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I’d argue that turkey hunting boots are as crucial to your success as a shotgun and lethal load of TSS. Take one of my hunting trips. The canyon was long and winding, and the late-spring heat was baking us like an oven. It sucked. My hunting companion and I were in great physical shape, but 13 miles is a long way to go. We’d gotten on the birds at daybreak five miles in, but roosted wasn’t roasted, and we’d gone walkabout. The problem was my buddy’s feet—they were broken. The terrain was harsh and rugged, and he had blisters on both heels, nearly every toe, and a cactus pine had shot through the mesh lining into his ankle. He was done.
I had a similar experience in Florida, but this time, I was the one who took the boot shortcut. Deep in the swamp, my 7-inch tall leather boots didn’t work. The mud was deep and sunk over the top of the boots and oozed into my socks. It was miserable.
Do yourself a favor and get a pair of the best turkey hunting boots that match the terrain you’re hunting in and your hunting style. These are the most comfortable pairs we’ve tested over the years.
The Best Turkey Hunting Boots
Best Overall: Kenetrek Corrie II Hiker
Best Knee Boots: Chene Light Zippered Knee Boot
Best Snake Boots: Danner Sharptail Snake Boot
Best Lightweight: Crispi Lapponia II GTX Hunting Boots
Best Budget: Muck Boot Edgewater ll Multi-Purpose Tall Rubber Boots
Best Overall: Kenetrek Corrie II Hiker
Specs
Height: 7 in
Weight: 3.2 lbs
Insulated: No
Pros
Windtex waterproof liner
Breathable and flexible
Grapon outsole
Extreme comfort
Cons
Pricey
Many turkey hunters roam vast public tracts of land in search of turkey nirvana, while others walk logging roads on private dirt manicured for turkeys. Regardless, it helps if you have a waterproof, comfortable boot that will hunt as hard as you. Kenetrek’s Corrie 3.2 Hiker is the bee’s knees of turkey hunting boots.
While many may think a hiking/mountain boot shouldn’t be a “Best” winner when it comes to turkey kicks, these are boots you have to try to believe how good they are. I cheer the 7-inch tall leather/synthetic uppers with ankle support K straps and comfort padding, and the combination of traction and comfort the marriage of the 5mm nylon midsoles, and lightweight Grapon outsoles provide. A reinforced rubber toe and heel guards boost boot longevity.
Plus, these hunting boots are lightweight. Whether you’re roaming the West, Midwest, South, North, or East in search of a longbeard, you can bank on putting in some miles if you want to find regular success, and these will take you as far as your turkey heart desires.
Best Knee Boots: Chene Light Zippered Knee Boot
Specs
Height: 17 in
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Insulated: No
Pros
Lightweight
Includes extra insoles
Camo and solid colors are available
Waterproof
Cons
Tight fit for big calves
Chene, already known for waterfowling waders and wader boots, came out with these light, uninsulated rubber boots just in time for the 2024 turkey season. Weighing in at 4.5 pounds per pair, they kept me light on my feet as I chased turkeys this spring. Given that Iowa in late April can be a very cold place, I can guarantee that these boots are uninsulated because my feet froze during long sits, but that’s not Chene’s fault.
Once I was up and running and gunning, these light, supremely comfortable knee boots came into their own. The boots have a thin, quick-drying liner and the same sole as the Chene waders, which gives good traction in the muck without clogging. They go on and off instantly, thanks to their YKK zippers. And since rubber boots can be a loose fit, these come with an extra set of 7mm innersoles if you feel the need to snug them up.
They are cut generously, and my 11 W feet fit perfectly into a standard-width 12. They also fit my skinny-to-average calves perfectly, but if you have been hitting the toe raises at the gym, these might be too snug for tucking in trouser legs. But that is the end of their shortcomings. These boots carried me to a gobbler a few days into their first season, and I believe they will take me to many more. —Phil Bourjaily
Best Snake Boots: Danner Sharptail Snake Boot
Specs
Height: 17 in
Weight: 4.4 lbs
Insulated: No
Pros
100 percent waterproof barrier
360-degree snake guard
Lug-style outsole
Comfort
Cons
Tight around calf
Slanted top-end design
Danner’s Vital Snake Boot is the answer if you’re hunting snake country. Almost every snake boot performs as advertised regarding stopping fangs, but lesser models are too stiff, uncomfortable, and hot for springtime turkey hunts. I’ve worn other snake boots, and at day’s end, all I got was sweaty feet covered in blisters. Danner paid special attention when they crafted these snake boots, and at 17 inches tall, they provide plenty of foot and lower-leg protection, and the Open Cell Polyurethane Footbed is an excellent shock absorber.
