The Best Rubber Hunting Boots Reviews & Buying Guide
Alright, when you think of hunting gear, the best rubber hunting boots aren’t exactly at the top of your list. Think of it this way, nothing is worse than hunting on a cold day without the best boots on, then clunk, you stepped into a cold patch of water and feel the sensation of artic ice seeping through your hunting boot.
Even worse, if you hit a rough or slippery patch of terrain on the hunt, how do you feel falling on your ass? No thank you, rolling around in the muddy terrain of an artic wetland while on a deer hunting trip is not for me. Wearing a high-quality rubber hunting boot is the best way to prevent accidental slips and falls while hunting in wet terrain.
Another thing I can’t stand, is buying a pair of uncomfortable rubber hunting boots or (perhaps even worse,) rubber hunting boots that won’t hold up, and break after a single deer hunting season. With all the rubber boots available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which are the best rubber hunting boots for you.
Fear not fellow hunter, in this best rubber hunting boots reviews & buying guide post we deep dive into the top of hunting boots you should consider picking up for your next hunting trip in order to handle any terrain.
Best Hunting Boot Comparison At A Glance:
- LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ Hunting Boot Review
- MuckBoots Men’s Pursuit Snake Proof Review
- Bogs Men’s Classic Mossy Boot Review
- Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot
- Under Armour Hawgzilla Review
- Irish Setter Men’s 4883 Rutmaster 2.0 Review
- Itasca Swampwalker Review
1. LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ Hunting Boot Review
These 18″ rubber boots have been around forever, for many hunters they are the first “good” pair of boots they ever get when they learn how to hunt. The mid soul is also nice and soft, we wouldn’t say it is “super soft or spongy” however it does make it very comfortable. It also has an adjustable rear gusset, the strap on the back of the boot towards the top, to help fix it to your size and keep all types of bad weather out. The adjustable strap at the top is a good feature for keeping socks dry in wet terrain.
It also has an “embossed liner” for better air circulation – not sure if you can relate, but there is nothing worse then your feet sweating half to death in your boots, then pulling them out with all types of blisters and what not from your day’s adventure. Along with binoculars, a compass, and of course a gun, a good pair of hunting boots is an essential tool for a successful hunting trip. These LaCrosse hunting boots are some of the best rubber hunting boots for breathability.
You’ll notice on the top of this rubber boot it has a neoprene insulation, the inside of the boot has that orange boot. This certainly was not available for the earlier versions of the boot, but the benefit is that it breathes a lot easier. Plus, it will keep your feet super warm by protecting the inside of the hunting boot. Good insulation is a nice feature to find in a rubber boot. Not every rubber hunting boot is equally efficient at keeping feet warm.
Worried about it taking a beating? You’ll wish your car tires have a similar build to the soul of these rubber hunting boots. They are super rugged and have excellent traction. Since they are “non-loading” boots, when you step in the mud they won’t even pick up those pancake size lumps of dirt on the bottom of the boot.
The fiberglass shank on these hunting boots is also a bit more forgiving, making them easier to break in after the first hunt or two. Other similar rubber hunting boots come with metal shanks, meaning they are not as flexible. Trust us, it’s a nice feature and is one of the reasons why these are some of the best rubber hunting boots you can buy. Comfortable boots will make the difference.
Who should get it?
These take a beating, if you are a serious hunter looking for rubber boots in the $100+ range, this is something worth looking into. Lots of hunters have these bad boys in their collection for well over 10+ years. These are some of the best rubber hunting boots in their price range because of their high-quality materials and long-lasting performance.
2. MuckBoots Men’s Pursuit Snake Proof Review
Run-proof, waterproof, you name it proof. These high-quality rubber hunting boots by MuckBoots are second to the top of our list of the best rubber hunting boots. Anyone in the market for a really good hunting boot should consider MuckBoots as an option.
To put it lightly Muck Boots have a great reputation for putting out top quality gear, including top-of-the-line hunting boots. MuckBoots is one of the best manufactuers out there for hunting boots. Alright, lets get to the bottom of this boot.
Like lots of boots in the price range, it has an EVA midsole, meaning it is super comfortable compared to other rubber hunting boots. You really want to steer clear of boots that give you a sneaky feeling that the boot might not be comfortable.
