The Best Women's Hunting Boots of 2023

Your hunting boot may be one of the most important gear choices you make. They are your single connection point to the terrain, unless you lose your footing and make several painful connection points to the terrain. A bad boot can often mean a bad hunt. You can walk a long way with a lot of bad gear, but once your feet are done, you’re done.

It wasn’t always the case, but women’s hunting boots have come a long way, and I’m glad to say that we have a lot of options. Not long ago, we had to make do with nonspecific hiking boots or winter boots. Today, we have what feels like endless options for hunt-specific women’s boots.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys and check out our buyer’s guide for some expert advice on choosing a hunting boot. When it’s time to make a decision you can see a side-by-side breakdown of price and features in our comparison chart.

The Best Women’s Hunting Boots of 2023

Best Overall Women’s Hunting Boot: Schnee’s Kestrel
Best Budget Women’s Hunting Boot: LaCrosse Clear Shot
Best for Mountain Hunting: Kenetrek Mountain Extreme
Best Boots for Upland Bird Hunting: Danner Wayfinder
Best Rubber Boot: Irish Setter MudTrek Boots
Best Hiking Boot for Hunting: Lowa Renegade GTX

Specs

Upper: Top Grain Leather
Waterproof: 100% Waterproof Sympatex™ Membrane
Outsole: Vibram™ Circuma™ outsole
Insulation: Uninsulated

Pros

Lightweight
Comfortable
Supportive

Cons

Expensive for an uninsulated boot

The Schnee’s Kestrel ($389) has been a favorite men’s hunting boot for years. It may seem lame to get excited about a women’s version, but I was stoked. The opportunity to have one of the first women’s pairs off the line gave me a chance to put them through the paces, and they met and exceeded all my hopes. I’ve run them for a few seasons now, and they’ve never let me down.

The Kestrel could have landed as the best hiking boot, best early-season boot, best non-insulated boot, best upland boot, and more, which is exactly why it found itself here. The boot is supportive without being cumbersome. It is lightweight and feels more like a hiker than a mountain hunting boot. It is comfortable and waterproof and breathes and I love them. They just get the job done in a plethora of hunting scenarios.

I wear my Kestrels in the early season and only swap to an insulated boot when the temps really drop or I need a higher ankle to help with snow protection. If you’re a fan of Schnee’s Boots, as solid choice for a colder weather version of a Schnee’s boot is the Beartooth.

Otherwise, this is a boot that fits most hunting scenarios that you’ll run into, and it does it comfortably.

If you’d like to read our full review of the Women’s Kestrel, check it out here.

Specs

Upper: Nubuck Leather and Nylon
Waterproof: Waterproof Dry-Core Lining
Outsole: Crosshair Outsole
Insulation: 800 grams Thinsulate

Pros

Incredibly Warm
Budget Friendly
Classic Look
Suitable for Most Cold Weather Hunting

Cons

A bit stiff
Require a longer break-in period

The LaCrosse Clear Shot ($190) offers 800 g of insulation under $200, which is tough to beat. With a leather and nylon upper and a waterproof lining, your feet should stay protected from the elements and dry. The 8-inch build provides excellent ankle support, and the outsole has the aggressive tread needed to keep you steady when things get slick.

The classic brown and tan combo gives it a bit of a modern tactical look, which does nothing for performance — but hey, it looks cool.

It should be noted that the leather and nylon combo can be a bit stiff and these boots might just need some extra time to break in.

BUT – If you need warmth and durability without taking out a loan, the Clear Shot should get the job done.

Specs

Upper: full grain leather
Waterproof: Windtex® waterproof breathable flexible membrane
Outsole: K-Talon™ outsoles
Insulation: 400 gram Thinsulate™

Pros

Seriously Stiff for Serious Mountain Work
Waterproof and Warm
Sole rigidity to help alleviate foot flex fatigue

Cons

Seriously Stiff (the break-in period might be harsh)
Expensive

This boot is stiff. Seriously stiff. That’s the goal. The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boot ($505) is designed for side-hilling steep country, seriously supporting ankles while descending, and providing an extreme exoskeleton of relief in tough conditions. It was our top boot for mountain hunting last year, and it holds the spot this year.

