A Comprehensive Guide

The first time I bought boots specifically for hunting, I went into Sportsman’s Outhouse, found the tallest boots with the most camouflage and insulation, and thought I was set. One hunt later, I realized I had made a big mistake and should have stuck to the hiking boots I had put miles and miles on as a Grand Canyon wilderness guide.

At the hunt expo, I realized that there’s still a lot about boots I didn’t know, and I wondered how many others buy a boot almost entirely based now what it looks like?

So, I sat down with Matt Ericksen at Crispi to learn everything about boots – from outsoles to insulation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to look for in your next pair of hunting boots. While the conversation was with Matt at Crispi and he would love your next pair of boots to be his boots, I emphasized the need to keep this as brand neutral as possible.

Also, we have a relationship with Crispi, but this video was in no way sponsored by or paid for by Crispi. This was literally just me wanting to know more about boots.

This post is a summary of this video:

Starting From the Ground Up: Outsoles & Midsoles

The foundation of any good boot starts with the outsole – the lug pattern on the bottom that provides traction. Vibram, an Italian company with 70+ years of experience, sets the gold standard for rubber outsoles.

When evaluating outsoles, consider:

• Rubber compound hardness: Softer rubber provides better grip but wears out faster (especially on asphalt)
• Lug pattern depth: Deeper lugs offer more traction in mud but add weight
  

Moving up from the outsole is the midsole, which provides cushion and support under your foot. Options include:

• EVA foam midsoles: Extremely lightweight, ideal for mobile hunting
• Rubber midsoles: More durable but heavier
  

Understanding Boot Stiffness Ratings

Boot stiffness is critical for different hunting scenarios. Crispi uses a 1-5 scale:

1: Flexible as a flip-flop

5: Rigid mountain boot, ideal for side-hilling in steep, rocky terrain

The stiffer the boot, the more stability it provides on steep terrain, preventing your boot from rolling under your foot. However, stiffer boots can tire your feet faster on less challenging terrain. With a stiff boot you’re less likely to feel what’s underneath your boot, making them louder and less ideal for stalking close to game animals on archery hunts.

If you’re buying just one boot for multiple hunts, a rating of 3 offers versatility from turkey hunting to most mountain hunts, though extremely technical sheep or goat hunts might warrant a stiffer boot.

The Rand: Your Boot’s Protection

The rand is the protective piece that wraps around the lower portion of the boot. There are two main types:

• Rubber rand: Heavier but more durable
• PU-coated leather rand: Lightweight, allowing better ground feel
  

The rand’s primary purpose is to protect the upper materials from damage. While a damaged rand doesn’t affect waterproofing, it’s an important component for longevity.

Upper Materials: Leather vs. Synthetic

The upper material extends from the midsole to the top of the boot. When choosing between leather and synthetic:

Leather Benefits:

• Better durability against cactus, briars, and punctures
• Traditional, proven performance
  

Synthetic Benefits:

• Better breathability in hot conditions
• Faster drying time when saturated
• Typically lighter weight
  

Both materials can offer excellent durability if they come from quality manufacturers. Premium Italian leathers and high-quality synthetics will outlast cheaper alternatives that crack and deteriorate quickly.

Waterproof Liners: The Dry Foot Solution

For waterproofing, Gore-Tex remains the industry standard. When evaluating waterproof boots:

• Look for a full Gore-Tex “booty” that’s seam-taped inside the boot
• Avoid boots where the waterproof membrane only extends to the upper/midsole junction
  

How to Properly Fit Hunting Boots

Fit is the #1 consideration when buying boots. To ensure proper fit:

• Test length: Unlace the boot, push your toe to the front, and insert your finger behind your heel. You should have about half an inch of space.
• Check heel cup: The heel should fit snugly to prevent blisters.
• Assess width and volume: Your foot should be secure but not cramped.
• Home testing tip: Try on new boots at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. Wear them around the house for hours to simulate field conditions.
  

Lacing Systems Matter

Different lacing patterns provide varying levels of customization:

• Traditional lacing: Stops before the toe box begins, offers less adjustability
• Asymmetrical lacing: Extends to the toes, allowing section-by-section adjustment
• Lace locks: Hold your customized fit in place while you finish lacing the upper sections
  

Insulation Considerations

When deciding between insulated and uninsulated boots:

200-gram insulation adds warmth without significant bulk (no need to size up)

Consider whether you need one boot for year-round use or season-specific boots

Important note: Make sure the insulation doesn’t compromise breathability. Quality boots use “dot gluing” systems that maintain breathability between the waterproof membrane and insulation.

Boot Care & Maintenance

Proper maintenance significantly extends boot life:

• For boots with waterproof membranes, use synthetic conditioning creams, not beeswax or mink oil
• Traditional animal-fat products clog leather pores, trapping sweat and causing leather breakdown
• Clean and condition boots after use
• Store boots in temperature-controlled environments
• Consider using shoe trees to maintain shape
  

Breaking In Your Boots

Even with advanced construction like Crispi’s boardlast design, new boots require break-in:

• Wear them around the house first to confirm fit
• Put in 10-20 miles before a hunt
• Practice on varied terrain (uphill, downhill, side-hilling)
• Break them in with the pack weight you’ll be carrying
  

Final Thoughts

When the bear attacked me, Chase, and my dog… I had forgot boots. I wore a soft-soled lifestyle shoe from On-Running. We did roughly six miles that day, the last 3 with a bear on my back. It sucked. The right shoes are the foundation of a successful hunt. Without proper footwear, even the best planned hunt quickly becomes miserable. Invest the time in finding the right boot for your specific hunting needs, and take care of them properly.