Gear Guide 2017: Footwear

by
posted on October 28, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gearguidefootwear_lead.jpg

When all other things go right, do you want cold or wet feet to be the reason you didn’t stick it out till sunset? Here are three boots that will keep you on your feet during any hunt you’re likely to encounter.

Goose hunting in a flooded field? Stand hunting in January? Chasing moose across a frozen lake? While I don’t recommend the latter, the Woody Arctic Ice Boot from Muck Boot Company thrives in the late season, where wind, water and ice can be your downfall. It’s a classic calf-length rubber-and-neoprene Muck boot beefed up for winter wear and rated to minus-60 degrees with a fleece lining throughout. Muck has added aggressive non-slip lugs that grip onto ice, wet or dry, called Arctic Grip from Vibram. If temps are dropping, these are the boots I’m donning.

For early-season hunts, I’m looking for a boot that is light on the toe and one that will provide the support and protection my feet need for a mountain hike. The Buck Shadow from Browning gets use chasing both turkeys and whitetails, and with a new breathable waterproof membrane called OutDry, puddles or small streams aren’t bypassed.

Danner's new Powderhorn is a full-leather, 10-inch boot that houses an Ortholight footbed made of open-cell polyurethane for maximum comfort that allows air to circulate. It’s extremely lightweight for its style, with aggressive lugs that provide the rigidity needed for high-country hunts. A Gore-Tex lining means water stays out while allowing heat and moisture to escape.

Latest

Mark 250 Flag
Mark 250 Flag

Leupold Announces Limited-Edition 'Mark 250' Riflescope Package

Commissioned to commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial, the Mark 250 package is built for the patriots that demand performance.

Ruger Celebrates 250 Years of American Liberty with Limited-Production Firearms

Ruger has expanded its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, further commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial while celebrating the Company's longstanding tradition of American manufacturing. Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Hunting with Air: Getting Started

Looking into ways to expand your hunting opportunities? Ever think about aur gun hunting? Follow along as Tim Hovey gives a great primer for beginners just getting into the discipline.

New for 2026: Hush-Point Cigar .22 Suppressor

Orion Wholesale has announced a collaboration with Hi-Point Firearms and Taylor Customs—the Hush Point Cigar 22 Suppressor. This unique monocore suppressor is designed to resemble, well, you guessed it, a cigar. 

#SundayGunday: Dead Air RXD30Ti

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the RXD30Ti, a collaboration between Dead Air Silencers and Ruger Firearms, resulting in one quiet, lightweight, backcountry suppressor. Designed specifically to complement Ruger firearms, the RXD line is a workhorse in it’s own right, providing excellent sound mitigation and recoil reduction. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

How to Get in on the Big Buck Bonanza

If we define mature whitetail bucks as those that are 3½-years old or older, then there are a significantly higher percentage of mature bucks being harvested today than at any time in modern hunting history.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.