If you’re hunting elk, sheep, or mountain goats in high-alpine territory, the Mountain Extreme is a mid-to-late season boot designed to give you support and keep your feet dry and warm while doing it. This boot is certainly a specialist, and its $505 price tag speaks to that.

Specs

Upper: Suede leather and nylon
Waterproof: Waterproof Danner dry liner
Outsole: Danner Wayfinder outsole
Insulation: 400g Thinsulate

Pros

Comfortable
Feels more like an athletic shoe than a boot
Warm

Cons

The toebox can be a little tight if you have wider feet

Danner’s Wayfinder ($180) is a boot you’ll find on most lists of the best upland boots. They are comfortable and capable in more than just upland conditions. Notoriously warm for the price tag, 400 g of insulation helps to keep your feet cozy on long days in marshy walking.

With a lacing system that runs nearly to the toe, the Wayfinder gives you a bit more control of where snugness occurs on your foot. That being said, the toebox is a bit narrow. If you have a wide foot or prefer room in the toe, you might not find it here.

The thinner outsole helps them stay light and feel a bit more like a shoe than a boot. These are a great choice for the bird chaser in both the spring and fall seasons.

Specs

Upper: Vulcanized Rubber
Waterproof: TempSense Lining
Outsole: Aggressive Lug Pattern Outsole
Insulation: 1200g PrimaLoft

Pros

Insanely warm
Comfortable
17-inch, adjustable calf keeps everything out

Cons

Bulky and Clunky

I hated these Irish Setter MudTrek Boots ($230) when I first got them. They now live at my front door and are my daily winter muck boot. This is a redemption story.

These may be one of the warmest boots I’ve ever worn in the field. The Irish Setter MudTrek with 1200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation has the feel of an arctic Bunny Boot, with far more flex and comfort.

Where did my hate come from? I slipped them on with a pair of short ankle socks in a hurry to help track a deer. I came home with horrendous blisters. This was not a boot issue. It was a sock issue… but I held a grudge.

During the 2022 big game season, I gave them a second chance and wore these boots through some of the coldest temps on record, for both late-season deer and mountain lion hunting, and my feet have never been warmer on a cold hunt. With the mercury dipping well below -20 degrees in often knee-deep snow, my face was painfully frigid, my fingers had essentially lost function, but my feet weren’t even a consideration. It wasn’t until I returned to the truck that it even dawned on me that my feet were completely dry and my toes weren’t frozen.

On the flip side, if your feet run hot or the temps are moderate, this likely isn’t the boot for you.

Specs

Upper: Nubuck Leather
Waterproof: Gore-Tex Lining
Outsole: Vibram Evo Outsole
Insulation: Non-Insulated

Pros

Lightweight
Athletic fit
Multi-use boot

Cons

Might not be suitable for aggressive terrain hunting or side-hilling

The Lowa Renegade GTX ($255) is a hiking boot with staying power. They’ve been around for years, and for good reason. At just over 2 pounds, they’re lightweight compared to a typical hunting boot, yet incredibly supportive and comfortable to cover ground in. A waterproof liner keeps feet dry, while Vibram outsoles keep you steady on your feet.

Winner of multiple awards over the years, it’s a boot that just works. In hunting applications, if you’re trying to get miles behind you and get in deep, these are a great option.

Specs

Upper: Rubber
Waterproof: Latex Neoprene Liner
Outsole: Non-Marking, Low Tread Outsole
Insulation: Non-Insulated

Pros

A go-to boot that just works.
Waterproof
Let's be honest, they're cool looking

Cons

Size up. They run small and slender
No ankle or arch support

The Xtratuf 15″ Legacy Boot ($160) is simple and it works. Likely found on every fishing vessel and dock on both coasts, it’s become a staple piece of gear. If you’re in Alaska and someone tells you to grab your boots, odds are, they mean these.

In the hunting world, these indestructible boots are perfect for waterfowl hunting, chasing early-season turkeys, or any other hunting where the muck is deep and the water is everywhere.

I’ve worn them upland hunting in areas with spongy ground. They’ve climbed with me into a tree stand. My feet have stayed dry in them on a horse through deeper-than-desired water. I lived in them fly fishing across Iceland. I’ve probably worn these more often than any other boot, to be honest.

Are they giving you any ankle support? Not really. Are they the most comfortable boots I own? Nope. Do they live at my front door because they can handle anything? Yup. Do they get tossed into my truck for every adventure? You know it.

