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5 Best Elk Hunting Boots

 


Most recommended
Irish Setter Men 860
  • Color: Brown
  • Leather,Nylon,Rubber
  • Moisture wicking nylon lining
A good choice too
Irish Setter Men 882
  • 100% Leather
  • Imported
  • Synthetic sole
A good choice too
Irish Setter Men 880
  • 100% Leather
  • Rubber sole
  • Color: Brown
Irish Setter Men 886
  • Color: Mossy Oak Break Up
  • Synthetic sole
  • Imported
Danner Men
  • 100% Leather and cordura
  • Rubber sole
  • Color: Brown

Choose the Best Elk Hunting Boot

Customer’s Choice: the Best Elk Hunting Boots

1 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

0.00% of users selected Irish Setter Men 860, 0.00% selected Irish Setter Men 882, 100.00% selected Irish Setter Men 880, 0.00% selected Irish Setter Men 886 and 0.00% selected Danner Men. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

If you’re an elk hunter, you know that having the right gear is essential to a successful hunt. One of the most important pieces of gear is your boots. There are many types of boots, and it can be difficult to decide which pair is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the best elk hunting boots on the market and help you choose the pair that is perfect for you!

Irish Setter Men’s 860

This Elk Tracker boot from Irish Setter is tough and ready to work hard for you. Waterproof and insulated, with the Gore-Tex linings and 1000g Thinsulate, it will keep your feet dry and warm while you’re out in the cold.

The aggressive Bulls-Eye rubber outsole has multi-directional lugs for premium footing, while the memory foam EVA insole ensures hours-long comfort on those long hunting trips.

Pros
  • Waterproof
  • Scent-free
  • 100% Leather
  • True to size

Cons
  • May be too warm for hot climates
  • Expensive


Irish Setter Men’s 882

The Elk 882 is our top-of-the-line men’s boot, perfect for serious hunters. It’s made of the highest quality, super durable leather and features sturdy cleats that provide great traction on any terrain.

The boot also has an Irish Setter’s exclusive ScentBan odor control to keep your feet smelling fresh all day long. Plus, it comes in extended sizes to ensure a perfect fit.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • 100% Leather
  • Comfortable and stable

Cons
  • Expensive
  • Waterproofing may wear off over time with heavy use.


Irish Setter Men’s 880

Irish Setter is back at it again with the 880 Elk Tracker Boot. This heavy-duty, waterproof and insulated boot was built to keep your comfort all day long.

With the Gore-Tex lining, 200g Thinsulate, EVA insole, and ScentBan odor inhibitor, you can be assured that your boots will stand up to any terrain or weather condition. Bulls-Eye outsole provides premium footing and balance while you’re on the hunt, so you can focus on the task at hand.

Pros
  • True to size
  • Comfortable
  • 100% Leather
  • Very durable

Cons
  • Only for warm climates
  • Expensive


Irish Setter Elk Tracker 886

The Irish Setter 886 Boot is perfect for those cold days in the field. With a waterproof and breathable membrane, this boot will keep you dry and warm all day long.

The PrimaLoft will keep your feet toasty, while the Memory Foam footbed ensures comfort all day long. And with ScentBan technology, you can be sure that your scent won’t give you away.

Pros
  • Waterproof
  • Removable EVA footbed
  • True to size
  • Comfortable
  • Durable

Cons
  • Can be a bit heavy for some hunters
  • Expensive


Danner Elk Ridge

Elk Ridge boots feature a wide platform to provide stability as well as make it resoleable so you can wear them longer than other models on the market!

They’re also waterproof thanks in part to their GORE-TEX lining which keeps your feet warm during winter months or cool when summertime rolls around again. All while maintaining breathability at all times thanks to 600 grams of insulation inside this Danner creation.

Pros
  • The cheapest option from the list
  • Very comfortable
  • Durable
  • Great soles
  • Waterproof

Cons
  • Comes only in brown color

Buyer’s Guide

Why do you need special boots for Elk hunting?

Elk hunting is one of the most popular types of big game hunting in North America. According to a report by the U.S Fish and wildlife service over 19 percent of hunters in the U.S hunted elk during 2021.

Hunting these animals is a thrill and can be very difficult since they live in some pretty rough terrain which includes rocky outcroppings, steep hillsides, deep ravines, and even snow-covered areas. Elk are also generally found at higher elevations than most other types of big game animals.

