Need a hand choosing the best mountain hunting boots?
After spending 5 months and a half testing 20+ models, we have known a thing or two about the candidates that provide the highest performance.
Below are the 6 top-notch options out of them based on different categories. Read on!
Here are the best mountain hunting boots (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Kamik Men's Hunter Boot
- Best For Elk Hunting: Irish Setter Men's 880 Elk
- Great Fit: Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400
- Best Overall: Muck Woody PK
- Best For Slick Conditions: Lacrosse Women's Alphaburly Pro 15-inch
- Best For Snow: Danner Women's High Ground MO Breakup-W
| Top 6 Best Mountain Hunting Boots | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Kamik Men's Hunter Boot | Read Our Review |
Best For Elk Hunting | Irish Setter Men's 880 Elk | Read Our Review |
Great Fit | Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400 | Read Our Review |
Best Overall | Muck Woody PK | Read Our Review |
Best For Slick Conditions | Lacrosse Women's Alphaburly Pro 15-inch | Read Our Review |
Best For Snow | Danner Women's High Ground MO Breakup-W | Read Our Review |
Men’s Mountain Hunting Boots
Best Overall: Kamik Men's Hunter Boot
- Strain-free and durable – made of 95% Rubber/5% Nylon
- Ultra-warm & comfortable - Comfort Rating -40C, waterproof synthetic rubber boot, & 8mm thermal Guard removable liner
- Easy on and off - adjustable nylon collar
- Grippy and non-slip - Non-marking synthetic rubber outsole
- Feel a bit loose in above the ankles
- Not super-warm when sitting or standing still in frost-bite weather
If your sole priority is keeping the feet as warm and strain-free as possible – which could mean during active outings at below-freezing temperatures or during sedentary activities at moderate winter temperatures – this is our recommendation.
It is proudly Canada-made of 95% synthetic rubber with comfort rating of -40 degrees C and the remaining 5% is nylon of the collar. So the entire boot is very lightweight yet durable and waterproof.
For souped-up warmth, Kamik also adds 8mm thermal Guard liner (which is made virtually of recycled content) as well as designs the shoe with higher shaft – merely mid-calf from the arch.
We like the outsoles. While crafting from high-grade synthetic rubber, it is non-marking and feels sturdy to walk with grips on snow or wet trails.
| Kamik Men's Hunter Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12 ounces |
Material | 95% Rubber/5% Nylon |
Heel High | <2” |
Highlight Features | 95% Rubber/5% Nylon Comfort Rating -40C Waterproof synthetic rubber boot & 8mm thermal Guard removable liner Non-marking synthetic rubber outsole Adjustable nylon collar |
The Kamik Men's Hunter Boot is a thoughtfully-designed option in terms of both functionality and price, with some notable ease-of-use features.
Best For Elk Hunting: Irish Setter Men's 880 Elk
- Heavy-duty, shock-absorbent, and durable – 100% leather, shock-absorbing comfort cork, and ultra-high shaft
- Exceptionally warm and odor-free - 200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation, waterproof GORE-TEX fabric lining, & ScentBan technology
- Take a long breaking-in period
- Hot in the summer
Out of many contenders we tested, the Irish Setter Men's 880 Elk stands out for its premium balance and footing, which is a big thank you to the multi-directional lugs on its Bulls-Eye rubber outsole.
The shoe is also heavy-duty, ultra-durable, and well-insulated to be ready to work hard with you.
Aside from the full-grain waterproof leather upper and the GORE-TEX fabric lining, it highlights 200-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation and memory foam cork EVA footbed.
The shaft is measured up to 9.5” with nearly 15” boot opening for extra protection and snug-fitting. Notably, the applied ScentBan technology keeps the shoe incredibly breathable so at the end of the day, when taking it off, your feet won’t be disgustingly smelly.
| Irish Setter Men's 880 Elk Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | <2 pounds |
Material | 100% Leather |
Heel High | <1.5” |
Highlight Features | 100% leather Shock-absorbing comfort cork 200 gram 3M Thinsulate insulation Waterproof GORE-TEX fabric lining & ScentBan technology |
Built to be heavy-duty, durable, and long-lasting with no compromises of comfort and warmth, the Irish Setter Men's 880 can handle all terrains with no problems, which makes it ideal for elk hunts.
