Topic: The Best Turkey Hunting Boots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed (Read 35 times)
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Topic: The Best Turkey Hunting Boots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed (Read 35 times)
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I tested these during turkey season this year, and the 5mm Desoprene insulation will keep your feet relatively warm during the early part of turkey season when cool mornings still linger, but they didn’t run too hot when spring actually showed up. Though I wasn’t lucky enough to have a snake strike these, the thick uppers on the ViperStops are more than convincing.
While they’re a little on the heavy side, these boots fit true to size, and the traction on the out soles works great. I crossed a couple of steep creek banks after a week of showers, and these boots have some of the best traction out there. While a lot of rubber boots feel stiff out of the box, the ViperStops required a minimal break-in period, and I didn’t have any irritation or disco*fort the first time I wore them on an all-day turkey hunt. Where I hunt in the deep South, I encounter snakes on a weekly basis during turkey season. With the ViperStops, I don’t worry about them even when I’m walking in swamps or wetlands before first light.
While the snake protection is top notch, you pay for it with weight. At over six pounds, these boots feel heavy. And if you’re slogging through especially boggy conditions, you’ll feel every bit of their weight. But if you want the extra confidence in snake protection, these boots might be worth every pound.
More often than not, you get what you pay for. When it co*es to the Muck Edgewaters, you get a little more. This no frills, classic rubber boot has almost everything you need for turkey season. They’re easy to slip on and off, but that’s also one of their drawbacks. There’s no adjustable gusset, which means the upper tends to shift and make noise while you walk. And if you’re hunting in particularly boggy conditions, there’s a good chance you can co*e out of this boot.
The traction on the Edgewaters doesn’t co*pare to other boots in this review, and I’ve landed on my back more than a few times crossing creeks in them. I’ve worn these boots while working, deer hunting, and everything in between, and they’re more than capable of getting the job done. I’ve never had a problem with their waterproofing capabilities, except the upper tends to soak water, rather than shed it. This not only makes them a bit heavier but gives them a ripe smell after they dry (especially if you do this all season long). There’s nothing fancy about the Edgewaters, but if money’s tight and you need to keep your feet dry, I wouldn’t hesitate to roll with these.
Depending on where you hunt, your opening day of turkey season might include a fresh layer of snow instead of a lush green-up. If that’s the case, it might be time to break out your best rubber hunting boots a little early. The Alphaburly Pros are excellent for deer hunting, and those same features make them great for cold, early season turkey hunts.
With insulation options that range from mild to arctic, the Alphaburly Pros are plenty warm for those lingering winter conditions. I wear mine during the early part of turkey season, where temps sometimes hang at or just below freezing, and they keep my feet plenty warm. They have the 800 grams of insulation, so they’re perfect for deer season and the first part of turkey. And if you get the right insulation, you can have yourself an awesome do-it-all rubber boot.
Even if you plan to run and gun, the Alphaburly Pros won’t weigh you down too much. I’ve put a lot of miles on mine, especially on all day turkey hunts, and these wear a lot lighter than their listed 5.2 pounds. These are some of the most durable boots I’ve hunted in, but the camo pattern on mine started fading just a couple months after I started hunting in them. Still, if you want some of the best turkey hunting boots that you can keep running during deer season, these are hard to beat.
Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is perfect for hunters who prefer a low-profile boot instead of typical rubber hunting boots. When I first tried these on, I was blown away at how co*fortable and light they felt. These aren’t just some of the most co*fortable turkey hunting boots, they’re some of the most co*fortable footwear I’ve ever tried. And at just over two pounds, they wear like a cloud.
I’ve put a lot of miles on these during my summer whitetail scouting, and even on the most scorching days they have great breathability. I noticed I started to have a hot spot on my Achilles tendon, which occurred after a humid 3-mile hike. Even though Merrell rates these as “waterproof,” a tiny asterisk with “to an extent” would more accurately apply. So, if you have any major creek crossings that are ankle deep or higher, it might be best to leave these at home. But these drawbacks co*e with the territory and should be expected. For days when I know I’ll log several miles or in less snake-friendly habitat, you can bet I’ll be wearing my Moabs.
I got these boots because I originally wanted a versatile hunting option for different game. And they’ve excelled at that. They’re also some of the most co*fortable boots I own, especially for turkey hunting. These are lightweight enough that you forget about them on all day hunts, but they provide plenty of ankle support. And the wide toe box is nice when it’s time to run and gun, because they allow your toes to somewhat splay. The Vitals even co*e in a 17-inch Snake Guard option that runs just over four pounds.
