12 Best Elk Hunting Boots (Top Picks & Buying Guide)

Are you an Elk hunter? Have you ever hunted before? Well, if you have, then you know that even though hunting skills and your physical condition aid significantly for you as a hunter, the wrong gear can ruin or improve your hunting experience. When your feet are too cold, hot, or suffering from blisters, your hunting is a total failure as you cannot focus on the hunt while suffering from feet discomfort.

For a successful hunt, you need to get the best elk hunting boots that are strong, cozy enough to save you from blisters, nasty foot cramps and bothersome sore feet that can slow down even the most experienced hunter. This article helps you get the best boots for elk hunting that you can depend on for comfort, safety, sturdiness, and the overall hunting performance on the outdoors.

Irish Setter Men's 882 Elk Tracker Waterproof 600 Gram 12" Big Game Hunting Boot

Cold weather calls for boots that are not just warm but also waterproof and sturdy enough. A pair of elk hunting boot that will get you through cold and wet weather with ease is the Irish setter elk tracker 882.

Features and compatibility

The boots take pride in their 1000g insulate material and the Gore-Tex lining. These remarkable features help in keeping your feet warm when on an elk hunt and safe from the chilly climate. These boots also offer a remarkable waterproof feature that locks away any moisture.

The boots shaft covers higher than your ankles making you feel as if the boots are part of your legs extended. Unlike other elk boots for hunting in the market, Irish setter boots are silent regardless of the surface you step on, even on the wood surfaces. And, this is made possible due to soft and padded elements on the sole which carry the soundless weight regardless of how hard you step.

Drawback

According to some reviewers, quality and design defects are available in some batches. The boots also fit slimmer, and so one has to buy a bigger size.

Lowa Tibet GTX hunting boots

The boots are specially made for hunters who like going to the treacherous and uneven areas. The boots come with large-lug Vibram soles that offer enough grip and rarely gunk up with the rubble present on the ground.

Features and compatibility

The hunting boots come with premium nu-buk leather uppers that are waterproof and breathable since it also comes with a Gore-Tex lining. These boots come with a PU incorporated midsole and a full-length stabilizer for your beneath the foot stability and control when carrying a heavyweight.

According to Lowa Tibet GTX review, the boot also comes with a Vibram outsole as well as a LOWA C4 tongue and a collar that is placed strategically for comfortable and safe stepping. The boot also comes with an ankle-flex design that prevents you from slippage and for easy trekking when hunting.

Drawback

Since the boots are best for excellent strength, they are initially hard to fit in and so it will take time for you to break into these boots.

Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8” Uninsulated Hunting Boot

The Danner insulated hunting boots are dual textured and come with a 100% Camohide leather that is rugged with 1000D nylon. The boots come with rubber soles for added strength and grip. Their construction uses Gere-Tex technology that offers durability, breathability, and also waterproof.

Compatibility and comfort

The boots come with 1200 grams of insulation that makes them the best lightweight Elk insulated boots in the market. Their outsole offers fantastic traction, better stability, comfort, as well as enough support that is made possible by TERRA FORCE platform as well as the Ortho-lite cushion insole.

Since these boots come with Carmo-hide leather and with terra force technology, they offer a lightweight and a shortened profile. The boots are waterproof, and so they keep your feet dry all day regardless of the weather. The lightweight Denier Nylon material makes the boots durable with the Ortholite footbed offering more comfort.

Drawback

Even if the boots are very comfortable on your feet, they are very sturdy making it a bit hard to break into the boots.

Irish Setter Men's 2870 Vaprtrek Waterproof 8" Hunting Boot

If you love to combine safety, comfort, and style, this is the boot for you since it is the best-looking elk hunting boot in the market today. The boot ensures comfort, effectiveness, and durability. The boot is heavy-duty and comes with 100% leather uppers offering a waterproof and breathable cover.

Safety and comfort

The elk boots rubber sole makes the footwear durable and safe to walk on since it offers excellent traction on all forms of surfaces. It’s a tall boot that measures about 12 inches and a shaft that measures 9.5 inches from the ar. This means that when wearing the boot, your entire leg is safe from all types of injuries.

The footwear consists of 200 grams of Thinsulate making the ideal lightweight elk hunting boots for the cold environment. The boot also comes with Gore-Tex lining making them waterproof.

The shoe comes with Scent Ban technology that removes odor by preventing the formation of bacteria. The shoes’ midsole acts as a shock absorber which lowers the risk of blisters, sudden bumps, and other forms f foot damage when hunting. These boots weigh only two pounds, making them lightweight enough to go hunting with ease.

Drawback

According to Irish setter Vaprtek Review, the arch support on the boot is not comfortable enough which means you might experience fatigue after walking for some time.

Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hunting Boot

When looking for footwear for your elk hunting, it is obvious that you expect the shoes to be sturdy and reliable enough to withstand the heavy and the rugged terrains in the wild and this Kenetrek boot fits the description.

Comfort and compatibility

The boots come with quality leather and a fantastic design. Even though the boots may need a bit more time to break in, once you break into these boots, you will get fantastic comfort as well as a great fit.

The footwear’s 7mm nylon midsole that has steel shanks offer amazing support when hunting on rugged trails in the wild. The shoe’s rubber toe guard as well as the cupped unit sole provides abrasion resistance and are the best when it comes to the ability to withstand heavy use in the mountains and forest.

The boot comes with 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation to make sure that your feet remain warm while the Wind-Tex membrane that is breathable and waterproof keeps the moisture away from your feet. You will never get when regardless of the weather!

Drawback

According to Kenetrek mountain extreme 400 reviews, the shoe is a bit stiff making it hard to break in after purchasing the pair of boots.

Danner Men's Pronghorn Realtree Xtra 1200G Hunting Boot

If you like elk hunting, then it is obvious that your hunting boots need to stay not only comfortable but also reliable regardless of the climatic conditions. Also, you need to make sure that the boot is comfortable to break in to avoid blisters and the Danner Pronghorn hunting boot is the best when it comes to comfort and reliability.

Comfort and safety

The boots are dual textured and are made of 100% CamoHide leather that is rugged with 1000D nylon. The hunting footwear comes with a rubber sole for traction and grip. The boots construction makes good use of the Gore-Tex technology for durability, breathability, and also waterproofing.

The boots consist of an insulation level of 1200 grams making this footwear the best in the market. Its pronghorn outsole offers excellent traction, making sure that the hunter never trips when hunting. The cushion insole and the Terra Force platform offer superb stability, support, and comfort.

Drawback

The boot comes with only a single color, and the camouflage is helpful but not necessary.

Lacrosse Men's Quick Shot 8 Realtree Xt Green-M

Being on a budget doesn’t mean that you cannot afford a good pair of an elk hunting boot. Lacrosse Quick Shot elk hunting boot comes with good quality materials and with a very reliable build. More importantly, it is very affordable!

Compatibility and comfort

The hunting footwear comes with a leather and nylon construction, making them easy when it comes to breaking into the boots and durable as well.  These boots feature the Lacrosse Men’s Quick Shot boot waterproof suede upper and a lightweight and rugged nine hundred Denier nylon. Such features make the boot waterproof and lightweight too.

The boots also come with a lace-to-toe system of lacing that makes this footwear easy to wear and offer a snug as well. The shoe comes with a 100% waterproof dry lining that is odor free to prevent moisture and keep up the dryness in your feet.

The EVA Foot-bed present in the shoe is removable, and the lightweight outsole makes it easy to wear the boots for more extended hours.

Safety

The rugged lug outline that consists of non-loading performance offers a better grip as well as strong traction on a range of terrains.

Drawback

While it offers excellent experiences, sizing is an issue since they come in smaller sizes. If you have bigger feet, you may find it hard to get the right size for you.

Danner Men's Pronghorn 8" GTX 800G Hunting Boot

Danner pronghorn is bringing functionality and style to the table. The boots upper tough of leather blends well with the rugged rubber outsole and at the end; they bring out a boot that can take you to the wild hunting with class and comfort.

Compatibility and comfort

The boot comes with a CamoHide leather and a Terra technology which leads to a lightweight and comfortable hunting footwear. The boots are equipped with a breathable Gore-Tex liner that makes the footwear waterproof enough to keep your feet dry all day long. The boots 1000Denier nylon makes the boot very durable while the Ortholite footbed that has three layers cushioning offers optimal comfort.

The footwear’s outsole comes with a rubber compounds construction for an improved grip in the rugged grounds and slick mud. These boots also come with secure stability and fit as you move.  Their safe lace-up shaft, as well as speed-lace hardware on the top, makes the boot fit you even better. Also, the pull-on loop found at the back shaft makes it easy to put on the boots.

What most people love about these boots is that your feet will stay warm and dry and you can wear them comfortably right outside the box since they need no breaking in time.

Drawback

The footwear needs more attention, and if you wear them regularly, you need to use the Danner boot dressing from time to time.

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Non-Insulated Hiking Boot

​Kenetric hunting boots​ offer both effectiveness and attractiveness. Even though they are a bit expensive than other boots, they offer excellent hunting experience. Even a novice elk hunter can do very well in these boots on their first day.

Compatibility and comfort

The boot is ten inches tall and comes with full grain leather with a double as well as triple stitching to boost durability. The footwear comes with a K-Talon outsole for traction and grip. Also, it comes with a 7mm midsole made of nylon to offer unique stability and support to the foot. Since the boot is forged boot hardware, it is corrosion resistant, and so water or cold cannot ruin it.

