Bow hunting is a challenging yet satisfying pastime for many hunters. Hunting with a bow often means needing to walk and hide in rocky or muddy areas or waiting in chilly spots near game. Because of these challenging conditions, it is important that bow hunters invest in a high-quality pair of hunting boots to keep them safe and warm during their trip. We took a look at some of the highest-rated bow hunting boots online and made a list of them for you below. Take a look and find a pair that’s right for you.
What are the Best Bow Hunting Boots?
We have compiled for you the top 7 Best Bow Hunting Boots in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with boots for bow hunting and having used several bow hunting boots you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about bow hunting boots.
1. Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Snow Boot
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Waterproof: Yes Material: Neoprene, Rubber Insulation: Foam, Fleece, and 8mm Neoprene Snake Protection: No |
With an 8mm neoprene build and a 2mm foam lining under the footbed, the Muck Arctic Pro Snow Boot is designed to keep you fully warm. Apart from keeping the cold out, it keeps the heat in, ensuring you stay warm.
Despite the layering, the boot is flexible and adjusts its shape according to your feet to prevent blistering. The tough Spandura protects the boot against wear and tear, but the camouflage print quickly fades. Apart from that, the boot is highly durable. The Bob-Tracker outsole adds to the boot’s durability and provides a good grip on most terrain.
In our opinion, this lightweight boot can satisfy most hunters.
Pros
- Well insulated against low temperatures,
- Cushioned sole for comfort,
- Provides good traction,
- Reinforced in the instep, heel, and Achilles area for support
Cons
- Camouflage print wears off,
- Not comfortable for wide feet
2. Irish Setter Men’s Big Game Hunting Boot
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.13 pounds (0.97 kg) Support Height: 12 in Waterproof: Yes Material: Leather, nylon, cork EVA Insulation: Yes |
The Irish Setter Men’s Elk Tracker Hunting Boot features a 12-inch shaft with 600-gram 3M insulation and waterproof fabric lining. They are made with a premium work grade leather exterior that provides quick comfort for miles of trekking through various terrains. The boots have an odor controlled interior and are available in extended sizes. They have a removable cork EVA footbed and a lace up design for an adjustable fit. The soles are made to hold traction on any terrain. They have a good amount of ankle support however as you break them in, they can stretch out some. Additionally, if you have high arches, these boots may not be the best choice as they offer little arch support.
Pros
- Keeps feet warm in cold climates,
- Waterproof material prevents moisture from getting in,
- Comfortable to walk in various terrains,
- Available in wide variety of sizes
Cons
- Tends to stretch out up to a half size once broken in,
- No arch support
3. NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hiking Winter Boots
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 7.05 pounds (3.2 kg) Waterproof: Yes Material: Rubber Outsole, Thinsulate Insulation Insulation: Yes Snake Protection: No |
NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hiking Winter Boots are a versatile offering with rubber outsole and Thinsulate insulation. With a 13″ opening, these boots are easy to wear and take off. The boots are designed to be waterproof and windproof making them suitable for use in wet and cold conditions. The 3-layer warming system traps and retains maximum body heat for a comfortable journey in the snow. The rubber outsole provides ample grip and stability in a variety of outdoor conditions. However, the overall structure of these shoes might be a little bulky for some people, causing discomfort during longer journeys.
Pros
- Waterproofing and windproofing makes these boots suitable for snowy and wet conditions,
- 3 layer warming system traps and retains maximum body heat,
- Rubber outsole material provides optimum grip and stability,
- 13″ boot opening for easy and comfortable wearing
Cons
- Bulky design may be uncomfortable for some people,
- Substandard manufacturing means that the boots wear off quickly
4. Danner Men’s Vital Insulated 400g Hunting Shoes
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.44 pounds (0.65 kg) Waterproof: Yes Material: Rubber sole Insulation: Yes Snake Protection: No |
Danner Men’s Vital Insulated 400g Hunting Shoes come with a lock and load lacing system that provides a secure grip while making it easy to wear and take them off. To reduce fatigue during long journeys, these shoes have a lightweight construction. The Thinsulate insulation traps and efficiently retains the body heat to keep the shoes ‘temperature comfortable. Added to this, a mesh liner over the tongue lets air flow through, so the shoes do not get too hot during dry summer days. Danner’s 400g hunting shoes, however, do have sizing problems so finding the right may be a hassle. Moreover, the waterproofing is not very efficient meaning that the feet may get wet.
