Lowa Tibet Evo GTX Boot
What could be the best investment of any hunter’s life, a good pair of boots is often the key to a successful outing when the weather takes a nosedive or terrain conditions demand high performance. Whether it’s a pair of insulated waterproof rubber boots for the duck blind, rugged leather-bound boots for steep mountain inclines or anything in-between, having the right footwear can make the difference between a successful all-day outing or a premature walk of shame back to the truck. And that means laying down the Benjamins — at least the Jacksons — for high-quality footwear tailor-made to stand up to the rigors of the hunt. More likely, it means owning several pairs for various types of hunts and conditions. As a hunting retailer, that’s music to your ears, because every hunter wants to put his or her best foot forward when fulfilling dreams of trophy bucks and bulls, whistling wings of passing waterfowl, upland flushes and all sorts of other hunting experiences. The key here is variety. While your boot-buying patrons might be looking for that singular boot that will serve all occasions, it’s up to you to convince them that it doesn’t exist — that two, or even three pairs of task-specific boots are so much better than one that only marginally serves multiple functions. This, of course, means better hunting experiences for them and higher profits for you. Just be sure that yours is a one-stop shop for all things footwear. And that not only means a wide assortment of boots, but also those accouterments such as socks, laces, boot waxes and oils, etc. that should accompany every boot sale. If you’re in the boot business, it’s important to have a wide array of models on hand for all types of hunting scenarios, and that you and your staff have the knowledge to help your customers make wise, educated choices — to help them navigate the various models and price points to find those boots that fit their specific needs. Here are eight models that are sure to get a boot buyer’s attention.
Dryshod Evalusion Hunting Boot
Dryshod’s Evalusion Waterproof Hunting Boot ($174.95) features Dryshod-exclusive Dureva outsole technology — a lightweight and abrasion-resistant fusion compound that delivers superior durability and traction while offering exceptional comfort, energy return and stable footing. This means a secondary rubber outsole is no longer required. And by eliminating the need for a secondary outsole, Evalusion boots are nearly 1 pound lighter than Dryshod’s already lightweight counterparts. In addition to the weight reduction, the Dureva compound maximizes traction performance with its multi-lug tread design — offering optimal stealth by quietly flexing and bending. This is of great value to hunters, of course, but also to anyone else tackling difficult terrain where superior traction is essential.
Garmont T8 Extreme EVO GTX Boot
The T8 Extreme EVO GTX from Garmont ($210) is a tall boot designed for outings that require waterproof and insulated application. The 8-inch textile shaft with breathable, abrasion-resistant fabric and suede leather upper provide durability, and speed lacing with anchoring ball loop and closed-hook eyelets ready the boots for demanding conditions. An Ortholite Ultra footbed adds cushioning and breathability for long periods of use, and Vibram Campiglio tread with a toe bumper provides cold weather traction on a variety of surfaces. The T8 Extreme EVO GTX is available in sizes 6-14 in medium and wide widths.
Irish Setter Terrain Snake Boot
Irish Setter’s Terrain Snake Boot ($239.99) features a proprietary Flatline sole platform with aggressive, multi-directional lugs that contour to uneven surfaces to provide extra traction and stability over rocks, ruts, roots and anything else that might get in the way. Lightweight, high rebound EVA in the EnerG midsole provides underfoot cushioning and comfort with each step, and a PU foam footbed adds another layer of all-day comfort. An Armatec rand provides additional abrasion resistance against rocks, sticks and sharp objects. Polyurethane impregnated waterproof leather and fabric panels create a durable upper, featuring UltraDry waterproofing for long-lasting protection and ScentBan to eliminate odors within the boot. Terrain Snake Boots also feature Snakeguard to help prevent puncture from fangs and brush.
Lowa Tibet Evo GTX Boot (pictured above)
Available for men and women, the Tibet Evo GTX Boot from Lowa ($420) was designed for heavy backpacking and big-game hunting in rugged conditions. With a fresh new look for 2024, including a new rand and outsole design, this boot gives hardcore users the confidence to tackle the most menacing terrain. With the I-Lock lacing cam and roller eyelets to separate and equalize the lace tension between the ankle and the top of the foot, feet will be comfortable during extended hikes into the outback. The upper is made from Heinen Terracare nubuck leather and the Tibet Evo GTX comes with a Gore-Tex lining, Dual Density DuraPU midsole and Vibram Apptrail Divo outsole.
Muck Pathfinder Boot
The all-weather, 100% waterproof Pathfinder Boot from Muck ($160) is built for life in the muck. Inspired by the flexibility of the Apex Pro boot, the Pathfinder is equipped with flex notches in the front for added comfort and high performance. Its stretch-fit topline binding snugs the calf to keep warmth in and cold out, and air mesh lining improves breathability while the user is in motion. The Pathfinder’s reinforced toe tip and heel counter provide durability, while the modified rubber bob sole quickly disperses debris and, of course, muck.
Rocky Boots Trophy Boot
With a range of styles, the versatile Rocky Trophy Boot (From $185) sports all-around rugged features to stay on course through swamps, wetlands and backcountry trails. A durable multi-terrain rubber outsole combined with the Rocky Air-Port Lite sponge PU footbed provides sure-footedness and all-day comfort for hunting and hiking. New styles include a 16-inch waterproof full-grain leather boot with a high abrasion snake guard upper in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, snake proof protection, Rocky Thorn & Briar Guard and a YKK back zipper with snap closure.
Under Armour HOVR Dawn Waterproof 2.0 Boot
Under Armour took its lightest, most durable materials and added energy-returning HOVR cushioning from its best running shoes to make the Dawn Waterproof 2.0 Boot ($190). Throw in the protection of a breathable, 100% waterproof membrane and this boot is unstoppable. It features a lightweight and breathable synthetic and textile upper with welded overlay for added protection and durability and an external heel counter for added stability. A molded Ortholite sockliner forms to the foot for added comfort, and responsive UA HOVR foam compound reduces impact, returns energy and helps propel the user forward. The boot has a high-traction rubber lug outsole for enhanced grip on a variety of surfaces and is available in UA Barren and UA Forest All-Season camo.
Zamberlan Sawtooth GTX Men’s Insulated Hunting Boot
The Insulated Sawtooth GTX RR ($525) is the most rugged late-season hunting boot ever developed by Zamberlan, its Vibram StarTrek II sole laying a foundation of excellence. The Sawtooth is ideal for cold-weather hunting where warmth, comfort and rugged durability are required. Features include a pronounced rocker for hiking in steep terrain, while a stiff midsole transfers workload from the foot to the boot. The Sawtooth’s 2.8mm single-piece construction Italian Hydrobloc nubuck leather upper provides exceptional long-term durability and waterproof performance and features a distinctive and exclusive camo color pattern. A full rubber rand system encircles the entire boot and offers added protection against rocks and debris and corrosion-resistant hardware allows for easy lacing and long-term durability.