This means that you need to have the right gear in order to hunt them successfully. There is no more important item than your boots, they are the only thing standing between you and a successful day of elk hunting in some very harsh terrain. You will be doing yourself a great disservice by not wearing the best elk hunting boots available.

Benefits of Having the Right Elk Hunting Boots

There are various benefits of having some good-quality elk hunting boots. Some of them are:

  • Comfort: When you are out in the field, especially if it is cold or wet, your feet will appreciate having a good pair of boots on. Boots that fit well and are made from quality materials can make all the difference in terms of comfort when hunting elk.
  • Warmth: Elk hunting can often take place in colder temperatures, so it is important to have a good pair of boots that can keep your feet warm.
  • Protection: A good pair of hunting boots will protect your feet from rocks, sticks, and other elements in the field. This is especially true if you are hunting elk during late fall or winter when there may be snow on the ground. If you don’t want to get frostbite or other injuries, make sure to bring a good pair of boots with you on your next elk hunting trip.
  • Traction: Wet or icy conditions can make it difficult to walk, and even more so if you are trying to stalk elk. A good pair of boots with good traction will help keep you stable on your feet, even in the worst weather.
  • Waterproof: If you are hunting elk during the fall or winter, chances are it could be raining or snowing. You don’t want to have wet feet for hours on end so it’s important that your boots are waterproof!
  • Durability: It is always a bonus when your gear lasts long enough that you can use it again and again without having to replace them every year.

As you can see, there are many benefits of having a good pair of elk hunting boots. It’s not just about comfort or warmth; it’s also about protection and traction as well!

However, these boots can be expensive, so it’s important to do your research and find the best pair for you.

What to Look for in the Best Boots for Elk Hunting

Elk hunting is a very demanding sport. It requires stamina, endurance, and good balance especially when you are on uneven terrains. You must have the right clothing, footwear, and equipment to be able to enjoy this kind of outdoor activity.

What to Look for in the Best Boots for Elk Hunting

As an elk hunter, you need to have the best boots for this type of hunting. You will be walking and climbing in different types of terrains. So how do you know if a hunting boot is the right one for elk hunting? Here are some features to look for:

Comfort and Fit

The first and most important aspect of a good elk hunting boot is comfort. The boots need to fit well so that you can walk long distances without feeling any pain or discomfort.

The best boots should be comfortable enough so that you can wear them all day long. If possible, try on your hiking boots before purchasing them since each brand has its own size chart.

It is important to find the right size because ill-fitting boots can cause blisters and other foot problems. If you are planning to wear heavy socks, make sure that you get boots that are a size larger.

Your feet will get tired when walking around in the woods, so ensure that there is no pressure point or tightness to prevent blisters from forming.

Comfort also comes down to the materials used in the construction of the boots. They should be made of durable and breathable materials so that your feet do not sweat excessively.

Fit also depends on the width of your feet. For example, if you have wide feet then it would be better to get a boot with more room in the toe area rather than something that is too narrow or tight-fitting at all.

These two factors will determine how comfortable your boots are and whether you will be able to walk long distances in them without any issues.

You don’t want to spend all of your money on boots that don’t fit correctly! If you’re going elk hunting, then it’s important to find a boot with good comfort and fit so that you can enjoy yourself while out in the woods.

Tip: If you’re not sure about which size to buy, try on different pairs until you find one that fits well without causing any pain. A lot of people will try on multiple pairs before finding one they like, but if this isn’t an option for you, make sure to read the reviews of different boots before purchasing.

Season/ Weather

You need to consider the season and weather of your elk hunting trip. It plays a big role because the wrong boots can make your feet wet and cold, which will make the experience miserable.

If you are hunting in cold weather, look for a boot with a good amount of insulation. The best boots will have 600 grams or more of insulation. This will keep your feet warm even when the temperatures are below freezing.

For hunting in warmer temperatures, look for a boot with less insulation. This will prevent your feet from overheating and sweating too much. Try to find something with 200-400 grams of insulation or even no insulation at all if you can handle it.

Season/ Weather

If you are going to be walking through snow, look for a waterproof boot as well. This will keep your feet from getting wet and cold.

If you are going to be hunting in rain, a waterproof boot is not as important, but it is still a good idea. A water-resistant or breathable boot would work better in this situation.

In case you plan on going during summer, a pair of lightweight boots will probably serve you well. They also must be breathable so your feet don’t get too hot. They will keep your feet cool and comfortable all day long.

For spring and autumn, a mid-weight boot is the best option. It provides good insulation and waterproofing without being too heavy or bulky.

In general, you want to look for a boot that is waterproof and has good insulation properties. Gore-Tex lined boots are ideal because they will keep your feet dry even in wet conditions. They also have good breathability so your feet won’t get too sweaty.

Just make sure you choose a boot that is appropriate for the weather and season of an elk hunting trip. This will ensure your comfort level is at its best throughout the hunt.

Material

The next consideration is the material of the elk hunting boots.

It is important to choose the best material for your elk hunting boots so that they can withstand tough terrains and different weather conditions.

There are three main types: leather, rubber, and synthetic.

  • Leather boots are the most popular because they are durable and provide good insulation. They also tend to be more comfortable than the other types of boots. If you’re looking for a pair that will last several hunting seasons, then leather is probably your best choice. But they do have some disadvantages as well. Leather elk hunting boots are heavier than the others and can be quite expensive — especially if you want a high-quality pair.
  • Rubber boots are the lightest of all three types and provide better traction than leather or synthetic elk hunting boots do. But they’re not as durable as either type, so you might need to replace them more often. They’re also usually less comfortable than other types of elk hunting boots because they don’t have as much padding around the ankle area or on the tops of your feet.
  • Synthetic elk hunting boots are a hybrid between leather and rubber. They provide good traction with some insulation and water resistance, but they can be heavier than other types of elk hunting boots because they’re made with thicker materials. Synthetic materials are cheaper but not as durable as leather ones.

The type of material you choose for your elk hunting boots is really a personal preference. If you’re looking for the most durable and comfortable option, then pick leather. But if you want a lighter boot that provides better traction, rubber might be a better option. And if you’re looking for a good mix of durability, comfort, and affordability, synthetic elk hunting boots might be the best option for you.

Breathability

Another thing to consider is how well your elk hunting boot will allow air to flow through them. This will help provide you with better comfort and moisture.

You can expect that in the warmer months, while out on an elk hunt, your feet are going to sweat considerably more than any other time of year. For this reason alone, it is extremely important to have a pair of elk hunting boots that do an excellent job at allowing air to flow through them.

This will ensure that in addition to the blood being circulated throughout your feet, you are also getting plenty of fresh air flowing through as well. This combination can help keep your feet cool and dry while out on the hunt.

Breathability can be achieved through the use of various materials. Some boots are made with breathable mesh material that allows this to happen.

Breathability

Others will have larger cutouts in the design of their boot structure in order to promote better airflow as well. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to how a pair of elk hunting boots should be built in order to provide breathability.

If you choose a pair of boots that does not provide much breathability, it is a good idea to bring along some extra socks so you can switch them out mid-day.

This will give your feet the opportunity to cool off and dry up before being forced back into another pair of sweaty socks for the rest of the day. The last thing you want on an elk hunt is for your feet to become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.

Breathability is definitely something that you want to pay attention to when looking for the best elk hunting boots.

If you are not sure if a certain pair of boots offer good breathability or not, be sure to ask the retailer before making your purchase.

Waterproof

One more factor to consider when choosing the best elk hunting boots is waterproofing. You’ll want a good pair of boots that will keep your feet dry even if you’re slogging through wet, muddy terrain.

If you choose a pair of hunting boots without waterproofing, you’ll likely regret it when your feet are wet and cold all day.

Many good elk hunting boots come with waterproofing features built right in. If you’re looking for a pair of boots that will keep your feet dry, be sure to look for this feature before making your purchase.

There are a few different options when it comes to waterproofing, and each has a certain advantage.

  • The first option is called “dry”, which keeps the water out of your boots even if you’re walking through puddles or in the rain. Some people prefer this feature because they don’t like getting their feet wet all day long.
  • Another option is “wet”, which allows your feet to breathe even if you’re walking through water. This is a good option for people who are going to be in the water for a long time, like when they’re crossing a stream.
  • The final option is “waterproof”, which keeps the water out of your boots no matter what. This is usually the best option for people who are going to be in wet conditions all day.

Gore-Tex is a brand of waterproof material that has been used in outdoor apparel for years. This material works by creating a barrier between your feet and the outside world, keeping water out while letting air in.

If you’re looking to get wet, but don’t want to spend all day soaking wet, choose a pair of elk hunting boots with Gore-Tex. You’ll stay dry even if you’re standing in a stream, and your feet will still be able to breathe.

You can also waterproof your boots by using a waterproofing agent. This is beeswax that you can apply to your boots to keep them watertight. There are also different sprays and waxes that you can buy to waterproof your boots.

