Hunting boots need to be tough, rugged and supportive. You wouldn’t want to wear a stiff mountaineering boot while pursuing goats or sheep in steep terrain, for instance.
You also wouldn’t want to wear rubber hunting boots while stalking silently into bow range on a bedded buck. So, what factors go into making the best hunting boots?
Among a hunter’s most important pieces of gear are his boots. A great pair of boots allows him to climb steep, rugged terrain, walk long distances, wade swamps, and stalk silently into bow range on that bedded buck. If his feet are frostbitten or blistered, however, he will likely not be willing to stay out until dark on a turkey hunt or hike that final ridge for an elk.
The upper part of a hunting boot may be made from leather, nylon or some combination. A quality upper will be constructed from full-grain leather that has been treated with a waterproof coating, such as GORE-TEX. This will keep water out and allow sweat to pass through, keeping the feet dry and comfortable. Boots with a full-grain leather upper are considered more durable than those with a top-grain leather or even genuine leather.
Boot height is another factor that influences a hunter’s choice. A good choice for a typical early-season bowhunt would be a 9-10″ boot that provides support and stability while keeping the feet out of the way of branches, thistles, and thorny brambles. Boots that creep up to the calf are ideal for stalking and driving hunts, while those in the 13-16″ range will be a hunter’s fortress against extreme weather conditions, such as deep snow or high water.
A seasoned hunter will probably have multiple pairs of hunting boots, to match the different conditions and hunting intensity. When making a boot purchase, the safety spec, comfort features and slip resistance are also factors to consider. Boots that are properly broken in will be very comfortable and will perform well over time. Start with short sessions, and gradually increase the amount of time you wear them.
Midsole
The midsole of a Hunting boot is the part that sits between the footbed and the outsole. It’s typically made of nylon, carbon fiber or fiberglass and is what provides rigidity in a boot. It also absorbs the shock of walking and running, reducing the amount of pressure placed on your feet and calves.
The type of midsole material you choose depends on several factors, such as the terrain and season in which you hunt. For example, if you’re hunting early in the season, when it’s likely to be wet and covered in brush and branches, you may want to consider a softer boot with more flexibility. This will help you avoid stepping on and snapping every twig and branch you come across.
On the other hand, if you’re hiking long distances and putting in 100km days on the backcountry, you may prefer a stiffer boot with more stability. Some manufacturers, like Crispi, offer a midsole made of a blend of materials for ultimate durability and comfort.
The traction and ankle support of boots are also critical to avoiding injuries, especially during long, strenuous hunts. Strong traction helps prevent slips and falls, while ankle support reduces the likelihood of twists and sprains. In addition, well-supported feet allow you to cover greater distances with less fatigue, ensuring that you can find the game you’re looking for.
Outsole
The outsole is the bottom part of a Hunting boot that provides traction, protection and stability. It’s often made of rubber, which is durable and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. It also should be designed for the terrain where you’ll be hunting, so look for an outsole that has lugs that will grip well on muddy or sandy surfaces.
The heel and toe of the outsole should be curved, which helps keep your feet stable while you’re on the move. The outsole of a good hunting boot should also be sturdy and waterproof. If you’re buying boots online, make sure they’re guaranteed to be waterproof by looking for a “waterproof” label on the product description.
A good pair of Hunting boots can make the difference between a comfortable day in the field and hoofing it back to the truck because your feet hurt. So if you want to get the most out of your hunting experience, prioritize fit and comfort above all else. If you’re looking for a boot that fits well, try them on later in the day when your feet are swollen, as this will more closely mimic the state they will be in during hunting.
Also, be sure to select a boot that’s made from “full-grain” leather, as this is the highest quality and will last much longer than cheaper “genuine” leather. And always choose a hunting boot with a shank, as this will help prevent foot and ankle injuries when walking over rough terrain. The right footwear can help you stay on your feet all day, even while carrying a heavy pack. Then you can focus on the hunt and not your feet.
Insulation
The insulation part of a Hunting boot provides protection from cold environments. This includes not only ice, snow and sleet but also damp vegetation, muddy or sandy ground, and even pond water. Wet feet cause blisters and cut short hunts, so waterproof boots are a must.
The key to effective insulation is trapping a layer of air warmed by your body heat. Nature has perfected this technique with polar bears, waterfowl and other cold-weather animals. Modern boot insulation materials take advantage of this science, with synthetic options such as PrimaLoft and insulated GORE-TEX membranes used to make boots both lightweight and warm.
Waterproofness is important, but so too is breathability. The best hunting boots feature a combination of both features. They lock out water while allowing perspiration vapor to escape, keeping your feet comfortable and dry in any environment.
Choosing the right insulation depends on the climate in which you intend to hunt. Early-season hunting typically takes place in warmer, drier conditions and requires less insulation than the winter season. For example, a summer hunting boot may only have 200 grams of insulation.
As temperatures drop, hunters move to colder terrain and rely more on heavy-duty insulation to stay comfortable. A full-on winter Hunting boot may feature 1000 gram or more of insulation. The type of terrain you plan to hunt will also determine the traction on the bottom of your boots. Boots with deep lugs are designed for rugged, mountainous terrain while boots with a more minimal traction are suitable for low-country hunting. For instance, Schnee’s Granite series of insulated boots is specifically designed for late season wilderness elk hunts, which involve plenty of walking and climbing in steep, rough terrain where a twisted ankle can easily derail a hunt.
Footbed
The footbed is the bottom part of the shoe where your feet touch it. It’s a soft layer that supports your foot, and it can have different materials or design depending on the purpose of the shoe. The right footbed can make or break a pair of boots. It can have a huge impact on comfort and support, so it’s important to consider this when looking for the perfect boot.
The material used in the footbed can determine how soft or hard the shoes are. If the footbed is too soft, your feet can easily slip inside the boots and cause blisters. If the footbed is too hard, it will not form to the shape of your feet, resulting in an uncomfortable experience. It is also important to consider if the footbed has enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and safe.
Another aspect that determines the comfort of a shoe is how tight it fits. A loose fit causes friction between the feet and boots, amplifying any bumps or bruises that may occur while hiking. It can also make it hard to navigate rugged terrains. Getting the right fit is important when choosing a Hunting boot.
Although it might be tempting to think that Hunting boots are just hiking shoes on steroids, they serve a different purpose and perform differently. They are designed to protect the feet from rough terrains, cold weather, and even to help with tracking game.