Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Jason Tome
I live in rubber boots as a professional wetland scientist and outdoorsman living in the wet landscapes of Maine, thus having the best rubber boots is important. For this reason, I have put a lot of time into thinking about and trying different rubber boots. Over the years I’ve learned what makes rubber boots good and what makes rubber boots, well…not so good.
I also have first-hand experience seeing how different brands of rubber boots (myself and co-workers’) have held up with rugged use over the years. Collectively, between the rubber boots I’ve tried for work and hunting (Lacrosse Footwear, Le Chameau, GumLeaf, Muck Boots, Bogs) and observing coworkers’ boot performance (Cabela’s, Dryshod, XtraTuf), I’ve been able to identify the rubber boots perform the best over time and the reasons why they perform the best.
In this post, I share my top tips and suggestions when buying rubber boots, I’ve also included a spreadsheet at the end of the article with the height and weight of all the boots (that I personally weighed and measured).
Table of Contents
Rubber vs Neoprene Boots, Which Are Better?
From my experience, rubber boots are superior to neoprene boots for most hunting applications.
Rubber Benefits
- Less Bulky
- Weight to Durability RatioÂ
- Better Durability vs Thorns & Dense Shrubs
- Less Patching Required
Neoprene Benefits
- Warmer (Better Calf Insulation)
- Comfort (sometimes)
- Lightweight
Best High Rubber Content Boots
Most rubber boots on the market today are made out of a mixture of rubber and clay filler. The clay filler that is added to these boots is what makes all of these boots crack over time. Some boots crack faster than others depending on the % of rubber it has.
A higher rubber content means that boots do not crack as easily and will last much longer than the average rubber boot. These high rubber content boots are mostly made in Europe and are shipped to the U.S. These are some of the best rubber boots you can buy.
High rubber content rubber boots are likely the best way to save the most money on rubber boots in the long run because should last at least 2x-3x longer because shouldn’t crack.
Gumleaf Field Wellys
The GumLeaf Field Wellys are handcrafted boots in Europe and are made of 85% real rubber which prevents cracking. I’ve used these boots for over a year now and the rubber is holding up well against cracking. However, the softer and more supple rubber is less durable than boots with higher clay/plastic content. They are still more durable than neoprene though.
That said, they are one of the most comfortable full-rubber boots that I’ve worn, their Vibram sole is very cushioning for long days on your feet. For me, the extra comfort and traction are worth the reduction in durability.
They are also surprisingly lightweight for a rubber 17.5-inch tall boot, weighing in at 1086g or 2.39 lbs per boot.
GumLeafUSA.com – 285$
You can check out my one-year-later review of these boots here: GumLeaf Field Welly Review
Le Chameau Chasseur
These rubber boots are another high rubber content boot that is handcrafted in Europe. It takes 9 months of training before a professional boot maker can craft these boots. Only the best rubber and materials are used in these boots so that they will last. For me, the biggest downside was the weight. They are 18-inches tall and weigh in at 1462g or 3.22 lbs per boot. It was hard to justify the weight and price even though they were higher-quality materials. That said, a lot of people like them.
LeChameau.com – 500$
Best Rubber Only Hunting Boots (No-Neoprene)
The boots below have none or very little neoprene in them for those who like boots that are almost entirely made of rubber. I especially like these all-rubber boots for upland bird hunting because they are more durable than neoprene and can better withstand thorns.
Lacrosse Grange Boots
It’s tough to beat the Lacrosse Grange boots because no other companies have been able to develop an 18-inch tall boot this thin while allowing the boot to still be very durable. They’re also so lightweight (1048g or 2.31 lbs per boot) that you barely even notice them. Another huge benefit of this boot is that they have an ankle-tight fit so that your heel does not slip up and down in the heel pocket (which causes blisters in other boots).
Additionally, they are very low-profile, so it’s much harder to roll your ankle in these rubber boots than in those with taller traction. Because the traction is slim you can feel the ground underneath your foot when hunting. This allows you to walk much quieter in the woods because you can feel the sticks underneath your feet.
I hunt everything with these boots from deer, turkey, and waterfowl, to upland birds. They are versatile boots for a budget-friendly price.
LaCrosseFootwear.com – 100$
Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro
The Alphaburly Pros are Lacrosse’s top-tier rubber hunting boots and are expensive. They have great traction and offer 3 levels of insulation that you can buy so you can stay warm no matter the weather or temperature. The sole is a bit stiff and tall making it not the most comfortable for some people (I don’t particularly like the feel of them). People with larger legs seem to like this boot more. They’re also relatively heavy boots, even the uninsulated boots are heavy (1290g or 2.84 lbs per boot). These aren’t the boots for me because of their weight and stiffness but I can see why people with larger legs might find them comfortable.
LaCrosseFootwear.com – 220$
Xtratuf Altitude Legacy Boot
Xtratuf is known for its boat shoes and boots. Recently, they’ve jumped into boots that are designed for land terrain. Their Altitude Legacy is their first boot model with this purpose in mind. They are a lot like the Grange boots but have better traction and are better suited for hunters with larger legs/calves. Just be aware that these boots are only 15 inches tall and are slightly heavier than the Grange. The rubber is nice and flexible adding to comfort. The rubber is thin and floppy though and not sure if it will be as durable as the Grange boots. The traction is also a little tall which can make stabilization when side-hilling a little trickier.
