Top 6 Best Elk Hunting Boots in 2023 Review & Buying Guide

Elk hunting entails rigorous processes like walking long and rough distances with the constant weather change. Therefore, you need the best elk hunting boots to survive the climate change at higher altitudes and walk on rocky terrain. 

Now, here’s the issue. 

Even if you can afford one, getting a quality elk hunting boot could present some challenges. Hence, I have taken the time to select the best hunting boots that guarantee your overall safety.

What are the Best Elk Hunting Boots? 

The thing is, I want to save you the stress of scouring the market by yourself in search of elk hunting boots. Hence, I have researched and pruned down the numerous options available to a few top-notch elk boots. I also highlight the specific features of each in this review. 

1. Danner Men’s Powderhorn 10″ Gore-Tex

Your instincts are not enough, so you need the Danner Men’s Powderhorn 10″ Gore-Tex Boot to wade through rough terrain. The footwear comes with a backcountry design and standard that offer resistance against rocky terrain. The sturdy underneath is fitted with multidirectional lugs to make it last longer. 

Here is the exciting part. 

This boot offers excellent traction no matter the surface. And it does so with an unbelievable lightweight to ensure better stability. 

Exposed ridges or scree slopes? 

Bring them on as the unique stitch-down design creates a powerful platform for stability and durability. No worries about heaviness because you’ll be as swift as an antelope in these boots. The bi-fit tech construction combines the midsole and shank into one piece to make the boot lighter. 

As a hunter, you need tall leather hunting boots to ensure all-round safety for your legs and feet. Thus, Danner’s powderhorn offers absolute rigidity with its tall and tough leather, making it one of the best backcountry hunting boots.  It also provides the best air circulation thanks to the floating tongue design. 

Overall, you can rest assured that your feet will get the best comfort on any hunting spree with these boots. 

Pros

Cons

2. Irish Setter Men’s Vaprtrek

The Irish Setter Men’s Vaptrtrek Hunting Boot is a sturdy, waterproof hunting boot with durable rubber soles. It also comes with Ultradry construction to keep your feet free from moisture. 

The combination of waterproof materials with the UltraDry construction will always keep your feet dry and warm during the hunt.

What else do I like about this boot?

It is a lightweight hunting boot with VaprTrek technology to provide optimal strength and durability without the extra weight.  Say no to smelly boots or feet thanks to its ScentBan technology, which kills the bacteria that cause odors.     

What’s more, the boot is also very comfortable to wear and wrap around the feet snugly. 

Pros

Cons

3. ROCKY Men’s Bearclaw 3D

Are you looking for a tall leather hunting boot? Then consider getting the  Rocky Men’s Bearclaw 3D LTT Hunting Boots are fashionable. So, if you like tall elk hunting boots that protect the shin and lower leg, this is for you. 

It comes in 100% leather with lace-up hiking and full-grain leather with Bearclaw 3D outsole. Besides, it has rubber soles for solid grip to the ground in various terrains.

Besides, it is the best women’s hunting boot on this list as they will find it very comfortable to wear. You can get them in a wide range of sizes.    

The boots are multipurpose, so you can also wear them as turkey hunting boots.    

Pros

Cons

4. Irish Setter Men’s 880

The Irish Setter Men’s 880 hunting boot comes with the highly sought-after scent expulsion design. 

Every component of the footwear works to expel bad smells from your feet. The leather, lining, and footbeds help to kill odor-causing microorganisms. 

Moreover;

It is entirely resistant to water thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane. This feature also helps to muck up any sweat that gathers on your feet, keeping them dry throughout the hunting expedition. 

More so, it offers ultra-comfort to your feet with the 3M Thinsulate material. It provides warm padding that is suitable for long hunting hours. Besides, it helps to keep the feet dry and warm even in moist conditions. 

Additionally, it comes with big eyelets and a round lace for easy slipping on and off. It also ensures excellent fitting that defines the best hunting boots.

Pros

Cons

5. Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX

The Lowa’s GTX trekking boots come in a synthetic material finish for enhanced comfort and long-lasting service. Hence, as you purchase the best rangefinders for bow hunting, you should also consider getting this boot.  

Moreover, it features a padded tongue and contoured collar that offers extreme convenience for long hunting hours. 

The FlexFit natural ankle design helps you to walk without slipping, no matter the terrain. Also, the rubber rand helps with easy movement. You get to enjoy premium moisture and heat management thanks to climate control linings. 

Pros

Cons

6. Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400

If you need a premium hunting boot, look no further than the Kenetrek Mountain 400 Hiking/Hunting Boot. This comfortable boot is 100% leather, with the tall upper body having double and triple-stitched full-grain leather. 

The boot midsoles are built for optimal balance and support, while the outsoles provide quality traction and grip. There is also a rubber sole guard for added protection against abrasion 

And that’s not all.

The Windtex membrane adds waterproofing capability to this Kenetrek boot. What’s more, it is resistant. The boots also have 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet dry and warm.  

Due to its premium quality, you might be pondering on where are Kenetrek boots made. Well, this boot is made in America. 

Pros

Cons

Elk Hunting Boots Buying Guide

It is well known that elk-hunting-boots are the next most crucial gear in the wild, next to your firearms. Your boot is a great determinant for either your success or failure while hunting.

