10 Best Hunting Boots of 2021
Photo: blog.danner.com
Hunting is a great way to relax and disconnect from the chaotic world. Many people take hunting very seriously and invest heavily in it.
But anyone who has been hunting for a while knows how important it is to wear the right gear, especially hunting boots.
The boots should be able to protect your legs and feet from injury by rough terrain and weather conditions such as water, snow, heat, and cold.
To eliminate the hustle of choosing the right boots from the thousands of options in the market, dive into our detailed review of top 10 hunting boots and buying guide to discover the best fit for your hunting needs and budget.
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10 Best Hunting Boots – Review
- 1. Muck Boot Arctic Pro-U – Good Pull-on Hunting Boots
- 2. Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek – Best Lightweight Hunting Boots
- 3. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro – Great Professional Hunting Boots
- 4. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600G-M – Hunting Boots with Best Insulation
- 5. Danner Pronghorn Brown-M – Best Leather Hunting Boots
- 6. Rocky Retraction 800g-M – Best All-Season Hunting Boots
- 7. Muck Boot Pursuit FieldBlazer-M – Abrasion-Resistant Hunting Boots
- 8. Hanagal Bushland – Best Ankle-High Hunting Boots
- 9. Runfun Anti-Slip Boots – Best Budget Hunting Boots
- 10. Muck Boot FieldBlazer – Best Unisex Hunting Boots
- How to Buy the Best Hunting Boots
- Conclusion
10 Best Hunting Boots – Review
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1. Muck Boot Arctic Pro-U (Good Pull-on Hunting Boots) |
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2. Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek (Best Lightweight) |
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3. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro (Great Professional) |
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4. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600G-M (Has Best Insulation) |
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5. Danner Pronghorn Brown-M (Best Leather Design) |
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6. Rocky Retraction 800g-M (Best All-Season) |
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7. Muck Boot Pursuit FieldBlazer-M (Abrasion-Resistant) |
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8. Hanagal Bushland (Best Ankle-High) |
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9. Runfun Anti-Slip Boots (Best Budget) |
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10. Muck Boot FieldBlazer (Best Unisex) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Muck Boot Arctic Pro-U (Good Pull-on Hunting Boots) |
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2. Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek (Best Lightweight) |
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3. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro (Great Professional) |
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4. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600G-M (Has Best Insulation) |
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5. Danner Pronghorn Brown-M (Best Leather Design) |
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6. Rocky Retraction 800g-M (Best All-Season) |
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7. Muck Boot Pursuit FieldBlazer-M (Abrasion-Resistant) |
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8. Hanagal Bushland (Best Ankle-High) |
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9. Runfun Anti-Slip Boots (Best Budget) |
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10. Muck Boot FieldBlazer (Best Unisex) |
1. Muck Boot Arctic Pro-U – Good Pull-on Hunting Boots
Photo: Muck Boot
- Material: Fabric, Synthetic sole
- Height: 16 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
If you prefer boots without laces, then the Muck Boot Arctic Pro-U are some great pull-on hunting boots for men that you should consider.
They are built to thrive in extreme temperatures because of their excellent insulation. With a comfort range of -60℉/-50℃ to 30℉/-1℃, these are some of the warmest boots in the market.
These boots are 16 inches high and guarantee optimal coverage of your legs for protection and warmth, especially during very cold weather.
The boots also feature 8-millimeter-thick neoprene, which adjusts to your feet’s contours, providing you with maximum comfort while retaining body heat.
You also get lightweight EVA insoles for extra cushioning of your legs. Double reinforcement in the instep, heel, and Achilles also provide extra support.
At 2.7 pounds, the boots are also very lightweight and will not cause foot pressure or fatigue.
Although Muck Boot Arctic Pro-U is the ideal choice for men who prefer pull-on hunting boots, we did note that they are not suitable for daily use or rough terrain because their construction is not heavy-duty.
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2. Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek – Best Lightweight Hunting Boots
Photo: Irish Setter
- Material: Synthetic, Rubber sole
- Height: 8 inches
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek is the best pair of lightweight hunting boots.
