Field Tested: Cold-Weather Boots

Late-Season Hunts mean bitter cold temps and thick, wet snow. The right boots will keep feet dry and save toes from frostbite so you can stay in the field longer.

Cabela’s Inferno 2,000G Boots

Living up to their name, these heavy-duty boots give wearers 2,000-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation and provide more than 50 percent more warmth than traditional insulation thanks to SolarCore aerogel barriers found on the underfoot and toe areas. Breathable 4Most Dry-Plus linings are fully waterproof, while 12-inch leather uppers provide extra ankle support in tough terrain. Available in TrueTimber Kanati, Realtree AP, or black. MSRP: $160 | cabelas.com

• Pros: Tons of insulation
• Cons: Heavy

Irish Setter VaprTrek LS

The LS (Late Season) are a continuation of the popular VaprTrek line of boots from Irish Setter, made specifically with cold-weather hunts in mind. The 1,200-gram PrimaLoft Gold insulation found in the boots retain loft to trap heat in bitter-cold environments. The Irish Setter UltraDry waterproofing system provides a barrier against snow and ice, and ScentBan technology masks the rank odor coming from your three-day old socks. Available in Realtree Xtra. MSRP: $210 | irishsetterboots.com

• Pros: Scent Control
• Cons: Limited camo choice

Schnee’s Hunter II

Go old school with the classic, durable design of the original Montana Pac boots from Schnee’s. Available with 10-, 13-, or 16-inch top-grain cowhide uppers lined with brass eyelets, the Hunter II has Schnee’s exclusive Advantage high-traction air-bob, cleated Goodyear rubber outsoles to fight winter’s slickest conditions. Removable quilted Cambrelle, Thinsulate Ultra, and Wool felt liners keep feet warm in temps ranging from 0 to -20 degrees. MSRP: $319–$359 | schnees.com

• Pros: Mid-calf support
• Cons: A bit of an investment

Danner Alsea

From the trusted brand Danner, Alsea winter boots are made with durable full-grain leather and textile uppers paired with GORE-TEX waterproof linings—a weather-beating combination that prevents wet snow from soaking dry feet. They’re made for cold-season hunting with either 400-gram or 1,000-gram PrimaLoft Insulation. Ultra-grip outsoles grab terrain in uneven or icy conditions. Available in solid brown or Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. MSRP: $180–$190 | danner.com

• Pros: Available in early-season version
• Cons: Least insulated of the group

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