Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots For Winter 2020 | Buying Guide

While your standard hunting shoes are suitable for adventure during summers, they are not ideal for harsh cold climates. Being designed for normal hunting, they don’t have the traction you need to walk in the cold environment. They may have a minimal layer of insulation, which is not enough to prevent you from the low temperature you will be facing. Using these uses may make it uncomfortable to move and also open you to problems like cold feet. It mostly doesn’t cause long-term damage or something incurable, but it can easily kill the spirit and fun of your hunting trip. Besides, having cold feet while walking or running is not something appreciable.

So, if you are planning a hunting trip to a location that has a low temperature, it is crucial that you get search and buy something that is specifically designed for the dropping temperature. A pair of hunting boots that offer more insulation, better fit, and yet maintain the flexibility you need. There are a lot of these shoes available in the market that you can consider for yourself. Designed specifically for cold weather conditions, these pairs will offer you better traction, better comfort, and a much warmer foot. These cold hunting boots may also include an extra layer of cushioning that will ensure comfortable usage even during prolonged usage. Not to mention, these shoes are much better for activities like climbing and running.

However, there is one slight problem in using these boots, finding them. As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of them in the market, which makes it challenging to decide which one to buy. The following post can help you to find the best pair of hunting boots for cold weather by introducing to the different aspects related to them. Have a look.

Top 5 Cold Weather Hunting Boots

1. Danner Men’s Vital 8″ Waterproof Hunting Boot

Danner has been synonymous with quality when it comes to hunting boots for almost a century and this product is part of the norm for them. Billed at a range of 15-160$ depending on the retailer you purchase from, Danner’s product is one of the best on the market.

The boot is 100% leather and textile which is imported. The abrasion-resistant leather is also waterproof which makes it viable on a variety of terrains. It comes with a lock and load lacing system which are ghillies across the forefoot for a secure fit and locking speed hooks which give quick and quiet lacing. A mesh liner allows the boot to maintain standard temperature and moisture levels. It also has a TPU heel clip for enhanced support and stability. Its multi-density foam patterning aids in eliminating hotspots and pinch points.

With a fairly reasonable price and an abundance of quality, I couldn’t recommend this enough.

Specifications:

• Rubber Sole
• Shaft measures approximately 7″ from arch
• Heel measures approximately 1.25″
• Platform measures approximately .05 inches
• Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 12.09 x 5.31 inches

2. Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boot

Kamik’s hunting boots are one of the cheaper products on the market and the cheaper price doesn’t come at the expense of quality.

The boot is made up of 95% rubber and 5% nylon both of which are imported. It’s best performances are to be expected in snowing conditions as the name suggests and this is aided by its impressive temperature rating of -40 degree F. The synthetic sole assists in traversal across snowy surfaces. It also is waterproof which allows in more flexibility in the terrains it can traverse in hunting expeditions. It also has a removable 8mm thermal-guard liner and an adjustable snow collar.

A cheaper price than its other counterparts along with consistent performance makes this one a very attractive choice and understandably so.

Specifications:

• Synthetic sole
• Shaft measures approximately 13″ from arch
• Heel measures approximately 1.25″
• Boot opening measures approximately 15.5″ 
• Product Dimensions: 16.3 x 12.4 x 5.2 inches

3. Irish Setter Elk Tracker Waterproof Big Game Hunting Boot

Irish Setter’s hunting boots, despite hitting home runs all across the quality department, have an absurdly high price that is detrimental to it.

The boot is made from 100% good quality leather which is highly durable. It has a rubber sole that aids in traversal as well. A removable comfort cork EVA footbed with memory foam only ups the comfort factor. It also has a scent ban technology which kills all odour-causing bacteria. The presence of shock-absorbing comfort cork midsole makes sure no damage is done to the user’s feet.

Despite having plenty of positive traits to brag about, the Elk Tracker hunting boots are very hard to recommend unless you’re a hunting enthusiast with money to spare.

Specifications:

• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately 9.5″ from arch
• 12-inch hunting boot with 200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation and waterproof GORE-TEX fabric lining
• Product Dimensions: 15.8 x 15 x 5.4 inches

4. Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot

Timberland’s waterproof ankle boots are pretty much the standard you want to get when going for a hunting boot. Billed at an average range of 70-150$ depending on size and model, the boots are fairly good at what they do.

The boots are made of 100% leather which is imported and a rubber sole to add onto that. The quality of these two ensures that the boots are durable. The boots have premium full-grain waterproof leather uppers, seam-sealed waterproof construction, and rustproof speed lace hardware with hooks at top for secure lacing which make them comfortable to use in most conditions.

A reasonable price and great performance make this an easy one to recommend to any hunting enthusiast.

Specifications:

• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately 5″ from arch
• Platform measures approximately 0.5 inches
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6 inches

5. ArcticShield Waterproof Outdoor Boots

ArcticShield’s waterproof outdoor boots are the cheapest entry on this list and one I’d highly recommend to first-time goers.

