In chilly days, cold and wet feet are one of the easiest ways to ruin a good day of hunting or any type of outdoor activity.
There’s a wide variety of footwear available for the outdoors person. Rubber hunting boots are definitely one of the most popular and they are not created equal.
There are differences in insulation, materials used to make them waterproof, tread design, shanks, physical dimensions, external appearance, and even how they fit.
Five nationally known companies are contacted for this review of the best rubber boots for hunting: Cabela’s, Irish Setter, Lacrosse, Buck Boot, and Rocky.
For consistency, all boots were top-of-the-line and all are in a size 11.
If you prefer leather hunting boots, make sure you check these best leather boots for hunting.
5 best rubber hunting boots
CABELA’S COMFORT TRAC
OUTSIDE
On the outside, the Comfort Trac 2000-gram Seclusion 3D is double reinforced in the instep, heel, and Achilles area. The toe is given additional protection with a wraparound bumper.
At the top of the boot, the side gusset allows the top to be adjusted to fit comfortably around the calf. The gusset straps are actually riveted for additional strength, and the top edge is reinforced with a 3/8 inch rubber collar.
INSIDE
On the inside of the boot, it has a fleece lining. There’s 2,000 grams of Thinsulate ultra in the toe cap area and it wraps around the sides in the back of the boot for maximum foot warmth.
There’s also 8mm CR Flex foam booties and a 2mm thermal foam instep area.
MIDSOLE
The midsole is molded to form a contoured footbed for comfort and it’s covered with an 8mm thick wool felt cushion for insulation and comfort.
WHY CHOOSE THE COMFORT TRAC?
The Cabela’s Comfort Trac boots have a lifetime warranty. If cost is a factor, they’re also the least expensive of the five reviewed. And of the five, it has the greatest amount of Thinsulate ultra 2,000 grams.
The exterior is all rubber, which means it’s more resistant to damage by thorns, jaggers, and sharp objects. Plus, the heel kick is a nice feature.
This Comfort Trac boot has Cabela’s seclusion 3D camouflage pattern. Now in the Comfort Trac boots are in Cabela’s new Zonz Woodland Camo pattern.
Related: Best Hiking Boots for Flat Feet
IRISH SETTER RUTMASTER
EXTERIOR
The exterior of Rutmaster Ultra ExoFlex is all rubber, even the gusset. The gusset’s nylon cinch straps snug the top of the boot around the calf.
The collar around the top of this boot is also double stitched. Reinforcement of the toe, instep, and heel add to the durability and give additional protection for the foot.
OUTSOLE
The outsole is constructed with a specially designed sole with mud releasing cleats and special cleats in the toe and heel area for providing traction on hills.
For warmth and insulation, this boot has 1,200 grams Thinsulate Ultra used for the ankle area down to the sole for foot warmth.
UPPER
The upper has a neoprene liner for leg warmth and comfort. The ExoFlex Performance Fit system allows the boot to expand to accommodate the back of the foot making it easy to put this boot on and take it off. When the boot is on, the ExoFlex panel contracts back in place for a snug secure fit. This boot stays in place on your foot.
WHY CHOOSE THE RUTMASTER?
The ExoFlex panel really works as designed. The Rutmaster is the only boot in this review that offers half sizes.
The all rubber exterior is more resistant to damage that could be caused by thorns, jaggers, and sharp objects.
LACROSSE ALPHABURLY
EXTERIOR
The Alphaburly Pro 18 Realtree Xtra 1600 is a new addition to the popular Alphaburly line. This boot uses a natural rubber compound on the outside of the boot and a stretch neoprene cuff at the top around a calf.
There is a rear neoprene gusset with a nylon strap for additional room. The collar is double stitched around the top edge of the boot.
OUTSOLE
On the bottom, the outsole provides good foot support, superior traction, and there’s a no mud build-up design.
A fiberglass shank between the outsole and the midsole adds foot support. The LaCrosse Alphaburly line has a fleece lining with an embossed neoprene liner and a cross-hatch pattern for good air circulation.