There is nothing worse than calling a hunt off all because your “feet hurt” because of your uncomfortable boots. Even if you decide to man up and deal with the pain, you’ll pay the price the following day. One of the worst parts about wearing an uncomfortable hunting boot is dealing with foot and ankle blisters the next day.
While we are on the topic of hunting boot comfort, the inside of the boot is lined with ‘express cool fabric’ – keeping your feet warm, dry, and comfy on every hunt. Perhaps more importantly, your feet won’t overheat and will have room to breath while wearing these hunting boots.
It comes armed with a 4mm neoprene, you can see it towards the top of the boot. What is really sweet about it, no matter what you wear with these boots, thick pants with lots of lares, waders, etc, it will be super snug, keeping the elements out of the hunting boots. These are some of the best hunting boots for wetland hunting trips.
The tread on these rubber boots is super solid, you don’t have to worry about slipping, even on slick water covered rocks.
Another notable feature of these hunting boots, they are super flexible. Since they are made of rubber, assuming you keep them squeaky clean, you can easily throw them into any type of luggage or gearbox.
Better yet, they are one of the best rubber hunting boots that come in both men & women sizes.
3. Bogs Men’s Classic Mossy Boot Review
Our choice for the third best rubber boot is the Bogs Men’s Classic Mossy Boot. The top of the boot, freaking sweet, it has a “4-way stretch tech insulation.” Outside of sounding like something you’d find in a vehicle, it means the top of the boot is super stretchy. Keeping the bad weather out, warm and dry, while remaining comfortable is one of the best things about these boots.
To all my friends with plantar fascia issues, this is the only boot we are aware of that comes with a nice arch. While it probably isn’t custom as nice as your running shoes, the arch support on these boots will keep you going for miles. These are one of the best rubber hunting boots on our list for arch support.
The Tread on these boots is also great, nothing to worry about here. Pretty much no matter what type of terrain you hit, it will be suitable for more environments.
While we are talking about the soul of the boot, you’ll find that it also has a great kick heel, making it bit easier to clean off all the extra mud & whatnot off. These boots are easy to clean, store, and transport which makes them a convenient option for hunting trips.
A notable difference from the other boots in this article, it comes with a “DURAFRESH” feature – since the boot is made from 100% natural organic biotechnology, it helps keep the stink out.
4. Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot
Another really solid rubber boot on our list of the best rubber hunting boots, and one that will keep you warm in all types of bad weather, is the Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot. Although we wouldn’t classify this rubber boot as a “hunting boot,” it is made more for the outdoors. It is one of the best rubber boots for participating in a variety outdoors activities in addition to hunting.
The average owner of this rubber boot is probably someone looking for a something to keep the snow out, as opposed to treading deep in the backwoods hunting elk. Before we talk too much smack, these are rated for -40°F – keeping you warm in a number of different situations.
That said, they are still knee-high rubber boots, limiting your exposure to the snow. The top of the rubber boot, has an adjustable color, allowing you to tighten or loosen it anytime based on your needs.
For the price point, the quality of this rubber boot is pretty good. However they don’t necessarily have the higher quality tread more expensive rubber boots have, so don’t be surprised if you wear them out if you frequent the backcountry.
Who is it for?
Someone who wants a rubber hunting boot under $100. Often ranging from $50-$75, this rubber boot is a good mid-level price range. Great for hunters on a budget, this is one of the best rubber boots for beginner hunters.
5. Under Armour Hawgzilla Review
I’m not sure what it is, but for whatever reason, I’ve always been a huge UA fanboy. Can’t say I like these rubber boots better than any other brand, but, like all UA products, they are super high quality and trustworthy. Long story short, when I’m not sure about what to get, I typically just default to Under Armour products. Let’s face it, they make good stuff and (for better or for worse) take great photos of their products that make you want to go outside.
They have a great camo design and a pull tab on the top. They have a great breathable interior, to help reduce your stinky hunting foot from scaring away the local wildlife (yes, we are joking.) Insolation on these rubber boots is also great, you’ll be kept warm with these bad boys. Under Armour makes some super high-quality sport products, and their rubber boots for hunting are no exception.
