Hunting is about being ready for every opportunity that may arise, in any environment. Weather remains the primary element that a hunter needs to consider, which is why having the best cold-weather hunting boots for any situation is key—especially during icy weather. With the wrong pair, you’ll be heading home before the hunting gets going.
We’ve thoroughly researched the best boots on the market today for each category on our list. Our complete guide to hunting boots for all cold weather situations will help you find the perfect pair to get you through the toughest of hunts.
Essential Features for Cold Weather Hunting Boots
Insulation
To begin with, your boots should be insulated with a sweat-resistant lining for warmth and have a waterproof upper to keep your feet dry. This is very important for trekking through snow or mud. Having wet, cold feet is not only miserable but dangerous for your health.
Comfort and Support
Regardless of whether you’re tracking deer in the snow or hunting from a tree stand, it’s vital that your hunting boots are comfortable for long periods of wear. A firm, waterproof outsole with an anti-slip grip will help achieve this. For extra comfort, a padded insole or memory foam insole will support the foot, ideal for walking considerable distances or standing in fixed positions for a long time.
Durability
Hunting boots should be durable enough for off-trail terrains. To protect against brush, the boot height should sit higher on the leg, well above the ankle. Standard boots tend to be at ankle height and don’t offer much shin protection. Hunting boots tend to be made from full-grain leather and mesh for sturdiness, while hiking or walking boots will be made from lighter, synthetic materials.
Appearance and Style
Colorways are also key for hunting boots. They should be in muted, earthy colors that are ideal for camouflage, with metal accessories such as eyelets and zippers in a matte rather than a shiny finish.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Spot Quality Boots
These features are all designed to benefit the wearer and to overcome common issues that can come with the sport.
“Waterproof” Not “Water-Resistant”
To keep feet dry, hunting boots will have a waterproof upper plus a calf-height boot shaft to protect the leg against snow and brush. The boots should be marked ‘waterproof’—not “water-resistant.”
The difference is that water-resistant boots can only resist moisture up to a certain point. For instance, a water-resistant boot could handle light rain but not deep snow or heavy showers.
On the other hand, waterproof boots are designed for full water protection, allowing you to wade through deep snow and other wet conditions without getting moisture into your footwear.
Quality Insulation and Snug Fit
All hunting boots for cold weather should feature insulated lining for further waterproofing and to prevent frostbite. This insulation should be made from a breathable textile to keep feet dry and sweat-free. Gore-Tex, with a blend of Thinsulate insulation, is a common option on many boots that works really well.
Keep in mind: the insulation amount will affect the weight, warmth, and fit of your boots. More insulation will make the boot feel heavier when worn, but it’ll also help you stay outdoors for longer in extreme conditions.
For a great fit and feel, you should make sure that the boot fits closely to the leg for extra comfort and sturdiness. Footbeds and cushioned insoles can also offer extra comfort and insulation against the cold.
Padded and Supportive Footbed
The footbed helps to support your foot’s arch and heel pad. A popular material used in footbeds is Polyurethane, which acts as a pillow for these pressure points.
Many footwear brands choose this material because it provides optimal cushioning, plus helps with shock absorption and moisture-wicking by keeping sweat away from your feet. It’s ideal for trekking across hard terrain.
Many hunting boots come with removable insoles, so if you have a certain brand of insole that you prefer, you can easily add your own to the boot.
ShoeGuide’s Picks for the Best Cold Weather Hunting Boots
- Best Rubber Hunting Boots For Cold Weather: Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Snow Boot
- Best Deer Hunting Boots For Cold Weather: Irish Setter Men’s 860 Elk Tracker Big Game Hunting Boot
- Best Insulated Hunting Boots For Cold Weather: Guide Gear Giant Timber II Men’s Waterproof Hunting Boots
- Best Women’s Hunting Boots For Cold Weather: Dryshod Women’s NoSho Ultra Hunt Cold Conditions Hunting Boot
- Best Boots For Cold Weather Tree Stand Hunting: Guide Gear Monolithic Extreme Waterproof Boot
- Best Waterproof Cold Weather Hunting Boots: Muck Wetland Rubber Premium Men’s Field Boots
- Best Muck Boot For Cold Weather Hunting: Muck Boot Adult MuckMaster Hi-Cut Boot
- Best Value Cold Weather Hunting Boots: Labo Pro Men’s Brown10 Winter Snow Hunting Boots
Best Rubber Hunting Boots For Cold Weather – Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Snow Boot
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Rubber boots are great for keeping feet dry because they’re fully waterproof. But for use in extreme weather, one of the best cold-weather rubber hunting boots around is the Arctic Pro Snow Boot from Muck.
