The 10 Best Men’s Hunting Boots for Elk Hunting

Hunting in cold weather demands more than just skill and patience—it requires the right gear to keep you comfortable, warm, and dry. When you are hunting in freezing temperatures, a quality pair of hunting boots is essential. If you can’t feel your toes in a tree stand, or you get blisters during a spot and stalk, your hunt is not going to be nearly as enjoyable.

A whitetail hunter in a stand or blind will need warm boots, but a western hunter trying a spot and stalk in the same temperatures will likely want something thinner so they are not excessively sweating. There are hundreds of boots to pick from no matter if you are going from mountain peak to peak, or if you are tromping through wet marshy fields. So we’ve curated a list of the best cold weather hunting boots available in 2024 to ensure your feet stay comfortable and protected throughout the season.

Lowa Hunter GTX Evo Extreme

One boot that is made for a variety of uses is the Lowa Hunter GTX Evo Extreme. This boot is rugged, waterproof, and carries 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation. The insulation is heavy enough to keep you warm, but not so thick that you are going to be excessively sweating if you need to go a few miles.

It also has a tall all leather upper that is stiff enough to provide ankle support while still being comfortable. The outsole comes from Vibram and has aggressive lugs to acquire and maintain traction. Around the base of the boot, you will notice the thick rubber rand, which protects against abrasion. The DuraPU midsole is a little stiffer, providing support on tough terrain.

This is a boot that is built for warmth and comfort in cold late fall and early winter conditions. I would say that most western hunters would enjoy this boot considering how much hiking they do, but eastern hunters that frequently hunt in sub freezing temperatures may want a more heavily insulated boot.

LaCrosse Ursa 10″ Late Season GTX

The LaCrosse Usra Late Season boot is said to “level the playing field against late season game”. It does that well by protecting you from the cold, wet, and unstable ground. The first thing you will notice about this boot is its 400 grams of Primaloft Gold insulation, this is a warm boot. The GTX in the name also stands for GORE-TEX, so you already know you will stay dry too.

For the price, you will also get a durable boot that will last for many years to come. Its upper is made of suede and nylon so good luck ripping it. It also features a black “mudguard” all around it to provide even more protection closer to the action. To add more comfort to the Ursa LS, it has a four-way stretch color around the ankle, which also prevents debris from getting in the boot.

The tough outsole on the LaCrosse Ursa Late Season comes from Vibram, and offers self-cleaning lugs. The Vibram Traction Lugs also have a lot of surface area, increasing grip on loose terrain. All and all, this boot is ideal for the serious hunter that is going to be moving through a very tough, cold environment.

Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD

The Irish Setter Ek Tracker offers a perfect balance of comfort and lightweight performance. These boots are meant to be comfortable, stable, and dry. They feature Irish Setter’s UltraDry Moisture Management Lining and Waterproofing, keeping your feet totally dry but still breathing. To combat the sweat that active hunters will inevitably create anyway, the Elk Tracker Hunting Boots come with Irish Setter’s scent control technology called ScentBan. ScentBan targets bacteria, eliminating a majority of the scent they would create.

The Elk Tracker family consists of a few different variants, but the winter hunter is most interested in the 200g insulated variant. Irish Setter uses durable Primaloft insulation in this boot, which retains heat even when compressed.. The outside of the boot is made from durable, abrasion resistant Trout Book Leather.

I think a western hunter would enjoy the Irish Setter Elk Tracker boots, but they seem to be marketed toward whitetail hunters. Although this is an aggressive boot that pairs well with an active hunter that expects to get a lot of miles in each season.

Vasque St. Elias XT

If you want a tough boot, the Vasque St. Elias XT’s are worth a look. Technically a hiking boot, these boots are made for the trail. The St. Elias’s focus on providing stability and durability starting with their Vibram “Mega Grip” rubber outsole. This outsole has multi-directional lugs that keep you standing upright even with loose ground under you.

Even with a focus on durability, users still report the St Elias XT is a comfortable boot. Plus, they have a GORE-TEX lining, so you can be sure that you stay dry as well. There is also something to be said for how good these boots look, which is obviously personal preference; but having a good looking boot that performs well is never a bad thing!

The Vasque St. Elias XT is ideal for the hunter that travels on rocky terrain, and needs a boot that can keep up. They are likely overkill for the ambush whitetail hunter, unless you happen to also be an avid hiker.