6. Irish Setter Men’s 4883 Rutmaster 2.0 Review
We got a bunch of emails in, asking us about rubber boots for guys with big calves. Sadly, I have chicken legs, however, one of our readers was kind enough to write in (asked to be kept anonymous) and tell us all about it. One of the important features to consider when shopping for rubber boots is how well the boots will fit around the calves and feet.
First, first, I’m a huge fan of the “exo flex” panel on these rubber boots. Don’t know about you, but when you slip down a hip, this is something that will offer some extra production:
This rubber boot, unlike most the others, comes with a 3 quarter shank. Which, will help you with ladder climbing (ie if you wanna head up a tree stand.) The small indent will help make sure you don’t have a slip n’ fall where no one can find you. Comes in both mossy oak & real tree camo patterns.
7. Itasca Swampwalker Review
While it seems Amazon doesn’t keep a lot of these rubber boots in stock, Itasca is a pretty popular brand and thought we give our thoughts. They come in both male & female sizes. Proof these rubber boots are 100% waterproof can be seen from this Youtube’er, she does an awesome job of treading around the water and keeping them completely dry.
The height of these rubber boots is only 14″ – most other rubber hunting boots come up around 17″. This is a great rubber boot for hunting if you can find em on sale.
Which features should you take into account before you buy rubber Hunting boots?
We put together a quick list of the top features to look for when shopping for hunting boots, to help you figure out what are the most important things you should into account before you hit up the local “for sale” rack in the nearest hunting store near you. The best rubber boots for hunting will fit comfortably, keep your socks dry with moisture-resistance, and have a long-lasting, durable outsole to grip the ground in slippery terrain.
The Tread
Get a hunting boot with tread that is made to last. You’ll be outside, it will be wet, and where the wet is the mud is. Slipping down a hill with a bag full of gear (and firearms) is the last thing you want. Be smart, don’t’ skim out on this feature. The best hunting boots on the market have good tread to prevent accidental slips and falls.
Water Proof and high quality
Well, I mean you are shopping for rubber boots. There is nothing worse than spending money on an expensive pair of boots, to later have the rubber crack. Cracking means water gets in, when you are in the middle of the woods, that means cold feet. Good rubber boots will be made out of high-quality, durable materials to prevent the boot cracking.
Does the gusset/top of boot keep the moisture out?
You’ll want to buy a pair of rubber boots that wraps comfortably around your upper cafe. This frankly, is where most of the magic happens. Keeping the elements out of your boot keeps you warm and the moisture out.
The Soul of the boot (Are they comfortable)
Finally, you’ll also want to make sure your hunting boot fits right for your foot type. For example, if you have a larger cafe, you’ll want to make the gusset fits your large muscle-bound cavies.
FAQ
Check out these answers to the internet’s top FAQs about rubber hunting boots! Reading the answers to these hunting FAQs can help you figure out what features to look for when shopping for the best pair of good rubber hunting boots for your next hunting trip.
Are Rubber boots for hunting worth it?
Ummmm…. YEA ;-P Investing in a pair of good rubber boots for hunting is definitely worth it unless you want ticks crawling into your socks to bite into the meat of your ankles. Yuck!
It can be dangerous for gun-toting deer hunters and bowman to wear shoes with poor tread while they handle weapons. Hunters should try their best to prevent accidents while on the hunt by wearing the most appropriate hunting boots for the terrain.
Should you get rubber or leather?
Well, if you are worried about your feet getting wet, go for a rubber boot all the way. Frankly, it depends on where/when you are going.
Which is better, neoprene vs rubber?
They are pretty much the same thing. Most modern rubber boots have a combination of both neoprene and rubber.
Which boots are better for bow hunting?
In our opinion, this is really cutting hairs. As any hunting boot can be used for any type of hunting. We recommend bowman taking other factors into consideration, ie the weight of the hunting boot, comfort, and whatever else may concern you. The right rubber hunting boot for each bowman will depend on a variety of factors such as the terrain and the type of hunting.
Which are the most comfortable?
We’d go with LaCrosse, mostly just take into account which type of feet you have, or if you have big calves. Every foot is different, if you are picky about your sport shoes, you should also be picky with your hunting boots. The best rubber hunting boots for you will fit comfortably over your favorite hunting socks.