Hunting with completely wet feet can be quite the nuisance. Let’s prevent that by finding the best waterproof hunting boots for you!
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Setting traps and checking them on daily basis is no small achievement and wild hunting grounds offer a chance for a great cardiovascular workout. To make things even better, at the end of the day, you get a nice lean protein meal on the table.
Let’s take a look at the 13 most popular models on the market to see which one fits you the best.
Contents
Top waterproof hunting boots
Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Waterproof 200 Gram 12″ Big Game Hunting Boot
Elk Tracker 880s has to amongst the best-looking hunting footwear you can currently buy. If you somehow manage to tuck the 9.5-inch shafts under the trousers, people may easily confuse them for a pair of regular hiking boots.
The boots are made of genuine quality leather, the insulation is taken care of by the branded GORE-TEX fabric lining, and the rubber soles provide sufficient traction. Long story short, you won’t get wet or bruised no matter where you like to hunt.
However, not everything is perfect. Although they offer a lot of value, the boots are still a bit pricey. Also, compared to the other models they feel a bit narrow.
You may want to try them out before buying.
TideWe Hunting Boot for Women, Insulated Waterproof Durable 15″ Women’s Hunting Boot
There are several types of hiking boots. TideWe’s boots are those by-the-numbers, rubber boots that first cross your mind when you think of hunting.
But, that doesn’t mean that they are completely devoid of visual flair. You do get a very likable leaf-themed pattern covering the shafts, and vivid mint and pink details here and there to draw some attention.
Performance-wise, the boots hold much better. Durable 6mm Neoprene uppers, EVA midsoles and durable rubber outsoles that feature some pretty aggressive patterns all make sure your feet are dry and safe.
Unfortunately, the boots simply don’t feature sufficient insulation, so you’ll need to wear some seriously thick socks. That, in turn, compromises the overall comfort.
Irish Setter Men’s 808 Wingshooter Waterproof 9″ Upland Hunting Boot
Wingshooter boots offer a lot of similar specs like the previous Irish Setter boots we talked about above. Yet somehow, they are so differently packed that they make an entirely different impression.
First, the boots feature a very traditional look which makes them a killer combo with those fur lined leather jackets.
Second, this model packs an advanced UltraDry moisture management system that adds another layer of protection to your feet without compromising the pleasure.
And on top of that, you get the premium leather uppers and some pretty solid rubber soles.
The only major problem the boots really have is their durability. For the price tag they have, they are wearing off rather quickly. This is particularly true of smooth uppers that can be easily damaged.
Rocky Waterproof Snakeproof Hunting Boot
These boots have to be one of the tallest models of the market, but that’s not a bad thing. On the contrary, huge 14.53″ shafts provide a great deal of protection.
But, the sheer size is, by no means, these boots’ only quality. Besides that, you get an additional layer of protection against all common North American snakes, nylon upper with full-grain leather outlines and a pair of two very decent Polyurethane outsoles.
All that sprinkled with cool-looking camo details and an affordable price tag.
So, what’s wrong? Well, as you would expect from such a huge model, the fitting won’t suit every leg that goes in.
Also, the boots would greatly benefit from a different lacing system. Putting them on and off can take you a lot of time.
Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ Boondock Soft-Toe Waterproof Work and Hunt Boot
A proof that not every hunting boot roundup has to be Irish Setter one-man party.
Now, although Timberland excels more on hiking tracks these boots pack everything you would expect from a top-notch hunting model – genuine leather upper, 8.5-inch shafts, nice and comfortable fiberglass shank and synthetic soles that feature some pretty rugged patterns.
To make things even better, Boondocks also pack extensive insulation end feel incredibly comfortable no matter how long you wear them.
What else could you ask for?
Well, a bit more durability. Although a lot of buyers are perfectly pleased with these boots, there has been more than one example of boots not lasting through their first year.
Also, due to the abundant insulation, Boondocks are very hard to wear during the hot summer months.
XPETI Women’s Thermador Mid High-Top Waterproof Hiking Outdoor Boot
Unlike the previous two ladies’ models that definitely followed the “bigger the better” philosophy XPETI’s Thermador boots are proving that you can find a lot of value even in a smaller package.
And all of that at an extremely lucrative price point. Interested yet?
Well, you should be because with their comfortable mesh cover, Hydroshield waterproof membrane, integrated EVA midsoles and molded TPU ankle support Thermadors make one incredibly safe and comfortable pair of hunting footwear.
Also, the pattern on the rubber outsoles is incredible. You won’t have any problem roaming even the most slippery terrains out there.
Just keep in mind that the measures of the boots are completely off, so you should definitely aim one size above your regular.
Irish Setter Men’s 840 Havoc Waterproof 800 Gram 10″ Big Game Boot
Irish Setter’s Havoc Waterproof boots, are probably the product that offers the most value on this list. They have all the perks their above-mentioned siblings have but at a considerably lower price.