The boot is suitable for both hot and cold climates because of its breathability and water resistance. The durable boots rubber helps when it comes to scratch resistance. The footwear is super light and is made to offer the best experience for overall customer satisfaction.

Drawback

The shoe is very expensive, and so some people cannot afford it. Also, the shoe is a bit stiff, and so it might take extra time to break in.

Zamberlan Men's 996 Vioz GT Hiking Boot

Tall and safe is what most people would like in the right elk hunting boot. If you are the kind that loves tall boots, then Zamber GTX is what you are looking for since the boots will not only give you support but will also offer traction due to their ground biting soles.

Safety, comfort, and compatibility

Thanks to the boots Gore-Tex feature, these boots are waterproof, making them perfect for elk hunting. The boots 2.8mm hydro-bloc Tuscan leather on the uppers shield your feet and the ankle and prevents your leather from cuts, scratches, and cracking.

The Vibram outsole offers a safe and comfortable walk when it comes to down-hill break-in as well as toe climbing. When chasing your prey, you would not want anything to get in your way and so with these boots you are sure to follow your prey to the end of the road. One thing that I love about the boots is that they shed mud and dirt very fast.

The shoes are tough, sturdy and needs extra time to break into these boots. However, once you break into them, the boots are very comfortable and ready to hunt and run after the prey for hours. Another good thing about the shoes is that they come with a cushioning that is placed strategically to add to your comfort and protects your foot from blisters.

Drawback

Zamberlan boots review reveals that the boots are a bit heavy and needs more time to break-in.

Scarpa Men's Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots

A journey to the wild brings you to a new and unique environment that is full of various challenges when it comes to the rough grounds, terrains, and even the trees and bushes surrounding the environment.

Compatibility and comfort

The durable, sturdy, and comfortable Scarpa Pro GTX Boot will help you maneuver all sorts of terrain without a single slip, struggle, or fall. The Gore-Tex membrane makes sure that no moisture gets into your boot and that no blisters form on your foot keeping you moving forward to a better hunt.

The smooth nubuck leather uppers and the rubber rand that surrounds the entire boot never wears out. Even after walking with it on rocky hills or canyon loop trails, they remain intact. The Gore-Tex membrane ensures that your foot remains dry on muddy, snowy, or rainy trails.

Scarpa GTX Boot outsole offers a fast and comfortable grip, breaks, and secures your steps as you walk on any terrain. Also, the footwear includes self-cleaning lugs that prevent mud build-up for safe and comfortable movement in the wild.

The boot comes with a tall design that supports ankles and protects them from injury while in the wild. It also comes with a shank that offers stability while on uneven ground.  The boot also comes with various lace loops that offer an even and a reliable fit over the entire foot. Also, it comes with tongue gussets that prevent rocks from entering into the shoe.

Drawback

The design is great but too bad they do not fit well since they are too narrow on the toe area. For those with wider toe area, this may not be the best boot for you.

Salomon Men's Quest 4d 3 GTX Backpacking Boots

The hiking boot is among the top choices for elk hunters. The boot is perfect when it comes to hunting, considering its rubber compound that offers unique traction when running on all sorts of terrains.

Safety and comfort

One of the features that you will never fail to notice is the boot’s lacing system. Some people find it hard keeping tension in the ideal places when it comes to mid-height hiking boots. However, with this boot, the problem is solved. Just near the ankle, you will find a beautiful and deep eyelet that makes sure you meet a secure tension across the foot.

Safety and compatibility

One of the things that I love most about the boot is that it comes with a very sturdy sole that excels very well on tough conditions. The boots fairly aggressive lugs that protrude strategically to make you’re walking comfortably making sure that you are confident when walking on various terrains. No matter how heavy your backpack is, with this boot you are ready to walk and even run as fast as you want.

The Salomon boot is very comfortable right from the box. Its construction makes good use of Nubuck leather or full grain leather and mixes with nylon mesh and fabric for most breathability. The boots are waterproof to make sure that no moisture gets into your foot. Also, the boot is durable, and so you do not have to worry about the boot wearing off in a few months.

The boot is rough and tough, comfortable and breathable with a lining that keeps the moisture away, making the boots ideal for both arid as well as mountain areas.

Drawback

The boots are not so comfortable to break it. This means that you cannot wear them right from the box. But after breaking into the boot, it is very comfortable.

How to Choose the best Elk Hunting Boots?

Any experienced elk hunter understands the importance of selecting the best boot for elk hunting. Besides, next to your firearm, your boot is another thing that can make a difference between success and failure when it comes to hunting. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider before buying a hunting boot;

Consider the right boot for the season

When going to the market to buy a boot, think of the season we are in. If hunting in the early seasons through November or December, you may find yourself in need of more than a single pair of hunting boots to accommodate the changes in temperature and other weather conditions that occur as the season progresses.

