The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2021
Whether you’re planning a trip to hunt moose in the Yukon or need a pair of reliable boots for your weekly duck hunt, we’ve done the research and rounded up the best men’s hunting boots of the year.
Hunting boots are a particular kind of beast. If your boots don’t hold up to the elements, odds are you won’t either.
Apart from being burly and weather-proof, the best hunting boots all have unique qualities. A good fit almost always depends on the wearer and the feet they’re packing. Some boots do stand above the rest, however, so we’ve compiled a diverse list of options to help you narrow down your choice.
When looking for the best of the best, we doubled down on researching what hunters wear for various styles of hunting. Finding the best hunting boot for your specialty can be the difference between an optimal day in the field or hoofing it back to the truck empty-handed because your feet are unhappy.
From the best elk hunting boots to the warmest boots for the treestand, you’re bound to find something that’ll work in this list.
Check out the links below if you know what you’re looking for, or keep scrolling to get a rundown of the best for each category. If you don’t know where to start, check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
- Best Overall Hunting Boot
- Best Budget Hunting Boot
- Best Elk Hunting Boot
- Best Non-Insulated Hunting Boot
- Best Hunting Boot For Ankle Problems
- Best Upland Hunting Boot
- Best Rubber Hunting Boot
The Best Hunting Boots for Men
Best Overall Hunting Boot: Crispi Nevada GTX
The reviews are in, and the Crispi Nevada GTX ($399-$429) holds the coveted “best overall” spot for 2022. Available in either an uninsulated or insulated (200g) model, the Nevada GTX is a longstanding favorite in the hunting community.
The ankle bone support structure (ABSS) is touted as top-notch by hunters with ankles prone to rolling, and reviewers continue to praise this boot as “out-of-the-box comfortable”.
These boots do have some flex, making them a great all-around boot for hiking, backpacking, long days on your feet, and hitting the trail with a load of meat in your pack. A huge plus — these boots can be resoled — meaning once they’re yours, they’re yours for as long as you’re willing to care for them properly.
For the price of two midlevel hunting boots, you’ll save cash in the long run with this investment. These versatile boots are comfortable, sturdy, weather-proof, and durable, making them our top pick for the best hunting boots of 2022.
For more detailed specs and technical information, read our contributor’s full review of the Crispi Nevada GTX.
Specs:
- Height: 8″
- Weight: 1.9 lbs per boot (size 10)
- Insulation: Uninsulated or 200g
- Upper Material: Nubuck Leather
Check Non-Insulated Price at ScheelsCheck Insulated Price at BlackOvis
Best Budget Hunting Boot: LaCrosse Atlas
LaCrosse has been making hunting boots since 1897, and it shows. Reviewers love the affordable Atlas ($210-$240), which is offered in four different options, from uninsulated to 1,200 g of insulation.
These boots are lighter than most heavy-duty boots, which makes them ideal for high-mileage days where comfort is a priority. They have molded toe and heel caps as well, protecting the boots in places where impact is inevitable.
The outsole gets a lot of love in reviews, with the consensus being that it doesn’t freeze, provides solid grip and traction, and is adaptable to various terrain. With the added Dry-Core waterproof lining, these boots are quite versatile for the low price.
At just $240 for the fully insulated option, the Atlas checks a lot of boxes for being a premier hunting boot, but won’t break the bank. Depending on the usage, however, they’re probably not as durable as more expensive options.
Specs:
- Height: 8″
- Weight: 3.3 lbs (avg per pair)
- Insulation: Four options (uninsulated to 1,200g)
- Upper Material: Nubuck Leather
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at LaCrosse
Best Elk Hunting Boot: Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400g
Kenetrek did not design this specialized boot for long-distance hiking. This is a stiff boot designed for side-hilling steep country, seriously supporting ankles while descending talus and other technical terrain, and providing an extreme exoskeleton of relief in tough conditions.
If you’re hunting elk, sheep, or mountain goats in high alpine territory, the Mountain Extreme ($500-$540) is a mid-to-late-season boot designed to give you support and keep your feet dry and warm while doing it.
The 10″ height keeps water and debris out, and a custom K-Talon outsole provides a confidence-inspiring grip on a wide variety of challenging surfaces. Windtex waterproofing excels in mud, snow, ice, and rain. The sole is reinforced with a guard as well, improving long-term durability.
Ideal for epic hunts in the wildest territory, the Mountain Extreme is overkill for most hunters. If you scale mountains repeatedly in tough conditions and need ample foot protection and support during seriously epic hunts, however, Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme may just be the best hunting boot for you.
