Synthetic materials have been rapidly transforming the hunting gear market over the past few years and a lot of manufacturers are cutting corners and taking their production overseas. Hunting boots are more lightweight and performing than ever before, and comparing materials and designs can be challenging due to all of the hard-to-understand features manufacturers are offering. That’s why we did the research to find the best hunting boots made in the USA. Below are all of our findings and research criteria. Happy hunting!
Our Findings
Overall, we found 6 American boot manufacturers that stood out from the competition: Chippewa, Rocky, LL Bean, Russell Moccasin Co., White’s Boots, and Schnee’s Boots.
Hunting boots manufacturers are developing new materials to create durable footwear adapted to a wider range of situations and environments. Innovations like synthetic materials that are resistant to water, snake bites, or cold temperatures allow manufacturers to offer highly-specialized footwear. Most brands still rely on classic constructions that use full-grain leather, durable stitching, and thick soles, but a lot of products mix these popular design elements with innovative features.
We split out all of our top picks into several categories to help you find a pair that fits what you need. Check them out!
Top Recommendations
| Best Hunting Boots | Best for: |
| Chippewa Men’s 17″ Pull On Snake Boot | Snake Boots |
| Rocky Stalker Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boot | Insulated |
| LL Bean Men’s Bean Boots, 8″ Gore-Tex/Thinsulate | Duck Hunting |
| Game Keeper Joe’s PH from Russell Moccasin Co. | Comfort |
| Insulated Hunter from White’s Boots | Leather |
| Schnee’s Montana II TT | Pull-On Low Rise |
Recommendations: Going Deeper
Below is a ton of detail about each of our top recommendations, including what we liked and didn’t like about each one.
Best Snake Boots
Chippewa Men’s 17″ Pull On Snake Boot
Protection from snakes and other dangerous animals is essential if you hunt in an area where you’re likely to encounter wildlife. You should also prioritize protection if you have to walk through thorny vegetation.
These boots from Chippewa are the real deal and feature a Vipercloth shaft. Vipercloth is a material that is resistant to snake bites, and that will protect you more effectively than any other material. There are no snakes found in North America that can penetrate this material.
The 17-inch shaft will protect you from wildlife and vegetation while feeling supportive. The wide fit of the boots won’t restrict your movements and makes the boots more breathable.
The leather upper is durable, and you will find two buckles you can use to adjust the fit of the leather elements. We like the durable stitching of the boots, the thick soles, and the classic brown color.
Things we like:
- Vipercloth shaft
- Durable stitching
- Adjustable buckles
- Wide fit
Things we don’t like:
- No lace closure
- Lack of padding on the collar – make sure to wear high socks!
Best Insulated Hunting Boots
Rocky Stalker Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boot
Insulation is a key feature if you hunt in a cold or humid environment. These boots from Rocky Boots are an excellent choice if you need to walk on frozen ground, or want to prevent frostbite.
You can easily find the perfect fit since these boots come in a wide selection of sizes and half-sizes. The camouflage design is ideal for hunting.
The padded collar and tongue limit the amount of cold air that can get into your boots. The 9-inch shaft will keep your ankles warm. The construction features a layer of 800mg 3M insulation that will keep you warm and dry. The cushioned footbed feels comfortable while providing you with an additional layer of insulation from the ground.
The polyurethane outsole is a durable option that does a great job of absorbing shocks while making the boots feel flexible. There is a built-in fiberglass shank that will protect you from rocks and other obstacles.
Things we like:
- 800mg insulation
- Cushioned footbed
- Durable construction
- Warm and comfortable
Things we don’t like:
- Lack of breathability
Best Duck Hunting Boots
LL Bean Men’s Bean Boots, 8″ Gore-Tex/Thinsulate
Duck hunting should be comfortable, snug, and waterproof. These boots from LL Bean check all those boxes.
We recommend these wading boots because you’re likely to step into puddles or walk on the wet ground to hunt ducks and other waterfowl. Insulation is another important feature since you will probably encounter cold water.
The full-grain leather upper of these boots features a rubber cover. The rubber cover makes the boots waterproof and allows you to spend extended amounts of time in a wet environment. The boots feature a Thinsulate layer that will keep you warm and dry. There is a Gore-Tex layer that improves breathability while keeping the water out.
There is a steel shank between the layers of the footbed to protect you from rocks and sharp objects you could encounter while wading in water.
