Different Types of Hunting Boots
When choosing the right hunting gear for your next adventure, a lot of planning and thought goes into each purchase. The matter of hunting boots is no exception to this rule since you need a pair that will protect your feet and give you the support you need. Let's take a look at the different types of hunting boots to ensure you make the right choice on this important matter.
Different Types of Hunting Boots
There are several different types of hunting boots and each one is intended for specific scenarios.
Upland hunting boots.
This is a hunting boot intended for flat and grassy terrain that is often hilly and the name refers to the fact that the hunter will most likely walk upland to hunt. These boots usually offer just enough traction for the grassy terrain but are not suitable for rockier terrains. The boot typically comes up to just over the ankle and looks similar to standard hiking boots.
Mountain hunting boots.
This boot type offers better traction than upland hunting boots to help with movement and staying steady. They are also made with a bigger emphasis on insulation since mountains are cooler than the low lying lands. The boot typically comes to around the same height as the upland boot but may be a little higher.
Snake boots.
These are hunting boots made specifically for marshy, wet areas where there are a lot of snakes. These are made to go up well past the ankle, almost to knee-high length, to help protect against snake bites. They are also usually scent resistant and available as either insulated or uninsulated to accommodate for the season. They are great for hunting in low country or marshes, as well as on rainy days. They are not particularly well suited to hiking however as they offer little in the way of traction.
Rubber hunting boots.
These are often called wading boots and they are commonly used to wade through water while helping to keep feet dry. They are mostly used when duck hunting. They are almost knee high but often a bit shorter than your standard snake hunting boots.
Considerations When Choosing Hunting Boots
Aside from knowing the types of boots, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure you get the right pair for your needs. If you look at these factors, it will help you narrow down the best type for your needs. You should also keep in mind that while all of these factors are interrelated to one another, you should still consider them separately to get the best result.
Terrain.
The terrain will determine the traction on the boot. If you intend to stick to low country, grassy, or flatter terrains, the need for traction isn't as great as taking on rougher terrains. If you think you will eventually take on rougher terrains in your hunting adventures, you can either opt for a mountain terrain ready boot and just wear it year round in your flat terrain hunting or you can purchase two separate boot types so you have one for each terrain.
Season/weather.
You also want to consider the season and weather conditions for when you normally hunt in terms of finding the right boot type. For example, summer boots are typically lighter and more breathable whereas winter boots are year-round with thicker insulation. The season will also play a role in matters of traction since you need more traction for icy terrains.
Insulation/weight.
The insulation is related to the seasonality of the boot. For instance, a summer boot will weigh 200 grams or less and have very little insulation. This can be offset in the fall by wearing thicker socks. A fall hunting boot will come in around 400 to 800 grams and offer more insulation layers ideal for temperature drops. A full on winter hinting boot will offer the best insulation coming in at 900 grams and above with thicker insulation to trap in as much heat as possible.
Material/construction.
You should also consider the material and overall construction of the boot. For instance, some boots come with removable liners that make the boot more of a year round boot so you can take them out in warmer months and put them back in for winter. There are also waterproof boots for just about every season and terrain so you should look for that as part of the construction.