Rubber hunting boots aren’t exactly known for their nimbleness. Nor do they stand out as especially breathable or lightweight. Even the best ones generate a lot of sweat and feel like bricks after you log a mile or so.
However, Chêne’s Floodline Velo boot looks to have solved these issues. The streamlined and snug lowers fit like a glove, yet the uninsulated air mesh lining makes them breathable, so you don’t have to sweat your feet off.
You can also run them from turkey season through most early-season whitetail hunts. Best of all, the zippered, waterproof gusset makes it a breeze to remove after a hard day of run-and-gun hunting.
In short: The Chêne Floodline Velo boot makes an excellent option for run-and-gun hunters who need the coverage of a full-size rubber boot.
Looking for your next pair of hunting boots? Check out our choices for the best hunting boots of the year.
- Weight: 4.5 lbs. (per pair)
- Sizes: 6-14 (men’s)
- Lining: Air mesh lining
- Upper: Rubber external
- Insoles: 5mm and 7mm PU Comfortech
- Closure: Full-length YKK zipper
- Patterns: Mossy Oak Green Leaf, Bottomland, Brown, Olive
Pros
- Snug fit
- Super easy on/off
- No break-in period
- Breathable for a rubber boot
- Great for run-and-gun
Cons
- Traction could be better
- No women’s sizes
Chêne Floodline Velo Boot Review
Testing the Chêne Floodline Velo Boots
I’ve had the pleasure of testing the Chêne Floodline Velo boots on some post-season whitetail scouting trips and the early part of turkey season. The wet, snake-filled river bottoms of the deep South provided the testing grounds, and the Light Zipper Boots handled these conditions with poise and grit.
The light, flexible material of the Floodline Velos make these boots feel and fit more like a pair of shoes. This lightweight construction makes them ideal for long treks.
As soon as I received the boots, I tested them on a quick scouting trip. I logged roughly 6 miles and never thought about getting a blister. New rubber boots typically require a break-in period, but the Velos felt like a comfortable, well-worn pair.
During the opening week of my state’s turkey season, I hunted an area a few miles from the road. After a successful hunt and several miles later, I made it back to the trailhead blister-free. Rubber boots aren’t the best tools for logging miles, but the Chêne Floodline Velos never created any hotspots, and I had plenty of room in the toebox.
I hunt a lot of areas that might hold water year-round, and keeping my feet dry keeps me in the field longer. Even on days I plan on burning a ton of boot leather, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear the Velos. They’re comfortable, and they’ve quickly become my favorite pair of rubber hunting boots.
Perhaps my favorite thing about these boots is how little removal effort they require. Most rubber boots require two hands and a lot of gritting to remove. Even after covering several miles, I slipped the boots off hands-free (without unzipping them). The bottom line is that I barely noticed these boots, which makes them a joy to wear.
What the Chêne Floodline Velo Boots Do Best
Rubber hunting boots aren’t known for their breathability, and they’re a pain to remove when your feet sweat — except for the Floodline Velo boots. I typically hunt the river bottoms of the Deep South. Between the snakes and standing water, a lightweight hiker isn’t really an option. So, the Chêne Floodline Velo boots make run-and-gun hunting in this type of setting a breeze.
My feet don’t form sweat pools in my boots, and they don’t slow me down after logging several miles. Best of all, the effortless on/off is a nice welcome when I make it back to the truck.
The Floodline Velos also don’t feel like a pair of rubber boots. The flexible uppers allow you to stay agile and move swiftly in the field. I can’t say the same about other rubber boots.
Where the Floodline Boots Can Improve
The Floodline Velo boots excel as an early-season or turkey-hunting boot. They’re lightweight, comfortable right out of the box, and breathable enough to keep your feet from overheating on long hikes through the spring woods. The snug fit and ankle support also make it easier to cover uneven ground quietly and efficiently, which is ideal for stalking wary gobblers.
However, the traction on the outer soles doesn’t quite meet the boot’s other features. The tread pattern is relatively shallow and lacks aggressive lugs, which can make footing unpredictable in slick conditions.
Creek crossings become particularly difficult during wet spring days when mossy rocks and muddy banks require a confident grip. A more robust outsole would greatly improve the overall reliability and make these boots a top choice for serious spring hunters.
Final Thoughts
I became a fan of these boots as soon as I slipped them on. The comfort, snug fit, and breathability of the Floodline Velo boots should appeal to run-and-gun hunters who want a multiseason boot. For hunters in the Deep South or those who prefer rubber hunting boots, I can’t think of a better option.
If you want the convenience and waterproofing capabilities of a rubber boot without sacrificing the comfort of a lightweight hiker, you should consider the Chêne Floodline Velo boot.
