The Best in Footwear Tested by our Editors for 2017

Lowa Hunter GTX Extreme
www.lowaboots.com
We’ve put a lot of miles on these high-end hunting boots over the last 5 years. They are no longer in production, but we wanted to tip our cap to Lowa for making an excellent waterproof boot well-suited for tackling steep slopes with heavy packs. They provide excellent ankle support and aren’t prone to heel-slip. The stiff soles are great on rocky, mountainous terrain. We are looking forward to trying out the Hunter GTX Evo Extreme in 2017.

Xtratuf Legacy 12-inch Camo Lined Boot
www.xtratufboots.com
The Iconic Legacy boot, one of our favorite all-time boots, is now available with a camouflage lining for the hunting enthusiast. The boots give you excellent protection from the elements and are slip-resistant, thanks to their non-marking sole. Every serious hunter and angler needs a pair of Xtratufs.

Muck Boots Women’s Pursuit Stealth Hunting Boots
www.muckboots.com
Our tester said these boots are warm and comfortable and offer exceptional traction thanks to the aggressive outsole. They are 100% waterproof; the 12-inch-high boot offers ample protection allowing testers to hike through wet terrain and remain dry. The boot lining combines neoprene and fleece and our tester said they kept her feet very warm, even when sitting still while glassing. The camouflage pattern is Realtree APG.

Kenetrek Women’s Bridger Ridge High
www.kenetrek.com
These super-lightweight boots are a good choice for an upland bird hunt, for chasing snowshoe hare or for ascents through moderate terrain in search of big game—like hunters experience in Kodiak Island when targeting blacktail deer. They weigh about a pound per boot but still offer exceptional ankle and foot support, as reported by our female tester. The boots are waterproof, breathable and comfortable, and they are available in whole- and half sizes from 6 to 10.

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000
www.kenetrek.com
These boots offer all the support you need to tackle the most challenging hunting conditions on the planet. They are stable with a firm midsole and high-traction K-talon outsole. The 1,000 grams of Thinsulate insulation keeps your feet warm at all times, and the boots are waterproof and breathable. We’ve been up and down lots of steep terrain in these boots wearing heavy packs and the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000 boots are as good as it gets.

Sigvaris Merino Outdoor Sock
www.sigvaris.com
These merino wool compression socks bring top-level athletic performance to the outdoors market, offering increased circulation and improved blood flow, more oxygen to muscle tissue and less lactic acid buildup in the legs to Alaska anglers, hunters and hikers. The socks are also itch-free, soft and comfortable, with a cushioned, padded sole. We think they feel great and made our legs recover faster in the field.

Kenetrek Canada Socks
www.kenetrek.com
Our tester loved this medium-weight sock, especially appreciating the reinforced ball of heel, toe and shin pads. Constructed with the perfect blend of fine merino wool fibers and synthetics for additional durability, these socks also wick moisture well.