10 Best Upland Hunting Boots – Tested & Reviewed

January 6, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents

If you’re going out on a long hunt, or if you’ve ever tapped out of a great day early, you know how important it is to have a good pair of boots to bring along with you. Good boots will preserve your feet, the two things you need the most to keep yourself outside all day. A hunting trip lives and dies by your boots, so we’ve brought together ten of the best hunting boots Amazon has to offer for an upland hunting trip.

In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research:

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10 Best Upland Hunting Boots – Overview

Here are the top 5 picks (keep scrolling for more details and picks 6-10).

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1. Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot

[amazon box=”B0042ZRKKM”]

These Neoprene boots are flexible and durable. The waterproofing of these boots will keep your feet warm and dry throughout the entirety of your trip. The pull-on closure will also help keep your feet and lower legs safe from the elements.

The 8 mm neoprene of these boots provides more than waterproofing and durability, they’re also shock absorbent and insulated as a result. These simple boots hide a lot of functionality, and they’ll make any trip a comfortable breeze.

PROS

  • Waterproof and warm
  • Built-in shock absorption

CONS

  • A little long if you’re looking for a high top boot

Check Latest Price

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2. Thorogood Men’s American Heritage 8″ Moc Toe, MAXWear 90 Safety Toe Boot

[amazon box=”B078TPD835″]

These beautiful boots don’t immediately scream “let’s go hunting” but they tick all of the boxes for competent and enjoyable hunting boots. If you wanted a pair of boots that will look great at work, on the town, and out in the wilderness, then these boots from Thorogood might be the boots for you. 

These boots are made from tobacco oil-tanned leather, making them sturdy and long-lasting. They’ll hold it together for a long time with regular use. They’re breathable without being too porous, and they’re sturdy without becoming too rigid. They’re not quite waterproof, but the leather grants them a decent degree of water resistance. If you’re not planning on wading through anything too deep or submerging your boots for an extended period of time.

They’re slip-resistant, and that resistance is a godsend when you’re out on the hunt. The length of the boot is sturdy and will give your ankles the support you need while you’re crashing through uneven terrain. For longer hikes, these boots have removable shock absorption on the footbed. Because these are primarily work boots, they also have the added benefit of steel toe tips, keeping your feet safe no matter what your obstacles are.

PROS

  • Versatile and durable
  • Breathable and comfortable

CONS

  • Not optimized for hiking

Check Latest Price

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3. Irish Setter Men’s 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8″ Hunting Boot

[amazon box=”B00E0N4KQ8″]

This boot is a simple one. The Irish Setter brand prides itself on creating simple and sturdy wares. This pair of hunting boots is so streamlined the eyelets for the laces aren’t made of metal to simplify them and cut down on that much more weight. In fact, they got rid of traditional laces entirely, and these boots opt for the BOA lacing system. Just tighten the knob on the tongue of your boots and the wire laces will keep your shoe snug on your feet. These boots are light, cuts are made in every non-essential area without cutting down on durability.

The waterproofing on these boots will keep your feet nice and dry. If you find yourself in a lot of mud or wet areas while you’re hunting, then you’re going to love the UltraDry waterproofing that these boots will provide for you. The incredible dry environment these boots will provide for you more than makes up for the lack of insulation in these boots. If you’re not worried about hunting in a cold climate, or if you have some nice warm moisture-wicking socks, then you’ll be able to work around the lack of insulation in these boots.

The rubber sole of these boots will help you keep your footing, along with the polyurethane footbed. These boots are like a rugged second skin that will allow you to traverse the outdoors without worrying about the condition of the ground around you. They’ll take the complications out of walking, allowing you to focus on the tasks ahead of you.

PROS

  • No laces to fumble with
  • Waterproof and snug

CONS

  • Uninsulated

Check Latest Price

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4. LaCrosse Men’s Rubber Boot Hunting Shoe

[amazon box=”B07T6H3L8Q”]

These hunting boots are great for trips into deep muck. The LaCrosse hunting shoes are made with a rubber sole. They’re flexible and rigid, ready for any environment, and eager to tackle any tumultuous terrain. The rubber is hand-lain over a 3. 5mm neoprene core, giving them a flexible, waterproof, scent-free comfort. These boots don’t come smelling like a weird taut factory.

They’re built for any kind of environment you’ll find yourself in. Sometimes your quarry takes you off on unexpected expeditions, and if you’re not ready for it all you’ll lose out on a perfect shot. These boots come up high on your leg, allowing you to wade through deep waters, and keeping your legs safe while you’re making your way through the wild. 

