Rubber Boots Vs Leather For Deer Hunting

The major differences between leather boots and rubber boots for deer hunting is that Leather boots tend to be more expensive than rubber boots. The cost difference can be up to $150 or more, depending on which brand you choose. If you wear your leather boots every day on the job, they’ll probably last longer and you’ll get more use out of them than rubber boots.

When it comes to deer hunting, one of the most essential things that you need is by far a good pair of hunting boots. Hunting boots are quite different from your traditional everyday footwear, and you will surely want only the best for your hunts. 

Deer hunting boots are an integral part of any hunter’s wardrobe. It is said that in the world of deer hunting, the hunter who takes care of all details will always have the edge over his opponents. He is ready when others are not. So, which boot should you use for deer hunting between rubber and leather boots?

Rubber Boots Vs Leather For Deer Hunting

If you are a hunter, then you need to know about the different types of boots for hunting. Leather boots are more comfortable and durable than rubber boots. These boots can last for many years and also provide an excellent grip in the woods.

Leather boots are a favorite among some hunters because they are lightweight and easy to move around in. They provide good ankle support and are waterproof, but they are also stiff and need to be broken in.

Rubber boots on the other hand have been used by hunters for decades. Rubber boots are lightweight, less expensive, and comfortable. They also provide good traction on snow and ice. Because of scent, most whitetail deer hunters prefer hunting in rubber boots.

Rubber boots are also much cheaper than leather boots and offer immense value for money. They do not require regular care and maintenance like leather ones do. However, they lack the comfort factor of leather footwear in the summer and may not last as long as leather ones do.

Which Boot Is Easier To Break-In?

The rubber boot is easier to break-in. Since rubber boots are flexible, you can easily break into them. You have to break in a leather boot to make it comfortable on you and the break-in period can take some time if you do not know how to go about it.

Which Boot Is Easier To Maintain?

Of rubber boots and leather boots, rubber boots are easier to maintain. Since you only need to wash rubber boots with water and soap, you do not have to worry about water spoiling them. Just wash the rubber boot and let them dry in the air.

Which Boot Is Better For Different Activities?

A leather boot is perfect for different activities. Since the leather boot is made of durable materials, you can use it for hunting, hiking, running, skiing, and casual wear. 

Rubber Boot Pros And Cons For Deer Hunting

Pros	Cons
Best for whitetail deer hunters	Mostly hot in the summer
Made from rubber and neoprene	Not as durable as leather boots
Waterproof	Noise
Camo or brown color for concealment from prey	Cannot walk in rubber boots for long
Free of the scent trail
Heel kick
Fabric lining

Leather Boot Pros and Cons for Deer Hunting

Pros	Cons
More comfortable for a long walk and walking in	Deer can perceive scent if not sprayed
Waterproof	Expensive
More stable ankle support
Last longer
Less foot fatigue
Perfect for all seasons, cold or hot weather
Less noisy

Rubber Boot Vs Leather Boot Comparison Chats

Rubber Boots	Leather Boots
Does not absorb your scent	Absorb your scent and deer can trail it
Made from rubber and neoprene	Made from leather and rubber sole
Can cause fatigue	Less fatigue
Not good for a long walk	Good for long miles
Less ankle and heel protection	Better ankle and heel protection
Less durable	More durable
Less expensive	Expensive
Generate too much heat in the summer	Perfect for all kinds of weather
Easier to maintain	Not easy to maintain
Make feet wet	Make feet dry
Can slip off of frosty or wet tree steps	Better grip and little to no-slip off
Cannot beat the rubber boot waterproof feature	Waterproof but not up to rubber boot
Noisy	Silent

The 5 Things to Consider When Buying Your Next Deer Hunting Boots

When you are looking for your next pair of deer hunting boots, it is important to consider the type of deer hunting boots to buy. There are five different things to consider when buying deer hunting boots.

The 5 Things to Consider When Buying Your Next Deer Hunting Boots are

1. What type of deer hunting boot is best for you?
   
2. What kind of boot will provide the most protection?
   
3. How do you want your feet to feel?
   
4. How much do you want to spend on your new pair?
   
5. What is your hunting style? 

The Best Rubber Boots For Deer Hunting

1. Muck Boot Woody Max

Muck Boot Woody Max is a good rubber-insulated hunting boot that is sturdy and made with 100% synthetic materials. Muck boot is known for producing top-notch boots and the company has specifically designed this boot for hunting. 