Zamberlan 972 Guide Max GTX

The Italian made Zamberlan 972 Guide Max GTX is built for long-lasting durability and comfortability. It combines tough full-grain leather with breathable GORE-TEX waterproofing for a reliable boot that will stand up to time. Zamberlan’s premium leather is also supposed to offer a shorter, more comfortable, break in period without sacrificing durability. These boots keep you feet warm even in sub-freezing conditions without adding excess bulk, making it ideal for a mobile winter hunt.

This boot has the Zamberlan Vibram® StarTrek II outsole, which has been very popular on many of Zamberlan’s boots. The sole is stout, easy to clean with lugs that shed dirt and snow, and works wonders in overly rocky terrain.

Zamberlan is also a great company, offering a year long warranty and multiple recrafting services. So you can wear your Guide Boots for years and once you finally wear them out, you can have Zamberlan resole them, or totally recraft / refurbish them with the original Vibram Soles. Rebuilding can be a little expensive, but is cheaper than buying a new pair of boots, and just having your boots resoled is much cheaper than recrafting and will have you back in the woods in no time.

Crispi Wild Rock Plus GTX

The Wild Rock Plus is a boot made for cold weather. These warm boots come with 800 grams of GORE Dratherm XL Kelvin insulation. You can be sure that if you are in the thick of a late winter hunt, cold feet will be the last thing you are thinking about. You can also be sure that your feet will be dry since these boots have a waterproof Gore Tex lining with a water repellent full grain leather upper.

The Vibram outsole is made with a dual density polyurethane and is designed to shed snow and give you great traction, even when it’s wet. The midsole is made to be shock absorbing so it can fight foot fatigue during long hunts. You will also notice a black durable strip around the base of the boot to protect high wear areas. The top of the boot has Crispi’s A.B.S.S. (Ankle Bone Support Structure) which helps prevent injuries.

The Crispi Wild Rock Plus GTX is a solid boot that is made for winter hunts year after year. It is ideal for hunters who naturally have colder feet, hunt the cold and wet winter mountains, or the whitetail hunter that bears freezing temperatures in the wind.

Rocky Bear Claw GTX

The Rocky Bear Claw is a family of boots that has something for nearly every hunter. You can find the same great boot with varying levels of insulations. You get three options, 200, 1000, or 1400 grams of insulation. The 1000 grams of 3M Thinsulate Insulation is more than enough for most winter hunters, but if you expect to get into some extreme temperatures, the Rocky Arctic Bear Claws have you covered with 1400 grams of insulation!

This is also a tough boot made of full-grain leather and nylon, plus it has a breathable GORE-TEX membrane to keep you dry. A hot topic with these boots is the Rocky Air-Port footbed, which is very comfortable and is even perforated for better air circulation. Rocky also made their own outsole with multi-directional self cleaning lugs that give you traction no matter where you are.

The Bear Claw is a classic boot from Rocky, known to be dependable and get the job done. These boots are ideal for all walks of whitetail hunters, and they would do well for many western hunters. Although these boots may be a little heavy for the hunter that is always on the go.

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000

The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000 is a highly rated boot that is loved by everyone that uses it. These Italian boots come with the quality promise that your pair of Extremes will give you the “wherewithal to continue hunting no matter what”. The great part about this family of boots is that it comes in a variety of insulation levels, from non-insulated, to 400 grams, and 1000 grams of Thinsulate premium insulation.

You will get the protection of a full 10 inch upper with the Mountain Extremes, which is made of 2.8 mm premium full grain leather that is made of one piece so there are no seams down the tongue to let water through. Across the boot you will find reinforced double and triple stitching,along with a WindTex waterproof breathable membrane.

The Kenetrek Mountain Extremes are made with a lightweight K-Talon outsole that provides excellent traction, even on mountainous terrain. The mountain hunter is who these boots are marketed to, citing a Dall sheep scenario in this online description. I think these boots would work extremely well for all walks of hunter, especially since it comes in a variety of insulation levels.

AKU Dogma GTX

If you want a high quality boot, check out the Italian made AKU Dogma GTX. These boots are made to perform in any environment from a well worn trail, to the rugged unknown. They will also keep you dry with a GORE TEX Performance Comfort lining that is still breathable.

These boots are also tough, having a ballistic nylon upper, 3mm Perwanger Leather mid section, and a tall full rand that  all provides a very abrasion resistant boot that will not have trouble getting through terrain. The Dogma also has a comfortable Vibram Curcuma sole that gives you plenty of traction.

The AKU Dogma is made for cold to cool weather, so it would work well for the winter hunter. Sedentary hunters in close to zero degree weather may want a warmer boot, but all types of hunters would enjoy this boot in freezing weather.

