If you’ve been on your fair share of hunting, you probably already know just how uncomfortable it is to step in a puddle while you are chasing down your game. If you want to avoid this issue in the future, we’d suggest investing in a high-quality pair of rubber boots. Now you may ask – why rubber boots? What’s so special about those. You see, all the best rubber boots for hunting come with significant advantages compared to their synthetic or even leather counterparts. Yeah, we’ve gotten used to the leather being the supreme material, especially for the shoewear, however, it’s not designed to withstand too much moisture. Only the rubber can withstand not only the wettest conditions but also provide protection from slips, which is so important in this environment.
So today, we’ll share with you all about the best rubber hunting boots and what brands offer the most budget but high-quality options. Moreover, we’ll teach you what you need to pay attention to, and what criteria the footwear must check, to be the best rubber hunting boots 2023!
Top 10 Rubber Boots for Hunting: Comparison Table
| Brand | Material | Insulation | Shaft Height |
| LaCrosse | Rubber | 3.5mm | 18 inch |
| HUNTSHIELD | Rubber | 4mm | 17 inch |
| OutdoorMaster | Rubber | 6mm | 14 inch |
| Guide Gear | Rubber | 5mm | 16 inch |
| HISEA | Rubber | 5mm | 17 inch |
| TIDEWE | CR Flex-Foam | 6mm | 16 inch |
| Bogs | Rubber | n/a | 12 inch |
| Muck | Rubber | 5mm | 17 inch |
| ArcticShield | Rubber | 7mm | 14 inch |
| Rocky | Rubber | n/a | n/a |
What Are Rubber Hunting Boots and Why Do You Need Them?
Rubber hunting boots are designed to keep your feet dry while you are busy hunting. Moreover, they provide a comfortable, non-slip surface, that will prevent any accidental slips and falls that might occur when you walk through a muddy road. Choosing the best hunting boots made out of rubber offers immense benefits over any other material due to its durability, low price, and of course waterproof properties.
There’s a common perception that rubber boots can only be used in wet conditions. However, given the fact that they are very comfortable, you can use them year-round, especially in rainy weather. They are highly versatile and can be used on any terrain. And the most important thing a lot of rubber hunting boots reviews from users noted is that such boots are very lightweight, and do not give off a bad odor. So you can be certain that these hunting boots will not tamper with your comfort.
Type of Rubber Hunting Boots: Basic Classification
Specific to Season
- For hunting during early fall: You must choose only the best rubber hunting boots that offer the most comfort. Since early fall is the season, people often choose to hunt (especially for deers) and walk a lot more. Hence, you want to go for light and comfortable models.
- For fall: With this season approaching constant rain and mud. Thus, you want to adapt and make sure that you wear highly insulated rubber boots.
- For winter: If you are hunting in a region where it snows, you will have to keep in mind both insulation and warmth.
Depending on the Hunting Style
Different hunting styles will require different approaches and behavior, and you need to adapt your rubber hunting boots accordingly.
So if you prefer to “spot-and-stalk,” you will need boots with the best possible insulation because you will inevitably walk into some pesky puddles.
If ambush hunting is your style, then you’ll need warm boots that have excellent adhesion. The same applies for hunting on a land lease; you won’t have to cover long distances, so you can place a lower priority on “walkability.”
What to Prioritize on Best Rubber Hunting Boots?
Amateur hunters think that the best rubber hunting boots must only be used during the cold and rainy seasons. But rubber hunting boots offer so many other advantages over other materials that they cannot be ignored year-round.
So when you look for the best cold-weather rubber hunting boots, you will need to consider some of the following aspects:
- Breathability
- Flexibility
- Weight
- Overall comfort
- Great traction
Waterproofing & Insulation
While you hunt, you cannot avoid unexpected rains or trekking through puddles. That’s why having shoes with waterproof properties is so valuable. And that’s where rubber comes into play.
Rubber hunting boots come with a membrane that protects your feet from the water. We also suggest looking for a Gore-Tex membrane because of its high flexibility and breathability. And the great thing is that most best-insulated rubber hunting boots do feature a Gore-Tex membrane. Just as waterproofing insulation can make or break a rubber hunting boot. Insulation becomes even more of an issue if you are hunting in colder regions. And while creating our rubber hunting boots reviews, we’ve also determined that if you are a static hunter you still need to make sure that your rubber hunting boots are well insulated.
