Whether you are new to hunting or a seasoned veteran, one of the most critical pieces of equipment you should purchase is a quality pair of hunting boots. A good pair of boots will keep blisters at bay, water out, and your feet warm, improving your chances of success. A pair that does the opposite will make for a miserable hunt and at best can be potentially dangerous. Identifying the best hunting boots for cold weather will improve your odds for a successful and enjoyable hunt.
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Best Hunting Boots For Cold Weather
If you are going to spend any time hunting in chilly temperatures, you must find a pair of boots that will adequately protect your feet. The best hunting boots for cold weather will vary depending on the type of hunting you’re doing.
Best Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots For Cold Weather
The Muck Boot brand has a variety of men’s and women’s rubber boots, both insulated and non-insulated. They are a popular boot with farmers and ranchers for their ability to keep out the cold and moisture, but they are also popular for duck hunting or when you’ll be sedentary for much of the time.
The Woody Max Insulated Rubber Men’s Hunting Muck Boot is one of the most comfortable hunting boots you will come across. These boots have a roomy toe box and plenty of room for wearing a thick wool sock for added warmth. Because of this, they are also one of the best winter hunting boots for wide feet.
This waterproof camouflage cold weather boot is made to stomp through the cattails and hide in a duck blind.
Fleece Lined Boots For Cold Weather
The fleece lining in this particular boot will provide added warmth and comfort, and the thermal foam foot bed will cushion your foot and provide additional insulation.
Vibram Sole Boots
Finally, in our best hunting boots article, we talked about how many of the best boot brands use high-quality Vibram soles, known for their superior rubber and treads. This pair of Muck boots come with a Vibram Arctic Grip sole, a state-of-the-art technology specially designed to have an excellent grip on wet ice.
The downside to these boots is that they are not great for mountain hiking, as they won’t have enough ankle support, and your feet may get quite sweaty. However, they are incredibly comfortable and versatile enough to do some cross-country trekking if you need to. In fact, you may find yourself wearing these boots all winter long for activities other than hunting.
Features We Like
- Full camouflage
- Insulated
- Good for wide feet
- Roomy enough for thick socks
- Vibram Arctic Grip sole
- High boot shaft to keep out water, snow, and debris
- Padded sole for extra cushioning
- Fleece lining for extra warmth
Features For Consideration
- Not great for extensive hiking
- Less ankle support
Best Insulated Hunting Boots For Snow, Ice, and Slush
The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 Gram Insulated Hiking Boot easily rises to the top of this category and is one of the most popular hunting boots among Western hunters. One of the best things about these boots is they also make a women’s version! However, there are many more great features of this boot that make it so well-known.
This boot is an excellent option for late-season elk or other mountain hunting. The 400-gram Thinsulate gives you some added warmth without being overkill. These boots are built for covering ground, especially in rough terrain.
Kenetrek boots are made of high-quality leather, and the Mountain Extreme 400 boots also are lined with a specially designed breathable waterproof membrane to keep out water and moisture. Since it’s breathable, it allows moisture from sweat to escape.
These boots have stiff rubber soles to protect your feet, whether walking through scree fields or crossing rocky creeks. The tread has extra traction to keep you from slipping when it matters most.
The best part is that when you wear down the soles of these boots, you can have them resoled. This will add years of life to your boots. With proper care, a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme hunting boots will last you for years, making them well worth the money.
Features We Like
- 100% leather
- Waterproof
- Stiff sole for extra foot protection
- Women’s version
- 400-gram Thinsulate for added warmth
- Will last years with proper care and can be resoled
Features For Consideration
- Expensive
- Insulation may be too much for extensive hiking if used in warmer weather or if you have sweaty feet
Best Horseback Hunting Boots for Winter
There is a big difference between hunting on foot and hunting on horseback. When spending hours on top of a horse, you’ll need a boot that can keep your feet warm, dry and also provide support. Especially if you need to get off your horse and hike around. While many boots will suffice, the Kenetrek 13″ Grizzly Insulated Pac Boot is exceptional for cold weather horseback hunting.