The Arctic Pro features a fleece lining and neoprene insulation to keep feet warm even in extreme temperatures of -60 °F/-50°C, and a stretch-fit topline binding keeps out snow and water. Thermal foam underneath the footbed provides extra cushioning.
The upper is 17 inches high for top leg protection and is made from high-grade rubber for extra sturdiness. We also liked the clever camouflage print design on the upper, featuring leaves, twigs, and bark in tones of earthy browns, ideal for blending into the surroundings.
Like all rubber boots, the Arctic Pro is a pull-on/off style but has a rear counter-loop detail to help you get in and out of the boot easily.
The boot may feel a little snug when worn, but it will grip around the leg well. If you have wider calves, consider going up a half-size bigger for a cozier fit.
Pros:
- Can be worn in temperatures -60°F to 30°F ( -50°C to -1°C )
- Great insulation, including the footbed
- Clever camouflage print
- Tall boot height
- Clever topline binding
Cons:
- Fit can be snug on the calf
- Higher price point
What People Are Saying
Regarding the warmth of the boots, a customer mentioned that “they kept my feet warm and dry, even walking through creeks and mud bogs.”
One pleased shopper stated that the boots are “warm, comfortable, and easy on and off.”
Best Deer Hunting Boots For Cold Weather – Irish Setter Men’s 860 Elk Tracker Big Game Hunting Boot
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These are heavy-duty boots with great ankle support and a lugged, rubber outsole for good grip on all surfaces, especially wet ones.
They’re fully waterproof thanks to a full-grain leather upper. The GORE-TEX inner lining is also fully waterproof and breathable, so sweat will be wicked away while keeping water out.
However, the impressive amount of insulation is the highlight of this boot—it comes with 1000g of 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation, perfect to keep your feet dry and warm in freezing temperatures.
Because of the leather upper and insulation materials, we recommend breaking in the boots at home first for full comfort and to help shape the footwear to your feet.
Pros:
- Good insulation
- Full leather upper
- Outsole has great traction
- Breathable
- Can be resoled if needed
Cons:
- Boot may need a breaking-in period
What People Are Saying
One pleased hunter noted that their feet “stayed warm and dry through the last two blizzards.”
Another satisfied buyer stated that the boots were very “warm during the 4-5 long hours of stand hunting.”
Best Insulated Hunting Boots For Cold Weather – Guide Gear Giant Timber II Men’s Waterproof Hunting Boots
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A boot with 1000 grams of insulation is best for extremely freezing weather conditions in low temperatures. On the other hand, 400 grams is better suited for milder weather. Guide Gear’s Giant Timber 2 Men’s Waterproof Boot offers an impressive 1400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation.
With this much insulation, the boot has been comfort-rated to an impressive -58°F (-50°C). Additional padding for warmth and comfort is provided with an EVA insole inside the boot. This means plenty of warmth to allow hunters to easily track down game without the worry of getting frostbite.
For further leg coverage, the boot shaft height reaches 14 inches, and there’s supportive padding in the collar to protect the calves. The waterproof upper will keep feet fully dry, which will be a helpful feature for long days outdoors.
Pros:
- 1400g of Thinsulate Ultra insulation
- Supportive padding
- Great price-point
- EVA insole
- Fully waterproof
Cons:
- The lacing could be fiddly
What People Are Saying
A seasoned hunter said that “sitting or standing, around or active, these boots do the job and keep my feet perfectly warm.”
Another customer mentioned that the boots “are tall, which should work well in deep snow, and are very warm.”
Best Women’s Hunting Boots For Cold Weather – Dryshod Womens NoSho Ultra Hunt Cold Conditions Hunting Boot
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It’s great that hunting is no longer thought of as solely a “man’s sport.” But finding the best women’s hunting gear can be tricky. It’s important to find a boot that has a women’s pattern cut for a good fit, plus offers great protection from the icy temperatures.
Luckily, there are many options now available on the market. One of the best extreme cold weather hunting boots for women we came across comes from Dryshod.