Another option is to purchase a pair of snake-proof boots if that’s something you need to worry about. These are designed to protect against bites from venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes or copperheads.

No matter what type of waterproofing you choose, be sure to test it out before your hunt. Make sure the boots are completely waterproof by submerging them in water for a few minutes. If they pass the test, you’ll know that your feet will stay dry even if the weather is wet.

No matter which waterproofing feature you choose, keep in mind that it’s important to take care of your boots so they stay dry and comfortable for years to come. It can be a big investment, so make sure you’re getting the most out of them!

Traction

The next most important feature of elk hunting boots is traction. You will be traversing a lot of rough terrains, so you need boots that can keep you stable.

Look for soles with deep lugs and good treads. This will help keep your feet stable on wet and slippery surfaces.

Traction is also important to keep you from slipping when climbing steep terrain.
You don’t want your boot sole to slip and make you fall, which can not only hurt but also get in the way of a good hunt.

If you are planning on using tree stands for hunting, then traction is even more important because it will help prevent falls.

Boot manufacturers have started to realize the importance of providing good traction, and many now offer boots with Vibram or other types of aggressive soles.

Look for boots with Vibram soles, which are popular among hikers. These will provide excellent traction in most situations. They also help to reduce fatigue when you wear them all day by absorbing the impact of walking and running over rocks and uneven surfaces.

If you’re looking for a lightweight option, consider boots with lugged soles made from carbon-infused rubber – these offer the best traction and durability without adding too much weight.

Another option is to add screw-in studs to the bottom of your boots if you’re worried about slipping.

It is worth mentioning that treads with deep lugs can sometimes get stuck in the mud, so it’s a good idea to bring a small brush or stick when hunting in muddy areas. You don’t want your boot soles caked with mud and stopping you from making a clean, quiet exit.

Though it is not a requirement for hunting boots, you may want to consider rubber soles. They are much quieter than most other materials used in the manufacture of boot soles. This will give you an advantage when stalking your prey because they won’t hear you coming and be able to escape without being seen by human eyes!

If you’re on a budget and not planning on spending hundreds of dollars, then you can get away with using cheaper materials because they will still provide good traction. Just make sure they have lugs that are deep enough to get a good grip in muddy situations or when walking over rocks and uneven surfaces.

If you need rubber soles, then it is recommended that you buy boots made of natural materials like leather instead of synthetic ones because rubber tends to break down faster than other material types. This means your boot sole will start to lose its grip and provide less traction as it wears.

Ankle/Arch Support

One more important feature to consider when looking for the best elk hunting boots is ankle and arch support.

The last thing you want while chasing down a big bull is sore feet or an injured ankle. Make sure the boots you choose have good arch and ankle support so you can stay on your feet all day long.

Ankle/Arch Support

If you’re looking for a boot that will give you the best ankle and arch support, try a pair of hiking boots. Hiking boots are specifically designed to provide good arch and ankle support, which is why they’re perfect for elk hunting.

If you’re not interested in buying a new pair of boots, you can always add some arch supports to your current boots. You can buy them at any sporting goods store or online.

The biggest thing to remember is that elk hunting requires a lot of walking, so you’ll want to make sure your feet are well-supported for those long treks through the woods.


FAQ

Can deer smell rubber boots?

Yes, deer can smell rubber boots. This is why it’s important to use good-quality scentless elk hunting boots when you’re out in the field. Scentless boots will help mask your scent and keep you undetected by deer.

How long should hunting boots last?

Hunting boots should last anywhere from one to three seasons, depending on how often you wear them and how well you take care of them. Make sure to clean your hunting boots after each use and store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Can boots last 20 years?

It’s possible for boots to last 20 years, but it really depends on the quality of the boots and how well you take care of them. If you take good care of your hunting boots, they should last at least several seasons.

Useful Video: Best Elk Hunting Boots – Top 5 Elk Hunting Boot Review

Final Thoughts

When looking for the best elk hunting boots, it is important to consider a variety of factors. The most important consideration is comfort. Make sure the boots are comfortable and fit well. You don’t want your feet to hurt after a long day of hiking in the woods.

The next consideration is waterproofing. Elk can be found in a variety of habitats, so it is important to choose a boot that will be effective in all conditions. Finally, consider the weight and price of the boots. You don’t want to break the bank buying a pair of boots, but you also don’t want to sacrifice quality.

There are a number of great options on the market when it comes to elk hunting boots. The best option for you will depend on your individual needs. Do your research, try on a few pairs of boots, and find the perfect pair for you!