Best Elk Hunting Boots: Top Picks for Comfort and Durability
Hunting elk is an exhilarating experience, but it requires proper gear to ensure a successful and comfortable trip. One of the most critical pieces of equipment for elk hunting is a reliable pair of boots. Elk hunting boots must provide the necessary support, comfort, and durability to withstand the harsh terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
When looking for the best elk hunting boots, there are several factors to consider. The type of material used for the boots, the weight of the boots, the level of insulation, and the type of sole are all critical elements to take into account.
The material of the boots can vary, but many hunters prefer leather for its durability and water resistance. The weight of the boots is also important, as hunters will be trekking through rough terrain for extended periods. A lightweight boot can make all the difference in terms of comfort and endurance.
Insulation is another key factor to consider. Elk hunting often takes place in cold weather, so boots with proper insulation can keep hunters’ feet warm and dry. Finally, the sole of the boot can impact a hunter’s stability and traction on uneven terrain.
We spent hours researching and testing various elk hunting boots to identify the top options on the market. In this article, we’ll share our findings and help you choose the best elk hunting boots for your next trip.
Best Elk Hunting Boots
We know that hunting for elk can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging one. One of the most important pieces of gear for any hunting trip is a good pair of boots. Not only do they need to be comfortable for long treks through rough terrain, but they also need to provide the necessary support and protection for your feet. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best elk hunting boots to help you make an informed decision. Our list includes a range of options to suit different budgets, preferences, and hunting styles.
Irish Setter Elk Tracker Hunting Boot
If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable hunting boot, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Hunting Boot is worth considering.
Pros
- The removable comfort cork EVA with memory foam footbed provides shock absorption and long-lasting comfort.
- The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive sole provides excellent traction, and the built-in steel shank ensures more stable footing in rough terrain while improving underfoot support.
- The full-grain leather upper is protected with UltraDry waterproof construction that combines a moisture management lining with waterproof components for dry, long-lasting comfort and performance.
Cons
- The boots need to be broken in before they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Some users have reported that the boots are narrower than expected, so it’s important to make sure you get the right size.
- The boots are not insulated, so they may not be suitable for extremely cold weather.
We recently tested out the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Hunting Boot during a late-season elk hunt, and overall, we were impressed with their performance. The boots are well-made and durable, and the waterproof design kept our feet dry in wet and muddy conditions.
One thing to keep in mind is that the boots do need to be broken in before they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. We recommend wearing them around the house or on short hikes before taking them on a long hunting trip.
Despite the break-in period, the removable comfort cork EVA with memory foam footbed provides excellent shock absorption and long-lasting comfort. The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive sole also provides excellent traction, and the built-in steel shank ensures more stable footing in rough terrain while improving underfoot support.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a durable and comfortable hunting boot, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Hunting Boot is definitely worth considering.
Irish Setter, Elk Tracker, Men’s, 12″, Waterproof, Insulated 1000g, Hunting Boot, Brown 11 Brown
If you are looking for a reliable pair of elk hunting boots, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
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All-day comfort: The moisture-wicking nylon and shock-absorbing removable comfort cork EVA with memory foam footbed make these boots comfortable to wear all day long. The exclusive ScentBan technology in the footbed and lining eliminates odor so you can go all day for your trophy.
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Tough terrain traction: The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive sole provides excellent traction, and a built-in steel shank ensures more stable footing in your calves while improving underfoot support.
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Waterproof design: The full-grain leather upper is protected with GORE-TEX waterproof technology blocking moisture from the outside, while allowing sweat vapor to pass right through to evaporate, keeping your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions.
Cons
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Heavy: These boots are quite heavy, which can be a downside if you’re looking for something lightweight.
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Takes time to break-in: These boots can take some time to break-in, which might be a problem if you need them for an upcoming hunting trip.
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Expensive: At a higher price point, these boots might not be the best option for budget-conscious hunters.
Overall, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker is a great choice for hunters looking for a durable and reliable pair of elk hunting boots. The all-day comfort, tough terrain traction, and waterproof design make these boots a top pick. However, they are quite heavy, take time to break-in, and come with a higher price tag.
Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD Hunting Boot
If you’re looking for a rugged and durable hunting boot, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The lace-to-toe fit with locking hook and stretch collar allows for a tighter fit to prevent discomfort, which is especially important when descending steep terrain.
- The Vibram Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive outsole with durable, long-lasting Megagrip compound and tread pattern provides excellent traction on tough terrain.
- The UltraDry waterproof technology keeps your feet dry and comfortable, even in wet conditions.
Cons
- The boots may be a bit heavy for some hunters, especially if you plan on covering a lot of ground.
- Some users have reported that the boots can be a bit stiff out of the box, so you may need to break them in before they’re truly comfortable.
- The boots are a bit pricey compared to some other options on the market.
The Elk Tracker XD is built tough from Nubuck leather upper with ArmaTec rubber rand, making it abrasion-resistant against debris. The leather gusset overlay helps prevent debris from getting into the boot, which is a nice touch.
