With the bird hunting season fast approaching, it is time to go through your gears and do a complete inventory check. Check your rifles, ammunitions, but do not forget the boots. Without the best upland hunting boot, your entire hunting experience may fall short of expectations.
The reason that amateur hunters do not enjoy their time out on the field is the lack of proper footwear. Upland bird hunting can take upwards of a few hours, and sometimes you need to hold your ground at a single spot for an extended period.
On top of that, the terrain is not likely to be that favorable either.It comes as no wonder that you need to treat your feet well if you are to have a good time.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best-Rated Upland Huting Boots – [2020]
- 1Irish Setter Men’s 802 Upland Hunting Boot
- 2Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Hunting Boot- 7
- 3Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7” Hunting Boot
- 4Irish Setter Men’s 896 Wingshooter Hunting Boot
- 5Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Waterproof 8” Hunting Boot
- 6Irish Setter Men’s 801 Waterproof 9” Hunting Boot
- 7Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8” Gore-Tex Hunting Boot
Best Upland Hunting Boots Reviews
In this article, we will take a look at the best upland hunting boots available in the market to put your mind at ease and give you the best hunting experience possible. So, without any delay, let us jump in.
Whatever destination you choose for hunting, your footwear makes the journey simpler. If you want to enjoy your passion, you have to pick the better one like Irish Setter Men’s Upland Hunting Boot that can make your trip more exciting.
Leather boots are the most desired ones if durability is to be ensured. You can wear it to any places, whether it is muddy or rough. It can withstand any surface. Comfort is what it provides. Moreover, it lets you to widely stretch your feet to be easily fit to its shape and keeps those dry by allowing air into the footwear.
While hunting, you might have to cross a wet area. So, it is essential to wear something that will allow you to dip into the water without hesitation. This waterproof sole is made of polyurethane.
It will not be torn even after random movement through harsh paths. Additionally, a sudden hit will be less effective in causing pain in your feet as the material is shock resistant.
It is a long and challenging way to travel. If amidst the hunting, your shins start aching, you will be left with no other than disappointment. The inclusion of the padded collar ensures that you can stroll or run with coziness.
Despite having shoes of same feet length, after wearing for a long time, it gets loose. Therefore, to tighten your product, it has an inside and medial zipper with an adjustable strap. The moc-toe design allows the proper bending of your feet.
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Hunting means a tour to places where you cannot be concerned about your shoes. To be able to concentrate more on work than on shoes, Irish Setter Men’s 838 Wingshooter Hunting Boot-7” must be the first choice.
No choice can be better than leather. You have to walk or maybe run to give your best shot without thinking of your shoes. Even after a harsh struggle with rough paths, boots remain new as before.
It does not get torn or lose endurance ability, and the high quality ensures its durability. Moreover, your feet can easily fit its shape. Being waterproof; it can also be cleaned without harming its texture.
Synthetic sole makes the product more beneficial. However, the road is, this sole lets you stroll comfortably. As it is lightweight, moving your feet becomes easier. It lets you balance yourself, proving you the right support. Additionally, the moisture-wicking nylon lining reduces the chance of sweating inside your boots.
As it is ankle-high, mud cannot reach the interior part and result in discomfort. Not all feet have the same width, so the lacing system is included not to lose your focus and tighten the shoes amidst your work.
The steel support shank is a crucial addition as it makes the product robust and reliable preventing the entry of any sharp object. It protects you from sudden attacks absorbing the shock. Moreover, the heel molded counter enhances your confidence to pass over any dirt
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The boot’s pleasing and authentic design raises confidence within you. Your choice of Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7” Hunting Boot will make you exceptional and more dedicated towards your work as you are going to receive the best support from this pair.
While hunting, maximum pressure is endured by our feet. If you do not want to return home with sore feet, then no choice can be better than shoes with a rubber sole as it is excellent at absorbing shock. It provides good flexibility as stiffness does not allow you to walk or run comfortably. You can wear it in any season.
You will be amazed by the length measurement from the arch, which is 6.5”. It covers the main part of your leg above the ankle. Walking through the mud will not be a problem.
The heel of 1.25” is highly required as the most crucial thing that you need is toughness. Moreover, you might have to climb steep planes, for which a firm grip is vital; it ensures your stability.
