8 Lightweight Hunting Boots You Should Consider In 2023

Are you looking for the best lightweight hunting boots?

You have come to the right place!

There is nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a pair of boots only to find that they give you blisters, or they are not waterproof, or they fall apart after a year of heavy use.

Our staff of expert hunters have spent countless hours hunting in these lightweight boots so that they could provide you with REAL REVIEWS for each of the boots below, so that you can make an educated decision about which boots are right for you.

List of Lightweight Hunting Boots We Use

These are the lightweight boots that our staff uses on a regular basis. These are only the lightweight boots. Visit our best hunting boots page to see our top picks for all hunting boots.

Editor's Choice

Cabela's Treadfast GORE-TEX Insulated Hunting Boots

Cabela's Treadfast GORE-TEX Insulated Hunting Boots for Men are designed for the modern hunter. These boots have all the bells and whistles. 

Treadfast boots are lightweight but are durable and rugged. The 600-denier textile uppers feature a support cage molded of thermoplastic, providing the highest abrasion protection. 

The GORE-TEX lining is moisture-wicking and waterproof, with breathable membranes incorporating open-cell foam. This adds up to waterproof with excellent breathability. 

3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation inserts 800-gram insulation into the toebox, 400-gram throughout the sole, and 200-gram in the heel for the lightest weight possible and ideal thermic comfort. 

Ultralight TC3 OrthoLite memory-foam insoles provide three layers of supreme cushioning, making those long treks in the field or mountains enjoyable.  All-weather and all-terrain footing are possible with the inspiration of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire tread. This Treadfast's proprietary tread design performs in harsh terrain and inclement weather.

Pros:

• Rugged yet lightweight, 600-denier textile uppers
• Available in wide width
• Ultralight TC3 OrthoLite memory-foam insoles
• All-terrain outsoles - inspired by BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire tread

Cons:

• Narrow 
• Hard to break-in

Cabela is a name hunters trust because of its dedication to outdoor sports. The Treadfast Hunting Boot was designed with you in mind. It is an attempt to check all the boxes with the latest footwear technology, and they succeeded, in our opinion. These boots are all-terrain and all-weather. Summer or the dead of winter, these boots have got you covered.

Best Lightweight Upland Hunting Boots

Thorogood 1957 Series Flyway Waterproof Upland Hunting Boots 

For Thorogood Boots, hunting isn't just a pastime. It is a lifestyle and what they were made to do. They have committed themselves to that lifestyle for sixty years, and it has remained their focus. 

Good hunters have instincts, and they have listened to theirs. They've never stopped living for the chase and perfecting their skill in order to bring you the most advanced and top performing hunting boots. 

We used these upland boots for pheasant hunts in South Dakota and Montana. The lightweight and durable construction really impressed us, as did the breathable, waterproof membranes.

Created with 100% full-grain, Briar Pitstop leather, this 8" high hunting boot from Thorogood will keep you in style and comfort. This 1957 Series lace up boot is waterproof thanks to a breathable X-Stream waterproof membrane. 

Add the removable cushioned Ultimate Shock Absorption™ footbeds, shock-absorbing rubber midsoles, lightweight composite shanks and Goodyear welt construction, and you have this top performer from Thorogood. With premium stability and durability, you can’t go wrong.

Pros:

• Full-grain, Briar Pitstop leather
• Ultimate Shock Absorption™ footbeds
• X-Stream waterproof membrane
• Goodyear welt construction
• MAXWear 90° slip-resistant outsole
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Run small and narrow

Thorogood 1957 Series Flyway Hunting Boots are the best lightweight upland hunting boots. They are constructed of 100% leather. Comfort and protection come standard in this pair of boots. These boots will keep you warm, dry, and in style.

Best Lightweight Waterproof Hunting Boots

Zamberlan 960 Guide GORE-TEX RR Hunting Boots 

These Italian made Zamberlan guide boots are some of the highest quality lightweight hunting boots that you will find at any price.

We used these boots on an elk hunting trip out west and then on a combination mule deer and antelope hunt.

During both of these hunts we covered over 10 miles per day of varied terrain and these boots performed flawlessly.

