Hunting is an engaging activity. From choosing the hunting ground to stalking your prey, you need a pair of shoes that will help you get around with ease. Your shoes should also protect you from weather extremities and the environment to have a successful hunt. Choosing the wrong footwear might hinder your abilities to hunt and even put you at risk.
To start with, get yourself a pair of hunting boots. The markets are flooded, giving you a variety to choose from. However, not all are cut out for this task despite being sold for the same purpose. Below are helpful tips you can utilize to ensure you get to choose the best boots.
1) Terrain
Hunting grounds differ, and you need to make sure you have the right boots for that exact terrain. Some hunting grounds are slippery, muddy, wet, and steep you need boots that will help you avert skidding. Other grounds might be thorny, elevated or with sharp objects such as rocks and you need to protect your feet from cuts and bruises. In most instances, the landscape tends to change, and you need shoes that can easily fit each condition since carrying extra pairs is not a viable option. Heavy-duty soles that are not penetrable would be an ideal option for rough terrains while lightweight boots would fit a dry one. You can also get high cut boots that end slightly above the ankle as they protect your feet from hazards slightly above the ground. Waterproof boots with soil shedding soles are also a fantastic option in wet and marshy grounds to avoid wet feet.
2) Material Used
Most boots are made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of the two. When looking to invest in functional quality boots, the material should come in play. Quality material ensures your shoes last longer despite the harsh environmental factors. It also helps determine the weight of the shoe. Weighty boots might limit your speed as you chase prey. Depending on your kill season, ensure the materialโs heat retention or resistance fits just right. During hot seasons, consider porous material that enables your feet to breath and warm non-permeable material during cold and wet seasons.
Additionally, in snake-prone locations, ensure your boots are snake proof. Depending on the material used, some shoes might require special care and attention. If you cannot afford your boots this type of attention, you would rather keep off.
3) Best Fit
The size of the shoe determines your comfort. On the other hand, your comfort determines your hunting abilities. Wearing a shoe size smaller than your ideal size might give you sore feet and slow you down. An extra size might also come off quickly, slowing you down as you move around. If possible, get your shoe from a store you can fit the shoes. In case you make an online purchase, review the sizes as different regions use different measurements. You can consult an expert or customer support for assistance. However, size is not the only thing you need to look out for when it comes to hunting boots. How your foot sits inside the shoe also matters. The lining, sock-fit ad camouflage options also matter. A colorful shoe might expose you from a mile away to your prey, making it hard to hunt.
