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A good pair of boots is as essential to your hunting trip as your rifle (or longbow, if you’re a real badass).
You’ll be spending hours on your feet, hiking to and from your vehicle, scrambling up and down slopes, slogging through muddy and marshy terrain, even climbing trees. Without a reliable pair of hunting boots, your feet are in for a cold, wet, sore, and all-around miserable hunting trip.
Hunting boots worth their salt are built to handle it all: waterproof (or at least water-resistant), sturdy, well-cushioned, and grippy on any terrain.
The high shaft, aggressive outsole, and supportive footbed provide everything you need to keep your feet dry, warm, and comfortable, even when hunting in the worst weather.
After testing out all the pairs I could find, I’ve assembled a list of the five best hunting boots on the market that any deer, moose, elk, or bear hunter will be happy to take on their next trip into the wilds.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
Hunting is huge in my family. Every year, we faithfully get our various hunting tags (a legal requirement here in British Columbia, Canada) and slot at least a dozen or so hunting trips into our summer and autumn.
Take my word for it: after a few days of cold, sore, or wet feet, you come to understand the value of a high-quality pair of hunting boots.
After all, you’re going to hike a few kilometers to your hunting spot, then sit in near-freezing temperatures with rain hurtling down all around you. In these conditions, your boots can either be your best friend (if they’re good) or your worst enemy (if they’re not).
In addition to testing all the hunting boots I could find in my local stores, I’ve talked with all my hunting buddies (and their buddies) to get recommendations of the boots they’ve found suit them best. On top of that, I combed through tens of thousands of reviews to get feedback from other real-life users from around the world.
All my research has narrowed it down to this list of five hunting boots. I organized the list by starting with the pair I believe to be the best overall, followed by the other pairs that I believe will best suit some specific need.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Gokey The Supreme
Gokey’s The Supreme boots was a pair I only discovered after talking to an old hunter who’s spent the last sixty years hunting faithfully every single year. He’s seen all the boot brands come and go, and he said that these were among the best he’d ever worn.
After taking them out hunting the last two years, I’d have to say I agree. To start off, the oil-tanned leather is incredibly tough. It’s not quite waterproof, but largely water-resistant. The oiled finish makes it easy to simply wipe clean, and with frequent care, it’ll maintain its gorgeous luster for years.
The 10-inch shaft offers excellent protection as well as ankle support, and the gusseted tongue offers flexibility while also keeping out damp and dirt. The combination of brass eyelets and speed hooks makes lacing them up a breeze.
The full leather midsole serves up excellent arch support and there’s even a removable leather insole added for extra cushioning. Best of all, the outsole is amazingly grippy—I take it through mud, muck, snow, and ice all the time and have yet to slip once. It even is designed to be “self-cleaning” so I don’t annoy the missus by tracking mud and damp into the house when I return.
All in all, they’re absolutely the best overall pair of hunting boots I’ve ever worn.
What I Like
Beautifully sturdy leather that features hand-locked stitching and moccasin-style construction.
The oil-tanned leather looks lustrous and gorgeous and will remain so even after years of regular use.
The high shaft and gusseted tongue have enough flex for comfortable walking but still provide great ankle support and protection.
Resistant to mud, water, damp, and cold.
The calf skin liner is super soft on my feet and prevents blisters/rubbing.
What I Don’t Like
The boots do require a lot of care. I have to re-apply oil and treat the boots every 3-4 months to keep them looking good.
They’re a top-quality pair of boots with a premium price tag to match.
What Other Reviewers Say
People who’ve tried these boots usually tend to love them as much as I do. Reviews say they’re “the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn” and that “I wear them everywhere”. The fit, sizing, and sturdiness are all highly regarded by real-life users who’ve tested these boots.
However, some users complained that the break-in time was a bit longer than with other leather boots. A few (myself included) found the leather a bit stiff right out of the box, and it didn’t soften easily. It was only after wearing them around for a few weeks that they softened and loosened up. Once they did, though, they became a truly comfortable pair of hunting boots I and many other reviewers fell in love with.
