Over the last decade, rubber boots have become the most popular footwear for whitetail hunters. They are loved by whitetails for many reasons, but they aren’t suitable for every hunter in every situation.
Hunting in the big woods, Appalachian mountains, and much of the East means covering miles of difficult terrain just to reach your treestand. As I hiked into my tree with rubber boots, the lack of ankle support and breathability caused my feet to get sweaty and then turn into icicles.
My opinion is that rubber boots aren’t the best choice for this style of hunting. However, if you’re in a farming country or hunt near water, they are a good choice. Here is a complete guide and some other factors to consider when choosing best-hunting boots for Elk.
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hiking Boot
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hiking Boot
Best elk hunting boots with toe guard
- Comfortable and lightweight
- The Windtex membrane
- A moisture-wicking material
- Toe guards made of rubber
The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme hunting boot is a beauty that could use for hunts in any climate. It’s a great-looking boot that holds up well for warm-weather searches. You can move silently along a riverbank or bound over rocky crags with Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme Hunting Boot. And your feet, too. The cost does reflect the quality of these men’s hunting boots.
The full-grain leather upper is waterproof with a Windtex waterproof breathable membrane. The K Talon boots feature aggressive lugs, and the 7cm nylon midsole provides lots of stability, shock absorption, and stiffness through the sole. These boots are among the best hunting boots available, and the price reflects that. Corrosion-resistant hardware ensures that the boot will withstand years of abuse. In warmer weather or on hunts where you’ll be moving around a lot and staying warm, they’re great. You can pair them with a hunting backpack to carry the rest of your gear.
Pros
- Insulated or uninsulated
- Wide and narrow sizes
- Excellent Waterproofing
- Ideal for hilly terrain
- Traction is excellent
- Comfortable and lightweight
- The Windtex membrane
- A moisture-wicking material
- Toe guards made of rubber
Cons
- It takes a while to break-in
- Expensive
Irish Setter Men’s 860 Elk Tracker Waterproof (best mountain hunting boots)
Irish Setter Men’s 860 Elk Tracker Waterproof
Waterproof boots for elk hunting
- Technology that blocks odors
- Leather that is 100% whole grain
- Easy to break-in
- Redwing can repair it
- Weightless
When it comes to cold weather boots, this one fits the bill. Thanks to their unique waterproofing technology, it’s also a great all-around waterproof boot.
In contrast to other waterproof boots, these allow moisture to evaporate, so you’re not slipping around in your sweat. The socks keep your feet dry and protected from the elements without causing sweat or odors to build up.
Moreover, the lining has a scent control process that prevents bacteria and odors from accumulating inside the boots. Additionally, they come with a lightweight and warm insulated liner to keep your feet warm in cold weather climates.
In warmer climates, though, these might not be the best choice. Your best bet is to go for an uninsulated boot for these hunts since the insulation might be too much.
Irish Setter (Redwing) makes excellent products that fit and feel great right out of the box. Plus, since these are welt boots, you can have them repaired or resoled by Redwing rather than purchasing a whole new pair.
While these boots are a bit tight for some elk hunters, if you’re looking for a lightweight boot, these are some of the lightest on our list at just 2 pounds.
Pros
- Ideal for cold weather conditions
- It’s waterproof but doesn’t lock in sweat
- Technology that blocks odors
- Leather that is 100% whole grain
- Easy to break-in
- Redwing can repair it
- Weightless
Cons
- Small
- Warm weather isn’t good for it
- There aren’t as many sizing options
Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Waterproof 200 Gram 12″ best mountain hunting boots 2022
Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker
Big game hunting boot
- Warmth is provided by 200g of Thinsulate insulation
- Keeps you odor-free with Scentban technology
Irish Setter has made hunting boots for centuries. The shoes they make are durable, comfortable, and high quality – ideal for extended hunting trips. The Men’s 880 Elk Tracker is an excellent example of how the company applies its years of experience to create hunting boots that don’t interfere with your hunting skills. The shoes are designed explicitly for elk hunting, and they are ready for long hikes across any terrain.
Using the Scentban lining, you can remain odor-free for your sake, and your presence will remain hidden. Combined with Gore-Tex, the full-grain leather upper provides excellent abrasion resistance. Warmth is provided by 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, and a steel shank provides shock absorption. You can find more durable footwear like this in our guide to the most popular combat boots. Be sure to check them out.
Pros
- Warmth is provided by 200g of Thinsulate insulation
- Keeps you odor-free with Scentban technology
- Insoles with memory foam
Cons
- Due to their stiffness, these boots require break-in time.
Best elk hunting boot for wide feet Danner Men’s Pronghorn
Danner Men’s Pronghorn Hunting Boot
Best elk hunting boot for wide feet
- Construction of high quality
- Lining with Gore-Tex for breathability
- It’s waterproof
Boots from Danner are known for their quality, and the PronghornPronghorn is no different. You might like these boots if you have wide feet and look for great elk hunting boots.
