So you want to tread lightly through the world?
You must do, you’re looking for upland hunting boots.
Upland hunting boots are strong, protective, and above all, lightweight boots.
They allow us, as unusual bipedal mammals, to tread softly and lightly through the environment of some of the most spookable prey animals in existence.
Originally designed to lighten human tread in the realm of the pheasant, they’re catching on with a lot of other prey-hunters.
Like cloaks of semi-visibility for human feet, a good set of upland hunting boots can be an absolute game-changer for hunters of nervous prey.
But how do you tell a good set of upland hunting boots before you’ve worn them, used them, got them caked with mud and probably invalidated their returns policy?
How do you tell the hunting boot from the hyperbole?
Tread very carefully, but come with us. We’ve rounded up the best upland hunting boots on the market today.
Best Upland Hunting Boots – Reviews
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Best Upland Hunting Boots – Buyers Guide
When you’re about to buy a pair of upland hunting boots, there are a couple of questions to ask yourself before you commit.
Trust The Classics Or Try The New Guys?
Buying a hardcore pair of upland hunting boots from one of the older, more established companies can be a ritual.
It can certainly give you everything you need in an upland hunting boot.
But it will cost you a lot of money.
Buying a pair of boots from a newer company might cost you a lot less. And if you choose the right company, there’s no reason to think you’ll get a necessarily inferior product.
The question is one of your gut instinct – do you play it safe and pay through the nose for a trusted brand? Or are you open to trying new things?
Science Boots Or Traditional Craftsmanship?
Arguably, in some of the best upland hunting boots on the market, patented science and traditional craftsmanship go hand in hand.
But how much is the science worth to you?
Are you prepared to pay extra for four-layer waterproofing systems? Or do you feel more at home with old leather?
What about rubber boots? Can they offer you a midway option, or do you feel weird wearing them?
Is nylon a cheaper option for you or would it feel like copping out?
Ask yourselves these questions about your instincts – and use the answers to guide you to your perfect pair of upland hunting boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need upland hunting boots to hunt skittish prey?
You could argue that you don’t.
You’d be wrong, but you could argue it.
Why you’d be wrong is because upland hunting boots are designed to give you advantages over traditional hunting boots.
In particular, they give you a lightness of tread which doesn’t disturb nervous prey to the same extent as normal, heavily constructed hunting boots.
Result? Less prey warned off, more prey successfully hunted with lighter boots.
Why is waterproofing important on upland hunting boots?
Waterproofing is important on any hunting boots. A hunter’s feet are a big weak spot – they can get wounded, rubbed raw, blistered, bloated, you name it, all from water getting into the hunter’s boots.
In upland hunting boots particularly, their lightweight construction means they’re often thinner than clunky, traditional boots.
To prove their usefulness over the traditional boots, they have to be able to offer waterproofing technology that makes them the go-to choice.
So waterproofing has become a key metric of an upland hunting boot’s usability.
Also of course, lots of the more skittish prey live in watery or muddy environments. Go hunting them in their home without effective waterproofing and you’ll have useless feet in no time.
What should I look for in an upland hunting boot?
Waterproofing, lightweight construction, moisture-wicking and a sturdy sole with a good grip are must-haves in an upland hunting boot. They allow you to keep your hunt going until it’s successfully completed.
Beyond that, look for comfort, any midsole that can relieve the stress of walking long distances, and ideally effective camo so the prey won’t see you coming.