Salewa Pedroc Pro PowerTex

The Salewa Pedron Pro PowerTex boots are made for going fast and going anywhere. They are lightweight and made to work well in a variety of environments from the mountains to the sidewalk. To keep you going, they come with the Salewa 3F system and Ankle Protector system. Both of these work together to keep you from rolling an ankle on a missed step. It also includes a breathable PowerTex waterproof membrane that is PFC-free.

This boot is made with the Pomoca Speed Hiker Pro outsole, which has a multi-directional lug pattern that provides plenty of traction against an array of environments. The midsole is made of EVA and has great rebound, improving comfort when your foot lands. Overall, you get a lightweight boot that is ideal for a mobile hunter.

If you are a quick hunter whose environment is often up and down, the Salewa Pedroc Pros are for you. They are a quality boot that will last, while still being comfortable to wear on otherwise uncomfortable hunts.

Past Winners

Zamberlan 226 Salathe Trek GTX RR

Zamberlan is another Italian-made hunting boot manufacturer that rivals the quality and performance of AKU in many ways. The Zamberlan 226 Salathe Trek GTX RR are among the best hunting boots you’ll find this season and it’s clear that the brand went to great lengths to research and develop what many deem to be the perfect all-purpose hunting boot. This boot is a mid-cut evolution of Zamberlan’s popular 215 Salathe and is an all-around improvement of the former version in many ways.

The Zamberlan Salathe GTX RR  offers some one-of-a-kind features that some hunters may value over other brands and products. The 6-inch height helps protect your ankle, but also features hydrobloc suede leather uppers that are soft and lightweight for extra flexibility and comfort. The boot’s new bi-density EVA midsoles are specifically designed to reduce weight and provide additional cushioning under the foot without decreasing overall durability. You’ll also feel the same level of comfort on rock as you should on the trail thanks to Zamberlan’s Vibram Pepe system with Megagrip outsoles with these mountain hunting boots.

These boots offer the GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membranes that are designed to provide waterproof protection and breathability in all conditions. This membrane material is guaranteed by the Gore-Tex brand for the life of the boot. The Zamberlan 226 Salathe Trek GTX RR boots are made with the brand’s patented Zamberlan Flex System, which increases the boot’s comfort without sacrificing any of its lateral support and protection.

Price: $329.95

Review – https://mtnweekly.com/reviews/zamberlan-salathe-gore-tex-boots/

Danner Recurve 7 Hunting Boots

The Danner Recurve 7 boots is another model worthy of being named among the top hunting boots for this year. The Danner Recurve Boots are highly versatile and one of the lightest hunting boots on the market that pack in a number of high-quality features. Each pair weighs an average of just 3 pounds, making them ideal for hunters who have to traverse over a lot of serious terrain during their hunt.

Danner is a longstanding name in the outdoor industry and the company has earned a reputation as one of the best bootmakers in the world. The Danner brand was established in 1897 and is based in Portland, Oregon. The company makes a wide variety of hunting and hiking boots, as well as casual footwear, but their Danner Recurve 7 is among the most cutting-edge products to be released in recent years.

These boots can be purchased in an insulated or non-insulated version for hunters who prefer a lighter boot for longer treks into the wilderness. The Recurve 7 features the brand’s patented Danner Dry waterproof, breathable membrane that helps keep your feet dry and decreases the potential for developing blisters when worn for long periods across rugged landscape. The Danner Recurve 7 lacks the durability you might find in a more heavy-duty boot, but for hunters looking to traverse over many miles during their hunts in warmer conditions, this boot is the perfect match making it one of the best non insulated hunting boots.

Price: $240.00

Review – https://mtnweekly.com/reviews/danner-recurve-boot/

LaCrosse URSA MS GTX Hunting Boots

The LaCrosse URSA MS GORE-TEX Boots is another hunting boot that earns its position among our top picks for this year. LaCrosse has been a mainstay among hunting boot brands in the outdoor industry for decades and their recent products have been among their most impressive work when it comes to creating functional, high-performance hunting boots.

The LaCrosse brand has been in business since it was established in 1897. The company is based in Portland, Oregon and its products are made in company-owned factories across the United States. As we’ve mentioned in one of our recent product reviews on the LaCrosse URSA MS GORE-TEX Boots, users can expect a very lightweight feel with much of the same performance you might find in a heavy-duty hunting boot.

These LaCrosse Ursa MS Boots are a popular choice among serious hunters who usually traverse many miles during the season, but it’s also common for hikers and backpackers to opt for the URSA MS boots as well. They are manufactured with a fully breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX liner, as well as an exterior that features SuperFabric textile and TecTuff polyurethane-infused leather.

