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As a lifelong horse rider, there’s nothing I love more than a day at the ranch.
I even love all of the work that comes with it.
What I don’t love?
Accidentally stepping in raw manure. Same goes for surprise mud patches and deeper-than-you-realize puddles.
Whether you work or play on a farm, in the snow, or near a running stream, you know the pain.
This is why having the right muck boots is so important. If your footwear isn’t protecting you, you risk exposing yourself to bacteria.
Stay hygienic and healthy with our picks of the seven best muck boots you’ll find.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
Based on my personal experiences with these choice boots and several others, I chose seven muck boots to highlight here. I categorized them based on their individual distinct strengths to help you decide which pairs are right for your specific needs.
From farmers and hunters to backyard hobbyists, I also consulted several external muck boot users and scoured the internet for every review I could get my hands on.
7 Best Muck Boots for Men
Best for Winter: Muck Boots Arctic Ice Boot
The Muck Boots Arctic Ice Tall Boot offers a powerful balance of qualities. It's tall and protective, but flexible and provides ease of movement. It gives impressive traction, but not through deep bulky lugs. If you’re a hunter, ice fisher, or work in constantly changing terrain, go for this Muck Boot.
The Muck Boots Arctic Ice Boot is built predominantly with cold weather in mind. Still, its winterized technology makes it an effective hunting boot. After all, the connection between deer movement and cold snaps are well-documented, and waterfowl season doesn’t start until well after September in most states.
The Arctic Ice’s claim to fame is its outsole, which is equipped with Muck Boots’ Vibram Arctic Grip technology. It’s unique because it doesn’t feature metal additives or inserts, boasting a lightweight 100% rubber construction.
Instead of relying on heavy material, the superior traction and sure footing comes from a meticulous multi-direction lug design and an exclusive RD rubber compound. RD makes hyper precise custom rubber molding, often used by the aerospace, defense, and high technology industries.
If this tech is good enough for spaceships, it’ll definitely get you from rocky terrain to mucky swamps safely and securely. Also, since the excellent grip comes from smart design instead of lug depth or added metal, this boot releases mud easily, making it easy to clean.
This guy is 100% waterproof. I’ve fully stepped ankle-deep into a puddle during a hunt wearing this boot, and came out of it bone dry.
The Arctic Ice is especially durable, and the neoprene construction allows it to maintain stability and flexibility in basically any temperature. You get the protection and coverage of a tall boot, but your movement isn’t held back on the field.
What I Like
Offering advanced grip technology, this boot guarantees sure footing without extra weight or added metals.
The smart lugs aren’t super deep, so they’re easy to keep clean.
Its neoprene construction is waterproof, comfortable, and flexible in all temperatures.
Measuring approximately 14 inches from the arch, this boot offers full coverage and protection.
What I Don’t Like
The fleece lining offers heat-retention properties, but it tends to trap moisture from perspiration. Bring spare socks to your next hunt.
What Other Reviewers Say
This highly popular boot gets showered with more superlatives than most footwear I’ve researched. More than one reviewer even calls it “the perfect boot”. Its flexibility and ease of maintenance make the Arctic Ice a go-to shoe for hunters and ice fishers.
One of its biggest strengths is also its weakness. There are a few complaints about overheating when worn outside of the cold winter months. On the other side of that, there are many reviews mentioning that this boot serves them well while working in negative temperatures and even through winter storms.
The Verdict
The Muck Boots Arctic Ice Boot offers a powerful balance of qualities. It’s tall and protective, but flexible and provides ease of movement. It gives impressive traction, but not through deep bulky lugs. If you’re a hunter, ice fisher, or work in constantly changing terrain, go for this Muck Boot.
The Muck Boots Arctic Ice Tall Boot offers a powerful balance of qualities. It's tall and protective, but flexible and provides ease of movement. It gives impressive traction, but not through deep bulky lugs. If you’re a hunter, ice fisher, or work in constantly changing terrain, go for this Muck Boot.
Best for Farming: Ariat Sierra Work Boots
The Ariat Sierra Work Boot’s lightweight shank, steel toe, and four layers of cushioning offer heavy-duty protection without the heavy-duty weight. The leather and neoprene upper is also easy to clean. Go for this boot if you work with big tools or heavy machinery.
I can’t tell you how many unspeakable things I’ve stepped in working on a farm. If your farm has horses, you know what I mean. The Ariat Sierra Work Boot is my go-to saving grace, thanks to its combination neoprene and leather upper.