Below is a list of factors to consider when buying the best elk hunting boots.

Pick the Appropriate Boot for The Season 

It is essential to consider the season before picking out a boot. Hunting during November and December may have you buying more than just a pair of boots. Instead, you need one that can accommodate extreme weather conditions and temperature.

Trust me; it’s worth it.

When purchasing a pair of boots for the initial times of the season, it is best to get one with less insulation. They also need to be much lighter to help you perform better in a chase.

However, fall seasons will require well-insulated boots to keep you warm as you hunt.

Materials Used

These boots have a design for long term hunting trips, and thus, should last you as long as possible. So, when you’re out to pick a pair, make sure you check the material used to make it.

Observe if the boots as an upper are of quality materials, as this is the area that protects your feet and ankles.

The upper must have a leather build or a fiber and leather combination. You can also go with a pair of boots with an upper and made of leather and nylon. Leather offers more protection due to its strength, 

But that’s not all. 

The leather is also completely waterproof. This is the feature that makes your feet stay dry no matter where or what you walk over. The leather should be strong and firm for this, so do away with any knowledge on how to soften leather boots.

Moreover, cheap boots may have less durable materials like split leather. But depending on your hunting needs, the choice is entirely in your hands.

Buy a Perfect Fit

You need to pick a pair of boots that are comfortable for you in case of long walks. Some of these footwears are a perfect fit right from the box, while a few forces for your feet to fit in. But they will fit so well that you won’t have to worry about blisters or any discomfort.

Here is another thing you need to know. 

You should also take into consideration the use of socks. Before purchase, as you try on boots at the store, make sure you’re even wearing the socks you intend to use for hunting. If you do not wear the socks while picking out boots, you can get a mismatch that may be uncomfortable.

Boot Stability 

The soles are responsible for stability, traction, shock absorption, and the boots’ ultimate comfort. 

Also, consider the lug shape and trade patterns on the soles of the boots. A shallow trade could reduce mud accumulation and debris, giving you a more comfortable and stable stance.

Water-Resistance

You not only have to prepare for rough terrain but also wet grounds. Therefore, you must get waterproof hunting boots

Many are not aware that it is the interior materials of boots and not the exterior fabric that makes waterproof hunting footwear. In the simplest form, the inside of the footwear is a waterproof sock that has a seam-seal. It is a tri-layered membrane containing a sock shaped material that disallows the entrance of water.

Too much? That’s ok 

Before you make any purchases ensure the boots are not simply water-resistant but fully waterproof.

Boot Size

You should always pick a boot that is not too big or small but one that perfectly fits your feet. 

Therefore, you need to be physically present during the purchase so you can test them before paying for them. And if you want to test out the boots, ensure you leave some allowance for the socks you intend to wear in them.

Other than the overall size, also consider the weight. The reason is that lightweight boots increase mobility in the wild.

Break-In Period

Some boots fit entirely right from the box, while some need a period of break-in. 

But Keep in mind boots are meant to be strong, so it may take a little while for them to loosen up and become a comfortable fit. So be aware of the period required to break into the woods before you buy them.

Boot Maintenance

Most footwear requires support for an extended life span, and even the best mountain hunting boots are no different. It is important to regularly clean, dry, and treat your boots from time to time.

You won’t regret it!

You may not always have time to keep up your boots in the wild, so make sure you purchase boots that don’t need much maintenance.

Boot Insulation

The ability of hunting boots to keep your feet warm with the material used to make them is the definition of insulation. Tall leather hunting boots offer the best insulation.

You may prefer to hunt in cold seasons, and so you will need insulated rubber boots. But if you hunt in all seasons, it is best to buy two separate pairs of boots, one with insulation and the other.

Wait, there’s more!

You should also consider breathable boots. The reason is that humans sweat during a physically demanding activity such as hunting. 

Not all allow water vapor to dissipate due to the materials used. But with breathable boots, sufficient air circulation is possible, which prevents the breeding of bacteria and reduces the chances of unpleasant feet odor.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is the Right Level of Insulation for Hunting Boots?

The best mountain hunting boots are available in various classes. Each class has varying insulation levels as they serve unique purposes. The isolation level is within 200 grams to 2000 grams depending on the weather and environmental conditions.  

Should I Be Worried About Lacing?

Yes, you need to be sure that your hunting boots have the right lace hooks and laces. The laces hold the boots together, and you don’t want them to break off right in the middle of a hunt. 

What Is the Shank of a Boot, And Does It Matter?

The shank of a hunting boot is the nylon footbed that runs from the boot’s heel to its toes part. Yes, it does matter. The thickness of the shank determines the stiffness and stability of your hunting boot. 

What Features Should I Look Out for In the Best Elk Hunting Boots?

The best elk hunting boots should have good soles, waterproof capability, and flexibility for any severe condition. It should offer reliable protection overall.  

Final Word 

The rough and rigorous terrain of high-altitude elk hunting requires nothing less than the best elk hunting boots. I wouldn’t hit the mountains without the assurance from any of these footwears. 

So why the wait?  

Dip into our list and pick out the best hunting boot for your next hunt.