Wide sizes are available for the PronghornPronghorn, and they are roomier than other options like the Irish Setter boot. You can, however, make them a little snugger by wearing thicker socks.
Flexible and durable, these boots are a good choice. Having boots that can provide you with excellent mobility and will never let you down when you’re out in the backcountry is a great combination.
Even though these boots may take some time to break in, once you do, they fit perfectly. Since they’re waterproof but uninsulated, they’re great for warm weather hunts when you’ll probably be traversing water and mud but still need to stay calm.
Some hunters, however, have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of waterproofing provided by these boots. You shouldn’t expect to be completely dry if you cross a stream or a creek with these, even in arid climates.
In addition, these boots are incredibly lightweight, allowing them to perform like boots while wearing sneakers. Unlike other boots, they cannot resolve them, so once they are worn out, they are not replaceable.
They make great work boots, too, since they’re so lightweight.
Pros
- Suitable for wide feet
- Construction of high quality
- Lining with Gore-Tex for breathability
- It’s waterproof
- Ideal for hunting in warm weather
- Budget-friendly
- The Ortholite footbed
Cons
- It’s not suitable for cold weather
- A long time to break-in
- It cannot be resoled
- There is no perfect waterproofing
Rocky Men’s 8 Inch Retraction 800G Hunting Boot
Rocky Men’s 8 Inch Retraction 800G Hunting Boot
elk boots
- Waterproof design
- It’s very comfortable
- Thinsulate insulation
The Rocky Retraction is a good option for hunters looking for an affordable hunting boot. This is a tremendous cold-weather boot for hunters whose feet must stay warm thanks to their Thinsulate insulation.
They have a superior waterproofing system and a superior fit that feels great right out of the box, say hunters who choose these boots. Opinions are different about these boots.
According to many people, the waterproofing is excellent, and the quality is perfect, but others disagree. The problem could be related to quality control, but it’s hard to say for sure.
However, Rocky offers a great deal on high-quality boots, and the response to their products has been generally positive. Additionally, you won’t have access to some of the more luxurious features of the more expensive boots.
Since they are not 100% leather, they are less durable and more likely to wear out sooner. Additionally, these shoes don’t feature the same breathability as others do. You may also have trouble with wide feet due to the limited sizing.
Pros
- Affordable
- This is great for cold weather
- Waterproof design
- It’s very comfortable
- Thinsulate insulation
Cons
- It’s terrible for warm weather
- Mixed opinions about the quality
- There are no wider sizes available
Zamberlan VIOZ LUX GTX RR Leather Backpacking Boots zamberlan boots for elk hunting
Zamberlan VIOZ LUX GTX RR Leather Backpacking Boots
zamberlan boots for elk hunting
- Great for winters
- Waterproof boots
My previous experiences with leather boots were unsatisfactory, as they were too heavy and uncomfortably warm/hot. As a hiker or synthetic boot wearer, I’ve always worn them. These boots have entirely changed my mind. The boots are great hiking and backpacking boots alike. These boots are comfortable, light, and don’t become cold in the winter as synthetic boots do. The support and cushioning of the foot and ankle area are excellent. I haven’t worn a boot before with such magnificent support. I’m sure I’ll use the shoes for decades to come, despite their price. Furthermore, I strongly recommend them. For my regular shoe size, I order 1/2 size larger.
I want to make an addition to my review nine months later. Snowy hikes in the winter require some winter hiking boots to keep my feet dry when they get wet. I wore my Zamberlans this winter because the trails had been packed snow. When I got out of my pickup on my last two hikes, the temperature was 5F. Throughout the hike, my feet remained comfortable and warm. Good boots, once again.
Pros
- Warm
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Great for winters
- Waterproof boots
Cons
- Cause bristles
- Customer services are not good
Irish Setter Women’s Vaprtrek 1821 Knee High Boot
Irish Setter Women’s Vaprtrek 1821 Knee High Boot
Women boot for elk hunting
- Very comfortable
- Protect you from snakes
- Waterproof
- Maximum foot protection
An excellent hunting boot, the Vaprtrek by Irish Setter is designed to perform more like an athletic shoe in terms of speed, comfort, and flexibility. The company has now included this model in its women’s line, allowing you to get a pair more tailored to your feet than a comparable men’s shoe.
A unique feature of this shoe is that it also comes in a knee-high version, also known as a snake boot. This boot is worth considering for people living in snake-bite-prone areas.
A rattlesnake or copperhead can be frightening when you’re days away from civilization, but these boots give you greater confidence maneuvering through the brush.