These boots go far up your calf, providing exceptional ankle support and protecting you from a misplaced horse or mule hoof. The 13″ boot shaft offers excellent support and protection for riding, or getting off and leading your horse or a pack string through downed trees, up the trail, or side-hilling to retrieve an elk.
They also have a removable thermal liner made of a synthetic material designed to wick moisture away from your foot. Since the liner is removable, you can even pack extra liners to swap out should they become damp. If you’ve packed in and set up a hunting camp, set the damp ones by the fire and let them dry out while you keep hunting!
The upper is made of 100% leather, and the rubber bottoms are excellent for keeping your feet dry in snow or creek crossings. The seams are specially designed and treated to keep water out.
Kenetrek also custom-designed the rubber soles for exceptional grip and traction in wet and slippery conditions.
These are another pair of high-quality boots that will last you for years with proper care.
Features We Like
- High-quality leather
- Waterproof
- Removable thermal liner
- 13″ lace-up boot shaft for exceptional ankle support
- Extra-warm for long hours in the saddle
Features For Consideration
- Expensive
- Not great for extensive hiking
Best Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot
It is imperative to have a durable, waterproof boot for walking through fields when it comes to upland hunting. It’s not always on flat ground, so some ankle support is essential, but you also want something comfortable enough to wear all day. Irish Setter is a boot brand that has stood the test of time, and the Men’s 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot is no exception.
This upland hunting boot is trendy among bird hunters. They are waterproof, so perfect for walking through wet grass and brush when flushing birds. A moisture-wicking nylon lining vents sweat nicely to keep your feet dry.
They come with 400 grams of Thinsulate, keeping your feet warm. However, your feet shouldn’t get overly hot. Especially if you’re slowly walking through fields letting the bird dogs do the work.
These also have a steel shank in the midsole to adequately protect your feet from rocks and other sharp objects. While the sole is designed for traction in the field, it’s not as good on wet rocks or slippery surfaces like wet concrete.
The 7″ shank gives plenty of ankle support without being overly stifling. This height also keeps out mud and debris. Add a gaiter for additional protection in colder weather or where you may be hiking through deeper snow.
Features We Like
- High-quality leather
- Waterproof
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Insulated
- Steel shank in the sole for extra foot protection
Features For Consideration
- A shorter boot shaft allows for debris and snow to get in
- Sole isn’t great on super-slippery surfaces
Cold Weather Hunting Boot Care
Many cold-weather hunting boots are made of high-quality leather that needs to be taken care of if you want your boots to last a long time. Chances are, if you’re hunting in cold weather, your boots are likely getting wet. Always make sure you thoroughly dry your hunting boots after use. It is good practice, several times a year, to apply a good leather conditioner.
Our favorite is Sof Sole Mink Oil for Conditioning and Waterproofing Leather. This leather conditioner is easy to apply, dries quickly, and adds a level of waterproofing to your leather. Thoroughly rub it into your boots with a soft cloth, and your boots will last for years!
It’s inexpensive and suitable for any of your other leather items, from couches to purses. The only downside is it may darken some leathers, but this isn’t uncommon for most leather conditioners.
Our Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots Top Choice
The best hunting boots for cold weather will largely depend on the type of hunting you’ll be doing. However, if we had to pick an overall top cold weather hunting boot from our list, the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hiking Boot would work in the majority of hunting situations.
It’s insulated, waterproof, made of high-quality leather, provides plenty of ankle support, and has a durable sole to protect your feet. You’ll be able to hike in mountainous terrain, across fields, and through streams and marshes. It has just the right amount of insulation to keep your feet warm when sitting but should help minimize sweating when doing strenuous hiking in cold weather.
Regardless of the boot you choose, make sure you choose one that will keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable for the type of hunting you will be doing. Now get out and get hunting!
Check our our article on Hunting Boot Basics and Considerations where we go in depth on the features that can be found in the best hunting boots.