Whether you’re hunting pheasants across open fields or chasing chukars through rocky terrains, wearing the best upland hunting boots will be a great decision. These specialized boots are designed to tackle the challenges of bird hunting, providing superior durability, traction, and comfort.
Upland hunting boots have unique features that make them stand out, including aggressive traction for stability, cushioned insoles for comfort during long hunts, and moisture-wicking linings to keep feet dry. They also offer superior ankle support and waterproofing technologies.
Although they have several advantages over regular boots, they can be heavier and more expensive. So, picking the right boots is all about finding a pair that seamlessly blends comfort, features, weight, and cost.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore the world of upland hunting boots! Here are my top 8 picks for the best boots to elevate your hunting experience.
How to Choose the Best Upland Hunting Boots?
Here are a few key points to remember when picking out your next pair of hunting boots.
- Material— Choose shoes with durable upper materials that are waterproof and breathable.
- Weight— Consider the balance between boot weight and durability. Heavier boots provide more protection and support, while lighter ones are ideal for covering long distances without feeling weighed down.
- Height— Choose your boot height based on your hunting terrain. Taller boots provide more ankle support and protection against rugged terrains, while lower boots offer more flexibility and are suitable for less demanding conditions.
- Ankle Support— Look for boots that offer good ankle support. This feature is important for navigating uneven terrains and avoiding injuries like ankle twists and sprains.
- Proper Fit— Well-fitted boots provide maximum comfort and mobility. They also prevent blisters and ensure you can fully focus on your hunt.
- Insulation— Choose boots with insulation based on the weather conditions you’ll face. Thinsulate insulation offers warmth without weighing you down, while heavier insulation is ideal for colder climates.
- Budget— Upland hunting boots can be quite expensive. So, it is important to consider your budget and choose an option that provides the best value for your money.
The Best Upland Hunting Boots in 2023
- Overall Best Upland Hunting Boots—
- Best Lightweight Upland Hunting Boots— Under Armour Men’s UA Micro G® Valsetz Reaper Waterproof Tactical Boots
- Best Rubber Upland Hunting Boots— Irish Setter Unisex Mudtrek 17” Rubber Snake Boots
- Best Waterproof Upland Hunting— Thorogood Men’s 1957 Series- Flyway Waterproof 8” Briar Pitstop
- Best Cold Weather Upland Hunting Boots— LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 1600g
- Best Leather Upland Hunting Boots— Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter Waterproof 9″ Leather Boot
- Best Women’s Upland Hunting Boots— Northside Women’s Woodbury 800 Waterproof Insulated Hunting Shoes
- Best Value Upland Hunting Boots— TIDEWE Rubber Outdoor Hunting Boots
Overall Best Upland Hunting Boots—
1) Danner Men’s Grouse 8”
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Looking for the perfect boots to up your grouse hunting game? Look no further than these top-notch Danner boots specially crafted for hunting wild birds.
Made from tough full-grain leather, they’re scuff-resistant and built to last. And guess what? There’s more! The Cordura 1000-Denier nylon upper adds a layer of strength to these shoes.
But the real game-changer is their GORE-TEX inner bootie that keeps your feet cool and dry, no matter the adventure. And that’s not all – these Danner boots also have a Cambrelle lining with moisture-wicking capabilities. This lining provides that super comfortable feel while also standing up to abrasion.
Moreover, these shoes have special outsoles for softer terrains like grass, mud, and even snow. So, they’re ideal for late-season hunting. They also have an air-cushioned Danner Bob outsole that acts like a self-cleaning expert; dirt and debris slide away as you stride along!
Overall, the Danner Grouse is your ultimate hunting partner that’s tough, comfortable, and ready for any challenge!
Key Features
- Height: 8”
- Weight: 3.875 lbs per pair
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Full-Grain Leather and Cordura®
Pros
- Handcrafted stitch-down construction provides superior fit and flexibility
- Perimeter lugs add stability
- Durable
- Self-cleaning outsoles
- Excellent traction with Danner Bob® Outsole
- Comes in EE-wide styles
Cons
- Not ideal for rocky terrains
- Expensive
What People Are Saying
A happy customer wrote, “Great experience, these are fantastic boots, Danner is a top quality bootmaker.”