On the other hand, they have plenty of merits on their own, and the Vaprtrek boot is one of the lightest you’ll find, providing outstanding comfort while you’re on the move. Memory foam is also used in the collar for comfort and stability.
The boots don’t sacrifice durability, however, and you’ll find that they’re built with maximum foot protection and molded heels to provide the support you need.
You can also expect premium waterproofing and insulation, so your feet will remain dry and warm, whether the weather is sunny and pleasant or if you’ve had to walk through rivers and streams to get to your camp spot.
Pros
- Knee-high version
- Flexible
- Very comfortable
- Protect you from snakes
- Waterproof
- Maximum foot protection
Cons
- Not suitable in warm weather
Buying Guide for the best hunting boots for elk
Control of scent
The smell control properties of rubber boots make them popular with whitetail hunters. The advantage of these boots over leather and synthetic boots is that they trap odor and don’t allow it to escape.
During an episode of the East Meets West Hunt podcast, I discussed this topic with Dr. Karl Miller, of the University of Georgia. Having studied whitetail Elk for most of his life, Dr. Miller believes that a rubber boot in reducing scent is definitely superior to alternatives.
You can also tuck your pant leg into rubber boots, which reduces the amount of scent you transfer to nearby vegetation as you brush against it. No matter what you do, you should avoid walking on Elk trails when you enter and exit your hunting area.
Because they don’t breathe well, they keep your scent in. If it is cold outside, your feet will sweat when you are walking long distances. Since the boot liner is already wet, bringing another pair of socks didn’t really help since the boot liner is already wet once at my tree. My feet were still chilly after a short time.
Waterproof
Rubber boots are hard to beat when it comes to waterproofing. Whether you are standing in water, walking through swampy areas, or hunting by a creek, they will perform better than any other type of boot. Unless you have a puncture in your boot, rubber boots will stay waterproof for a much longer period of time than other boots.
When it comes to keeping your feet dry, a quality rubber boot will last many seasons.
Boots made from leather and synthetic materials should be treated with a waterproofing spray on a regular basis.
Solid rubber boots are better at keeping your feet dry than even the best waterproofing and Gore-Tex liners in leather or synthetic boots. Additionally, rubber boots are much easier to put on and take off once we reach our hunting location, making them ideal for those of us who layer up.
Wearing your insulated jacket and bibs while exerting energy will make you sweat, which is why many of us will take those layers off and put them on at the base of the tree. It is more difficult to do this with lace-up boots.
Noise
As a final point to consider with rubber boots, they can make noise and squeak on metal stands or saddle platforms. This can be mitigated by wrapping the platform in hockey tape or using some other silencing method, but it’s something to keep in mind on a rainy day.
In this category, leather and synthetic boots are clearly the winners, despite not being completely silent.
The general sound of rubber footsteps is also louder. You’re better off taking “quiet” steps in a lighter, less bulky boot if you’re trying to sneak into a bedroom.
Treestand whitetail hunters don’t have to worry about this, but when you’re walking through leaves on a tranquil November morning, it is something to keep in mind.
Do You Need Rubber Boots for elk hunting?
You can determine what type of rubber hunting boot is best for your hunting style by looking at the pros and cons of rubber hunting boots. Rubber boots would be the best choice if you’re walking less than a mile to your treestand in cold weather. If you hunt mobile and cover ground in the hill country, you should wear leather or synthetic boots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many best hunting boots for elk. You can choose from various pairs depending on your needs and preferences. To make your hunting trip successful and enjoyable, you need to select the proper hunting boots. No matter how successful the hunt is, slogging through the woods all weekend with wet socks, frozen feet, and a sprained ankle isn’t going to be pleasant. When picking your new boots, be sure to follow the above tips. We hope, however, that this comparison has been able to narrow down the many choices available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best elk hunting boot?
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400g: Best Elk Hunting Boot.
Although it’s not a hiking boot for everyday use, it’s built for what it’s made for. A powerful exoskeleton of relief is provided by this boot when side-hilling steep terrain, supporting ankles while descending, and providing ankle support.
What shoes do you wear for elk hunting?
The Danner Pronghorn has been a staple of the elk hunting community for nearly two decades. In comparison with top-quality elk hunting boots, the new Pronghorns stand out.
Do you need insulated boots for elk hunting?
Buying elk hunting boots requires consideration of seasonal conditions. In cooler temperatures, a heavily insulated boot may provide the warmth you’ll need in higher elevations during October and November. Choose the right size. Most boots are comfortable from the first wear.
What do I need for my first elk hunt?
Elk hunters require four things: Food, water, cover, and security.
What color should you not wear elk?
The bluish light cells and green-yellow light cells are present in deer, antelope, elk, sheep, goats, and pigs.These are the only colors they can see. They don’t see purple, red, pink, or orange. For this reason, orange has become a hunter’s safety color.