The heel has a slight elevation, and the soles feature textured lugs on the sides and bottom to improve your traction.
Things we like:
- Choose between a narrow, medium, or wide fit
- Rubber cover
- Thinsulate and Gore-Tex layers
- Steel shank
Things we don’t like:
- Only one color available
Most Comfortable
Game Keeper Joe’s PH from Russell Moccasin Co.
We recommend choosing comfortable hunting boots if you want to cover long distances with minimal fatigue, or need to stand still in the same spot for a long time.
These hunting boots from Russell Moccasin Co. feature leather construction with a nylon lining for durability. The cushioned collar feels warm and supportive, and the boots have a convenient pull loop so you can easily put them on.
The 7-inch shaft has a built-in foam layer that absorbs shocks and improves comfort. We like the wedge of the sole because it’s thick enough to deliver plenty of bounce while insulating you from the ground. The wide construction of the boots gives you plenty of room.
Things we like:
- Manufacturer offers customization options
- Nylon lining
- Foam layer
- Thick soles
Things we don’t like:
- Not waterproof
Best Leather Hunting Boots
Insulated Hunter from White’s Boots
Leather boots are a durable investment. It’s a material that can last for years, and leather boots will keep you warm and dry in a wide range of environments.
We recommend these full-grain leather hunting boots from White’s Boots because they’re durable and versatile. The construction is water-resistant, and the boots feel comfortable and supportive. The 10-inch shaft will protect you from the cold and thorny vegetation.
We like the pull-loop feature, the quality stitching, and the built-in Thinsulate layer that will keep you warm. The boots feature a thick sole with a raised heel and supportive arch. This design will improve your posture and reduce fatigue when you walk. The deep lugs are an advantage in muddy environments.
Things we like:
- Choose from two width options
- Great selection of sizes
- Full-grain leather upper
- 10-inch shaft
Things we don’t like:
- Heel elevation is more pronounced than on most hunting boots
Best Pull-On Low Rise Hunting Boots
Schnee’s Montana II TT
If you need a waterproof option and don’t want to deal with laces, the Schnee’s Montana II TT is a great option.
The boots use a Velcro loop closure system that allows you to get a comfortable fit without using laces. The loop closure system keeps water out and will insulate you from cold air.
The boots feature a layer of 400g insulation. The 8-inch shaft feels supportive and comfortable, and the lightweight materials help reduce fatigue.
You will find textured lugs on the sides of the soles for traction. The sizes available range from 5 to 15.
Things we like:
- Convenient closure system
- Low-rise design
- Insulation
- Lightweight design
Things we don’t like:
- Limited protection against wildlife
Recap: Best Hunting Boots Made in the USA
- Chippewa Men’s 17″ Pull On Snake Boot – Snake Boots
- Rocky Stalker Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boot – Insulated
- LL Bean Men’s Bean Boots, 8″ Gore-Tex/Thinsulate – Duck Hunting
- Game Keeper Joe’s PH from Russell Moccasin Co. – Comfort
- Insulated Hunter from White’s Boots – Leather
- Schnee’s Montana II TT – Pull-On Low Rise
Factors We Considered
Materials
While leather remains a popular material for hunting boots, plenty of manufacturers are using synthetic materials. You can find innovative materials designed to protect you from cold weather or deliver a lightweight and breathable design.
We think the best hunting boots use a construction that mixes different materials. Full-grain leather is a popular option for the upper portion of the boot construction since it’s durable, but manufacturers are using layers of different materials to improve insulation and comfort. Make sure to consider the weather conditions around you and the type of hunting you’ll be doing too. For example, rubber boots are going to be a better option for waterfowl hunting or early deer season.
Durability
You should think of your new pair of hunting boots as an investment. A good pair of hunting boots should last for a few years.
Durability is an important consideration because your footwear should be reliable and keep you safe when you hunt. Choosing quality materials is important, but you should also pay attention to the stitching and sole construction.
Waterproof Design
We recommend picking waterproof hunting boots since you will probably encounter puddles or muddy ground while hunting.
Look for boots that keep you dry thanks to a synthetic layer, and inspect the stitching and closure system to determine if these elements are likely to let water through.
Fit
You need to make sure your new boots will fit properly. Take the time to look at the manufacturer’s size tables, and look for boots available in different fits if you have a narrow or wide toe-box. A good pair of boots will fit snug around the instep and ankles to keep you comfortable during a long day on your feet and prevent any moisture or debris from getting in your boots.
