Advice for Buying Hunting Boots

When planning for a special hunt, you’ll likely give plenty of thought to the gun or bow you’ll use in addition to selecting your optics, ammunition and other accessories with the utmost care. Don’t cheat your feet by giving boot selection only cursory attention. Hunting boots that leave your feet cold, wet, sore and blistered will make every step sheer misery. So give achey feet the boot by considering the following tips when shopping for your next pair of hunting boots:

1. Shop late in the day - your feet tend to be more tired and swollen at the end of the day, and feel much like they will when you’re chasing elk in the mountains or tramping across fields in search of pheasants. You’ll get a more realistic fit if your dogs are already barking.
2. Take your hunting socks with you - To get the right fit, try boots on with the socks or combination of socks you normally wear when you’re hunting.
3. Verify your hunting boot size – Even if you know your size, you shouldn’t buy hunting boots without a fitting. One company's size 9 may be another company's size 10. Take the time to measure the length and width of your feet with a Brannock foot measuring device (the metal shoe fitting tool at the store).
4. Hunting boots won't get longer and your feet won’t shrink - Wiggle your toes after lacing up the boot to test the length. Your toes should not come in contact with the front of the boot.
5. Get good help – This is a major investment of your hard-earned dollars. So ask the pro in the store to help you. Tell him or her where and how you are going to wear the boots and ask for a recommendation. If you buy hunting boots from a website, make sure they have a return policy in case the boots don’t fit.
6. Know your stuff – Even if you get a recommendation from a knowledgeable store clerk, make sure you know enough about insulation materials, water repellency, upper materials, boot height, laces and more to properly evaluate the suggestion. Before you shop/read catalogs, visit websites and ask your friends for advice. Get as much information as you can to help pick the boot that best meets your comfort level and terrain needs.
7. Laces - Get an extra pair of laces when you buy your hunting boots and put them in your trail pack. You never know when you’ll need them or even what you’ll need them for.
8. Boot Care - Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for your hunting boots. Use high quality cleaners/conditioners. Don't store wet boots in your car trunk or truck. They’ll stink to high heaven and end up ruined.
9. Socks – Don't spend a bunch of money on hunting boots and then wear socks from a store that charges $1. Invest in socks that will keep your feet warm, wick away moisture and provide adequate cushioning. Buy two pairs and if you are walking all day, stop and change your socks at lunch. It will make you feel like a million bucks.
10. Give your new boots a test walk - Leather has to warm up to shape itself to your feet while fabrics also need time to contour to you as well. Wear your boots inside for awhile to make sure the fit feels right. Once you’re satisfied you have the right pair, take them for a break-in session outdoors.

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