Best Rubber Hunting Boots of 2021

Any outdoorsman knows that a pair of rubber boots works better than anything to keep your feet dry. They are the only boots that are—actually—waterproof. Most models usually slip on with ease, and they definitely help to minimize your left-behind scent trail. No matter the season, wet feet can ruin your hunt. But there’s much more to consider in a rubber boot than dry toes alone. Rubber boots will always find a functional place in an outdoorsman’s life, but cheap rubber boots are clunky and awkward—even poorly insulated. So, when it comes to the best pair of rubber boots for hunting, there are a few options to consider for your next purchase.

Muck Boot Fieldblazer Classic

Some brands become so popular, that their name totally consumes the product space. This is definitely the case with Muck Boots. Lots of folks refer to any ol’ pair of rubber boots as Muck boots, in the same way that most folks call any chocolate peanut butter cup a Reese’s.

But when it comes down to it, there’s a good reason Muck Boot is number one. The Muck Boot Fieldblazer will withstand the repeated abuse of one good hunting season after another. These boots are constructed using 5mm neoprene which gives them some of the most comfortable and flexible neoprene uppers. But don’t expect these to be very warm in cold conditions. Look at these as your baseline rubber boot: Nothing fancy, they just work. Without a doubt—the Fieldblazer is a great place to start. Do know that if you’re headed out into cold conditions then you’ll need something from Muck’s Arctic series for more insulation. muckbootcompany.com | $150

Irish Setter Mudtrek

Priced $50 above your go-to Muck boot is the Irish Setter Mudtrek. This price tag may seem steep for some rubber boots but with that extra cost comes a good bit of added features. Irish Setter’s RPM composite material adds durability and toughness atop a lighter boot. They’ve even gone as far as to add in Swiss-designed fabrics in an effort to regulate—through moisture vaporizing technology—your feet’s temperature when moving about in the heat. Too fancy for hunting boots? Maybe so, but Irish Setter knows that 2 Benjamins for some rubber boots warrants something more. So, try to remember that your extra $50 buys you model options within the Mudtrek family: 2 different fits, and 5 different insulation options—all cut to an athletic fit. Regardless of which model you pick up, the MudTrek is a solid boot. It is built well, is ready to perform, and definitely has the look. irishsetterboot.com | $200

LaCrosse AeroHead Sport

LaCrosse has long been known to make quality footwear for hunters. Their AeroHead Sport line further proves that point. These 16” slip-ons are some of the most comfortable on the market, and they insulate your feet using their AeroForm material—the same material used to insulate refrigerators and freezers. Tough rubber boots are most often stiff by nature, but the AeroHead Sport adds a flexibility not found in most other rubber boots. Add in their jersey-knit comfort liner and your favorite RealTree pattern and your investment begins to make a little more sense. Especially when you realize that any model can be purchased with “snake guard” technology—keeping your feet safe from slithering assailants. The AeroHead Sport line is definitely worth looking into, but don’t expect Lacrosse to deliver the slimmest cut and form fitting option for your hunting boots. The AeroHead Sport is definitely sporty in weight and performance, but not necessarily in size. lacrossefootwear.com | $180-$200

Bogs Classic High Mossy Oak

If budget is more of a deciding factor for you, then the Bogs Classic High has all you need in a rubber boot and totes a price tag that won’t break the bank. These fully camouflage 16-inch boots are crafted with 7mm Neo-Tech neoprene fabric that will keep your feet much warmer than most other “non-insulated” rubber hunting boots. Plus, these boots weigh in at a mere 4 pounds.

Although the Mossy Oak camouflage brings an added benefit for hunting, be wary because printed camo patterns on rubber tend to wear quickly with regular use and sunlight exposure. Soon your perfectly functional rubber boot will look faded and dingy. This will drive you to buy a new pair before it’s truly necessary.

One feature these boots can boast that others cannot, is the use of Bogs’ Aegis antimicrobial odor-protected insole. We all know that rubber boots just don’t breathe, but rest assured that when you kick these boots off inside your home or hunting lodge that their patented odor eliminator will be working double time. Overall, the Bogs Classic is a great value, fully camo, and lightweight hunting boot for a great price. bogsfootwear.com | $140

Dryshod Shredder MXT

By far the best value on this list: the Dryshod Shredder MXT. These friendly priced rubber boots are the baseline option offered from Dryshod. Needless to say, their baseline is set pretty darn high. Every pair of Shredder MXT boots features a cupped outsole and an added steel shank for arch support. You will not have to worry about running these tires down too quickly: The treads on these boots are like a solid set of mud tires—ready for anything messy. Dryshod’s Hydrokote water-repellent and reinforced tuck boards will give you a more reliable boot than most. These rubber boots offer the most features for the smallest price on this list. The MXT boots are fully camo and will work in just about any hunting terrain. dryshodusa.com | $130

Choose any of these 5 boots and you’ll be set. But before buying take the time to ask yourself a few personal questions. If you know that your feet get cold in bow season, you’ll definitely need heavier insulation. If you have long hikes in and out of your treestand, then weight may be the most important factor. Maybe you’re hunting in snake country and you want to be covered from those ankle biters. No matter your hunting scenario, study up before you purchase and you will be on the right, hopefully muddy, track in no time.

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