HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAIR OF HUNTING BOOTS

BIG GAME HUNTING

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Few things can ruin a hunt faster than sore feet.  Once your feet are sore and tired on a hunt, it's only a matter of time before the rest of your body follows suit.  Many big game hunts have come to an early end due to sore and tired feet.  Avoid issues with your feet this season by knowing how to choose the right pair of hunting boots for your next big game hunt.  Here are a few items to consider when purchasing your next pair of quality hunting boots. 

  • QUALITY VS. PRICE

  • WHAT SEASON ARE YOU HUNTING?

  • WHAT TERRAIN ARE YOU HUNTING?

 

QUALITY VS. PRICE

A pair of quality hunting boots is one of the most important investments a hunter can make. For me, opening day of Colorado's 2021 archery elk season saw 9 miles of backcountry hiking. This kind of effort would not be possible without the proper care of my feet. If you are looking to invest in a quality pair of hunting boots that will last well into the future, you should expect to spend $175-$500 dollars.  Every hunter should consider setting a budget that suits their needs when shopping for new boots.  

WHAT SEASON ARE YOU HUNTING?

The season you are hunting greatly determines how you should choose your next pair of hunting boots. If you are bowhunting bull elk in Nevada the last week of September, or maybe you are hunting Brown Bear in Alaska the first week of December, you will want to be mindful of the typical temperatures and weather conditions during the season you are hunting and make your boot purchase accordingly. Three technological factors you should consider when making your hunting boot purchase: 

  • Insulation

  • Water-resitancy

  • Weight of boot

    WHAT TERRAIN ARE YOU HUNTING?

    After you consider which season you are primarily using the boots for, next you should consider the terrain.  Where will you be hunting big game?  

    Prairie Terrain

    Upland style hunts through flat rolling terrain typically demand the hunter put on a lot of milage by foot.  You will want to look for boots that are lightweight and have enough flexibility to allow rapid movement.  A prairie hunter should consider a hunting boot with a mid-shaft height, which provide the right amount of ankle support while maintaining a proper amount of movement. 

    Features to consider for Prairie Terrain:

    • Weight of boot and flexibility of sole

    • Mid-height boot shaft

    Marsh Terrain: Including Stand and Blind Hunting

    For wet, boggy terrain or hiking into your stand, rubber boots should be considered. Rubber boots provide the ideal waterproof protection and scent control required for this type of terrain. Many waterproof boots are also insulated, so if you are hunting in very cold conditions your feet will stay warm.  If you are hunting in extreme cold, you may also consider a style of boots known as PAC hunting boots. 

    Features to consider for Marsh Terrain and Treestand or Blind:

    • Scent control

    • Level of insulation for cold weather hunting conditions

    • Level of water-resistance

    Mountain Terrain

    Hunting in mountainous terrain with steep inclines, you will need to wear a pair of hunting boots that provides stability support to keep your ankles locked in. In addition, this highly technical terrain demands a thicker shank to provide increased stiffness control on ledges or when traversing sideways.  While a shank does increase the weight of the boot, most modern hunting boots feature advanced technology to reduce weight. 

    Features to consider for Mountain Terrain:

    • Higher boot shaft

    • Thickness of shank

    • Weight of boot


      In summary:  How to Choose the Right Pair of Hunting Boots

      • Quality vs. Price - Set a budget and find something that meets your specific requirements. 

      • Terrain - Find a pair of good hunting boots that is properly paired for they type of terrain you are looking to hunt.

      • Conditions - Make sure your boots are properly suited for the conditions you are hunting in.  Nothing an ruin your hunt faster than a pair of cold, wet feet. 

      • Remember "hiking boots" are also "hunting boots". Don't be afraid to use a good pair of hiking boots for hunting.

       

       

      Recommended: personally used by the author

      Lowa Men's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot

      I have personally used these boots for 2 seasons of archery elk hunting in Colorado and feel like they are perfect blend of quality and value. My feet never get tired wearing these boots and they are 

      • Durable, still almost in perfect condition after two seasons

       

       

      Popular:

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