adidas 'NMD_R1' Sneakers | How to Choose Hunting Boots

Many people agree that when your feet are sore and tired the rest of your body will soon follow. Many hunters have experienced this first-hand in the mountains, field, or marsh, and some have had to end their hunt early making for a frustrating experience while trying to fill their tag. The best way to prevent sore, aching feet is to invest in hunting boots with features that match the terrain and weather conditions of your hunt as well as spend plenty of time breaking them in. 

Terrain: Where Are You Hunting?

Start by dialing in the type of hunting boots that work best for the terrain you plan on hunting—mountainous, prairie, or marsh.

Mountainous Terrain

If you’re hunting an area with steep vertical climbs through mountains, you’ll want to wear hunting boots with stability support features to keep your ankles locked in. Also, this technical terrain requires a thicker shank to provide greater stiffness for control on narrow ledges or while side-hilling. Although shanks do add weight, most hunting boots feature lightweight modern materials to help reduce the overall weight.

Top Features for Mountainous Terrain:

• Ankle stability
• Thick shaft for stiffness

adidas 'NMD_R1' Sneakers | Prairie Terrain

Upland hunts through slightly rolling or flat terrain usually require a lot of mileage, so you’ll want to look for boots that are lightweight and flexible to allow you to move quickly. It’s best to look for a hunting boot with a mid-shaft height since an upland hunt requires some ankle support but not as much as when hunting mountainous terrain.

Top Features for Prairie Terrain:

• Lightweight & flexible
• Mid-height shaft

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For mucky, wet terrain or walking to a treestand, you’ll want to look for rubber hunting boots. With a pair of rubber hunting boots, you’ll enjoy waterproof protection and scent control. Many rubber hunting boots are Awards too so that you stay warm while sitting in a treestand. If you’re hunting in very cold conditions, you’ll want to consider wearing hunting boots known as pac hunting boots as these offer more warmth than traditional rubber boots.

Top Features for Marsh & Treestand:

• Waterproof
• Scent control
• Insulation

Season: When Are You Hunting?

Aside from where you’re hunting, you’ll want to consider the typical temperatures and weather conditions during your hunting season. A high country mule deer hunt in the heat of August requires a different amount of warmth than a late-season archery hunt in northern Minnesota. There are two main technologies to keep your feet comfortable through the season—insulation and waterproofness. 

Insulation

adidas 'NMD_R1' Sneakers | Waterproofness

From morning dew and rainy weather to walking through creeks, it’s important that your feet stay dry. Once wet, your feet get cold and more likely to get blisters, which can lead to a very uncomfortable hunt. Most hunting boots are either water-resistant or waterproof. Water-resistant hunting boots offer protection against wet conditions while still allowing your feet to breathe, especially in warm temperatures and high activity. In contrast, waterproof hunting boots prevent moisture from reaching the interior but don’t allow your feet to breathe as well. If you choose to wear waterproof hunting boots, it’s best to look for ones featuring a GORE-TEX liner, which offers incredible waterproof protection while still allowing moisture from sweat to escape.

How to Break in Your Hunting Boots

The type of shank within your boots will determine how long it takes to break in your hunting boots—the stiffer the boot, the longer it will take for your feet to feel comfortable. Below are a few general tips for how to break in your hunting boots.

Step #1: Begin by wearing them around the house or on walks around the neighborhood. Remember to start with a small amount of time and gradually work your way up to extended periods of time. 

Step #2: Take note of any sore spots you notice. It’s a good idea to use a moleskin to keep that sore area protected from further damage.

Step #3: Once they feel comfortable, it’s time to start mimicking the terrain you’ll be walking during your hunt. It’s also a good idea to begin walking with your pack and gradually adding more weight so you’re acclimated to the rigorous hunt. 

When you find the right pair of hunting boots to match the terrain and season as well as spend time breaking in your hunting boots, you’ll have a much more successful, comfortable, and enjoyable hunt. If you’re looking for the best hunting boots or need more information about how to choose hunting boots, reach out to your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN store to speak with an expert today!