The pair weighs only 2.4 pounds making it the lightest of the pack. With these boots, you can spend an entire day outdoors and not feel strained by their weight. They also have rugged rubber soles for durability.
Having in mind their suitability for extended use, the boots come with ScentBan scent control technology by Irish Setter. It is applied to materials such as leather, linings, and footbeds to kill odor-causing bacteria.
To ensure that your feet remain dry even after wearing the boots for extended periods, they have UltraDry construction, which combines waterproof components and a moisture management system.
Although Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek boots beat all the others in the lightweight department, we did note that they are not ideal for extremely wet or muddy conditions.
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3. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro – Great Professional Hunting Boots
Photo: LaCrosse
- Material: Neoprene, Rubber sole
- Height: 18 inches
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro is a great pair of boots for professional hunting adventures. These boots are high, have a solid build and excellent insulation.
The boots are designed for men who want to pursue aggressive hunting with minimal or no limitations from their hunting boots. They have a height of 18 inches, making them the longest on our list. This height is intended to protect your legs from injury while keeping them warm in very low temperatures.
They are made of hand-laid premium rubber over insulating neoprene. For durability, the boots feature three layers of rubber in the toe and heel and two layers of rubber across the instep.
You also get premium-grade rubber outsoles with these boots. The soles promise to withstand both extreme cold and heat conditions while thriving in rough terrain.
For extra comfort, these boots have midsoles made if thick EVA cushioning.
Although the LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro are great boots for professional hunting, we did note that they weigh 4.8 pounds and can feel heavy on the foot especially with day-long use.
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4. LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600G-M – Hunting Boots with Best Insulation
Photo: LaCrosse
- Material: Neoprene, Rubber sole
- Height: 18 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600G-M are hunting boots with the best insulation to keep your feet warm while hunting.
They have 1,600-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation by 3M to provide you with optimal, but lightweight warmth. Their warmth rating is 0℉ to -70°F. The boots’ insulation will excel even in extremely low temperatures.
These boots have a superior overall height of 18 inches, with their shaft measuring approximately 15.5 inches from the arch. They guarantee maximum coverage of your legs, especially for safety.
To provide maximum comfort to your feet, the boots have a neoprene lining, which is also flexible. An Ankle-Fit design provides optimal grip to the top of your foot while locking your heels in place for safety.
Although LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600G-M boots have superior insulation from extreme cold hunting conditions, the combined weight of these boots is 5.5 pounds. This is the heaviest pair of hunting boots we have reviewed. You can expect some fatigue on your legs especially with extended use.
Their high price may not appeal to people on a budget.
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5. Danner Pronghorn Brown-M – Best Leather Hunting Boots
Photo: Danner
- Material: Leather, Cordura, Rubber sole
- Height: 8 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
For those who prefer leather boots, Danner Pronghorn Brown-M is the best pair of boots bearing this material.
Although the boots’ construction includes a combination of materials, they feature full-grain CamoHide leather, which is complemented by lightweight 1000 Denier nylon to make them durable and rugged.
At only 3.4 pounds in weight, these boots are some of the lightest on the market. Their weight makes them ideal for day-long use as they won’t cause fatigue or pressure on your feet.
You are also guaranteed of an effective waterproof and breathable construction made of the GORE-TEX lining.
The boots’ rubber soles are rugged for long-lasting performance.
While Danner Pronghorn Brown-M is our top pick for leather hunting boots, one obvious downside is that they lack insulation from extreme temperatures. Hence the boots are not ideal for use in conditions such as snow.
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6. Rocky Retraction 800g-M – Best All-Season Hunting Boots
Photo: Rocky
- Material: Leather, Textile, Synthetic sole
- Height: 8 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
Rocky Retraction 800g-M is the best pair of all-season hunting boots on our list. They feature full-grain leather and Realtree Xtra camouflage nylon to achieve an appealing look. The nylon material is also abrasion and tear-resistant.
The boots are only 3 pounds in weight, making them some of the lightest on our list. You can wear them for an entire day and your feet won’t feel pressured or fatigued.
Insulation is also another excellent feature of these boots. They come with 800 grams 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation, which makes them ideal for hunting even during winter as they guarantee to keep your feet warm.
