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The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Whether you're planning a trip to hunt moose in the Yukon or need a pair of reliable boots for your weekly duck hunt, we've done the research and rounded up the best men's hunting boots of the year.

Crispi Colorado hunting boot tread(Photo/Josh Kirchner)
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Hunting boots are a particular kind of beast. If your boots don’t hold up to the elements, odds are you won’t either.

Apart from being burly and weather-proof, the best hunting boots all have unique qualities. A good fit almost always depends on the wearer and the feet they’re packing. Some boots do stand above the rest, however, so we’ve compiled a diverse list of options to help you narrow down your choice.

When looking for the best of the best, we doubled down on researching what hunters wear for various styles of hunting. Finding the best hunting boot for your specialty can be the difference between an optimal day in the field or hoofing it back to the truck empty-handed because your feet are unhappy.

From the best elk hunting boots to the warmest boots for the treestand, you’re bound to find something that’ll work in this list.

Check out the links below if you know what you’re looking for, or keep scrolling to get a rundown of the best for each category. For any hair-splitting decisions have a look at our comparison chart, and If you don’t know where to start, check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide and FAQ section

Editor’s note: Updated March 18, 2024, this guide now includes the Zamberlan Sawtooth GTX RR WL, a rugged, warm boot that is very capable during long winter days in the backcountry.

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The Best Hunting Boots for Men of 2024


Best Overall Hunting Boot

Crispi Nevada GTX

Specs

  • Height 8"
  • Weight 1.9 lbs. per boot (size 10)
  • Insulation Uninsulated or 200g
  • Upper material Nubuck leather
Product Badge The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • The rugged sole provides great traction
  • Short break-in period
  • Very durable

Cons

  • Expensive
Best Budget Hunting Boot

LaCrosse Atlas

Specs

  • Height 8"
  • Weight 3.3 lbs. (average per pair)
  • Insulation Four options (uninsulated to 1,200 g)
  • Upper material Nubuck leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Light
  • Good outsole
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Softer sole isn't great in rugged mountain terrain
  • Not as durable as more premium options
Best Elk Hunting Boot

Schnee’s Kestrel

Specs

  • Height 6"
  • Weight 3.4 lbs. (average per pair)
  • Insulation None
  • Upper material Leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Double as a great hiking boot

Cons

  • No lace lock system
Best Hunting Boot for Foot & Ankle Problems

Kenetrek EverStep Orthopedic Boot

Specs

  • Height 10"
  • Weight 4.8 lbs. (average per pair)
  • Insulation Uninsulated
  • Upper material 2.8mm full-grain leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Excellent traction
  • Very supportive
  • Helps those with foot problems carry heavier loads

Cons

  • Too much support for most hunters, can be restrictive
  • Overkill for many types of hunting
Best Rubber Hunting Boot

XTRATUF Legacy 15″

Specs

  • Height 15"
  • Weight 4 lbs. (average per pair)
  • Insulation Uninsulated (open cell foam and Neoprene retain heat well)
  • Upper material Triple-dipped latex neoprene
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Completely waterproof, great for standing in rivers
  • Durable
  • Warm
  • Easy on, easy off

Cons

  • Not comfortable for long-distance walking
Most Versatile Hunting Boots

Danner Recurve

Specs

  • Height 7"
  • Weight 3 lbs. (average per pair)
  • Insulation Uninsulated to 400 g
  • Upper material Leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Light
  • Mid-flex sole great for everything from mountain stalking to plains hiking
  • Available in insulated or uninsulated models
  • Great price

Cons

  • Not as durable as some heavier boots
  • Sole a little soft for extremely steep terrain
Best Rugged Terrain Winter Hunting Boot

Zamberlan Sawtooth GTX RR WL

Specs

  • Height 11"
  • Weight 2.08 lbs. per boot (size 42)
  • Insulation GORE-TEX Insulation Comfort Membrane
  • Upper material Hydrobloc Nubuck leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Seemingly impervious to water, yet very breathable
  • Comfortable out of the box
  • Astounding traction
  • Warm, yet comfortable for hard exertion

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Roomy last may not fit narrower feet
Best Whitetail Hunting Cold Weather Boot