One big flaw, they run small. I love mine, but after a few hours, I can feel pressure points that make them verge on uncomfortable. I’m just too lazy and cheap to buy a size larger at this point.

Want to learn more about this boot? Read our full review!

Specs

Upper: Leather and Nylon Upper
Waterproof: Waterproof Lining
Outsole: Slip Resistant
Insulation: Non-Insulated

Pros

Protection from snakes
Lightweight

Cons

Reports of zipper failure are something to consider

Sometimes, you need a snake boot. The Magellan Women’s Snake Defender ($120) will give you peace of mind when trudging through rattlesnake country. I’ve had too many rattlesnake encounters to number at this stage of my hunting career, and the older I get, the more I become interested in snake boots.

As technology improves, these boots continue to get a bit lighter and more streamlined while still providing the protection you need to prevent a punched-in you by nature’s biggest jerk faces. These boots aren’t perfect. A lot of people have reported that the zipper construction is sub-par and a few reports of outsole separation make us nervous – but if we’re honest, there aren’t a lot of snake boot options for women.

We hate that snake boots even have to exist, but we are grateful we have an option if we need them.

Specs

Upper: Synthetic and Nylon Mesh
Waterproof: Not Waterproof
Outsole: Deep Lug, Aggressive Outsole
Insulation: Non-Insulated

Pros

Comfortable
Breathes and keeps feet cool
Aggressive Tread means steady feet

Cons

Not suitable for gnarly weather
No ankle protection/support

The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX ($150) is a trail running shoe, so why is it on this list? This is one of the shoes you find on many hunters’ feet back at camp (a runner-up to Crocs).

They’re an awesome hiking option and have the aggressive tread required for some rugged terrain while still just being a lightweight shoe that is really comfortable.

After 3 or so days of straight hunting, I tend to dread putting my boots on in the morning. If the conditions are fair and I’m not summiting rocky peaks, the Salomons will get some field days beneath my bow.

Women’s Hunting Boot Comparison Chart

Hunting Boots	Price	Upper	Waterproof	Insulation
Schnee’s Kestrel	$389	Top Grain Leather	Waterproof Sympatex™ Membrane	Non-insulated
LaCrosse Clear Shot	$190	Nubuck Leather and Nylon	Waterproof Dry-Core Lining	800g Thinsulate
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme	$505	Full Grain Leather	Windtex® waterproof breathable	400g Thinsulate™
Danner Wayfinder	$180	Suede Leather and Nylon	Waterproof Danner Dry Liner	400g Thinsulate
Irish Setter MudTrek Boots	$230	Vulcanized Rubber	Waterproof TempSense Lining	1200g PrimaLoft
Lowa Renegade GTX	$255	Nubuck Leather	Gore-Tex Lining	Non-Insulated
Xtratuf 15″ Legacy Boot	$160	Rubber	Latex Neoprene Liner	Non-Insulated
Magellan Women’s Snake Defender	$120	Leather and Nylon Upper	Waterproof Lining	Non-Insulated
Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX	$150	Synthetic and Nylon Mesh	Not Waterproof	Non-Insulated

Author glassing the Missouri Breaks of Montana; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

Why You Should Trust Us

We hunt a lot. Not only do we hunt, but we hunt in a variety of conditions. Boots are one of the most essential pieces of gear a hunter can wear, so we make it a point to get a lot of boots on our feet. It may sound cliché, but they can make or break your hunt.

After wearing so many different boot styles and covering countless miles on rugged terrain, we feel confident that we’re helping you make the best decision you can in your boot choice.

Hunting boots are often a big investment, and we don’t take that lightly. We wear our boots through streams and mud, across loose shale, and in frigid conditions.

If there’s a chance to ruin a boot, we take it. Our goal is to put these boots through things you’d never dream of doing to your own. We intensionally try to find the weak points, so you never have to.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Hunting Boot

Choosing the right boot is a deeply personal endeavor. Your foot is not shaped the same as mine. Your arch may be different. You may have a wider toebox requirement. Finding the right pair of boots is a matter of finding the crossroads of what fits your foot and what fits your activity.

The best rubber waterfowl boot on the market is worthless if your foot is covered in blisters by the end of the day. The most comfortable pair of hiking boots you own is just as worthless if your foot is soaked from inclement conditions.