Great Fit: Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400
- Superior durability – feature a one-piece vamp of 2.8mm top grain genuine leather
- Decent waterproof & breathability - Windtex membrane
- Comfortable and toasty warm when sitting/standing in snow - 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation, high traction k-talon outsoles, and stiff nylon midsole
- Better grips in harsh terrains – deep lugs
- Not ideal for people who are in a tight budget
The Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400 is rather pricey but it truly bangs for bucks.
The most noticeable difference is its vamp – crafted from just one piece of 2.8mm top grain genuine leather – in addition to the world’s famous Windtex membrane. So while being so durable, it is superior in breathability and waterproof.
The rest of the boot comprises of 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation, high traction k-talon outsoles, and stiff nylon midsole. Work perfectly in snowy mountains or below freezing temperature ranges.
What impressed us the most is the extraordinary grips when walking over rocky and harsh terrains. Our feet also didn’t feel numb or fatigue either. The best thing is, no bad smells.
| Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | <4 pounds |
Material | Leather |
Heel High | <4” |
Highlight Features | Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hunting Boot |
We particularly suggest the Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400 for people who are ready to invest in higher-end hunting boots with demands of better fit, durability, and comfort.
Women’s Mountain Hunting Boots
Best Overall: Muck Woody PK
- Aesthetic and great fitting – feature a slim-fitting silhouette
- No blisters and chafing – flexibility in the upper part of the boots
- Very cozy and comfortable - 4mm neoprene and comfort rating of subfreezing to 65 degrees F
- Not ideal to be used in freezing rain and snow
- Wish they had more color options
Whether planning to hunt in the blind or on the stand, the Muck Woody PK is a slim-fit and functional footwear. It is designed just like the men’s Woody Max but way slimmer for a custom fit to woman’s foot size.
It efficiently keeps water out of the shoe with a 4mm neoprene and high-grade waterproof rubber, provides good warmth at comfort rating of subfreezing to 65 degrees F, and stays durable.
We love that it doesn’t take the as long breaking-in period as other waterproof hunting boots.
The shoe is designed with better flexes and adjustments, which gives little to no blisters or chafing, even during a full day of hunting or walking in rocky trails.
| Muck Woody PK Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | <4.85 pounds |
Material | Rubber |
Heel High | 1.5" |
Highlight Features | 4 mm neoprene Lightweight and breathable mesh lining Lightweight EVA midsole MS2 Bobbed molded outsole |
Flexible yet durable, slim-fitting yet warmth, adjustable yet sturdy, the Muck Woody PK compiles everything probably needed for a mountain hunt (even the aesthetics), making it the best overall option for anyone.
Best For Slick Conditions: Lacrosse Women's Alphaburly Pro 15-inch
- Durable and flexible – feature a 2-layer rubber insteps & 3-layer rubber toe guard and heel
- Great impact-resistant – have double-layer vamp
- Better air circulation & prevent your feet from slipping inside - embossed liner
- Wish the calf shank fitted more snugly
For people who suppose that flexibility and durability can’t coexist in a boot, the Lacrosse Women's Alphaburly Pro 15" is here to prove them wrong.
By featuring a 2-layer rubber insteps with some neoprene gussets on the back, it gives a customizable fitting to different calf sizes. Meanwhile, the boot is greatly endurable against outdoor abuse thanks to the 3-layer rubber toe guard and heel plus double-layer vamp.
We really appreciate the ultra-thick neoprene core for extra waterproofing ability as well as scent-free comfort.
Another worth-considering feature is its embossed liner, which not just brings better air circulation but also enhances grips to prevent your feet from slipping inside.
| Lacrosse Women's Alphaburly Pro 15-inch Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Rubber and Neoprene |
Heel High | <2.5” |
Highlight Features | Lacrosse Women's Alphaburly Pro 15" Waterproof Hunting Boot |
Combining deep lugs on the tread and embossed liner, the Lacrosse Women's Alphaburly Pro 15
Best For Snow: Danner Women's High Ground MO Breakup-W
- Deliver superior durability and longevity – the shoe is 100% craftsman
- No problems when hiking through mud, snow, and puddles – 100% waterproof, thick outsoles, and high shaft
- Ideal for wide feet – feature a half bigger than the standard shoe sizes
- Pricey
- You do need a little breaking in
Last but not least, the Danner Women's High Ground MO Breakup-W.
