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When searching for the best waterproof hunting boots, hunters should make sure they know how to decipher between the low line models and the high end pairs. Even though most hunters have a certain type of boot that they prefer, many of them will make their purchase too quickly and end up needing a replacement pair soon after. Regardless of what the hunting boots are being used for, it is always highly recommended that the buyer does proper research before his or her purchase. Reading this article will provide all the information you need coupled with reviews of the best hunting boots available.
Choosing The Best Waterproof Hunting Boots
Certain things that all hunters should look for when buying a pair of boots are a high level of comfort, a quality and durable boot lining, a weight level suitable for what they will be using their boots for, a high level of durability and a good height level. It is beneficial in most cases to look for boots that are lightweight since many hunters wear their boots for hours at a time while trekking through rough terrain. Boots that have a good lining will become especially beneficially when hunting deer in the rain. Wet socks are truly uncomfortable and can lead to extremely cold feet in just a short amount of time. Finding boots that are a good height will help to keep the lower leg and ankle protected in addition to the insulation provided for the foot. Most importantly, if the pair of boots is not extremely comfortable, it is likely that foot based blisters will start to show up. Considering the fact that hunters use their boots many days out of the year, an extremely high comfortability level is a must.
Look For Lightweight Hunting Boots
Lightweight boots come in handy after a long day of walking or hiking, which is something that all hunters should prepare for. According to an article posted through the All Outdoors website, the best lightweight hunting boots successfully protect the hunter’s feet and ankle while still allowing the foot to breathe. Some pairs of the best lightweight hunting boots are made for dry climates specifically, while others are designed with a high level of sturdiness for hunters trekking through the rugged terrain. Since a hunter’s ability to walk long distances in rough climates can often depend on the durability level and overall quality of their boots, many lightweight boots come with deep-lugged soles to provide friction and a solid grip. While keeping fairly stiff during climbing, the higher end lightweight boots also remain extremely comfortable and warm. Their high comfortability level is largely due to the cushion provided in the shoe and the soft fur which can be found in most lightweight pairs.
Hunters looking for lightweight boots usually go with Upland. Upland boots come with soil-shredding soles and an extremely light design to help with walking speed. These are highly recommended for hunters that tend to do a lot of walking while in not so cold weather. It is important that any Upland boot users remember to also purchase the proper boot maintenance products. While spending additional money may not be preferred, taking good care of your top rated hunting boots is well worth it, especially when using them on a regular daily basis.
Purchasing the right boot maintenance products will also help them from aging. When hunters wear their boots to often over a long period of time without giving them the proper care, holes and boot rips can be acquired. If trekking through any wet terrain, water can enter the boots and soak the entire foot while causing extremely uncomfortable days for the hunter.
Get Quality Lining
Most often times, quality lining is only found in the best waterproof hunting boots, while lower line boots tend to consist of weak faulty fabric. If for any reason, the boots lining rips or wears out, companies such as Sorel, Zappos, Walmart and Amazon sell replacement fabrics. Other replacement materials such as laces, and boot soles can be found here as well. The quality lining found in high end level hunting boots also tends to increase the boots overall warmth, especially in cold weather. This lining is (most often times) made of a material called neoprene and has a wool based insole that increases in the warmth as soon as the temperature level decreases. Many of the lower line boot models incorporate easily ripple fabric on the inside of the shoe. While this weak fabric material inside the boots tends to help with insulation, there is a noticeable different in the overall quality and temperature protection, especially when being compared to the higher end models.
Factors For Top Rated Hunting Boots
It goes without saying that making sure your hunting boots fit correctly is an extremely important factor. Even though many people don’t realize it, most boot related issues are derived directly from the actual fit of the shoe. According to the Cabela’s website, insulated waterproof hunting boots come in a variety of sizes and are able to fit the foot of any hunter while also providing the right comfortability. Unfortunately, most hunters forget that in addition to the numbered size of the shoe, the width of the boot is also an incredibly important factor. Hunter’s failure to choose boots of the correct width can result in blisters, sores, foot pains and walking difficulty over long periods of time.
