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Turkey looking boots are versatile. They’ll hold your toes dry as you stroll by means of a dew-soaked subject, they’ll hold your toes heat when you anticipate that outdated gobbler to fly down, they usually’ll mix into the woods when he lastly struts into vary. However relying on the place and once you hunt, some types of boot are higher suited than others. If snow isn’t out of the query to your season opener, you’ll want an insulated, waterproof boot to maintain you from heading again to the truck early. The place I spend most of my time looking within the deep South, I’d be loopy to not put on a snake boot. However in different areas, a light-weight, low-profile boot works brilliantly, particularly in the event you’re masking loads of floor. And in the event you hunt in every single place, you realize that one boot won’t reduce it for the completely different turkey habitats you’ll encounter. I’ve put a ton of miles on loads of completely different boots since I began chasing gobblers. By means of the years I’ve realized that the very best turkey looking boots ought to final you many seasons and hold your toes dry and heat whether or not you’re calling gobblers by means of the snow, mountains, or swamps.
Finest Turkey Searching Boots: Evaluations & Suggestions
Finest Total: LaCrosse Alpha Agility Snake Boots
Professionals
- Feels lighter than precise weight
- Breathable
- Cosy, athletic match
Cons
- Not excellent for frigid early seasons
Key Options
- Weight: 4.9 kilos per pair
- Uninsulated
- Waterproof
- Snake Guard
- Adjustable gusset
Rubber boots will be heavy, loud, and higher tailor-made for muddy days spent in your backyard than looking. However the LaCrosse Alpha Agility Snake Boots are a wonderful possibility for hunters who need the safety of a rubber boot however don’t thoughts slicing the gap on a gobbler that’s half a mile away. So, in the event you’re contemplating switching to light-weight boot, however you’re hesitant to surrender the flexibility that rubber boots present, the Alpha Agility ought to catch your eye.
Although these boots weigh slightly below 5 kilos (4.9 kilos), the Agility outsole makes them really feel lighter than their precise weight. In comparison with my Alphaburly Professionals, the Alpha Agility boots really feel noticeably lighter though they’re solely about 5 ounces lighter. Whereas the traction on the outsoles isn’t as grippy as they Alphaburly Professionals, they don’t quit a lot.
The comfortable, athletic match makes them really feel like a streamlined boot, which I’ve appreciated on longer treks. And the adjustable gusset means that you can match them shut, so there’s not extreme flapping or house between the boot and your leg. Although my Alpha Agility boots match true to measurement, their comfortable match—even after breaking them in—makes them troublesome to take away, particularly after you sweat by means of your socks. However this minor quibble hardly detracts from this boots total high quality. For almost all of turkey terrain and seasons you’ll encounter, the Alpha Agility boots excel at almost all of them.
Finest Snake Boot: Dryshod ViperStops
Professionals
- Further-tall higher
- Nice traction
- Sheds water
- Wonderful moisture wicking
Key Options
- Weight: 6.5 kilos
- 100% waterproof
- Hydrokote water repellent
- 5mm Desoprene insulated boot
- Again-pull tabs
- WIXIT Cool-Clad airmesh
I examined these throughout turkey season this 12 months, and the 5mm Desoprene insulation will hold your toes comparatively heat throughout the early a part of turkey season when cool mornings nonetheless linger, however they didn’t run too sizzling when spring really confirmed up. Although I wasn’t fortunate sufficient to have a snake strike these, the thick uppers on the ViperStops are greater than convincing.
Whereas they’re slightly on the heavy facet, these boots match true to measurement, and the traction on the out soles works nice. I crossed a few steep creek banks after per week of showers, and these boots have a number of the greatest traction on the market. Whereas loads of rubber boots really feel stiff out of the field, the ViperStops required a minimal break-in interval, and I didn’t have any irritation or discomfort the primary time I wore them on an all-day turkey hunt. The place I hunt within the deep South, I encounter snakes on a weekly foundation throughout turkey season. With the ViperStops, I don’t fear about them even once I’m strolling in swamps or wetlands earlier than first gentle.
Whereas the snake safety is high notch, you pay for it with weight. At over six kilos, these boots really feel heavy. And in the event you’re slogging by means of particularly boggy situations, you’ll really feel each little bit of their weight. However in order for you the additional confidence in snake safety, these boots is perhaps price each pound.
