How to Choose Hunting Boots

Consider the Terrain: Where Are You Hunting?

To find the best hunting boots for you, first identify the terrain you will be hunting in—whether it's mountainous, prairie, or marsh.

Mountainous Terrain

If you’re hunting an area with steep vertical climbs through mountains, you’ll want to wear hunting boots with stability support features to keep your ankles locked in. This technical terrain also requires a thicker shank to provide greater stiffness for control on narrow ledges or while side-hilling.

Must-Have Features for Mountainous Terrain:

• Ankle stability

• Thick shaft for stiffness

Prairie Terrain

Upland hunts through slightly rolling or flat terrain usually require a lot of mileage, so you’ll want to look for boots that are lightweight and flexible to allow you to move quickly. It’s best to look for a hunting boot with a mid-shaft height since an upland hunt requires some ankle support but not as much as a mountainous terrain hunt.

Must-Have Features for Prairie Terrain:

• Lightweight & flexible

• Mid-height shaft

Marsh Terrain

When hunting in wet marsh terrain, choose waterproof rubber hunting boots for protection and scent control. Opt for taller boots that cover the calf, available in insulated or non-insulated versions based on climate you’re hunting in. Prioritize lightweight, flexible designs for enhanced mobility and comfort in challenging marshland environments.

Must-Have Features for Marsh Terrain:

• Waterproof protection

• Scent control

• Tall boot shaft for calf coverage

Treestand Hunting

When preparing for long hours in a treestand during cold conditions, insulated hunting boots are a must-have to keep you warm and comfortable. Look for boots with effective insulation to retain body heat and prevent cold-related discomfort. Choose boots with a mid to tall shaft height for coverage and warmth.

Must-Have Features for Treestand:

• Insulated for warmth

• Mid to tall shaft height

Consider the Season: When Are You Hunting?

Aside from where you’re hunting, you’ll want to consider the typical temperatures and weather conditions during your hunting season. For example, a high-country mule deer hunt in August requires a different boot than a late season archery hunt in northern Minnesota. There are two main technologies to keep your feet comfortable through the season—insulation and waterproofness.

Insulation

Many hunting boots feature an insulation called Thinsulate, which offers plenty of warmth without adding extra bulk. In the graph below, the amount of insulation is noted in grams (g), and the higher the grams, the warmer the boots will be.

Expert Advice: Read more about this in our Hunting Boot Insulation Guide.

Waterproofness

From morning dew and rainy weather to walking through creeks, it’s important that your feet stay dry. Once wet, your feet get cold, and they are more likely to get blisters, which can lead to a very uncomfortable hunt. Most hunting boots are either water-resistant or waterproof.

Water-resistant hunting boots offer protection against wet conditions while still allowing your feet to breathe, especially in warm-weather, high-activity hunts. In contrast, waterproof hunting boots prevent moisture from reaching your feet but don’t allow your feet to breathe as well. If you choose to wear waterproof hunting boots, it’s best to look for ones featuring a GORE-TEX liner, which offers incredible waterproof protection while still allowing moisture to escape.

Selecting the right hunting boots involves consideration of the terrain and climate you will be hunting in. By focusing on these two factors and choosing boots that offer the necessary features and technologies for your specific needs, you can experience greater comfort, performance, and safety in the great outdoors. With questions about choosing the best hunting boots for you or to try on a pair, visit your nearest SCHEELS to speak with a Hunting Footwear Expert!