Leather shoes are excessively desired by hunters, who need to cross irregular terrains. Its waterproof property keeps your product safe from quick damage. Moreover, the lacing system keeps your feet fixed to its position.
The polyurethane footbed also plays a vital role in its durability and reliability. Safety is ensured as it blocks the way of anything that might pierce from the area. EVA midsole’s lightweight makes you work simpler.
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Do you want to prove yourself an adept hunter, who knows no limitation and loves to enter any area to accomplish the task? For your wish to be fulfilled, Irish Setter Men’s 896 Wingshooter Upland Hunting Boot is designed with all the essential and attractive features.
The rubber sole can better prevent weariness. It has an excellent ability to resist rough use. For hunting, you have to stroll through irregular surfaces, which indicate that the pair has to endure a lot.
At different places, there are high chances of slipping. Its shape and design ensure a secure grip and proper safety. Climbing is more comfortable due to its flexibility resulting in silent steps.
The 400-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation is a recognizable feature as in winter, and it keeps your feet warmer. Very few products have such a trait. As it accumulates air inside to be used as an insulator, your feet will receive the best comfort even at the lowest temperature. No numbness is going to captivate you.
If it is not made of leather, you have to buy another one very quickly. Its property gives it a sturdy and robust structure. You can go wherever you want without harming its texture. It can be worn even in a harsh environment as it is waterproof.
Your feet require comfort, which is provided by EVA midsole. Its perfect placement prevents foot-ache. The 9” long lacing system is of great help as it keeps the shoes fixed on its place.
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After dressing like a camouflaged animal to prove yourself the best hunter, you might be wondering if having a pair of camouflaged shoes will give an end to the outlook. No need to worry as Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Waterproof 8” Hunting Boot is created to fulfill your desire.
To not to be recognized, camouflaging is the best way. From head to toe, if you can disguise yourself, no one can beat your talent in hunting. Camouflage helps in maintaining precision. You might have to hide into ponds or wade through mud or water, which is possible due to the UltraDry waterproof system.
A highly qualified synthetic material ensures longevity. You do not have to be much concerned about the footwear while you are busy at work. Struggling is not hindered as you do not have to check whether your shoes are alright or not.
It is not affected by the use of any chemicals, and dirt can be wiped off easily. Moreover, its quality does not deteriorate even after random use.
Furthermore, the rubber sole is needed for a secure grip and proper bending of your feet. To be able to move after the preys, this feature is essential. The length of 7” from the arch reduces the entry of dirt into it.
After a massive journey, you will not suffer from any pungent smell. Additionally, it is lightweight due to the RPM composite technology making traveling less tiresome.Pros
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For a hunter, his dearest companion is his footwear. You are always looking for perfect boots to let you perform your best. If you want to have a pair that has exceeded all the expectations, then go for Irish Setter Men’s 801 Havoc Waterproof 9” Hunting Boot.
Footwear, which does not have a zipper, must have a back-pull loop. When you are in a hurry, it becomes hard to force your feet inside if you do not have a zipper. This loop is very crucial to solve the problem. Moreover, its texture is so smooth that you can easily slip your feet into the shoe.
However, as you do not have a zipper, the company has added the lacing system, which includes four eyelets and three post lace closure. You can tighten and adjust the position of your feet as it is quite natural to loosen your boot while being busy after the target.
Additionally, the padded collar has its exceptionality. You will feel comfort at the specific part of your leg, which touches the padded collar.
Hunting means to bring back home torn shoes. The use of leather does not let it happen; it can bear a harsh environment. You will be at ease even while running after your aim. The boot shaft height is perfect for a stroll in any place.
The rubber sole is the soul of any wader. It is vital as you have to walk through specific muddy, irregular, or rough places. Accidents are prone to happen while firm grips keep you balanced on your feet.
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Isn’t it necessary to wear comfortable shoes that will keep your feet dry throughout the journey? Your necessities are always kept in the mind of the designers. After a deep thought, they have come up with the best upland hunting boot, which is Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8” Gore-Tex Hunting Boot.
The introduction of Gore-Tex lining is beneficial to keep your feet dry. Its breathable membrane lets sweat pass out of the footwear but does not allow the entry of water into it.
