Best Mountain Hunting Boots

Hunting can be a physically strenuous activity – it is especially strenuous when it is done on a mountain. Hunters that are interested in mountain hunting should invest in a pair of high-quality mountain hunting boots. Mountain hunting boots are durable for frequent use and have thick soles to protect your feet on rocky mountain terrain. Below, we compiled a list of the best mountain hunting boots available for you to browse.

Best Mountain Hunting Boots

What are the Best Mountain Hunting Boots?

We have compiled for you the top 7 Best Mountain 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 mountain hunting and having used several mountain 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 mountain hunting boots.

1. XPETI Men’s Thermator Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boots

XPETI Men’s Thermator Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boots
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.47 pounds (0.21 kg)
Waterproof: Yes
Material: TPU & Rubber with fabric upper material
Insulation: Yes

XPETI Men’s Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boots come with rubber sole that provides optimum traction for rugged outdoor use. The boots have a mesh lining made from waterproof membrane that helps keep the feet dry in muddy and wet conditions. The boots are very easy to fit thanks to a lace-up closure. All this comes with a cushioned footbed that makes these boots very comfortable for regular use. Although the boots are designed for rugged use, the boots are not very durable because of which they do not last long with rough use. They are also designed to be narrow that may cause discomfort with regular use.

Pros

  • Waterproof membrane for upper mesh and mesh lining keeps feet dry,
  • Rubber sole with multi-directinal lugs provides good traction,
  • Lace-up closure makes these boots easy to fit,
  • Cushioned footbed makes these boots comfortable.

Cons

  • Narrow design and inconsistent sizing makes them difficult to fit,
  • Not very durable for long term use.

2. SOREL – Men’s Glacier XT Insulated Winter Boot

SOREL - Men's Glacier XT Insulated Winter Boot
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 3 pounds (1.36 kg)
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Rubber and Polyurethane
Insulation: Yes
Snake Protection: No

SOREL – Men’s Glacier XT Insulated Winter Boots come with a wide 18″ opening, making them especially suited to people with larger calves. The boots come with a handcrafted rubber shell designed for optimum grip and stability in slippery and icy conditions. The polyurethane-coated synthetic textile helps keep the feet dry in damp conditions. For comfort in cold conditions, the boots are fitted with Omni-Heat reflective lining that traps body heat to keep the feet warm. Although SOREL Glacier XTs boast several attractive features, they may pose sizing issues for some people, making them difficult to wear and take off.

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Pros

  • 18″ opening makes these boots easy to wear and take off,
  • Handcrafted rubber shell for extra grip in icy conditions,
  • PU coated synthetic textile keeps feet dry,
  • Omni-Heat reflective lining keeps the feet warm in extreme cold

Cons

  • Design and sizing issues make these boots hard to put on,
  • Waterproofing does not last long

3. NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hiking Winter Boots

NORTIV 8 Men's Insulated Waterproof Hiking Winter Boots
Specs
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. Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot

Rocky Men's Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 6.1 pounds (2.77 kg)
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Nylon, Leather
Insulation: 1000 gram Thinsulate
Snake Protection: No

Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot offers comfort and support for your hunting and hiking adventures. This boot promises longevity as it uses high-quality materials in construction.

The shoes might be uncomfortable at first, but after breaking them in, they will fit perfectly. Waterproof and insulated, this boot keeps you dry and warm without compromising breathability due to the presence of inner mesh lining. If you plan to hunt in extremely cold weather conditions, these might be the shoes for you.

The cushioned insole only adds to the comfort, while the rugged outsole provides good support, grip, and traction, stabilizing your footing.

Pros

  • Good traction and stable footing,
  • 1000G insulation for cold weather conditions,
  • Quality full-grain leather and nylon used in construction,
  • The boot fits to your foot size

Cons

  • Boots might be heavy for some,
  • Laces wear out quickly

5. R RUNFUN Men’s camo Waterproof Lightweight Hunting Boots

R RUNFUN Men's camo Waterproof Lightweight Hunting Boots
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (sole)
Insulation: 400 gram Thinsulate
Snake Protection: No

If you prefer agility during your hunts, the R RUNFUN Lightweight boot might be to your liking. The boots are highly comfortable right out of the box; you won’t need to break them in.

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The waterproof feature holds true, but only up until the lining; if water rises beyond that, you will have soggy feet.

The 400gram Thinsulate insulation will keep your feet warm in 30-40F. Along with protection from the cold, this hunting boot also offers protection from falls. The boot’s construction is good for the price, but it would be best to use it for milder terrains as the stitching might not hold on rough terrains.

This boot might be good for early-season hunting.

Pros

  • Breathable materials for comfort,
  • Anti-slip outsole for protection,
  • Durable construction for bushy terrain,
  • It comes with a long-term warranty

Cons

  • Weak in-soles,
  • Stitches might not hold on rougher terrain

6. Huntrite Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots

Huntrite Men's Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 2.2 pounds (1 kg)
Support Height: 8.5 inches
Waterproof: Yes
Material: Leather, nylon, and rubber
Insulation: 1200 gram Thinsulate
Snake Protection: No

The Huntrite Men’s Insulated Waterproof hunting boot is an expensive shoe that packs a punch. Constructed with a mix of full-grain leather and quality nylon, it will survive wear and tear. The waterproof lining ensures dry feet regardless of how wet it becomes.

