People enjoy hunting in different climates and terrain. The difficulty level largely depends on the type of hunting one chooses to do. The same goes with your hunting footwear. The kind of boot you choose will all depend on the type of hunting you’ll be doing, as well as the climate and terrain! If your hunting in a wet environment your going to want the best rubber hunting boots.
Suppose waterfowl hunting is on your activity list. In that case, you’ll be looking for the best rubber hunting boots to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience. There are many options to choose from, but do your research and find something with the right level of insulation for your needs and boots that will keep your feet dry.
Other types of hunting typically require a leather boot. Still, if you’ll be stomping around in the marshlands and creekbanks, a good rubber boot will probably serve you better.
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Best Insulated Rubber Hunting Boots
The Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot is one of our favorite insulated rubber hunting boots. We’ve previously discussed it in our best boots for cold weather article.
It’s a great camouflage rubber hunting boot with plenty of insulation, a calf-height boot shaft, and a Vibram Arctic Grip sole specially designed to have an exceptional grip on wet ice.
This particular boot is also one of the best rubber hunting boots for wide feet as it has a wide toe box and can accommodate a pair of thick socks.
Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot
Features We Like
- Insulated
- Nice Option for Wide Feet
- Plenty of Room for Thick Socks
- Vibram Arctic Grip Sole
- Full Camouflage
- High Boot Shaft Keeping Out Water, Snow, and Debris
- Seals in Warmth
- Extra Cushioning with Padded Sole
- Fleece Lining
Other Considerations
- Not Suitable for Extensive Hiking
- Less Ankle Support
Because we’ve already talked extensively about the Muck boot before, we also wanted to provide our runner-up for the best insulated rubber hunting boots, the Lacrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1000G. These waterproof rubber hunting boots are made by Lacrosse, a long-standing industry favorite known for superior quality.
These boots are available in several colors and camo patterns. The 16″ boot shaft reaches well up the calf to keep water from spilling over the top. These boots also include a gusset at the top that can be tightened for a more secure fit. The tread allows for excellent traction in wet grass or for crossing rocky streams. Additionally, these are made of 100% rubber and are scent-free, giving you extra stealth when deer hunting.
The biggest downside to these boots is their weight. They are heavier than many lace-up boots, but the additional weight from the insulation makes them suitable for sitting in a blind.
This boot is an excellent option for keeping your feet warm and dry!
Alphaburly
Features We Like
- Waterproof
- 100% Rubber
- Scent-Free
- Moisture-Wicking Lining
- Insulated
- Gusset for Improved Fit
- Multiple Colors and Patterns
Other Considerations
- Heavy
- Pricey
- Not Suitable for Extensive Hiking
Best Non-Insulated Rubber Hunting Boots
Non-insulated rubber hunting boots have many similar features as insulated rubber hunting boots, minus extra insulation such as Thinsulate of neoprene. They are typically better for warmer climates.
Our favorite non-insulated rubber hunting boots are the Red Wing Shoes Irish Setter Men’s Rutmaster Waterproof 17 inch boot. These lightweight rubber hunting boots are waterproof, camouflage, and great for warm weather waterfowl hunting.
The 17″ boot shaft keeps water from coming in over the top, and the high-quality 100% rubber material ensures your feet stay dry. This pair of boots also have a gusset to help with an even better fit.
The rubber sole comes with a burly tread, perfect for rugged terrain and slippery and muddy surfaces. Pair this boot with a heavy, high-quality cold-weather sock, and you can even make it last into the cooler seasons.
Irish Setter Mens 4885 Rutmaster
Features We Like
- Waterproof
- 100% Rubber
- Scent-Free
- Light-Weight
- Moisture-Wicking Lining
- Non-Insulated
- Gusset for Improved Fit
- Two Camo Patterns
Other Considerations
- Narrow Fit
- Not Suitable for Extensive Hiking
- Less Ankle Support
Best Rubber Hunting Boots for Women
While there are plenty of rubber hunting boots for men on the market, there are far fewer options for women. The problem with much of women’s hunting gear is manufacturers tend to follow the “shrink it and pink it” trend. This means they shrink the size of men’s hunting clothes, add pink, and then sell them to women. Women have been on to this sham for years, and fortunately, hunting gear, clothing, and footwear makers have begun to catch on. Though still not as many options as men have, there are many excellent hunting boots for women now on the market.
We love Muck boots because they make several styles in a women’s profile. Yes, some of their boots still come in pink, but they have plenty of other options as well. And remember, while camo is nice for hunting, it’s not absolutely necessary in many situations, especially on your feet. Our best rubber hunting boots for women are the Muck Boots Women’s Wellington.
This boot has a slightly smaller profile, so it is not as bulky on a woman’s foot, making it easier to move around stealthily. It has rubber coverage that reaches almost all the way up the calf to allow for wading through deeper water or wetter areas. These boots also have a soft, insulated lining to keep you warm when sitting in a deer stand or duck blind.
Finally, we love these boots for the same reason we love the Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot: the Vibram Arctic Sole. This sole will provide ample protection for your feet and plenty of traction for the wettest, slickest terrain.