What really stands out about the LaCrosse URSA MS GORE-TEX Boots is the Bi-Fit Board that combines the boot’s shank, midsole and lasting board to give it an incredible stiffness you typically find in heavier boots. The average pair of URSA MS boots weigh just 3.1 pounds and are as comfortable off-trail as they are on-trail. If your looking for a pair of mid season hunting boots that can be worn hiking while not hunting these LaCrosse boots check booth boxes.

Price: $299.95

Review – https://mtnweekly.com/reviews/lacrosse-ursa-hunting-boots/

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 Hunting Boots

The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 is arguably the toughest on the market today and offers a range of high-quality features that come together for a great product. This style of boot offer the rare combination of comfort and extreme rugged durability like no other hunting boot you’ll find today.

Kenetrek is a company based in Montana and founded by Jim Winjum, an avid outdoorsman with plenty of experience hunting the rugged mountains of Montana and Alaska for a wide variety of big game animals. Winjum’s company repairs more than 10,000 boots per year–something that helps their designers understand exactly where and how most hunting boots wear out and what can possibly be done to alleviate some of the most common problems caused by heavy use.

The Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Extreme 400 features a Wintex waterproof and breathable flexible membrane along the boot’s ankle collar that helps keep your feet dry on long days in the field, even in hot weather. These upper collars are padded with extra soft leather that flexes with your foot and ankle movement so that the boot maintains its position and firm fit, even when you’re kneeling down or climbing up steep terrain.

One of the main reasons the Kenetrek Mountain 400 Boots keeps your feet dry is because of its one-piece construction. The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 also features rubber sole guards and heavy-duty midsoles that maintain their tread over the course of multiple years of heavy use. The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 is a favorite choice of many hunters and is also the favorite for famous outdoorsman Randy Newberg, host of On Your Own Adventures and Fresh Tracks television show series. One of the best elk hunting boots on the market, hands down!

Price: $514.99

Irish Setter Elk Tracker (200 gram) Hunting Boots

The Irish Setter Elk Tracker hunting boot series is among the best overall for 2023 and brings a load of features to the table when compared to other hunting boot brands and models. Irish Setter has released its Elk Tracker XD model, but we will be specifically focusing on the Elk Tracker model that features the 200g Thinsulate material in this review as this is the best option for the average deer hunter.

Irish Setter has been around since 1950 and the company is part of the Red Wing boots brand. Many of their boots are manufactured in the United States, but the company does have some of their product lines made in Asia, primarily in China, Korea and Vietnam. There’s no denying the quality of the Irish Setter Elk Tracker Boots and one can feel the difference in this pair as it is made of super premium work-grade leather.

Irish Setter has gone to great lengths to ensure that hunters’ feet stay dry with the Elk Tracker boots. This is because they are fitted with GORE-TEX membrane waterproof material that effectively seals outside water and moisture and keeps your feet from getting swampy, even on those hot, humid days in the field. The Irish Setter Elk Tracker 200 Gram Boots also feature a Bulls-Eye Air Bob sole that helps you keep traction in muddy, rough terrain without collecting significant amounts of mud on the sole as you walk in these leather boots.

Price: $254.95

AKU Riserva NBK GTX

Some of the best heavy-duty cold weather hunting boots on the market are the AKU Riserva NBK GTX. We selected these boots as our top choice among winter boots for 2022 and they remain one of our overall best hunting boots for 2023. This boot is widely-acclaimed in the outdoor industry.

The AKU company is based in Italy and their products are usually manufactured in Italy, Serbia and Romania. The AKU Riserva NBK GTX boots are particularly adept when it comes to hunting in snowy conditions. The leather is made with heavy-duty insulated leather that maintains warmth while still allowing some breathability.

Many users have compared the water resistant ability of the AKU Riserva NBK GTX to be on-par with many other top brands thanks to its GORE-TEX material. The boots’ soft leather is specially made so you can expect maximum comfort right out of the box. If you’re looking for a solid hunting boot for cold, wet conditions and excellent ankle support, the AKU Riserva NBK GTX is a great option making it one of the best men’s hunting boots for when the weather gets nasty.

Price: $359.95

Lowa Tibet GTX

Lowa Boots is celebrating a century of bootmaking in 2023 and the company’s Tibet GTX is a product that earns its place among our list of the best hunting boots for the 2023 season. The Lowa Tibet GTX functions quite well as a hiking boot, but it offers exceptional support that makes it ideal as a hunting boot, too. This boot is especially made for hiking with heavy loads of gear over long distances and is unique from its competitors in ways that some hunters should find appealing.

