Design
Quality of Materials
Craftsmanship 
Fit & Sizing
Value for MoneyHere’s a duck hunter’s dilemma: A jackpot of bluebills on the lake, all too landshy to hit your shore blind.
What do you do?
Get yourself on that lake, that’s what. Remember, it’s better to hunt ducks in their chosen place, rather than trying to get them to come to you.
Getting down and dirty isn’t just for hunters and anglers though. It’s for any field activity near wetness. Bird watchers who are hesitant to step into a creek might miss that elusive specimen, while mud-shy farmers simply won’t get as much work done.
This is where the Wetland comes in. As the name suggests, Muck Boots built them as a protective field shoe.
For your consideration, I’ve hunted, farmed, and gallivanted around creeks and lakes in this boot for weeks. Read on to get my in-depth review.
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Muck Boots Wetland Overview
One of the Muck Boot Company’s best-selling models, the Wetland is designed for wet, muddy, and cold conditions. It’s built with the brand’s signature neoprene, for flexibility and temperature-resistance. The rubber overlay exterior is meant to protect you when bushwhacking, while the MS-1 molded outsole features strong, shallow lugs for diverse kinds of uneven terrain.
It’s comfort-rated for -20 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The pliant shaft is also equipped with an air mesh sandwich fabric lining. This makes the shaft foldable and breathable, so that you could wear this boot on warmer days too.
As long as the weather is at least adequate for hunting or birdwatching, the Wetlands’ balance of comfort and stability proves effective on the field.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Muck Boots Wetland
The main thing to consider before buying the Wetland is the fact that the Muck Boot Company has a world of options built for specific reasons. Sometimes, the differences between two models is miniscule, which is a testament to Muck’s ability to recognize nuance.
Start by using the Wetland’s temperature comfort rating as a barometer for whether or not this boot is for you. Winter socks can keep you comfortable a little below -20 and the added airflow and foldable shaft can keep you comfortable in situations slightly above 50 degrees. However, this isn’t a hot weather boot and it’s not meant for ice hiking.
For a Muck field boot, this isn’t the heaviest option out there. Though if your outdoor activity doesn’t require you to venture too far away from your suburban backyard or creature-comfort-filled property, you won’t necessarily need the heavy-duty outsole.
Muck Boots Wetland Review
First Impression
As with every Muck Boot model in my experience, the Wetland felt heavy in my hand when I pulled it out of the box. After having worn a few variations, I knew this wouldn’t necessarily mean that it was uncomfortable, though it did feel clunky upon first wear.
It’s slightly heavier than the original classic Chore, the Muck Company’s basic boot, and the collar seemed larger too. Upon checking their website, I can confirm that the classic boot’s calf circumference is 16.5mm, and the Wetland’s is 17mm.
At first this confused me, since I assume you’d need a tighter fit if you’re running around in the field, but I’d soon learn that this extra room gives a lot of flexibility.
The Wetland has a lot in common with the Arctic Sport (5mm neoprene, same lug pattern). One immediate difference though is that the Wetland sports a slightly green-tinted brown color, unlike the Arctic Sport’s black shade. In fact, most standard Muck Boots are a neutral black.
This is an appropriate shade for the field, since you don’t want to attract attention from the bird’s you’re trying to get a glimpse at—or shot at.
Finally, as mentioned, the Wetland is equipped with the same shallow and sparse tread pattern on its outsole as the Arctic Sport. In my experience with this pattern, it competently provides traction in an array of terrain.
As long as the weather is at least adequate for hunting or birdwatching, the Wetlands’ balance of comfort and stability proves effective on the field.
Quality and Care
First off, the neoprene construction with the rubber overlay boasts solid construction. I’m no brand loyalist, but that’s just something that’s reliably consistent with Muck, defectives aside. Unless it rushes in from the top, water and grime absolutely won’t get through.
