There are many factors that contribute to a successful hunt, one of the most important being the hunting boot that you wear. That’s because hunting might require you to walk on rougher terrain and harsher weather, so you always want your footwear to provide you with the essential protection.
However, with many designs and brands in the market, deciding which pair of hunting boots to get might be more complicated than you think.
Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of the best lightweight hunting boots for you to explore. In this hunting boot shopping guide, I’m going to give you all the necessary information that you need before buying a pair of hunting boots.
Here are the best lightweight hunting boots (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Timberland PRO Men's AG Boss Pull-On Alloy-Toe Waterproof Work and Hunt Boot
- Best For Rough Terrain: LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18-inch Hunting Boot
- Best For Ankle Support: Danner Men's Pronghorn Gore-Tex Hunting Boot
- Best Overall: Irish Setter Women's 2881 Vaprtrek 8-inch 400 Gram Hunting Boot
- Best For Long Wear: Muck Boot Arctic Hunter Extreme Conditions Rubber Women's Hunting Boot
- Best For Deer Hunting: Irish Setter Women LadyHawk Big Game Hunting Boot
| Top 6 Best Lightweight Hunting Boots | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Timberland PRO Men's AG Boss Pull-On Alloy-Toe Waterproof Work and Hunt Boot | Read Our Review |
Best For Rough Terrain | LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18-inch Hunting Boot | Read Our Review |
Best For Ankle Support | Danner Men's Pronghorn Gore-Tex Hunting Boot | Read Our Review |
Best Overall | Irish Setter Women's 2881 Vaprtrek 8-inch 400 Gram Hunting Boot | Read Our Review |
Best For Long Wear | Muck Boot Arctic Hunter Extreme Conditions Rubber Women's Hunting Boot | Read Our Review |
Best For Deer Hunting | Irish Setter Women LadyHawk Big Game Hunting Boot | Read Our Review |
Men’s Hunting Boots
Best Overall: Timberland PRO Men's AG Boss Pull-On Alloy-Toe Waterproof Work and Hunt Boot
- Lightweight
- Easy to walk in
- Made with premium waterproof leather
- Has slip-resistant soles
- Comes with a Western-style aesthetics
- Quite heavy to wear
Timberland is a reliable footwear manufacturer that creates outstanding products like no other. As the ultimate hunting boots that have a Western-style aesthetics, the Timberland Pro is a versatile pair of shoes for you to wear.
It’s a well-made pair of boots that’s comfortable to wear and protect your feet from injuries. Not only does it have slip-resistant outsoles to improve your grip, but the shoe is also made from waterproof leather, so it’s easy to clean and can be used in harsh weather conditions.
The waterproof leather also makes the shoe easier to clean and won’t crack over time. Additionally, if you’re someone who is always on the go, the shoe is also designed with pull-on and lace-up tabs to make wearing quicker and easier.
| Timberland PRO Men's AG Boss Pull-On Alloy-Toe Waterproof Work and Hunt Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.3 grams |
Material | Waterproof full-grain leather |
Heel High | 1.5 inches |
Highlight Features | Has antibacterial mesh lining to control odor |
This Timberland Pro boot is a good choice for people who want a high-quality pair of shoes without breaking the bank.
Best For Rough Terrain: LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18-inch Hunting Boot
- Multiple layers of rubber for durability
- Fits well
- Has ankle and heel support
- Includes a neoprene layer for air circulation
- Keeps your feet warm
- Difficult to slip on and off
The LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro hunting boot is considered a high-quality pair of boots that's great to wear all year round. It's made from natural rubber, meaning it has significant flexibility and is comfortable to wear.
To make wearing more comfortable, the shoe is designed to have three layers of rubber located at the toe guard, which means your feet will be pain-free even after a full day of walking.
Also, there's an extra neoprene layer to ensure that there's air circulation and temperature regulation when wearing, so your feet don't get sweaty.
There's a detailed tread pattern at the bottom of the shoes to make sure that you're always safe and steady when walking on rough terrain.
| LaCrosse Men's Alphaburly Pro 18-inch Hunting Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.8 lbs |
Material | Rubber |
Heel High | 1.5 inch |
Highlight Features | Has removable EVA midsole cushions for extra comfort |
This LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro hunting boot is a good pair to purchase, especially if you live in colder weather because it keeps your feet warm.