The Dryshod Women’s NoSho Ultra Hunt Boot has been developed for use in temperatures from -50°F to 65°F (-45°C to 18°C). The boot has multiple layers to provide good warmth protection, starting with a fully waterproof rubber upper.
Next is a sandwich of 5mm Densoprene foam insulation, warm polar fleece, and air-mesh lining. Dryshod’s 4-way stretch air-mesh lining keeps feet dry and sweat-free under intense use.
The multiple layers will allow you to hunt all day without getting cold feed, and the boot is surprisingly lightweight and flexible. For further insulation, there’s an EVA sponge midsole and removable EVA sockliner in each boot that will hug the foot.
Colorwise, the boot is in a dark camo print with some bright pink highlights on the outsole and topline. If you’re concerned about the pink giving your position away, consider the full camouflage option in brown instead.
Pros:
- Lightweight feel
- Upper can be rolled to tuck in pants
- EVA cushioned midsoles
- Molded rubber outsole for traction
- Great breathability
Cons:
- Pink details might be too bold
- Might be hard to pull off due to snug fit
What People Are Saying
A seasoned hunter stated, “I can’t wait to bring them out this year, highly recommended for anyone who loves hunting, especially in cold weather.”
Another customer mentioned that the boots “are very roomy and extremely warm.”
Best Boots For Cold Weather Tree Stand Hunting – Guide Gear Monolithic Extreme Waterproof Boot
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Sitting up in a tree stand during bitter winter weather can be an arduous hunting activity, as the human body gets colder faster while stationary. Your boots should offer comfortable warmth at glacial temperatures with plenty of insulation. That’s why we recommend the Guide Gear Monolithic Extreme Waterproof Boot, which comes with 2400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation.
There’s also an 8mm “frost barrier” between the outsole and the midsole to keep body heat inside the shoe.
For damp conditions, the boot is 100% waterproof, with a nylon & full-grain leather mixed upper. There’s also plenty of padding in the collar and tongue for extra leg support.
Because of the amount of insulation, the boots are sturdy and bulky in design—ideal when sitting in a tree stand, but probably not the best option to wear if you’re planning to move around a lot on a very active hunt.
Pros:
- 2400 grams of insulation
- 8mm frost barrier feature
- Fully waterproof
- Insole contains a heat-reflective sheet to retain heat
- Rubber lug outsole for great traction
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Weight on the heavier side
What People Are Saying
One contented buyer said that they found the boots were “extremely well made and super warm.”
Regarding warmth, another customer stated, “these are the warmest boots I ever owned sitting in a tree stand all day.”
Best Waterproof Cold Weather Hunting Boots – Muck Wetland Rubber Premium Men’s Field Boots
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The best cold-weather waterproof hunting boots should have an outsole that’s watertight and fully waterproof and be high enough to provide adequate protection when wading through streams or bogs. The Muck Wetland Rubber Field Boot offers all of these. It’s one of the best cold-weather rubber hunting boots on the market that’s fully waterproof.
Designed with wet and sticky conditions in mind, this tall, calf-height boot will offer complete leak-proof protection. Even the seams are watertight, having been sealed with rubber tape after being stitched.
The ribbed rubber outsole wraps around the bottom of the boot fully and offers good stability in snow and mud. 5mm of neoprene on the upper sock provides good heat retention and flexibility, and the boots can be used in temperatures of -20°F to 50°F (-29°C to 10°C). Breathable Airmesh lining will keep feet dry from sweat.
We also liked how the soft neoprene topline fits close to the leg to keep out water, but can be rolled down if needed in warmer temperatures.
Pros:
- Calf-height upper
- Reinforced watertight seams
- EVA molded midsole for comfort
- Fully waterproof
- Can be used across seasons
Cons:
- Suitable for use in temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C), not for extreme cold weather
What People Are Saying
A reviewer stated that the boots can be “comfortably worn in any weather and are absolutely waterproof.”
Another customer said after wearing them, “they’re perfect for deer hunting or duck hunting in mucky damp conditions.”
Best Muck Boot For Cold Weather Hunting – Muck Boot Adult MuckMaster Hi-Cut Boot
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One of the best brands developing this type of footwear is, of course, The Original Muck Boot Company. They offer durable products that work hard in all kinds of outdoor environments. Muck boots are designed for anyone who wants to stay fully dry, whether walking through wet brush or wading through swampy terrain.