The neoprene provides easy-to-clean protection and elasticity, while the full-grain leather adds durability. This boot even has a steel toe, which protects you from falling tools. It also comes in handy for any job that requires kicking, like breaking down wood.
And since this is Ariat, this boot is equipped with their proprietary four layer cushioning and lightweight shank. The result is great comfort, rebound, stability, and in my experience, little to no break-in time.
What I Like
The upper is made out of flexible neoprene and durable leather, a combination that protects from muck and is easy to maintain.
Ariat’s 4LR comfort technology provides maximum cushioning and rebound, balanced by the lightweight shank that gives stability and support.
The steel toe safeguards you from falling tools, and can be used as a tool as well.
What I Don’t Like
The boot shaft is a little loose, which can be fixed with the right jeans to tuck into them, and the right socks.
What Other Reviewers Say
From scrap yard workers to horse ranchers, reviewers agree that this boot keeps water and muck at bay. Many love the lightness in weight, despite the steel toe and shank. One reviewer mentions that he doesn’t feel the steel toe, even when he’s bending over.
There are a few complaints that the top is loose and thick and that their jeans don’t fit over them. I never wear my jeans over my boots when I’m on the farm. If that’s what you’re looking to do, this boot isn’t for you.
The Verdict
With the Ariat Sierra Work Boot’s leather and neoprene upper, you get the ease of movement and armor needed on a farm or ranch. Add a lightweight shank, a steel toe, and four layers of cushioning, and you’ve also got a successful balance of comfort and support.
The Ariat Sierra Work Boot’s lightweight shank, steel toe, and four layers of cushioning offer heavy-duty protection without the heavy-duty weight. The leather and neoprene upper is also easy to clean. Go for this boot if you work with big tools or heavy machinery.
Best for Hunting: Muck Boots Arctic Pro Sport Boot
Because of its comfort-rated fleece lining and airtight upper, the Muck Arctic Sport boot easily keeps you comfortable while you’re working on the farm during cold seasons. And for the most intense winters, the uniquely ribbed outsole provides sturdiness and agility on snow and ice.
From weather protection to traction on snow, the Muck Boots Arctic Pro Sport Boot fulfills all the winter boot necessities.
Inside, the boot features a thermal foam layer under the footbed and a warm fleece lining that’s comfort rated from from 40 degrees Fahrenheit all the way down to -40 degrees.
Outside, the 5mm neoprene construction is fully waterproof, and the stretch-fit comfort collar is airtight. This means cold and dirt are kept out, and warmth is kept in. With a shaft measuring 14.25 inches from the arch, we’re talking full calf coverage too.
It’s equipped with an MS-1 molded outsole, which is a uniquely ribbed rubber design. It’s built for optimal protection and stability in snow, on ice, and in wet conditions, enabling you to move as quickly as you need to. It performs well in mud too.
On top of that, the outsole is “self-cleaning” which basically means it doesn’t get dirty easily. Mud, muck, and dirty snow just slide right off of it.
To guard your feet from falling ice, this Muck Boot also has an ASTM-rated steel toe.
What I Like
The fleece lining is comfort rated, guaranteeing insulation from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees.
The stretch-fit comfort collar ensures that cold and debris can’t get into the boot.
Providing traction in snow or ice, the MS-1 molded outsole allows you to move easily and quickly in harsh winter conditions.
The steel toe meets ASTM standards and reduces the severity and frequency of impact.
What I Don’t Like
This boot is the only Muck Boots model that runs small by a whole size, which is confusing to fans of the brand who are used to ordering their true size. Just make sure to size up one.
What Other Reviewers Say
Most reviewers report that this boot does a great job of keeping you warm. Even more agree they perform well in ice and snow.
Those who work in Siberian-like winters recommend adding insulated socks to your arsenal. One North Dakota oil worker wishes that the comfort rating went down to -60, but mentions that the right pair of socks can make up for it.
A few mention that the reason this boot runs so small is because of the thick insulation. Even if you prefer a snugger boot fit, you’ll want to size up if you’re planning on wearing this shoe with thick socks.
The Verdict
The Muck Boots Arctic Pro Sport Boot is my choice winter shoe for two reasons. First, the fleece lining and airtight strap keeps warmth in and cold out. Second, the rubber outsole provides superior grip on snow and ice. If you work in harsh winter conditions, or even in muddy terrain, go for this boot.
Because of its comfort-rated fleece lining and airtight upper, the Muck Arctic Sport boot easily keeps you comfortable while you’re working on the farm during cold seasons. And for the most intense winters, the uniquely ribbed outsole provides sturdiness and agility on snow and ice.