Korkers Neo Arctic

Specs

  • Height 16"
  • Weight 5 lbs., 4 oz. per pair
  • Insulation 8 mm of ultra-warm neoprene, fleece lining, EVA midsole
  • Upper material 8mm Neoprene, 100% waterproof vulcanized rubber construction
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Unbelievably warm
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Calf friction can lead to the dreaded sock-sag
Best of the Rest

AKU Superalp NBK GTX

Specs

  • Height 6"
  • Weight 3.1 lbs. per pair
  • Insulation Uninsulated
  • Upper material 2.6mm nubuck leather + AIR8000
  • Sole VIBRAM Foura mountain sole
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Great support-to-weight ratio
  • Excellent traction
  • Value price for such high-quality boots

Cons

  • The sole is overkill for flat terrain

Irish Setter Wingshooter 9″

Specs

  • Height 9"
  • Weight 2 lbs. per boot (average)
  • Insulation Two options (uninsulated to 400g)
  • Upper material Leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Great for walking long miles
  • Flexible sole ideal for fields
  • Light

Cons

  • Not very supportive
  • Traction only OK on steeper slopes

Lowa Renegade II N GTX Hi TF

Specs

  • Height 8"
  • Weight 1.4 lbs. (average per boot)
  • Insulation Uninsulated
  • Upper material Nubuck leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Le Chameau Lite Stalking Boot

Specs

  • Height 10"
  • Weight 3.3 lbs. (average per pair)
  • Insulation Uninsulated
  • Upper material Terracare full-grain leather
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Danner Pronghorn

Specs

  • Height 8"
  • Weight 3.3 lbs. (average per pair)
  • Insulation Uninsulated to 1,200 g
  • Upper material Full grain leather and nylon
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Crispi Colorado II GTX

Specs

  • Height 8"
  • Weight 1.7 lbs. (average per boot)
  • Insulation Uninsulated
  • Upper material Suede and CORDURA
The Best Hunting Boots for Men in 2024

Hunting Boots Comparison Chart

Hunting BootsPriceHeightWeight (per pair)InsulationUpper Material
Crispi Nevada GTX$4508″3.8 lbs. Uninsulated or 200gNubuck leather
LaCrosse Atlas
$2408″3.3 lbs. Four options (uninsulated
to 1,200 g)
Nubuck leather
Schnee’s Kestrel$390 6″3.4 lbs. noneLeather
Kenetrek EverStep
Orthopedic Boot
$62510″4.8 lbs. Uninsulated2.8mm full-grain leather
Irish Setter Wingshooter 9″$2159″2 lbs. Two options (uninsulated to 400g)Leather
XTRATUF Legacy 15″$16015″4 lbs. Uninsulated (open cell foam and Neoprene retain heat well)Triple Dipped Latex Neoprene
Danner Recurve$240 7″3 lbs. Uninsulated to 400gLeather
Zamberlan Sawtooth GTX RR WL$52511″4.16 lbs.GORE-TEX Insulation Comfort MembraneHydrobloc Nubuck leather
Korkers Neo Arctic$20016″5.4 lbs.8mm of ultra-warm neoprene, fleece lining, EVA midsole8mm Neoprene, 100% waterproof vulcanized rubber construction
AKU Superalp NBK GTX
$380 6″3.1 lbs.3.1 lbs per pair2.6MM Nubuck Leather + AIR8000
Lowa Renegade II N GTX Hi TF$300 8″2.8 lbs. UninsulatedNubuck leather
Le Chameau Lite Stalking Boot$40010″3.3 lbs. UninsulatedTerracare full-grain leather
Danner Pronghorn$2708″3.3 lbs. Uninsulated to 1,200 gFull grain leather and nylon
Crispi Colorado GTX$3508″3.4 lbs. UninsulatedSuede and CORDURA
Testing boots and gaiters in some of the nastiest mud we’ve ever experienced during a pack-in elk hunt in Colorado’s Flat Tops; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Why You Should Trust Us

We realize hunting boots can make or break your trip. And we want you to have a good hunt. Our recommendations come based on literal decades of experience in the field. Our lead author on this article began hunting at the age of 12 and is now well into his 40s. He and our team meet with brands many times a year to learn about new technology and design in the footwear space.

