Which hunting boot is right for me?

A good day of hunting can mean many hours on your feet. Across dry ridges, through wet marshes and up steep hillsides. That’s why your hunting boots should match both the terrain and the way you hunt.

Erik Avtjern has worked with us for more than 14 years and is our hunting expert. He knows our hunting boots inside out and understands what different conditions demand from them. For him, choosing the right boot always starts in the same place, with your feet.

“The most important thing is that the boot fits your foot. It can have every feature you need, but if it doesn’t fit properly, it’s still the wrong boot for you. So be a little critical of what you hear and read, because footwear is individual, and you need to try it on,” he explains.

If you cover long distances and want good contact with the ground, a lighter and more flexible boot may be the right choice. In rough terrain, with a heavy pack or through wet, boggy ground, more stability and a higher shaft can be an advantage.

The material also makes a difference. Textile keeps the weight down and feels lighter on the foot, while leather is a good choice when your hunt takes you through a lot of wet terrain.

Our hunting boots with GORE-TEX® have a waterproof and breathable membrane that keeps water out while allowing moisture from your feet to escape. The outer material still affects how the boot performs and feels in wet conditions.

So, which boot is right for your hunt?

For those who cover a lot of ground

When hunting forest birds or spending long days in the mountains in search of grouse, the kilometres quickly add up. In these conditions, low weight, flexibility and good ground feel can be more important than maximum support.

Rapp GTX

Light on your feet, made for long distances

This is our lightest technical hunting boot with a membrane, designed for those who cover long distances and want a more flexible feel with close contact to the ground. The low weight makes it well suited for long days of bird hunting, especially with a light to moderate pack.

We would choose Rapp GTX for active hunting in milder conditions and varied terrain. If you know the day will involve a lot of bogs and consistently wet ground, we would go for one of our leather models instead.

Best suited for: Bird hunting, long distances and active hunting with a light to moderate pack.

Buy Rapp GTX

Spore GTX

The best of both worlds

Spore GTX combines a light, flexible feel with the stability you need when the terrain gets more demanding. The upper in durable, water-repellent Perwanger® leather makes it a versatile hunting boot for changing conditions.

The flexible construction and midsole provide good ground feel when covering long distances or when you need to move quietly and with control. This makes Spore GTX a strong choice for active days of bird hunting as well as big game hunting, as long as your pack is not too heavy.

Best suited for: Most types of hunting, long days in varied terrain and light to moderate loads.

Buy Spore GTX

“If I had to highlight one all-rounder, Spore GTX would be a natural choice. You get the flexibility and ground feel you want when covering long distances, combined with leather and enough stability for most types of hunting,” says Erik.

When you need more support

Heavier loads, steep slopes, rocky terrain and wet bogs place different demands on your boots. This is where more robust leather boots come into their own, with added support and constructions built for demanding use.

Bever Perform GTX

Stable and versatile throughout the hunting season

A solid choice if you want a stable leather boot that can handle most conditions throughout the hunting season.

The full-grain leather upper and high shaft provide support in varied and uneven terrain, while the midsole adds stability on long days of hunting. Bever Perform GTX is well suited for wet bogs, forests and rough terrain, even when your pack starts to get heavier. It is available in several fits, making it easier to find a boot that works well for your foot.

Best suited for: Big game hunting, bogs, rough terrain, long days and heavier loads. Suitable for year-round use.

Buy Bever Perform GTX

Bever Extreme GTX

More comfort when conditions demand more

This boot builds on many of the qualities we value in Bever Perform GTX, with materials and details for hunters who demand even more from their boots.

The boot is made with full-grain Heinen leather, added comfort around the ankle and a stable construction for demanding terrain and heavier loads. Double locking hooks let you adjust the tension separately across the forefoot and around the ankle and shaft. Several components can also be repaired when worn.

Bever Extreme GTX is built for the entire hunting season, from wet autumn days to colder conditions and demanding winter terrain.

Best suited for: Big game hunting, heavy loads, wet bogs, rocky terrain and demanding conditions throughout the season.

Buy Bever Extreme GTX

Jerv GTX

When you need extra height and support

Jerv GTX is built for demanding terrain and intensive use, with the highest shaft of all our hunting boots. It provides extra support and protection when moving through deep bogs, wet vegetation and streams.

The stable midsole provides support when carrying heavier loads, while the high shaft also adds a little extra insulation.

Best suited for: Deep bogs, rough terrain, big game hunting, heavy loads and demanding conditions throughout the season.

Buy Jerv GTX

M/77 and Pilot M/77 are also part of our hunting range and are used by many hunters looking for a simple, durable and roomy leather boot. M/77 is also used by the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Both have a wide fit, plenty of room and are made without a membrane. This makes them lighter and quicker to dry, but also less suited to the wettest days. The main difference between the two models is the lacing, with Pilot M/77 featuring a solution that can be tucked away under the top edge of the boot.

Both can be used throughout the year, depending on the conditions and how you layer with socks and insulation.

Buy M/77 Buy Pilot M/77

Still not sure which boot to choose?

Start with the fit, then think about where and how you hunt.

Light and long distances: Rapp GTX or Spore GTX
All-round use and changing conditions: Spore GTX
Bogs, rough terrain and heavier loads: Bever Perform GTX or Bever Extreme GTX
Extra-high shaft and more support: Jerv GTX
Forests, drier terrain and quick drying: M/77 or Pilot M/77

An extra tip for slower hunting days

Erik also recommends bringing an overboot when your hunting day involves long periods of sitting still.

“If you’re sitting at a stand for a long time, an overboot is great to have in your pack when the temperature drops. Just pull it over the hunting boots you’re already wearing. When it’s time to move on, roll it up and secure it under the top lid of your pack.

By choosing footwear you can rely on in all conditions, you can focus less on your feet and more on what really matters, the hunt itself,” he concludes.