Although we’ve covered two of their other hunting products in this guide, their MuckMaster hi-cut boot is a great cold-weather muck boot option, especially as it’s a nice 17-inch height from the ground to the topline cuff.
The boot has an extra-thick rubber upper with a neoprene top and a reinforced outsole, designed to handle mud and snow.
For warmth, a combination of 5mm of a neoprene upper and soft inner lining keeps feet cozy and insulates the boot to below-freezing temperatures. For an additional layer of comfort, there’s a removable 6mm EVA sock liner.
Additional design features such as a contoured footbed and rubber underlays help with fit and insulation. Overall, they’re the perfect option for muck boots.
Pros:
- Reinforced outsole
- Very tall shaft height
- Heavy-duty rubber upper
- Removable sock liner
- Breathable and waterproof
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point
- Heavier feel
What People Are Saying
One thrilled consumer said that the shoe has “perfect lines, fit, stability, flexibility, and support.”
While another buyer said that “these boots are indeed waterproof, the rubber is very sturdy and takes a lot of abuse.”
Best Value Cold Weather Hunting Boots – Labo Pro Men’s Brown10 Winter Snow Hunting Boots
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One great value option is the Labo Pro Men’s Brown10. It offers a waterproof full leather upper and a sturdy rubber outsole. The outsole is inspired by a duck outsole shape, with the toe being covered and well-protected.
Height-wise, the boot measures 12 inches from the outsole to the topline, so it’s a decent height for leg protection or for trekking in snow.
The boot has a thermal lining that will keep feet nice and toasty. For extra comfort, the boot comes with a removable foam insole. The good thing about having a removable insole is that you can always add your own insole insert into the boot if you have a preference.
Pros:
- Full leather upper
- Amazing value
- Removable insole
- Good boot height
Cons:
- Boot runs slightly large
What People Are Saying
One happy customer stated, “I give these boots five stars when taking the price into consideration.”
Another buyer said that the boots are “extremely comfortable, and have great traction and warmth.”
FAQ:
Is it possible to naturally waterproof hunting boots?
It’s possible to treat boots using lanolin, which is a cream created from the wool oil produced by sheep. Lanolin is a fully natural product and a traditional method for waterproof boots. When cold, lanolin becomes solid, so you need to spread it on the boots and work it in with a cloth.
It can only be used on natural materials such as leather, not synthetic materials.
How durable are hunting boots?
If boots are treated well, they can last a good 2 to 4 years. Naturally, it’ll depend on the boot type, the amount of wear, and your hunting style. But it can also depend on the boot brand and general material quality. If it’s a renowned hunting boot brand that offers a warranty behind its products, it’s a good sign that the footwear is dependable and will last.
How should you wear hunting boots properly, loose or tight?
For the best support, wear the boots tight to protect against sprains. When putting them on, the boots should fit snugly around your ankles. If the fit is too loose, your foot won’t be secure. It’s vital that the boots fit perfectly to avoid pinching your toes or any rubbing that will develop sores. If a pair of boots is too small, try the next size up.
Why are there no one-size-fits-all winter boots for hunters?
Every hunter has their own sizing requirements. There are hunting boots available for foot sizes from small and petite all the way up to the larger size range. The best way to find the right boots for you is to read product reviews from other buyers and test every pair for fit before purchasing if you’re shopping in-store.
How much does it cost for a proper hunting boot on average?
The average cost of a hunting boot is from $150 to $200. But for more renowned brands such as Irish Setter or Zamberlan, the prices can go higher.
However, the great thing is that there are various hunting footwear options available at all price points, including value options like the Labo Pro Men’s Brown10 Winter Snow Hunting Boots.
What To Remember When Choosing Boots
Beyond the initial price point of the boots, it’s important to check the insulation weight and type to see whether it’ll provide enough warmth in the weather conditions you’re planning to hunt in.
It’s also worth noting the height and weight of any footwear before purchase, as a heavier boot may not fit your hunting style if it involves a lot of trekking. Generally, the higher the boot shaft, the better as it’ll provide protection against the elements.
Finally, remember that the boot must be marked as waterproof, not water-resistant. That’s the only way to guarantee that your feet will remain dry.
Whatever option you go with, be sure to try them on and see if they need breaking in before you wear them out hunting. Your feet will definitely appreciate it when you’re out on the trail!
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