Waterproof 

For both hunting and hiking boots, it’s essential that they are waterproof. You’ll be using them outdoors in rough terrain in all kinds of weather. Getting your feet wet is not only uncomfortable, it’s hazardous to your skin and health. They should keep your feet warm and dry the whole time they’re out in the field.

LaCrosse Alphaburly Hunting Boot

This hunting boot’s Neoprene/rubber material and its embossed liner contribute to making this boot completely waterproof. These are also very tall, so there’s less chance that water can enter the boot, even if you’re sloshing through streams.

Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boot

These hiking boots have a waterproof and seam-sealed construction. However, they are only waterproof up to where the tongue of the shoe starts. It’s recommended you seal them with mink oil.

Winner: LaCrosse Alphaburly Hunting Boots

Sole

The sole of a hunting boot or hiking boot is extremely important for the wearer. It’s designed to protect your feet from terrain, provide comfort, and conform to your feet. Also, they have to be strong enough to overcome time outside in harsh conditions.

LaCrosse Alphaburly Hunting Boot

This hunting boot has a Lug sole with a chunky heel and arched foot bed. Underneath on the tread, it has multiple gripping traction points, so you can walk comfortably in forests or fields. It’s nice and wide for balance and stability.

Under the arch is a shank included for support and comfort. Between your foot and the sole, the foot bed adds an extra layer of cushioning. It’s also removable, so you can custom fit your boots. The outsole is made of premium grade rubber, which won’t melt in the heat or become as hard as ice in the winter.

Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boot

The entire foot bed and sole of this hiking boot is made to Columbia’s standards of being Techlite and lightweight. The Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber tread underneath is relatively flat, making it resemble more like a sneaker than a boot. It does have plenty of cut-out grooves, ridges, and designs for gripability and traction.

The outsole curves up to the toe, which helps provide balance and stability while hiking up steeper terrain. The heel is very thick and chunky, and there’s a built-in arch for comfort. The foot bed underneath the front of your foot and toes is noticeably thinner than the heel section.

Winner: LaCrosse Alphaburly Hunting Boot

Boot Material

What are the different materials used to construct hunting and hiking boots? Hunting boots are designed with rubber and neoprene. They may or may not have a liner and don’t have shoelaces. Hiking boots are crafted with leather and suede. They do have shoelaces.

LaCrosse Alphaburly Hunting Boot

These heavy-duty hunting boots are made of thick neoprene and rubber. This adds to the weight, which makes these heavier than hiking boots. However, that also means these are sturdy and ultra-durable, able to stand up to even adverse weather conditions. The rubber is put on in layers to increase its strength and prevent it from falling apart.

Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boot

Hiking boot wearers primarily need their boots for not just flat terrain, but vertical as well, so weight is a huge issue. These Columbia hiking boots are very lightweight. They’re made with multiple materials, including PU-coated leather, suede, mesh, and metal hardware like the eyelets.

These various materials are stitched together, which adds to a nice appearance but does create more stress points for breakage. However, they’re also supremely comfortable and conform more to the foot.

Winner: Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boot

Final Recount

LaCrosse Alphaburly Hunting Boot: 2/3

Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boot: 1/3

Winner: LaCrosse Alphaburly Hunting Boot

Pros and Cons of Each