.

Insulation

If you’re going tree hunting during the late hunting seasons when it’s brutally cold, you need to purchase boots with more than 400G insulation to protect your feet from frostbite and numbness.

However, if you’re going mountain hunting and your feet tend to get hot, you will probably be sweating by the time you’re going up the mountain. This is because the movement gets your blood pumping to get your feet warm. That’s why you probably shouldn’t purchase hunting boots with heavy puffy insulation; unless you’re a deer hunter.

Instead, we recommend that you get best hunting boot that is lined with insulative materials then you can top up with thick socks. Not to mention, you could also invest in thermoregulation insoles that come with a temperature control remote.

Scent control 

Most animals have protective instincts and an acute sense of smell that has developed as a result of continuous hunts. That means, if your boots can’t trap the scent of your foot, you will probably end up coming out of the hunt unsuccessful.

Warranty

If you’re purchasing your hunting boots online, it’s important to purchase ones with a warranty. This way if the pair of boots are delivered with a manufacturing defect; let’s say one boot is smaller, you could always ship them back to the boot manufacturers and get an exchange.

Return policy

Don’t forget to check on the return policy when shopping. The last thing you want is to be stuck with hunting boots that are the wrong size or type. It will also protect you from one of those “what you ordered vs what you got situations”.

Common Q&A

Conclusion

We recommend you choose the right hunting boot depending on the nature of your hunt and preference. For that reason, every pair of hunting boot on our guide has a unique advantage; and you have the option to quality tactical boots based on your preference.