Unfortunately, you cannot go upland hunting with any shoe. The woodcock, pheasant, quail, prairie, and grouse among others tend to prefer areas with dense vegetation cover. That means you will have to navigate between the bushes as you try to locate where the birds are hiding.
There are so many things that can hurt your feet under the bushes including the rodents and broken branches. Therefore, you need adequate protection with the right kind of footwear.
But which is the right kind of footwear?
The best upland hunting boots are not like any other kind of footwear. They are unique in a way.
The hunting boots give you the protection that you need to move from one bush to the other with confidence. You can focus on the task at hand when you don't have to worry about your feet.
Best Upland Hunting Boots (Reviews)
Irish Setter Men's 808 Wingshooter Waterproof 9" Upland Hunting Boot
Our first choice is a hunting boot that combines functionality and optimal comfort to be the best upland hunting boot. We can say that Irish setter 808 doesn't look too bad, but the most important thing is functionality. And that is the reason why it is one of the most popular.
The brand is also one of the best in its category, and so you are sure of getting some of the best footwear for hunting. The upper material is durable leather that provides the necessary protection to your feet as you hunt. The branches and other debris cannot penetrate even when they try.
Another important feature is the waterproofing technology. That means your feet will remain dry as you move from one place to the other through the marshes and streams.
You will also notice that the boot has a thick rubber sole. Ideally, this sole will provide sufficient grip and sturdy to protect your feet from the various perils that may be hiding under the bushes.
What we like
- Waterproof upland hunting boot;
- Durable leather upper;
- Thick rubber sole;
- Comfortable.
What we don't like
- It may take time to break in;
- The eyelets may pull away sooner.
Irish Setter Men's 838 Wingshooter Waterproof Upland Hunting Boot- 7"
Irish Setter is an authority in the market of hunting boots. That explains why Irish Setter 838 Is our second choice, and we can promise that it is yet another favorite and quality boot.
The 100% leather combines with a useful waterproofing technology to give you the best quality upland hunting boot for efficiency when hunting. It is durable, and you can expect to use this boot for a long time. On the other hand, it is sturdy to protect your feet from the various objects and animals that may be hiding under the undergrowth.
You will notice that the synthetic sole is sufficiently thick to provide optimal protection and versatility for heavy hunting. However, it may not be as effective as a rubber outsole.
Other features that will provide adequate comfort include the moisture wicking nylon lining. Your feet will remain dry in the heat of the day and when moving on wet surfaces.
What we like
- Waterproof hunting boot;
- A removable inner sole for cleaning;
- Comfortable;
- Durable leather upper material;
- Easy to maintain;
- Nylon lining for moisture wicking.
What we don't like
- It may take some time to break in for some people;
- Some people complain that they are too stiff.
Wolverine Men's Bobwhite High Hunting Boot
Most of us are fans of x-men, and we are familiar with what Wolverine can do. Well, our focus is not on the x-men character but the functionality of the boot. And sure enough, the hunting boot is a wolverine in itself. It is sturdy, high, and durable to prove useful when hunting.
Wolverine hunting boots contains an upper material that is a blend of Cordura nylon and leather. In our opinion, it is the perfect blend to provide adequate comfort to your feet. It is breathable and durable as well.
Upland hunting can sometimes be very demanding and so the type of outsole in a particular boot matters a lot. In that context, these boots have a rubber outsole that is thick enough to provide adequate consideration and protection to your feet. You can never be too careful when it comes to hunting.
What we like
- Breathable upper material;
- A thick rubber outsole for versatility when hunting;
- It is comfortable and has a snug fit;
- Removable footbed that has sufficient cushioning.
What we don't like
- They may be hard to get them on and off;
- Not as quality and some of the other premium hunting boots.
WOOD N' STREAM Men's 6006 Flyway-M
The wood n' stream boots may not be as popular as the others in this review, but it is a good option. Specifically, hunting boots have specific features that make them ideal for goose hunting.
For example, the 100% leather material is not only durable, but also water resistant. In other words, the boot keeps your feet dry and ensures that you are as comfortable as possible when hunting. The best hunting boots for upland hunting should be comfortable and durable to protect your feet and ensure that you use them for a long time.
The Goodyear welt construction is a favorite of many people because it makes the boot comfortable. In particular, the design provides sufficient room for the toes, and you are comfortable in whatever activity you're doing.
What we like
- Durable and water-resistant upper material;
- Comfortable and easy to wear;
- A thick rubber outsole for versatility and protection;
- Removable insole.
What we don't like
- They may be a little heavy;
- The shoes may run small.
