Keeping your feet warm, dry, and comfortable is paramount on any hunting trip, whether it’s a quick day trip or a weekend hunt. One of the most important pieces of kit you’ll need to keep yourself moving is some high-quality boots that won’t leave you cold, blistered and sore.
With all this in mind, we decided to create a round-up of ten of the best cold weather hunting boots available today.
Let’s get started.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots Of [current_date format=Y]
- [amazon link=”B01N4QTGSO” title =”Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro”] OUR TOP CHOICE
- [amazon link=”B003PUOG98″ title =”Muck Boot”]
- [amazon link=”B00Q7JFB4S” title =”Columbia”]
- [amazon link=”B00B28UI9W” title =”Lacrosse Green”]
- [amazon link=”B00YEGZ3MG” title =”Rocky”]
[amazon link=”B01N4QTGSO” title =”The Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots: Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro”]
Top of this list is our pick for the best pair of Hunting Boots available right now, the Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro. The Alphaburly Pro is a rubber-soled, waterproof and flexible boot, offering “scent-free” comfort thanks to its scent-free rubber and its improved air circulation to aid drying.
The boot comes in four different colors: optifade marsh, real tree edge, real tree extra and optimal elevated li. We found the sizing to be extremely accurate whilst still providing enough room to double up on socks should you need to.
[amazon box=”B01N4QTGSO”]The Alphaburly Pros have a really rugged, grippy sole that gives you some added peace of mind when hiking in wet and slippery conditions, and with 1600g of insulation, your feet won’t get cold.
With that in mind, the 1600g of insulation may put them on the slightly heavier side; we feel it is worth the added weight, which we didn’t notice once we got moving around in them.
On the whole, we can’t really fault these boots; they’re comfortable, supportive, and warm as well as being grippy, too, so we felt comfortable and secure whilst wearing them.
If you’re a seasoned pro looking to try out some new boots, or a hunting novice, we’d highly recommend making these boots your next purchase.
[amazon link=”B004QEUENO” title =”The Most Stylish Winter Boots: The Irish Setter Wingshooter Boot”]
The Irish Setter Wingshooter Boot, is a stylish all leather boot with UltraDry technology that really keeps you warm and dry whilst out on the hunt.
The first thing you’ll notice with these boots compared to the Alphaburly is the style. The Wingshooter’s all leather, lace-up design makes these boots look really smart, and the rugged rubber sole does provide a lot of grip.
[amazon box=”B004QEUENO”]Our main point with these boots is the comfort they provide; the Wingshooters are seriously comfortable with a wedged sole and inner lining you feel supported and warm in these boots.
They weigh roughly 6lbs as a pair, so are light enough to allow you to move quietly through your terrain during a hunt without your boots giving the game away.
So, why aren’t they our top-pick? Well, there’s a couple of reasons really, firstly, we just found the Alpha Burly’s to be slightly comfier and warmer, but we also feel that the Wingshooters gave slightly less support than we would have liked when compared to our top pick.
However, if a stylish, lightweight boot that is great for hunting is what you’re after, then these boots will do you just fine.
[amazon link=”B003PUOG98″ title =”The Best Rubber Hunting Boots: Muck Boot Arctic Sport”]
Third, on our list is the Muck Boot Arctic Sport. This midrange hunting boot is a similar style to our top pick, with a robust rubber sole and a high rising waterproof leg.
Muck Boot has created a really comfortable and warm boot at a lower price range than you might expect for this quality.
[amazon box=”B003PUOG98″]The mixture of leather and synthetic materials makes this boot really strong and comfortable, especially with its fleece lining keeping you warm even in the harshest conditions. These boots will keep you warm and dry in deep snow at -40, so you can use them in nearly all weather conditions.
The description of the boots states that a contoured midsole covers a layer of thermal foam in the footbed, which explains the sheer comfort of these boots. The thermal foam, as well as the 5mm of neoprene, make that -40° claim possible and help make the boots very comfy!
As well as leather, they are made from the same material as wetsuits, which makes them really flexible and warm. The flexibility, combined with a tough rubber sole makes them ideal for all terrains as the grip and comfort, make you feel secure even in wet, slippery conditions.
