Upland game hunting can be a difficult trek for even the most experienced of hunters. Hunters looking to get involved in upland hunting should invest in a pair of high-quality upland hunting boots. Upland hunting boots are designed to protect your feet against thorns and rocks as well as keeping them warm throughout the day. We’ve done the research and found the best upland hunting boots available on the market.
What are the Best Upland Hunting Boots?
We have compiled for you the top 7 Best Upland 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 upland hunting and having used several upland 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 upland hunting boots.
1. Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot
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| 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
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. Manfen Men’s Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots
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| 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
4. XPETI Men’s Thermator Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boots
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| 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.
5. 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
6. R RUNFUN Men’s camo Waterproof Lightweight Hunting Boots
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| 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.
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
7. Huntrite Men’s Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots
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| 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
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of upland hunting boots and decided that 7 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Upland Hunting Boots is Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting 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, Manfen Men’s Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying upland 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.
Support
If you don’t want your joints and ligaments to suffer, buying boots with good ankle support is fundamental. Boots that offer good support are those that fit snugly around your ankle without digging into your skin. Additionally, the level of support your feet need also depends on the activity you want to perform. If you plan on buying work boots, look for something lightweight. But, if you plan to go hiking or hunting, heavy boots will provide your feet support and comfort on the rough terrain. Although, we don’t recommend wearing heavy boots daily as doing so will stretch your ligaments.
Flexibility
When buying boots, keep your purpose and shoe preferences in mind – including whether you are more comfortable in stiff or flexible boots.
If you plan to go hiking, on-trail, a lighter, more flexible boot might appeal to you. Whereas a hunter, who is often off-trail, might prefer a heavier and stiffer boot. It all depends on the weather, terrain, and activity.
But, the best option would be to go with a boot with medium flexibility. One that isn’t too bendy or too stiff. These will give you almost the same support and solid footing as rigid boots; while still making it easy to move on a steep area.
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 upland hunting boots
What boots do elk guides wear?
Elk hunting is an exciting adventure for hunters and requires the proper footwear. Most elk guides will advise you against rubber boots and recommend ones made from leather instead. Secondly, for hunting during the winter season, you should get insulated boots and uninsulated one’s if hunting in the summer. Elk guides recommend boots with a good height as these provide good ankle support and are warmer. Lastly, get a size that fits snugly – but also gives your feet room to breathe.
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.
Should hunting boots be tight or loose?
Hunting boots should neither be tight nor loose – they should fit comfortably. If you plan to wear thick, insulating socks, keep that in mind when fitting on your hunting boots. Your boots should mold with your ankle and instep. Your toes should also have wiggle space. Make sure the boots are not restricted your blood flow. If you can’t find the right size for your feet, then go half a size up and opt for insoles.
Do leather boots keep you warm?
A conventional and typical pair of leather boots don’t keep your feet warm during the harsh winter. They might be okay at the beginning of the fall season, but not in the middle of winter. What’s more, your leather boots might crack in the snow and salt. However, if you have insulated, waterproof leather boots, then they will keep you warm enough.
Why to choose an upland hunting boot?
Upland hunting is a challenging activity that requires boots built to withstand wear and tear while providing comfort and support to your feet. The bird you’re hunting will have you walk and climb for miles, and for that, you don’t want on an uncomfortable pair of shoes. So, for upland hunting, upland hunting boots become necessary. Not only are they lightweight, facilitating walking, but they also provide the needed support to your ankles. Specific features may differ depending on the terrain and weather conditions you will be hunting in.
All in all, it is a suitable choice to get upland boots for upland hunting.
