 Keeping Your Feet Dry While Hunting
Keeping your feet comfortable, dry and warm will make you a better hunter.
Really; I'm not joking.
If your feet get wet they get mighty uncomfortable. That can take away your hunting focus and make you want to pack it up and get back to the lodge. Even if you stay, you're less likely to be as alert and on the ball.
Did you know that leather boots that are untreated can soak up to a pound of water each? Just think of how heavy two extra pounds of water might feel after walking a few miles over rough terrain. Now factor in the extra abrasion on your feet from wet socks and leather and you might not be hunting for a few days.
Worse yet, if you're hunting in really cold conditions and your feet get wet, you could lose a few toes from frostbite.
A Good Pair of Leather Hunting Boots
When picking out hunting boots look for some extra features like Gore-Tex lining or membranes used for waterproofing and breathability. Some heavy duty hunting boots come with waterproof breathable boot liners that have a moisture wicking lining to keep feet dry. Boot liners are also sold seperately.
Another consideration is a padded collar and fully gusseted tongue that eliminates pinching and bunching on your legs. Also padded shock resistant insoles guard against shock, tired and jarred feet.
A few other important considerations are bulk and weight. There are some really great lightweight boots out on the market that are far more comfortable and functional than 5 pound boots.
Don't be afraid to try on several pair of boots. Try them on both feet; stand in them and walk around a bit. Lets face it; you'll be wearing those boots for at least 10 hours a day. In the end your feet will tell you if you've made a good choice. A quick tip: look for a better sporting goods store that has knowledgable hunting boot salesmen and ask questions. Take your time and shop around for hunting boots that will have all the features you are looking for.
So how does a hunter keep those feet warm and dry?
Warmth is important. Mountaineering socks come in all fabrics so the rule of thumb when choosing hunting socks is comfort and warmth. There are socks with pockets on the top of the toes where you can place a hothands or hotmax foot warmer, but how comfortable can those be and are your boots big enough?
Many hunters choose wool socks because they wick moisture better than other natural or synthetic fibers. Moisture wicking socks have the ability to draw sweat away from your feet and turning it into vapor which is let out through a breathable hunting boot. Having a breathable boot liner can also help in really cold conditions on longer trips.
Check the socks for thick seams under your toes or heel that can irritate your feet and really hurt after standing on them for hours. Finer sporting goods stores like Cabelas sell replacement footbeds that have removable insoles that absorb moisture and dry quickly.
Sealing Boots From Water
Make sure your boots are sealed with waterproofing so nothing sneaks in.
There are many products on the market to waterproof your boots such as:
- Beeswax - works to protect against rain, snow, sun and salt. Applied to the surface of the leather it stays on the surface like an invisible rain coat. Beeswax is a favorite because it does not sink down into the leather.
- Beeswax will not deteriorate like other products containing animal fat
- maintains flexibility in freezing weather and doesn't crack
- prevents water from penetrating leather
- really resists salt, stains and spots
- will not soften the leather, but preserves it
- allows leather to breathe
- Silicone - heavy duty water repellant
- used on leather boots that are impregnated with silicone already
- suitable for outerware, tents, sleeping bags, shoes and boots
- similar to factory waterproofing
- cures and becomes odorless within 72 hours
- can be used on wood too
- Polymers - heavy duty water repellant
- usally comes in spray form
- suitable for outerware, tents, sleeping bags, shoes and boots
- cures and becomes odorless within 72 hours
- some contain UV block and fungicide
Remember, warm, dry feet can make for a happier, longer, and more successful hunt!
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