Best Uninsulated Hunting Boots of 2021 Reviews
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Long hunts sometimes demand a lot of walking and hiking around, this can pose your feet some serious problems if the proper footwear is not worn. Does this mean you should find yourself the highest quality boots on the market and go for them? No. Some of your higher end boots may be made from quality, strong material, but they may also be overkill in terms of giving your feet room to breathe.
That’s where specially designed uninsulated boots for walking and hiking come in. Instead of having material qualities that keep the heat and preserve the warmth, uninsulated boots are designed let heat generated out and allow your feet to breathe. This is especially important if you’re walking long distances as it can prevent, hot, sweaty feet that may up in a sore, blistering mess at the end of the day.
We’ve selected and reviewed what we believe to be the 5 best pairs of uninsulated hunting boots to buy. So do your feet a favor and get something that they’ll thank you for!
Top 5 Rated Models Comparison Table
Image | Boots | Waterproof | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Danner Men’s Pronghorn 8” Uninsulated Hiking Boot Editors Choice | Gore-Tex Lining | 2 Pounds per Boot | |
 | Waterproof Rubber | 5.5 Pounds Per Pair | ||
 | Ultra-Dry Waterproofing | 2 Pounds, 6 ounces | ||
 | Waterproof | 3.1 Pounds | ||
 | TecTuff Waterproof Upper | 4.3 pounds Per Pair |
Reviews of The Best Uninsulated Hunting Boots
Danner is one of the most well-known names in boots, and has been for over 85 years, so you can expect this pair of hiking boots to be as good as they get. The upper is a combo of 1000D nylon paired with a waterproof, full-grain Camohide leather that repels water and keep your feet safe and dry the whole time. Even the toe-cap and heel cap are made of full-grain leather for durability and ruggedness, and they feature a Gore-tex lining for even more waterproofing.
The sole is Danner’s Pronghorn rubber outsole, which features thick lugs for grip, and the boot is molded using the Terra Force platform, which is super-stable for sturdy support, while remaining pretty light; each boot weighs less than 2 pounds each, which is decent for an 8” pair of boots this sturdy. And, they have a very short break-in period; they will wear in and feel great on your feet in no time.
There is only one problem with the Danner Pronghorns; despite being from one of the best bootmakers out there, the waterproofing does not last long. Many users have pointed out that, after several months, the waterproofing will wear off and water will soak through, soaking your feet in the process. Not exactly the key to a comfortable, successful hunt. Considering the high price tag, that may turn a lot of people away.
But, if you want a classic pair of full 8” hunting boots from a reliable maker, the Danner Pronghorn 8” are a solid pair that will get the job done, and our Top Choice.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Waterproof Full-grain leather/Cordura upper
- Full shank, Terra Force last
- Waterproof, GTX lining
- Breathable
Cons
- Waterproofing wears off relatively quickly
Verdict: Best Overall
The Irish Setter Rutmaster 2.0 is a hefty-duty, super-tall pair of boots that work in just about any conditions and weather. Standing 17 inches tall, they are entirely vulcanized rubber on the outside, making them entirely waterproof as well, and lined with a 3.5mm neoprene. A removable polyurethane footbed inside adds some extra comfort, and the shank is made from injected nylon for durability.
The Rutmasters also feature Scent-Ban, which blocks scents and odors from escaping and prevents animals from being alerted to your presence, even killing bacteria that causes odors. They also have Irish Setter’s ExoFlex technology, which helps it expand to make extra room for your heel, as well as RPM technology, which reduces the boot’s weight even more.
The biggest problem with the Rutmasters is they have a very flat sole, which lacks much of an arch and can be uncomfortable for some people, especially when wearing them and walking all day long. They are also pretty large and roomy and can slide around on your feet when walking. They are also quite heavy – almost 5.5 pounds for a pair!
But, they excel at keeping water out and for walking through deep water and mud, which is essentially what most hunting consists of. They’ll keep your legs and feet dry and that’s what matters.
Pros
- 17” tall
- Totally waterproof
- Scent-Ban odor-repellent
- ExoFlex, RPM technology
Cons
- Little arch in sole; not the most comfortable for walking
- Loose, wide
The Irish Setter Vaprtek make a good compromise between Irish Setter’s 17” boots, and the Danner 8” Pronghorn’s. They are 7” tall and ultra-light, at only 2 pounds, 6 ounces per pair. They feature a waterproof, full-grain leather upper, paired with a nylon, similar to the Pronghorns, and an UltraDry waterproof lining, similar to Gore-Tex. And, they come with a moisture-wicking nylon lining so your feet can breathe.
Like the Rutmaster 2.0’s, they feature a removable PU footbed, as well as RPM technology to cut down weight and Scentban to block your scent. They also have Armatec, a tough, abrasion-resistant covering, as well as a Cushin tongue, which helps alleviate the pressure that tongues cause on your shin, and gives the tongue some stretch for a more comfortable fit when pulled tight.