What differentiates the Wetland from the standard Muck Boot is that the rubber overlay is a smidgen higher, “calf-high” as the product description indicates. This is 100% necessary in the unmanicured woods.
I walked through sticks, leafless bushes, and deep leaves, and that hard rubber layer definitely protected me from scratches.
I also love the air mesh lining. It does such an impressive job of keeping my feet from sweating and developing odors, that I’m now of the belief that all field boots should have an air mesh sandwich-fabric lining.
In addition to the wide range of movement this boot offers, you can fold the shaft down if you need some air. This also makes the shoe easy to take off at the end of the day.
As with all of Mucks’s speciality boots, the Wetland is easy to clean. If you’re too lazy to take a cloth and soap to it each time you come back from an adventure, here’s a tip. First, just put it under running water to loosen any stuck dirt (thanks to the scattered tread, there won’t be much). Then just blast it down with some disinfectant spray and leave it be for a few minutes, before quickly washing off the chemicals.
Of course, you’ll need to take a proper cloth and soap to it every so often, maybe once a month or whenever it gets super filthy.
Also, do not let water seep in from the top. This is the case with all Muck Boots. Since it isn’t a full rubber construction, the interior will take days to dry once wet.
How do I know this? At one point during a hunt, my calves were feeling a bit warm, so I folded my boot shafts down. Forgetting they were rolled, I stepped into a pretty deep puddle. Learn from my mistake.
Sole
This MS-1 molded outsole is attached to a few Muck Boot models, and it’s one of my favorite designs. It’s super versatile, allowing you to walk with stability on uneven terrain whether it’s wet or dry—read: mud or rocks. It’s also excellent on every type of snow. And while the outsole isn’t designed for ice specifically, it does a job on it as long as the ice isn’t skating-rink smooth.
Another reason I love this outsole is the prior mentioned sparse tread. Unlike the Chore’s deep tread, it won’t bite into and hold onto mud.
The outsole is heavy and feels clunky until you get used to it. I’m not sure why Muck insists on using the term “lightweight” in so many product descriptions. To their credit, it’s light for a field wellington, and the comfortable EVA midsole balances out the burden of the weight.
Although, I did once wear the Wetland on the farm, and the heavy sole made operating the pedal of the tractor impossible.
Fit and Sizing
The Wetland fits true to size, in my experience. If you plan on wearing super thick winter socks, I recommend removing the insole or using a thin replacement.
The Wetland’s collar is much more snug than the collar on the standard Chore. Oddly, Muck touts the stretch-fit comfort topline of the Wetland despite it being quite loose on me, but maybe my calves are too thin.
This extra room does allow a diverse range of ways to wear the boot, as I mentioned earlier. Stuff your pants tightly into the shaft for maximum calf coverage, or roll it down on hot days or when you need to air out.
Break-in Period
The Wetland has a similar break-in experience to the other MS-1 outsole Muck Boots. It’s immediately comfortable upon first wear despite the weight. I was able to work a full nine hours the first day I wore it, with no notable tenderness afterwards.
Then, after my second day wearing them on the farm, I felt soreness in my ankles. Since the outsole is so thick, it puts pressure on my ankles when I have to bend my feet. Fortunately, this only lasted a few days.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
I’m excited to report that a significant number of reviewers are happy hunters, just like me. They love the grip, the comfort, and the range of mobility.
From hunters to gardeners, all reviewers praise the waterproofness of this boot, as well as its ability to fold over. One reviewer mentions that the shaft creases if you fold it too much, but that it doesn’t affect its functionality.
There are a small number of really bad reviews complaining about boots coming apart or inaccurate sizing. I’m quite certain this minority of fails comes from defective shoes.
Muck Boots Wetland Alternatives
Hunter Balmoral
With an adjustable shaft and a kickspur to making taking your boots off even easier, the Hunter Balmoral boot is ideal for dirty chores and days out in the field.
The Hunter Balmoral has a lot of the same basic functions as the Wetland, including a waterproof construction, grippy outsoles that release mud and dirt easily, and even shock absorption.