Comfort is driven by a removable memory foam/EVA footbed, high-rebound EnerG material in the sole to fight fatigue with energy boost, and CuShin comfort tongue helps reduce pressure on your shin.
Overall, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD Hunting Boot is a solid choice for hunters who need a boot that can handle tough terrain and keep their feet dry and comfortable.
Irish Setter Elk Tracker Big Game Boot
We highly recommend the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Big Game Boot for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality, comfortable, and durable hunting boot.
Pros
- The moisture-wicking lining, shock-absorbing removable comfort cork EVA with memory foam footbed, and exclusive ScentBan technology make this boot extremely comfortable for all-day wear.
- The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive sole provides excellent traction on tough terrain, while the built-in steel shank ensures more stable footing in your calves while improving underfoot support.
- The full-grain leather upper is protected with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, blocking moisture from the outside while allowing sweat vapor to pass through, keeping your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions.
Cons
- The price point may be higher than some other hunting boots on the market.
- The boots may feel a bit snug at first, but they break in quickly.
- The boots may be a bit heavier than other hunting boots.
From our experience, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Big Game Boot is a top-performing hunting boot. The boots are constructed entirely of super-premium work-grade leathers, making them extremely durable and long-lasting. The boots break in quickly and fit great from the word go. We found the boots to be extremely comfortable for all-day wear, thanks to the moisture-wicking lining, shock-absorbing removable comfort cork EVA with memory foam footbed, and exclusive ScentBan technology. The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive sole provides excellent traction on tough terrain, while the built-in steel shank ensures more stable footing in your calves while improving underfoot support. The full-grain leather upper is protected with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, blocking moisture from the outside while allowing sweat vapor to pass through, keeping your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions.
Overall, we highly recommend the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Big Game Boot for anyone looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and durable hunting boot.
Irish Setter Elk Tracker Hunting Boot
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty and reliable hunting boot, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Gore-Tex lining and 200g Thinsulate insulation make these boots fully waterproof and insulated, keeping your feet dry and warm in all conditions.
- The Bulls-Eye rubber outsole provides excellent traction on tough terrain, and the built-in steel shank ensures stable footing in your calves while improving underfoot support.
- The Goodyear Welt sole construction adds strength and durability to the boot, making it long-lasting and resoleable.
Cons
- These boots are quite heavy, which may be a concern for some hunters who prefer lighter footwear.
- The sizing can be a bit tricky, so make sure to try them on before purchasing to ensure the best fit.
- The break-in period can be a bit uncomfortable, so be prepared to wear them around the house for a few days before hitting the field.
We’ve tested these boots during several hunting trips and have found them to be extremely durable and comfortable. The memory foam EVA insole and ScentBan odor inhibitor keep your feet refreshed at all times, and the waterproof design ensures that your feet stay dry even during the wettest conditions.
The Bulls-Eye rubber outsole provides excellent traction on all types of terrain, and we’ve found it to be particularly useful when navigating through rocky or slippery areas. The Goodyear Welt sole construction also adds to the durability of the boot, making it a great investment for hunters who need reliable footwear.
Overall, we highly recommend the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Hunting Boot for serious hunters who need a reliable and durable boot that can withstand the toughest conditions.
Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD Hunting Boot
If you’re looking for a tough and comfortable hunting boot with great traction, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Lace-to-toe fit with locking hook and stretch collar for a comfortable and secure fit
- Vibram Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive outsole with Megagrip compound for excellent traction on tough terrain
- UltraDry waterproof technology and insulated with high density 200g PrimaLoft for dry and comfortable feet
Cons
- The leather gusset overlay may not prevent all debris from getting into the boot
- The top of the boot may be a bit stiff for some users
- Some users have reported issues with the laces popping off
We recently tried out the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD on a hunting trip and were impressed with its performance. The lace-to-toe fit with locking hook and stretch collar made for a comfortable and secure fit, even when descending steep terrain. The Vibram Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive outsole with Megagrip compound provided excellent traction on tough terrain, and the UltraDry waterproof technology and 200g PrimaLoft insulation kept our feet dry and warm throughout the day.
While the leather gusset overlay helped prevent debris from getting into the boot, it didn’t catch everything. The top of the boot was a bit stiff for some users, which may take some getting used to. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the laces popping off, which can be frustrating.
Overall, we would recommend the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD to anyone looking for a tough and comfortable hunting boot with great traction.
Irish Setter Trailblazer Men’s Waterproof Hunting Boot
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable hunting boot, the Irish Setter Trailblazer Men’s Waterproof Hunting Boot is worth considering.
Pros
- The removable EVA footbed and EVA midsole offer long-lasting comfort and reduce the weight of the boot.
- The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Carbon Rubber outsole with an aggressive lug pattern provides excellent traction and stability on uneven terrain.