[amazon link=”B00H7LZQM2″ title =”The Best High-Top Hunting Boot: 2875 Vaprtek”]
Making a second appearance on this list is Irish Setter with the 2875 Vaprtrek, a 17” hunting boot. The Vaprtrek is a knee-high, camouflaged boot made from leather and synthetic materials, with a strong rubber sole.
This hunting boot employs some really great pieces of technology, such as SnakeGuard to protect against thorns and other things that can penetrate the boot, ScentBan to reduce odor-causing bacteria, UltraDry Waterproof and ArmaTec to protect the boot from abrasions.
[amazon box=”B00H7LZQM2″]With all these technologies in place, it’s clear that this boot is well designed and high quality, which is reflected in the slightly higher-end asking price.
A common issue with many hunting boots is that it can be a real struggle, even getting them on and off! However, this certainly isn’t the case here, they come off easily when you want them too, and otherwise, they fit tight and comfortably around your ankle and foot.
When the boots are on, you forget you’re wearing them, they’re so lightweight and comfortable that it’s easy to move through the brush quickly and quietly, and with SnakeGuard you can move confidently through grassland too.
The only downside to these boots is when snow and ice get involved. We found the rubber sole to be very tough, which is ideal for more temperate climates, but in ice, we feel they might slip a little too much. However, for most people, these boots are still an ideal purchase.
[amazon link=”B00IQ3G3O0″ title =”The Most Stylish Goretex Boots: Danner Pronghorn Hunting Boot”]
Next up is the Danner Pronghorn Hunting Boot, an all-leather and Cordura boot with a rubber sole and GORE-TEX lining.
A little on the higher price side, these boots do make themselves worth the extra dollars with the GORE-TEX, a “three density open cell polyurethane Ortholite footbed” (which makes them really comfortable) and a really smart design. Danner claims that the Ortholite footbed creates a cooler, drier, and more comfortable boot, which we agree with as they are really comfortable.
[amazon box=”B00IQ3G3O0″]Danner also employs Terra Force technology, which gives the boot long-lasting durability. If at first, they’re a little uncomfortable, be patient and allow the leather to stretch as you break them in, we found that after a day or two in them, they felt great.
With the GORE-TEX, a strong rubber sole and the Terra Force, the last thing on your mind whilst hunting will be these boots, you can trust them to keep you secure and dry, which does put your mind at ease.
My real concern is that they aren’t insulated, you may expect boots in this price range to be insulated, but with some thick socks, you’ll stay warm enough.
These boots are stylish and will be a good purchase for most hunters, however, if it’s warm fluffy insulation you’re after, perhaps look elsewhere on this list!
[amazon link=”B00YEGZ3MG” title =”The Most Suitable Boots for Fall Hunting: Rocky Men’s 8″ Retraction Hunting Boot”]
The Rocky Men’s 8″ Retraction Hunting Boot, a camo style synthetic boot with a memory foam footbed.
These Hunting Boots are another example of once you get them on, you forget about your feet! We found that they didn’t really break-in, and they really do pack in the heat!
[amazon box=”B00YEGZ3MG”]For a boot in this price range, the lower end of the scale, they’re brilliant in terms of comfort and warmth; however, we did notice that they aren’t 100% waterproof, which was a shame.
That’s not to say they leaked tonnes of water; our feet just got a little damp. However, 800g of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation and that memory foam footbed make these boots incredibly warm and comfortable, really good for long-distance treks in search of that Buck!
If you’re looking for boots to suit you in a swampy or boggy terrain, look elsewhere on this list, but otherwise, these boots are really good value for money!
The sole isn’t rock-solid either; it’s flexible and grippy enough to give good traction on ice, which again gives you further peace of mind when out on the hunt.
If you’re looking for a boot that’s out-of-the-box ready to go that’s comfortable and warm without needing too much waterproofing; these boots would not be a bad option.
[amazon link=”B00B28UI9W” title =”The Premium Winter Hunting Boot: LaCrosse Alphaburly”]
The LaCrosse Alphaburly hunting boot is made from 100% rubber, neoprene material. The Alphaburly Pro is Lacrosse’s premium hunting boot. The boot combines scent-free rubber with naturally insulating neoprene to keep your feet warm, but not smelling in the process.