Finest Finances: Muck Edgewater
Professionals
- Light-weight
- Snug
- Extensively obtainable
Cons
- Higher soaks reasonably than sheds water
- No adjustable gusset
Key Options
- Weight: 2 kilos
- 5mm neoprene
- Stretch-fit higher
- 100% waterproof
As a rule, you get what you pay for. On the subject of the Muck Edgewaters, you get slightly extra. This no frills, traditional rubber boot has nearly all the things you want for turkey season. They’re simple to slide on and off, however that’s additionally considered one of their drawbacks. There’s no adjustable gusset, which suggests the higher tends to shift and make noise when you stroll. And in the event you’re looking in notably boggy situations, there’s an excellent probability you’ll be able to come out of this boot.
The traction on the Edgewaters doesn’t examine to different boots on this overview, and I’ve landed on my again quite a lot of occasions crossing creeks in them. I’ve worn these boots whereas working, deer looking, and all the things in between, they usually’re greater than able to getting the job carried out. I’ve by no means had an issue with their waterproofing capabilities, besides the higher tends to soak water, reasonably than shed it. This not solely makes them a bit heavier however provides them a ripe scent after they dry (particularly in the event you do that all season lengthy). There’s nothing fancy in regards to the Edgewaters, but when cash’s tight and you might want to hold your toes dry, I wouldn’t hesitate to roll with these.
Finest Full GORE-TEX: Sitka VentLite GTX Boots
Professionals
- Sturdy
- Snug
- Light-weight
- Breathable
- Straightforward to placed on
- Grippy tread
Key Options
- Full-coverage PSC GORE-TEX building
- Primaloft Gold insulation
- Vibram Litebase Megagrip outsole with proprietary tread design
- Heel kick pad for straightforward exit
- Proprietary plush PU insoles
- Weight: 2.1 kilos
- Peak: 18.5 inches
- Value: $399.00
- Shade Choices: Olive Inexperienced, Earth, Optifade Cowl
The brand new VentLite GTX boots are the primary knee-high’s to ever be constructed with full-coverage PSC GORE-TEX. These boots are waterproof, breathable, light-weight and sturdy, making them excellent for turkey hunters. Whether or not you hunt open timber, swampy bottoms, or dew coated subject edges, your toes will keep dry and cozy regardless of the climate. From chilly mornings within the early season to mid-day hunts in late Could, these boots have you ever coated.
At simply 2.1 kilos per boot, they’re additionally one of many lightest knee-high choices obtainable. For comparability, my pair of LaCross Alpha Evolutions in measurement 9 weighed 5.2 kilos or 2.6 kilos per boot. Whereas a half-pound on every foot may appear trivial at first look, once you’re chasing down a shock gobble on the opposite facet of the mountain, you’ll rapidly discover the distinction. With the Vibram Litebase MEGAGRIP outsole with Sitka’s proprietary tread design, you received’t have to fret about slipping and sliding within the mud both.
With the entire components that go right into a profitable turkey hunt, worrying about your boots shouldn’t be considered one of them. Ditch the sweaty toes and uncomfortable becoming rubber boots and make the change to the final word knee-high turkey looking boot. Even with the excessive price ticket, in the event you select to go together with a pair of Sitka’s new VentLite GTX boots, you received’t be upset.
Finest for Early Season: LaCrosse Alphaburly Professional
Professionals
- Sturdy
- True to measurement
- Heat
- Tons of camo patterns
Cons
- May get too heat
- Camo sample fades rapidly
Key Options
- Weight: 5.2 kilos
- Adjustable neoprene gusset
- 18-inch higher
- Delicate, chilly, and arctic insulation choices
- Scent-free rubber
Relying on the place you hunt, your opening day of turkey season may embrace a contemporary layer of snow as an alternative of a lush green-up. If that’s the case, it is perhaps time to interrupt out your greatest rubber looking boots slightly early. The Alphaburly Professionals are glorious for deer looking, and those self same options make them nice for chilly, early season turkey hunts.
