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When it comes to chasing spring gobblers, having the right gear can make all the difference. The importance of boot selection cannot be understated when it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry while turkey hunting. As a dedicated turkey hunter myself I understand the importance of quality hunting boots. This guide is aimed to help you find the best turkey hunting boots for the woods this season.
How We Chose the Best Turkey Hunting Boots
So how did we choose the best hunting boots? Throughout my time spent in the woods chasing spring gobblers, I have tested countless different pairs of hunting boots and has the ability to hunt with some other great hunters. Some of the hunting boots on this list are boots that I have personally used and would recommend, while others are boots that trusted friends and fellow turkey hunters recommend.
Best Overall: Crispi Nevada GTX
Key Features
Rubber rand protection
Gore-Tex waterproof lining
Vibram® outsole for grip and stability
Crispi Crossbow frame absorbs shock
Removable CRISPI® Air Mesh footbed
Dual tech lining for breathability and anti-odor
CRISPI® A.B.S.S. provides comfort and protection for the ankle
CRISPI® Board Lasting for perfect connection between torsion rigidity and flexibility
Specs
Height: 8 in.
Flex Rating: 3
Lining: Gore-Tex®
Upper: Nubuck leather
Insulation: Noninsulated (Brown) , 200G (Black)
Weight: 1.9 lbs. per boot (size 10)
The Crispi Nevada GTX boots are our choice for the best overall turkey hunting boots due to their durability, comfort, and ability to handle just about anything mother nature will throw your way during turkey season. I have personally hunted with these boots all over the U.S., in various types of terrain, and boy am I impressed. The snug fit and weight of these boots allow me to cover miles without my feet paying the price.
Best Snake Boot: Danner Sharptail Snake Boots
Key Features
360° snake-proof protection
Waterproof, full-grain leather upper with lightweight 900 denier nylon
GORE-TEX waterproof breathable lining
Rear gusset with rugged hardware offers adjustable fit and long-lasting performance
Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite® footbed
EVA cushioning and shock absorbing midsole
Thermoplastic PU shank
Danner® Sharptail outsole offers superior traction on hard-packed terrain
TERRA FORCE® platform offers lightweight performance and stability
Specs
Color: Brown
Insulation: Non-insulated
Weight: 64 oz
Height: 17″
In many areas of the country, spring turkey season often means the likely even of coming across snakes. For those who hunt in areas where venomous snakes are common, having the right pair of snake boots can help you focus on the hunt and less about the possibility of getting bit. The Danner Sharptail Snake Boots use what they call 360 degree Snake Guard. This snake protection fabric is flexible and gives the the entire boot snake protection.
Best Budget: Lacrosse Grange Rubber Boots
Key Features
Multilayer rubber on the toe and heel plus a double-layer, ribbed vamp for added durability
ZXT Rubber is ozone, abrasion and tear resistant with added tensile strength
Hand-laid premium ZXT Rubber for durable, waterproof, scent-free protection
Ankle Fit locks the heel in place and top strap is adjustable for a comfortable, secure fit
Specs
Comfort Zone: 0 to 70 degree F
Height: 18″
Weight: 4.5 lbs.
For those looking for a quality pair of rubber boots that won’t break the bank this turkey season the Lacrossee Grange boots are a great option. At a great price point, these rubber boots still provide an excellent fit for those walking through wet areas during a hunt.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid
Key Features
Mid-height design for additional ankle support.
Designed with gold-rated leather for durability.
Kinetic Fit™ Advanced footbed contours to your foot for a more comfortable stride.
Best-in-class Vibram® TC5+ outsole for optimal traction and performance on any terrain, in any condition.
Merrell Air Cushion for maximum shock absorption.
Protective rubber heel and toe cap for worry-free strides.
Specs
Weight: 13.57oz (per shoe)
Drop: 11.5mm
Lug: 5mm
When selecting a turkey hunting boot, don’t overlook a quality pair of hiking boots. While these boots might not be advertised for hunting they can often be just what a hunter needs when hiking large tracts of public land while turkey hunting. When hunting areas where water or wet conditions aren’t a concern, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid stand out as a boot that will keep your feet comfortable while putting in the miles to fine that lonely gobbler.
Best Rubber Boots: Lacrosse Alpha Agility Snake Boots
Key Features
Kick-off heel plate
Active fit to secure foot and easier on and off
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking liner
Waterproof and snake guard protection
Midsole provides rebound and comfort
Durable outsole for grip
Specs
Shank: Nylon
Footbed: EVA
Outsole: Rubber
Shaft Height: 17 in.