Pros
- Lock and load lacing system provides a secure grip,
- Mesh liner over tongue helps regulate temperature,
- Thinsulate insultation retains body heat during cold weather,
- Lightweight construction to help against fatigue
Cons
- Inefficiant waterproofing means the feet get wet,
- Irregular sizing makes it a hassle to find the right fit
5. Danner Men’s Vital Insulated 800g Hunting Shoes
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4 pounds (1.81 kg) Waterproof: Yes Material: Leather and Textile Insulation: Yes Snake Protection: No |
Danner Men’s Vital Insulated 800g Hunting Shoes come with Danner Dry waterproofing, for optimum performance in wet conditions. The use of Thinsulate insulation means that the feet stay warm in cold temperatures. The shoes come with an abrasion-resistant upper made using leather and textile that provides durability and maintains the shoes in a decent shape for a long time. For added comfort, Danner uses multi-density foam that eliminates pinch points and distributes the weight evenly.
However, Danner has some sizing problems that make it difficult to find the right fit. Moreover, the shoes may start wearing off earlier with rough use.
Pros
- Abrasion resistant upper made using leather and textile,
- Danner Dry waterproofing for use in wet conditions,
- Thinsulate insulation for comfort in cold conditions,
- Use of multi-density foam to eliminate pinch points
Cons
- Substandard manufacturing leads to leaks in waterproofing,
- Not durable enough for rough use
6. Rocky Men’s 8 Inch Retraction 800G Hunting Boot
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2 pounds (0.91 kg) Support Height: 8 in Waterproof: Yes Material: Nylon, full grain leather, rubber Insulation: Yes |
These 8-inch retraction hunting boots have a durable full grain leather and nylon exterior. They lace up, providing an adjustable fit that allows for good 8 inches of ankle support when hiking and walking outdoors. The rubber outsole and memory foam footbed are comfortable on the feet and will allow hours of wear while providing good traction on rocks and gravel. They have 800 grams of 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation to keep the feet warm while in colder climates. The Real Tree pattern provides some camouflaged protection when walking through brush and woods. They have some waterproof protection, but this has been contested so you might want to do a home test before relying on these to keep your feet dry outdoors in the cold.
Pros
- These boots have a supportive nylon shaft,
- They run true to size,
- They are lightweight and comfortable,
- Insulation provides warmth in cold weather
Cons
- These boots tend to allow water and moisture in,
- They are not available in wide widths
7. Thorogood Men’s Snake Boot 17 Inches
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.5 pounds (1.13 kg) Waterproof: Yes Material: Rubber with Polyurethane footbed Insulation: No Snake Protection: Yes |
Thorogood Men’s Snake Boots are constructed with slip-resistant rubber outsole that provides good traction in wet and slippery conditions. Designed for protection against snake bites, the boots come with Snakegard Extreme protection. The footbed is made using dual density polyurethane footbed that provides for a comfortable use. For added durability, the boots boast 3M Scotchgard protection. For ease of use, these boots come with a zipper to easily wear and take off. However, the zipper quality is not very good and it tends to break off easily. Added to this, the low quality waterproofing does not last long.
Pros
- Snakeguard Extreme provides protection against deadly snake bites,
- Dual density PU footbed provides for added comfort,
- Slip resistant rubber outsole provides ample traction, 3M Scotchgard Protection adds to the durability of these boots,
- Zipper adds to the ease of use.
Cons
- Low quality zipper breaks off easily,
- Waterproofing does not last long.