With insulation choices that vary from delicate to arctic, the Alphaburly Professionals are lots heat for these lingering winter situations. I put on mine throughout the early a part of turkey season, the place temps typically dangle at or simply beneath freezing, they usually hold my toes lots heat. They’ve the 800 grams of insulation, so that they’re excellent for deer season and the primary a part of turkey. And in the event you get the best insulation, you’ll be able to have your self an superior do-it-all rubber boot.
Even in the event you plan to run and gun, the Alphaburly Professionals received’t weigh you down an excessive amount of. I’ve put loads of miles on mine, particularly on all day turkey hunts, and these put on lots lighter than their listed 5.2 kilos. These are a number of the most sturdy boots I’ve hunted in, however the camo sample on mine began fading only a couple months after I began looking in them. Nonetheless, in order for you a number of the greatest turkey looking boots you could hold working throughout deer season, these are arduous to beat.
Professionals
- Snug
- Wonderful floor really feel for quietly strolling
- Vast toe field
- Supportive, but permits for full mobility
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not excellent for temps within the 30s or decrease
Key Options
- Sizes: Mens 7-15
- Value: $270
- Weight: 1.15 kilos every
- Waterproof
- Vivobarefoot presents a 100 day trial interval. Return earlier than the 100 days are up and also you’ll get a refund.
- Laces and lining constituted of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET)
- Outside ESC Michelin Outsole
- Leather-based vamp
- On the finish of your boot’s life, you’ll be able to ship them again to Vivobarefoot they usually’ll recycle them
I’ve been testing varied minimalist sneakers and boots for the previous couple of years. I began with the Altra Lone Peak 6, then to Xero HFS II, Xero Scrambler MID II, and now the Vivobarefoot Tracker. I believe the Xero HFS II is the proper light-weight mountain climbing shoe, and I particularly like them in summer season since they breathe so effectively. For bowhunting season although, I needed one thing that provided slightly extra safety, whereas nonetheless sustaining the consolation and floor really feel I had with my different minimalist sneakers.
The Trackers strike the very best steadiness between a standard leather-based mountain climbing boot and a barefoot shoe. That’s why I’ve been completely carrying the Trackers for the final two months as I hiked and hunted all through Virginia.
They’ve a large toe field that permits my toes to splay. For those who go to the Trackers after carrying a standard boot that is possible the primary function you’re going to note and immediately recognize. The boots have a luxurious inside that secures my foot whereas feeling gentle and cozy. The laces are a lot grippier, sturdy, and maintain knots higher than different boots I’ve tried. That’s an usually ignored function, and I can’t stand laces that maintain water, change into tattered after a number of months, or are always coming untied.
The higher is constituted of leather-based and is waterproof. I did a number of stream crossings the place my boots obtained partially submerged with none leaks. However don’t count on to dive in as much as the laces and are available out dry. The leather-based higher could be very gentle and permits full foot mobility. Primarily based on the dearth of damage my boots have, I count on the higher to final for much longer than my earlier boots with artificial uppers. Simply bear in mind the leather-based requires some upkeep. Vivobarefoot recommends utilizing Renapur Leather-based Balsam to keep up the leather-based and stop cracking.
It rained for everything of my September early doe season, so I spent loads of time going up moist climbing sticks and navigating slippery trails. I by no means felt something however positive footed and I wouldn’t suppose twice about carrying these on a hunt that required some rock scrambling or steep facet hilling. I hunt in principally hardwood forests and the leaf-covered floor isn’t arduous on sole lugs. I don’t have any noticeable put on on mine, and might’t touch upon how they’d maintain up after a season in rocky terrain.
If you need a boot that means that you can be stealthy within the woods, is extremely comfy, and can final quite a lot of months, the Vivobarefoot Trackers are my high advice. I wouldn’t suggest them in the event you’re looking in snow or temps beneath freezing. I observed my toes getting chilly within the Trackers at round 38 levels whereas treestand looking. — Scott Einsmann, gear editor
Writer’s Foot Notes: Dimension 14, excessive arches, regular width, and historical past of rolling ankles as a result of an outdated damage.