- The UltraDry waterproof construction and ScentBan odor control technology keep your feet dry and eliminate odors.
Cons
- The boot may run a little small, so you may need to size up.
- The break-in period can be a little longer than expected.
- The price point may be a little steep for some buyers.
We found that the Irish Setter Trailblazer Men’s Waterproof Hunting Boot is a reliable and sturdy option for hunting enthusiasts. The removable EVA footbed and EVA midsole offer long-lasting comfort and reduce the weight of the boot, which is important when spending long hours in the field. The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Carbon Rubber outsole with an aggressive lug pattern provides excellent traction and stability on uneven terrain, which is essential for a successful hunting trip. The UltraDry waterproof construction and ScentBan odor control technology keep your feet dry and eliminate odors, making these boots a practical and comfortable choice.
However, the boot may run a little small, so you may need to size up. The break-in period can also be a little longer than expected, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to break them in before your hunting trip. Additionally, the price point may be a little steep for some buyers, but we believe the quality and durability of these boots make them a worthwhile investment for avid hunters.
Irish Setter Work Men’s Elk Tracker-861 Hunting Shoes
If you’re looking for a reliable pair of elk hunting boots, the Irish Setter Work Men’s Elk Tracker-861 Hunting Shoes might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The UltraDry Waterproof technology keeps your feet dry and comfortable, even in wet conditions.
- The ScentBan feature helps to control odors, making it easier to stay undetected while hunting.
- The Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive Sole provides excellent traction and stability on uneven terrain.
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with the fit of the boots, particularly in the heel area.
- The boots may take some time to break in, which could be uncomfortable for some users.
- The leather upper may scuff easily, which could affect the appearance of the boots over time.
We recently tested out these boots on a hunting trip, and we were impressed with their performance. The UltraDry Waterproof technology kept our feet dry even when we were walking through streams and wet grass. The ScentBan feature also seemed to work well, as we didn’t notice any unpleasant odors while wearing the boots.
One thing to note is that the boots did take some time to break in, and we experienced some discomfort in the heel area during the first few days of wear. However, after a few days of use, the boots felt much more comfortable.
Overall, we would recommend the Irish Setter Work Men’s Elk Tracker-861 Hunting Shoes to anyone in need of a reliable pair of elk hunting boots. The boots provide excellent traction and stability, and the waterproof and odor-controlling features are a nice bonus.
Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD Men’s Hunting Boots
If you’re looking for a comfortable and durable hunting boot to tackle tough terrain, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD is a great option.
Pros
- Lace-to-toe fit with locking hook and stretch collar for a tight and comfortable fit
- Vibram Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive outsole with Megagrip compound for excellent traction in muddy and slippery conditions
- Resoleable platform for extended lifespan
Cons
- Some users found the boots to be too stiff and uncomfortable, especially during break-in period
- The boots may be too warm for some users in hot weather
- The price point may be too high for budget-conscious consumers
The Nubuck leather upper, ArmaTec rubber rand, and Vibram Bulls-Eye Air Bob Aggressive outsole make this boot tough and durable, while the lace-to-toe fit with locking hook and stretch collar provide a comfortable and secure fit. The removable memory foam/EVA footbed and high-rebound EnerG material in the sole help fight fatigue during long days in the field. The CuShin comfort tongue also helps reduce pressure on your shin.
The UltraDry waterproof technology keeps your feet dry and comfortable, and the Scentban scent control eliminates odors inside the boot. The welted construction of the dual density sole platform prevents water intrusion and adds strength and durability to the boot, making it a great investment for serious hunters.
Overall, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD is a solid choice for hunters who want a comfortable and durable boot that can handle tough terrain.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best elk hunting boots, there are a few important factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features to look for to help you make an informed decision.
Material
The material of the boot is crucial when it comes to elk hunting. You want a boot that is durable, waterproof, and breathable. Look for boots made from high-quality leather or synthetic materials that are designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Insulation
Elk hunting often takes place in cold weather conditions, so insulation is an important factor to consider. Look for boots with insulation that will keep your feet warm and comfortable, without adding too much bulk to the boot.
Traction
When hunting elk, you’ll often find yourself traversing steep and rocky terrain. Look for boots with a rugged outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
Fit
A proper fit is essential for comfort and performance. Make sure to try on boots with the socks you plan to wear while hunting, and walk around in them to ensure a proper fit. Look for boots with a comfortable and supportive footbed that will keep your feet comfortable during long days of hunting.
Other Features
Additional features to consider when choosing elk hunting boots include:
- Waterproofing: Look for boots with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.
- Breathability: Look for boots with breathable materials to help prevent your feet from sweating and overheating.
- Weight: Consider the weight of the boots, as heavier boots can be more tiring to wear during long days of hunting.
- Lacing system: Look for boots with a secure and adjustable lacing system to ensure a proper fit and prevent slipping.
By considering these factors, you can find the best elk hunting boots for your needs and ensure a comfortable and successful hunting experience.