Gear Guide 2017: Footwear

by
posted on October 28, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gearguidefootwear_lead.jpg

When all other things go right, do you want cold or wet feet to be the reason you didn’t stick it out till sunset? Here are three boots that will keep you on your feet during any hunt you’re likely to encounter.

Goose hunting in a flooded field? Stand hunting in January? Chasing moose across a frozen lake? While I don’t recommend the latter, the Woody Arctic Ice Boot from Muck Boot Company thrives in the late season, where wind, water and ice can be your downfall. It’s a classic calf-length rubber-and-neoprene Muck boot beefed up for winter wear and rated to minus-60 degrees with a fleece lining throughout. Muck has added aggressive non-slip lugs that grip onto ice, wet or dry, called Arctic Grip from Vibram. If temps are dropping, these are the boots I’m donning.

For early-season hunts, I’m looking for a boot that is light on the toe and one that will provide the support and protection my feet need for a mountain hike. The Buck Shadow from Browning gets use chasing both turkeys and whitetails, and with a new breathable waterproof membrane called OutDry, puddles or small streams aren’t bypassed.

Danner's new Powderhorn is a full-leather, 10-inch boot that houses an Ortholight footbed made of open-cell polyurethane for maximum comfort that allows air to circulate. It’s extremely lightweight for its style, with aggressive lugs that provide the rigidity needed for high-country hunts. A Gore-Tex lining means water stays out while allowing heat and moisture to escape.

Latest

Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2
Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2

New for 2026: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

One of America's favorite semi-automatic hunting rifles is back, in the Browning BAR MK 4. In this video, American Hunter Editor in Chief Scott Olmsted checks out the Hunter model, with a beautiful walnut stock, and aluminum alloy receiver.

New for 2026: Remington 7mm Backcountry Offerings

The 7mm BackCountry came to light last year this time, utilizing a Peak Alloy steel case to raise the pressure limits from the traditional 65,000 psi all the way up to 80,000 psi. For 2026, Remington has joined the party with three offerings for the 7BC: Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, and Speer Impact.

Landmark Cougar Reproduction Confirmed in Michigan

Late last month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) verified a Dec. 6 photo of an adult cougar being followed by two kittens down a snowy trail in central Ontonagon County. The last time the kittens were documented—in early March 2025—they were only about two months old and alone, raising concerns about their survival.

Report: Private Landowner Investments in Conservation Hits Staggering Number

Private lands play a central role in the well-being of people and wildlife throughout the West, but the economic pressure increases each year. A new, groundbreaking report sheds light on the efforts and investments landowners continue to make, despite that challenge, to conserve and steward remaining intact lands and natural resources.

White Label Armory Launches Full Suppressor Lineup

White Label Armory, a manufacturing and supply subsidiary of VKTR Industries, is launching a new budget friendly, duty-capable suppressor line available to dealers exclusively through Sports South.

New for 2026: CVA Scout Spur 28-Gauge

CVA has unveiled its new Scout Spur in 28-gauge with fresh patterns. The Scout Spur is lightweight, handy and now in .28-gauge gives hunters more options in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.