Even though these boots are rated “waterproof,” they definitely aren’t. The first time I walked through high grass after a heavy dew, my feet were wet. And you can forget crossing a creek in them. Even with plenty of mesh, these aren’t the most breathable, and I find myself sweating through my hunting socks more often than not. But for less than $200 that’s to be expected. And most lace-ups, except for premium priced options, have these same waterproofing faults. Still, if you want a solid lace-up that doesn’t break the bank and excels at pretty much anything else, the vitals are a great option.
One morning during turkey season I hit snooze one too many times. In a hurry, I slipped on my shoes, which don’t require lacing up, and decided I would throw my boots in the truck and put them on once I arrived at my spot. However, in my rush, I forgot to load my boots in the truck and had no choice but to roll with my shoes. While they lacked any sort of water or snake proofing, I noticed they were extremely quiet, and I could be virtually silent in them walking through the woods. I also felt twenty pounds lighter without my heavy-duty rubber boots and seriously considered making a permanent switch. Even after the dew soaked through them, I hunted the rest of that season in those shoes. Sure, there are plenty of obvious drawbacks with this option, but if you want to feel like a ninja maneuvering through the shadows of the turkey woods, or you’re a minimalist at heart, give your old shoes a shot. Oh, and pack an extra pair of socks in your turkey vest.
When it co*es to turkey hunting, boots with camo patterns or earth tone colors are best. I’ve hunted with a ton of different turkey hunting boots in both flat earth tones and camo patterns, and I doubt the turkeys noticed a difference. As long as you don’t have bright solid-colored boots, most anything will work.
Thankfully, turkeys cannot smell hunters like other wild game. If they could smell like deer, turkeys would be a lot harder to kill. They have relatively small olfactory lobes, which means their sense of smell pales in co*parison to their vision and hearing, which is why you’ve probably never spooked a turkey because of your scent.
Like any other boot or shoe, you turkey hunting boots should fit just right, which means they should allow adequate toe room in the front without having so much room that your foot slides around in them. If your turkey hunting boots are too big or too small, this can cause unwanted friction and lead to blisters.
Typically, tall rubber boots with snake guards can protect you from snake bites. Most rubber boots have a sturdy upper that snakes would have a hard time penetrating. However, boots like the Dryshod Viperstops or LaCrosse Alpha Agility Snake boots have a reinforced upper and snake guard at the base of the foot that are designed specifically to prevent snake bites. Most manufacturers list this information on their products’ pages, so be sure that your boots are rated for snakes if you hunt areas where they’re prevalent.
This isn’t a huge concern, since spring temps don’t typically require heavily insulated boots. But if your season opener co*es with cold temps, it’s definitely worth investing in a pair of boots that will keep your feet dry and warm. Most manufacturers offer boots with different insulation levels. Numbers like 200g, 800g, 1200g, etc. all refer to the thickness of insulation in a boot. The higher the number, the thicker the insulation. Boots with higher levels like 1200g or 1600g typically function best for frigid, stationary hunts, whereas boots with 200g or 400g ratings or non-insulated options are better suited for spring conditions.
Terrain plays a major factor in determining the best turkey hunting boots for your specific situation. Rubber boots make the most sense for a variety of hunting conditions, especially in the eastern and southern portions of the country. Sometimes a lightweight boot, like the Merrell Moabs are better suited for steep terrain or times when you plan to cover several miles. Rubber boots work fine in these conditions, but after a day of logging five, 10 miles, a lighter boot makes a big difference.
Sometimes budget is a hard, impassable line in the sand. I get it. But sacrificing price usually equates to sacrificing quality, especially when it co*es to footwear. There are budget options like Muck’s Edgewater that are more than capable for turkey hunting. However, a lot of other cheap options are just that. I’ve hunted in boots that I thought were solid, cheaper options, and they were for a short time. But after that, it was obvious I got what I paid for. And I ended up spending more money in the long run. Don’t expect to buy a cheap turkey hunting boot and get the same durability, waterproofing, or quality that you will in a quality boot. There are plenty of options in the $150-$200 range that will last you years, as long as you take care of them.
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The best turkey hunting boots for you depend largely on where and how you hunt. If you have the means, opting for a couple different pairs is a great idea, especially if you travel to hunt different regions. But there’s something to be said about simplicity, and a pair of rubber boots like the Muck Edgewaters or even your old shoes will get the job done in most situations.
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