How to Choose the Best Hunting Boots

Gearing up for hunting season often means getting a new pair of boots. To get the best boots for your hunt, match the footwear’s features with the conditions of your upcoming excursion. You’ll need boots appropriate for the weather forecast, for your activity level, and for the terrain you’ll cover.

Activity Level and Terrain

If you’ll be covering a lot of ground, you’ll need boots with supportive insoles and durable outsoles. It’s also important to consider the weight and flexibility of your boots. Heavy, stiff materials protect you during long treks through the brush, but they also cause fatigue if they’re too rigid and hefty. Leather and abrasion-resistant nylon are tried-and-true materials that will withstand rough terrain.

’Tis the Season

A good rule-of-thumb is to buy boots appropriate for the weather that’s typical during the season of your hunt. When it comes to cold weather, insulation is an important factor to take into consideration. This guide provided by Big Sky Fishing explains insulation and boots’ temperature rating, and below are some considerations to keep in mind for various weather conditions.

* Late summer, early fall: Look for boots that breathe and wick. If you’ll be stalk hunting, you’ll want light, nimble footwear. Having waterproof footwear is important in wet climates because all-day hikes in moist conditions can cause blisters. However, if you’ll be in dry terrain, you may prefer ventilation that allows for more airflow. In most cases you won’t need more than a lightweight insulation of about 200 grams. You can also wear these early season boots during active fall hunts. If your hunt takes you into snake country, get boots with fang-deflecting armor.

* Fall: If you only want to buy one pair of boots, footwear designed for fall hunting gives you the most versatility. These boots feature light insulation that keeps your feet comfortable in both warm and cool temperatures. Insulation for these all-around boots varies between 400 and 800 grams. These insulation levels are appropriate for early-season outings that don’t require a lot of walking, and they’ll also work for active hunts in colder climates. Since fall weather is often wet, choose boots with waterproofing. To extend the range of mid-season boots, wear heavy wool hunting socks in the cold and light wool in warm conditions. Adjust the fit of the boots with lacing or insoles.

* Winter: Late season hunts in cold weather call for protection against the elements. Heavy insulation starts at 1,000 grams. If you’ll be blind hunting in frigid conditions, you’ll definitely need heavy insulation. The trade off for warmth, however, is a loss of agility.

No matter what type of hunter you are, there’s a boot to fit your needs. If you’re an avid year-round hunter, consider getting boots suited for each season. You can explore your options on reputable online stores such as the Muck Boot Company, who offers a great hunting collection.