From wet woodlands to arid hillsides, one thing is for certain – when you’re out hunting you’re going to be faced with multiple terrains that you need to safely navigate your way across.
Oftentimes you’ll find yourself trekking through more than one environment when you’re out stalking your prey as well and, depending on what it is you’re hunting, you could be out in the wild for a long time.
Arguably, the toughest terrain you’ll encounter on a hunting trip is going to be mountainous. The surface texture of mountains doesn’t only vary from season to season, but as a higher altitude comes into play, they can also get wetter and icier as you ascend.
That’s why a really good pair of hunting boots that can withstand anything a mountain can throw at you is an essential addition to your hunting gear.
However, as with all hunting equipment and apparel, there are loads of options to choose from and navigating your way through all of the choices can be confusing.
To help take the hard work out of it, we’ve put together a list of five of the best options below, along with a handy buying guide with what to look out for before making your purchase.
So kick back, relax and join us on our trek through the top hunting boots for mountains!
Got a hunting trip coming up soon and need a great pair of boots that will help you navigate tough terrain? Take a look at our top pick below.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III
- 100% Leather and Textile
- Synthetic Sole
- Mixed-media Snow Boot
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Our Favorite Hunting Boots for Mountains
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Top Pick
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Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III Omni Cold Weather Boot |
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Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot Wool/Black 9.5 W |
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Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot,Expresso/Brown,11 M US |
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Top Hunting Boots for Mountains – 2022 Reviews
1. Our Top Pick: Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III
Ideal for trekking up and down mountains in all kinds of weather, the Bugaboot Plus III hunting boots from Columbia are built to withstand cold conditions down to -25°F.
Featuring 200g insulation and thermal reflective liners, and built with responsive cushioning, your feet are guaranteed to stay warm and comfortable as you navigate your way through tough terrain.
Their patented OmniGrip technology uses advanced traction on the outsole treads, and helps keep the boots firmly gripped to the floor across multiple surface textures, even in wet and snowy conditions.
Built with a 7 inch shaft, these boots are designed to not only to keep your feet warm and steady when you’re out trekking, but will also help to keep your ankle supported and in place, reducing the risk of any injuries should you slip or fall.
2. Asolo Fugitive GTX Waterproof Hiking Boot
Super lightweight and breathable, these Fugitive GTX hiking boots from Asolo will help keep your feet safe and secure when you’re out on your hunting trip without weighing you down.
Built using a combination of Italian leather and GoreTex lining, these boots allow sweat and moisture to evaporate away from your feet whilst remaining totally waterproof and not allowing water in.
The polyurethane midsole provides shock absorbency and takes the impact out of walking across hard surfaces, and the durable cushioning is designed to help alleviate any discomfort on the foot’s pressure points, ensuring a comfortable and secure trekking experience.
These hunting boots also feature Asoflex Thermoplastic Torsional Support, which has been developed to prevent any bruising occurring on the feet as you cross rough and rocky terrain, and the outsoles are made from a mixture of highly resilient polyurethane and bi-density rubber to provide amazing grip and traction.
3. Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Hiking Boot
Perfect for hiking across a wide range of terrains, the Renegade GTX Hiking Boots from Lowa will provide you with the comfort and support you need for hunting in mountainous areas.
Featuring small pores on the side and the top, these boots allow your feet to breathe and moisture to evaporate away, whilst the GoreTex lining keeps water out and ensures your feet are kept warm and dry.
The heels and ankles are constructed using an innovative MONOWRAP™ technology that stabilizes and supports the areas of the feet that need it most, which reduces the risk of any injury and also gives them a ‘ready to wear’ feeling, with no need for breaking in.
There is also extra padding around the heel collar to provide additional comfort and protection on long treks, and the non-slip Vibram™ rubber outsole will help you stay on your feet as you cross multiple landscapes.
How To Buy Hunting Boots for Mountains
It’s really important to keep your feet well protected and comfortable when you’re out hunting. This is especially true when you’re hunting in mountainous environments, where the surface texture of the earth can be rocky, icy, wet, snowy and dry.
So, it’s fair to say that a really good pair of hunting boots is absolutely essential. But, before choosing the first pair you come across, there are several things to keep in mind.
We’ve broken these down below to help you with making your final decision, and finding the perfect pair of hunting boots for your needs.
Material
One of the most important elements you need to consider when you’re shopping for your hunting boots is what material they are made of. Hiking across mountains is going to have a huge impact on your boots, so they need to be made of a fabric that can take a bit of a beating.
