For all hunters, their comfort and convenience should be the topmost priority, and the one most important thing to ensure comfort, is to wear the right clothes.
From wearing comfortable pants to shirts, you should also lay emphasis on the kind of shoes you are wearing.
However, it can be slightly tricky to choose the best elk hunting boots. Therefore, this article will help you in finding and learning in detail about these boots.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Elk Hunting Boots
- OUR TOP PICK: Lowa Men's Tibet GTX Trekking Boot
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18" 800G Hunting Shoes
- Irish Setter Men's 801 9" Upland Hunting Boot
Comparison of the Best Elk Hunting Boots
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Are All Hunting Boots The Same?
For beginners, it can be confusing to understand which hunting boots suit them the best. The most important thing to understand when buying hunting boots is their differences. All hunting boots are not the same, there are some key differences in how they are made, and hence, their application is different. The variation in hunting boots occurs because of their insulated or non-insulated build.
Insulated boots for hunting are specially designed to keep you warm and comfortable during the winter season. They are also designed to be appropriate and safe in hilly, snowy areas. Meanwhile, non-insulated boots are to be used in the spring or a warmer hunting season. The same pair that you used in winter might not be appropriate to be used in spring too.
Other than just insulation, there are pairs that are designed for specific landscapes. For example, you will find hunting boots that are designed to provide you with ankle support. These are the best for hiking and mountainous areas. Here are some commonly found kinds of hunting boots.
Upland
Upland boots are specifically made for hunters who are on the go. These are designed to meet the needs of long-distance on-foot traveling. They are sturdy, don't wear out easily, and are also supportive of your feet.
High Country
These kinds of boots are used for mountainous and rugged landscapes.
Overboots
As the name suggests, these can be pulled over, with their extra padding providing extra warmth and comfort. These kinds of boots are great for winter-season hunting. However, these are only good enough if you are not planning to walk long distances.
Rubber Boots
These boots can be great for duck hunting. This is because they are made with rubber and are waterproof.
How to Choose New Boots for Elk Hunting
Before we can go on and look at some of the best elk hunting boots, let's first consider the factors that make up for a good pair. Elk hunting boots should have the following qualities, so they can qualify as the best.
Lightweight
You should see whether or not the hunting boots you are buying are lightweight. They should have a high quality and durable build, but should not be heavyweight. They should feel light as you wear them on your feet.
Waterproof
The construction of the hunting boots should be waterproof. However, you will find several companies claiming their boots to be waterproof. Yet, they are not exactly that and merely resist little moisture. Therefore, before buying hunting boots, make sure that they are truly waterproof and not simply water-resistant. Doing so will allow you to access inaccessible, difficult areas without having to worry about them getting ruined.
Durability
This is obviously the most important factor to consider when buying any product. The durability of your chosen pair can be determined by the material they are made with.
Comfort Level
The boots you buy should be easy to wear, and also easy to take off. Uncomfortable boots that need time and energy to be worn can be highly inconvenient during your hunt. Similarly, taking them off should not be a tedious task and should be rather smooth and easy. Other factors such as the inner padding and the weight also contribute to its comfort level.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Materials: The main materials the boots are made of.
Insulation: The measurement of insulating qualities the boots possess. This is denoted by both the type and rating of the insulating material.
Boot Height: This is how tall the boot is.
Cold Rating: This indicates the lowest temperatures the boot is rated for.
Waterproof? Whether the boots are considered waterproof or water-resistance.
Type of Boot: Various types of boots are suited to specific activities. This includes upland, hiking, rubber, high country, field, muck, and snake boots, among others.
Reviews of the Best Elk Hunting boots
Considering the wide range of different kinds of hunting boots on the market, we have picked out some of the best ones for your convenience. This section of the article will discuss and review each pair in detail, so you can carefully decide which one to choose for yourself.
