How to Choose the Right Hunting Boot
Choosing appropriate hunting boots can go a long way toward making a hunting trip safe and productive by ensuring that your feet stay dry, warm and comfortable. Dry, comfortable feet will allow you to walk longer and more comfortably, allowing you to focus on the hunt. Your proper boot will depend on the terrain, temperature and weather conditions where you will be hunting. It is essential that you coordinate your hunting boots with the rest of your hunting gear, especially your socks, to ensure comfort and a proper fit.
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Instructions
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Purchase boots designed for the type of terrain where you will be hunting. There are three main types of hunting boots: multipurpose boots, upland boots, and high country boots. Upland boots are designed for lightweight walking comfort in moderate terrain and are appropriate for bird hunters. High country boots provide additional ankle and foot support and are appropriate for hunting game found in mountainous terrain. Most other boots fall into the broad category of multipurpose boots. Multipurpose boots are the largest category of hunting boots and come with different levels of insulation and sole thickness, making them appropriate for different types of hunting.
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Purchase boots with a level of waterproofing tailored to the conditions where you hunt. Most boots have some type of waterproofing, but if weather conditions will be sloppy or you will be crossing water, choose watertight rubber hunting boots. If the boots you buy are not waterproof, add waterproofing before you take them on the hunt.
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Consider the amount of insulation that you will need. High activity levels, such as pushing deer, increase circulation and require boots with less insulation. More sedentary hunting activities, such as sitting in a deer stand or duck blind, require more insulation because of decreased circulation.
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Try on your boots with the socks that you plan to wear on your hunting trip, because fitting a boot while wearing everyday socks can lead to an improper fit. If you wear two pair of socks -- wool or synthetic to prevent blisters and wick moisture away from your foot -- try on your boots while wearing both pair of socks.
Pay attention to sizing guides if you are buying your boots on the Internet. Hunting boots can be sized longer than street shoes to leave more room for your toes.
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Tips & Warnings
Break in your in boots before you go on your hunting trip.
Boots rated 400 to 800 g will cover most fall hunting needs.
Overboots provide extra insulation when slipped on over your other boots
When you find the perfect pair of boots, consider purchasing an additional pair and setting them aside. Manufacturers often change or discontinue boot designs.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit work boots image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
