When hunting in the winter it’s important that your feet stay dry, warm, and comfortable with winter hunting boots. The weather could change at any time and may impact many elements on the hunt. It could be freezing rain, snow, hail, icy ponds or lakes, piercing winds, or even hidden trees covered with snow. Its important to keep yourself safe and protected.
The outdoors can be tough on your feet. Make sure you have quality boots that can handle these extreme weather conditions:
- Rain/Sleet
- Icy lakes, ponds, and rivers
- Wet boggy marshes
- Snow covered forests
- Piercing winds
- Mud
A quality pair of winter hunting boots may be hard to find. You want to look for things like the insulation rating, comfortability, waterproofing materials, and boot height. Look no further! We put together a list of the top 10 best winter hunting boots out on the market in 2023.
Top 10 Best Winter Hunting Boots
1. TIDEWE Rubber Hunting Boots with 800g Insulation
These TIDEWE Rubber Hunting Boots with 800g Insulation are 100% waterproof and are the perfect fit for any winter hunting adventures. The EVA contoured mid-sole allows for lightweight cushioning, shock absorption, and comfort. The back gussets with cinch buckles ensure a secure and custom fit. Ingenious out-sole pattern design offers excellent stability and extra solid traction. The 800g Insulation showcases a high grade rubber and neoprene exterior that provides extra toughness and makes for a 100% Waterproof Design. It also prevents radiated body heat from escaping and provides exceptional warmth in extreme cold. 7mm Neoprene also provides heat retention properties. Your hunting trip will never be spoiled by cold conditions. Temperature Rating: -50°F to 40°F [-45°C – 4°C].
2. Rocky Men’s Blizzard Stalker Pro Mobu Hunting Boot with 1200G Thinsulate
The Rocky BlizzardStalker Pro Insulated Hunting Boot is an excellent snow boot crafted to conquer the most extreme hunting conditions. With its comfortability and waterproof materials, you can feel confident hunting in deep snow or icy conditions. They are made with Rocky Waterproof construction to keep your feet warm & dry. They also have split suede with 900 denier high-abrasion textile uppers. These are among the warmest winter hunting boots with 1,200 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation to keep feet warm during extreme outdoor treks and hunts. The BlizzardStalker helps your feet grip uneven snow-covered or icy terrain with the multi-directional Blizzard outsoles. A removable mesh foot bed allows air to flow. The heel stabilizer helps keep your heel in place for additional support.
3. Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1000G Hunting Boot
The Lacrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1000G Hunting Boot is a premier rubber hunting boot. Tackle any extreme terrain that you may encounter. With 1000G Thinsulate insulation, you can feel comfortable in even the coldest of climates. A thick cushioning EVA midsole also adds comfort. An embossed liner provides better air circulation. An adjustable rear gusset creates the perfect fit. The Alphaburly Pro outsole is different between non-insulated and insulated styles. Each is designed to perform in corresponding mild or cold conditions. This unique tread pattern gives you the traction to move through demanding terrain. Tough chamfered edges keep you fast on your feet by shedding the mud, snow and mayhem below.
4. HISEA Apollo Pro 800G Insulated Hunting Boots with Arctic Grip Outsole
The HISEA Apollo Pro 800G Insulated 16-1/2” hunting boots were built simple and practical. There are a premium hunting boot and are available in Truetimber camo patterns to complete your hunting gear system. Whether you are hunting or fishing outside, the Apollo Pro keeps your feet dry and warm in cold water or mud. This boot also combines high quality, scent-free rubber with naturally insulating 5mm neoprene. Quick drying and moisture wicking material keeps your feet circulating with fresh air. The 800G Insulation is comfortable and rated from: -40°F to 40°F [-40°C – 5°C]
5. Huntrite Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots, 800G Insulation
The Huntrite Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots are designed for the hard working individual. There all-purpose boots are perfect for hunting, scouting the terrain, or simply tackling outdoor chores. Equipped with a 800-gram Thinsulate interior will keep your feet warm and stop the chill. These hunting boots are also 100% waterproof with a breathable membrane that keeps water out while allowing vapor to escape. A moisture-wicking mesh lining wicks away moisture to keep your feet dry. Find quality craftsmanship and fine detailing in these leather boots.
6. Rocky Men’s Bearclaw 3D Hunting Boots
Have been trying to find a camouflage winter hunting boot? This 9″ Rocky BearClaw 3D boot may be just what you are seeking. With its strong full-grain brown leather the look of this boot will surely take your overall hunting experience to a whole new level. The Rocky Bearclaw 3D Hunting Boots have an invaluable feature with their GORE-TEX membrane. This fabric is exceptional because it is breathable, waterproof, and prevents moisture from entering. Regardless of the weather conditions or your surroundings, you’ll be glad that you have this feature keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Dropping temperatures aren’t going to stop you from wanting to go hunting, which is why these BearClaw 3D boots have 1000 grams of 3M Thinsulate ultra Insulation. Your feet will be kept warm, even in extremely cold conditions without adding bulk to the inside of your boots.