Best Overall:
Lowa Men's Tibet GTX Trekking Boot
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent users and buyers have positively reviewed the boots. They like how comfortable they are to wear and that they are also lightweight. Buyers have also commented on the quality of leather. However, there were some complaints about them not being as comfortable as they claim to be. Plus, some users also complained that the biggest size mentioned is not really available and hence had smaller sizes delivered.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The strategic design of these hunting boots by Lowa is very impressive. From the inner waterproof lining to the strategically padded tongue and ankle support, these guarantee comfort and convenience. Due to their high-quality and versatile features that ensure comfort, we have added these on our list.
Who Will Use This Most
With the no-slip lacing system, and their leather build, these boots are highly suitable for hunters who want to go hunting in rugged high-trail landscapes. The full-length rubber rand ensures stability and great foot support on unstable and uneven land.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, we highly recommend this high-quality leather hunting pair for anyone looking for an overall package. It has all the essential features that you can ask for in hunting boots. Other than the fact that they're slightly overpriced, they are excellent!
Product Specs
Materials:
Nubuck and Synthetic
Insulation:
None
Boot Height:
8 in
Cold Rating:
N/A
Waterproof?
Yes
Type of Boot:
Trekking
Best for the Money:
LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18" 800G Hunting Shoes
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It is very rare to see little or no complaints about the fit of hunting boots. However, for these, customers have loved the size and the fit. They like how they are so versatile and adjustable. However, there were some complaints reported about their finish. Users complained that after a few uses, the heels lost their finish.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love the size versatility of these boots. They are highly versatile and of great quality too. Their adjustable gear gusset has allowed the boots to fit almost every customer perfectly. They are also available with a size chart for further clarity.
Who Will Use This Most
These boots have an impressive level of insulation, which makes them suitable for winter season hunting or hunting in colder areas. They are also a good pick for anyone who wants a durable pair at a good price.
Bottom Line
Clearly, this is an affordable yet versatile and high-quality product. This fits almost every hunter's needs, ensuring comfort and security at the same time. With extra padding and a snake-bite proof build, this product will not disappoint.
Product Specs
Materials:
Rubber over Neoprene
Insulation:
3.5mm Neoprene + 800g Thinsulate Ultra
Boot Height:
18 in
Cold Rating:
-50 to 40°F
Waterproof?
Yes
Type of Boot:
Rubber
3. Irish Setter Men's 801 9" Upland Hunting Boot
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Surprisingly enough, the boots had several complaints regarding their quality and fitting. Many customers complained about quality control, saying that the right and the left boot have a different fit even though they were of the same size. However, other people who liked the boots highly appreciated the build quality. There were no issues reported about the durability and construction quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The biggest reason why we find these highly impressive is that they come from a very reliable brand. Irish Setter Boots have been manufacturing some of the most versatile and outstanding boots for all kinds of purposes, and surely their hunting boots are very popular. Therefore, we have added these to our list.
Who Will Use This Most
These are upland boots, which makes them great for hunters who plan to travel long distances. Upland boots such as these are rugged and great for on-the-go hunters.
Bottom Line
Overall, these upland boots are manufactured by the most reliable brand on the market. They will surely prove to be great for hunters who want to walk on great distances. It has the essential and extra features in a good price range as well.
Product Specs
Materials:
Leather and Rubber
Insulation:
None
Boot Height:
9 in
Cold Rating:
N/A
Waterproof?
Yes
Type of Boot:
Upland
4. Irish Setter Men's 860 Elk Tracker 12" Big Game Hunting Boots
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have found this pair to be very comfortable. Most of the users have reported that the boots are very well-designed and are also great in appearance. There were just a few complaints about construction quality. Some people also complained that they were not comfortable in the toe areas. Other than that, the majority of the buyers love these for their design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
From an appropriate rugged sole for traction, high-quality 100% leather, and the waterproof lining, this product has it all. It has all the versatile, efficient features, and the cherry on top is they come from a highly reliable brand as well. Therefore, we are highly impressed by this outstanding product and consider it one of the best elk hunting boots.
Who Will Use This Most
With their lightweight design along with durable features like waterproof lining and a synthetic sole, these are great for big gamers.