Another satisfied user shared, “In a word: ‘QUALITY.’” They also added, “The boot breaks in nicely and quickly. They are warm and comfortable. Well worth the price.”
2) Danner Recurve
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The Danner Recurve is where classic style meets modern technology. With its blend of full-grain leather and suede uppers, Danner Dry waterproofing, and Vibram SPE midsoles, this boot is designed to thrive in the demanding world of upland hunting.
The Vibram Recurve outsole, featuring the Megagrip compound, delivers exceptional grip on diverse surfaces, essential for maintaining stability on varying terrains. The removable OrthoLite footbed provides exceptional cushioning and efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring constant comfort.
Key Features
- Height: 7”
- Weight: 2.812 lbs per pair
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Full Grain Leather; Suede
Pros
- Durable full-grain leather and suede uppers
- Exceptional grip.
- Excellent cushioning and heat dissipation
- 100% waterproof Danner Dry lining keeps feet dry
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Not as much ankle support as other boots
What People Are Saying
A happy user shared, “Very comfortable right out of the box, these are quality boots!”
Another commented, “Very warm, fully waterproof, and the most plush boot I’ve ever put my foot in.”
Best Lightweight Upland Hunting Boots— Under Armour Men’s UA Micro G® Valsetz Reaper Waterproof Tactical Boots
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Say goodbye to the burden of heavy shoes weighing you down on your hunting adventures with the best lightweight hunting boots—the Under Armour Valsetz Reaper. Also among the best for upland bird hunting, these boots combine the durability of tactical boots with the comfort of running shoes, ensuring you can fully enjoy your hunting trips.
The Valsetz Reaper features a waterproof nubuck leather forefoot and a sturdy TPU toe cap to handle rugged terrain. It’s also extremely easy to put on and take off with its front and back pull loops.
Moreover, the Micro G foam midsole offers superior cushioning, while the high-traction rubber lug outsole promises grip on any rugged surface.
Pro Tip: Thanks to the innovative odor-controlling footbed technology, you can also use these boots for hunting elks. This added feature ensures you remain virtually undetectable by minimizing your scent.
Key Features
- Height: 8”
- Weight: 2.38 lbs per pair
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Nubuck leather
Pros
- Rubber-RPM outsole provides superior grip
- Superior cushioning
- TPU toe caps for protection
- Anti-odour footbed tech
- Prevents blisters
Cons
- Laces may be too short for some users
What People Are Saying
A happy customer reported, “These boots are comfortable, waterproof, and durable.”
Another enthusiastic buyer wrote, “Ordered these for my husband. He is picky, but he loves these boots!”
Best Rubber Upland Hunting Boots— Irish Setter Unisex Mudtrek 17” Rubber Snake Boots
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Stay comfortable and protected during your outdoor adventures with Irish Setter Adults’ MudTrek Rubber Waterproof Snake Boots. These lightweight 17-inch boots are perfect for wet and muddy conditions.
The Vulcanized rubber uppers are waterproof and tough enough to keep sharp objects away, while the SnakeGuard technology adds an extra layer of protection against fangs and thorns. So, you can say goodbye to worries about snake bites and focus on enjoying your outdoor activities to the fullest.
My personal favorite feature of these boots is the innovative TempSens technology that reacts to the temperature of your body. It keeps you dry and comfortable whether you’re facing summer’s heat or winter’s chill. This means you can confidently tackle various weather conditions without compromising on comfort.
Overall, the MudTrek Snake Boots offer the comfort and durability you need to conquer muddy terrain and snake-prone areas. They are the best rubber boots for upland bird hunting in the market!
Key Features
- Height: 17”
- Weight: 5.5 lbs per pair
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Vulcanized Rubber; Neoprene
Pros
- Superior protection
- TempSens adjusts to varying temperatures
- Lightweight
- Pull-on design makes them easy to wear
- Camouflaging
- Scentban tech prevents foot odor
- Ideal for wet conditions
Cons
- Produce noise when walking
What People Are Saying
A customer raved about the shoe, saying, “I hunt in south Florida in some VERY wet areas…these boots are awesome.”
