Hunting Footwear

When it comes to ensuring comfort on a hunting trip, an experienced hunter knows that footwear takes a large amount of it upon itself. Issues with boots can result in distress, pain, or harm. Those are no good companions on your adventures.

Outdoor activities require your footwear to perform at the highest level. Though some people may not experience problems wearing regular boots or even sneakers, hunting and tactical boots are made for reasons.

When picking hunting boots, you need to accept the fact that there are no universal boots that work well in every situation. Well, this may be a harsh truth for some. But being mindful of it will spare you from troubles and unnecessary waste of money. So be very conscious about hunting seasons, activity level, terrain, weather conditions.

Now let’s get to the details and talk about features different boots have.

Hunting Boots Materials: Leather vs Synthetics

Leather was always an excellent material for boots, yet, with technical advancement, synthetic materials caught up to leather and now compete on equal terms.

Leather is a very durable material. Boots made of it can survive through challenging conditions for a long time. Also, leather is malleable. It will mold your feet and add some extra comfort over time. Leather hunting boots beautifully deal with rocks and other hard objects, and treated with special coating, they repel water (yet, it doesn’t make them truly waterproof).

As great as leather boots may seem, some people choose synthetic materials because of their better breathability. Of course, different materials breathe differently. Synthetic boots are lighter, which makes a huge deal when it comes to active hunting.

Waterproofing in Hunting Boots

Some people may see this feature as a must for their boots, but let’s give it a second thought. Waterproof boots don’t let water inside, but it also works in reverse: sweat and water, once inside, can’t go outside. Wet feet may suffer from blisters. It will make you miserable, especially if you move a lot.

Still, waterproof boots are salvation if you hunt in wet areas, in rainy or snowy conditions, or when there is morning dew in cooler months.

Insulated Hunting Boots

When considering insulation for your hunting boots, think about it the same way you would with waterproofing—do you actually need it? For hunters who spend hours sitting still in a tree stand or stationary blind, the answer is likely yes. Without enough movement to generate body heat, insulated boots are essential to keep your feet warm throughout the hunt. On the other hand, if your hunting style involves a lot of walking or stalking your prey, heavily insulated boots might be unnecessary. Your body heat from constant motion can naturally keep your feet warm, and too much insulation could even make them sweaty, leading to discomfort in cold weather. Always choose insulation based on your activity level and the specific conditions you’ll face.

Mid-sole in Hunting Shoes

Hunting boots have soft, mid-stiff, and stiff mid-soles. Soft mid-soles provide better foot control and make boots quieter, but if you carry something weighty or walk in rough terrain, they might not provide enough support. For those scenarios, mid-stiff or stiff midsoles are better options as they protect your feet and provide additional support.

Here is one more tip. Pay attention to size. Inexperienced hunters may take under advisement everything mentioned above, but come to the store and try on boots wearing regular non-hunting socks. As a result, you’ll be disappointed when your feet start aching because of the wrong size. Also, try on boots at the end of the day when your feet are a bit swollen.

Additionally, with the rise in inclusivity and empowerment, more women are taking up hunting and tactical activities, prompting a variety of brands to offer footwear specifically designed for women. At GRITR Sports, both men and women can explore a wide selection of high-quality hunting boots to enhance their outdoor experiences, ensuring safety and enjoyment with every step.