The only reason that they did not get our editor'e choice for the best lightweight hunting boots is because of their price.

They are expensive, but well worth it if you can afford them.

Zamberlan 960 Guide GORE-TEX Hunting Boots protect you through harsh terrain and changing weather. These boots are built to assist hunters in managing the unforeseen in comfort. 

Zamberlan combines rugged, durable Hydrobloc® Tuscan Nubuck leather uppers with a Stiff 4mm insoles to transfer the workload from your feet to the boot for all day comfort over long treks. These boots incorporate a Gore-Tex lining to keep your feet dry and allow moisture to escape. 

They have Vibram StarTrek tread that gives a multi-directional grip across many hunting planes and conditions. Hunters often find themselves trekking many different terrains such as rocks, moss, creek beds, and other slick surfaces.

Pros:

• Super Lightweight
• Gore Tex waterproof/breathable linings
• Eliminates hotspots and pinch points
• Multi-directional grip over multiple surfaces
• No break-in required

Cons:

• They are expensive

Zamberlan 960 Guide GORE-TEX Hunting Boots are the best lightweight hunting boot available. They require no break-in period and have an athletic fit. You can eliminate blisters and pinch with the correct fitting pair of Zamberlan boots.

RELATED: Best Lightweight Base Layers

Best Rugged Lightweight Hunting Boots

LaCrosse Men's Clear Shot 8" Waterproof Hunting Boot  

The Clear Shot waterproof boots are constructed of durable nubuck leather. They feature abrasion-resistant nylon upper and watertight lining with Dry-Core technology to make sure your feet are dry and shielded from the elements. Dry feet mean you can hunt longer without being 

The rubber Crosshair outsole provides stability and traction across a wide variety of terrains with multi-directional lugs. You will appreciate the grip. 

These boots sport the well-known Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern with larger limbs, leaves, bark, branches, and other natural elements that mimic real life. It masks your profile and blends you into the landscape in diverse forested settings.

Thinsulate Ultra Insulation is incorporated to safeguard from the elements. It is the warmest thin insulate available.

Pros:

• Multi-directional lugs for stability on uneven terrain
• True to size
• Comfortable
• 100% waterproof Dry-Core lining and Thinsulate Ultra Insulation for protection from the elements

Cons:

• Tread may wear rapidly

LaCrosse Men's Clear Shot 8" Waterproof Hunting Boots are the best rugged, lightweight hunting boots. These boots come in the popular Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern and include Thinsulate Ultra for warmth. Add comfort and 100% waterproof, and you have a great pair of boots.

Best Lightweight Elk Hunting Boots

Under Armour Valsetz Reaper Waterproof Hunting Boots for Men

Under Armour has entered the hunting boots market. These boots are the lightest in their class, weighing in at just 19 ounces each. Don’t let the weight fool you, though, because there are still loads of features.

Ultra Dry 100% waterproofing keeps your feet dry, and PrimaLoft insulation will keep them warm. Wet feet are miserable. 

One of the best features is the Rubber-RPM composite outsole. It is a rugged outsole that provides a superior grip and the feel of an athletic shoe. EnerG is a dual-density midsole with high-rebound EVA, which means support for each and every stride. A fusion of a polyurethane foam insole and an energy-returning midsole help keep fatigue at bay on those long days hunting or scouting.

Molded TPU toe caps protect your boots for durability and long-wear. Molded Contoura Support anti-odor footbed technology defends your feet from that awful stink at the end of the day. Micro G foam midsoles innovation helps reduce pressure on the top of your feet. This means no more blisters or sore spots.

Pros:

• Tough suede leather uppers with abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric panels
• Mossy Oak Country camouflage
• Molded Contoura Support anti-odor footbed
• Micro G foam midsoles 

Cons:

• Laces are too short
• snug-fit, so size up and go wide 

Under Armour Valsetz Reaper Waterproof Hunting Boots for Men are the best lightweight elk hunting boots. These are our go-to boots along with lightweight hunting pants when we are chasing elk up and down the mountain in september.