Another enthusiastic buyer shared, “Comfortable, well built. Not too hot, not too cold. Fit well. Look good. Decent traction. No complaints.”
Best Waterproof Upland Hunting— Thorogood Men’s 1957 Series- Flyway Waterproof 8” Briar Pitstop
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The Thorogood 1957 Series 8″ Flyway Waterproof Hunting Boot perfectly blends classic style and modern functionality. Designed to cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, these boots are your ideal companion for duck and waterfowl hunting.
The 8″ height ensures your ankles are well-protected from water, while their lightweight design provides easy mobility, allowing you to navigate upland terrains quickly.
One standout feature of this shoe is its removable Ultimate Shock Absorption™ footbed. This unique design offers dual-density cushioning for enhanced comfort and moisture-wicking capabilities, making these boots perfect for all-day wear.
Additionally, the Goodyear Storm Welt construction guarantees durability, while the composite shank provides both flexibility and strength.
Key Features
- Height: 8”
- Weight: 3.5 lbs per pair
- Insulation: Uninsulated
- Upper Material: Briar Pitstop leather
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dual-density cushioning provides all-day comfort
- Durable construction
- “Cellular wedge” outsole pattern resists slipping
- Endorsed by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Cons
- Longer break-in period
What People Are Saying
A happy user said, “Classic look, superb manufacturing, quality leather, rich color. Perfect upland hunting boot or whatever else you do…”
Another customer raved about them, saying these are “the best boots I’ve ever owned.”
Best Cold Weather Upland Hunting Boots— LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600g
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The Lacrosse Alphaburley Pro boots are more than just footwear – they’re a game-changer in comfort and reliability for hunting. They combine top-notch rubber with insulating neoprene to produce a super-tough boot ready for any challenge.
The star feature of this shoe is the 1600g Thinsulate Ultra insulation. It keeps you warm in the chilliest settings without slowing you down.
Plus, the adjustable neoprene gusset ensures a snug fit, allowing you to slip them on and off easily.
I’ve personally found these boots to be true all-rounders, excelling in wet, muddy, and dry conditions. Their unbeatable comfort and unwavering waterproof protection make them a must-have companion for any hunting adventure.
Key Features
- Height: 18”
- Weight: 5.5 lbs per pair
- Insulation: 1600g Thinsulate Ultra
- Upper Material: Natural Rubber; Neoprene
Pros
- Versatile in wet, muddy, and dry environments
- Easy to wear and take off
- Multilayer rubber protection for added durability
- Superior insulation
- Aggressive traction patterns
Cons
- Heavy
What People Are Saying
A user called them a “great fit.” They also added, “Very warm! Worth the $ paid for them.”
Another one said, “Very warm and comfortable, perfect hunting boot.”
Best Leather Upland Hunting Boots— Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter Waterproof 9″ Leather Boot
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The Wingshooter waterproof leather hunting boot, a classic since 1950, has remained a top choice for decades. Crafted from beautiful full-grain leather, it’s an extremely durable shoe that makes the perfect hunting companion.
Rainy days won’t stand a chance with the boots’ UltraDry™ waterproofing system that ensures your feet stay comfortably dry in wet conditions.
The midsole’s steel shank enhances stability and support, while the boot’s lightweight design guarantees all-day comfort, making your hunting trips feel like a breeze!
Even in chilly weather, the 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation keeps your feet snug and warm. They also provide exceptional ankle support for added confidence during outdoor adventures!
Key Features
- Height: 9”
- Weight: 3.75 lbs per pair
- Insulation: 3M Thinsulate Ultra
- Upper Material: Leather
Pros
- UltraDry™ waterproofing system
- Midsole steel shank for extra support and stability
- 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation for warmth and ankle support
- 100% leather
- Beautiful and classic hunting boot appearance
- Comfortable and lightweight
Cons
- Longer break-in period
- The sole might not be as durable as other shoe components
What People Are Saying
A satisfied user wrote, “Buy these boots for hunting, working, going out on the town. Most comfortable boots you will ever own.”
Another commented, “Light, waterproof, comfortable and durable. You can’t go wrong.”
Best Women’s Upland Hunting Boots— Northside Women’s Woodbury 800 Waterproof Insulated Hunting Shoes
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Introducing the top-notch choice in women’s upland hunting boots— the Northside Women’s Woodbury Hunting Shoes. These shoes have remarkable features that provide the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality.