Materials
Rubber waterproof properties have been well documented across hundreds of studies. Rubber is well-known for being the best material when it comes to waterproofing. It is lightweight and highly durable. And while having a Gore-Tex membrane is an excellent and useful addition, it’s usually not essential because rubber can do a great job independently.
Neoprene is also a trendy material used with any type of hunting boots. This is because neoprene is used as insulating foam that is adept at trapping heat inside the neoprene hunting boots by keeping the air from circulating. However, based on neoprene properties, we suggest you prioritize it only in cold weather because it will overheat your feet in warm weather.
Neoprene matches rubber in flexibility and toughness, but some other traits make it stand out. For example, it offers good weather and heat resistance since such material has chlorine. Neoprene also does not swell if exposed to oil, so that makes it great in resisting oxidation. The main downside of neoprene, when compared to rubber, is that the former is more expensive. Moreover, neoprene also has hydrophilic tendencies (meaning it attracts water), making it inferior on rubber hunting boots.
Tips to Ensure that Your New Rubber Hunting Boots Will Fit
We have compiled a few tips that will put your new rubber hunting boots to best use:
- Make sure you choose the warmest rubber hunting boots to accommodate best if you are a static hunter the season you have planned your hunting trip.
- If you plan to hunt while it is cold outside, we’d suggest getting a pair of boots one size larger to accommodate a couple of thick socks better.
- Insoles are your best friend if you happen to have flat feet.
- We suggest you opt for larger sizes if you are required to hike for extended periods. Foot swelling can be a pain during extended hunting sessions. However, remember that shoes must never be too loose or too tight. Remember – even the best rubber hunting boots won’t be beneficial if you choose the wrong size. Try to find a perfect balance, or go just slightly looser.
Tips for Rubber Boot Maintenance
- When it comes to extending the life expectancy of your lightweight rubber hunting boots the most significant threat will be UV lights. If you don’t want them to crack and leak, you need to keep them away from sunlight when you aren’t using them. The only reason rubber boots are so sturdy is due to vulcanization – a chemical process that makes raw rubber far more durable. The process started being widely applied onto rubber boots back in the 50s when the need for more durable boots arose. It will make rubber stronger and more durable, mandatory for rubber hunting boots due to the extreme wear and tear mobile hunting causes.
- Extreme heat can also be highly damaging. Do not store them in your car when possible or make sure they are stored in the truck to avoid direct sunlight.
- You can use bonding glue for quick fixes for minor damage. But do keep in mind that some cheap rubber hunting boots won’t take to bonding glue so well. Quick fixes are also great for maintenance because they can prevent larger tears from developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wear Rubber Boots on Snow?
Yes, camo rubber hunting boots are suitable for snowy landscapes. However, this does not apply to icy areas because their adherence isn’t strong enough.
How to Check if Your Rubber Boots Are Waterproof?
The rubber on its own provides clear waterproof benefits. However, if you want to be 100% certain, you could perform a test by placing the rubber boots inside a water container and checking to see if there’s any water in the boot.
How Much Insulation Is Required for Hunting Boots?
Uninsulated rubber hunting boots or boots with 200 grams of insulation are only suitable for spring hunting when the temperatures are mild. If you are hunting during the summer, we suggest options for normal hiking boots.
400 grams or more of insulation will be required if you plan to hunt in cold environments. 1000 to 2000 grams are recommended if you play to hunt in severe cold weather or in arctic areas. But do keep in mind that the higher the insulation is, the harder it will be to move around.
Quick Guide Summary
And with that said, we sincerely hope that our little research helped you learn all about the best rubber hunting boots and what makes them so good.
Rubber is a fantastic, cheap but very effective material, and many top-rated rubber hunting boots use its properties fully, to protect your feet from moisture and ensure the best comfort.
Thus, keep in mind the most important aspects of good shoes – breathability, purpose, weight, and, most importantly, how comfortable they are. And that way, we have no doubt that you will find only the best rubber hunting boots 2023!