Specs:
- Height: 10″
- Weight: 4.2 lbs (avg per pair)
- Insulation: 400g Thinsulate
- Upper Material: Leather
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels
Best Non-Insulated Hunting Boot: Schnee’s Beartooth 0g
Designed with Montana in mind, Schnee’s boots are a best-loved brand in the northern Rockies. Guides and hunters alike can often be spotted in these boots from spring to fall.
The Beartooth ($469) combines a modicum of stiffness for mountain adventures with enough comfort for a long summer hike. Reviewers love the breathability, durability, and versatility. And should you need a bit more insulation, they come in a 200g insulated version as well.
A 9″ upper is suitable for harsh terrain, but the proprietary Flex-2 chassis makes them highly versatile. Schnee markets these boots as shoulder season to summer do-it-all boots, ideal for both casual jaunts in the woods and steep climbing along variable terrain.
The lack of insulation keeps them from being an all-season boot, but if you’re on a long excursion in moderate weather, you’ll be grateful for the added comfort and breathability. We’re quite confident these are the best non-insulated hunting boots money can buy.
Specs:
- Height: 8″
- Weight: 3.9 lbs per pair (size 10)
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: 2.3mm Top Grain Leather
Best Hunting Boot for Foot & Ankle Problems: Kenetrek Overstep Orthopedic Boot
The Overstep ($625) is the most expensive boot on our list, but it’s also the only AFI classified boot that can be prescribed to help offset cost should you have difficult foot or ankle issues.
These boots have all of the key features of the best hunting boots: Windtex waterproofing, 2.8mm full-grain leather uppers, 10″ height, and a highly durable K-Talon outsole. An additional brace system and a 19-degree toe rocker combine to take the pressure off your feet and ankles so you can move with less pain and stress.
This boot helps keep active military and veterans on their feet in the field, and hunters with ankle issues say this boot has allowed them to continue hunting when they otherwise couldn’t. Quite a review.
If you’re prone to ankle issues, or simply prefer ergonomic stability to prevent injuries, give the Overstep a try.
Specs:
- Height: 10″
- Weight: 4.8 lbs (avg per pair)
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: 2.8mm Full Grain Leather
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels
Best Upland Hunting Boot: Irish Setter Wingshooter 9″
The Irish Setter Wingshooter ($135-$330) line is a longstanding favorite for upland hunters of all sorts. The classic look of the boot is stylish enough for a trip to the city, but it’s designed to pound the prairie rather than concrete.
A 9-inch height keeps grass and gravel from settling into the boot, and the waterproof outer keeps feet dry in all sorts of conditions. And it’s also available in a 400g insulated model for those of you who hunt birds in more dire conditions.
The classic look of these boots makes them ideal for all-day use, from the farm to the brewery and back again. With a tried and true design and optional insulation for cold weather, these are the best hunting boots for the style-conscious outdoorsman.
Specs:
- Height: 9″
- Weight: 2 lbs per boot (avg)
- Insulation: Two options (uninsulated to 400g)
- Upper Material: Leather
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels
Our Top Hunting Gifts For the 2021 Season
Best Rubber Hunting Boot: XTRATUF Legacy 15″
Known as the Alaska slipper, XTRATUFs ($140) are sometimes forgotten in the Lower 48. But these mud-beating, comfortable, and durable boots can handle just about anything your day throws at you.
Designed for fishermen, the no-slip sole is a lifesaver in slick conditions, and the triple-dipped shell is light, flexible, and corrosion-resistant. Reviews say pairs have lasted up to 20 years. And I believe them. My XTRATUFs are only 2 years old and look as good as new after much abuse in the field.
As a bonus, this is one of the best winter boots for sloppy weather around town or in the field. These aren’t great boots for long hikes, but if you hunt in wet environments and want to hop out of the truck ready for anything, these are a great choice.
Specs:
- Height: 15″
- Weight: 4 lbs (avg per pair)
- Insulation: Uninsulated (open cell foam and Neoprene retain heat well)
- Upper Material: Triple Dipped Latex Neoprene
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels
Best Treestand Hunting Boot: Muck Arctic Pro
Rated down to -60 degrees F, Muck’s Arctic Pro ($195) line is designed to keep your lower extremities comfortable in the most extreme cold. An 8mm neoprene booty hugs your foot and calf to keep in the heat, and the durable outsole provides decent tread for shorter hikes.
A fleece lining makes these boots comfortable in cold weather, and 2mm of thermal foam under the foot not only helps preserve heat, but gives them a plush feel that’s absent in a lot of hunting boots. Overall, these are great for situations where movement is limited and you need to preserve body heat in stillness.