The shaft on the boot measures approximately 18″ from the arch. And the heel and toe are covered by multiple layers of rubber plus a double-layer vamp of added support and durability. This means that all parts of your foot are well supported and comfortable no matter what conditions you’re using the boots in.
[amazon box=”B00B28UI9W”]The material of the boot is flexible and durable, making the boot the perfect hunting companion. When using the boot, we noticed that they were highly breathable, and air could circulate well despite the boots being made from thick material. The embossed neoprene liner creates better air circulation while regulating the temperature inside the boot.
Another feature of the boot that stands out is the tough grip on the bottom of the boot. The outsole is different between non-insulated and insulated styles, and each is designed to perform in corresponding mild or cold weather conditions.
Overall, the boot provides a high-level of comfort to the user. When you’re out hunting or hiking, especially for a long period of time, you need to make sure your boots are comfortable. The boots grip well, your ankle and sole of your foot is supported and perfect if you’re looking for a comfortable, durable boot for your hunting needs.
[amazon link=”B00Q7JFB4S” title =”The Best Lightweight Winter Boots: Columbia”]
For a tough-looking, highly-durable boot, look no further than the Columbia bugaboot plus III Omni cold-weather boot. The boot is made 100% from leather and textile. The ankle support is well-padded, gives support to your ankle, and is fully waterproof so you can use the boots in a wide range of weather conditions.
The boots come in three different colors, bright red/charcoal, black/charcoal, and mud/squash. These boots are reliable; they are built for warmth and protection in frigid weather and are built with waterproof leather upper.
[amazon box=”B00Q7JFB4S”]These boots are great for all weather conditions, they can be used in temperatures of all the way to -65, so they can be used all winter long. The Omni-Grip non-marking rubber outsole provides the boot with great grip, so the boots can be used in tough terrains.
[amazon link=”B00NV61KB8″ title =”The Best Hunting Boots for Women: Muck Woody”]
The Muck Woody PK rubber women’s hunting boots are the best hunting boots for women. The shoes are fully waterproof, have a comforting mid and outer sole, which will keep your foot supported and comfortable when hunting or hiking.
The boots are lightweight, breathable, and feature a mesh that will keep your feet well-ventilated for long-wearing dryness.
[amazon box=”B00NV61KB8″]The boots are well suited to use in temperatures ranging from sub-zero temperatures all the way to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The lightweight EVA midsole provides additional comfort, support, and impact resistance for all-day use.
The high-grade rubber exterior provides extra toughness and makes for a 100% waterproof hunting boot. Inside the boots are comfortable and very roomy, they’re tough but allow your feet to breathe and remain comfortable in all weather conditions.
[amazon link=”B00HT1TM5W” title =”The Best Hunting Boots for Snowy Conditions: Kamik”]
Coming in a range of different colors, the Kamik hunter’s snow boot is a waterproof knee-high boot that comes in black, khaki, or khaki/black sole. The boots can withstand temperatures of up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The boots feature a removable 8mm thermal guard liner and adjustable snow collar, which is perfect for using the boots in snowy conditions.
The boots are suitable for use in temperatures as low as -40 degrees/ Kamik boots are designed to thrive in the harshest conditions. Inside the boot, you’ll find a removable 8 mm thermal guard liner, so you have a good amount of control over how warm the boots are.
[amazon box=”B00HT1TM5W”]It’s debatable whether this inner lining is as comfortable as an inner sole, but it does a good job of providing comfort and support nonetheless. Kamik has been making winter boots for over 100 years, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to creating a tough, sturdy boot.
The bottom of the boot is well gripped, we tested the boot on a variety of different surfaces and found that the grip worked well and prevented slipping. This is useful if you’re planning on using the boot in icy/snowy conditions.
The boots are relatively stylish as well, and will fit in with a wide range of styles.
Different Types of Hunting Boots
Hunting boots can generally be broken down into two main categories – field boots and rubber boots. The focus of field boots is to produce a mixture of durability and breathability. Most field boots are made from full-grain leather, nylon, and mesh.
