The Best Rubber Hunting Boots of 2022
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Loading... - Chama Badawi
- 20 Jun 2022
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From whitetail to frogs and everything in between, rubber hunting boots serve a variety of needs, depending on what game you chase. I’ve worn several different brands throughout the years, but the best ones typically provide the right amount of warmth, traction, and breathability. Whitetail hunters typically need a breathable, insulated boot that won’t leave your feet soaking wet from your walk to the stand but can keep you warm on frigid all day sits. When turkey season rolls around, a lightweight snake boot that wicks moisture and keeps your feet cool and dry during run-n-gun sessions works best.
And while there might not be one rubber boot that excels at every temperature range and hunting scenario, there are options that come close. Just know there’s some give and take if that’s what you want. Otherwise, you’ll have to invest in a few pairs if you want the best rubber hunting boots for specific hunting seasons and strategies.
Things to Consider When Buying Rubber Hunting Boots
Insulation
Most manufacturers offer rubber hunting boots with different insulation levels. Numbers like 200g, 800g, 1200g, etc. all refer to the thickness of insulation in a boot. The higher the number, the thicker the insulation. Boots with higher levels like 1200g or 1600g typically function best for frigid, stationary hunts, whereas boots with 200g or 400g ratings are better suited for early or spring season hunts, or if you do a lot of mobile/spot-and-stalk hunting.
Terrain
Obviously, if you’re looking for a rubber hunting boot your main concern probably deals with water or scent control, but you should also consider the landscape you’ll frequent as well. If you just want something that will keep the dew off your feet as you walk through open pastures, traction probably isn’t a priority. But if you cross creeks and steep banks on the way to your honey hole, solid traction can make your early walk-ins a lot less slippery. Also consider a snake boot if you hunt the deep south and early or spring seasons.
Overall Fit
If you’ve ever owned a pair of rubber boots that were too big, then you know the headache of your upper slapping against your leg as you try to silently walk to your stand. On the flip side, it’s almost easier to cut off a rubber boot that fits too snug than it is to remove it, and this can create rather than prevent blisters. But not having properly sized boots isn’t just annoying, it can quickly derail your enjoyment in the woods. It’s best to try on boots before you buy them, and consider how or if you plan to layer in them.
Socks
This might seem like a no-brainer or maybe it doesn’t, but even the best boots in the world won’t do you any good if you’re not wearing the right socks. If you throw on the first pair of Hanes you blindly grab from your drawer and expect your feet not to freeze even in a heavily insulated boot, you’re in for a long, cold sit. Wear a cheap pair of cotton socks while you’re slogging through the wet timber during turkey season, and you’ll likely go home with more blisters than filled tags. Most companies and websites recommend socks to pair with certain boots, so when you’re dropping the cash on a new pair, go ahead and shell out the extra on a good pair of hunting socks.
Best Overall: LaCrosse Alpha Burly Pro
Key Features
- Adjustable neoprene gusset
- Multiple camo and color patterns
- Height: 18 inches
- Weight: 5.2 pounds
- Mild, cold, and arctic insulation options
- Scent-free rubber
Why It Made the Cut
Their comfortable, yet snug fit and various insulation and camo options make the Alpha Burly Pros the best rubber hunting boots overall.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Doesn’t feel as bulky as others
- True to size
Cons
- Heats up on long walks
Product Description
Most rubber boots serve their main purpose, which is to keep your feet dry, but that’s about it. The Alpha Burly Pros do this and have the best qualities of a solid hunting boot. Cheaper rubber boots, even in your right size, still have extra room at the heel, which causes it to slip, especially if you’re walking through thick mud. I’ve clean come out of a rubber boot while doing so.
But the Alpha Burly Pros have a snug fit, and there’s no space between your heel and the back of the boot for your foot to slip out. I hunted out of a pair of Burlys I inherited from my dad and got years out of them before I had to buy new ones. And the Alpha Burly Pros are just as, if not more, rugged.
I mainly use these for late season deer but also sometimes during turkey season, and if you’re a die-hard whitetail hunter, you probably shuddered at that last statement. These boots excel in a variety of hunting situations, though most notably for whitetail. But if you get the right insulation, you can have yourself an awesome do-it-all rubber boot.