They have multidirectional rubber outsoles that provide excellent traction and shock absorption, ensuring you stay steady on various terrains. The water-resistant build of the Woodbury 800 keeps your feet dry in snowy, icy, or wet conditions, ensuring you’re comfortable throughout your adventure.
One of my favorite features is the effortless lacing system that guarantees a secure fit. Plus, the heel tab makes slipping these boots on and off a breeze. And let’s not forget the 800g Thinsulate insulation that promises warmth in sub-zero temperatures.
Key Features
- Height: 8.5”
- Weight: 4 lbs per pair
- Insulation: 800g Thinsulate
- Upper Material: Leather and nylon
Pros
- Superior cushioning with a compression molded EVA midsole and padded collar
- Steel shank midsole adds stability
- Good insulation
- Excellent traction
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Not ideal for wide feet
What People Are Saying:
A happy customer commented, “Very good arch support and comfort, and warm, fits as expected normal size, do not need heavy socks wearing these.”
Another one wrote, “I bought these for my wife to hunt in, and she absolutely loves them. They fit perfectly.”
Best Value Upland Hunting Boots— TIDEWE Rubber Outdoor Hunting Boots
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The TIDEWE Rubber Outdoor Hunting Boots are designed to deliver maximum performance without breaking the bank. They offer remarkable durability with their high-grade rubber and neoprene build.
Comfort is a top priority for TIDEWE. These boots feature a breathable air-mesh lining that prevents overheating and 7mm neoprene to ensure your feet stay warm even in freezing temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C).
The shoe also prioritizes comfort with its lightweight EVA contoured midsole that cushions your every step. Moreover, the outsole pattern provides excellent traction and enhances stability, making it ideal for various terrains.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just embarking on your upland hunting journey, TIDEWE Rubber Outdoor Hunting Boots deliver remarkable value without compromising quality!
Key Features
- Height: 16”
- Weight: 5.789 lbs per pair
- Insulation: 400g Insulated
- Upper Material: Natural rubber and neoprene
Pros
- Excellent breathability
- Superior cushioning
- Offers protection for toes and heel
- Best upland hunting boots for the money
- Also great for ice fishing, camping, and scouting
Cons
- Heavy sole
What People Are Saying:
A happy user described the shoes as “comfortable, warm, quiet, with great traction.”
Another buyer reported, “Wore them in sub-zero temps during this last arctic blast, and my feet were warm and toasty!”
FAQs
How do you choose insulated upland hunting boots?
Picking insulation for upland hunting boots depends on your hunting style and the weather. When hunting in warmer climates, opt for uninsulated boots so your feet don’t get too sweaty. These boots will also be lighter, making it easy to walk for long distances.
But in colder climates, insulated boots are a better option. They will keep your feet from freezing so you can fully enjoy your hunt.
How do you choose between lightweight and heavy hunting boots?
Deciding between lightweight and heavyweight upland boots depends on your needs. Lighter ones are more flexible and aid in mobility. On the other hand, heavier ones provide more protection, although they do slow you down.
In the end, it all depends on your requirements and personal preferences.
How do you get rid of bad odor in hunting boots?
You can remove bad odor from your hunting boots by placing them in direct sunlight for a few hours. This will kill the odor-producing bacteria and significantly reduce the smell.
Moreover, you should also maintain good hygiene to prevent the odor from developing in the first place. Wear clean socks and ensure your feet are dry and clean before putting on your boots. You can also opt for shoes with a moisture-wicking lining and superior breathability to keep them smelling fresh for longer.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right pair of upland hunting boots boils down to your preference and hunting environment. For example, the durable Danner Men’s Grouse 8” is ideal for comfortably hunting grouse, while the practical Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro is best for hunting quails in cold weather.
On the other hand, wetter environments for fishing and duck hunting may require chest waders for full protection to keep you dry. What matters is that you have the right gear to keep you safe and comfortable while out hunting.
I hope this list helps you pick the perfect boots for your hunting adventures. Now, armed with these exceptional choices, you’re ready to step into the wild with confidence and comfort!
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