Xtratuf.com – 170$
Lacrosse Burly Air Grip Foam Insulated
Another excellent rubber hunting boot is the Lacrosse Burly boot with Air Grips. These boots are foam-insulated and provide a little more warmth at the cost of weight than the Grange boots. These boots weigh in at 1197g or 2.64 lbs per boot. I bought these boots to replace the Grange and Field Welly’s once temperatures start to dip to the point where those boots aren’t warm enough to use.
They also make great winter hunting boots because the air grips offer good snow traction. These boots have many similar characteristics to the Grange boots such as durability, tight ankle fit, 18 inches tall, low profile, and you can still feel the environment underfoot with the air grips quite well.
LaCrosseFootwear.com – 120$
Baffin Titan Rubber Pac Boots For The Coldest Weather
These Baffin Titan rubber boots are comfort-rated to -148ºF (-100ºC). They’re one of the warmest insulated hunting boots out there. They are perfect for hardcore hunters who hunt stationary for long periods (like in a treestand) in the cold winter weather months. Also, they are waterproof, breathable, scent-free, and have removable liners for extra insulation and warmth. Since they’re waterproof you can be sure your feet stay dry, which is essential for hunting in cold weather. Make sure to size up when you buy these. I am a size 11 and I had to buy size 14 boots for them to fit somewhat well.
They are big, heavy, and clumsy. They weigh in at 1873g or 4.13 lbs per boot making them the heaviest boot in this review, which makes sense because they are ultra insulated. These boots aren’t for walking around very far, they are for walking to your treestand and sitting in cold weather.
Baffin.com – 170$
Best Neoprene Rubber Hunting Boots
Neoprene just does not last as long as a full rubber boot if you walk in the thick brushy country and through thorn bushes. Neoprene rubber boots are great if you can avoid these areas. They are often lightweight and comfortable if you buy a well-made pair. Here are a few of the best neoprene rubber boots:
Bogs Arcata Boots
Bogs Arcata rubber boots are the most comfortable rubber boots I have ever worn, they feel like socks. Their neoprene and 15-inch design makes them lightweight and have excellent traction for such a low-profile rubber boot. Because they are low-profile you don’t feel like you’re going to roll your ankle. They’re lined with 5mm of neoprene which makes them great for colder weather, they’re comfort rated down to -40ºF. This means you should be able to wear these while walking down to that temp. That said, I don’t know how much I trust this number they feel too thin at the rubber for that rating. Based on my experience they would be fine walking down to temps closer to 0º to -10º.
BogsFootwear.com – 160$
Muck Boot Fieldblazer
Muck Boots are decent rubber boots and aren’t that expensive. If you prefer neoprene, these Fieldblazers are a pretty good choice although I prefer the Bog Arcata boots over them. The rubber on the Fieldblazers is stiff and thick, making it uncomfortable and not the easiest to feel the environment underfoot. Their traction is also not as good as the Arcata’s and is only slightly better than the LaCrosse Grange boots.
MuckBootCompany.com – 145$
Rubber Boots Spec Spreadsheet
Tips When Buying Rubber Hunting Boots
Are Cheap Rubber Boots Worth The Money?
I have never seen a pair of rubber boots under 100$ last long. They are usually quick to crack because to keep costs low the rubber is mixed with higher clay content. Since they are made with a higher clay content they are also less flexible, making them less comfortable, and making you more prone to blistering.
If you’re going to buy a cheap pair of rubber boots I would only expect them to last 1 year, and they won’t be as comfortable as the more expensive brands.Â
Tread Height and Rolling Ankles
It’s like comparing a Lamborghini vs a lifted truck. Which do you think is more susceptible to rolling? The Lamborghini is less likely to roll because it has a lower center of gravity. The same can be said for rubber boots, the lower your footbed is, the more stable your ankles will be.
If you buy rubber boots with tall treads/base you’re going to roll your ankles a lot more. A lower-profile rubber boot is a great way to go, especially for walking. This is why the Lacrosse Granges are excellent boots for walking.
If you’re not going to be walking as much a taller tread, although it may cause ankle rolling, likely will provide more insulation from the ground and you will likely have better traction because the tread can be deeper.
Keep Your Heel in the Heel Pocket to Avoid Blisters
If the rubber of a boot is flexible at the flex point just behind the toes, then it helps to keep your heel down in the heel pocket. If you have a stiff rubber boot it doesn’t flex easily at the flex point just behind the toes, when you roll your foot forward when walking, the stiff rubber at the flex point will spring the heel up and out of the heel pocket.
For this reason, I find the most comfortable rubber boots the boots that have softer more malleable rubber. This helps reduce heel blisters.
Snug Lightweight Boots to Avoid Blisters
Lightweight boots are also important for reducing heel blisters. If you have a bottom very bottom-heavy boot it’s going to pull the boot off your foot every time you roll your foot forward, especially if it’s not a snug fit. With a lightweight rubber boot, there is less weight to pull your heel out of the heel pocket, and with a snug fit, your heels will remain blister-free.
What Does Boot Comfort Rating Mean?
A comfort rating for boots will tell you the effective temperature that a pair of boots are designed to keep you comfortable with light usage.
This is important to know because there is a big difference between being stationary in a treestand and light usage.
For this reason, you will want a pair of hunting boots that are comfort rated much warmer than the temperatures you plan to hunt to ensure your feet stay warm in cold weather.
Repurpose Old Rubber Boots Into Rubber Slippers
When it is time to replace my boots sometimes I will repurpose them by making rubber slippers out of them. They’re great for keeping your feet dry on wet or snowy days.