These boots have a feature those around you will appreciate. ScentBan technology kills odor causing bacteria. Ultra Dry 100% waterproofing keeps your feet dry, and PrimaLoft insulation will keep them warm.

Best Value Lightweight Hunting Boots

Rocky Wildcat Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boots 

Many reviewers applaud the throwback to the original Rocky Boot. These Rocky Wildcats are guaranteed to keep water out with proven Rocky Waterproof Construction. 

900D Cordura nylon may be light, but it is tough. Add a PVC outsole, and you have a boot that can withstand the long haul. You can be confident in those long hunts in the backcountry.  

The PVC outsole was designed to be resistant to oils, slippery terrain, heat, and abrasions. 800-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation makes sure your toes stay warm while chasing the big one. A cushioned footbed gives comfort for those long treks.

Pros:

• 400 grams of 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation
• Rocky Air-Port cushion footbed
• Durable, heavy duty polyurethane outsole
• Affordable

Cons:

• Must be broken in
• Not leather

Rocky Men's Wildcat Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boots are the best value lightweight hunting boots. These boots may look like a throwback, but their cutting-edge technology is a part of the future.  They are 100% waterproof, durable, and warm.

Best Lightweight Snake Proof Hunting Boot

Rocky Men's Lynx Waterproof Snake Hunting Boot  

Rocky Men’s Lynx Waterproof Snake Hunting Boot was developed to be snakeproof. When hunting or scouting in known snakey areas, protecting yourself from dangerous snake bites is imperative. 

CORDURA fabric is rugged enough to be able to endure rough conditions but also lightweight. These boots with rubber Lynx outsole are able to endure many diverse terrains while remaining comfortable. 

Rocky Lynx boots offer abrasion protection on both the toe box and heel. The Terra Suspension polyurethane footbed absorbs shock and provides comfort. With laces and a side zipper, these boots are easy to get on and off. These boots are perfect for swampy and dense terrain to stay dry and protected.

Pros:

• Lace-up hunting boot featuring D-ring hardware and cushioned footbed
• Reinforced toe and heel cap
• Snake proof

Cons:

•  We have had a zipper fail
• Requires break-in

Rocky Men's Lynx Waterproof Snake Hunting Boots are the best lightweight snake proof hunting boot. These are a must if you know you will be trekking through a known snake-infested area. This pair of boots provide protection from snakes and are 100% waterproof.

Best Lightweight Hunting Boots For The Money

Cungel Men's Camo Waterproof Hunting Boots

Cungel Men's Camo Waterproof hunting boot durable camo upper stands up to the harsh environments. The all-terrain outsole provides excellent grip and works well whether hiking or hunting in the jungle. 

They are lightweight and comfortable enough to walk extensively in all weather conditions. With a water-resistant upper, you will never have wet feet again in these boots. 

A removable, washable, and breathable insole helps eliminate stinky, sweaty feet. Because they are maneuverable, they ensure grip on slick moss-covered rocks, wet leaves, and icy banks with a deep lug rubber outsole. 

CUNGEL hunting boots have remained a customer favorite with customers all over the world. They are enhanced with a very realistic camouflage to minimize detection.

Pros:

• They're lightweight and maneuverable
• Removable/washable/breathable cushioned insole
• Comfortable
• Waterproof 
• Affordable

Cons:

• Inconsistent sizing

Cungel Men's Camo Waterproof Hunting Boots are the best lightweight hunting boots for the money. One of our favorite features is the removable, washable, and breathable insole. These boots are a customer favorite, and check all the boxes.

Final Thoughts

The best lightweight hunting boots for you can only be chosen with consideration of your hunting style, terrain and weather conditions. The most important thing is to find a good fit that provides comfort and protection from the elements.

RELATED: What Is The Hunter's Most Important Item Of Clothing?

With proper care, cleaning and storage, your boots should last through years of heavy use. 

Your boots are one of the most important pieces of hunting gear. Take the time to choose the right pair for the kind of hunting that you do.

If you are having trouble breaking in a new pair of boots, you can try this trick. Soak them in hot water, put them on, and wear them until they are dry. This will help to form them to your feet for a quick breaking in period.