Best Upland Hunting Boots 2023
Hunting boots come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and fabrics. Technology has made a transformative mark on the industry, both in style, form, and function.
Upland hunting boots have gone from drab colors to fashionable layered footwear. New camo colors combined with imported leathers, make bold statements for the new Upland Hunting Boot.
The gear is much lighter than in years past. Drastically improved manufacturing processes help boots last longer through harsher conditions, your boots need to be the least of your worries.
Quick Picks: Best Upland Hunting Boots 2023
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Five of The Best Upland Hunting Boots
1.) Rocky's Men's 8 Inch Retraction 800G
ROCKY has a long, varied history starting in the great depression of 1932. Through the decades, the ROCKY brand finally found its name in 1979 with Mike Brooks.
The ROCKY Retraction is available for both women and men. The boots are waterproof and insulated with 800 grams of 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation. The Retraction comes in Realtree Camo, is 100% synthetic, and resists tears and abrasions.
The ROCKY Retraction features a nylon shank, full-grain leather, and rubber outsole. Plenty of other exclusive additions make this one the best hunting boots available. A footbed that features EnergyBed with memory foam shapes to the contour of your foot for hours of comfortable wear. Strobel cement construction for a lifetime of comfortable wear.
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2.) Men's Sharptail Snake Boot
Danner has been making quality distinctive boots in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 100 years. Charles Danner felt the call to move to the west to build one of the best logging boots available.
The distinctive Sharptail Snake Boot may be one of the best looking hunting boot you can buy. It features 100% full-grain dark brown leather, and If you are in snake-infested woods, this is the perfect boot. The shaft of the Sharptail is 16" with an opening of about 19", giving the hunter a lot more comfort.
Combine the full-grain leather with a lightweight 900 denier nylon, and you have one of the most distinctive-looking hunting boots. The essential features of the Sharptail series is a Gore-Tex liner, giving the hunter another layer of comfort to protect against outside water. The Gore-Tex also creates a breathable boot to let out any sweat and moisture.
Three layers of varying density fabric enhance the functionality and comfort of the Sharptail Snake Boot's sole. The entire footbed is made of open-cell polyurethane for better air circulation.
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3.) Men's 801 Havoc
The history of the Irish Setter brand is fascinating and can be traced back to 1905 with its first Red Wing work boot. The companies hunting brand started in 1929, and the Irish Setter name came into being in 1950.
The 801 Havoc is a classic example of an upland hunting boot. 100% full-grain leather and waterproof make this one of the very best hunting boots on the market. Plenty of advanced technologies have gone into this elegantly designed upland hunting boot. The Havoc Upland Hunting Boot features "FlexLock." This technology incorporates state of the art construction, which is conforming upper leathers handsewn to the sole of the boot.
"Gore-Tex" keeps feet dry by preventing water from getting in and allowing sweat and other moisture to pass through to the outside. The Irish Setter 801 Havoc uses exclusive Trout Brook Leather from Irish Setter's tannery in Red Wing, Minnesota. Time-proven techniques and premium steer hides are used in the tanning process.
Another innovation for the Irish Setter Havoc is the "Cushin Comfort Tongue." This technology minimizes pressure on the hunter's shin by a four-inch-wide stretch of nylon and an internal waffle mesh padding.
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4.) Bobwhite High Hunting
For over 130 years, the Wolverine brand has been part of the American Landscape of homegrown success stories. Still headquartered in Rockford, Michigan, Wolverine is now an international brand with facilities across the world.
The Men's Bobwhite High Hunting Boot is a combination of 50% leather, and 50% Cordura Nylon accented in green camouflage. The Wolverine Bobwhite is waterproof and insulated with a mesh lining for managing moisture. The small details are what sets the Wolverine brand apart from its competitors. The Bobwhite Hunting Boots come with an asymmetrical opening and tough corded laces.
Each Wolverine Boot Technology features plenty of advanced processes for warmth and comfort. The Bobwhite boot has 900 Denier Nylon and full-grain leather. Thinsulate insulation provides extra warmth on cold mornings. Midsoles are compression molded, and the mesh lining offers a breathable waterproof membrane with moisture-wicking.
Camo lovers will enjoy the new colors, featured on the Bobwhite. This footwear is ultra light at 3 ½ pounds, for extended stays in dense woods. The 7" Bobwhite is extremely comfortable through harsh conditions.
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5.) Men's 808 Wingshooter
Irish Setter leads the industry with its groundbreaking technologies. The company is great because it never stops innovating for the hunters and workers it serves. Red Wing and Irish Setter have developed High Rebound Energy Return, Exclusive waterproofing, Cold Layer protection, and Irish Setter Scent Control.