Rubber boots are usually scent-free, so they’ll never give your location away when you’re out on the hunt. Nearly all rubber boots are also waterproof, and many will give you information available on the temperature that they work best in. The inside of rubber boots does tend to be warmer than other types of boot, so be aware of this if you’re going to buy a pair.
Other types of boots include: upland hunting boots, mountain hunting boots and snake boots.
How Much Insulation Should a Pair of Hunting Boots Have?
No doubt, when you’re looking for a pair of hunting boots, you’ll be interested in how much insulation a pair of boots has. The amount of insulation you’ll want in a pair of boots can depend on the season you’re using the boots in.
The general rule to follow is:
- In spring or warmer weather, look for boots that are uninsulated up to 200 grams. This is what you’ll want on an early-season deer hunt, or spring activities.
- 400 grams up to 800 grams – this is the ideal range for fall hunting conditions.
- Boots that are 1000 grams or above are great for harsh winter conditions.
Pro Tips on Keeping Your Feet Warm
Whenever you’re hunting or hiking in cold weather, you need to keep your feet warm. Cold feet in extreme conditions lead to soreness, cramp, and even frostbite in extreme conditions. While you want to keep your feet warm, you also want to make sure the boots you’re wearing are breathable.
To keep your feet warm in the winter, consider wearing thick socks or even two pairs of socks at one time. You can also look into insulating your shoes with paper; this will help to keep your feet dry when you’re hunting or hiking in wet conditions.
Another way of keeping your feet warm is to bring a spare pair of socks with you when you go hiking or hunting so you can change your socks if they get wet or your feet start to get cold. If you’re going to start hunting or hiking in cold weather conditions, then make sure the boots you wear are waterproof.
How to Take Care of Your Hunting Boots
While your hunting boots are designed to survive in durable conditions, you need to make sure you take good care of them. The first step of caring for hunting boots is to make sure you remove large pieces of mud and stones that are stuck to your boots. When you’ve removed the chunks, use a cloth to start to clean your boots.
If you need to remove tough spots, then use a soft nylon brush to carefully remove these spots. To remove dirt from the tight nooks and crannies you can use an old toothbrush to get into these tough spots. You may also need to use warm soapy water to give your boots a proper clean.
Once you’ve cleaned your boots, leave them to dry outside. Give the boots time to dry; if you dry them quickly, you can cause the material of the boots to crack. This is particularly true with leather boots, if you’re using leather boots, then consider conditioning them to keep them moisturized, flexible.
Full leather boots should be conditioned with a natural paste made from animal oils and beeswax.
If you’re cleaning non-leather boots, then you don’t need to be as concerned with the material cracking. With rubber hunting boots, you aren’t worried about the material drying out and cracking. You will still need to clean rubber hunting boots, so they don’t carry a scent.
For non-leather boots, you can clean the boots with water and use substances such as baking soda to get rid of any stubborn grit. If you’re going to use a substance such as baking soda, then make sure you rinse the substance off completely once you’ve cleaned the boots.
If you want to keep the inside of your boots smelling fresh you can fill two socks with baking soda and store them inside the boots. Taking care of your hunting boots is essential if you want your boots to last a long time. Keeping them in good condition will ensure that the boots stay durable and usable for years to come.
Find the Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots for You
A good pair of cold weather hunting boots are essential for hunting or hiking in cold weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for the type of boot you want to use and the conditions you’ll be using them in. Ensure that the boots you do end up going to keep your feet warm and comfortable to wear.
The good news is that all the boots we reviewed in this guide are high-quality boots that will not only keep your feet dry and warm but also last for years to come.
Still, our highest recommendation when it comes to picking up a high-quality pair of cold winter hunting boots is the Lacrosse Alphaburly pro. These boots are highly durable, comfortable to wear and ensure that your feet remain dry and well supported whenever you’re out hunting.
Even though they are slightly heavier than some of the other boots we looked at, you can rest assured that these boots will last for years to come and accompany you on many hiking and hunting adventures!
[amazon box=”B01N4QTGSO”]