From stomping through tough backcountry to hunting season in the lowland marsh, your boots will make or break your hunt. That’s why at Gritr Outdoors, we only carry the best hunting boots to take on all your adventures.
Whether you’re stalking bull elk in the Rockies or glassing fields in the Midwest, our premium selection of hunting boots will keep your feet toasty, dry, and properly supported — no matter what nature throws your way.
Just like there’s a lot of kinds of hunting terrain, there are many different types of hunting boots. Every style offers different benefits suited for certain environments. Let’s go through the different styles of hunting boots so you can find your foundation for this year’s adventures.
Made with navigating rocky, mountainous environments in mind, high-country boots typically come with features that help provide your ankles with support and stability. Most high-country boots are high-top (8-10 inches) to keep your ankles secured when tackling those steep hills and rocky inclines.
Other features to look for:
You’ll see these most during elk, mule deer, and sheep hunting season.
Built for covering hiking miles, wading through valleys and hills filled with thick morning dew or chasing ringnecks through waist-high grass means your boots have got to be lightweight and flexible.
Upland boots do not provide the ankle support high-country boots give you. Since they are lighter and more comfortable than high-country boots, avid hunters wear these all day. They have a shorter break-in period and many have a shallow lug sole (which helps prevent mud buildup) and breathable upper meant to repel water.
Perfect for flushing and hiking in with small game gear.
Lots of standing water? Lowland marsh? Flooded timber? Then rubber or neoprene boots are your best bet. They're 100% waterproof and naturally scent-free, making them great boots to wear in archery season when you’re looking to reduce your scent as much as possible.
Rubber and neoprene boots range from 15”-18” and cover the entire calf area, making them easy to pull on and off. Neoprene insulation comes in different thicknesses, so make sure you purchase a boot with the right amount of warmth for your hunt.
These are popular boots for waterfowl hunters and deer hunters who spend lots of time hunting early in the season.
Grab your parka and fuzzy socks — it’s about to get insulated in here. Pac boots are one of the older styles of cold-weather boots — they’ve been around for a long time. The base of a pac boot is rubber to prevent water from seeping in, while the upper is typically made of leather/nylon and ultra flexible.
Most insulation is marketed by showing the consumer how many grams of insulation are inside the boot (typically Thinsulate™).
Thicker insulation is great for reducing heat loss while sitting stationary. Pull on these bad boys during late season when the temp drops below 0°F — perfect for treestand sits.
Here are some of our favorite brands that we think offer the best quality for your money:
Kenetrek: Kenetrek makes what we believe are the best mountain hunting boots out right now. Hunt in extreme conditions, in boots that offer unmatched support.
Muck Boot Co: Keep your feet dry and comfortable all day with these popular vulcanized rubber boots or neoprene boots.
Dryshod: High-performance boots that are 100% waterproof, with technical outsoles that offer you extra grip in the mud and snow.
Viktos & Under Armor: A newer style boot with an athletic fit. Ideal for hunters that like to hike and stalk or just want a more tactical look.
It depends on your activity level. For active hunts like hiking in below-freezing temperatures, 400–600g of insulation is usually sufficient. For stationary hunts, such as sitting in a tree stand for extended periods, 800–1200g or more is recommended to maintain warmth and circulation.
Yes, this is often recommended—especially for cold-weather boots. Extra room allows you to wear thick wool socks and helps maintain proper circulation, which is key to keeping your feet warm.
Waterproof boots, such as those with GORE-TEX® membranes or rubber construction, are designed to keep water out even in wet or submerged conditions. Water-resistant boots can handle light moisture like rain or dew but may eventually allow water in during prolonged exposure.
Break in your boots before heading into the field. Wear them around the house, during daily activities, or on short walks. This helps soften materials and allows the boots to conform to your feet. Pair them with moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction and prevent blisters.
Clean your boots after each use by brushing off dirt and rinsing with water. For leather boots, apply a conditioning treatment to prevent cracking. Always allow boots to air-dry naturally—avoid direct heat sources like heaters or fires.