They’re sturdy. The hand-laid rubber soles, the neoprene insulation, and the thick mighty soles all make for a long-lasting dependable boot. They’re lightweight without sacrificing the endurance of a heavier or shorter boot. The rubber is a sturdy and resilient material that won’t stretch in the heat or crack in the winter, you can bring these boots with you any time of the year.

Most importantly they’re comfortable. The neoprene gusset grips your calves with the perfect amount of pressure, giving you a snug fit. The Alphaburly’s contouring and the secure fit grips the ankle and locks the heel place without being overly restrictive. These boots will travel with you as far as you want for as long as you need without becoming an imposition.

PROS

  • Great for muddy areas
  • Neoprene gusset is comfortable and durable

CONS

  • Not great for bird hunters

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5. R RUNFUN Men’s Lightweight Anti-Slip Waterproof Hunting Boots

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The light camo boots will never fail you. They pack a lot of outdoor boot technology into a tight vessel. Most importantly they’re waterproof. Waterproof boots are a simple pleasure that makes your time outdoors infinitely more manageable than any other single feature of your shoes. Of course, you need something that’s breathable.

Bringing a pair of rubber rain boots out on your hunting expedition is a quick way to ruin a nice trip. These boots are waterproof but breathable, your feet will be dry and warm without ever approaching stifled and sweaty. They’re also insulated with 200G 3M Thinsulate, helping to keep the heat in and the cold out. All you need to keep your feet comfortable is your body heat and these boots.

The anti-slip sole is excellent for outdoor excursions. The environment tends to get the drop on folks that come unprepared, and the grip of these soles will keep you from losing your footing on moss or water that’s been trapped underneath the brush around you. The boots are also treated with an anti-abrasion material to up the durability of these hunting boots. You’re going to be kicking through a lot of unforgiving nature, and the anti-abrasion material keeps your boots from being torn apart by the elements. If you want something sturdy and simple, these lightweight boots will serve you well.

PROS

  • Breathable and waterproof
  • Lightweight while still being insulated

CONS

  • You might have to break-in these boots for a while first

Check Latest Price

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6. Danner Men’s Sharptail 17″ Gore-Tex Hunting Snake Boot

[amazon box=”B00XF1KGH8″]

These snake boots are hunting boots reduced to their most important parts. Boots are constructed from 100% full-grain leather. They’re sturdy and they’ll run high up on your legs. They’re made to last a long time in some truly messy conditions. Stomping through mud, and clearing out leaves is no problem for these waterproof boots. 

They’re for traipsing effortlessly through the trees, they’re simple and you won’t have to think about them once your boots are on. They’re easy to clean, and no laces mean you’re never going to get caught on anything while you’re making your way through the brush. They’re forgiving on your feet while being hard on the world around you. The leather upper gusset on the back of the boot is adjustable and durable. Once your legs have made their way into the depths of these Danner boots, you can tighten the gusset just so, and suddenly you’ve got a perfect form-fitting boot with the right amount of give.

The boot is lined with Gore-Tex. Long time hunters will know that Gore-Tex alone is enough to swear by. The waterproof material will last pretty much forever and keep water away from your poor feet while you trudge through the thick grouse of the outdoors. These are excellent boots to bring along on a camping trip, a difficult hike, and a long stint of hunting

PROS

  • Gore-Tex lining
  • Easy to clean

CONS

  • If you’re not a fan of snake boots, you may need something different

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7. Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot

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These are a good pair of solid camo boots. They come with a set of corded shoelaces, they’re made with full-grain waterproof leather, and the traction on the outsole here is unparalleled. 

These boots keep the outside out and the insides warm and dry. You can’t ask for much more from a pair of hunting boots. The 1000 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation keep your boots the temperature they’re meant to be the entire time your feet are inside of them. They’re helped along in this endeavor by the waterproof nature of the boots. The full-grain leather works wonders in the longevity of the boots. They’re sturdy because of the materials they’re constructed from, and by keeping water and mud from seeping into the boots the lives of these boots are extended even further.

The grip on the outsole of the boots will keep you on your feet the entire time you’re outdoors. If you feel like your old boots have left you down by slipping and sliding all over the place, Rocky is here to restore some peace of mind to your expeditions. These are boots that are meticulously designed for serious hunters and hikers. They’re here to keep you warm, dry, and stable, the only three things you could ever need in a pair of boots.