MIDSOLE
There’s a thick cushioned midsole that adds comfort. The Alphaburly Pro features an ankle fit. This is a design featuring a narrow ankle pocket to grip the top of the foot better for holding the heel in place.
There are 1600 grams of Thinsulate ultra in places between the neoprene and the rubber outer shell.
Related: Top Hiking Boots For People With Bad Ankles
WHY CHOOSE THE ALPHABURLY?
This boot has the coldest temperature rating of the 5 tested. The fiberglass shank gives added foot support. The Thinsulate Ultra is used for insulation wherever there’s rubber. The Alphaburly Pro 18 has a lot to offer at a mid-range price point.
If you’re hunting in extremely cold conditions, check these great Pac boots for hunting.
MUCK BOOT ARCTIC PRO
Muck Boot Arctic Pro Camo has reinforcement in the instep, toe, heel, and Achilles area. The toe area of the outsole is enhanced with a wraparound bumper for added protection.
OUTSOLE
The Bob-tracker molded outsole is designed to protect your foot and give stable footing.
MIDSOLE
The midsole is made from molded EVA and is contoured for a comfortable fit and extra cushioning.
EXTERIOR
The bottom half of the Arctic Pro Extreme exterior is rubber and the top half is made from neoprene. At the top, a stretchable rubber collar is double stitched over the edge to protect the outside neoprene and also the inside Arctic fleece lining.
The Arctic Pro Camo is fully insulated with 8mm of neoprene. There are 2mm of extra thermal foam added to the foot area for added insulation.
The combination of breathable air mesh and Arctic fleece keeps your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.
WHY CHOOSE THE ARCTIC PRO?
Of the five boots tested, it’s the lightest at only 5.2 pounds. It’s also the least bulky in appearance. Even without gussets, this boot is surprisingly easy to put on and take off.
The Arctic Pro Camo is the only one of the five to have a pull-on strap.
Related: The Best Survival Knife Guide You Need – Features & Options Available.
ROCKY MUDSOX
EXTERIOR
The Mudsox is made by starting with a 3.5-millimeter waterproof neoprene sock and covering it with a 1.5 millimeter molded rubber shell.
The circumference of the foot is given a second layer of rubber. The shin, heel, toe, and Achilles area are further reinforced.
While the rubber outside extends all the way to the top of the front half, there’s stretchable neoprene used in the back for a snug fit around the calf.
OUTSOLE
The EVA and rubber outsole incorporates a toe bumper in the front.
MIDSOLE
The EVA midsole is designed for weight relief when you’re on your feet.
COOL FEATURES
The Rocky Mudsox has a removable footbed made from a 5-millimeter open-cell material that can be easily replaced or add a second one for a comfort fit.
The neoprene sock adds insulating qualities and comfort on the inside. Plus, you’ve got 1,000 grams of Thinsulate Ultra covering the entire inside surface area.
This boot has a narrowing at the ankle for a good secure fit. Rocky Scent IQ Atomic also helps to control human odor.
WHY CHOOSE THE MUDSOX
Of the 5 boots in this review, the Rocky Mudsox is the only one with a footbed that can be easily removed and replaced.
The exterior reinforcement in the back extends nearly all the way to the top of the boot and wraps halfway around the sides for added leg support. Rocky’s easy kick-off also helps for taking the boot off.
WHICH BOOT IS THE BEST?
While each of the five hunting boots reviewed has similarities, there are features that set them apart from one another.
They all have an advantage. For example, the Cabela’s Comfort Trac 2000 and the Irish Setter Rutmaster Ultra ExoFlex have an all rubber exterior that is less prone to damage from jaggers and thorns. The Muck Boot Arctic Pro is the lightest weight. The LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18 has a fiberglass shank for additional foot support. The Rocky Mudsox has a replaceable footbed.
Decide what features are important to you and shop accordingly. Since the warranties can and do vary, contact the manufacturers for specific information.
For me, I wouldn’t have any reservation about wearing any of these five boots on my next hunting excursion and cold nasty rainy weather. You?
