(Photo courtesy of LaCrosse Footwear)
January 07, 2022
By Brian K. Strickland
I’ll admit that boots are not the first thing that comes to mind when it’s time to talk about the latest bowhunting gear, but they really should be. Happy feet lead to longer, more enjoyable hunts, so having quality footwear is essential.
Kenetrek Corrie Hiker Kenetrek Corrie Hiker Topping the list when it comes to keeping your feet in top shape is the new Corrie Hiker from the Kenetrek. It’s no secret that Kenetrek is a leader when it comes to the rugged mountain boot genre, but a lightweight hiker can be a great early season option as well. Built for the long haul, they come in at only 3.2 lbs a pair so you’ll feel light on your feet, and with their grippy Grapon outsoles coupled with Kenetrek legendary supportive footbed and padded uppers, you won’t be disappointed at the end of a long day. Other notable features are their reinforced double and triple stitching in high wear areas, rubber heel and toe caps, and their breathable Windtex waterproof membrane. $300 | www.kenetrek.com
Danner Recurve Moc Toe Danner Recurve Moc Toe Another lightweight boot ideal for the early season is the Recurve Moc Toe from the folks at Danner: Weighing just 45 ounces per pair, the Moc Toe delivers the next generation of performance for the hunter looking for comfort to keep you in the game longer. The foundation of this boot is the Vibram Recurve outsole which features adaptive lugs and flex lines with a cushioning open-cell OrthoLite footbed with SPE Midsole and TPU heel clip for enhanced support and comfort. Making these boots an even sweeter early season option is their seven-inch height for ankle support, waterproof, full-grain leather with nylon uppers, and options available with Thinsulate Ultra insulation. $200 | www.danner.com
Rocky Lynx collection Rocky Lynx collection Designed for mid- and late-season excursions when Mother Nature can turn on a dime, Rocky launches their new Lynx collection. With full-grain leather uppers with Cordura accents, they can handle rugged conditions, plus with Rocky’s Vapor Pass breathable recycled membrane they are completely waterproof. Their aggressive all-terrain Lynx outsole will keep your feet where you want them and with their Terra Suspension footbed coupled with cushioned EVA midsole, your feet won’t take a beating. The Lynx are eight inches in height for added support and are available in 400 and 800 grams of 3M Thinsulate Ultra and in either Realtree Escape or Mossy Oak Country DNA camo patterns. $185 | www.rockyboots.com
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Irish Setter Terrain Irish Setter Terrain Irish Setter’s new Terrain hunting boots feature a proprietary Flatline sole platform with aggressive, multi-directional lugs that are designed to handle uneven terrain with the best of them. A great all-season boot, they are available in non-insulation for those early season excursions and all the way up to 1200 grams of insulation when the mercury really drops. They feature a lightweight, high rebound EVA in the EnerG midsole for excellent cushioning while their PU foam footbed adds even more comfort for those all-day hunts. Polyurethane impregnated leather and fabric panels create a durable upper that incorporates UltraDry waterproofing, as well as ScentBa scent control to eliminate odor. $164.99 | www.irishsetterboots.com
DSG Woman’s Insulated Cold-Weather Rubber Hunting Boot DSG Woman’s Insulated Cold-Weather Rubber Hunting Boot Designing hunting apparel exclusively for the ladies of the woods, DSG launches the new Woman’s Insulated Cold-Weather Rubber Hunting Boot. They feature 1200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation with a 5mm wool felt insert designed to wick moisture and keep you warm. Also, with a blend of rubber and neoprene uppers with an incorporated rugged shin guard, wet weather won’t be an issue either. They feature DSG’s true woman’s fit with cushioned PU insoles and a rugged outsole to ensure all-day comfort, traction and stability in any terrain. www.DSGOuterwear.com
Dryshod NoSho Gusset XT Dryshod NoSho Gusset XT Another cold-weather rubber boot option that’s certainly worth a look is Dryshod’s new NoSho Gusset XT. It is 100% waterproof and built to withstand the elements and features a 5.5mm DENSOPRENE bootie that is backed by 2mm DENSOPRENE XD (extreme density) foam for maximum environmental shielding. Up next is a 2mm airmesh layer that promotes airflow to prevent heat-robbing moisture buildup while a 2mm fleece lining enhances the boot’s natural insulating properties. And when you factor in the EVA cold-blocking midsole and removable molded EVA sock liner, the NoGusset XT provides 6 layers of protection that blocks water and retains heat for all-day hunting comfort. www.dryshodUSA.com
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Thorogood 7” Drakar Thorogood 7” Draker Part of Thorogood’s popular Infinity FD series, the leather 7” Drakar are technical, pursuit-driven hunting boots that are designed to deliver uncompromising comfort and performance. 100% waterproof, they feature a Flex-drive midsole/outsole that absorbs shock and provides exceptional traction while also propelling you forward through its anti-fatigue energy return system. Their 51% welt construction also provides maximum flex in the toe while also providing enhanced heel stability. www.thorogoodusa.com
LaCrosse Venom II LaCrosse Venom II More than once now I have stepped on a coiled-up rattler in the turkey woods so needless to say snake boots have become part of my spring arsenal. However, if there’s one complaint about snake boots, it’s their stiff feel and lack of comfort. Those issues will quickly fade once you slip your feet into the new Venom II from LaCrosse. Besides offering total protection with their 360-degree Snake Guard technology, they are 100% waterproof and equipped with shock-absorbing EVA midsoles to provide that athletic feel and all-day comfort. They also feature full-grain and suede leather with a lightweight abrasion-resistant fabric with rubber toe caps that are built to take a beating. www.lacrossefootwear.com
Muck Boots 16" APEX PRO The Muck Boot Company 16" Apex Pro Muck Boots really needs no introduction, and their new Insulated 16” APEX PRO more than meets the standard you have come to expect from them. Built for bowhunters on the go who demand athletic performance in a waterproof boot, it pairs 5mm Neoprene with an all-new Thermal Regulating Fleece that encompasses open-fiber technology designed to wick away moisture up to 33% better than standard synthetic fleece. Their Vibram Arctic Grip A.T. Traction Lug outsole has a ground-grabbing design made for rugged and icy conditions, and with the strategically placed shin rubber overlays, they offer an additional level of durability where needed most without adding unnecessary weight. www.muckbootcompany.com