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of bow hunting boots and decided that 7 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Bow Hunting Boots is Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Snow Boot which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider Irish Setter Men’s Big Game Hunting Boot as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hiking Winter Boots is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying bow hunting boots
Boot material
The type of materials used in crafting your boots determines their comfort and durability. You will find all kinds of boots made from different materials like neoprene, rubber, and leather. Each serves their own purpose, and the right material depends on what use you have for them, all year round.
If you plan on buying hunting boots, you can either opt for field boots or rubber boots. Both have their merits depending on the situation and the terrain and climate you are walking in. If you’re looking for breathable boots, field boots (leather boots) are the way to go. But if waterproofing is what you want, get rubber boots.
Boot weight
You might be surprised to find how the weight of boots can affect your walking experience. Boots can weigh from 1.75 pounds to 3 pounds. Some boots are as heavy as 6 pounds! Both lightweight and heavyweight boots have their benefits. Most people decide the weight of their boots based on their intended use. Heavy boots are necessary for a steady foothold and better support for people who hunt and hike. Heavier boots are also more insulated, shock-absorbing, and protective. Conversely, lightweight shoes are a good option if you plan on covering long distances at a faster pace.
Comfort
Comfortable boots can save your feet from a world of pain. When buying boots, comfort should be the first box you check. Always buy a size that fits your feet. Don’t make the mistake of buying a smaller or larger size. Also, make sure that the size will remain comfortable even after wearing thick winter socks. Additionally, check the flexibility of the insoles and toebox. Bend the show outwards to inspect flexibility. The shoe should bend just slightly if it has good support. Try on the pair of shoes you like and walk around the store. Stand on the tip of your toes and check if there is enough space for your toes to expand. They shouldn’t touch the tip of the shoe. In the same position, check if the heel is digging into your feet.
Stability in wet conditions
The rainy or snowy season can make things a little challenging in the outdoors. The last thing you want is to constantly slip on the wet ground or have your feet soaked by stepping in a puddle.
To get around this, invest in shoes with rubber outsoles. Not only does the rubber provide good traction, it keeps the water out, keeping you warm and steady.
If you are in a bind and need your slippery boots to get a grip, you can use a hack as a temporary solution. We recommend applying double-sided tape or adhesive bandages on the ball and toe of your shoe.
Questions and Answers About bow hunting boots
Is it better to buy boots bigger or smaller?
Your boots should neither be too big nor too small – instead, they should be the right size. If your feet are too large for the shoes, it will cause blisters. But, a full size larger may not be fitting enough and might cause you to fumble and trip. However, if you have wider feet than the average folk or are in between sizes, opting for bigger is better than smaller. You can’t adjust a tight fit with a bigger size, you can also use insoles or even socks to make the shoes fit comfortably.
How heavy should hunting boots be?
Weight depends on the season in which you will be hunting. If you’re going to be hunting in the summer or walking a lot, then two to eight hundred grams will work and anything heavier will be a drag. But in the winter, you will need insulation on your hunting boots to keep warm. In this case, get tough and heavy duty boots that weigh at least a thousand grams. However, do not get too heavy a pair if it will tire you out too easily while walking due to the immense weight.
Why do my feet get cold when hunting?
When one starts experiencing cold toes and feet while hunting, it might be due to your hunting boots or socks being too tight. In this case, your blood supply might get restricted, keeping your feet from getting warm. To avoid this, make sure your shoes and socks are a comfortable fit – neither too tight nor too loose. Lace shoes can help you regulate the tightness better too. Also, make sure to keep your hunting boots and socks dry, especially so in winter time.
How many grams of insulation do I need for hunting boots?
The amount of insulation needed depends on the season and your activity levels. If you’re going to be trekking through the snow, then you will need at least 1000 grams of insulation on your hunting boots. If the weather is cold, 400- 600 grams will keep you warm. Boots with 200 grams of insulation will be suitable for cool temperatures or if you plan to be very active.