The Balmoral, however, has a few convenient features that make life a little easier. It has a kickspur which makes taking the boot off quick and easy, without having to bend over.
It’s also fit-adjustable thanks to the gusset and buckle on the side of the collar. Instead of finding the right socks and pants to stuff into the boot to fill the negative space, you can just tighten the side.
That being the case, you can’t fold the Balmoral down the way you can with the Wetland, and it doesn’t offer as wide of a range of motion.
With an adjustable shaft and a kickspur to making taking your boots off even easier, the Hunter Balmoral boot is ideal for dirty chores and days out in the field.
Muck Boot Arctic Sport
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.
While the Wetland works well in cold weather, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport takes it to the next level. It follows the same basic template, the template being the classic Muck Chore, but surpasses the Wetland in three ways.
First, instead of 5mm neoprene, the Arctic Sport is made of 8mm neoprene. It’s slightly less flexible, but the thick build and fleece lining adds extra insulation.
This boot is equipped with a Vibram Arctic Grip sole which is designed for treacherous ice. It provides the highest level of traction, even when the ice is slick and dry.
Finally, it’s comfort-rated from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to -60 degrees. This is 40 degrees lower than the Wetland, and that’s without insulated 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.
My Overall Thoughts on the Muck Boots Wetland
What I Like
The waterproof construction keeps mud and wetness out, even with prolonged exposure.
The neoprene upper is pliant, doesn’t deter my leg movements, and can be folded down when I need to air out.
Thanks to the strategic tread and depth, the outsole is versatile, providing traction on rocky terrain, dirt, mud and snow.
It’s exceedingly easy to keep clean.
Breathable and light, the air mesh fabric also improves circulation, which prevents odor.
It’s comfort rated from -20 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect range for fall and winter field sports and activities.
What I Don’t Like
It’s difficult to ride farm vehicles in this boot because the outsole is too clunky for pedal operation.
The interior takes a long time to dry if it gets wet.
Who is the Muck Boots Wetland For?
The Muck Boots Wetland is for you outdoor enthusiasts whose adventures and hobbies bring you near bodies of water, mud, and marshlands. It stands out from its Muck Boots brethren for two reasons. The calf-level rubber overlay indicates its built for the woods. Its mid-level cold protection is comfort-rated far below the temperature of the classic Chore’s rating, but still 40 degrees weaker than Arctic Boots.
If you take your waterfowler, bird watcher, and other wilderness enthusiast hobbies pretty seriously, the Wetland will serve you well. If you need a field boot for your everyday career that you can’t take a break from, regardless of how harsh the weather gets, the Wetland is still a good boot, but it shouldn’t be your only one.
The Verdict
The Wetland is fairly adaptable thanks to its flexible and foldable shaft, its air mesh lining that prevents overheating, and the MS-1 outsole that provides grip on a variety of terrain. Its temperature rating makes it ideal outdoor footwear for early fall and into mid to late winter.
It boasts a solid waterproof construction, strategic use of different materials like rubber and neoprene, all specifically to provide functionality in a range of natural terrain. Once you get used to the weight of it, the Wetland Muck Boot will prove to be an effective field boot.
As long as the weather is at least adequate for hunting or birdwatching, the Wetlands’ balance of comfort and stability proves effective on the field.
FAQs
How tall are Muck Wetland boots?
Wetland Boots measure 14.25″ from the arch.
Are Muck boots good for your feet?
Other than their weight which can be cumbersome, Muck Boots don’t have adverse effects on your feet as long as you wear the right size.
What Muck boot has the most insulation?
With its 8mm neoprene construction, fleece lining, and 17.5” height, the Arctic Ice Muck Boot has the most insulation out of all the Muck Company’s boots.
What is the warmest pair of Muck boots?
The Arctic Ice Boot is the warmest Muck Boot with a comfort rating that goes as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit.