Leather hunting boots are a great option, as they are going to be naturally tough, strong and waterproof. Leather is also naturally supple, so they will likely take less time to break in and will mold to the contours of your feet and ankles.
Synthetic fabrics can also be great alternatives to leather boots, and will have been designed and engineered to handle rugged terrain.
Weight
Just because your hunting boots need to be able to take on harsh environments, it doesn’t mean that they need to weigh you down as you wear them.
Your hunting gear is undoubtedly already going to have some heft to it, and the last thing you need on a long trek is to feel as though your shoes are akin to concrete blocks!
Some hunting boots have been designed to feel lightweight, whilst still being able to withstand the elements and get you through your hunting trip comfortably. So it’s always worth checking the weight of the boots before purchasing, just to make sure you aren’t sacrificing any comfort.
Support
When you’re walking through mountainous terrain, there is also an increased risk of tumbling, tripping of falling on a loose rock or an icy patch. This can cause injury, especially to the heel, and there’s nothing worse than being injured and miles away from any help.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to take the height of the heel collar into account. The higher the heel collar, and the laces, the more support your boots will offer to your feet and your ankles.
Some boots also come with built-in ankle supports that help to keep your ankles locked in place as you walk, meaning that if you do trip up, you’ll have a reduced risk of rolling your ankle or landing awkwardly.
Laces
If you can, it’s worth getting a pair of boots that come with sturdy laces. The shoes themselves can have all the features you’re hoping for, but if the laces are weak then the boots are basically rendered useless.
Thick, strong laces that are made from tough nylon are a good choice to help keep your boots secured to your feet, and some laces even come with a thin plastic coating on them which helps to wick away water.
Waterproof
As you undoubtedly know, when you’re out in the open elements during hunting season you’re going to encounter wet conditions at some point. Whether it’s a torrential downpour, trekking through snow or walking through a wet forest floor, your boots need to be able to keep your feet dry.
There are loads of waterproof options available, but the one to really look out for is GoreTex™ fabrics and linings. This amazing, totally waterproof material has been engineered to keep your feet warm and dry, whilst simultaneously allowing any moisture or sweat to evaporate away from your feet, meaning that you also won’t be collecting any bacteria in your boots as you hike.
Another amazing technology featured in some hunting boots is ScentBan™. This innovative technology works by killing the bacteria that comes from sweat, resulting in hunting boots that smell clean and fresh regardless of the length of your trip.
Warmth
Your hunting boots are going to need to be able to keep your feet nice and warm as well. This is especially true if you’re hunting in a mountainous area, as the higher you get the lower the temperature drops.
Therefore, keep in mind the thickness of the insulation your boots have in them. You’ll want them to keep your feet warm, but also not weigh you down or make your feet feel trapped.
Any boots that incorporate Thinsulate™ are great from this, as the insulation is lightweight and thin, but still keeps your feet just as warm as a thicker insulating fabric would.
Grip
Regardless of season, mountainous terrain can be rocky, icy, snowy and wet all at the same time. So it’s imperative that your hunting boots keep you gripped to the ground across multiple surface textures.
Outsoles made from rubber, or with multidirectional treads provide great traction and will help prevent you slipping or sliding whilst you trek to your destination.
Some boots also use patented technology such as Contragrip™ or OmniGrip™, which consists of multidirectional chevrons that offer amazing grip without compromising on the sole’s flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is best for hunting boots?
There are a couple of choices of material to choose from when you’re looking for a pair of hunting boots, and ultimately it will come down to personal preference. Leather boots are a great choice if you’re looking for a natural material that can take a beating and offers a level of flexibility. However, if you’re looking for something synthetic, then there are materials such as GoreTex™ that offer durability and are totally waterproof.
Do I really need ankle support in my hunting boots?
You never know what you’re going to encounter when you’re crossing rough terrain, and unsteady ground could lead to accidental trips and falls, which can cause real injury to your ankles. Any boots that have ankle supports built in, or lace up past the ankle, are really good at keeping your ankle in place and preventing any injuries if you do have an accident.
Do I need insulation in my hunting boots?
Regardless of what terrain you’re hunting on, you’re eventually going to experience cold and wet weather conditions. Therefore, your hunting boots are going to need to have decent insulation in them to keep your feet warm. Any boots that contain Thinsulate™ are great for this, as it will keep your feet super warm without adding any bulky padding to them.
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III
- 100% Leather and Textile
- Synthetic Sole
- Mixed-media Snow Boot
