5 Best Upland Hunting Boots in 2022
If the upland hunting season is around the corner, you probably need to start shopping for the best hunting boots. The last thing you want is to go hunting in boots that are ill-fitting, fragile, and porous. This is because they’ll make your upland hunting experience unbearable or even worse, you might not be able to make a proper aim at the target due to painful blisters, underfoot pain, and frostbite.
Quick Answer: Best Upland Hunting Boots
The good news is, that this guide is to help you since we’ve carefully selected 5 of the best upland hunting boots.
Let’s jump right into it!
Irish setter 838 Men’s Wingshooter Upland boots (The best Overall)
Material: 100% Material
Size: 3.5-16
Weight: 4lbs
Shaft height: 7 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| They’re versatile | Its shafts are too low for some hunters |
| Designed with durable construction | |
| They’re lightweight and breathable | |
| Its outsoles have lug patterns | |
| They’re waterproof |
These moccasin-style uplands hunting boots have been designed by a company that has been in the industry for nearly half a century. That’s probably one of the reasons why most hunters find them sturdy, dependable, and high-performing. Moreover, its uppers are made of full-grain leather that’s not only durable but also waterproof; they’ll keep your feet dry should you go for morning upland hunts.
Another cool thing is that they’re engineered with an Ultradry waterproof lining that works in conjunction with their uppers to keep water from seeping into your boots and causing you discomfort while you hunt. Not to mention, the Ultradry linings also wick out perspiration if you have sweaty feet; this way you won’t develop blisters, stinking feet, or long-term skin problems caused by fungi and bacteria that breed in wetness.
Despite these boots’ sturdiness, it’s astonishing how lightweight they are. This way, if you’re upland hunting with dogs, you’ll be able to keep up with their speed without feeling fatigued. Aside from that, it also has a polythene footbed that absorbs pressure from the ground; this helps to prevent underfoot injuries that might slow down your hunt.
It’s also worth mentioning, that these boots are extremely versatile. Apart from hunts, you can also wear them while going out with friends or even to work.
Danner Men’s Pronghorn (Best Supportive Boots)
Material: 100% Leather
Size: 7-15
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Shaft height: 8 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| They offer excellent ankle support | They have a break-in period |
| Designed with EVA midsoles for shock absorption | |
| Made with moisture-wicking linings | |
| It has Ortholite footbeds to improve comfort | |
| They’re lightweight and flexible |
Danner Pronghorn are among the most popular upland hunting boots and for good reasons. They’re extremely durable, comfortable, and supportive. Moreover, their 8-inch shafts help to prevent ankle sprain, by setting your ankles in a neutral alignment if you overpronate. Similarly, they will also protect your feet from abrasion caused by rocks and skin irritation if you walk through plants like Poison ivy.
Constructed with CamoHide leather, these boots will withstand both on and off-trail terrains filled with rocks and shrubs, without giving in faster than you bargained for. Additionally, its grooved rubber outsoles offer unmatched grip on all surfaces. And more importantly, the outsoles’ sturdy built are definitely worth it because they don’t wear out fast.
When it comes to protection against elements, these boots are engineered with a unique Gore-Tex waterproof fabric, lined in the interiors of the boot. The amazing part is, the Gore-Tex both wicks out perspiration and keeps water from seeping in when it’s wet; you’re sure your feet will remain comfortable and dry regardless of whether it’s wet and hot.
Talking of comfort, they’re created using Terraforce technology that ensures the boots are lightweight without sacrificing stability and durability. Also, its Ortholite footbeds provide excellent long-term cushioning; helping to prevent underfoot pain, and fatigue as you hunt.
Thorogood 1957 Flyway Upland Hunting Boots (Best Anti-fatigue Boots)
Material: Full-grain Leather
Size: 8 -14
Weight: 3.9 lbs
Shaft height: 8 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| They feature wide size options | They could expensive if you’re on a tight budget |
| They offer good ankle support | |
| They’re waterproof | |
| Excellent shock absorption | |
| They’re very comfortable | |
| It’s versatile |
These classic boots were tailored with Upland Bird hunters in mind. For starters, they weigh 3.9 lbs which means if you will be using dogs to hunt, you’ll be able to keep pace without getting fatigued faster than you bargained for.
