A critical component of any successful hunt is having the right footwear. Here are some tips on selecting the correct boot for your hunting adventures.
Terrain and ClimateTerrain and climate will dictate the type of boot you'll need. Many hunting boots are available in a choice of non-insulated or insulated. Choose whichever one matches the climate in which you'll be hunting. To keep your feet dry (you never know where you might end up by day's end), you'll want to order a pair of waterproof boots.
Check out weather conditions at your hunting destination ahead of time, so you'll know the temperatures and weather you're likely to encounter while hunting there. Also, take the time to learn what type of land features you'll be walking on during your hunt.
Upland Hunting/Open FieldsWhen hunting on flatter terrain, you can get by with a softer, lighter weight boot that has softer soles with minimal tread or traction. Lightweight leather or Cordura Nylon uppers are commonly used for these boots. You'll want to make sure the boots you buy are waterproof, have a breathable lining, and have extra padding on the collar and tongue for all-day comfort.
Lowlands/Marshes or SwampsWet, sloppy ground require rubber boots or snake boots (if you hunt in the south). These are the tallest boots you'll find. Be sure your ankles fit snugly, so the boots won't pull off in the mud; and you'll want side cinches or buckles at the top to eliminate a noisy, sloppy fit when you walk--and to help seal out moisture. A removable foot bed is a plus, as rubber boots become damp and don't dry out easily overnight unless you use boot dryers. Be sure to check the outer sole for cleats or lugs--a necessity for good traction in the mud. Rubber boots are not comfortable if you're going to be doing extensive walking on uneven ground, as they lack adequate support and cushioning needed for longer treks.
Mountainous, Rocky or Uneven TerrainThis type of terrain requires "high country" boots with stiff ankle support, stiff soles for stability, a good lacing system for support, padded collar and tongue for comfort, waterproof protection for changing conditions, and good moisture-wicking properties. When shopping for "high country" boots, opt for ones with leather or oiled leather uppers with rubber "bands" or toe guards for abrasion resistance and protection from rocks.
Varied TerrainDense Woods, Ridges, MeadowsAds by Google Varied land features call for a boot with varied features--leather or nylon uppers (or a combination of the two) with a somewhat flexible sole, breathable, waterproof linings, stable ankle support without too much stiffness, and a medium height and weight. Consider buying an expensive, well-constructed pair of these, as they will be a good all-around boot that you'll reach for often and wear for many years to come.
Weight / Insulated vs. Non-InsulatedThe weight of the boot you're selecting should be a consideration, particularly if you'll be doing a lot of walking. The fabric, type of sole, boot height, and type of insulation all contribute to the overall weight of a boot. The majority of boots weigh from 3 to 4 pounds, with leather or heavily insulated pac boots hitting the scales in the 5-pound range.
In general, choosing a lighter boot that's non-insulated or one with just 200-gram insulation will suffice for more active hunts, hunts in early season, or hunts in milder weather.
For mid-season, cooler weather or less active hunts, you'll want to purchase a quality-insulated boot with 400 to 800 grams of insulation. Thinsulate offers excellent insulation without adding bulk and weight--a great choice for hunts where you may do a combination of walking and standing. Changing mid-season conditions mean unpredictable weather, so be sure to purchase a pair of boots that are waterproof and breathable.
For late-season frigid weather and stand hunting, heavily-insulated, waterproof boots are called for. They're the heaviest you'll find on the market--usually topping 5 pounds--but they're warm, and warm is what you'll need. Pac boots often have removable liners, with a cuff to seal out the cold air and snow, and cleated soles for good traction in snow and ice. Look for boots with insulation of 1,000 to 1,200 grams for the coldest, wintry conditions.
Too much width means a lack of support and blisters on your feet if the boot doesn't fit snugly. Many women who wear large size shoes find that settling for a man's hunting boot is the only option they have. Just be advised that men's boots tend to be wider than women's, so if you have a narrow foot and you're wearing a man's boot, you'll need extra insoles and the thickest (non-cotton) socks you can find.
How Men's and Women's Feet are DifferentWomen's footwear sizes are designed to fit the narrower width of most women's foot. In addition, women's shoes and boots are cut to accommodate our narrower heel cup, meaning the heel is trimmer than the forefoot width on women's boots. Men's boot widths generally measure the same from forefoot to heel.
The average width (B) of a woman's size 8 boot is 3.2", while a man's average width (D) in a size 10 boot is 4 inches wide. That's nearly an inch wider than we need. Try on a man's boot and you'll quickly see how sloppy it feels. Too much width means a lack of support and blisters on your feet if the boot doesn't fit snugly. Your feet will suffer and so will your hunt.
If you do have wide feet, and are unable to find a wider width (C or D) offered in women's boots, then you may need to try a man's size to accommodate your needs. To find your correct size, choose a size that is one and a half to two times smaller than what you wear in a woman's size. (Example: size 15 women's usually translates to a size 13 men's).
Choose a boot with the features you need, wear good socks, and keep your toes warm and dry, and you'll be able to stay in the field longer and enjoy your hunt more. Take a step in the right direction by researching your hunting conditions and footwear options ahead of time, then selecting the best boot for your hunt.
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