The pastime of hunting game takes on several methods in practice. Some avid hunters prefer tracking game through the woods. Others, depending on the type of game they’re after, end up waiting patiently in a tree stand or duck blind. Or if you’re an upland hunter, pursuing quail in the rolling hills of our nation’s heartland is more characteristic of your days in the wilderness. Hunting is in our blood, acting as a tradition between father’s and sons, across generations, and can teach valued principles such as respect, patience, and diligence to hunters across the nation.
However, as lofty as the sport may be, hunting is still a gear-centric activity. And more often than not you’re on your feet, trekking across the cold damp earth in the early morning hours. Needless to say, a pair of hunting boots is in order. Thankfully, there’s plenty to choose from out there for anyone interested in picking up a first, second or even eighth pair for those seasoned hunters in the field. But just like any other piece of gear out there, quality is key. So with that in mind, have a look at some of our picks for the 10 best hunting boots out there for men who don’t mind chasing a bit of game or living off the land.
Muck Boot Pursuit Fieldrunner
Lowland hunting, especially in the marshes and river mouths, can get messy. And there’s no inconvenience that can match that of cold and wet mud seeping into your boots. Luckily, these Muck Boots are both comfortable and 100 percent waterproof, made the same way since they first opened shop in 1999. They feature a 5mm neoprene and PK mesh lining, an extended rubber upper, a 15.25” boot opening, and 13” shaft measurement from the arch.
Rocky Sport Utility Pro
Built to outlive and outperform the competition, these Rocky Boots are constructed to take on winter with a vengeance. They’re built from 1000 denier Cordura nylon and brown leather, feature a 1000g Thinsulate ultra insulation that’s both quick drying and moisture-resistant to help keep you warm and focused even on the coldest of mornings, and are also fully waterproof throughout. Mountainous terrain is also no match for the Utility Pro thanks to its molded heel guard and rugged rubber outsole. Built tough for tough individuals.
Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof
Ideal for early season hunting, this hunting boot hosts all the qualities you’d come to expect from other reliable brands but with a lightweight ankle-high construction. We’re talking a ScentBan scent control system, UltraDry waterproofing system, rubber sole composition and a synthetic makeup. The Realtree Xtra Camouflage colorway also helps keep you undetected be it in the tree stand or while quail hunting in the uplands.
Under Armour Speed Freek Bozeman
It’s hard not to trust UA with boot construction. They make some of the finest outdoor and athletic wear around these days, this hunting boot notwithstanding. It boasts a synthetic build, complete with a waterproof and breathable lining to keep you dry, their exclusive Scent Control technology that works to keep you undetected by game, a suede leather and abrasion-resistant upper, and a molded Ortholite sock liner complete with a memory foam top. Comfort, stealth, and durability. UA hit it out of the park with this one.
L.L. Bean Maine Pac Boot
They don’t call it a Maine Pac Boot for nothing. This piece is meant to take on the coldest of weather thanks to its nearly 12mm of felt insulation between the outsole and the liner. The Pac Boot is also lined with a waterproof mesh and foam top for enhanced warmth and a speed lacing system lets wearers tighten up with just one pull, given that every moment of exposure in the bitter cold can prove dangerous in the wrong conditions. L.L. Bean isn’t messing around with this pair. And with a design that’s meant to replicate vintage Pac boots used originally for ice fishing, the style isn’t deviating much from the norm either.
Irish Setter 838 Wingshooter Upland
Constructed for American upland hunting, these leather boots are built for both comfort and abuse. They feature a synthetic sole and are ankle-high in stature since odds are you’ll be doing a bit of hiking in these bad boys. They also feature a moisture wicking nylon lining, steel support shank, and an EVA midsole that helps reduces weight and simultaneous cushioning for your feet. And since Mother Nature can be harsh at times, these Wingshooters also host UltraDry Waterproofing technology to help keep your feet dry and toasty while on the hunt.
Danner Pronghorn 8” 400G
Outfitted in a mossy oak camo design, these Danner Pronghorn boots mean business in the field. They’re built from durable and waterproof full grain leather and boast a CamoHide leather upper complemented with lightweight 1000 Denier nylon. The design and colorway also help blend the hunter in with their environment and thanks to a full-grain leather toe, heel cap, and rubber sole, this pair of hunting boots are sure to live out many a season.
LOWA Tibet GTX Trekking
Built for just that, trekking, these hunting boots will remain dependable and keep you warm and dry wherever the hunt for game may take you. They host a seamless and waterproof Gore-Tex lining, a padded tongue and collar for enhanced comfort in the wilderness, nubuck leather uppers, and an injected PU midsole and stabilizer for long-lasting underfoot comfort. LOWA boots have been the go-to footwear for mountaineers, hunters, and climbers for close to nine decades. Isn’t it time you found out why?
Danner Canadian 600 Gram
Made right here in the USA, these hunting boots from Danner feature 600 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation for unmatched protection in cold climates. There’s up to 10 inches of support and comfort from these handsome boots and with a full grain leather composition and rubber sole, Danner has proved once again that some of the best products around are still made with care right here in the good old USA.
Gokey Snakeproof Light Cordura Boots
Just because you’re out there tracking particular game doesn’t mean you won’t rattle a few inhospitable residents in the process. Thankfully, Gokey Footwear makes these snakeproof leather boots comprised of lightweight Cordura fabric. They’re resistant up to 100 separate strikes per pair and measure 17 inches in height. The upper is also made from ballistic cloth and rugged pebble-grain bull hide leather makes up the bottom of these boots. They’re made right here in the USA and are proven to protect your legs from unwanted fang-based encounters.