The Men's 9" Wingshooter Is a classic design Upland Hunting Boot. The shaft measures approximately 8 ½ inches from the arch—the Upper features superior ankle support on those long treks into where your game lives. The Dark Brown Wingshooter provides excellent stability and traction with 100% imported leather.
Exclusive features of the Wingshooter are a contrasting stitched moccasin toe. The 808 includes speed lace hardware at the top and lace-up vamp. Some of the Irish Setter technology includes UltraDry waterproofing. The system provides a moisture management lining for long-lasting performance. The sole of the Wingshooter is a debris-shredding technology for miles of comfort.
The Footbed of this Irish Setter Boot is a removable polyurethane technology. Another comfort feature is the Wingshooter gives the hunter a full 13" opening.
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Buyer's Guide
The best upland hunting boots are always made of quality materials. The companies you buy from have built quality work and hunting boots for decades. Insulation is one of the first factors in superior development. Modern hunting boots commonly use Thinsulate or Shearling for insulation.
Thinsulate is a tough material that holds up well in harsh conditions. The shearling boot insulation is better for milder climates.
Upland Hunting Boot Outsoles are important features to look for. The new outsoles are made of natural rubber, polyurethane, or PVC. Consider the outsole's structure, which can be simple or complex with multiple structures or layers. Look for the right traction for your hunting style.
Also consider the lugs. Most people ignore these features, but lugs that are too large will collect mud and debris. Never skimp on any aspect of an Upland Hunting Boot.
Upland Hunting Boot Weight, Insulation, and Fit Try on the boot at your local sporting goods store. You don't want to be out in the cold and discover your boots don't fit.
Tighten ankle and instep boots. Your toes should be able to move freely inside the boot. If not, the boots are too small. Also, make sure the top of the boot and top lace does not obstruct circulation. If you can, walk around in your boots and find an incline to see how they react.
Insulation is often overlooked in Hunting Boots. Quality manufacturers give hunters options. Whether it's Thinsulate or Shearling, use this as a guide.
200 gram insulation is ideal for mild evenings or early morning hunts. Colder days and hunters who only sit in a tree stand all day should only consider 400 grams of insulation. Find a boot with 800 grams of insulation for hunting in 30-40 degree weather. 1200 gram insulation or more for icy weather. Winter months with little activity and below-freezing temperatures.
Upland Hunting Boot Reviews
When you are looking for your first pair of hunting boots, it is important to find a pair that is both comfortable and stylish. A great-looking pair of boots may not be very practical if they are not comfortable to wear. One style of hunting boot that you may want to consider is the upland hunting boot. These boots are more comfortable, weigh less, and are designed for longer hikes and hunts.
Here is a list of the best upland hunting boots on the market today.
1. Irish Setter 807 Wingshooter
Irish Setter is a brand name you will see a lot on our list because they make good shoes. They have been making shoes for about 60 years, and they are good at it.
The 807 Wingshooters are a good example of the dedication to craftsmanship. The full-grain leather exterior gives a rustic, classic look while providing excellent waterproofing. The Nylon-lined interior helps keep the boots breathable and comfortable. Additionally, the padded collar provides ankle support and comfort.
The EVA midsole is a key part of this boot. It helps to evenly distribute weight, which reduces fatigue even after long periods.
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2. Danner Pronghorn
When looking for quality pheasant hunting boots, you can expect to see Danner's name come up frequently. They make a variety of boots for different hunting styles and different types of games. In my opinion, the Pronghorn Gore-Tex boots are some of their best products.
This boot is made of fine, full-grain leather and Cordura textile, and it is very strong and will last through tough conditions. The rubber sole has a good grip and will not wear out easily. It provides good traction on any terrain.
Danner has perfected and patented a unique Gore-Tex waterproofing fabric for the inside of this boot model. They have also created and used Terra Force technology. This provides a lightweight platform for your feet without sacrificing durability, stability, or comfort.
These boots come with an Ortholite footbed a comfortable and long-lasting cushioning.
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3. Vfaprtrek
Irish Setter has been making quality hunting boots for about sixty years. They hadn't lost any of that quality when they began introducing women's boots to their portfolio.
The Vaprtrek 8" 400g women's hunting boot is similar to the men's Vaprtrek boots. It has full-grain, waterproof leather, and camouflage uppers. It also has ScentBan lining and UltraDry construction. But what makes it unique is the RPM technology.
Enjoy comfort, durability, and functionality with these boots on your next hunting trip!
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4. Muck Woody PK
These are comfortable, functional, and stylish hunting boots for any woman who wants to enjoy hunting with a bit of flair. The performance of these boots is just as good as the men's variety.