It’s important to note that should the boot be too snug, it won’t trap heat as effectively. Make sure you have a bit of room in the Arctic Pro, and a lighter sock can sometimes make for a warmer foot. This works across Muck boots and other rubber ones in the mix.
Specs:
- Height: 17″
- Weight: 2.25 lbs (avg per boot)
- Insulation: Fleece Lined, 2mm Thermal Footbed
- Upper Material: 8mm Neoprene
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Muck Boot
Most Versatile Hunting Boots: Danner Recurve
Can one pair of hunting boots do everything? No. But from scree fields in the Rocky Mountains to the brushy plains of South Dakota, the Danner Recurve took us through two busy hunting seasons full of elk, waterfowl, deer, and upland bird hunting. And our tester never really wished he had anything else.
The Danner Recurve ($240-$250) is on the lighter end of the hunting boot spectrum. It weighs in at 45 ounces per pair, or about 1.9 pounds per boot. It has a fairly pliable sole and moderate ankle support with a 7-inch height. They use a “Danner Dry” waterproof breathable membrane, and it works quite well. What that ultimately means is it’s a comfortable boot out of the box. And from our experience, that comfort lasted for literally hundreds of tough miles.
The Danner Recurve comes in insulated and uninsulated versions. We tested the uninsulated boot, which proved capable from temperatures in the low 60s down to the teens. Any colder and you’d definitely want insulated boots. Any warmer, and, well, any full-grain leather boot is going to be hot.
The Recurve reminds us a lot of a mid-weight hiking boot. Its softer sole is nice on long days with big miles but doesn’t provide the support or protection of stiffer, heavier boots. If you’re a lighter hunter who likes slightly lighter boots in exchange for less support, this one should be a top choice for covering big miles. Check out our full review.
Specs:
- Height: 7″
- Weight: 3 lbs (avg per pair)
- Insulation: Uninsulated to 400g
- Upper Material: Leather
Check Non-Insulated Price at AmazonCheck Insulated Price at Black Ovis
Our Top Hunting Gifts For the 2021 Season
Best of the Rest
Lowa Renegade II N GTX Hi TF
A hiking boot meets a hunting boot, and the Lowa Renegade II N GTX Hi TF ($295) does both really well. If you’re looking for a step-up boot from your typical hiking setup, this rugged boot is light enough yet durable enough to do the trick.
This 8-inch version of the well-loved Renegade fits the needs of hunters a bit better than the mid version, but it still boasts a lot of the things we love about the original. The Lowa Patrol outsole boasts supreme durability, and the Gore-Tex liner keeps moisture out. Paired with Nubuck leather, these boots are ready for anything.
This three-season boot can cover a lot of ground, is wildly comfortable, has a relatively decent break-in period, and will last a long time. For hybrid missions or frequent use as a do-it-all boot for hunting, hiking, and exploring, these are a great buy.
Specs:
- Height: 8″
- Weight: 1.4 lbs (avg per boot)
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Nubuck Leather
Le Chameau Lite Stalking Boot
Hoity-toity? A bit. A dang nice boot? You betcha. Le Chameau ($399) has been making hunting boots designed to tackle the French mountains for nearly 100 years. The brand has gotten pretty good at it by now, and it’s not joking about the “lite” part. The Stalking Boots ($399) weigh in at 3.3 pounds per pair, taking much of the heft of mountain boots out of the deal.
The Deep Forest sole was designed by Michelin with motocross tires in mind, providing both flexibility and grip. Fit runs small in these boots, with Le Chameau recommending you order one size up for a perfect fit. In addition to the common features found in the best hunting boots, the Stalking Boots have a proprietary five-layer LCX lining that keeps water out and does a surprisingly good job of allowing vapor to escape.
We tested these in some harsh conditions whilebackpacking in for Colorado elk hunting. In weeks of wear over multiple hunts, they resisted abuse and kept our feet happy. If keeping weight down is your primary concern, these are some of the best hunting boots you can find.
Specs:
- Height: 10″
- Weight: 3.3 lbs (avg per pair)
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Terracare Full Grain Leather
Check Price at Le ChameauCheck Price at Orvis
Danner Pronghorn
The Pronghorn ($230-$300) might not be your late-season high-alpine hunting boot, but it can do just about anything else. It’s a comfortable and well-cushioned boot on Danner’s Terra Force Next platform, designed for stability in tough terrain.
