We are fortunate that many companies now offer women’s sizes in their line of hunting boots. The boots are truly designed to fit women’s feet, and are not just a downsized men’s boot.
I have tried the LaCrosse Alphaburly ($119) and love them for cold- and wet-weather hunting. They are handcrafted with a signature polyurethane-over-neoprene construction that provides scent-free, waterproof protection for hunting. Below are additional features of the women’s LaCrosse Alphaburly boot:
The most important aspect to obtaining comfort is a properly fitting boot. I have hunted countless hours in the Danner Pronghorn ($205,) another favorite in the line-up. The Pronghorn boasts the following qualities.
Tammy wears Danner Pronghorn boots. Photo courtesy of Jackie Thompson
In my quest for the perfect hunting boot, I clicked my mouse over to HerCAMOshop.com. Shelly Ray, of HerCAMOshop seeks out products for “Women who REALLY hunt.” She offers an extensive array of hunting boots, including several of the Bushnell series for women, Muck Woody Max ($144.99) and Sola Pursuit ($99.99)boots.
I spoke with Shelly Ray to find out which boot she will be hunting in this season, and she has chosen the Bushnell Mountaineer ($129). Shelly rates the Mountaineer very high in her expectations for comfort, warmth and fit. There’s no doubt why, with the quality characteristics listed below.
Sounds like Bushnell is “in it to win it” for women in the hunting industry, covering every aspect possible to manufacture the perfect hunting boots for women.
Tammy wears the LaCrosse Alphaburly boots. Photo courtesy of Jackie Thompson
Managing editor at the WON, Britney Starr, in a review of Irish Setter Ladyhawk boots ($184), stated, “What’s the first thing you look for in a pair of new hunting boots? Is it price, fit, style, waterproofing or amount of Thinsulate? Personally, I look for fit.” Seeking a great-fitting pair of hunting boots to carry her through a 3-state turkey hunt, Britney decided to try the Irish Setter Ladyhawks. Britney said that even though it was wet, muddy, slippery and cold the entire trip, her feet stayed warm and dry in these lightweight boots.
Irish Setter makes multiple versions of women’s hunting boots.
I spoke with Kirstie Pike, CEO of Próis Hunting and Field Apparel for Women, and found that she is a huge fan of Zamberlan Boots. Kirstie chooses both the women’s 996 VIOZ GT and the women’s 298 Tundra GT. “The Vioz ($279) are a bit heavier duty and insulated, so I use them for the later season hunts,” she said. But, she loves the Tundras ($239) for everything else. “They are lightweight and better for warmer climate hunts and excessive hiking/elevation climbs,” she said. According to Kirstie, both styles are waterproof and extremely comfortable.
No matter how well your hunting boots fit, you can’t overlook the importance of proper fit and comfort in socks. HerCAMOshop.com offers a complete line of Browning hunting socks. Their top seller is the Browning 9484 sock ($11). They boast the following attributes:
Browning socks are available from HerCamoShop.com
I love Alpaca wool socks ($20). I bought a pair at an outdoor industry convention from Whirlwind Ranch a few years ago and I’ve worn them out and had to buy another pair. They keep my feet warm and dry, but are also great in warm-weather hunting.
Kirstie Pike, hands (in this case, foot) down, prefers Incredisocks ($17). She says they are warm and are constructed with bamboo charcoal fiber that acts as a natural antimicrobial. These socks have a 3-dimensional weave that helps facilitate blood flow, improving the comfort level.
Give your boots some sole
Our publisher, Barbara Baird, insists on throwing out her insoles in her hunting boots – even if they’re expensive boots. She believe that boot companies could care less about your insoles, because they know that if you’re discerning enough to buy the best, you’ll be picky about which insoles you put under your own arches. She wrote about how to get the best fit in your boot, and it includes finding the proper insole and of course, wearing the socks you intend to use while hunting. She buys Superfeet.
How about you? Do you want to tell us what you like to wear on your feet when you hunt or hike?
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