Unfortunately, despite their very-comfortable build and design, the Vaprtek are just not built well; they tend to wear out within a year of use, especially under heavy, constant use. For the price, you would expect better.
For that reason, there are better options for the money, or you could opt a cheaper pair, but they do have some good qualities; they are very light, super comfortable and waterproof, which is why they still earn a spot on our list.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Very light; 2 pounds, 6 ounces
- UltraDry waterproof lining
- Moisture-wicking, breathable nylon
- ArmaTec abrasion-resistant covering
Cons
- Build Quality is not the greatest. Wear out easily.
For those of us who prefer shorter, lighter boots, there are the GuideGear Guidelight II. These 6” boots feature lightweight nylon uppers paired with Guide Dry waterproofing to keep your feet cozy on any muddy hunt. Each boots weighs only 1 pound, 6 ounces.
An EVA midsole provides comfort and absorption, with a cushioned insole for padding. In fact, the whole boot is amply padded, with a cushioned tongue and collar too. The rubber toe cap is also totally abrasion-resistant to guard against rocks and other sharp objects.
The only big complaint we have with these boots is that they definitely run large, and the build quality could be better over the long run; but they a budget pair, so maybe that’s to be expected.
In fact, they are such a budget pair, they are our Budget Pick for a pair of uninsulated hunting boots. They will provide you with a comfortable, padded, lightweight and waterproof set for year-round hunting at a super low price.
Pros
- Lightweight; 6” tall
- Super padded, thick. Cushioned insole
- Waterproof
- Abrasion-resistant
- Very Affordable!
Cons
- Not the best quality
Verdict: Top Budget Pick
Another heavy-duty pair of hunting boots from another trusted name in the industry, the Browning Buck Shadow Hunting Boots are built for rugged hunting trips into the outdoors. 8” tall, they are built from thick, durable leather and fabric, with a TecTuff (as Browning calls it) leather upper that is waterproof , breathable and abrasion-resistant. They also have Browning’s ShadowFrame welded support system, which makes them supremely stable and sturdy when hiking on uneven terrain.
And, since waterproofing is very important, these Buck Shadow boots come with a waterproof membrane bonded onto the outer shell, using Browning’s patented laminate to keep water out and your feet comfortable dry year-round. Pair that with the huge, thick lugs and you have a pair of boots ready to tackle the toughest of terrain.
There isn’t much not to like about these boots, except the weight, coming in at over 2.3 pounds apiece, and 4.6 pounds a pair.
Lightweight walking shoes these are not, but bulletproof boots ready for the most demanding and wet of hunts. They’re pricey but worth every penny if you like to keep your feet dry and your ankles protected.
Pros
- Waterproof; Outdry laminate layering
- Tough-as-nails construction; tons of protection
- TecTuff performance leather upper
- ShadowFrame welded support adds serious stability on rugged terrain
Cons
- Heavy - Can get tiresome walking long distances
What to Look For In Uninsulated Boots for Hunting
Are They Waterproof?
When choosing a pair of hunting boots, waterproofing is hugely important. You’re bound to spend some time wading through mud and water when hunting any time of year, and nothing can wreck a good day like wet, cold feet. Look for a Gore-tex lining or similar, such as OutDry. Some boots will even have two layers of waterproof lining for the best protection. You could also opt for a pair of straight-up rubber waders, which offer the most waterproofness possible.
Padding and Comfort
You’re going to be on your feet all day when hunting, so be sure to pick a pair that fits comfortably. Many boots will have removable insoles and liners that provide some extra padding, and many have some cool features like flexible heels and padded, stretch tongues for extra comfort.
Fit is, needless to say, extremely important; bad fit will not only be extremely uncomfortable, but could be very bad for your feet, too.
Weight
Lastly, pay attention to how much the pair of boots weighs. The heavier they are, the more tiring they will on your feet, and the sooner you’ll get want to get them off. Lighter is almost always better, just as long as you aren’t sacrificing any protection or durability in exchange for the weight.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best pair uninsulated hunting boots is the Danner Pronghorn 8”. These bad boys are built to last, fully waterproof, and don’t weigh as much as some of the other heavy-duty hunting boots might. They have a waterproof, CamoHide full-grain leather upper, and Danner’s Terra Force construction for rigidity and durability, making them one of the best, toughest choices for hunting boots out there. And they’re Danner. They’re our top pick.
If you’d like a very affordable pair of boots, on the other hand, our Budget Buy choice are the GuideGear Guidelight II. These ultra-light boots weigh only 1 pound, 6 ounces for a pair, are super padded and lightweight, and still feature GuideDry waterproofing.
All of the hunting boots on the list will serve as solid choices for keeping your feet dry and your ankles from rolling on rugged terrain. Find the pair that fits your style and budget best, and hunt in much more comfort from here on out.