Finest Run-N-Gun: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Professionals
- Light-weight
- Tremendous comfy
- Breathable
- Versatile
Cons
- Runs huge
- Not nice for tremendous moist situations
Key Options
- Weight: 2.4 kilos
- 100% recycled laces and webbing
- Vibram TC5+ outsole
- 5mm lug
- Medium or broad sizing choices
- Waterproof
Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is ideal for hunters preferring a low-profile boot as an alternative of typical rubber looking boots. Once I first tried these on, I used to be blown away at how comfy and lightweight they felt. These aren’t simply a number of the most comfy turkey looking boots, they’re a number of the most comfy footwear I’ve ever tried. And at simply over two kilos, they put on like a cloud.
I’ve put loads of miles on these throughout my summer season whitetail scouting, and even on probably the most scorching days they’ve nice breathability. I observed I began to have a sizzling spot on my Achilles tendon, which occurred after a damp 3-mile hike. Although Merrell charges these as “waterproof,” a tiny asterisk with “to an extent” would extra precisely apply. So, when you have any main creek crossings which can be ankle deep or greater, it is perhaps greatest to go away these at house. However these drawbacks include the territory and must be anticipated. For days once I know I’ll log a number of miles or in much less snake-friendly habitat, you’ll be able to guess I’ll be carrying my Moabs.
Finest Run-N-Gun Rubber Boot: Chene Mild Knee Boot
Professionals
- Secure
- Mild with good floor really feel
- Good moisture wicking
Key Options
- Pure rubber and neoprene
- Insulated
- Contains 7mm insoles
- YKK zipper
- Males’s Sizes: 6 to 14
- Colours: Brown, Olive, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Unique Treestand
- Value: $200
I’ve cursed many rubber boots as a result of their accolades stopped at their waterproof high quality. Most had been heavy, cumbersome sweat traps. But, I’ve lastly discovered a nimble, supportive, and easy-to-take-off rubber boot that’s excellent for sneaking by means of the woods: the Chene Mild Zippered Knee Boot. This boot additionally is available in Bottomland, so you realize it’s able to turkey hunt.
I’ve been looking, and killing, turkeys within the swamps of Virginia and the hills of Indiana with my Chene Mild Zippered Knee Boots. My toes are dry from creek crossings and cozy after chasing gobbles for miles up and down ridges. On my toes the Chene Knee Boots really feel like a mountain climbing shoe. There’s noticeable help across the ankle. From the ankle up they’re very similar to a standard rubber boot, however they’ve a zipper down the facet which makes taking them off a lot simpler. —Scott Einsmann
Finest Lace-Up: Danner Very important
Professionals
- Light-weight
- Snug
- Strong traction
- Totally different camo, peak, and insulation choices
Key Options
- Weight: 2.9 kilos
- Waterproof
- Insulation: Uninsulated to 1200g
- Steel lace hooks
I obtained these boots as a result of I initially needed a flexible looking possibility for various sport. They usually’ve excelled at that. They’re additionally a number of the most comfy boots I personal, particularly for turkey looking. These are light-weight sufficient that you simply overlook about them on all day hunts, however they supply loads of ankle help. And the broad toe field is good when it’s time to run and gun, as a result of they permit your toes to considerably splay. The Vitals even are available a 17-inch Snake Guard possibility that runs simply over 4 kilos.
Although these boots are rated “waterproof,” they undoubtedly aren’t. The primary time I walked by means of excessive grass after a heavy dew, my toes had been moist. And you may overlook crossing a creek in them. Even with loads of mesh, these aren’t probably the most breathable, and I discover myself sweating by means of my looking socks most of the time. However for lower than $200 that’s to be anticipated. And most lace-ups, apart from premium priced choices, have these identical waterproofing faults. Nonetheless, in order for you a stable lace-up that doesn’t break the financial institution and excels at just about anything, the vitals are an excellent possibility.