The Verdict
The investment in these boots is high but absolutely worth it. Not only is the oil-tanned leather absolutely gorgeous, but it’s resilient and gives you good protection against water, mud, dirt, and cold. The high shaft provides great ankle support while the leather footbed gives you great cushioning for long hours of walking. You’ll look and feel your best when you take these bad boys out hunting.
Best Rubber Hunting Boot: Muck Edgewater
For those duck hunting in marshlands or those trips when it’s supposed to rain all weekend, the Muck Edgewater will be your best friend. Crafted entirely from sturdy rubber, they’re entirely waterproof and mudproof.
The protective shell is reinforced so it’ll resist punctures, tears, and abrasion. Thanks to its neoprene “bootie” interior, your feet will stay warm and cozy but still have enough ventilation that you won’t sweat through your socks.
What I really loved about these boots, though, was the all-terrain outsole. The aggressive tread and deep lugs gave me amazing traction on snow, mud, wet leaves, slippery hills, wet grass, even scree slopes.
Another cool feature of the Muck Edgewaters is the ability to fold down the shaft. On those hot days, it’s an absolute game-changer to keep your feet cool and let your calves air out.
What I Like
The seamless rubber is fully waterproof and incredibly resilient.
The boots are quick-cleaning. Just wipe or hose them down, and they’ll look as good as new.
The 15-inch shaft height is perfect for slogging through marshes and muck, but it folds down so you don’t overheat on the really hot, humid days.
The neoprene bootie kept my feet dry and cool even during the heat of summer.
What I Don’t Like
The boots aren’t ideal for cold weather. During the late autumn/early winter, I had to switch to another pair of boots that had better insulation.
The shaft is very tight around my calves. Admittedly, I have oversized calves, but they can be uncomfortably tight if I tuck my pants into the boots.
What Other Reviewers Say
With hundreds of reviews and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating, it’s easy to see why these boots are a top pick for hunters. Reviewers love the breathability of the neoprene booties, which makes them ideal for summer as well as cool-weather use. They’re also popular as “muck boots”, general-purpose work boots great for farm chores, cording wood, or walking the dog. Thanks to their integrated footbed, real-life users claim they’re incredibly comfortable and supportive.
On the negative side, it appears there are quality control issues with the boots’ construction. A few users found that the boots ripped within days or even hours of use. The rips were usually either on the insoles or the pull-up tabs, but one actually found the back of the boot began to detach from the heel. It’s not a dealbreaker, but a factor to be aware of.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a good pair of all-purpose rubber boots that will be sturdy enough for hunting and hiking, these are my top pick. They’re protective, fully waterproof, well-ventilated, and comfortable.
Best Insulated Cold Weather: Baffin Impact
I’m a big Baffin fan, for the simple reason that their boots proved the most effective at keeping my feet warm during the freezing Canadian winter (as you’ll see in my Best Snow Boots article). So when I started shopping around for cold weather hunting boots, they were the first brand I considered.
The Baffin Impact is a full-length (15 inch) hunting boot built for “cold comfort”. They’ve got an inner boot built with multiple layers of insulation: a soft Thermaplush layer for breathability, B-Tek foam for comfort and cushioning, a double B-Tek hollow-fiber insulation for maximum warmth, and even an exterior aluminum membrane to reflect heat back toward my legs. All of that wrapped up in a layer of polyester wool makes it ideal for sub-zero temperatures.
The boots feature a tough Arctic Rubber shell that’s fully waterproof, cold-resistant, and quick-cleaning. The EVA midsole provides excellent cushioning for long hours on your feet. Last, but certainly not least, the Polar Rubber outsole is grippy even on ice and snow.
What I Like
Warmer than any other pair of hunting boots I’ve tested. My feet never once felt chilly even in sub-zero temperatures.
Excellent cushioning and arch-support. Great for long days of walking.
Double buckle fastening made the boots feel more securely in place on my feet, and I never worried about them slipping off even when they got buried in deep snow drifts.