PROS

  • Full-grain leather construction
  • Thinsulate insulation

CONS

  • Ankles can feel a little tight because of the logo

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8. Danner Men’s Vital Hunting Shoes

[amazon box=”B01MR8AYI8″]

The Danner Vital Hunting shoes are appropriately named. These boots are the exact kind of boot you’d love to have on your side during any hunting trip. They’re high and tight, keeping your feet set as you creep over the underbrush. These sleek boots are dark and simple, keeping them clean is easy and if you treat them right they’ll support you for a long time to come.

The tongues of these boots are made with a mesh lining layered over Danner Dry. The proprietary material helps regulate both the moisture and temperature inside of the boots. Keeping your feet warm and dry is one of your top priorities when you’re out in the wilderness trying to line up your shot after you’ve been tracking that prize deer for hours. You don’t want your chilly toes to force you to tap out earlier than you’re ready to. Danner realizes this and has produced a boot with endurance and warmth in mind.

The multi-density foam patterning inside of these boots eliminates hotspots and pinch points making these boots a pair of long haul shoes you’ll feel comfortable in for hours on end. The outsole on the Danner Vital boots provides a firm grip on moss, rock, and any other slippery surface that may try to sneak up on you while you’re out prowling in the muck.

PROS

  • The tongues of these boots keep heat like magic
  • Great grip

CONS

  • Briars can do a number on these

Check Latest Price

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9. Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Omni-Heat Waterproof Snow Boot

[amazon box=”B07JHX3T3L”]

These Columbia winter boots are comfortable and fashionable as well as being rugged and waterproof enough to handle the harshest winters. 

These winter boots make excellent hunting boots. They’re designed specifically to maximize traction in the wet and cold of winter. You’re going to be plowing through snow and mastering the slush underneath with these boots. The high top design supports your ankles in the rare moment you ever lose traction, and the soles of the boots are textured enough to manhandle the Earth below you with pizzazz. 

They’re insulated as well. These being winter boots, they’re engineered to keep your feet warm. The insulation here along with the Omni-Heat reflective lining works together to keep the heat inside of your boots. All of the insulation in the world won’t keep your feet warm if they’re not staying dry, and Columbia has accommodated for that in these boots as well.

The Omni-Tech™ waterproof breathable seam-sealed membrane will keep your boots and your feet dry. These boots are waterproof and breathable enough to stay comfortable for hours at a time. That’s great for anybody planning to stay outside for the long haul. 

You’ll also be thanking the cushioned midsole inside of these boots. They keep the boots comfortable for long periods of time. As long as you’re not planning on any particularly hot hunting trips, these boots will serve you well.

PROS

  • Comfortable insole
  • Insulated and waterproof

CONS

  • Horrible for summer hunting

Check Latest Price

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10. Danner Men’s Quarry USA 8 Inch Work Boot

[amazon box=”B00F54X418″]

This is Danner’s most popular work boot for a reason. The outsole is made from a newly developed Vibram Quarry outsole. Vibram is the Italian company responsible for the sturdiest, most dependable rubber outsoles on the market right now. That rubber outsole is the reason people select these boots for long days of wet nasty work, so it’s safe to say that these boots would hold up to your hunting excursions, no matter how brief, lengthy, or frequent they may be. The midsole on this boot has been upgraded as well. Now the midsole on the Men’s Quarry boot is a single solid piece meant to last longer and hold up stronger to the elements over the lifetime of wear for these boots.

Speaking of upgrades, they’ve also updated the collar liner of these boots. Now they’re comfortable right out of the box, no need to spend days breaking them in before you’re actually excited to slip into these boots. The placement of the triple stitching has been re-engineered to minimize wear and tear over time. Gone are the days of wishing you could find a sewing machine to patch up your boot lining. 

If you were a fan of the previous incarnation of this boot, you’re sure to love this new iteration. It’s made from 100% Leather, put together right here in the United States, and they’re comfortable, sturdy, and reliable. If you’re looking for something to last you a good while that’s made from some of the best materials out then give the Danner Men’s Quarry a shot.

PROS

  • Several great upgrades over its predecessor
  • American made and 100% leather
  • No blisters

CONS

  • Can be difficult to clean

Check Latest Price

Our Winner

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The Danner Men’s Vital Hunting Shoes are excellent in terms of breathability, cushioning, and ankle support. They’re a high-quality pair of lace-up hunting boots that will serve you well no matter what the hunting occasion. They’re just as good for upland bird hunting as they are prowling during the early season. Upland hunters will love these versatile boots, and any pheasant foolish enough to cross you 

Bonus tip: If you’re still on the fence about your boots, here’s a video showing you exactly what you should be looking for in your perfect pair of hunting boots!

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Riley Draper

Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.

Riley Draper

Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he's not writing, he's probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.

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