Most Sustainable: Your Outdated Sneakers
Key Options
- No break-in interval
- Your sneakers
- Repurposed
Professionals
- Already suits
- Finances pleasant
- Tremendous quiet
- Snug
Cons
- Not a boot
- Most likely not waterproof
One morning throughout turkey season I hit snooze one too many occasions. In a rush, I slipped on my sneakers, which don’t require lacing up, and determined I might throw my boots within the truck and put them on as soon as I arrived at my spot. Nonetheless, in my rush, I forgot to load my boots within the truck and had no alternative however to roll with my sneakers. Whereas they lacked any type of water or snake proofing, I observed they had been extraordinarily quiet, and I might be nearly silent in them strolling by means of the woods. I additionally felt twenty kilos lighter with out my heavy-duty rubber boots and significantly thought of making a everlasting change. Even after the dew soaked by means of them, I hunted the remainder of that season in these sneakers. Certain, there are many apparent drawbacks with this selection, however if you wish to really feel like a ninja maneuvering by means of the shadows of the turkey woods, otherwise you’re a minimalist at coronary heart, give your outdated sneakers a shot. Oh, and pack an additional pair of socks in your turkey vest.
Issues to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for the Finest Turkey Searching Boots
Insulation
This isn’t an enormous concern, since spring temps don’t usually require closely insulated boots. But when your season opener comes with chilly temps, it’s undoubtedly price investing in a pair of shoes that may hold your toes dry and heat. Most producers provide boots with completely different insulation ranges. Numbers like 200g, 800g, 1200g, and so on. all confer with the thickness of insulation in a boot. The upper the quantity, the thicker the insulation. Boots with greater ranges like 1200g or 1600g usually perform greatest for frigid, stationary hunts, whereas boots with 200g or 400g scores or non-insulated choices are higher fitted to spring situations.
Terrain
Terrain performs a significant component in figuring out the very best turkey looking boots to your particular scenario. Rubber boots take advantage of sense for a wide range of looking situations, particularly within the japanese and southern parts of the nation. Typically a light-weight boot, just like the Merrell Moabs are higher fitted to steep terrain or occasions once you plan to cowl a number of miles. Rubber boots work advantageous in these situations, however after a day of logging 5, 10 miles, a lighter boot makes a giant distinction.
Finances
Typically price range is a tough, impassable line within the sand. I get it. However sacrificing value often equates to sacrificing high quality, particularly with regards to footwear. There are price range choices like Muck’s Edgewater which can be greater than succesful for turkey looking. Nonetheless, loads of different low cost choices are simply that. I’ve hunted in boots that I believed had been stable, cheaper choices, they usually had been for a short while. However after that, it was apparent I obtained what I paid for. And I ended up spending more cash in the long term. Don’t count on to purchase an affordable turkey looking boot and get the identical sturdiness, waterproofing, or high quality that you’ll in a top quality boot. There are many choices within the $150-$200 vary that may final you years, so long as you handle them.
FAQs
On the subject of turkey looking, boots with camo patterns or earth tone colours are greatest. I’ve hunted with a ton of various turkey looking boots in each flat earth tones and camo patterns, and I doubt the turkeys observed a distinction. So long as you don’t have vibrant solid-colored boots, most something will work.
Fortunately, turkeys can’t scent hunters like different wild sport. If they might scent like deer, turkeys could be lots more durable to kill. They’ve comparatively small olfactory lobes, which suggests their sense of scent pales compared to their imaginative and prescient and listening to, which is why you’ve in all probability by no means spooked a turkey due to your scent.
Like every other boot or shoe, you turkey looking boots ought to match excellent, which suggests they need to enable satisfactory toe room within the entrance with out having a lot room that your foot slides round in them. In case your turkey looking boots are too huge or too small, this will trigger undesirable friction and result in blisters.
Sometimes, tall rubber boots with snake guards can defend you from snake bites. Most rubber boots have a sturdy higher that snakes would have a tough time penetrating. Nonetheless, boots just like the Dryshod Viperstops or LaCrosse Alpha Agility Snake boots have a bolstered higher and snake guard on the base of the foot which can be designed particularly to forestall snake bites. Most producers record this data on their merchandise’ pages, so ensure that your boots are rated for snakes in the event you hunt areas the place they’re prevalent.
Ultimate Ideas
The very best turkey looking boots for you rely largely on the place and the way you hunt. When you’ve got the means, choosing a pair completely different pairs is a superb concept, particularly in the event you journey to hunt completely different areas. However there’s one thing to be stated about simplicity, and a pair of rubber boots just like the Muck Edgewaters and even your outdated sneakers will get the job carried out in most conditions.