The slip and oil-resistant rubber outsole provide good traction, but the inner sole might need replacing.

Comfort is well-established with this boot with a moisture-wicking mesh inner lining keeping your feet sweat-free. Additionally, with a padded tongue and collar, breaking these boots in won’t take much time.

This Huntrite Men’s hunting boot might be a good choice for those who prefer treestand hunting.

Pros

  • The insulation is highly effective in keeping your feet warm,
  • A padded color makes these boots comfortable for hunting,
  • Well constructed with double stitching where needed,
  • The outer sole facilitates rugged tread

Cons

  • Boots are on the heavier side,
  • Laces wear out fast

7. Manfen Men’s Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots

Manfen Men's Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 2.56 pounds (1.16 kg)
Support Height: 8 in
Waterproof: Yes
Material: EVA, rubber
Insulation: Yes

The Manfen Thermator Mid-Rise Hiking Boots have an 8-inch shaft and are constructed of waterproof EVA materials. They have a 200 gram insulation to offer warmth in cold temperatures without causing your feet overheat in warmer weather. The textured rubber sole offers traction on various terrains and provides extra waterproof protection. The molded TPU ankle support will ensure maximum comfort while keeping your feet warm and dry no matter the climate. Be sure to use the sizing chart to get the correct size as these boots run on the smaller side. Being a budget friendly option, there may be a compromise in long lasting durability.

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable,
  • Budget friendly,
  • Waterproof material to keep feet dry,
  • Molded ankle support

Cons

  • Questionable durablility,
  • Runs small

Verdict

To summarize, we have gone through dozens of mountain hunting boots and decided that 7 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Mountain Hunting Boots is XPETI Men’s Thermator Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boots which we highly recommend as our overall best.

If money is not an issue, you can consider SOREL – Men’s Glacier XT Insulated Winter 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:

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What You Should Know Before Buying mountain hunting boots

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.

Insulation

Insulation is what keeps your feet warm. While there are many insulating materials in the market, the most common are shearling and thinsulate. If you are going to be walking through snow, then insulated boots containing these materials are the way to go. You can find out if a boot will keep you warm in the cold by looking at the grams of insulation. The thicker the insulation on the boot, the higher the gram value. You can find insulation ranging from 200 to 2000 grams based on your seasonal needs. Boots with 200 grams of insulation are best suited for the mild cold, whereas 2000 grams is for extremely cold weather conditions. Keep in mind the more insulated the boot is, the heavier it will be and the more difficult it will be for you to walk.

Boot size

Finding the right size is essential when shopping for footwear. If you buy a size too small or too large, you will be too uncomfortable to enjoy your new boots. When buying shoes, pay special attention to the toe region. There should be some space left between your longest finger and the tip of the shoe. Some people recommend that this gap should be as broad as your thumb. If you are buying knee-high boots, go half a size up as it will be easier to slip your feet into the boot. Some people have one foot larger than the other. In this case, buy the size that fits the larger feet. If ever you find yourself between sizes, always buy half a size larger shoes but never a smaller size. With a larger size, you can always fit insoles. But a smaller size will be too tight for you to be comfortable.

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.

Questions and Answers About mountain hunting boots

Can I wear hunting boots in the snow?

Not all hunting boots are durable in the snow or even in the rain. For hunting in the snow, you will need boots with some key features. The first one being, they need to be completely waterproof. The last thing you want is snow seeping into your shoes and giving you frostbite. A snowboot with a gaiter will add to the waterproof feature by keeping snow and water out. Also, if it is snowing, the terrain is going to be slippery. So, look for hunting boots with good traction and support.

How do I keep my feet dry when hunting?

Keeping your feet dry and warm is crucial during a hunt. One obvious option is waterproof boots or applying a waterproofing treatment. Another tip is to wear two layers of socks. Wear moisture-wicking socks first, and then wool socks as a second layer. Try to avoid cotton socks. Make sure that wearing two socks doesn’t tighten your feet in your boots, as this can constrict blood supply.

How long should hunting boots last?

High-quality hunting boots, albeit expensive, can last a lifetime. Even if the hunting boots aren’t exactly top tier, a good pair can last a decade. In the end, it depends on the quality, maintenance, and frequency of usage. However, proper care and storage is required to keep the hunting boots in good condition. You might have to replace the sole from time to time.

How should a mountain boot fit?

For a safe and comfortable adventure, your mountain boots should fit perfectly. First, find out what kind of terrain you will be summiting: is it rocky, snowy, maybe a bit of both? Also, find out the weather conditions: rainy, chilly, or hot?
Once you have found the right boot type, look for the one that fits perfectly. When walking or climbing, your toes should have ample room, and the heel should have some lift to it.

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Agness Walewinder
Agness Walewinder
Travel freak, vagabond, photography passionate, blogger, life enthusiast, backpacker, adventure hunter and endless energy couchsurfer living by the rule "Pack lite, travel far and live long!"
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