Muck Boots Womens Wellington
Features We Like
- 100% Waterproof
- Soft, Insulated Lining
- Multiple Colors
- Arctic Grip Sole
Other Considerations
- No Camo Patterns
- Pricey
Best Youth Rubber Hunting Boots
The quickest way to sour a kid (or anyone!) hunting is for them to have a miserable time. If they end up with wet, cold, and blistered feet, it won’t be easy to convince them to go back out, potentially for the rest of their life. So, even if all other aspects of the hunt go south, at least you can be sure to have them in boots where their feet will be comfortable!
The problem with kids’ boots is always that they’ll outgrow them, probably by the next hunting season. So finding a boot that doesn’t break the bank while still keeping them comfortable is the balance to strike.
The unisex ArcticShield Kids Waterproof Durable Rubber Neoprene Outdoor Boots is a good balance between price and function, plus they look like a higher-end Muck boot.
These boots come in either camouflage or black and are waterproof to keep their feet dry. Should your kid somehow get the inside wet, the insoles are removable to dry them out faster.
The downside to these boots are they have less traction than more expensive boots. However, you can easily add a pair of Yak Traks to mitigate this problem if your kid walks around in extremely slippery conditions. Otherwise, these boots should last as long as your kid fits into them.
ArcticShield Kids Waterprood Durable Rubber Neoprene Outdoor Boot
Features We Like
- Waterproof
- Affordable
- Removable Insoles
- Insulated
- Camo Pattern and Solid Black Option
Other Considerations
- Limited Traction
Rubber Hunting Boot Basics and Considerations
As with other types of hunting boots, consider some critical components when purchasing a pair. Rubber hunting boots are typically best suited for moderate or flat terrain. Likely, if you’re looking for rubber hunting boots, you will probably be hunting where it is wet. It may or may not be cold, so you’ll also want to consider the level of insulation. Finally, the material your boots are made of will likely be rubber, as these are typically the most waterproof and best suited for this type of hunting!
Additionally, make sure the boot you pick fits properly and has soles for the terrain you’ll be hunting in. Otherwise, you’re potentially in for a miserable time.
We cover hunting boot basics and considerations in depth in a prior article for the best hunting boots. Some critical considerations when it comes to finding the best rubber hunting boots include:
- Insulation
- Waterproof / Water Repellent
- Rubber Material
Insulation
Insulation can help keep heat in if you are sedentary or moving around minimally, like in a duck or deer blind. Insulated hunting boots typically come with 200 to 2000 grams of Thinsulate. The higher the grams, the warmer the boot. If you will not be moving around and sweating a lot, the best cold weather hunting boots will be on the higher end of the gram spectrum.
If you are hiking and sweating a lot, you will want boots with fewer grams of insulation. Additionally, if you have naturally sweaty feet, you may even consider uninsulated hunting boots. The goal is to keep your feet as dry as possible, so they don’t get cold.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant
Keeping your feet dry also means keeping out water and snow. Whether hiking in wet grass, crossing creeks or wading through snow, you’ll at minimum want water-resistant boots but may want waterproof.
While waterproof and water-resistant seem the same, they are slightly different, and it’s important to know which to get depending on the hunting you’ll be doing. Waterproof is preferred for waterfowl hunting.
An excellent waterproof hunting boot will likely be something like a rubber boot with minimal seams. They are made to keep water out and go higher on the leg so water can’t go over the top. Water-resistant means a boot is designed to keep moisture out, but if overly saturated, it may not be able to keep your feet from getting wet.
Just remember, waterproof boots likely won’t vent moisture as well, so your feet will get damper if you’re getting sweaty. However, there are some technologies out there now that allow for venting but are waterproof. These are usually part of the boot lining and will say as much in the boot descriptions. Sometimes you can also find a boot with a removable liner, making it easier to dry a damp boot out.
Materials
Depending on the type of boots you are shopping for, you’ll find them made of leather, synthetic materials, or rubber.
Rubber boots are best for waterfowl hunting or anywhere you’ll be slogging through marshes and water. The higher up they come on the leg, the more protected you’ll be. Most of this category of boots come up almost to the knee; however, you’ll find rubber hip waders as well that goes to the hips or are even available in coverall style.
Hunting boots in the water-resistant category will likely be made of leather or synthetic materials. They will probably vent better to keep your feet from getting wet, but you’ll also likely be hiking around a lot more in them.
There are pros and cons to each, including ease of boot care, how lightweight they are, how much they’ll mold to your feet, and how well they’ll keep your feet warm and dry.
Best of the Best
The best rubber hunting boots will largely depend on the type of hunting you’ll be doing, where you’ll be doing it, and what temperatures are. However, if we had to pick an overall top rubber hunting boot from our list, the Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Insulated Men’s Hunting Boot would work in most hunting situations where a solid, waterproof, insulated boot is needed.
At a comfort rating from -40 °F to 40 °F, this boot will keep your feet toasty as well as dry in a wide range of temperatures. With the stylish camouflage pattern, you’ll also look good doing it (who doesn’t love going for a burger after a long day of hunting?!)! In addition, with the 15″ boot shaft, you’ll be able to wade through wet, marshy areas and water easily.
Whether you’re out there in the duck blind or waiting for a monster whitetail to approach, you’ll be thankful for the good pair of hunting boots on your feet!