Finally, we put these boots to the test in person. We’ve used the boots everywhere from Alaska to Montana, Colorado, Nebraska, and more. Our goal in this article is to help you find the best hunting boots for your specific needs — just as we would for our friends. For a rundown of what’s out there specifically for women, check out our guide to women’s hunting boots.

We’d love to hear from you too, so please reach out on social media or contact us by email if you have comments about our selections. Thanks for reading, and have a great hunt!

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Hunting Boot

Choosing the best hunting boots comes down to your style of hunting. If you’re waterfowl hunting from a marsh blind in the South, you’re probably not going to wear a pair of insulated Kenetrek boots. Upland hunting in rattlesnake country? Snake boots might be a necessary evil.

Weather, terrain, and habitat challenges are the three dictators of which boot you’ll pull on. Here are a few things that can help you find the best boot for your foot. And if you need more detailed info, check out our 20 tips on buying the perfect boot.

Our test pair of Danner Recurve after 2 years and hundreds of miles of hunting; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Know Your Size & Boot Fit

Remember those weird metal slide things that you’d step into for sizing? They’re still a helpful tool. Feet can change and grow as we get older, and getting precise measurements at your local REI, Scheels, or sporting goods store can help you choose the right pair.

You might wear a 9 in one brand and a 10 in another or need a narrow or wide size. Be open to trying something outside of your size range.

If you plan on doing long days in your new boots, some foot swelling is probably in your future. Try on boots at the end of the day, as feet tend to be bigger then.

If a boot feels snug all around, a half-size up is probably your better bet. And if they’re tight in the toebox on day 1, you don’t want to experience day 2 in them.

Avoid Hot Spots & Get Your System Down Early

Don’t try on boots with socks you wouldn’t wear while hunting in them. Make sure your socks are seasonally appropriate and fit well with your boot. Take a look at our guide to the best hunting socks for our top recommendations. If you’re looking for a boot to get you through a late-season elk hunt, then focus on insulation and waterproofing.

If you’re looking for an early-season archery boot, put on your lightweight hiking socks and make sure they’re breathable. The biggest thing here is to avoid hot spots that can lead to blisters. You’ll want to nail down your system before heading into the woods.

Is the fit still a bit off? Another thing that can help correct fit is finding an insole that you like. 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 right.

Where Are You Going?

Are you planning to move fast in steep, rocky, desert terrain? Think breathability, traction, and stiffer ankle support. Going on a late-fall hunt with a heavy pack in the Northwest? Think waterproofness, stability, and warmth. Not sure what types of terrain you’re getting into? An all-around boot with water resistance might be your best bet.

Above all, wherever you’re going, break in your boots before you go. Wear them around the house, to the store, and on some local short trails. Find the hotspots before you’re committed to a major outing. You do not want blisters during a backcountry hunt!

Break-in time can vary from boot to boot. Read reviews. Know what your break-in goal is for your pair of hunting boots, and make sure that boots feel comfortable before hitting the hills. Your feet will thank you in the long term.

FAQ

How much should a hunting boot cost?

Hunting boots are one of the most important pieces of gear for any hunter. As such, they aren’t a place to skimp. Hunters can expect to pay between $125 to $500 for hunting boots. Boots on the lower end of the price scale will skimp on materials and durability, while those on the higher end will often last for many years and provide superior comfort. Mid-price boots in the $250 range are a good compromise for hunters who want good quality on a reasonable budget.

What is the best material for hunting boots?

All hunting boots use various materials in their construction. The best boots use leather or nylon uppers attached to a supportive midsole, often with some sort of foam for support. Finally, a brand-name outsole like Vibram made from rubber compounds provides a very reliable connection to the ground. Some boots contain insulation like Thinsulate to keep feet warm in cold weather, so consider if you need extra heat during your hunt.

What are the warmest hunting boots?

Several brands offer extremely warm boots. Among the warmest hunting boots, the  Korkers Neo Arctic, listed above, are rated to -60 degrees F and among our favorites for treestand hunting in cold weather. The Baffin APEX and LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1600G are also great choices for extremely warm hunting boots.

How should hunting boots fit?

In short, many leather or hiking-oriented boots should fit very comfortably yet be lightly snug when new. That’s because most of these will loosen up as they break in over the first few weeks of use. Plan to buy boots in your regular street shoe size and wear them for several short hikes before your first big days in the field to break them in and find any hotspots before you’re committed to a hunt.

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