How to get the best turkey hunting boots in 2021

Hiking books. Difficult to get right, but worth the time and effort required researching and trialling. The right boots make the difference between your hunt becoming a great memory or a forced march full of blisters and pain.

Interestingly, many people don’t get it right at all. They go through life enjoying their turkey hunting but never appreciating just how important a well-fitted boot of the right kind is. So with that in mind, let’s dig right into the kinds of questions you need to be asking yourself if you want to find the best hunting boot for you.

The right question

Beyond the boot simply fitting, the kind of activities you’ll be doing matter. They determine the hazards you’ll face, the terrain you’ll navigate and what pace and state you’ll be in as you do it. Here’s a solid set of grounding questions to help you figure things out.

Do snakes matter?

In some regions, snake safety is a daily consideration. If you need to ensure you protect your ankles from potential danger, the best turkey boots for you will provide protection well past the ankle and me made fo sturdy material.

Walk much?

Some hunting trips involve little walking at all, such as a car camp. Some hunters prefer sitting in a blind all day long whereas others prefer to get out in the open amongst nature. You’ll benefit here by being honest about your level of activity; some people simply seem to need boots with more cushioning in order to be comfortable and stay effective.

Think honestly here. More cushioning and a higher boot mean more weight, but it could be a tradeoff that keeps you happy on the trails and in your blind.

Is water expected?

Depending on your chosen terrain, you’ll want to be thinking about water-resistance on your turkey hunting boots. You can trade-off weight for general utility, including having dry feet at the end of the day! Nothing kills morale faster than damp boots and the real heavy-duty ones are weighty but able to keep you snug and warm. That means the best turkey hunting boots may be a bit heavier but remember, the wrong boots start out light but they will get a lot heavier and much less comfy when they are soaked with water.

What kinds of boots are there?

Let’s take a look now at the kinds of footwear you can choose from.

Rubber: Common amongst hunters who don’t want to sacrifice an inch of utility and safety, the best turkey hunting boot made from rubber is a great entry into the list that can easily protect your feet and legs against snake bites and water. They’re tough, durable, simple and effective.
The catch? Not the most comfortable in the world, which can be a deterrent to some more than others! They’re also not breathable by nature, meaning you’ll want to avoid rubber boots in hot and humid regions or times of the year.
Normal hunting boots: If you’re moving really lightweight and don’t need to worry about excessive environmental hazards, the best turkey hunting boot for you might be a standard hunting or hiking boot. These boots are designed to offer you a reasonable amount of protection and they are perfect for anyone who may be just starting to hunt.
Snake: These lace-up boots are great. Snake boots are designed specifically to protect against snake bites, as the name implies, while still retaining a good degree of water-resistance and breathability. They’re more comfortable than rubber boots, but you’ll want to still be wary of that old nemesis: heat. Snake boots tend to be just as hot as rubber if not more, making them a better choice for cooler regions and seasons.

Staying comfortable

So, you’ve found the best turkey hunting boot for you. Great. Here are a few tips on how to maximise your comfort, utility and safety with your new boots.

First on our list of advice is simple navigation. Avoid ploughing your way through bodies of water and difficult terrain; a single step too far and you’ve socks and new boots are soaking wet– whatever they’re made out of. If you do mess this up, swap out to a pair of spare socks that you keep in an easily accessed area of your backpack or belt.

You’ll also want to consider spray-on water-resistance products. You can apply these before and in between hikes, with the usually hydrophobic properties of the sprays helping to enhance the ability of your boots to wick away water.

Lastly, be careful when placing your now-wet new boots by the fire at camp. Hoping to dry your boots out rapidly by stuffing them up against a roaring firepit is a sure-fire way to melt plastic, burn leather and generally ruin the shoe. Be smart, be patient and avoid the need to get half a stream’s worth of water out of them in the first place!

Good luck!

The best turkey hunting boots aren’t the cheapest, but they’re the cornerstone of a great time spent outdoors. Having the right boots is the difference between hating this hunting trip because of discomfort and loving the outdoors and every minute you spend in them.

So, we encourage you to take your time and research properly. Ask the right questions, consider your outdoor activities and turkey hunting plans and be sure of what you purchase and when. With a little research and due diligence behind you, you’ll be the happy owner of boots that work for you for the right reasons.
Good luck, stay safe and the team hopes you have many happy seasons of hunting ahead of you.