With excellent grip and traction, you are sure to love this boot. The boot has a lining that gives you extra warmth in chilly weather and since it is made of synthetic, it is flexible and comfortable. The shock absorption and heat retention features help you resist chafing and blisters.

The insole provides you with cushioning, preventing you from heel problems. The footbed also offers extra warmth. The good thing is that it conceals scent and prevents deer from trailing your scent. The boot costs between $173.68 and $253.64.

2. TIDEWE Rubber Boots for Men Multi-Season

TIDEWE Rubber Boots for Men Multi-Season are one of the best deer hunting rubber boots for all seasons, thanks to their top-notch waterproof and anti-slip features. The boot is durable, made for deer hunting, and waterproof.

Made with 6mm neoprene durable rubber, this outdoor hunting boot is comfortable and flexible. It is easy to put on and off and even easy to clean. There is a steel tank in between the outsole and insole of the boot, providing it with more durability.

It also comes with breathable mesh lining and has a reinforced rubber shell to protect your heel and toes. The boot’s pull-on and kick tab let you easily put it on and off. Whether it is a flooded area, mud, or snow, this boot lets you hunt with peace of mind. It comes from $49.99 to $79.99.

3. LaCrosse Men’s Grange 18″ Waterproof Hunting Boot

LaCrosse Men’s Grange 18″ Waterproof Hunting Boot Is an amazing hunting boot that provides your feet with top-notch protection. The boot is made with premium ZXT rubber for better durability. It is waterproof, flexible, and easy to walk in.

This boot is scent-free and whitetail deer will never be able to trail your scent. When it comes to deer hunting, this is the right rubber boot for you. It costs $89.90 to $149.99.

4. TIDEWE Hunting Boot for Men

TIDEWE Hunting Boot for Men should be one of your priorities when it comes to getting the right gear for deer hunting. The boot is waterproof, retains heat, and is flexible. A lightweight boot is designed to provide comfort and durability.

TIDEWE hunting boot comes with heat-resistant insulation that prevents radiated heat from your body from escaping, thereby keeping your feet warm in chilly weather. It is easy to walk in and you can be sure that it is easy to maintain.

5. HISEA Men’s Rain Boots

If you are looking for the right rubber deer hunting boot, HISEA Men’s Rain Boots is your go-to. Comes in different camo colors, HISEA hunting boot is a boot designed to keep your feet dry and warm, while also protecting you from slipping.

The boot comes with a breathable lining that helps you trap warmth in your boot to keep your feet dry and warm. The design is user-friendly as the boot is completely sealed and the rubber is extended above the ankle. It provides support for your ankle, feet, and toes.

The outsole is flexible and durable. It also comes with anti-slip, so you can use it in any area whether flooded, iced, or muddy. You can also clean this boot with ease and it is easy to maintain. The boot costs between $31.86 and $59.99.

The Best Leather Boots For Deer Hunting

1. Rocky Men’s 8-Inch Retraction 800G Hunting Boot

The Rocky Men’s 8-Inch Retraction 800G Hunting Boot is designed for the hunter on the go who requires comfortable and durable boots. With a soft feel leather upper and a waterproof breathable rubber outsole, this boot provides excellent traction on your feet while providing ankle, toes, and foot protection.

The retractable heel feature helps to offer you a more balanced stance while tracking the game in tall grass or swamps. This boot is durable and waterproof, so you can go on long hunting with the confidence that you are not going to get your feet wet.

The boot is perfect for all seasons and weather. It provides you with warmth as it features memory foam and 800 grams 3m Thinsulate ultra insulation. The boot costs $94.07 to $127.95.

2. Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot

Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot Is a leather boot made for pro deer hunters. The Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro Hunting Boot is a lightweight, durable and waterproof boot designed for pro hunters who are interested in a comfortable and durable hunting boot.

It comes in mossy oak color and is perfect for wearing straight out of the package or after it has been broken in. Rocky is the next level of gear for hunting. The Boot features a waterproof, breathable lining to keep your shoes dry and comfortable no matter where you go.

