Rating of the best winter boots for hunting in 2021

Types of shoes for fishing

Boots

• Wading . Made of dense rubber, they protect well from moisture. However, they have one significant drawback - feet in boots quickly sweat. Waders are not suitable for long-term wear. At every opportunity, they should be removed to give your feet a rest.
• Neoprene . Suitable for fishing in running cold water. The boots are high, do not allow water to pass through, retain heat inside, are comfortable to wear, put on and take off just as easily, without lacing or fasteners. However, there are also disadvantages here: feet quickly sweat in them, boots are prone to cuts and quickly deteriorate, and repairs are expensive.
• Grotesque boots . They are made from breathable material, mainly leather. The outer and inner layers create a favorable microclimate for the feet. The membrane easily allows steam and moisture to pass through, making it great for summer. However, if the boots get very wet, the membrane will no longer perform its tasks.
• Polyurethane foam . Lightweight and waterproof, they are absolutely not afraid of water, since they are monolithic and have no seams. Compared to other boots, this type is very light, so it does not put pressure on your feet.

Pants or waders

This type of shoe allows the fisherman to climb deeper into the river. Waders are most convenient for wading, fly fishing or light spinning. In summer it is better to wear boots made of Gore-tex material. They perfectly repel water and allow your feet to breathe.

In cooler periods, you should choose neoprene waders. This material retains moisture, which is heated by the human body and creates a kind of temperature layer.

Swampers

Bolotniki are made of rubber and are universal shoes. Most often they are used for catching fish from a boat.

Boots

The sole of the boots is made of elastic tread material to prevent slipping. They are made from durable nylon and synthetic material that can retain heat. Can be used at temperatures down to -20 degrees.

Galoshes

Low shoes are only suitable for shore fishing. It is made of thin rubber and is sometimes sold complete with insulated felt boots. The disadvantage of galoshes is their shape, due to which water can easily get inside, so they are often purchased due to their low cost.

Sandals

Typically made from ultra-lightweight porous material. The molded sole and ergonomic instep prevent foot injury and reduce foot fatigue after a day of walking in sandals. Usually the weight of one sandal does not exceed 250 g.

How to choose shoes based on your fishing location

It is important to purchase fishing shoes based on the fishing area.

When fishing only on the shore, light, waterproof boots are suitable. The tops may not be high, but the soles must have treads. They will protect the fisherman from slipping. This is very important, because on the shore there is often damp and even wet ground, on which it is easy to fall.

For fishing in the wade, swamp boots, boots or waders are suitable.

In hot weather, it is recommended to choose tarpaulin boots for fishing in wades. They are light, tall and your feet don't sweat in them.

When you need to walk a lot through forests or other rough terrain, you should pay attention to shoes with dense, but at the same time elastic soles. It should be taken into account that the lighter the shoes, the less tired the fisherman will be.

In any case, fishing boots must meet the following requirements:

• comfort and convenience;
• lightness and wear resistance;
• good waterproofing;
• reliable fixation on the leg;
• Durable outsole that prevents slipping on wet ground.

Choice depending on the time of year

The most suitable shoes for winter fishing

In mild frosts, woolen felt boots and galoshes are suitable for staying near water for many hours. Such shoes retain heat well and are not blown out. However, they have disadvantages: if the felt boots get wet, they will take a long time to dry and your feet will freeze.

Excellent shoes for winter are high boots made of a combination of natural and synthetic materials. Natural material (it is most often used as a lining) will ensure heat retention and maintain optimal temperature. And synthetics allow you to create the ideal anatomical shape of the insole, which will ensure comfortable wearing. The top layer should consist of several materials: rubber, aluminum foil, synthetic fiber, wool and a special thermal layer.

Under shoes or boots, it is recommended to wear socks that contain cotton and synthetics. Moreover, the share of synthetics should be greater than cotton. The material will ensure good evaporation of moisture. Pure cotton traps sweat, which can cause your feet to quickly become wet and cold.

Shoes for spring and summer fishing

These seasons are characterized by high air humidity, so your feet can get chilly and cool even without direct contact with water.

If fishing involves constant movement, then in dry weather low boots are worn. It is advisable that they have a membrane layer - it will allow the feet to breathe and excess moisture to evaporate.

When fishing on a boat, you should take high boots that do not allow water to pass through (made of rubber or polypropylene). Waders, which are recommended to be insulated with an additional insole, are also suitable.

Finally, a few more tips

1. Buy shoes only on online sites and in stores that specialize in selling shoes specifically for fishing. Do not make purchases at a hypermarket or sports chain store.
2. Remember, recently purchased brand new shoes are not suitable for fishing. Special shoes for fishing are made in such a way that they must first get used to the foot of their owner. The first time of its use is accompanied by rubbing of the feet. New shoes are first worn in for several days with a damp sock, so that it is comfortable not only to walk, but also to squat, run and crawl.
3. Boots must fit the size of your feet , because excessively tight or loose shoes disrupt the normal functioning of the foot and lead to rubbing of the feet, the formation of calluses, and diaper rash. Buy shoes a size larger so that you can use an extra insole or thick socks if necessary.
4. We usually try on shoes on the right foot. But it is better to try on fishing shoes on the left foot, because due to anatomical features, a person’s left foot is slightly larger than the right. And if the right shoe fits tightly, then the left one may not fit.

We hope that our information and tips will help you navigate when choosing summer shoes for fishing.