The boot hikes well, and though the upper is full-grain leather, these 360-degree Snake Guard boots aren’t as rigid as other models I’ve tested over the years. The comfortable Plyolite midsole gives them a lightweight feel and, when combined with the multi-direction lugs on the outsole, results in an excellent turkey boot that won’t break your feet down.
Best Lightweight: Crispi Lapponia II GTX Hunting Boots
Specs
Height: 8 in
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Insulated: No
Pros
Reduce foot sweat
Comfortable
Flexible
Light
Cons
Water-repellent but not waterproof
These ultra-light boots let you cover terrain in maximum comfort, and at 8 inches tall, they provide remarkable ankle support. When I’m roaming national forests, walk-in access, and other public land areas for turkeys, I want to feel like I can fly across the terrain, and these non-insulated boots give me that feeling.
They are a feather on the feet, and the combination of Nubuk leather and high-resistant breathable PUtek spider fabric means solid durability. The Crispi air mesh footbed is removable, which helps with boot drying, and the triple-stitched, polyurethane-coated leather rand prevents lower boot abrasions and tears. The curmudgeon amongst us may say a pair of lightweight hikers don’t belong in a feature story about turkey boots, but I’m afraid I have to disagree.
Best Budget: Muck Boot Edgewater ll Multi-Purpose Tall Rubber Boots
Specs
Height: 15.4 in
Weight: 2 lbs
Insulated: No
Pros
100 percent waterproof
5mm CR flex-foam neoprene
Air mesh lining
Cons
Slippery
Can cause blisters
I’m not much of a budget lover when it comes to boots. No matter what you’re hunting, you’ll spend lots of time walking and all of your time in your boots. This is why I spare no expense regarding what I put on my feet. However, if I was to go the budget route, the 5mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene liner of this pair ensures 100 percent waterproof protection, and the air mesh liner helps keep your feet dry even on scorching hot spring days. These boots are nothing fancy, and they aren’t the most comfortable boots I’ve ever slipped my feet into, but they get the job done and they also double as an excellent work-in-the-mud boot.
Caution: Traction isn’t the best—I’ve had my feet go out from under me more than once—and shock absorption is sub-par.
LaCrosse Grange Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Rubber Boots
Specs
Height: 18 in
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Insulated: No
Pros
Ankle fit technology
Adjustable top strap
100 percent waterproof
Killer camo
Cons
Not a hiker
Swampy when hot
If I’m turkey hunting in wet weather or in an area where creek, stream, and river crossings are regular, this is the boot that covers my feet. LaCrosse has mastered making a 100 percent waterproof rubber boot comfortable. The Grange is storied in turkey lore, and for a good reason: piles of turkey hunters worldwide put their trust in this boot. First introduced in 1957, this 18-inch tall boot has stood the test. I love mine.
While these aren’t the best option for putting on loads of miles, they provide an appreciated element of comfort via the fabric liner, fiberglass shank, and footbed. The adjustable top strap ensures an excellent around-the-calf fit, and ankle fit technology ensures a secure and comfortable feel around your ankles even when negotiating rough terrain. You can hunt all day in these boots, and the non-slip traction outsole provides a fair amount of ground-gripping.
Want more options? Check out our in-depth review of the best rubber hunting boots.
Irish Setter MudTrek Rubber Boots
Specs
Height: 15 in
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Insulated: Yes
Pros
TempSens technology
Grippable outer sole
Pull-on style
Completely waterproof
Cons
No adjustable gusset
I like a boot that serves multiple purposes, and Irish Setter’s 15-inch MudTrek heed the do-all call. There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles with this new make from Irish Setter. The muck boots pull on and off easily with the stretchable upper and heel kick. The 5mm neoprene uppers gather water rather than shed it, which adds some weight, but the vulcanized rubber running halfway up the boots allows them to handle deep mud like a dream.