Best for Summer: Guide Gear Mid-High Bogger Boot
The Guide Gear Bogger Boot sports a thin but protective neoprene upper, making it a topnotch choice for those working in hot and wet conditions. On the other hand, don’t buy this boot if you’re looking for all-seasons footwear.
The Guide Gear Bogger Boot features a 5mm neoprene construction, similar to most Muck Boots. However, it isn’t insulated under the foot and features a low thermal construction. This makes them light, comfortable, and perfect for hot weather.
This thinner build also makes them one of the most flexible boots on the list. The uppers are soft and easy to move around in right out of the box. Regardless, dirt and mud won’t get past the exterior. Just make sure to tuck your pants in tightly.
The anti-slip rubber outsoles are thick and grip muddy and wet surfaces adequately. If you’re the type of guy who likes to go hunting in the swamp on hot humid days, this is the boot for you.
What I Like
Its lightweight and low thermal construction ensures you don’t overheat on hot days, but the neoprene uppers still fully protect you from any muck.
This boot is comfortable and flexible even when you first wear it, thanks to the thin but sturdy build.
The rubber soles are anti-slip and perform well on muddy and wet surfaces.
What I Don’t Like
The insole is thin and lacks arch support.
What Other Reviewers Say
Many of the reviewers are men who work outdoors in hot and tropical conditions. They claim that the thin construction makes this the perfect muck boot for hot weather. One irrigation contractor points out that his job has him working rain or shine, submerged in water, and in temperatures between 45 and 95 degrees. He calls this boot the best performing one he’s ever had.
Since the Guide Gear Bogger looks so much like a Muck Boots shoe, a few reviewers bought these looking for a winter boot. Of course, those reviewers are disappointed with the “light-duty” build, claiming it lacks quality.
Some forum frequenters mention that the quality is hit or miss, but that the hits punch way above the brand’s price points. There’s also rave reviews on the customer service. If you come across a pair of Guide Gear boots that aren’t up to snuff, reviewers guarantee they’ll find a way to make it right.
The Verdict
The Guide Gear Bogger Boot sports a thin but protective neoprene upper, making it a topnotch choice for those working in hot and wet conditions. On the other hand, don’t buy this boot if you’re looking for all-seasons footwear.
The Guide Gear Bogger Boot sports a thin but protective neoprene upper, making it a topnotch choice for those working in hot and wet conditions. On the other hand, don’t buy this boot if you’re looking for all-seasons footwear.
Best Budget Option: Honeywell Ademco Servus Comfort Work Boot
The Honeywell Ademco Servus Work Boot is an effective bang-for-buck option. It’s protective and comfortable enough to wear all day, especially for indoor jobs and when you’re operating machines. It’s also a great choice if you're a seasonal farm worker or if you need an affordable boot to use while you save up for something more high-end.
Easily found in the $20 range, the Honeywell Admeco Servus Comfort Work Boot checks all the essential boxes for an effective muck boot.
Most importantly, it’s built with a molded PVC blend, which is flexible, waterproof, and resistant to the harmful effects of chemicals and waste.
On the comfort side of things, the insole is cushioned and contoured, perfect for long work days. This is also thanks to the bendy upper, the pliable scalloped top-line, and the rounded heel cup that reduces heel slippage.
Finally, this steel toe boot features deep angled cleats on the outsole, allowing for ease of movement, even in slippery conditions.
What I Like
Its seamless PVC polyblend construction is waterproof, flexible, and resistant to harmful chemicals.
The contoured insole and scalloped edge provide comfort for all day wear, while the curved heel cup prevents heel slippage.
The cleated outsole gives solid traction, even on slippery floors.
What I Don’t Like
The opening is wide, so wear thick socks and tuck your pants into it.
The top will likely crack beyond sealability after a year of use, depending on how hard you are on it.
What Other Reviewers Say
Overall, reviewers agree that the Servus Boot is impressive for the money.
The most satisfied customers tend to be those who do weekend roofing or concrete work in their own backyard, not hardcore everyday workers. For the former, the lifespan of the boot is about a year and a half before it breaks. For the latter, it’s anywhere from a month to six months, though some mention you can use Aquaseal repair adhesive on small cracks once or twice before you permanently send the boot to its grave.
The Verdict
Basic but essential, the Servus Comfort Work Boot is an easy bang-for-buck option, more than enough for the average joe who does weekend concrete work. It won’t last very long if you’re a hardcore everyday construction worker, but it’s a sufficient in-betweener if you need some time to save up for a more expensive boot.
