Whether you walk miles chasing that dear or patiently lie in the blind, a reliable pair of hunting boots is your most trusted companion. They are the first line of defense that doesn’t allow your feet to get injured or soaked. But for better or worse, no pair of boots is versatile enough to cover everything a hunter may need. Traversing rugged forest terrain requires one type of hunting boots, and wading through flooded timber calls for another. But variety is not an issue for us, and here you can find a pair of hunting boots that will meet your needs.
Winter is the most extreme season in terms of requirements for hunting boots. Not only do they need to be insulated but also waterproof so as not to let you get soaked in the snow. And that’s in addition to all the features that a pair of regular hunting boots should possess! Manufacturers have to get creative to house all these features in a pair of boots without making them too cumbersome. Excellent traction, robust materials, and stable structure are the features that set high-quality winter hunting boots apart from those that will do nothing but disappoint you. In addition to everything we mentioned before, of course.
Waterproof hunting boots share many features with winter boots. They too need to be insulated to keep your feet warm when you walk in waist-deep water, but the insulation shouldn’t be too strong since the temperatures are still quite different. Such boots should also provide decent friction since there are many slippery objects that can make you lose your foothold. Rubber hunting boots are the obvious choice for someone who plans to wade, but options for other purposes are not limited to rubber alone. If you don’t plan to submerge and just don’t want to get your feet wet, you may opt for waterproof leather boots.
The simplest in terms of requirements, upland hunting boots fit all types of hunting that take place on the surface. You could call them deer hunting boots, turkey hunting boots - whatever you like more. The essence stays the same - they are robust boots that are designed for traversing difficult terrain. They should also provide a certain level of waterproofing and insulation, but the requirements are not as high as with winter or waterproof boots.
Here, on Gritr Outdoors, we have a rich selection of hunting boots. You can choose from boots produced by such renowned brands as Muck Boot Company, Dryshod, Viktos, Garmont Tactical, and others.
Winter hunting boots should boast excellent insulation to keep your feet warm during cold weather. Look for materials such as Thinsulate or PrimaLoft for optimal warmth. Additionally, these boots should have waterproof capabilities and offer good traction to prevent you from slipping on ice or snowy terrains. It's also important to consider the fit – it might be smart to leave some space for warm socks.
Upland hunting boots are designed for hunters who often traverse uneven terrains, particularly those who hunt birds (hence the name). These boots are crafted to be lightweight and offer excellent ankle support. They also feature soles designed for maximum traction, making them ideal for walking through fields, forests and hilly areas.
When trying on hunting boots, wear the same type of socks that you plan to wear during hunting. There should be enough room to wiggle your toes, but the boot should still fit snugly around your foot to ensure adequate support. Remember, different brands may have slightly different sizing, so always a good idea to try before you buy.
They do and quite substantial. Hunting boots endure a lot: the outdoors isn't a particularly tender environment. If you don't want to change boots every season, maintaining the ones you have is the best solution. Clean them regularly, especially after hunting in muddy or wet conditions. For leather boots, consider using a conditioner to prevent cracking. Always allow your boots to dry naturally, away from the source of direct heat. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth.