Ever go out on a hunt only to come back at the end of the day with what feels like a gallon of water in your boots? If you haven’t, then I can only wish the rest of us were as lucky as you were.
I don’t know about you, but I learned from an early age that the joy of hunting is directly proportional to how warm and dry your feet are. So, because of that I always spared no expense when it comes to my feet.
I’ve been hunting for 10+ years, so I have some experience using all types of boots from snow boots to lightweight summer ones.
Rubber hunting boots are the bread and butter of any hunter, whether experienced or starting out. And a good pair is worth their weight in gold. That being said, I’ve listed the best rubber hunting boots that I’ve personally used during my time as a hunter.
Best rubber hunting boots reviewed
Lacrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro
These are my number one picks. If you’ve been hunting for any significant time, then you will know that LaCrosse makes some of the best hunting gear, and these boots are no different. Rain, sun, muck, snow, these bad boys will handle almost everything you throw at them. They also look good if that’s something that takes your fancy, but for me personally, I only care about functionality but to each their own.
Standout features
- Stretchable Neoprene: Most rubber boots have a problem with comfort, but that can’t be said about the Alphaburly Pros. These boots feature a stretchy neoprene rubber construction that improves elasticity while allowing calves to comfortably fit into them. In short, compared to other items of their caliber, getting into these 18 “beasts” shouldn’t be difficult.
- Aeration features: While most rubber boots lack adequate aeration, this does not apply to the Alphaburly 18”. While most boots have a standard fleece lining, these have a carved neoprene lining all the way around. This allows for better air circulation and more relaxed hunting sessions. This leads to cool feet regardless of how much you trek when you’re on the hunt.
- Active fit: Not all rubber hunting boots come with a shock-absorbing neoprene gusset that can be adjusted. In reality, it’s among the only ones with a customizable ankle-fit design to keep you safe while trekking or pursuing prey. In essence, you get a small ankle box that comfortably covers the top of your foot while still allowing enough space for your heel to stay put.
PROS | CONS |
It has foot support features to keep your ankle safe. | A bit pricey |
With plenty of support features on the midsole, lining, and ankle, this shoe provides excellent stability. | Camo patterns could be better |
Foot insulation features keep your feet warm even in the coldest of winters. | |
Lightweight design means it comfortable even on long hunts. |
All in all, you will be hard-pressed to find better rubber hunting boots than LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18”. Not only are they comfortable, but the exceptional stability they offer will make you fall in love with them.
In the end, you get a comfortable, high-quality hunting boot that can endure any kind of abuse you throw at it.
Bogs Men’s Classic
What you want to look for in a cheaper alternative to the LaCrosse is a pair of boots that have just the right balance between function and cost. One pair that does exactly that, is this one from Bogs Classic. It still has most of the good features we look for in a pair of high-quality hunting boots but it also comes at a more cost-effective price.
Standout features
- Camouflage: As any hunter knows, camo is essential for the art of hunting. The camo patterns on these boots match up exceptionally well to the usual brush you trek through when hunting. The Bogs Classic’s sporty, fabric-like aesthetic is designed to keep you almost invisible in the woods.
- Lightweight: The Bogs Classic boots are among the lightest in their category, weighing in at just 2.0 pounds. Because of their lightweight, you can comfortably carry an extra pair of boots in your hunting bag if you want to be sure you are 100% dry.
- Aegis Antimicrobial Odor Protection: Any boot that comes with a pre-packaged, advanced inner sole is worth checking out. The Bogs Classic boots have an important Aegis Antimicrobial odor safety feature that keeps bad odors caused by humidity or perspiration out of the inner sole. In short, you can wear these boots for long periods of time without them smelling bad.
- 7mm Neo-Tech Insulation: What good is a pair of hunting boots if you can only use them during the summer? With the Bogs Classic’s revolutionary Neo-Tech lining, all you need in cold climates is a light pair of socks and you’re good to go.
PROS | CONS |
Good traction rating and aggressive tread patterns, making them suitable for hunting in wet, slippery conditions. | Wide feet may find them a bit tight. |
Warmth is provided by the Neo-Tech padding, which keeps your feet warm in temperatures as low as -40 degrees. | Not so good on icy surfaces. |
Lightweight hunting boots at a reasonable price. | |
Bogs Classic boots are available in a variety of colors. |
To recap, good features plus below average price means damn good rubber boots in my book.
Muck Boots Woody Artic Ice Extreme
Ever thought about hunting at the North Pole? Well if you have, then these are the boots that will make that trip with you. They are so good at keeping your feet warm that I can almost guarantee that everyone in Alaska and Canada hunts in them. If you want to hunt in the winter, you’ll want to do yourself a favor and get a pair.
Standout features
- Neoprene, Fleece, Thermal Foam: Cold weather is where these rubber boots shine, as they are comfortable from -60 to 30 degrees. The interior of these boots is lined with 8mm neoprene and soft fleece, with 2mm thermal foam under the footbed. They are 100% designed to keep you warm whatever happens.
- Comfort: Neoprene is a lightweight material that molds to your foot’s contour. So, to avoid chafing and blisters, this rubber boot molds itself to your foot, for extra comfort. To cushion your moves, the boots have an EVA midsole, which is a foam-like material that helps to dampen your footsteps.
- Vibram Arctic Grip: On the ice, the Arctic Ice Extreme provides the greatest traction of any rubber hunting boot you have ever used. The Arctic Grip is made of rubber and metal for maximum traction. This, combined with the boots’ big rubber lugs on the soles, provides the best ice and snow traction available. You can say goodbye to your ice skating dreams with these.
PROS | CONS |
Engineered to keep your feet warm in sub-zero temperatures. | Your feet may get so warm that they might sweat. |
Vibram Arctic Grip offers best in class traction on ice and snow. | |
Warmth is given by 10mm of Neoprene and thermal foam. |
The difference between the first two boots and this one is that, while the first was made to be an all-rounder, this one is specifically made for cold weather. This is the Master of One compared to the Jack of All Traits.
For any type of cold outdoor activity (not just hunting, but that’s my area of expertise) these are probably the best rubber boots money can buy. Don’t take my word for it, just try them out for yourself.
TIDEWE Rubber Hunting Boots
Another top 5 contender for the title of best rubber hunting boots should go to these pair of great TIDEWE boots. These ones are on the lower end of the budget spectrum, but still, pack a decent punch considering the price you usually find them at. These also feature my personal favorite camo patterns, which I know is a biased point but I don’t care. Weight, insulation, stability is comfortably above average for this pair and the price you pay will not leave you hungry till the next payday.
Standout features
- Breathability: These boots are lined with a high-tech breathable air mesh that allows your feet to stay dry and comfy. As you walk, the air is pushed and circulated through the vertical fibers allowing the skin to breathe keeping you safe from humidity.
- Anti-slip: Lightweight cushioning, shock absorption, and comfort are all possible thanks to the EVA contoured midsole. The cinch buckles on the back gussets ensure a stable and custom fit. Excellent stability and extra strong traction are created by an ingenious out-sole pattern design.
- Durability: The sealed rubber shell stretches all the way to the topline, providing extra protection from moisture, sharp sticks, and rocks, among other things. The toe and heel of the boot are both protected by the reinforced rubber.
PROS | CONS |
Excellent value for the money | Lack the optimal temperature range of other boots |
Very efficient air circulation | |
Tough and lightweight |
All in all, I would say that these rubber boots do deserve a shot from any would-be hunter if they don’t want to splurge on a more premium pair of boots, as they are more than adequate for what they do.
Muck Wetland Premium Men’s Field Boots
Now, these are not a “hunting” boot per se, but in all intents and purposes, they fill the same role, and sometimes even better than full-fledged hunting boots. These are the all-purpose boots, that you can use from flyfishing to hunting and farm work. These are the jeans equivalent for boots if such a thing exists. I like them because they get the job done, last pretty long, and have a good price/quality ratio.
Standout feature
- Stretch-fit: The topline snugs your calf to keep out cold and debris, but can be rolled down from high to mid for warmer weather; calf-high rubber overlay protects ankles from almost all sharp elements, and the medium height helps when it comes to ease of travel.
- Breathability: Lining inside the boot wicks away humidity and perspiration and allows your foot to breathe naturally while also keeping out water.
- Stability: self-cleaning MS-1 ribbed outsole wraps perimeter for maximum stability and performance in mud and snow.
PROS | CONS |
Versatility | Jack of all traits, master of none |
Excellent value for money | Even lower optimal temperature range |
All-rounder |
This one I would consider a workman’s boot, as opposed to just a hunter boot because of how versatile they are. They can fill any role from doing errands in town to going out hunting or trekking. Although it must be said that with their versatility comes their “downfall” as strictly hunting boots. They can’t compare to specialized boots, but if nothing else they will get the job done.
TIDEWE Arctic Outdoor Boot
So, what have we learned so far? Well, hopefully, one thing is that TIDEWE makes damn good boots. Now, this pair is what I would call a hunter’s bread and butter. It doesn’t have all the fancy premium features that you would expect from something twice as expensive but it gets the job done more than adequately. I would say that for most people, this is the only pair of rubber hunting boots they need.
Standout features:
- Heat-resistant insulation with 6mm Neoprene upper will keep your feet warm and comfortable.
- Lightweight – The unbeatable CR flex-foam boot is lightweight and completely waterproof, paired with 15-way stretch nylon to make your feet stay as comfortable as possible in any kind of extreme setting.
- Non-slip – These boots come with the special TIDEWE tread pattern that has improved anti-slip characteristics as well as a stable midsole and outsole.
PROS | CONS |
Best in class value for the money | Lacks heavier thermal protection |
Versatility | Lacks advanced ankle support |
Good ice/snow performance |
If we tally up all the things this pair of boots does right, with all the things it doesn’t really get right we will come out ahead big time. For the money you can’t really beat them, it’s as simple as that. They give you a taste of what a premium rubber hunting boot can do, but for a fraction of the price. That’s what I call a winner.
LaCrosse Men’s Snake Boot
Snake boots are a bit of a different breed than regular rubber hunting boots, so I wanted to also give my opinion on one pair that I feel is the best of both worlds. As you may know, most snake boots are a combination of rubber and leather and so most are not waterproof making hunting in them a bit more challenging. Now, these here, are 100% rubber and that means 100% waterproof and scent-free boots.
There’s a lot to like here: the snake guard offers 360-degree protection; the boot has an adjustable strap so you can tighten it as needed to prevent dirt, debris, twigs, and everything else from dropping in and making you go crazy; and, perhaps most importantly, they’re made for comfort.
Standout features
- Snake protection – these boots offer 360-degree protection from any kind of snakebite.
- Comfort – They have 4 layers of cushioning underneath the foot to give you some peace of mind when dealing with long treks and hunts.
- 100% Rubber – Not a lot of snake boots boost being 100% waterproof so that in my book is a definite purchase.
PROS | CONS |
Versatility | Can be used in colder climates but not really recommended |
Snake protection | The shaft is a bit short and the opening a bit narrow |
Comfort for long treks |
These are kind of a specialty piece in that not everyone has to deal with snakes while out hunting, but for those that do these are probably the best snake hunting boots that they can find taking into account price, 100% rubber construction, and good quality midsoles.
Types of Rubber Hunting Boots
Whether you believe it or not, your hunting success is measured by how far your feet will carry you when searching for prey. You’re likely to end up with sore feet if you intend on going hunting in whatever shoddy shoes you have on hand. Besides, you may not get the most out of your hunting trip.
Remember that if you want to go hunting, you’ll have to stand for long periods of time. Boots that aren’t up to snuff will leave your feet overheated, sweaty, and stinky, resulting in extreme discomfort.
You should do some homework before purchasing a boot for yourself. Know what types of boots are available and which ones you need. Hunters and inexperienced hunters should be aware of what they are purchasing and whether it will suit their needs.
Based on Season
What time of year do you normally go hunting? Late summer and early autumn? Is it winter? Maybe anytime you feel like it? You’ll need to come up with a solution depending on the season you’re going on the hunt. Consider going hunting in the early fall, and you’ll find yourself opting for a pair of boots that are comfortable, lightweight, and breathable (with 200 grams of insulation) rather than ones suited for winter. If you’re going hunting in an area where moisture isn’t a problem, skip the waterproof membranes. Instead, look for hunting boots that provide adequate ventilation.
For the fall, we recommend investing in a pair of boots that can be worn in a variety of weather conditions. Typically, your boot should have at least 400–800 grams of insulation, which can come in handy during early season hunts at high elevations.
Choose a pair that provides extra protection for your feet and the sedentary aspects of hunting trips throughout the winter. Your feet should be protected from the cold by thick insulation (1000 gram or higher).
Have you already thought about which one of the rubber hunting boots you are going to get for yourself? Awesome! Make sure that the boots of your dreams tick the box of the factors that we’ve listed below:
Buying tips – what to look for
Shopping for the next best rubber hunting boots for you? Then you are in luck, because below you will find a few points to keep in mind while searching for that perfect pair of boots.
Insulation
Is it going to be bitterly cold where you’re hunting? Is it a much colder climate? Consider the weather and the amount of insulation provided by the boots. After all, it’s the insulation that keeps you warm and comfortable so you can pursue your passion.
Fit
It’s almost impossible to expect rubber hunting boots to fit snugly, but nothing is out of the realm of possibility. Make sure your rubber hunting boots have a good fit around the ankle and heel. Also, is there enough space for your toes to breathe? If you answered yes, then you have nice boots on your feet.
Weatherproof
It’s worth noting that we just said weatherproof, not waterproof. More than your clothing, your hunting boots should fit the weather. If you intend on hunting through swamps or snow, a boot with little insulation would be ineffective. The goal is to keep your feet safe from damage.
Durability
You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a pair of boots every few months. High-quality boots will last you for years and will not need to be replaced too often.
Terrain
Where would you be spending the majority of your time? We’d like to call attention to the terrain because it has a big impact on your boots. Upland hunting boots are best for flat and smooth terrain, while rubber hunting boots are best for rocky roads, creeks, and marshlands.
Looks
Of course, the appearance is important. A pair of smart and classy boots will still look dapper with your outfit. Footwear companies put in a lot of time and effort to make their boots look as good as possible. Plus, with so many different colors and models to choose from, we’re confident you’ll find one that suits you perfectly.
Sex
If you’re a lady and you’re thinking of wearing your partner’s hunting boots, we don’t think it’s a smart idea. What is the reason for this? This is due to the significant differences in men’s and women’s hunting boots. Are your feet smaller than those of your partner? If you answered yes, it’s important to remember to purchase one for yourself.
Keep in mind that if you want to go hunting, you’ll need to prepare ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why would you want rubber boots for hunting?
A. Contrary to popular belief, rubber boots aren’t just for wet weather; they’re versatile enough to be worn all year long and on almost any terrain.
Rubber hunting boots have a lot of advantages over traditional materials like leather and other synthetic materials.
Here are some of the benefits of rubber boots.
Water-resistant
The waterproof function of rubber boots is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of them. This keeps your feet dry and relaxed throughout your hunting expedition.
Odorless
Rubber hunting boots are airtight, which means they can help you mask your scent as a hunter. Popular fabrics, such as leather and synthetics, have distinct scents that animals can detect from a distance. Rubber hunting boots, on the other hand, allow you to remain a ghost in your search.
Lightweight
Rubber is a lightweight substance that will make your life in the woods just a little bit simpler.
Long-lasting
Vulcanized rubber, highly durable material with sulfur treatment, is used in all quality rubber hunting boots. In short, vulcanized rubber-made hunting kicks are among the most durable and long-lasting on the market.
Q. Which is better, neoprene vs rubber?
A. Basically they are pretty much the same thing, and also modern boots make use of both in their construction.
Q. What’s the best tread type for challenging terrains?
A. Hiking boots with a thick tread are ideal for hunting. Yes, each tread pattern has its own set of advantages, but the more tread you have, the better your gripping ability will be.
Q. What is the best insulation type for a premium rubber hunting boot?
A. It all comes down to the climatic conditions in your area in general. It’s worth noting, however, that insulation is measured in grams, with a range of 0-1000+. This ensures that no matter how cold it is, boots with higher insulation grams can keep your feet comfortable. Look for boots with a neoprene lining as well.
Q. How can you measure the right size for your boots?
A. Obviously, you are aware of your foot size as well as the size of the boots you need. This isn’t a joke. When was the last time you purchased a pair of boots? Minor variations in the size of your feet are not uncommon. And it will only take you a few minutes to measure your feet. Follow these easy steps to get started:
Place a piece of white paper on the board.
Make a straight line with your pencil (just like an arrow).
Create a straight line from your big toe to your heels with your foot.
To find out how long your foot is, mark the big toe and the heel (or ask someone to support you).
With a measuring tape, measure the line to determine the length of your foot.
And, to make sure you don’t leave anything to chance, measure both of your feet, as one is always longer than the other.
Q. How to verify whether the boots are waterproof?
A. Examining the requirements and seeing if it has a certification is the best way to confirm this (ISO standard). To keep it easy, we recommend choosing a pair of boots that are 100 percent waterproof.
Q. Are all the cheap boots bad?
A. We’re not saying that all cheap rubber hunting boots on the market are bad, but saving money on your boots means sacrificing quality. Your hunting boots should be your most dependable companion, and it’s always a good idea to invest in the highest possible standard.
Q. Which are the most comfortable?
A. In my personal opinion, I would go with LaCrosse. They just get the most things right when it comes to the comfort of your feet. But bear in mind that this is a subjective problem, and what works for me may not work for you. So, try multiple pairs and brands and see what fits you the best.