Very grippy sole that offered amazing traction on mud, snow, and ice.
What I Don’t Like
The boots were definitely too hot to use for the warmer months.
They’re far heavier than I’d expected, so not as ideal for walking/trekking longer distances.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers love the insulation as much as I do. Most real-life users praise how warm they are, with the insulation adding both comfort and stability as well as cold comfort. The grippy traction was another major “pro” users commented on. More than a few commented that the boots were comfortable right out of the box, with little/no break-in time needed.
On the downside, a few users agreed with my assessment that the boots are definitely on the heavier side. To be fair, you don’t hike as far in the deep snow/thick ice, so it wasn’t a deal breaker. But reviewers were amazed and surprised by just how heavy these felt.
The Verdict
If you’re planning on hunting in truly cold weather, you won’t find a better-insulated, warmer pair of hunting boots than these. Sure, they’re heavy and too hot for summer use, but during the winter, you’ll never have to worry about chilly feet.
Best for Tracking Long Distances: Irish Setter Elk Tracker
I’ve been a fan of Irish Setter boots since I was first introduced to them by my hunting-fanatic brother-in-law 10 years ago. You’ll find few brands of hunting boots better-built or longer-lasting.
What makes this particular pair so deserving of being on this list is their comfort. Not only do they have a cushioned footbed made using shock-absorbing cork, but integrated into the sole is a steel shank that provides extra foot support and stability. Add to that an aggressive, all-terrain outsole, and you’ve got a winner.
The boots are made using handsome full-grain leather, but on the inside they’ve got an UltraDry waterproof membrane that will shrug off rain and damp like a boss and 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation to keep out the cold.
The fact that they’re built using a Goodyear welt means they can be easily re-soled when they wear out. But don’t worry: I’ve had mine for nearly a decade and they’ve yet to come close to wearing out.
What I Like
Incredibly durable and long-lasting boots.
Excellent value for a very affordable price.
Insanely comfortable footbed and amazing arch support is great for long-distance walking.
9” height is great for all-terrain and all-weather use.
What I Don’t Like
Like all oil-tanned boots, they need a lot of frequent maintenance to stay beautiful.
Flaws in the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane make them water-resistant, not fully waterproof.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers tend to love these boots for long-distance trekking and tracking as much as I do. One real-life user wore them for a week-long trip through the Colorado mountains and found they were not only amazingly comfortable, but also held up to snow, streams, and damp. Others commented that the boots are amazingly steady and stable even on uneven terrain, with the outsole providing excellent traction.
On the “cons” side, a few reviewers found the boots just didn’t hold up as well as they’d expected. Even with frequent oiling and maintenance, the boots began to crack, sag, and fade. Others also discovered (like me) that the waterproof membrane isn’t capable of holding out against heavy rains or ankle-deep water.
The Verdict
I’ve yet to find a pair of boots better-suited to long-distance tracking or trekking. Their integrated steel shank and footbed makes them comfortable, supportive, and stable. The addition of insulation and waterproofing ensures they’re an all-around great pair of hunting boots for virtually any conditions.
Best Lightweight: Danner Pronghorn 8″
If you need maneuverability and/or breathability, the Danner Pronghorns are my top lightweight pick.
They’re a bit shorter than the others on this list (8-inch shaft), so there’s already less heavy-weight leather used in their construction. The boots take it a step farther, though, by adding in lightweight Vibram rubberized EVA for the midsole and Vibram Pronghorn rubber for the outsole. The result is a pair of boots that weighs just 53 ounces.
The boots are fully waterproof but also nicely breathable so your feet won’t sweat in hot or humid conditions. You’ll love the TERRA FORCE NEXT platform that uses both external and internal shank systems to create both torsion control and a more supportive footbed. They’re also one of the most affordable of the Danner hunting boots.
What I Like
They’re some of the lightest hunting boots I’ve ever worn.
Comfortable, with excellent arch support, traction, and stability.
Good waterproofing while still offering good ventilation. Your feet won’t stink or soak your socks after a long day of hunting.