It is made of 100% leather with oiled nubuck uppers, Danner Talon outsoles, and 8” shaft measurement.
What makes it outstanding from other women’s mountain hunting boots (and also the reason for its expensive price point) is the meticulous craftsmanship.
It is completely waterproof, which means hiking through mud, snow, and puddles isn’t a thing.
More significantly, the shoe is comfortable and warm to wear, even with regular socks. No cold feeling in the toes after hours of walking or hiking in snow. After testing, we realize that it is half size bigger than the standard so that ladies with wide feet could add it to their go-to list.
| Danner Women's High Ground MO Breakup-W Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | <2 pounds |
Material | 100% Leather, Nylon |
Highlight Features | Outsole: Danner Talon Upper: Oiled Nubuck 100% Leather |
If you’re in need of the best mountain hunting boots for snow or below-freezing temperatures, this is a perfect option.
How To Choose The Best Mountain Hunting Boots?
Comfort And Support
- A sprained ankle in the middle of the might will totally ruin your hunting trip.
- So when looking for mountain hunting boots, pay attention to the ankle support padding, which not just keeps your ankles in place but also provide them with comfort to survive long distances of walking or hiking.
- For comfort, look for those boots with good breathability and reasonable padding.
- Tall fit is also recommended for extra protection against rocks, trees, branches, and other objects. Not to say that it keeps your feet warm during cold weather conditions.
Size And Fit
- These are two other crucial features to keep in mind when making a buying decision.
- The question is whether you need a special fit or a versatile all-around?
- For mountain hunting, we highly recommend going for a half to one size larger than your usual footwear size because this hunting style will require lots of movements, walking, and even fighting through rivers/creeks/puddles.
- At the end of the day, your feet would start swelling up, which turns out to be snug if in standard shoe size. Not to say that in cold weather when you have to wear ultra-thick socks for warmth, such larger boots would give a better fit to your feet.
Outsoles
- No mountain features flat, even terrains to walk through.
- There are commonly rocky, hilly, and uneven trails, which requires your hunting boots to be grippier and better in traction to walk through them.
- Besides, outsoles are the component in which bears your entire body weight (not to mention to your loads on the back) for hours. They should be high quality as well as feature non-slip tread soles with sturdiness and stability.
- We also advise you to go for deep lugs on the treads or non-slip tread soles.
Which Brands Make The Best Mountain Hunting Boots?
Kamik
- One of the longest-standing family-owned company in this list, founded in 1898, with over 120 years’ expertise in the hunting boot realm. Currently, it has had over 400 employees and known for its toasty warm and comfortable footwear.
Irish Setter
- Has been the go-to brand for generations over the past 70 years, Irish Setter is currently one of the market leaders, renowned for its purpose-built footwear that can be used for both hunting and working.
Kenetrek
- The youngest brand here - established in 2002 – but nowadays, thousands of outdoor enthusiasts confidently choose it to wear to live their passions in the field.
FAQs
How many grams of insulation do I need for hunting boots?
It depends on the season you intend to go hunting. For late summer to early fall, 200 grams of insulation is recommended.
But when the weather gets cooler and cooler, you’ll need to level up the insulation levels of the boots. We highly recommend going for 400-800 grams of insulations for late fall and over 1000 grams for the winter.
Should I buy insulated hunting boots?
If you plan to hunt in the mid or late season, then buy insulated hunting boots.
Should you size up in boots?
Here are some specific cases when you should size up in boots:
- Frost-bite or below-freezing temperatures
- In mild conditions but require a lot of walking
- You have wider feet
How should mountain hunting boots fit?
It should give a snug fit to your entire feet with no loosing points or pressure points.
Do hunter boots loosen up?
No, they don’t. But leather hunting boots do break-in after several weeks of first wear.
Conclusion
The plethora of footwear on the market might make your head spin, and without the actual boot in hand, deciding while shopping online is really overwhelming.
With this ultimate guide, we hope that our thorough tests and reviews of these 6 best mountain hunting boots will be useful to you when shopping around for your new pair.