The Thorogood Flyaway is fitted with removable footbeds that contours to the shape of your feet. This means they’ll distribute your weight across your foot to prevent underfoot injury as you hunt on hard surfaces. Similarly, their rubber midsoles absorb shock with every step you take to improve your endurance while you’re walking for miles.
Beyond that, for better comfort, these boots are lined with a breathable X stream waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry and blisters free. Moreover, since they’re constructed using the Goodyear welt technique, they’ll seal out any spaces that might let in water and give you years of service because of their durability.
On to its outsoles, their wedge design offers you arch support to prevent painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and shin splints. Furthermore, the outsoles have directional lug patterns that improve traction as you traverse through terrains with mud, wet grass, and debris. This way, you can shoot with confidence regardless of the surface.
Rocky Ranger Outdoor Boots (The Best Versatile Boots)
Material: Leather
Size: 8-13
Weight: 4.62 lbs
Shaft height: 8 inches
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Made with fiberglass shanks to improve stability | Its insoles might be insufficient for hunters with flat feet. |
| They’re durable | |
| It’s leather and synthetic construction offer protection | |
| Memory foam footbeds to improve comfort | |
| Lined with Gore-Tex for breathability |
If you’re on a tight budget but still need upland hunting boots that are up for the game, look no further, the Rocky Ranger Outdoor boots fit the profile. They’re designed with leather uppers that can withstand harsh upland terrains without bursting open in the middle of the hunt. As a matter of fact, they will protect your feet from sharp shrubs and branches.
Formulated with Goodyear welt construction, its outsoles are as steady as they come, and the stitching that connects the uppers to the outsoles is strong and seals out water. Also, they give room for re-soling if they start to wear out; this saves you money and helps to protect the environment by minimizing waste. Similarly, its Gore-Tex linings also keep out moisture so you can enjoy maximum comfort to concentrate on the target.
The deep lugs on the outsoles ensure that you will maintain footing regardless of the surface. More impressively, considering they’re fitted with fiber shanks, you can be sure of excellent arch support and stability. On top of that, they have EnergyBed LX foot beds made of memory foam that conform to the shape of your foot to protect the ligaments from ground pressure.
What’s more, since these boots are also oil-resistant, you can also wear them to work if you are engaged in manual labor. This way, you don’t have to store them in the closet waiting for the next hunting season. Nonetheless, bear in mind that these boots don’t have safety toes or electric hazards protection so don’t wear them in a work environment with such hazards.
R RUNFUN HUNTING BOOTS (Best Budget Friendly Boots)
No products found.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| They’re affordable | Not long-lasting compared to boots made of leather. |
| They’re waterproof | |
| Made with anti-slip outsoles | |
| They’re lightweight and flexible | |
| Ideal for people who sweat a lot |
These are the most affordable boots on our list, this way, you don’t have to miss out on the fun even if you’re on a tight budget. They feature uppers made of nylon; this means they’re extremely breathable, hence they’re a great option if you have hyperhidrosis and sweat a lot.
Of course, they’re just as waterproof as they’re breathable. To make it better, they’re lined with 400g Thinsulate so your feet remain warm and free from numbness throughout the hunt.
Talking about comfort, these boots are extremely lightweight and flexible, you’ll be able to cover much ground without feeling tired fast. Similarly, its EVA midsoles, cut off the strain on your feet if you’re walking for miles.
Aside from the boots being stylish, their outsoles have grooves that maintain your footing whether you’re going uphill or downhill.
Read our guide on best women’s hunting boots
Things To Consider When Purchasing The Best Upland Hunting Boots
Construction Material/Build
Upland hunting boots made of full grain leather are popular amongst hunters because they hold up well on rocky terrains compared to those made of faux leather or synthetic uppers. Beyond that, manufacturers have also made boots that combine synthetic/ nylon fiber and leather to create upland boots that are extremely effective when it comes to standing up to elements like water and heat.