This is one of the more athletic-fitting boots on this list, with a bit of tennis shoe feel and some added support. That being said, it’s not a stiff boot, so it wouldn’t help too much on steep inclines or mountainous terrain.
A Vibram SPE midsole offers support without sacrificing flexibility, and a Vibram Pronghorn outsole provides diverse traction through varied terrain. As an all-around hunting boot, it’s a good deal. And it’s offered in insulated options as well. For more, read our full review.
Specs:
- Height: 8″
- Weight: 3.3 lbs (avg per pair)
- Insulation: Uninsulated to 1200g
- Upper Material: Full Grain Leather and Nylon
Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at BlackOvis
Crispi Colorado GTX
Slightly less expensive than its Nevada cousin, Crispi’s Colorado GTX ($350) is worthy of its own spot on the list. Tested for GearJunkie by Josh Kirchner of Dialed-In Hunter, the Colorado is a stiffer, mountain-eating, warmer-weather kind of boot.
It’s a boot built for a mountain adventure, with grippy Vibram soles and a tough exterior. Waterproofed throughout, it can take on a heck of a lot. And although they’re stiff, the break-in period isn’t too bad.
ABSS (ankle bone support system) features give the boot a stable feel, so they’re a great long-distance hiking option for people whose ankles tend to give out with minor twists and turns. Check out the full review here.
Specs:
- Height: 8″
- Weight: 1.7 lbs (avg per boot)
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Suede and Cordura
Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at Sportsman’s
Why You Should Trust Us
We realize hunting boots can make or break your trip. And we want you to have a good hunt. Our recommendations come based on literal decades of experience in the field. Our lead author on this article began hunting at the age of 12 and is now well into his 40s. He and our team meet with brands many times a year to learn about new technology and design in the footwear space.
Finally, we put these boots to the test in person. We’ve used the boots everywhere from Alaska to Montana, Colorado, Nebraska, and more. Our goal in this article is to help you find the best hunting boots for your specific needs — just as we would for our friends.
We’d love to hear from you too, so please reach out on social media or contact us by email if you have comments about our selections. Thanks for reading, and have a great hunt!
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Hunting Boot
Choosing the best hunting boots comes down to your style of hunting. If you’re waterfowl hunting from a marsh blind in the South, you’re probably not going to wear a pair of insulated Kenetrek boots. Upland hunting in rattlesnake country? Snake boots might be a necessary evil.
Weather, terrain, and habitat challenges are the three dictators of which boot you’ll pull on. Here are a few things that can help you find the best boot for your foot. And if you need more detailed info, check out our 20 tips on buying the perfect boot.
Know Your Size & Boot Fit
Remember those weird metal slide things that you’d step into for sizing? They’re still a helpful tool. Feet can change and grow as we get older, and getting precise measurements at your local REI or sporting goods store can help you choose the right pair.
You might wear a 9 in one brand and a 10 in another or need a narrow or wide size. Be open to trying something outside of your size range.
If you plan on doing long days in your new boots, some foot swelling is probably in your future. Try on boots at the end of the day, as feet tend to be bigger then.
If a boot feels snug all around, a half-size up is probably your better bet. And if they’re tight in the toebox on day 1, you don’t want to experience day 2 in them.
Avoid Hot Spots & Get Your System Down Early
Don’t try on boots with socks you wouldn’t wear while hunting in them. If you’re looking for a boot to get you through a late-season elk hunt, then focus on insulation and waterproofing.
If you’re looking for an early-season archery boot, put on your lightweight hiking socks and make sure they’re breathable. The biggest thing here is to avoid hot spots that can lead to blisters. You’ll want to nail down your system before heading into the woods.
Is the fit still a bit off? Another thing that can help correct fit is finding an insole that you like. Superfeet is a favorite, and the brand has a plethora of insoles to choose from for various scenarios. Additionally, you can try multiple lacing systems to get the fit of your boot just right.
Where Are You Going?
Are you planning to move fast in steep, rocky, desert terrain? Think breathability, traction, and stiffer ankle support. Going on a late-fall hunt with a heavy pack in the Northwest? Think waterproofness, stability, and warmth. Not sure what types of terrain you’re getting into? An all-around boot with water resistance might be your best bet.
Above all, wherever you’re going, break in your boots before you go. Wear them around the house, to the store, and on some local short trails. Find the hotspots before you’re committed to a major outing. You do not want blisters during a backcountry hunt!
Break-in time can vary from boot to boot. Read reviews. Know what your break-in goal is for your pair of hunting boots, and make sure that boots feel comfortable before hitting the hills. Your feet will thank you in the long term.
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