A sturdy pair of hunting boots are essential for your outdoor adventure, not to mention the fact that they’ll give you a confidence boost.
While your feet might be the last thing on your mind when prepping for your hunt, how you dress them can make all the difference. Wearing the wrong boots can mean cold, sweaty, or achy feet and a shortened trip because you cannot tolerate the discomfort. You need to consider many things when selecting your boots, such as terrain, season, and the game you’re hunting. Avoid footwear failure on your hunt with these helpful tips.
Continue reading below.
Types of Hunting Boots
Generally speaking, hunting boots are categorized into two main groups: field boots and rubber boots.
FIELD BOOTS — Field boots are made with breathability and durability in mind. They are often made of full-grain leather, mesh, and nylon.
RUBBER BOOTS — Rubber boots are ideal for hunting because they are scent-free and will never give away your location. They are also waterproof but can get quite warm.
Think About Insulation
How warm or breathable you want your hunting boots to be entirely depends on the season in which you’re hunting and how your anticipated level of activity. Will you be sitting in a tree stand or blind for hours on end, or will you be hiking and moving around constantly until it’s time to pull the trigger? As you begin your search for the best hunting boots, you’ll find that insulation is listed in grams, which means grams per quart meter of fabric. Here’s a guide on how to make your selection:
MILD TEMPERATURES — During an early-season deer or spring turkey hunt, you’ll want boots that are uninsulated up to 200 grams.
AVERAGE FALL TEMPS — For your typical fall hunt, you’ll likely want boots with 400 – 800 grams.
HARSH WINTER WEATHER — Intense winter weather will require 1000 or more grams of insulation, especially when still hunting.
A Few More Things
Three more things to keep in mind as you search for the perfect hunting boot:
TRACTION — Think about the type of terrain you’ll be hunting on and how much traction you’ll need. Slippery surfaces mean you’ll want better traction and grippier shoes.
BOOT FIT — During your hunt, you probably won’t be sporting the socks you wear every day. You’ll probably want to wear a thick woolen pair of socks or even use a specialized boot liner, so you may want to size up.
STYLE — You’ll need to determine what style of boot you want. Do you want a high-cut boot that features a versatile camouflage? Think about your hunt and what it will require. You may need to invest in more than one hunting boot.
Contact R & K Hunting Company
The success of your hunt often comes down to how comfortable and durable your hunting boots are. Additionally, having a knowledgeable and experienced guide from R & K Hunting Company can also increase the likelihood of coming out triumphant. Our expert guides will help you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Rocky Mountain experience in the scenic hills of Utah and Wyoming. Contact R & K Hunting Company to book your next hunting trip today!
