Top 5 Best Turkey Hunting Boots for 2025: Durable & Waterproof Picks
Luke Cuenco 03.27.25
No one likes getting their feet wet, especially when the main focus of the day is to be spent on filling your turkey tag. Whether you’ve been bagging toms for years or this is going to be the first year you try your hand at turkey hunting, having a good pair of comfortable, durable, and environmentally appropriate boots is going to be one of the most important pieces of gear you put on. Today, we’ll go over some of my top picks for turkey hunting boots in 2025 so that you can keep your focus on where it should be – on the birds!
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Top 5 Best Turkey Hunting Boots for 2025
Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD
- Link: Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD
- MSRP: $269.99
Very similar in build and function to the boots pictured, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD is a burly 10-inch leather boot built to take a beating. It’s got the UltraDry Waterproofing System to fend off puddles and dew you’ll run into in the early mornings, plus 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation to keep your toes from complaining on chilly or sometimes almost-freezing spring mornings. The Vibram Bulls-Eye Air Bob outsole with its sticky Megagrip compound grabs onto slick rocks and muddy slopes like a champ as well as metal ramps for ATVs and truck bumpers. A feature that I really like about these and other Irish Setter boots is the CuShin tongue and stretchy collar to save your shins from grief from walking through thick grass or crouching for extended periods of time. Made with Trout Brook leather from Red Wing, Minnesota, the Elk Tracker XD’s have that old-school vibe with some modern tricks that make them my absolute all-season hunting boots.
My Opinion
I’ve got a soft spot for the Elk Tracker XD as they’re virtually 100% identical to my current pair of Irish Setters—they’re extremely tough, but due to the weight-saving design, it doesn’t feel like you’re dragging cinder blocks around. That 400-gram insulation hits a sweet spot for spring; warm enough for dawn patrols but not so much you’re sweating by noon, and this even can extend into the summer months. The scent control’s a nice touch for sneaking up on sharp-nosed birds, but that’s a feature that’s more geared towards four-legged animal hunters. My only gripe? At 10 inches, it might feel a little overbuilt if you’re hunting late season in shorts weather, and the need for laces is also a major downside when things get wet, soggy, and muddy.
5.11 Tactical A/T™ Elite GORE-TEX 8″ Boot
- Link: 5.11 Tactical A/T™ Elite GORE-TEX 8″ Boot
- MSRP: $235.00
The 5.11 Tactical A/T Elite is a lean, mean 8-inch boot that’s all about keeping you moving. It’s got a full-grain leather and mesh upper—light but sturdy—with 3D TPU welds for extra grit. The GORE-TEX lining keeps water out while letting your feet breathe, and the 5.11 x Vibram outsole is slip- and oil-resistant per ASTM standards. A dual-density PU midsole bounces back with every step, and the A.T.L.A.S. Elite insole’s got a support plate to keep you stable. Locking eyelets let you dial in the fit, and with 45% recycled mesh, it’s got a green streak without skimping on performance.
My Opinion
This might seem like a bit of an odd pick for turkey hunting, but I think this boot’s lightweight design and GORE-TEX breathability make it ideal for turkey hunters who cover a lot of ground in damp conditions. Once again this one features laces so you’ll have a nice proper fit all day, but if you plan on doing any mucking around, then be prepared to hose off those laces real good. The 8-inch height strikes a nice balance—supportive without being bulky—but it lacks insulation, so it’s best for mild, drier spring days. I’d recommend it for run-and-gun turkey hunters who prioritize agility and better freedom of movement over cold-weather protection.
Sitka VentLite GTX Boot
- Link: Sitka VentLite GTX Boot
- MSRP: $399.00
The Sitka VentLite GTX is a knee-high boot that looks like a pair of mud boots, but conceals a super breathable, waterproof design instead. It’s got a GORE-TEX laminate upper—fully waterproof and breathable—paired with 1600 grams of PrimaLoft insulation to handle whatever the weather throws at you. At just 2.1 pounds per boot, it’s crazy light for its size. The Vibram Litebase MEGAGRIP outsole, tuned for Sitka, digs into mud and slush, while a polyurethane exoskeleton adds toughness. A TPU heel kick makes shedding them easy, and the snug collar keeps your calves happy. Comes in Optifade Cover, Earth, or Olive Green to blend into turkey country.
My Opinion
Although they seem quite large and bulky you’d be surprised just how light these waterproof boots are. The GORE-TEX upper makes the boots a dream for slogging through thick spring muck. Once again, the insulation included is a bit much for late spring, but if you’re out in the early season or dodging rain, it’s a great feature to have. The biggest complaint here is that they’re nearly $400. Yeah, $399 stings the wallet hard for an already expensive hunt, but for hardcore hunters who live for wet turkey season, I’d say they’re worth every penny when it comes to keeping your feed warm and dry.
LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18”
- Link: LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18”
- MSRP: $240.00
The LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18” is a rubber titan for when things get wet and wild. At 18 inches tall, this non-insulated boot has got your legs covered, built with hand-laid rubber over 3.5mm neoprene for flex and waterproofing. Featuring an EVA footbed for cushion and an embossed liner to keep air moving. The adjustable rear gusset locks it in place, and the Active Fit shank and heel keep you steady. The outsole’s lugs chew through mud like it’s nothing—Eastern and Southern hunters swear by it.
My Opinion
These are perfect for marshy or particularly warm and wet hunts – with how tall they are, they might even be great as fishing boots. But as durable as the boots are, they aren’t the lightest pair on the list. They’re comfortable but heavy, fairly affordable but not as feature-rich as other pairs, and they’re also the tallest pair of boots on this list. I’d pick these only if staying dry trumps all, though long hauls might leave your legs begging for mercy due to the loose-fitting design and nice, durable outsole.
Danner Vital Snake Boot
- Link: Danner Vital Snake Boot
- MSRP: $229.95
The Danner Vital Snake Boot is a 17-inch leather lifeline for hunters in rattler territory. It’s got a full-grain leather and textile upper with a 360-degree snake-proof guard, backed by a GORE-TEX liner for waterproofing and breathability. The Vibram 1198 outsole grips tight, and the open-cell polyurethane footbed soaks up the miles. It’s 8 inches of usable height below the snake guard, weighing 4.2 pounds per pair—lighter than most rubber boots. The brown finish fits anywhere, and it’s built to last. They’re available in either a side-zip variant or a slip-on version depending on your preference. 
My Opinion
I’m all about this boot if snakes are on the menu— especially rattlesnakes or coral snakes which are rare but not impossible sights during Turkey hunting season. The Danner Snake Boot has it all in the name – it’s got that peace-of-mind protection without feeling like a clunky old snake boot. Lighter and comfier than the competition, they’re not insulated, so they are best suited for warmer hunts. For me, it’s a slam dunk in the South where turkeys and rattlers share the woods and spring and summer can go from wet to hot and humid in a flash.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect turkey hunting boots boils down to your hunting style and the terrain you’ll be tackling. Some boots are built tough for all-around durability, others prioritize lightweight speed, while certain options excel in wet conditions or rugged landscapes. Each has its strengths—pair them with your specific needs and environment, and you’ll be ready for a successful 2025 season.