Not only are they stylish, but they also can be purchased with a warm-weather or cold-conditions package. The mesh lining is great for warmer weather or climates, keeping your feet cool and your boots breathable. The fleece lining option keeps your feet warm in even the coldest weather, through rain, snow, and more.
These boots are made of waterproof rubber. The uppers and soles are of very good quality. They will not let water in, and they are comfortable. You will not get blisters or sores while wearing these boots. They are easy to put on and take off.
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5. Irish Setter 896
Irish Setter has some really good boots called the 896 Wingshooter Upland Hunting Boots. They are impressively designed and perform very well.
These boots have a high-quality leather exterior and a modern look. They are comfortable and will keep your feet dry during a hunting trip or hike. The 400g Thinsulate lining and the UltraDry construction work together to make sure your feet are comfortable for a long time.
This shoe has a special grip that will help you stay stable on different types of terrain. This will help you stay focused on your target instead of worrying about your footing.
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Conclusion
A pair of quality hunting boots like one of the reviewed above, broken in properly are a joy to wear on extended hunts. Experienced hunters do not underestimate the need for taking care of their feet. Because each hunter has had some type of bad experience with blisters or other extensive foot problems.
Taking proper care of your feet will allow you to hunt harder and go farther than you have ever gone before. Be vigilant about your feet when out on a hunt. Small problems can become large one in a hurry.
You can not go wrong with any of the reviewed products above. I would recommend the Sharptail by Danner as my pick. Primarily because of the overall quality the boot provides and the exceptional long term superiority of the company.
Upland boots make an excellent choice for most any type of work or play. More than anything, it is vital to make sure the fit is as close to perfect as you can get. Your favorite sports store can be a tremendous advantage.
FAQs About Best Upland Hunting Boots
If you're going to be hunting in thick cover, it's a good idea to wear a long sleeve shooting shirt under your jacket or vest. That way, you won't scratch up your arms when you take your jacket off. As for the thick cover, chaps or brush pants will help you move through briars and heavy cover easily. Pheasant hunting is an active sport, so be prepared for many movements.
The boots are good for all kinds of weather and activities. They are perfect for hunting and outdoor activities. The boots are made of high-quality leather, so it will take a couple of days to wear them in and make them fit perfectly for your foot.
When you're going hunting, wear pants and a long-sleeve T-shirt. Over that, put on a medium-weight jacket. You can also wear a fleece or insulated vest if it's cold. For your outer layer, choose a jacket or camo hoodie. Avoid wearing anything too heavy unless you know the temperatures will be really cold.
Danner work boots are not all made in the USA, but some are based in Portland, Oregon. In Portland, Oregon, they continue to manufacture their most popular USA-made models.
Kangaroo leather is not waterproof on its own. It is a very strong and durable type of leather, but it would need some protection to make it more resistant to wear when used in wet or humid conditions.
You don't usually need to wear camouflage when hunting for upland game birds like turkeys and doves. However, during the early morning in the spring, you should wear many layers of camouflage when cold. Start out with fewer clothes on, and then put more on when you are done setting up and getting ready to sit for a while.
One consideration experience hunters make sure to evaluate when choosing their boots, snake proofing. Plenty of boot builders say their product is snake-proof, but only a few are genuinely impervious to these bites. When evaluating a snake boot, look for tall upper full-grain leather boots.
Boots need to have a tight fit and either a very good lace up front with an attached tongue, or sturdy zippered closure. A functional removable footbed should be another feature to look for after a tough day. Distinct features on the best boots are hardened rubber soles with documented durability.
Cleaning hunting boots is simple. If the boot is caked with mud, simply hose it off and let it dry naturally. Quality boot makers make durable products. If you enjoy hunting and hiking in muddy conditions, look for boot makers who proudly display their products' strength.
Your boots need a good soap clean now and then. Wash the boot with warm, clear water and a brush. Dig deep into the seams to remove dirt and debris. Never dry boots in front of a heat source.
Full-grain hunting boots benefit greatly from leather treatment. A good oil paste helps. In water, use a silicone water repellent to help waterproof the boots.
Boot makers usually tell their customers how to break in their boots. They don't want customers returning home with blisters. Customers should take boot breaking seriously. If your new boots fit and feel good, take your time breaking them in.
Wear the boots daily for a few months before your first hunt. If you can wear them all day without harming your feet, go for it. Leather will eventually mold to your feet. Wear the boots and apply Moleskin to the tender areas of your feet.
Your feet and boots will start to conform after a few days. Wearing your boots makes them more comfortable. It's lovely!