Browning Featherweight 8" Men's Waterproof Upland Hunting Boots
Some of the features that make this upland hunting boot one of the best is its waterproofing. Upland hunting requires you to submerge your feet in streams, water puddles, and marshes if you are going to be successful in hunting. Fortunately for you, this boot has a fully waterproof construction to keep your feet dry regardless of where you are hunting.
The nylon and premium leather upper provides sufficient durability and strength to make it one of the best. It is breathable and comfortable. The hunting boots are exceptionally comfortable in hot weather.
What we like
- They have an attractive design;
- Breathable and comfortable;
- Durable nylon and premium leather upper material;
- Full waterproof construction to keep your feet dry no matter where you are hunting;
- It is easy to put on and off using the pull on loops ;
- 8 inches high to provide sufficient foot protection when hunting
What we don't like
- May take some time to break in;
- It is not very popular.
What to look for in the Best Upland Hunting Boots: A Buyer's Guide
There is various equipment that upland hunters require to be successful in their hunting. One of the most common equipment is a double barrel gun. It is quite an intimidating gun, but it makes the activity full of fun.
Blaze orange clothing is critical for safety. It enhances your visibility to prevent shooting accidents from other hunters. Another essential piece of equipment is hunting boots.
However, you cannot just use any boot such as the one that you go partying with. You need the best upland hunting boots. But the main question is, how do you choose a good pair of upland hunting boots? Do you make a wild guess?
Of course not!
The following are some of the factors that will guide you to your ideal pair of boots to make you an effective upland hunter.
Tallness
How tall a particular boot should depend on how you're going to use it. For example, if you are going to wade in mud trying to flush out the ducks and geese, you will need tall boots. However, it is a different case if you will be waiting patiently in the bush for the big game to show up.
But how high is enough for a boot?
In the majority of cases, between 8 and 10 inches is sufficient. But that does not mean you cannot go higher. It all depends on the needs and of course, preferences.
Waterproofing
In most cases, upland hunting will require you to go through marshes and paddles as well as stagnant water. The duck, geese and other types of birds love these places, and you should always prepare to submerge your feet in the water. You will need to go across streams, rivers and morning dew.
If your boot is not waterproof, then you would be having a very long day. Wet feet are uncomfortable, and we can take all the fun out of the activity. You don't want to go duck hunting with your feet making funny noises because it is damp.
The Gore-tex lining is an essential feature in upland hunting boots. And even though they are going to cost a little bit more than the others, it is all for a good cause. The feature makes the boot waterproof and comfortable.
Insulation
As any hunter will tell you, feet comfort is critical for a successful hunt. For example, you cannot run after the pheasants with freezing feet. Frostbite is never fun especially when hunting.
In that context, it is vital that the boot has sufficient insulation to prevent the extremes of weather getting to your feet. The shoes should also have specific features such as a snug fit around the ankles to prevent cold air from finding its way inside.
Unfortunately, insulation can become a problem in hot weather. Therefore, you may want to consider the season you will be hunting most often. Nobody said that you can’t have two types of boots; one with adequate insulation for the cold weather, and the other for hot weather. The hot weather hunting boot may need to be adequately breathable.
Fit
Getting good a fit of upland hunting boots is critical. There's usually no time to adjust the boot when running after a particular bird that you spotted. Particular birds such as quails can prove crafty, and you will need to be sharp to outwit them. You cannot focus and think straight when the big toe is pinching inside the boot.
Don't let the bells and whistles of a particular boot distract you into buying a shoe that is a good fit. Remember to carry your favorite hunting socks when going into the store to buy the hunting boot. Wear these socks before fitting the boot and determine whether the boot is comfortable. Make sure it is a snug fit before checking out.
If you are buying online, try not to put away the boot after receiving it. Fit it and make sure it hugs your foot adequately. There should not be any funny movements at the heel.
Remember to break in the boot after acquiring it. Ideally, wear it on and move around the house with it. You can even go to the shop and the local grocery to do some shopping wearing them. Mostly, it would be unfortunate to use the boots for the first time when hunting. The demands associated with bird hunting can hurt your feet.
Final Note
One of the most crucial equipment on your checklist before you can decide to go pheasant hunting is a good quality hunting boot. The best upland hunting boots provide all the comfort that you may need to be a successful hunter.
The boots also keep your feet dry as you ran across the streams and puddles of water trying to shoot the geese. It is no secret that the market has a lot of upland hunting boots, but it is not all of them that are quality. The above list contains quality hunting boots that you can choose from depending on your needs and preference. Feel free to pick any of them and enjoy the hunt. Life is about having fun and living it the best way you know how.
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