Something else that helps to determine what the best waterproof hunting boots are is the insulation quality. The boot insulation is meant to maintain a solid comfort level regardless of what activity the shoes are being used for. As heat is generated, less insulation is needed for the activity level while more is needed for the sedentary activities.
Reports also show that every hunter has a different internal thermostat and calls for different levels of insulation in order to stay warm during cold weather.
Insulation level measurements help in determining the best waterproof hunting boots from the lower-line hunting boots.
Some rubber boots tend to have boot insulation levels of up to 2,000 grams. In addition to having the heaviest insulation to date, many higher end rubber boots include a quality shovel guard and heel kicker. The extra rubber provided from the shovel guard helps with foot protection for any hunters trekking through rough terrain or climbing up steep mountains. In addition to the benefits listed above, high end rubber boots also include vulcanized rubber. Vulcanizing is a process that involves the combination of high heat with sulfur to ensure the highest quality rubber possible.
The 4 Best Waterproof Hunting Boots
The Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot
The Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot is a popular synthetic, imported, knee-high, waterproof boot that comes with an adjustable snow collar. The sole of this boot is also synthetic, which makes it one of the best waterproof hunting boots around. The boot shaft measures approximately 13” from the arch, with a 15.5” boot opening and a 1.25” measure around the heel. Additionally, these boots feature 40 degree fahrenheit temperature rating featuring a removable 8mm thermal-guard liner. When considering all the benefits of The Kamik Men’s Hunter Boots, it is surprising that they are in the $44 – $60 price range. This specific boot model has received many great reviews and seems to be somewhat high-end regardless of it’s low price. the Kamik Men’s Hunter Boots are recommended by many experienced hunters and serve as one of the nations most highly recommended pairs.
The Northside Men’s Prowler 400
The Northside Men’s Prowler 400 Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boot consists of leather and textile, while offering an imported rubber sole. This highly durable pair of waterproof boots are made in China, include a 9.5” shaft measure from the arch, a heel measure of 1.75” and a platform measure of approximately 0.75” while coming to about the mid-calf. The Northside Men’s Prowler Boots are great for long-lasting outdoor activities and are also fairly lightweight considering the features they are equipped with. These are just a few of the benefits that have made the Northside Men’s Prowler 400 Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boots some of the best waterproof hunting boots to date.
The Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Vaprtrek
Though the Irish Setter Men’s2870 Waterproof Hunting Boots tend to be on the expensive side, they’ve garnered an abundance of positive reviews. While costing about $140 – $155, the Irish Setter’s are imported with a fully rubber sole and a full UltraDry waterproofing system. The UltraDry waterproofing helps to keep dry the socks and feet of any individual over lengthy periods of time. This is not only beneficial in cold weather, but also helps to improve the boot’s traction. The Irish Setter’s also offer scent control through the built-in ScentBan and are an extremely light weighted ankle-high hunting boot with extreme durability. The RPM composite technology helps to reduce the overall weight of the boot while keeping the same overall comfortability level.
Bogs Men’s Eagle Cap Lace Up Waterproof Hiker
It is agreed upon by many that the Bogs Men’s Eagle Cap Lace Up Waterproof Hiker boots are one of the best waterproof hiking boots available today. This is due to their adjustable circumference, moisture wicking lining, attractive lace-up style, and fully rubber sole. In addition to these obvious benefits, the Bogs Men’s Eagle Cap boots come with a thermo-molded EVA midsole to help with overall comfortability while also preventing against blisters. The shaft measures approximately 6”, while the heel and platform measures are approximately 1.25”.
Conclusion
Hunting boots come in all different styles and with so many to choose form, it is often difficult for people to come to a decision. However, taking an adequate amount of time and being patient before buying in order to find the correct pair is extremely beneficial and will save you money long term. The boots presented here will serve you well for a few seasons, so you can fully focus on getting those waterfowls or deer home!
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