What I Don’t Like
Right out of the box, the boots were a bit tight. I had to really try extra-hard to break them in quickly so they didn’t squeeze my feet.
Danner changed from the 850 last to the 851 last, which is much narrower. Even the EE width wasn’t quite wide enough for my feet until I broke them in fully.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers praise the boots for their good looks, comfort, and, of course, how light they are. Many of their highest ratings remarked on how cool they felt even when wearing these boots in summer, thanks to the integrated insulation.
On the downside, a lot of users found the same problem I did with the boots feeling a bit tight and needing more break-in time to be comfortable for longer hikes/hunting trips. A few also complained the redesigned toe box was too narrow and squeezed their feet uncomfortably.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a pair of boots to take on your late-summer/early autumn hunting trips, these are a pick worth considering. Between their excellent breathability and lightweight, they’re a pair ideally suited to warmer weather. The good support and stability they provide makes them a good investment.
3 Things to Consider When Buying Hunting Boots
1. Support and Cushioning
If you’re going to be walking long distances (from your car to your hunting blind and back, or from your campground to your hunting spot), arch support and cushioning is an absolute must-have. Otherwise, you’re at greater risk of foot fatigue, which can lead to knee pain and lower back pain. You’ll also tire out faster and end up cutting your hunting trip short.
A good pair of boots with sufficient support and cushioning will keep you on your feet and hoofing it all day long.
2. Waterproofing
Waterproofing comes in handy if you’re trekking through wet/marshy terrain (such as when duck hunting) or hunting in the rain. Wet shoes will not only be uncomfortable, but will increase your risk of athlete’s foot, trench foot, or stinky feet guaranteed to send potential prey (and your buddies) running for the hills.
3. Traction and Tread
When hunting, you’re going to be trekking across all sorts of terrain: rocky hills, dusty mountain trails, slippery wet grass, leaf-covered forests, muddy marshlands, wet swamps, and even snow and ice. A good pair of hunting boots will have a grippy outsole and aggressive tread that provides good traction on any terrain.
Hunt Like a Hero
Whether you’re hunting elk, deer, bear, or ducks, a good pair of hunting boots is an absolute must-have to keep you comfortable, stable, warm, and dry out in the wild. The right pair of boots will keep you on your feet and hiking for hours without ever feeling fatigue.
Over the course of my tests, Gokey’s The Supreme boots proved to be the best hunting boots overall. Their durability, luxurious good looks, comfort, and reliability makes them a pair of hunting boots I’ll enjoy wearing for years to come.
These premium boots are crafted using gorgeous oil-tanned leather that will grow more beautiful with every hunting trip. They’re also the most comfortable and supportive pair I tested.
For wet conditions, the Muck Edgewaters will be your best friend, while the Baffin Impact are ideal for those cold, snowy hunting trips.
Sturdy rubber, a highly stable design, and an aggressive all-terrain outsole combine to make this a truly great pair of waterproof hunting boots.
If you expect to hike long distances to and from your hunting spot, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker offers amazing cushioning and arch support. The Danner Pronghorn’s light weight is ideal for anyone who’s already carrying a lot of hunting gear.
FAQs
What kind of boots are best for deer hunting?
Earlier in the deer-hunting season, a pair of lightweight leather boots will be a good choice. As you progress into the hunting season and the weather turns wetter and colder, you may be better served by a pair of waterproof boots with sufficient insulation but still enough breathability to stay cool. Late in the season, you’ll want cold-weather boots for sure.
How long do hunting boots last?
A good pair of hunting boots should last you an average of 2-5 years. With proper care and regular maintenance, you may be able to eke out 7 to 10 years out of top-quality hunting boots (like our top pick, Gokey’s The Supreme). Resoling boots is a great option to replace old, worn out soles if the upper is still in good condition.
What is the heaviest insulated hunting boot?
The heaviest insulated hunting boot will usually have 800g insulation (such as 3M Thinsulate). 800g insulation will usually suffice for even below-freezing temperatures, but won’t be overly heavy or cumbersome.