You can move through any wet surface or dip into the water, which will not cause any problem to your pair, keeping your feet entirely out of the reach of the water. Moreover, due to this feature, you will not feel slippery.
Having polyurethane ortholite footbed means to the most durable inner sole. It retains its thickness even after random use, ensuring enough comfort. Due to its least weight, it is highly recommendable. Additionally, you can wash it whenever you want, maintaining its consistency.
You can have a firm grip upon a coarse or uneven surface, due to pronghorn outsole; safety is ensured. This property is vital to let you move deeper into the woods. Furthermore, the rugged hardware provides the tight-fitting of your product.
Leather toe is essential to hold flexibility. Its significance in keeping the pair intact is undeniable. No matter where you go, its shock-absorption ability keeps your feet protected. Even the rubber sole lets it bear all harshness.
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Best Upland Hunting Boots Buyer’s Guide
If you are having bad luck with hunting boots because either you are buying the wrong pairs or don’t know what to look for when buying one, this guide is for you. Keep in mind that getting the most expensive boot out there won’t guarantee good quality.
For upland hunters, stealth is the key. There are other important factors like traction, material durability, breathability, comfort, etc. The boots you wear on the field should be comfortable first and foremost.
Small game hunting requires a lot of trekking, and that’s why having a comfy boot is a must. You should also find a pair that is not overly stiff but has enough protection to keep your feet warm in the winter.
These are just the basics. There is a dedicated “thing to consider section” that should give all the information you need to buy the best upland hunting boot for your next hunting trip.
On a side note, if you don’t know what upland boots are, read the following section. If you do, skip it and go straight to the buyer’s guide.
What Are Upland Hunting Boots?
Upland boots are an indispensable piece of clothing for bird hunters. They are quite lightweight and designed in a way to minimize the noise you make so that you do not spook the birds.
However, these boots are not only limited to bird hunting. Due to their amazing features, they are becoming more and more popular in other hunting games.
These boots are made, keeping your comfort in mind. Since you need to spend a lot of time on your feet while you are on a hunt, they come with comfortable interiors.
Additionally, they also feature superior protection so that you can traverse any terrains without any fear. The boots are also somewhat shocked absorbing.
They come with a waterproof feature so that you can travel the swamps easily. Insulation is a must with upland boots since hunting seasons mostly mean the winter. However, some people do prefer to use thermal socks instead of insulation. On top of that, the shoes tend to be quite thick.
These boots can also double as a work boot thanks to their comfort and durability. Often you will find these boots to have reinforced toes to protect you. Furthermore, they mostly come with anti-slip features and also protect against electrical surges.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Upland Hunting Boots
After you have gone through our picks, it is time to look at the features that you need to keep in check. Our selection is based on a lot of essential factors like material quality and comfort.
If you are to choose a product outside of the list, you should consider these aspects too. After all, you cannot expect the best output without being thorough.
The following section will focus on the things you should consider when you are shopping for the best upland hunting boots.
Materials Used in Construction
The first thing you must consider when buying a boot is the quality of the material used in it. It is crucial to ensure the boot is long-lasting and comfortable on your foot. Since you will have to wear it for a long time, you need it to be well-made and comfortable.
Leather boots are a popular choice because of its durability. The material also keeps the inside of your boot getting damp. You also have waterproof rubber boots. These boots come with steel toe reinforcements to protect against any sharp objects.
If you are not inclined to buy either of these two material types, you can go for nylon mesh. This material is known to be highly lightweight and has a good amount of airflow. However, due to its low-profile build, it might not be as insulated as leather or rubber boots.
Weight
Another important note of consideration is the weight of the product. Upland boots are known to be quite lightweight, but some models can feel a bit bulky. Our advice would be to avoid those since they would only constrict your movement.
A heavy boot will get tiring on you sooner than you might expect. That is why you need to choose a boot that you can use without feeling the weight of the product. However, it also depends on your leg muscles. If your legs can take it, then go for it. Heavier boots offer more protection against the terrain, in general.
Waterproof Features
This is a must for any upland hunting boots. In winter mornings, even the drylands get damp, and if your shoes get wet, you will not feel comfortable. If you are hunting in swampy land, it becomes all the more critical for you to have waterproof boots.