For example, when hunting on the early times of the season, you may need a less insulated boot and a lighter one when chasing rutting bulls while cooler temperatures may need a heavily insulated boot for warmth in higher elevations.

Choose the right fit

There are boots that you can comfortably wear right from the box while others may need time to break in to get comfortable. What matters is for you to choose a boot that fits you enough and comfortable to walk for long miles without blisters or other forms of discomfort.

The other part of fit is considering socks. As you try on the boots, always wear socks that you wear when going for a hunt. If you wear thin socks when trying on the boot and when going for the hunt you wear heavy socks, you may find that the boots do not fit comfortably.

Stability

Never underestimate the soles since they are the ones that offer traction, stability, shock absorption, and overall comfort of the shoe. Always balance your need for stability and flexibility on uneven terrains for safety walking over time.

Tread patterns, as well as lug shape on the boot soles, is critical when selecting the best boot. A shallow tread may limit debris and mud accumulation making your moves comfortable and stable.

Size

Always choose the right size for your boot since the boot that fits you well leads to greater satisfaction when compared to an ill-fitting one. Keep in mind that some boots come in smaller or larger sizes and so you need to test the boot physically to avoid buying the wrong size. As you buy, leave some allowance for the socks since you will not wear them without a pair of thick socks, depending on the season.

Insulation

Depending on the climate, choose a boot that comes with insulation that fits a particular climate. If hunting during colder months, consider heavily insulated boots while if hunting during hot months, choose a lightweight insulated boot.

Breaking in period

While there are boots that you can comfortably wear right from the box, it is good to remember that there are those that need a break-in period. With that in mind, remember that boots are constructed to remain strong and in most cases, they need time to loosen their fabrics depending on the buyer’s feet. Always consider the period you need to break into the boot before making a purchase.

Maintenance

Like any other product, boots need support for you to extend their lifespan. Regular cleaning, drying, and treatment are what some boots need. Since you may not have enough time to keep up the boot while in the wild, always choose a boot that requires less maintenance.

Waterproof

Elk hunting is not limited to a specific period, and so the boot needs to be water-resistant for it to withstand various climatic conditions. Otherwise, the boot will not last long.

Breathability

You cannot avoid sweating when walking a long distance. With that in mind, it is good for an elk hunting boot to come with adequate air circulation to prevent bacteria from growing inside your boots.

Boot materials

When choosing elk boots, consider the materials used to make the footwear. You are not merely buying footwear for the next hunting trip but also for many other trips to come. Choose a boot whose uppers are made of quality materials since the upper is the part that protects your ankle and the entire foot against abrasion from thorns, barbed wire, rocks, and sticks.

The uppers need to be made of leather or a combination of synthetic fiber and leather. However, some boots are made of leather and nylon together. Since leather offers protection and is strong than most fabrics in tough conditions, you can choose the one with leather. The best thing about leather is that it is one hundred percent waterproof and so your feet will stay dry even on cold climates.

On the other hand, cheaper boots may come with less durable materials or split leather, and it is up to you to choose depending on your hunting needs.

Where to Buy Elk Hunting Boots?

While you can get the boots in your local stores, Amazon.com remains the most significant market place where you can get the exact boots you are looking for. All the boots that are reviewed above are available on Amazon.

Therefore, don’t look any further. Trust the customers who bought these boots on Amazon and left reviews. All you need is to click a product link and make a buy.

FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions) on Elk hunting boots

Q: What is the best level of insulation?
Ans: These boots may come in three categories: rubber boots, snake boots, and field boots. Each boot serves a specific purpose, and so it has a different level of insulation. The boots insulation ranges from 200 to 2000 grams depending on the climate and the work conditions of the owner.

Q: How do I protect the boots from odor?
Ans: Boot odors are common and may occur at any point in time. However, to stop the odor, make sure the boot remains dry at all times after cleaning it also, you need to wear socks to avoid feet sweat accumulating on the boots.

Final verdict

The best Elk hunting boots depends on what the buyer is looking for since no boot can be branded as best if it does not meet the owner’s needs. That is why the owner needs to buy a boot the meets most of his or her standards. However, since fabrics are hard to clean, you need to avoid buying boots with material that catches dirt fast and are hard to clean. Rubber and synthetic boots are very user-friendly and are also easy to keep up.

As you choose the best, always do some extensive research to get genuine reviews before making a purchase. In most cases, good boots from trustworthy brands have many reviews which make it easier to check before investing in a pair of boots.

With that said and done, always remember that the best Elk hunting boots should not compromise the critical criteria of a boot always stay vigilant when choosing a pair of boots you wish to invest in. However, with the above boots, you can rest assured that they are the best and cannot disappoint you in any way. Choose one and become a guru in hunting!

Have a nice purchas​e!