Here are a few tips that can help you find the best boot for your foot and needs.

If you need more detailed info, check out our 20 tips on buying the perfect boot.

Author hunting Early Archery Season in record-breaking high temps;(photo/Rachelle Schrute)

Know Your Size, Fit, and Be Flexible

If you were to ask me what size boot I wear, I would default to a 6. The reality is that I own and wear boots anywhere from a 5.5 up to a 7. Each boot fits a little differently, and depending on the season, sock choice, and build of the boot, the sizes you need may vary pretty drastically. If you have the ability, get into a physical store and try them on.

Pro tip: Try on boots at the end of the day, as feet tend to be just slightly bigger after hours of being on them.

Even if you plan on buying your boots online, it’s best to get them on your foot first. If you can’t try them on, make sure the boots you pull the trigger on have a decent return policy in the event they don’t work out.

It’s good to know that the way the best women’s hunting boots fit should vary, pending on your activity. For intense mountaineering-style hunting, you want a snug but comfortable boot to prevent your foot from sliding around inside the boot, causing injury and pain. For even terrain hunting, you may want a little extra room for walking comfort.

The **Schnee’s Kestrel** offers plenty of support for steeper terrain while being comfortable for long days in the field; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

Avoid Hot Spots & Get Your System Down Early

I cannot stress this enough: Wear your boots. As soon as you make the decision to buy a pair of hunting boots, wear them to the office, grocery store, park, around the house, and up and down every flight of stairs you can find. The sooner you have them on your feet, the sooner you discover any issues that could wreck your hunting experience.

The break-in period for the best women’s hunting boots is crucial, and the earlier it starts, the better.

You should also make sure to wear them with their corresponding socks. If you’ll be wearing thick wool socks during hunting season, you better wear them during pre-season. To better dial in your sock game, check out our guide to the best hunting socks.

If you find they aren’t comfortable after breaking them in a bit, there are some other things you can do. An insole can be a game changer. Superfeet is a favorite, and the brand has a plethora of insoles to choose from for various scenarios.

Additionally, you can try multiple lacing systems to get the fit of your boot just so. Sock liners are another mode of defense over hot spots.

Where Are You Going?

Are you heading to steep, rocky, elevation-gaining terrain? You’re going to need a stiffer sole, serious traction, and solid ankle support.

Going on a late-fall hunt with a heavy pack in the Northwest? Now we’re talking waterproofing, traction, and warmth.

Not sure what types of terrain you’re getting into? An all-around boot with water resistance and serious comfort may be your priority features.

FAQ

No. A good pair of hiking boots will typically suffice. If you get serious about hunting and you’re putting in a lot of time on the mountain or in the field, you should seriously consider it, though. Hunting boots are typically built with specific hunt activities in mind, offer great support, and superior protection from the elements. That all being said, it’s better to have a comfortable hiking boot than it is to have a hunting boot that destroys your feet.

Typically, yes. Though most dedicated hunting boots are waterproof, as water and muck are just par for the course, you should consider taking extra care to protect your boots. With leather boots, each brand usually recommends a treatment that works best for their boot. Nikwax is a popular treatment for waterproofing leather. Some people also use bear grease or bee’s wax.

Rubber boot treatments are less common, but if you live in a really arid environment, you can face cracking if you don’t care for you boots properly. Consider treating your rubber boots with a product like Gear Aid Revivex (which is also great for neoprene).

Women and cold feet: it’s a tale as old as time. As someone with chronically cold feet, this one hits home. There are several ways to keep your feet warm during hunting season. The first is to keep them dry. Wet feet are hard to bounce back from and it’s tough to dry out a boot in the field. Be sure your boots are fully waterproof and if you’re nervous about wet conditions, invest in a pair of gaiters.

On the flip side, make sure your feet aren’t sweating. A hot sweaty foot becomes a cold clammy foot pretty quickly. If you overdo insulation, you can really end up with colder feet.

High-quality wool socks are invaluable. Invest in a few good pairs of socks. They are expensive, but they are worth it. Even a bad pair of boots can be tolerated with a good pair of socks.

When all else fails: HotHands Toe Warmers are worth their weight in gold.
*pro-tip: put them on the TOP of your toebox in your boot, not on the insole.