The right pair of hunting boots can make your next hunting trip both successful and comfortable. There are several types of boots experienced hunters like to wear, each with different advantages and disadvantages.
If you prefer to hunt in a variety of terrains or at several different seasons of the year, you may be best served owning several pairs of boots.
However, for the casual or hobbyist hunter, a pair of trusty boots is all you need. Choose from a variety of these boots to make your outings more comfortable and productive.
Pac Boots
Pac boots look similar to hiking boots, but usually have an extra layer of insulation to keep feet warm and dry in cold weather. These boots have a rubber soul and a flexible upper made of leather, nylon or canvas. They generally come with a removable felt lining that can be placed in the trunk in cold weather and pulled out when it is warmer.
Compared to some other types of boots for hunting, pac boots are quite heavy and don’t provide much arch support. They’re not ideal for long hikes in the wilderness, but they are the warmest type of hunting boot you can buy.
Rubber boots
Rubber boots are classic hunting footwear, and for good reason. These boots are lightweight and highly moisture resistant, making them ideal for keeping your feet dry during sudden snow or rainstorms. Rubber also has another advantage for hunters: it absorbs odors better than more porous materials. This means you’re less likely to leave tracks that make the game jittery. Like pac boots, rubber boots generally don’t provide a lot of support, so they aren’t suitable for walking long distances.
Leather and nylon boots
Leather and nylon boots combine the two materials to create a boot that is lightweight and often more comfortable than other types of hunting footwear. These boots have good arch support making them ideal if you plan to walk a lot while hunting. They’re insulated, though often not with the thick felt pac boot, so they’re a good choice for cold weather.
The right pair of boots is important for keeping your feet warm and dry, as well as providing support and traction when navigating rough terrain. Be smart when choosing your next pair of hunting boots and ensure yourself a greater success rate in the field.