The boots are made from the best quality rubber and 7MM neoprene which is imported. The neoprene allows the boots to be waterproof when paired with the protective rubber layer. The 7MM Neoprene combined with Lightweight retains insulation to provide reliable warmth and protection. The boots are also easy to take on and off due to the pull tabs that make wearing them easy and quick. Its durable outsoles provide it with maximum traction on all surfaces.

Its cheap price may hint at a lack of quality but that’s not the case with these boots making them easy to recommend.

Specifications:

• Rubber sole
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 5 inches

Buying Guide: Cold Weather Hunting Boots

Size

Finding the right fit is the first and the most crucial part of any shoe purchase. If the shoe is too tight, it can interfere with blood circulation and numb your feet. Prolonged usage of such shoes can also lead to permanent damage due to a lack of oxygen supply. Similarly, if your shoe is too loose, it will make it uncomfortable to move around. The boots may cut your feet and may also slip during a run, which can be injurious. Now, for regular shoes, the drill to manage this aspect is pretty simple. You have to measure your feet and go for the variant that matches it. However, in case of cold weather boots, you have considered an additional element, the socks. Since the winter socks are much more cushioned and thicker, they will acquire considerable space. You have to make sure that the shoe size is enough to compensate for the additional space requirement.  

Shaft Height

Generally, when someone thinks of the best hunting boots for cold weather, the simplest picture is a leather boot with a long shaft that goes up to the knees. While the shoes do come in this shaft length, they do have variants. You will find them in ankle-length, mid-leg length, and of course, the knee length. The choice, in this case, is purely your as they will affect the comfort of your shoes. Besides, if you pair them with decent quality threats, the length won’t matter that much. However, the preference, in this case, is mid or knee-length as they cover more areas and provide better protection against accidents and, in rare cases, animal bites. But, then, the ankle-length shoes are trendy, and you can pair them with everyday clothes without everyone noticing. So, a piece of advice, spend some time in this aspect of the shoes, it’s a bit tricky. 

Tie Up Mechanism

 The tie-up mechanism plays a very crucial aspect of the hunting boots. It will affect the time you need to wear them. There are three types of arrangements that the shoes make are using nowadays.

•    Laces: the classic old lace fastening system never gets old and for good reasons. It’s simple, comfortable, and almost non-time consuming. You also get the freedom to adjust the fitting of the level with this mechanism. Not to mention the ease of wearing the shoes. They are a part of almost every best hunting boots for cold in the market and an excellent consideration. 
•   Zips: Some hunting boots have a zip at the sides or front side for wearing them you can open the zip place your foot and then pull it up. Usually, it will come in pair with a laced shoe or the slip-on, but you can find shoes that use only the zips. These zips are very sturdy and have a locking at the end to make sure they don’t open unless you do it. It’s a considerable choice bit before you buy a pair of shoes using zips, make sure to check their quality. Cheap zip will break under slight pressure and also mark a spot for water to enter your shoes.
•   Slip-Ons: This mechanism is a popular tie-up arrangement for flexible rubber hunting shoes. You just slip your feet through its opening, and you are good to go. The thing is simple, and time-saving, but is not comfortable for all users. It is possible that you feel the shoes are slightly loose due to it. However, they usually have a secondary strap or lace at the top to deal with this issue. So, you can consider them.

Material

 The was a time when leather was the only material available for making boots, not anymore. Now, you will find hunting boots developed from a number of materials, including rubber, synthetic leather, and fibers. There is no way to tell which material you should prefer as the choice will depend on your habits. For instance, if you like to wear heavy and sturdy shoes, leather will be perfect. Similarly, if you are looking for something that’s less expensive, flexible, and soft on your foot, synthetic fibers will be an ideal choice. So, feel free to go for your preference. As long as the shoes are waterproof and have decent breathability, they will work fine.

Insulation

The hunting boots that you buy will have a layer of insulation to protect you from the harsh climate. However, the quantity of this layer will differ for every pair according to its make, design, and brand. Usually, every best hunting boots for cold will have insulation of around 600-800 grams by weight, but you can get more of it. However, watch for the material of the insulation. The large-scale brand usually prefers to use light material that can provide more heat with less quantity. In such a case, heavy insulation will make your foot too hot and also add extra cost. Therefore, try to spend some time on the shoes and research their insulation material before buying a pair.

Color and Pattern

The color and patterns of hunting boots are the most underrated aspect related to it. Part of the reason for it is that the people think that the animal won’t care for the color. Well, they don’t care about fashion, but they do care about shoe color or pattern, especially when it stands a[part for the rest of the environment. It can warn them about the approaching danger. Therefore, every professional hunter tries to match the color of their shoes with the surrounding, and that’s exactly what you should do. Hence, find about the location you are visiting and find the color and pattern of the shoes that will blend with the exterior and help you to stay stealth.

Brand

 Now, nobody says that the cheap shoes in the market are not good, but there is no guarantee for their performance. There is a risk in buying these things, which is risky in something like hunting.  Any last-minute surprise here will leave you with cold feet, ruined trip, wasted money, and a lot of regrets. Therefore, while searching for the best hunting boots for cold, take some time to research the brand making them. It is best if you stick with a brand with a good history and customer testimonials. It doesn’t have to be a large company, but it should be reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions