We all know that elk, sheep, or more precisely, mountain hunting requires total focus. But how can you stay focus on a hunt when your feet feel cold, hot, wet, or sore after traveling those uneven terrains with lots of up and down and side-hilling.
I mean, it’s not like you can take off your boots when your feet start to feel the heat or gets the pain. So whether it’s sunny, raining, or snowing, the boots you wear can be the difference between success and failure.
So, what boots should you wear as an elk hunter? Obviously, the best elk hunting boots.
In this article, I will be discussing some of the things to consider when shopping for mountain and elk hunting boots. Also, I have selected 7 of the best boots for elk hunting for reviewing. But first, here is a quick comparison of the 7 boots I will be reviewing.
Comparison of 7 Best Mountain Hunting Boots
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Criteria Makes a Boot To The Best Elk Hunting Boots
As with any other product, there are some things you should consider before buying the best mountain hunting boots, such as – elk hunting boots. These are the things I will be discussing below.
The Fit
Elk hunting boots are shoes first before they are anything else. Thus, the first thing to consider when buying a boot is how it fits you. Whenever I go shopping for new boots, I always wear the socks I normally wear when going hunting. This I do to ensure the boot I choose perfectly fits me even when I am wearing socks. It is something I recommend you do when buying new boots.
Weight
Boots are generally built for mobility, not for luxury, and elk hunting boots are no exception. It is for this reason that most boots are made from nylon materials. Nylon materials are known for being lightweight, and rubber hunting boots for hunting need to be lightweight. Moving about in a forest can be difficult if your boots are heavy.
Waterproof
As hunters, we find ourselves having to walk over wet or swampy surfaces. And at other times we have to contend with the rain. Naturally, in such unfavorable conditions, the last thing you want is your feet getting wet. However, with a waterproof hunting boot, wet feet are not something you need to worry about. This being the case, always go for boots that are waterproof and will not let water in.
Season and weather
Different weather conditions demand different boot types. For example, during September, when the temperatures are still relatively high, and the un-insulated boot is ideal. However, as the temperatures start to drop and winter sets in, go for an insulated boot. The insulation is to keep your feet warm during winter. However, when it’s sunny insulated boots may cause your feet to sweat and feel uncomfortably hot.
The Environment
Different people hunt in different environments, Some like elk hunting with crossbow some prefer rifle hunting. There are those who prefer mountainous Colorado while others prefer New Mexico’s dry desert-like environment.
For hunting in the Mountain, a boot with good support is needed. Also, a boot with a reinforced toe guard will work best in a mountainous region. On the other hand, boots with a synthetic inner lining for breathability are ideal in a dry and hot environment.
Type of Boot for hunting: Which one to pick!
Hunting boots are a staple in the hunting gear world. There are many different types of boots available, but here I will focus on three that have been popular with hunters and outdoorsmen for years.
Field Boots:
First of all, Field boots are not waterproof and can not be a good option for hunting in the wet or snow areas. Also, they tend to come as uninsulated boots. These pairs of boots are typically made of soft, supple leather, nylon, or another type of material such as mesh. Field boots popular for their good breathability features while still protecting your feet from the elements.
Rubber Boots:
Rubber boots are typically made of a heavy material such as rubber, neoprene, or a combination of the two. These boots are popular for their waterproofing and can be a good option for hunting in wet or snow areas. And If you are looking for elk hunting boots to protect your cold feet, rubber boots are a good option. These boots do have good insulation properties and can be a good option for hunting in cold areas. Insulated rubber boots will keep your feet dry as like toast.
Remember that rubber boots tend to be bulky and heavy for the average day out hunting just because of their high rubber content. Also, they are not the best breathable boots like field boots, so that they can be a less desirable option for hunting trips in hot or humid areas. They are typically the most expensive of all boot types because of the high quality of rubber.
Snake Boots:
As the name suggests, these are used to protect the hunter’s feet from snake bites. Snake Proof Boots are rubber type boots made with special rubber, synthetics, and other materials that are resistant to snake bites. To protect your feet from the snake, manufacturers use a type of lining called snake-guard. It can be made from an impenetrable material, and it will go between the outer part of the boot and the inside part of the boot’s lining. So as the hunter walks, their feet will be protected against snake bites.
Best Boots For Elk Hunting & Mountain Hunting – Based on Field Test
Elks can be found in the Western parts of the country. This is a region prone to changes in weather conditions. Of importance is knowing the season you want to go elk hunting. During the early and archery seasons, insulation is not a priority.
During the early and archery season, temperatures are usually warm, and thus the best insulated hunting boots should not be your first choice. Instead, go for lightweight hunting boots, preferably those that weigh between 2.5 lbs and 3.5 lbs.
But during the second and third rifle seasons, temperature drops are more likely. Thus, insulation will become an important factor. In essence, the early season requires lightweight hunting boots, while the late season requires heavier and more insulated boots.
Irish Setter Men’s 882 Elk Tracker Big Game Hunting Boot
- Material: High-Quality Leather
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 15.8 x 5.9 inches
- Boot Height: 12 inches
Irish Setter is a brand that can never go unmentioned any time there is a discussion on the elk hunting boots. Thus, it should not come as a surprise that the manufacturer’s 882 Elk Tracker boots top my list. This all-leather boot is the perfect shoe for elk hunting.
All leather construction
This 12-inch boot is constructed from leather. Meaning you get the durability and toughness that leather is known for. But that is not all; the leather upper is 100% waterproof, giving you the ability to walk on dry as well as wet surfaces.
Insulation
Inside, your feet are encased in 600 grams of ultra-insulation Thinsulate. The insulation comes in handy when hunting in low temperatures. This insulation combined with the EVA insole with memory foam makes it both comfortable and warm.
Synthetic sole
A synthetic outer sole and sturdy cleats give the boot stability. Combine this with the steel support shank, and you get a rigid and stable boot. With it, you can venture into mountainous environments with ease.
Odor control
What makes these boots ideal for elk hunting in different regions is their odor control feature. The boots remain odorless even after hours of being worn. This is an important feature as it complements your stealth hunting techniques.
Pros
- Are constructed from work grade leather for optimal durability
- Provides a stable grip on different terrains
- The boots are 100% waterproof
- The boots come in a variety of sizes to choose from
- They remain odorless even after being worn for hours
Cons
- They tend to become less comfortable after some time
- Due to them being made of leather, they may take some time to break-in period
The 882 Track Big game boot is a versatile shoe that can be worn in different environments. Also, they are ideal for hunting in general due to their odorless feature. On top of this, they are waterproof and come with insulation.
Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8″ Uninsulated Hunting Boot
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 13.1 x 13.8 x 11.4 inches
- Height: 8 inches
The best boots for elk hunting need to be breathable, comfortable, light, and waterproof. Unfortunately, in my experience, not many boots can claim full marks on these categories. However, the Danner men’s Pronghorn come very close.
Appearance
First of all the shoe looks really amazing with a brownish color. But it isn’t just all good looks as it is also very comfortable. While they are marketed as uninsulated, the inside of these boots feel warm even in low temperatures.
Rubber sole
The sole on these hunting boots are made of rubber. Given that rubber is a tough and durable material, the sole is of high quality. In addition, there is no terrain too rough for this sole.
Toeside stitch
Unlike previous boot models, this version has toe side-stitching on its exterior. This stitching complements its overall stitching. The result is a boot that will not wear out easily and last longer than previous models.
Durable construction The boost is made of leather with denier nylon. These two materials are both lightweight and tough. It is for this reason that the boot is long-lasting. Inside, the boot features a Gore-tex lining making it waterproof.
Pros
- It can be used on a variety of different terrains
- The boots are breathable and leave no odor
- The boot is made from full-grain Camo hide for durability
- It is a very sturdy boot
- It is very well made and does not wear out easily
Cons
- It takes some time before breaking in
- It may feel uncomfortable around the ankles
A good shoe needs to be both functional and appealing to the eye. This is something that the Danner Men’s Pronghorn achieves brilliantly. It looks great and, at the same time, is functional. As a result, it is a versatile boot.
Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8″ Hunting Boot
- Material: synthetic
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 16.3 x 15.6 inches
- Height: 8 inches
Another beautiful creation of Irish Setter, the 2870 Vaprtrek hunting boot, is the last on my list. However, do not let their position on the list fool you. This pair of boots has all the qualities of the best hunting boots for elk hunting.
Scent Ban
As a hunter, the last thing you want is your prey catching a whiff of your masculine sweaty feet musk. Thankfully, the 2870 Varptrek boots come with the scent ban feature that Irish Setter has become synonymous with. This feature ensures that your feet stay dry during those hot summer days and the scent stays contained.
RPM technology
The 2870 Varptrek boots are not some cheap boots made from low-quality leather or cheap plastic. Instead, these boots are built using a composite material that makes them feel lighter than most other hunting boots. The sole wraps around the instep to provide you with added support and protection.
Reinforced toe and heel
We all know that the toe and heel are always the first parts to wear out. And so do the good folks at Irish setter. It is for this reason that these boots come with a reinforced toe and heel. The two parts are wrapped in a proprietary material known as armatec. The latter is a protective covering that is both tough and abrasion-resistant.
Ultra dry technology
This is a term you will find in the description of the 2870 Varptrek boots, which is a fancy way of saying they are waterproof. These boots won’t let any water reach your feet.
Pros
- They are lightweight
- They offer support and protection without compromising on weight
- They come in a variety of sizes
- The Realtree camo color helps keep you hidden when hunting
- Come with a scent blocking feature
Cons
- They tend to wear out around the sides
Very few boots can match Varptrek’s offering of performance and affordability. These boots are built for the hunt. The armatek protective covering helps keep your feet protected.
On the other hand, the sole ensures you are safe from broken branches and other such things. So, in a nutshell, these boots are worth every penny you spend on them.
Best Sheep Hunting Boots Aka Mountain Hunting Boots Review
Mountainous terrains can be a nightmare to traverse. This is why you need a pair of hunting boots that are up to the challenge. Ideally, the best mountain boots should be lightweight and tough.
In these terrains, you are likely to encounter rocks out of the ground. Thus, your boots need to be abrasion-resistant. But most importantly, they need to be lightweight. In such terrains, you need to be flexible.
Elk Hunting in mountainous terrains requires boots that are tough enough. Below are our top picks for the mountain boots as well as sheep hunting.
Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker Waterproof 200 Gram 12″ Big Game Hunting Boot
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches
- Height: 12 inches
The Irish Setter men’s 880 Elk Tracker boots are boots I would recommend to any elk hunter, not just because I own a pair. There are many reasons why this boot comes highly recommended.
Thin insulation
The 200-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation is enough to keep you warm in early fall without compromising on comfort on hotter days. I wear these boots mostly during the spring and summer seasons. However, they have proven themselves more than capable of keeping my feet warm during those cold environments in the early fall months.
EVA footbed
An eve insole with memory foam guarantees unrivaled comfort. Walking in these boots is such a delight that you might forget to take them off.
Gore-Tex lining
There are a few things I hate more than my feet getting wet. Thankfully, the 880 Elk Tracker boots come with a Gore-Tex lining. This lining prevents water from reaching my feet. Therefore, my feet stay dry and warm throughout.
Scent ban lining
As a hunter, the last thing you want is the scent of your shoes or feet, giving your position away. The scent ban lining of the 880 Elk Tracker boots helps prevent this. This unique lining keeps away odor from your boots and feet.
Pros
- The boots are made from premium leather for durability
- These are waterproof boots
- They come with an aggressive outer sole that can handle virtually every terrain
- The boots come in a variety of sizes
- There is no odor produced even after hours of wearing the boots
Cons
- Sometimes when you wear them with socks, the back rubs into the back of your heel
Irish Setter has been producing high-quality hunting boots for years. The company has thus become synonymous with high-quality footwear. The 880 Elk Track hunting boots are right up there with the best mountain hunting boots.
Meindl Men’s “Perfekt™” Extreme 400-Gram Hunter Boots
- Material: Leather
- Weight: 4.5pounds
- Height: 11 inches
Meindl Men’s “Perfekt” boots are marketed as the perfect boots for mountainous regions. So naturally, this is something I wanted to find out for myself. So naturally, I bought myself a pair. First of all, these boots are not as cheap as others on this list. This begs the question, are they really worth their price.
Comfy interior
The first time you slip your feet into these boots, you immediately realize how well they are made. The food bed has a foot conforming natural cork, which I love. This cork protects your feet from shocks and molds to your foot for added support.
400-gram insulation
During the cold season, these boots become your best friends. They feature 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation, which helps keep your feet warm. I have used these boots during the winter season, and they have never disappointed me.
Moisture-managing layer
With such insulation wearing these boots on a hot day must be unbearable, right? Wrong. The boot’s footbed has a moisture-managing layer. This layer draws moisture and draws it away to a dispersing layer. Therefore, your feet remain nice and dry.
Tough exterior
The comfy interior of the boot is surrounded by tough full-grain nubuck leather. The upper comes with full rock rands that protect your feet from jagged rocky terrain. In addition, the boots are 100% waterproof, thanks to their Gore-tex lining.
Pros
- It can be used in different weather conditions
- Offers optimal support for walking on mountainous or rugged terrain
- The boots are waterproof
- Has a durable poron heel inserts for added support and stability
- The boots have a great fit
Cons
- Some users have complained of the rand coming to lose
Though they are not the cheapest boots out there, they do deliver on their promise. Thanks to their 400 grams of insulation, they are ideal for cold weather. Furthermore, these boots are designed to be used in mountainous regions, which means that they are versatile and can be used in different terrains.
Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Non-Insulated Hiking trips boot.
A lot is to be expected from a company whose founder is an experienced mountain hunter. Fortunately, the Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting boot from Kenetrek does live up to the company’s reputation.
Weighing a paltry 3.9 pounds, it is one of the most lightweight hunting boots out there. But what really attracted me to this boot is its full-grain durable leather upper. The latter is made from 2.8 mm premium leather, and I have to say it looks good.
Kenetrek boots are famous for being handmade in Italy, and the craftsmanship shows on the boot’s stitching. The leather upper is void of seams, which improves durability and quality. On top of this, the boot is waterproof, which is a great bonus.
The Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Ni hunting boot is designed for rough terrains. The shoe’s sole is built around a nylon midsole and steel shank as a mountain hunting boot. The three combined provide support and protection. Above the midsole is the upper made from high-grade leather.
One of the exceptional things about this boot is its tongue. The boot’s tongue is attached to the sides of the boot, meaning that it is waterproof all through. In addition to this, the boot’s outsole can be changed when it becomes too worn out. However, do not expect the outsole to be worn out quickly.
Obviously, this boot is not designed for cold weather hence its un-insulated interior. However, the K-talon outsoles are outstanding as the shoe itself. They offer sufficient traction on hilly terrains. Also, they provide a good grip on mud and snow.
Pros
- Come with a stiff, durable outsole ideal for mountaineering
- Due to them being non-insulated, they are very lightweight
- The leather upper is 100% waterproof
- The midsoles offer great support when walking on different uneven terrain
- They are abrasion-resistant thanks to their reinforced rubber outsoles
Cons
- The outer sole design of the boot is only good for mountaineering
Specification
- 2.8 mm full-grain leather upper
- Reinforced rubber K-talon outer sole
- Wind-tex waterproof membrane
- 7 mm nylon midsoles
- 3.9-pound weight
- Brass eyelets
It is difficult to find a pair of hunting boots as lightweight as these. So while they lack insulation, they more than make up for in weight. In addition to this, they are made entirely for full-grain leather, which is a tough and durable material. So, if you are going mountaineering, this is one of the quality mountain hunting boots out there.
Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boot
The boot’s tongue is contoured and padded in such a way that it does not rub against your foot. This means it is highly unlikely you will develop blisters from wearing this boot. More importantly, you can walk for a long distance in these stylish boots.
One of the most stylish hunting boots, the Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX trekking boots are loved by many outdoor enthusiasts. As you would expect, it is designed more for comfort and less for warmth. It is not the most insulated boot, but it’s one of the most comfortable.
One of the great things I noticed about this boot is the Vibram sole. The latter sole has lugs that are really wide. The spaced-out lugs offer the kind of grip a mountain hunter like yourself needs. This grip also extends to muddy and snowy surfaces.
For maximum protection, the toe is reinforced with an extra rubber layer and runs all around the boot. This means it can take quite an abuse. In addition, the unique lacing system, which has a stud in the middle of the padded tongue, allows you to tighten the laces easily.
Pros
- Offers incredible support and stability on rough terrains
- It has a breathable upper, and it is also waterproof
- Flex ankle design allows for more movement of your foot
- It can be used for hunting and trekking with a heavy pack
Cons
- Has a rather tight toe box
- It is not ideal for extremely cold conditions
Specification
- Synthetic Vibram Masai outsole
- 7-inch shaft
- Gore-tex weatherproofing lining
- D-ring eyelets
- Padded and contoured tongue
- Waterproof leather exterior
The one thing you need to know about this boot is that it is not a winter boot. That being said, it is lightweight and has a tough outsole. In addition, it offers excellent support and comfort, making it the ideal shoe for mountainous or bumpy terrains.
So finally, if you are looking for a comfortable boot for hunting elk and keep your feet dry, you should get a rubber boot because it can protect you from wet and snow.
Boots come in all shapes and sizes; some are made of rubber, while others are made of leather. The trick is to know where you will be hunting. For example, rubber boots are best suited to wet and swampy areas. While the elk hunting boots are those that can be used in different environments.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Tarheel3Gun.
2 thoughts on “7 Best Elk Hunting Boots Essential For Mountain Hunting”
cant find meindl mens perfxt 400 gram hunting
Aww – Here it is from cabela : https://cabelas.xhuc.net/knYEL