To maximize the comfort of your feet, the boots’ interiors have an EnergyBed footbed, which features memory foam that shapes to your foot when you wear them.
Although Rocky Retraction 800g-M feature is our top pick for all-season hunting boots, we did note their height is on the lower range and many prospective buyers may find this feature a bit limiting. Other than the height issue, these boots are superb for all seasons.
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7. Muck Boot Pursuit FieldBlazer-M – Abrasion-Resistant Hunting Boots
Photo: Muck Boot
- Material: Synthetic, Synthetic sole
- Height: 15 inches
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
Muck Boot Pursuit FieldBlazer-M is the best pair of hunting boots for abrasion resistance. The boots are designed using a Spandura upper, which protects them from rock scrapes, thorns, sharp branches, and other abrasive things, thus keeping your feet protected.
They measure 15 inches in height, with 13-foot-long shafts that provide optimal coverage and protection to your legs.
To keep your feet comfortable as you focus on the hunt, the boots have a warm fleece lining and a flexible 5 mm neoprene, which adapts to the shape of your feet. The boots are also insulated and have a comfort range of -20℉/-30℃ to 50℉/10℃.
The boots are also 100% waterproof. You don’t have to keep jumping over puddles and pools that interfere with your hunting experience.
We loved the Muck Boot Pursuit FieldBlazer-M hunting boots for their superior abrasion-resistant features, but at 4.2 pounds in weight, they may feel heavy after wearing them for extended periods.
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8. Hanagal Bushland – Best Ankle-High Hunting Boots
Photo: Hanagal
- Material: EVA, Rubber sole
- Height: 6 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
Hanagal Bushland is the ideal pair for people who prefer ankle-high hunting boots. These boots are only 6 inches in height. They feel comfortable in the feet.
They feature Vibram outsoles, which are durable and rugged to secure you when hunting and navigating wet, slippery, or steep terrain. Their midsoles are made of Eva, which provides your feet with optimal cushioning.
Hanagal Bushlands are also waterproof and breathable because they feature KingTex membranes, which keep soggy elements away from your feet while allowing water vapor from within to escape.
At 2.5 pounds, these boots are among the lightest we have reviewed. You can wear them for an entire day without your feet feeling any pressure or fatigue.
Although Hanagal Bushland is the ideal pair of ankle-high boots, some people may find this height as a limitation in environments and seasons that the boots can be worn.
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9. Runfun Anti-Slip Boots – Best Budget Hunting Boots
Photo: Runfun
- Material: EVA, Rubber sole
- Height: 8 inches
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
Runfun Anti-Slip Boots are the best hunting boots for the money. They are reasonably-priced and feature-packed, making them the most accessible to hunting beginners and enthusiasts.
These boots are lightweight at only 2.9 pounds. The weight is kept low by a camo-wrapped EVA midsole, which also reduces pressure and stress on your feet when wearing the boots.
We all desire soles with a firm grip on the ground. These boots have anti-slip rubber soles. They are also waterproof and breathable.
They are also insulated with 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate to provide protection to your feet while hunting in extreme conditions.
Although Runfun Anti-Slip Boots will give you great value for money, we did note that they are susceptible to damage when overexposed to the sun. You may need to be extra cautious especially if you’re used to leaving your boots outdoors.
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10. Muck Boot FieldBlazer – Best Unisex Hunting Boots
Photo: Muck Boot
- Material: Fabric/Rubber sole
- Height: 15 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Muck Boot FieldBlazer is the best pair of unisex hunting boots. These top-rated hunting boots are built for your safety and comfort.
We especially recommend these boots because they are unisex. They leave no one out in their superior ability to protect from both dry and wet conditions and injury during hunting.
The boots are well-insulated. They boast of an insulation range of 75℉ to -20℉ provided by the self-insulating CR flex-foam in them.
They are also waterproof and given their height of 15 inches, they guarantee to keep your feet free of water even when you walk into shallow puddles.
To maximize your comfort during hunting, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activity, the boot has an air mesh lining. They also have reinforced Achilles support for your safety.