Of course, hunting Boots made with excellent construction and top-notch material will cost you more. On the other hand, in most cases, if you’re a heavy hunter, cheaper boots may only hold up for one season tops.
Read about rubber hunting boots
Size/Fit
You wouldn’t want your boots to rub against skin or pinch your feet while you’ve gotten into the groove of the hunt, would you?
The ideal upland hunting boot should fit like a glove; to be precise, a glove with some room for expansion. To prevent painful blisters, most experts recommend that you should size up by ½ an inch to give your feet room for expansion as the day gets warmer. However, before you size up make sure that you check the size chart and the boot reviews to see if the sizes already run large.
If you’re not too certain about your shoe size, you could always walk into any random shoe shop with a Brannock device and have it measured.
Sole
The sole of the boot is the part that keeps your foot from getting into contact with the hunting terrain. Since upland terrain can be unforgiving on the feet due to rocks and rubble, it’s important that you choose boots with sturdy outsoles to protect your underfoot.
Upland hunting boots with stiff, solid outsoles should be a priority if you’ll be carrying the heavy equipment that will put pressure on your feet. On the other hand, if you’re going to be fast on your feet in instances where you’re depending on dogs for the hunt, you’ll need to choose boots with thinner outsoles.
Regardless of whether the outsoles are thin or thick, the threads of the boots should be able to keep you on your feet regardless of the surface. Upland hunting boots with bold teeth offer excellent grip on terrains that are muddy and have debris. But you could always skip them and opt for ones with shallow threads if you’ll be hunting on even terrains.
Breathability
Since you’re more likely to sweat when hunting, it’s important to invest in a pair of upland hunting boots that are designed with breathable properties which also promote airflow to keep your feet cool.
Another thing, upland boots formulated with moisture-wicking linings wick out perspiration away from your feet and channel it out through its pores. This means it will keep you comfortable, prevent odor, and cools the feet when temperatures are soaring.
Waterproof Properties
Even though upland hunting is not likely to bring you into contact with rivers, lakes, or other water bodies, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of having to contend with rain. Based on that, it’s important to ensure that the upland hunting boots you choose are engineered with waterproof features.
Some of the features you need to be on the lookout for are waterproof linings in the interior. Gore-Tex is the most popular example of waterproof linings. Nonetheless, it’s basically formulated with a unique compound that works as a permeable cell that repels moisture and water.
Apart from that, upland boots made with oil-treated leather have excellent waterproof properties. The only deal-breaker is that you’ll need to spend a bit more to get boots that will protect your feet from unpleasant wetness in the event you’re hit by a monsoon, or even dewy grass while on morning hunts.
Read our reviews on best elk hunting boots
Insulation
First, insulation is measured in grams, if you’ll be hunting when the weather is warm but still need some form of insulation for your early morning hunts, 200g of insulation should do the job. As the seasons progress and it starts getting a bit chilly, you’ll need to take it up a notch and choose boots with 400g insulation.
Similarly, for even lower temperatures, if your hunting involves walking for long durations, you could choose boots with 600-800g insulation. This is because walking for long distances means your blood is pumping and your feet will probably generate more heat. Then again, if temperatures are extremely low and you’ll not be walking as much during your hunt, you could go for upland hunting boots with 1000-1200g insulation.
Common Question Answer
Why do I need upland hunting boots for bird hunts?
Upland boots are designed to give you an upper hand over traditional boots when it comes to upland hunting thanks to their special features. This includes lightness, breathable, traction, and comfort.
Why is waterproofing important in upland boots?
If water gets into your boots, your skin will soften up. Therefore, if it rubs against the boots it might result in painful blisters and wounds. Additionally, it might breed fungi and bacteria that cause smelly and itchy feet.
What things should I look for in upland hunting boots?
Good hunting boots should be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and sturdy. These features will facilitate endurance and comfortable throughout the hunt so you can successfully nail a bag.
Conclusion
Among all the boots we’ve reviewed, the Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter takes the day. This is because they’re constructed comfortable, durable, and protective for a successful hunt.
Nonetheless, all the upland hunting boots we’ve reviewed are of high quality and they’re sure to give you the best upland hunting experience.