This boot was built with an aggressively lugged outsole that provides grip, traction, and protection on wet or dry surfaces. It also comes equipped with ankle, toes, and foot protection to help ensure you do not get hurt in the woods.

These boots are made from premium leather uppers, making them durable and long-lasting. The oil and slip-resistant outsole provide excellent traction and grip while the interior lining offers exceptional insulation against varying conditions. It costs $136.95 to $146.99

3. Rocky Men’s Lynx Waterproof Snake Hunting Boot

With a sturdy and reliable design, the Rocky Men’s Lynx Waterproof Snake Hunting Boot offers hunters all the protection and comfort they need during their hunting. It features a comfortable footbed with a reinforced toe and heel cap to prevent slipping, providing added ankle, toes, and foot protection.

The sole is made of durable rubber that resists punctures, so you can feel confident in your hunting gear. This boot Shaft measures approximately 15″ from the arch and 1.5″ from the heel, allowing plenty of room for climbing trees or crossing muddy terrain easily; weighing less than 2.5 pounds per boot makes it easy to carry around.

The good thing is that this boot protects you from being bitten by venomous snakes. So, you can be confident to hunt in any environment. The boot costs $156.95 to $166.99.

4. Guide Gear Hunting Boots

Guide Gear Hunting Boot is a breathable and comfortable leather boot for hunting. It is Guide Gear Hunting Boot designed with tough and strong leather for hunting.

It comes with a cushioned footbed and dry feet protection that can keep your feet dry and comfortable whether you are walking through deep snow or on rough terrain. It is also durable and waterproof.

 With Guide Gear Hunting Boot, you can be assured that your feet will stay comfortable and dry as you enjoy your hunting trips.

This boot features a leather upper with slip-resistant rubber toe, ankle, and heel guards for added safety, a cushioned footbed for more comfort, and it is water-resistant to keep your feet dry when wet weather conditions arise. The boot costs $149.95.

5. Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker

The Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker boot is designed to be comfortable for hunting of any type. It comes with a cushioned footbed and dry feet protection, so you can confidently walk out onto the field or hunt field.

It also offers great grip and traction so you can confidently get out in whatever terrain you are hunting and be confident that your feet will be warm and dry. In addition, this comfortable hunting boot has 200-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation that keeps your feet warm, dry, and protected from the elements.

Whether hunting in the summer or wintertime, the Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker boot is designed for comfort and performance. The Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker boot features a horsehide upper that provides a natural feel, breathability, and durability.

The waterproof breathable membrane provides your feet with breathability and warmth during the winter months. Lined with 100% leather for protection against moisture, this Irish Setter Men’s 880 Elk Tracker boot has an ultra-soft footbed with enhanced shock absorption. The boot costs $188.37 to $254.99.

FAQs

Should You Wear Rubber Boots For Deer Hunting?

Yes. Rubber boots are good for deer hunting especially when it comes to whitetail deer hunting. Since the rubber boot conceals scent, you do not need to worry about deer trailing your scent whenever you wear a rubber boot for hunting.

Can Deer Smell Rubber Boots?

No. Rubber boots conceal scent, so deer cannot smell the boot.

Are Leather Boots Good For Hunting?

Yes. Not only are leather boots good for hunting, but they are also perfect for all seasons. Whether it is winter or summer, leather boots will provide you with maximum protection. They have better traction and grip and are also more durable than rubber boots.

The only issue that may arise when you wear a leather boot for hunting is that deer may trail your scent. However, before you start hunting, spray your boot on both the upper part and the sole.

What Shoes Do You Wear Deer Hunting?

So, what is the best boot for deer hunting? It depends on your personal preference and the type of terrain you will be using them on. If you want something comfortable and long-lasting, choose leather boots; if you want a boot that doesn’t require any maintenance or care, choose rubber boots!

Conclusion

The rubber boot vs leather for deer hunting debate will not go away so soon. Both rubber boots and leather boots are good for hunting. However, both boots have features that make them better in one aspect or the other.

The only feature where rubber boot is better than leather boot is the fact that rubber boots conceal your scent while leather boots release them. However, you can spray your leather boot to prevent deer from trailing you when you are hunting in your leather boots. In the end, your choice will be based on your budget, the type of environment where you are hunting, and the kind of protection you seek.