Insulation: Uninsulated
Weight: 4.9 lbs. per pair
Liner: Jersey
Imported
Temperature Rating: 0 to 70°F
Material: Rubber and neoprene
If your looking for the best rubber boots for spring turkey season, the Lacrossee Alpha Agility Snake Boots stand out by having everything you would look for in a rubber hunting boot while also having the added advantage of the snake guard technology. When it comes to rubber boots, a lot of the time you are sacrificing comfort for the ability to prevent wet feet. This boot allows you to have the best of both worlds, providing the comfort needed when walking long distances, with keeping your feet dry, and protected against snakes.
Key Considerations When Choosing Turkey Hunting Boots
When choosing the best hunting boots for spring hunting, one should take a few things into consideration.
Terrain and Climate
Turkey hunting occurs in various environments, from dense forests to open fields, and during different seasons, including deer and early spring season. Boots with adequate shock absorption protect from rocky terrain, while those designed for wet grass and marshy conditions should be waterproof to keep feet dry.
Boot Height and Protection
For hunters traversing regions known as “snake country,” choosing boots with a sufficient height, typically knee-high, become crucial to protect against venomous snakes. Snake-proof boots provide peace of mind in such areas.
Comfort and Fit
A good pair of boots should not just protect but also feel comfortable even after hours of wear. Many turkey hunters recommend looking for boots that blend support with flexibility to accommodate the variety of movements required in hunting.
Breathability
Given the exertion involved, breathability is an important factor. Adequate air circulation prevents moisture build-up inside the boots which can lead to discomfort or blisters.
Overall Boot Construction
Durability ensures that the boots can withstand the harshness of the outdoors and varied terrains. Strong, yet lightweight materials are often preferred to avoid unnecessary fatigue.
In selecting boots, turkey hunters should consider these key factors to ensure a successful and comfortable hunting experience.
Why Trust Us
When determining the best turkey hunting boots to purchase, trust is paramount. Our team at The Traveling Outdoorsman consists of seasoned hunters and outdoor enthusiasts with years of experience in turkey hunting. They have traversed various terrains and faced myriad weather conditions, ensuring that each recommendation stands up to real-world use. Below is how the boots are evaluated for quality:
The insights we provide come from hands-on tests and expert knowledge of what it takes to label a pair of boots as the best for turkey hunting. Our recommendations are a blend of this seasoned wisdom and thorough analysis of current market offerings. Here is how the team presents you with choices:
Diverse Selections: From rubber to snake boots, a variety of styles are addressed to cater to different hunter preferences.
Up-to-date Information: They keep abreast of the latest innovations and releases, ensuring you get the most current advice.
They recognize that the right boot can define a hunting experience, and aim to guide you to a pair that will enhance your pursuit of the elusive turkey.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right turkey hunting boots is a critical consideration for any seasoned hunter. These boots must provide plenty of support for navigating through woods, creek beds, and steep terrain during turkey season. The most comfortable boots for this task tend to be lightweight, yet durable, able to protect one’s feet not just from water, but from thorns and snakes that may lurk in the underbrush.
A hunter typically looks for boots that offer not only waterproofing but also breathable materials to manage sweat. For those long treks chasing turkeys or setting up blinds, the right pair of boots with sufficient traction could mean the difference between a successful hunt and a fall. Brands like Irish Setter and Danner are well-regarded for their hunting footwear, offering options that balance between ruggedness and comfort.
Here’s a brief rundown of important features:
Waterproofing: Essential for keeping feet dry through mud or when crossing a creek.
Traction: A sturdy outsole, such as Vibram, is favorable for maintaining grip on uneven ground.
Comfort: Adjustable gusset, padded ankle support, and room for quality socks help prevent blisters.
Material: Durable leather or synthetic materials that stand up to brush and briers.
Protection: Boots that rise above the ankle provide better protection against brush and potential snake bites.
Season: Turkey season can feature variable weather; a hunter might consider more options like insulated boots for the fall or lighter boots for the spring.
One’s choice in boots is as personal as the selection of calls in their box or the specific turkey they pursue. While affordability is a factor, it’s often worth paying a little extra for boots that will protect and support one’s feet season after season. Comfort, protection, and durability are the cornerstones of dependable turkey hunting boots.