The Honeywell Ademco Servus Work Boot is an effective bang-for-buck option. It’s protective and comfortable enough to wear all day, especially for indoor jobs and when you’re operating machines. It’s also a great choice if you're a seasonal farm worker or if you need an affordable boot to use while you save up for something more high-end.
Best for Construction: Muck Boots Chore Xf Steel Toe
Thanks to its several protective features, the steel toe, shank-constructed Muck Boots Chore Boot is perfectly qualified for construction workers and loggers. Go for this boot if you work long hours, are required to wear steel toe boots, or have big calves.
Reinforced at every turn, the Muck Boots Chore Steel Toe is like a tank. The gusset extends the fit, and also adds reinforcement to fortify the neoprene construction.
The steel toe is triple reinforced, while the quadruple rubber heel provides extra measures of durability and protection.This is a really good boot if your job requires you to carry heavy objects, while also walking through uneven terrain.
The Chore is slip-resistant and built with a steel shank, so you feel stable regardless of how patchy the ground is. Regardless, Muck Boots slaps this shoe with a breathable mesh lining to balance out its heavy-duty build.
What I Like
The neoprene gusseted construction adds up to five extra inches of calf accommodation for comfort and durability.
It’s built with a steel shank, which provides excellent stability on uneven ground.
With a triple reinforced steel toe and quadruple leather heel, this boot offers extra protection.
What I Don’t Like
It can take up to three weeks to break in.
What Other Reviewers Say
Construction workers love how strong yet breathable the Chore is. Many point out how they’re able to work long hours comfortably in this boot, and how topnotch the steel shank’s support is.
Burlier gents appreciate the extra five inches of accommodation from the gusset.
Reviewers also mention that the rubber overlay is easy to clean, which is a convenient quality considering how dirty your boots get on a construction site.
The main grievance among reviewers is that the rugged build makes this boot feel heavy at first. Part of the break-in period is getting used to the weight of it.
The Verdict
Thanks to its several protective features, the steel toe, shank-constructed Muck Boots Chore Xf Boot is perfectly qualified for construction workers and loggers. Go for this boot if you work long hours, are required to wear steel toe boots, or have big calves.
Thanks to its several protective features, the steel toe, shank-constructed Muck Boots Chore Boot is perfectly qualified for construction workers and loggers. Go for this boot if you work long hours, are required to wear steel toe boots, or have big calves.
Best for Walking: Hunter Original Short Boot
The moderate height and extra comfort of the Hunter Original Short Boot makes it the perfect boot for walking. Between the cushion sponge insole and calendered sole, you can take this guy up and down steep hills, even in the rain.
The Hunter Original Short Boot is the brand’s happy medium. It’s more protective than the ankle boot, but provides more range of motion than the tall boot.
The upper is made of vulcanized rubber, which means muck will literally just slide right off of it. I’ve worn Hunter boots my whole life, and I rarely have to actually clean them. I’ll disinfect them if I’ve been working on my horse ranch. But unless you’ve been working near hazardous material, a quick hosing down will do.
The reason this boot is so comfortable to walk in is because it’s built with a multi-layer cushioned sponge insole and a quick dry knitted nylon lining. The calendered rubber sole makes walking uphill and downhill easier too.
What I Like
Measuring 10 inches from the arch, this boot is more protective than an ankle boot and more flexible than a tall boot.
The quick-dry knitted nylon lining and multi-layer cushioned sponge insole provide comfort while you walk.
The calendered rubber sole makes walking uphill or downhill easier.
Its neutral style pairs well with everyday casual outfits.
What I Don’t Like
The rubber shaft makes getting these boots off a little difficult.
What Other Reviewers Say
Hunter brand boots have two audiences. Reviewers who use the Short Boot for work love the flexibility and protection offered, especially compared to the tall version.
Many reviewers also love the style. After all, it’s versatile and often photographed on the feet of celebrities and royalty.
Some reviewers claim that if you size up, the boot is easier to take on and off. If you’re a half-size I think this is fine. If you’re a full-size though, trading more room in the shaft for too much room in the foot area isn’t worth it.
The Verdict
The moderate height and extra comfort of the Hunter Original Short Boot makes it the perfect boot for walking. Between the cushion sponge insole and calendered sole, you can take this guy up and down steep hills, even in the rain.