7. Rocky Men’s 8 Inch Broadhead 800G Hunting Boot
The Rocky Men’s 8 Inch Broadhead 800G Hunting Boots are waterproof outdoor boots and insulated with an extra-warm 800 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation. Rocky guarantees that they keep your feet dry as you walk through mud, over soggy ground and among wet leaves. And if you’re walking, you want to walk comfortably. The Broadhead is designed as a men’s comfortable boot with an EVA midsole and a special, lightweight aggressive rubber skin outsole. Despite the great tread and grip on this outsole, this boot is 33% lighter than the average hunting boot. That’s important if you’re going to walk the extra mile after your prey. These lightweight boots also help you move easier, more quickly shifting direction and making less noise than you would in heavy, cumbersome boots.
8. Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot
With the Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot, the 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility. With excellent waterproofing, shock absorption and heat retention properties this boot adjusts to the shape of your feet to resist blisters and chafing. Stretch-fit Comfort Topline snugs calf to seal in warmth while keeping cold and debris out, high-grade extended rubber exterior provides additional waterproof barrier and extra toughness. These are great boots for those who need light weight options with waterproof protection and a rubber outside. This also makes the boot easy to clean after long adventures.
9. Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8″ 800G Gore-Tex Hunting Shoe
For close to 20 years, the Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8″ 800G hunting boot has been a trusted cornerstone in the Danner lineup. Any update to the Pronghorn comes with a lot of responsibility. Danner customers rely heavily on this iconic boot. The fifth generation includes many years of Pronghorn history and uses today’s cutting-edge footwear technology. To cope with unpredictable weather in the field, Danner built the Pronghorn with a GORE-TEX waterproof liner. It keeps moisture out and lets your feet breathe. And for those headed out into colder climates, the Pronghorn is also available with PrimaLoft insulation rated at 800G. This is a quality boot built for most hunting occasions.
10. Danner Men’s Vital Insulated 400g Camo Hunting Boots
Weather changes, terrain varies, and sometimes you find yourself traveling further upfield than planned – Danner Men’s Vital Insulated 400g Hunting Shoes are designed for the unknown and the unexpected. With the Danner Men’s Vital Insulated 400g Hunting Shoes you will notice a light, fast, aggressive, yet stealthy style that lets you conquer almost any terrain the earth may place below your feet. These Danner Men’s Vital hunting boots are 100% leather and textile, come with the Danner Dry waterproof protection system, and have outsoles that provide grip on moss, rock and slick surfaces. The Thinsulate Ultra Insulation also keeps your feet warm and dry while also providing breathability. Danner’s lock and load lacing system have ghilles across the forefoot for a secure fit and locking speed hooks for quick, quiet lacing. Experience the outdoors in comfort.
What are the ‘Must-Have’ Features of Winter Hunting Boots?
Protection
There are many obstacles one faces depending on the season and type of terrain you plan on hunting in. Some of these things can include:
- Frostbite – sitting for long periods of time during the winter season
- Snakebites – tall grasses or dryland areas
- Wind – dust or cold wind against your feet
- Hypothermia – exposure to extremely cold water in lakes, ponds, or river areas
- Hidden unseen terrain – snow covered downed trees, holes, ditches, etc.
Having the proper gear and dependable hunting boots can help minimize these dangers. Your attention and focus is then directed on enjoying the environment and hunt and not on what might be lurking near your feet. This is why protection is an important aspect when shopping or browsing for hunting boots.
Insulation ratings are another key factor with winter boots. A high level of resistance means that very little heat is escaping through the insulation. Conversely, a low level of resistance indicates a significant amount of heat could be escaping through and between the insulation. Keep this in mind as you are shopping for winter boots.
Lastly, a proper camouflage (to mix up with nature and not get caught by animals) and a good solid outsole for stability and traction are essential features of a well-insulated well-rounded hunting boot.
Comfort
Another important feature hunters look at while buying boots is comfort. How do they feel while walking? How do they feel while sitting? Its important to look at flexibility of the material that they are made from as well as their weight. Are they too heavy? Are they too light? How much walking or sitting do you plan on doing? Winter hunting boots can be slightly heavier at the cost of more insulation for your feet. Keep this in mind as you browse.
Look for boots that may have:
- New footbed technology
- Strong and durable outsole traction systems
- Quality midsoles
- Removeable / Washable inner liners
- A balanced weight for your hunting adventure
Durability
Your hunting gear should be able to last the test of time with varying degrees of use throughout your adventures. Don’t you hate wasting money on low quality boots? Its important that the material you select for your new boots is durable and built to last. The cheapest option on the market may not be the most reliable. When it comes to hunting outdoors, make sure you carefully review and understand the product you are buying.
High quality rubber, leather, fabrics, and tough laces are four components you should evaluate before purchasing new winter hunting boots.
Our Pro-Tip: If You Know You Need Them, Then Pull The Trigger
It’s true that the cost of winter hunting boots is slightly higher than regular boots. Don’t settle for regular boots just to save a few! Make the investment (depending on your hunting situation) and reap the benefits of how winter hunting boots are engineered. You will not be disappointed in the long run.
A slight price difference shouldn’t be a factor if you are truly looking for quality boots that will last. The best things in life always come at a cost. Don’t just save a few bucks on regular hunting boots if you truly need winter protection. You will be glad you invested your money where it counts!