The key specs are something we’ve came to expect from premium models in this niche – genuine leather and sturdy fabric upper, thick rubber sole and 800g Thinsulate insulation. What makes this model so good is the way in which all these elements were put together.
The boots are heavy and sturdy, but still very comfortable. Warm, but not too warm. They look very stylish, but they have a couple of military-like camo details.
As a matter of fact, the only serious thing that can be taken against these boots is that they are pretty narrow.
Lacrosse Women’s Silencer 8″ Height Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity 800G Hunting Combat Boot
Here is another package where it’s really hard to find any point of complaint. The boots score the points in all the right fields, have only a couple of minor flaws and still manage to hit the market at a very reasonable price.
So, let’s start with the build and the performance. Aside from the durable suede and nylon upper, and rubber soles, you also get above the average 8-inch shaft and the 800g Tinsulate high-performance insulation that’s doing wonders for the boots’ moisture management.
All this feels solid and durable, but also comfortable and lightweight.
The only two minor gripes we have are the lacing system that could’ve been more efficient and the pink branding on the right side of the shaft that somewhat ruins the militaristic look.
Danner Men’s Pronghorn Realtree Xtra 1200G Hunting Boot
It’s really a wonder how these boots managed to stay so light and pleasant in spite the zealous cushioning and insulation (1200g) built into their body.
But, that’s not the only thing Danner Men’s Realtree Xtra boots are doing well. On, the contrary, everything about them feels just about right.
Even the lacing hooks allow quick adjustment and solid stability. You will be able to put the feet inside without any effort.
The workmanship is great – leather/fabric upper and rubber sole make a very durable and flexible combo that feels like it’s going to last for an eternity.
As for the complaints, there are really not that many of them. The boots are definitely not amongst the cheaper models on the market, and, once again, feel too narrow for a regular foot size.
Irish Setter Women’s 2889 LadyHawk Waterproof 2000 Gram 9″ Big Game Hunting Boot
LadyHawk boots are proof that Irish Setter is not only dominating the male hunting footwear market but can also throw a pretty solid punch even in the ladies’ corner.
Is it strong enough, though?
Judging by the look, yes. LadyHawks are built of a very durable textile/upper, well-textured rubber soles and all sorts of insulation to keep your feet warm and safe. The padded collar that sits on top of the 9-inch shaft serves only as an icing on the cake.
However, in its effort to make the boots warm and protective, the manufacturer somehow forgot that they need to be comfortable as well.
Of course, ladies with smaller feet might get a lot of enjoyment out of the boots. As for the rest, excessive cushioning may leave your toes feeling jammed after a couple of hours of use.
Danner Men’s Gila 6 Inch Optifade Open Country Hunting Boot
These boots are very simple. Some would even go as far as to call them by the numbers. But, there is a lot of beauty that can be found in that simplicity.
Without any intention to drown the boots in various gimmicks, Danner Man just made sure to make them as functional as possible.
And the results are pretty good. The leather/fabric uppers are durable and comfortable, outsoles will prevent you from hurting yourselves by falling or stepping on sharp rocks, and, what’s most important, they do a great job keeping the water out.
You will need a couple of miles to soften the upper lip, and you will probably need to replace the insoles that come in the package, but hey, at least you have an option.
Field & Stream Women’s Swamptracker Realtree Xtra Waterproof 1000g Rubber Hunting Boots
Full rubber boots excel in protecting your feet from the water. With no materials through which humidity can find a way in, you ought to get more protection.
They are also inherently less comfortable than their leather and textile counterparts. These boots are no exception.
So, what else do you get for that drop in pleasure?
Well, a lot. The commotious 1000g insulation will keep your legs warm regardless of the weather outside, neoprene lining does its best to increase the overall comfort and the rugged rubber outsoles provide excellent traction.
As the name suggests, these are the boots you won’t have any problem taking into the worst swamp out there.
If you don’t plan to spend too much time in the mud, you can find something lighter, though.
Kenetrek Unisex 13 Inch Grizzly Insulated Boot
It doesn’t take more than a passing look to see just how classy are these boots. Where else can you find such pretty 13-inch oil tanned leather uppers? Or those unobtrusive rubber outsoles?
Things aren’t any worse when you actually put your feet inside. The boots feature very thorough insulation consistent of 400g Tinsulate and 3mm of soft natural wool. All this provides a lot of safety, warmth, and stability.
Yeah, Grizzlies will make you feel like aristocracy, and they can be worn both by ladies and gentlemen.
Keep in mind, though, that all these goodies come at an appropriate price. They are also not the most comfortable boots on the market.
It would be best to keep them off the hard tracks and far from wilderness.
Conclusion
As we can see all these boots have a lot of good things that can be said in their favor. And a couple of mostly minor drawbacks.
The final choice you are going to make will largely depend on your habits and the hunting grounds where you like to spend the most time.
Rough terrains entail a lot of flexibility. A damp environment like swamp will require one-piece leather uppers. And, in both these cases, your feet must feel comfortable even after a couple of hours of walk.
Keep in mind these few considerations while buying and happy hunting!