Bottom Line
In brief, the boots are great for anyone who wants a good-looking pair along with quality features. From scent ban technology to the leather build, these are great for absolutely anyone.
Product Specs
Materials:
Leather
Insulation:
1000g 3M Thinsulate Ultra
Boot Height:
12 in
Cold Rating:
N/A
Waterproof?
Yes
Type of Boot:
Upland
5. Bogs Classic Waterproof Boots
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have particularly loved these for their thick rubber build. Users and buyers who live in colder areas have also highly appreciated the padding and insulation quality of the boots. There were also great comments on the waterproof construction.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We rarely find any boots that are available in a variety of colors. Therefore, the most outstanding feature about these was that we could select the color from a variety of three! This makes it stand out from other boots that come in only one color.
Who Will Use This Most
These are highly recommended to be used by people in colder areas or in negative temperatures. It is also good for hunters who plan on going in wet areas or the water.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, this pair is the best you can find on the market. With a reasonable price tag, the boots come with great quality and a great variety of features. Let’s not forget the outstanding color variety!
Product Specs
Materials:
Neoprene and Rubber
Insulation:
7mm Neo-Tech
Boot Height:
12 in
Cold Rating:
-40°F
Waterproof?
Yes
Type of Boot:
Rubber
6. Danner Men's Pronghorn 8 Inch 400G Hunting Boot
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have highly appreciated the affordable price range of this pair, which comes with excellent features. They have reported the boots to be lightweight and comfortable. However, there were issues reported about the quality of the shoelaces. Moreover, customers have also highly recommended this product to be great for rugged landscape and have reported them to be very supportive and durable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The unit's waterproof lining makes them stand out. The lining not only protects your boots and your feet from water damage but also ensures hygiene. Since the lining is made with breathable material, sweat does not build up; this keeps the shoes clean and fresh. It's for this very reason that we mentioned this pair on our list.
Who Will Use This Most
We highly recommend these to be used by people who are looking for durable, versatile boots under a limited budget. They are priced at an average price level and can be afforded by many people. Also, they are great for hunters who want to hunt fish or ducks in the water.
Bottom Line
Overall, we consider these to be the runner-up hunting boots that you can find at a great price tag. It has all of the essentials plus the extra features such as waterproof lining and a rugged build.
Product Specs
Materials:
Leather and Rubber
Insulation:
400g Thinsulate
Boot Height:
8 in
Cold Rating:
N/A
Waterproof?
Yes
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
We highly recommend you consider the following factors before you can go ahead and invest in elk hunting boots. Now that you've looked at some of the pairs available on the market, here are some factors to consider before investing in them.
Your Budget and The Price
You might not feel that investing a good amount of money in elk hunting boots is worth it. However, we recommend otherwise. Good quality boots will ensure that they last you a long time and will also ensure a much more comfortable and convenient hunting experience. Therefore, try to have a good budget so you can invest easily in a high-quality pair.
Secondly, you should also remember that investing too much in overly expensive boots will not guarantee quality. Our list of best hunting boots has high-end pairs to cost-friendly ones with similar features. So, don’t go spending unnecessarily and focus on the features instead of the price tag.
Manufacturer and Brand
If you want to ensure that the boot you are choosing to purchase will last you a long time, then make sure that it’s manufactured by a reliable brand. Brands that have been in the industry, or have lots of customer feedback should be trusted.
Are They Bite-Poof?
Bite proof hunting boots are very important. We highly recommend that you consider this factor when purchasing a pair for yourself. Bite proof boots ensure that you are safe no matter where you go. Snakes and other dangerous animals that crawl on the ground go unnoticed when you are busy hunting. Therefore, a bite-proof pair will give you peace of mind and security, as you comfortably hunt and make the most out of your hunting opportunities.
Conclusion
To find the best hunting boots from such a diverse variety on the market can be a tedious task. You need to carefully decide which pair to invest in, keeping in mind some important factors. Don’t overlook key factors such as brand, waterproof, build quality, and comfort level when buying elk hunting boots.