Another win is the TempSens technology. This boot innovation reacts to your body temperature and sweat level to keep your feet from feeling like they’re floating in a buggy Florida marsh. Use them for turkeys, and then when fall arrives, put them to work as a whitetail boot.
How We Tested Turkey Hunting Boots
During my turkey hunting tenure, I’ve hunted across the country, accomplished the wild turkey Grand Slam, and have been fortunate enough to hunt with some of the world’s best turkey hunters. All have different opinions about what turkey boot is the best, but all agree that shying away from a pair of hunting boots because they have a bit of sticker shock is bad. When it comes to boots, you get what you pay for, and all the kicks mentioned in this feature are solid go-to options.
I narrowed down my choices based on personal experience along with brand reputation and specs like material, height, and traction. I then put the hunting boots through the paces, wearing them in a variety of conditions and environments throughout the season.
Turkey Boots Buying Guide
I know this sounds elementary, and it is, but I’m as guilty as anyone. I see a pair of boots I want—boots I’ve read good things about—and order them online. This has cost me several times. You never know how a boot will fit and feel if you don’t try it on and wear it around the showroom floor first. It’s also important to read the literature on the box the boots come in or the tags hanging off of one of them. I’ve purchased rubber boots with 1,200 grams of insulation for spring hunting. Many boot manufacturers make multiple styles of the same boot, some insulated and some non-insulated. Read before you buy.
Quality
The biggest thing to remember when it comes to boots for turkey hunting—or any hunting, for that matter—is don’t cut corners. You can go to Walmart and buy a $60 pair of boots and think you saved yourself some coin. However, those boots will break down, give you blisters, let water in, and you’ll need another $60 pair by season’s end. Get boots that will last and help you be the best hunter you can be
Hunting Style
If you’ve read many of my F&S “Best Of” articles, you know what’s coming. Not to beat a dead horse, but if you don’t match the style of boot to the environment you’re hunting, you’re doing yourself a terrible disservice. Do your research if you’re traveling to hunt and don’t know much about the area. With all the information on the web today, there’s simply no excuse for showing up to hunt a new longbeard area and having boots that aren’t suited to the terrain.
If you know you’re a run-and-gun fanatic and like to cover miles of country in search of a hard-gobbling Tom, get a pair of lightweight hikers that ensure comfort while providing good ankle support and traction. If you hunt the timber and creek and river crossings are common, go with a tall rubber boot. Match your boot style to your environment, and you’ll be a happier and more successful turkey hunter.
FAQs
Q: What boots do you wear for turkey hunting?
You can wear any boot for turkey hunting. I’ve hunted in my gym shoes a few times, and while it wasn’t ultra pleasant, they served their purpose. The best question to ask yourself when you’re thinking about what turkey boot to wear is: What type of environment will I be hunting? Match your boots to your environment, and you’ll be good to go. For instance, don’t hunt boggy, swampy ground in a pair of hikers; don’t head West after mountain Merriams and slap a couple of clunky rubber boots on your feet.
Q: Should I wear snake boots turkey hunting?
Springtime temperatures warm the earth, and reptiles get active. If you’re hunting in a location with venomous snakes, I highly recommend wearing snake boots. Nothing will give you the pucker factor like a five-foot Diamondback rising out of the Texas grass while walking around in a pair of boots with 6-inch uppers.
Q: What color should you wear while turkey hunting?
Turkeys have remarkable eyesight. If they could smell, they would be one of the most complicated animals to kill. While having camo boots isn’t necessary, it doesn’t hurt—just make sure to match your turkey camo to the terrain.
Q: Can turkeys see camo?
I’m convinced that turkeys are skilled at picking up any movement and bright objects that stand out. Trust your camo and try to keep yourself in the shadows. I recommend covering your face with a head net or face paint and your hands with gloves. Your cheeks, nose, and hands shine, and birds will pick up on minor details.
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