Best For Ankle Support: Danner Men's Pronghorn Gore-Tex Hunting Boot
- Durable
- Has cushioning for extra comfort
- High-quality material
- Has excellent ankle support
- Waterproof
- Takes longer to break-in
If you’re looking for a high profile pair of boots that’s great for support, then Danner Men’s Pronghorn is a good choice. It’s made from high-quality and sturdy leather that allows you to work in both comfort and style.
To ensure that the shoes are durable and comfortable to wear, the heels are made from a sure-grip rubber sole, so you can wear them for longer hours. Additionally, the shoes have a Gore-Tex waterproof lining to make the shoe wearable even in wet conditions.
As a pair of durable shoes, there’s a rubber EVA midsole that helps cushion your feet and makes the shoes more durable when walking.
| Danner Men's Pronghorn Gore-Tex Hunting Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.4 lbs |
Material | Leather |
Heel High | N/A |
Highlight Features | Has a high-top design for excellent ankle support |
The Danner Pronghorn hunting boots are a good option for those who want looks and functionality. I absolutely love the leather design of the boots!
Women’s Hunting Boots
Best Overall: Irish Setter Women's 2881 Vaprtrek 8-inch 400 Gram Hunting Boot
- Great comfort and stability
- Lightweight
- Made from waterproof leather
- Has RPM technology
- Has toe and heel protection
- Only comes in one color
The Vaprtrek hunting boots are considered to be a top-quality pair of boots that allow women to enjoy hunting no matter the weather. It’s made with full-grain and waterproof leather to ensure that the shoes are durable and comfortable.
Additionally, there’s a built-in antimicrobial lining to make sure that there isn’t any odor when wearing for long hours. Since the shoes have an RPM sole, it’s extremely lightweight and flexible.
For greater protection, Armatec heel and toe bumpers are inserted to provide extra protection when in harsher conditions.
| Irish Setter Women's 2881 Vaprtrek 8-inch 400 Gram Hunting Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.88 lbs |
Material | Leather |
Heel High | N/A |
Highlight Features | Has a high-top design for excellent ankle support |
If you want a warm and comfortable pair of hunting boots, you should give the Vaprtrek shoe a try!
Best For Long Wear: Muck Boot Arctic Hunter Extreme Conditions Rubber Women's Hunting Boot
- Made from high-grade rubber
- Has soft fleece lining for extra comfort
- Durable
- Keeps your feet warm
- Waterproof
- Quite heavy to wear
As the ultimate pair of hunting boots for women who love exploring the outdoors, this mid-height Muck Arctic Hunter boots have meaning features that will allow you to wear for a longer period of time.
The shoes also have a neutral-toned camouflage design that’s aesthetically pleasing to look at and effective when hunting.
It has an inner fleece lining to keep your feet warm when you’re traveling in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the simple but aesthetic looking design means that you can wear them out anywhere and feel confident all the time!
| Muck Boot Arctic Hunter Extreme Conditions Rubber Women's Hunting Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | N/A |
Material | Leather |
Heel High | N/A |
Highlight Features | Has a high-top design for excellent ankle support |
If you tend to walk in water, you should opt for this rubber hunting boot because it’s waterproof.
Best For Deer Hunting: Irish Setter Women LadyHawk Big Game Hunting Boot
- Has removable EVA soles
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- High-performance
- Supports your feet well
- Quite stiff to wear at first
If you’re someone who enjoys going hunting, then you’ll appreciate this lightweight and durable option. It’s also designed with a camouflage pattern that looks very attractive and professional.
Not only is it made from waterproof leather, but it also has nylon uppers to protect your feet against weather such as snow, rain, and slush. The extra layers will also keep your feet warm when in wet or colder weather conditions.
Additionally, the shoes also have a built-in UltraDry waterproof system that draws any moisture from your shoe and keeps your shoe smelling fresh. Since the boots are very light and flexible, you can also use them during the rain.
| Irish Setter Women LadyHawk Big Game Hunting Boot Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.4 lbs |
Material | Leather |
Heel High | 1.25 inch |
Highlight Features | Has a high-top design for excellent ankle support |
My favorite thing about this pair of hunting boots is the high-top design. It looks very professional and is great for ankle support!
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Hunting Boots?
There are many things to consider when purchasing a fresh pair of hunting boots. When wanting to find a good-quality pair of shoes, you should consider the following aspects before purchasing.
If the shoe you are planning to buy fits all the checklist below, then you’ve chosen yourself the best lightweight hunting boots!
Comfort
- As one of the most important factors when wearing shoes, finding a pair that’s comfortable should be a priority. Not only do comfortable shoes allow you to have good body movements and reduces the chances of you getting injured.
- When your shoes aren’t comfortable, it’ll affect the flow of your movement and interfere with your performance. Over time, the shoes might cause you permanent pain.
Fit
- Most boot manufacturers recommend that you get a pair of boots that are at least half a size bigger than your actual foot. The fit of a shoe is important when hunting because it’ll support your feet well and enable you to walk on rougher terrain.
- To make sure your shoe fits adequately when trying on a pair of shoes, you should wiggle your toes. If they wiggle comfortably without any aggravations or discomfort, then your shoe is properly fitted.
Protection
- When being in a dynamic environment, it’s critical to have a high-quality pair of boots that can protect your feet from any falling or sharp objects. Shoes protect your feet from encountering any danger and have many safety benefits.
- When buying a low-quality pair of shoes, it won’t be able to provide you with the necessary support to protect your joints, legs, and feet.
Durability
- You probably don’t want to be in a situation where you buy a pair of shoes only to find out that it didn’t last as long as you expected. Although you can’t expect a cheap pair of boots to have the same durability as an expensive pair, it’s always good to have durability in mind when buying.
- To find durable boots, you should find boots that are made of high-quality and durable material. You should also examine the soles of the shoe to see if it has unique patterns to provide strong gripping. Additionally, verify that the shoes have an adequate layer of lining to provide extra foot support.
Which Brands Make The Best Lightweight Hunting Boots?
If you’re someone who has researched about what brands are there on the market today, then you have probably heard about the following brands.
Timberland
- As a comfortable and functional pair of shoes, it’s a great option for people who enjoy the outdoor life. They’re durable and long-lasting, which means you won’t have to purchase another pair in a while after buying a pair from Timberlands.
Danner
- Whether it’s through the snow, rain, mud, or dirt, Danner’s hunting boots are suitable in all types of terrains. They’re a comfortable and durable pair that’s lightweight and easy to wear. Not only do they help you perform higher, but you can also have more protection when wearing Danner.
Muck
- Muck is a versatile and high-quality pair of shoes that ensures protection and comfort when wearing. Even in the roughest weather, these boots are lightweight and waterproof, so you won’t have any trouble. Even in colder weather, your foot will still stay warm when wearing the Muck brand.
FAQs
How many grams of insulation do I need for hunting boots?
Depending on where you live, it’s important that you find a pair that keeps your feet both warm and dry when outdoors. The average hunting boot should have around 200 grams of insulation, which is suitable for cool weather or high activity levels.
If you’re someone who lives in a colder condition or less active, you should consider buying 400-600 grams. In extreme cases, you can purchase boots with insulation of 1200 grams and above. However, it should only be used when you’re at a temperature under 25 degrees.
Are rubber boots best for hunting?
If you’re hunting in a wet area or less challenging terrain, then wearing rubber boots is a good idea because it’ll keep your feet dry. However, your feet might sweat more and produce odor.
However, if you’re hunting in harsher conditions and want more grip and protection, leather hunting boots would be a better option to wear.
Should you size up in boots?
Depending on whether you like to have a snug feel when wearing boots, you should always remember that the fit should never be too tight. When you walk, it should be comfortable.
How should mountain hunting boots fit?
Since you’ll be moving a lot when mountain hunting, you need to find a pair of shoe that fits accordingly. Proper fit shoes should snug your feet comfortably and not have any pressure or pinch points.
To make sure you purchase the right size, you can use a shoe measuring device to check what size your feet are.
Do hunter boots loosen up?
Depending on what material your hunter boots are made of, shoes naturally loosen up after wearing for a period of time. Although boots do not shrink a lot, boots will get looser and stretch as you wear. However, if you take good care of the shoes, they shouldn’t stretch a lot.
Conclusion
Believe it or not, picking which model is the best lightweight hunting boots isn’t a hard task, especially when you have the information I provided above. Now that you have all the information you need, I hope you have a smooth shopping experience and enjoy a wonderful time outdoors.
If you have any comments, feel free to leave it below and happy shopping!
Bryan Listor