The Lowa brand is based in Germany and has been crafting quality boots since it was founded 100 years ago by Lorenz Wagner, a cobbler with a passion for making high-quality boots. Today, the Tibet GTX is one of Lowa’s premier products and is highly-reviewed among hikers and hunters alike. This boot is perfect for hunters who like to venture into those remote wilderness areas that are not for the faint-of-heart.

The Lowa Tibet GTX features a GORE-TEX lining for optimal waterproofing and an upper that’s made with Heinen terracare Nubuck leather. One of the most talked-about features is the I-Lock lacing cam which allows users to easily to separate the lace tension between the ankle and the top of the foot, making it easy to tighten or loosen the fit with just a few turns instead of forcing users to unlace and lace the boots again. This lacing system is really unique and valued when spending long days in the field.

The Lowa Tibet GTX is a great option for hunters looking for a lightweight boot that offers outstanding quality. These boots weigh just 4 pounds on average and require no break-in before you can truly experience full comfort. Many consider the Lowa Tibet GTX to be a workhorse of a hunting and hiking boot and this is one that users should be able to rely on for many years.

Price: $415.00

Asolo TPS 520 GV

The Asolo TPS 520s are a notable hiking boot that should garner the attention of hunters as well. This boot is among the best you’ll find in 2023 as it offers incredible durability in a fairly lightweight feel compared to other boots of similar cost. The “TPS” stands for Triple Power Structure and Asolo’s designer experts truly hit the mark with the TPS 520 as it offers ideal levels of traction and stiffness while not compromising on toughness.

Asolo is a brand that’s been around since 1975 and the company is based in Romania. The boot’s TPS system is made with three separate shock absorbing dual density points on the midsole. This special shock absorbing design is crafted so that users won’t have to worry about their boots wearing out in the usual places within the first few years of use.

Asolo makes the TPS in a 520 and 535, with the main difference being that the 520 offers waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining while the 535 does not. The boot’s outsole offers a durable Vibram material that is more hardened while the inner sole features a softer material. Each boot weighs an average of about 4 pounds and Asolo offers a 2-year warranty on each pair.

Price: $360.00

LaCrosse Atlas

For hunters that are looking for a high-quality pair of boots that are a bit more cost-friendly, the LaCrosse Atlas Boots are superior to almost every other hunting boot within the same price range. This boot features a high-ankle design that combines a lightweight feel with solid, durable sole for an all-around workhorse of a hunting boot. The Atlas series offers four different models that each offer varying levels of insulation ranging from non-insulated to 1,200g lining.

The LaCrosse Atlas has been around for a few years and has stood the test of time in many ways when compared to its competitors. This boot is great for hunting in nearly every type of terrain and for hunters who rarely venture into the rocky upper reaches of mountainous areas, it’s a great choice. The Lacrosse Atlas features molded heel and toe sections that protect the boot’s design in areas where continual impact usually causes the toe or heel to wear thin.

The boot features Dry-Core waterproof lining that helps keep your feet dry while also offering the brand’s patented Atlas outsole material that is designed to provide users with optimal traction. The rubberized EVA midsole provides plenty of cushioning and shock absorption on hard and soft footing. Hunters looking for a budget-friendly option need look no further than the Lacrosse Atlas.

Price: $399.95

AKU Dogma GTX Hunting Boots

Our list of the best hunting boots for 2023 would not be complete without mentioning the AKU Dogma GTX. These boots are another one of AKU’s headline series that is loaded with quality and heavy-duty features. According to AKU’s website, the AKU Dogma GTX is specially designed to function as a high-performance boot that can be worn in mountainous terrain for maximum comfort.

Some hunters may shy away from a boot that costs upwards of $300, but the benefits of owning incredibly comfortable and functional footwear far outweigh any potential cons that can be associated with cost. The AKU Dogma GTX boots feature waterproof GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane to keep your feet dry in wet or cold conditions.

These waterproof hunting boots were designed with a The VIBRAM Curcuma Mountain Sole that it’s comfortable when walking along level ground, but also functions when you need to gain every inch of traction on mountainous treks. What really sets the AKU Dogma GTX apart from most other hunting boots on the market is the Elica Natural Stride System that’s specifically designed to disperse your body weight evenly and reduce pressure points to enhance better walking form.

Price: $449.95

Related Boots We Tested in the Mountains

1. Muck Boots Pursuit Rubber Hunting Boots
2. Asolo Arctic GV Boots
3. LOWA Innox Boots