The moderate height and extra comfort of the Hunter Original Short Boot makes it the perfect boot for walking. Between the cushion sponge insole and calendered sole, you can take this guy up and down steep hills, even in the rain.
Do Muck Boots Run Big?
If you head to any boot forums, you’ll get a lot of conflicting opinions on this, and they’re pretty strong opinions too.
Here’s the truth though: Muck Boots tend to run true to size.
The exception is the fleece-lined Arctic Pro Sport. If you wear a half-size, go one size up. This will also leave room for thick socks.
Because of its comfort-rated fleece lining and airtight upper, the Muck Arctic Sport boot easily keeps you comfortable while you’re working on the farm during cold seasons. And for the most intense winters, the uniquely ribbed outsole provides sturdiness and agility on snow and ice.
So why are there so many different opinions? It’s because people use Muck Boots for a wide range of activities and these jobs aren’t all made the same. Seasonal hunters who are predominantly active in the fall and winter seasons tend to wear thick socks. From that perspective, it makes sense to size up and leave some room.
The Heavyweight from Camel City Mill is the best work sock you can get for a steel toe boot. The padding is heavy in the heel and toe, but since it's made with Merino wool, this sock is also very breathable and won't make your feet sweaty.
Meanwhile, irrigation workers and farmers in warmer climates who wear half sizes often recommend sizing down since Muck Boots doesn’t offer half-sizes.
Even if they seem a bit tight, Muck Boots guarantees that they’ll expand once they’re broken in. From my research and experience, this is absolutely true.
How to Wear Muck Boots
Push your foot into the boot while pulling on the back tab. Tuck your pants into the boot, not over it.
If your foot starts to overheat, you can actually roll the shaft of the Muck Boot down for most models. Avoid cotton socks because they’ll absorb and keep moisture from your foot.
If you need extra cushion or the boot is a tad loose, put an insole in there. Put it on top of the factory insole, not in place of it.
Best Insoles for Muck Boots
The best insoles for Muck Boots are the KEEN Utility K-20 Gel Insoles. They’re extra thick, support the sides of your feet, and provide shock absorbance without any extra compression.
They’re a good partner for Muck Boots, but effectively pair with all high-performance footwear.
Best Socks for Muck Boots
The Heavyweight from Camel City Mill is the best work sock you can get for a steel toe boot. The padding is heavy in the heel and toe, but since it's made with Merino wool, this sock is also very breathable and won't make your feet sweaty.
The best socks for Muck Boots are the Camel City Mill Heavyweight socks in winter and the Lightweight for every other season. Their construction includes 53% merino, which neutralizes odor, keeps you warm, and wicks moisture. They’re also lighter in weight and won’t add bulk to the inside of your boots.
Keep the Muck Out
If you’re looking for a great hunting boot, the Muck Boots Arctic Ice’s advanced grip technology ensures you can safely trek through fields and swamps.
The Muck Boots Arctic Ice Tall Boot offers a powerful balance of qualities. It's tall and protective, but flexible and provides ease of movement. It gives impressive traction, but not through deep bulky lugs. If you’re a hunter, ice fisher, or work in constantly changing terrain, go for this Muck Boot.
For you farmers out there, Ariat’s Sierra Boot both protects and cushions for those long days.
If you live or work in cold terrain, go for the Muck Boots Arctic Pro, and if you work under the hot sun, the Guide Gear Bogger is your guy.
On a budget? The Honeywell Ademco Servus Comfort Boot is an excellent bang-for-buck option.
The Honeywell Ademco Servus Work Boot is an effective bang-for-buck option. It’s protective and comfortable enough to wear all day, especially for indoor jobs and when you’re operating machines. It’s also a great choice if you're a seasonal farm worker or if you need an affordable boot to use while you save up for something more high-end.
The Muck Boot Chore sports extra durability for construction sites, while the Hunter Original Short is comfortable enough for walks on uneven and constantly changing terrain.
Consider what specific conditions you’ll need to accommodate, and choose your boots from there.
FAQs
Which is better, Muck Boots or Bogs?
Muck Boots are generally more durable than Bogs, but Bogs have a reputation for making comfortable boots. If you’re looking for topnotch protection from muck though, Muck Boots are the gold standard.
Should I size up or down for Muck Boots
You should stick to your actual number, unless you wear a half size, in which case you’ll size up.
Can a snake bite through muck boots?
Yes, Muck Boots makes snake proof footwear in leather, rubber, and neoprene.
How long should muck boots last?
With heavy use and abuse, a good pair of Muck Boots should last you over a year. With moderate use, they can even last up to five years.
