It’s no secret that upland hunting is synonymous with logging miles. Here are the best 10 boots money can buy that place comfort, protection, durability, and support at a premium.
Hunters and their trusty dogs bushwhack through craggy sagebrush, dense forest, and tangles of alfalfa to hunt. Wearing quality boots pays off, especially when you’re putting serious miles on your feet.
Gear options remain somewhat limited for female hunters. But several solid upland hunting boot options exist for foot-weary ladies, from hunting dense northern forest to trekking horizon to horizon in Big Sky Country.
Here are a few hunting boots worth tossing in the truck along with the side-by-side and the pup.
Feature image above: Danner High Ground in Realtree
Women’s Hunting Boots
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid: $230
A classic in Lowa’s lineup for years, the Renegade is lined with waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex to keep feet dry during damp days in the field. Water-repellent Nubuck leather pairs with Cordura nylon ankle bands for increased support and stability. Vibram Evo rubber outsoles provide traction on a wide range of terrain.
Our favorite touch? The Derby-cut lacing system allows for near-custom fit when lacing up.
It’s available in black/black, espresso/berry, graphite/jade, and stone. Get it in sizes 5.5-12, including some narrow and wide widths, for $230.
Danner Wayfinder: $140-150
A suede and abrasion-resistant nylon construction keeps this boot light and breathable while ensuring air circulation during long, hot days in the field. The waterproof barrier allows moisture to escape while keeping out water.
It works — we hiked miles through rain-laden sagebrush and remained dry. The open-cell polyurethane footbed provides shock absorption.
Danner’s Wayfinder outsole grips well, even when side-hilling on slick grass. And it’s durable enough to block the occasional misstep into a hidden cactus patch.
Available uninsulated ($140 in brown/buff) or with 400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra ($150 in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country) in sizes 5-11.
Muck Woody PK Hunting Boots: $145
Hunting an area that requires wading through boggy terrain? Enter the Woody PK Hunting Boots from The Muck Company. An MS2 bobbed molded outsole improves stability on uneven ground while reducing weight. A contoured EVA midsole keeps things comfortable.
Fully waterproof CR Flex-Foam neoprene offers comfort and cushion while the breathable PK mesh lining ensures air circulation.
Get ’em now for $145.
Schnee’s Beartooth II Mid Boots: $379
Hiking mountains for chukar or the sage plains for sharptails, Schnee’s Beartooth Mid will help you get the job done. A 7-inch-tall leather upper provides ankle support for sketchy terrain while an OutDry waterproof barrier keeps morning dew and afternoon rain at bay.
A light 200 grams of insulation extend the boot’s season and pair nicely with a dual-density midsole for cushioning. And the Vibram Tsavo outsole sheds mud and provides traction.
Available for $379.
Under Armour Speed Freek Bozeman 2.0 Hunting Boots: $150
Lightweight support in an athletic shoe-style package, the UA Speed Freek Bozeman 2.0 is crafted of waterproof Nubuck and textile. It also has a UA Storm waterproof membrane that repels water and a UA Scent Control lining.
Under Armour applied anti-odor technology to a molded Ortholite sock liner to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes, making this an excellent fit for warm-weather hunting.
Available in Ridge Reaper Barren/Maverick Brown for $150.
Zamberlan Vioz GTX Hiking Boots: $305
Sturdy classics, these backpacking boots are streamlined for durability and protection in the field. Crafted in Italy, they sport Hydrobloc full-grain leather uppers, a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane for waterproof fit, and an exclusive Zamberlan Vibram 3D outsole for grip and braking.
Zamberlan’s Flex System allows the boots to comfortably flex while maintaining lateral support — crucial for chasing dogs across the rough country.
Available in dark brown for $305.
Danner Light: $360-380
This classic just won’t go away, and for good reason: The leathers are similar to those used in the original Danner Light, introduced to the market in 1979. This quality leather teams up with stitch-down construction, a Gore-Tex liner, and a Vibram Kletterlift outsole to ensure support and traction on varying terrain.
Considering the boots are still built by hand in the company’s Portland, Oregon, headquarters, they’re a lifetime investment for women who love hunting and the outdoors.
Available in cedar brown and cascade in sizes 5.5-10 for $360-380.
Scarpa R-Evolution Plus GTX: $255-280
Scarpa specializes in skiing, mountaineering, and climbing footwear, a heritage which means their shoes are made to last.
The R-Evolution Plus GTX is a highly technical boot. It includes a leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, Scarpa’s Sock-Fit XT construction (providing one of the comfiest right-out-the-the-box fits we’ve tried), and memory foam cushioning. And a Vibram Driade/XS Trek outsole grips questionable terrain with ease.
Made in tundra (brown) in sizes Euro 37-42 (U.S. 6-10) for $255-280.
Kenetrek Hiker: $390
Kenetrek has made a name for itself in the big-game hunting industry with its burly, traditional, Euro-style hunting boots.
The brand took all the same features of their popular men’s hiker — Italian craftsmanship, full-grain leather uppers, padded collars, heavy-duty nylon midsoles, rubber sole guards, WindTex waterproof membranes, and the famed K-Talon outsoles — and morphed them to fit women’s feet.
With a slightly narrower heel and overall trimmer design, this uninsulated boot is a favorite of both upland and big-game hunters.
Available in brown in sizes 6-11 for $390.
LaCrosse Silencer 800G: $110
Late-season upland hunters will find the LaCrosse Silencer, with its 800 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation, a welcome addition to their arsenal. Designed for women, the boot features a fully waterproof DryCore lining, suede and nylon upper, padded collar, and a lightweight yet grippy Trillium outsole.
A Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity pattern covers the lightweight, low-profile boot, making it an easy transition to big-game hunting. This boot’s low price point also makes it a solid choice for beginner cold-weather hunters.
Available in sizes 5-11 for $110.
Thoughts Afield
Boots are a highly personal choice. Hunting terrain, average weather conditions, foot build, and a range of personal preferences factor into the selection. And rightly so, because they need to support you for many hours and miles.
Try on a variety of styles and brands. Realize that, while boots may require some breaking in for the perfect fit, no properly fitting boot should be uncomfortable right out of the box. With a little time and patience, you’ll find that perfect boot that will carry you for many adventures yet to come.
The post The Best Women’s Upland Hunting Boots appeared first on GearJunkie.
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