This feature also comes with the added benefit of being more breathable. Boots that come with high heels and are highly waterproof tend to be more breathable. Several material options give you waterproof features. Our recommendation would be to go with GORE-TEX material since it ensures high breathability and comfort.
Boot Height
When it comes to boots, sizes do matter. Though, to some extent, it does depend on your choice. But typically, the higher the length of the boot, the better the protection. Then again, with more top length, your flexibility in movement will get lower. So it is vital to recognize which size is the perfect choice.
The great thing about upland hunting boots is that they are not only used for hunting. They can also be used for other activities such as hiking or tracking. If you are planning on going for a long walk, you should not go for high length boots as they will be harder to use for a long time.
However, if you are planning to go hunting in a swampy land with lots of hazards like a snake, or rough rocks, you need to go for the maximum protection. In such cases, high neck boots are a must. Though they might feel a bit harder to use, they will ensure your safety better.
Insulation
Next on our checklist, we have the insulation of the product. Considering that winter is the usual hunting season, it can get quite cold and chilly out on the ground. You should not even consider going hunting without wearing appropriately insulated clothing.
Your boots are part of your clothing and as such, should be temperature controlled. Also, be aware of your own needs, as the insulation amount may vary from person to person. To ensure your comfort in long hunting trips, you need to give some thought to this factor.
Durability
Durability is an important thing to consider in any purchase. As mentioned above, it is important to look at the materials of construction. But some brands make boots using low-grade materials that end up cutting down the lifespan of the boot. Your shoes should be able to last a long while before needing any repairs.
Comfort
Comfort is of the utmost importance when it comes to shoes, and when you are going hunting, you cannot overlook that factor. No matter how well-protected the boot is, if you are not comfortable wearing it, you will not have a pleasant experience.
First of all, make sure you find the right size. Also, give some attention to the insole materials and the interior of the boot. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and that it does not get damp. The true quality of the boot lies in its comfort factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use upland boots for construction work?
Definitely, you can. Since upland boots offer fantastic protection, they work perfectly in construction sites. You can also use them for any other work-related activities like roof repairing or woodworking.
2. How much insulation do I need in my upland hunting boots?
It depends on the weather condition. Typically, with 800 grams of insulation, you could keep the boot at a comfortable 30-40 degree Celsius. However, in extreme weather conditions, the amount of insulation should be increased.
3. Should I size up when choosing my boot?
It depends on you. But we would recommend you choose a half size above your foot so that the boot does not feel too tight. It would give your feet some moving space inside the shoe.
4. How tight should the boot be?
The boot should fit snugly on your feet without putting too much pressure that might make you feel any discomfort. However, keep in mind that it is natural for boots to take some time to break in.
5. How to Take Care of Your Upland Hunting Boots?
Durability of your hunting boots will depend on how well you take care of it. The following tips will help you to essentially extend the lifetime of your hunting boots by a long margin.
Keep Them Dry
One thing you should never do is store your boots in a wet condition. When you return from a hunting at a swampy land, you should take off your boots and warm them by the fair. It gets rid of all the residual moisture from the shoe and makes it good as new.
Regular Checkup and Fixup
It is normal for your boots to suffer some minor bruising and you should check for it regularly. If you do find any wearing, deal with it immediately. The frequency of your checkups should be on par with how much you use it.
Use A Sealer
Using a sealer is especially important if you have a leather boot. You should periodically apply wax to your boots to keep them fresh and in peak condition.
Final Thoughts
A good quality upland hunting boot is your dearest friend when you want to spend a day on the hunting ground. It will help prevent sore feet and also protect you against any accidents involving scrapes or slipping. You no longer need to worry about going numb in the cold hunting season.
After going through our selections and the extensive buying guide, choosing the perfect product should be an easy task. We hope that this informative article could help you find the best upland hunting boot for you.
Last Updated on by Larry K. Brown
Larry is a professional Shooter and his hobby is shooting and Hunting! He has been shooting for the last 6 years and he loves using many types of guns while outing as well. Based experiences with a different type of Guns and Hunting related products. He is sharing his opinion about various Guns so that a beginner can get started right way. Find him on Facebook.
Happy reading!