Something to love about these boots is that their total weight is only 2.7 pounds. They are among the lightest boots you can find in the market today for all the features you need to make your hunting experience comfortable.
Although Muck Boot FieldBlazer excels as a pull-on pair of boots, you will need to wear heavy socks in extremely cold weather.
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How to Buy the Best Hunting Boots
Photo: montanawildlife.org
1. Main Types of Hunting Boots
Field Boots: Field hunting boots work best to protect you from potentially cold weather and different inland terrains. Some field boots lack the appropriate waterproofing to protect you from wet hunting conditions.
Snake Boots: These boots blend rubber and field boot properties. They tend to have extended collars and are made of special materials that will protect your legs from snake bites while providing all the benefits of rubber and field boots.
Rubber Boots: These hunting boots are ideal for wet conditions. The rubber material is great for deflecting water. You can use these boots to hunt ducks in soggy conditions. They also do a great job in containing odor.
2. Material
The materials that make your boot determine how where and when they can be used, how comfortable they are, and how long they last.
Most of the hunting boots we reviewed combine different materials such as rubber soles, synthetic shafts, EVA midsoles, and neoprene linings, among others. These materials all serve different purposes including protection, comfort, waterproofing, and insulation.
There are also hunting boots made of leather, which is strong, elegant, and durable. Boots featuring insulating material such as 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation are ideal for hunting in extremely cold weather.
3. Height
Most active hunters tend to prefer long boots with heights in the range of 15 inches to 18 inches.
Such boots provide enough coverage and protection to your legs, especially from sharp and abrasive things. Long boots can either be pull-on or laced. It’s worth noting that some long boots are heavy, probably because they demand more material than shorter ones.
If you prefer ankle-high boots for light hunting adventures in dry conditions, you can get those with a height of 6 inches or 8 inches. Boots with these heights tend to be lighter than longer ones because they use less material.
4. Weight
When it comes to hunting, you’re better off with lightweight boots than heavy ones. Sometimes hunting requires extensive walking over long distances or challenging terrain.
Heavy pairs of boots can hinder your ability to navigate with ease over long distances. Thus, those 4-5-pound boots are best used for short hunting periods to protect your feet from pressure and fatigue.
Sometimes heavy boots may be advantageous. The extra weight may be due to premium insulation, rugged rubber soles, or comfort materials, all of which come in handy when hunting in extreme conditions such as in the snow, or in rough terrain.
5. Waterproof
Waterproofing is an excellent and useful feature to have in your hunting boots. Waterproof boots will allow you to hunt in wet, soggy, and even rainy conditions.
You don’t want to spend hours in the woods pursuing game only to be stopped by soggy or wet ground.
Boots with 100% high-quality waterproofing will comfortably get you through streams, mud patches, puddles, and standing water.
Some boots have premium waterproofing such as Gore-Tex lining, which may make them pricier, but guarantees excellent waterproofing.
6. Durability
The durability of your hunting boots is determined by many factors including their build materials, and their frequency of use.
Many of the durable boots combine synthetic material with rugged rubber soles. Leather is another durable material but is not recommended for use in wet conditions.
If you subject your boots to rough terrain on a regular basis such as daily hunting, their durability may not be as high as those boots used for occasional hunting.
7. Insulation
Insulated hunting boots are ideal snowy conditions, which are characterized by low temperatures.
Many hunting boots come with insulation features. To make sure your boots have high-quality insulation, check how many grams of insulation has been used on them. Most boots have insulation in the range of 400-600 grams, and they are ideal for cold days.
Others have 800-1600 grams of insulation, often considered ideal for hunting in extremely cold conditions such as snow. Such will work in temperatures of 30℉ or lower.
Conclusion
We have provided you with everything you need to know about hunting boots in one place. Now you’re all set to choose a pair that suits all your hunting demands.
Remember some important factors to consider as you shop. The boots’ material will determine their durability and the conditions they can be used.
Waterproofing and insulation is very important if you plan to hunt in wet, soggy, and snowy conditions, especially in winter.
Also, get boots with enough height to cover your legs for protection especially from sharp objects.
Be sure to check out our review of top 10 hunting boots and buying guide to help decide on the best boots to buy.