Anybody who has hunted for very long knows full well that hunting has its ups and downs. Some of the very best times of my life have been spent in the field or blind, and I can vividly remember details of some hunting trips from more than a half century ago, like my very first bobwhite quail and one time in Nebraska when I shot a true triple on ringneck roosters during a near white-out blizzard.

On the other hand, some of the most miserable times of my life also came on hunting trips, and I vividly remember many of those details, too. I’m talking about times like sitting in a treestand with bow in hand when it was so cold that the snot froze in my nose and my eyelids were frozen shut, and another morning in a frigid duck blind when it was actually too cold for the ducks and I was pretty sure I wouldn’t make it out without frostbite.

My feet are particularly problematic when cold weather hits. In fact, I’m not the only hunter who has seen many hunts end prematurely because of my feet getting cold before the rest of me does. If you’ve never sat in a deer stand or a duck blind with feet frozen into what feels like solid blocks of ice, you’ve been better prepared than I have at times. Fortunately, modern manufacturing ensures that cold-weather boots available for hunting are better than they’ve ever been.

Let’s take a look at some top-quality cold-weather hunting boots you might want to consider stocking for your customers this fall. 

Merrell Thermo Chill 

Hunters whose exploits take them on long treks in cold weather have a peculiar compromise to make. They need a boot that is warm enough to keep their feet warm when they are standing or sitting, but that won’t make their feet so hot they sweat a lot when on the trail. The Merrell Thermo Chill is a good example of a boot that does just that. And while it might look more like a hiking boot — in fact, it is a good one — it’s well suited for long treks in elk country or in pursuit of upland game birds.

This boot features a waterproof membrane for all-over defense from snow and low-bulk insulation for all-around warmth in cold temperatures. The fleece lining ensures comfort even on long hauls, and protective, abrasion-resistant rubber toe caps protect both your boots and your feet. The Merrell’s 200 grams of synthetic lightweight, low-bulk insulation provides both warmth and comfort, and the boot also features a Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured footbed for flexible support. A molded nylon arch shank aids stability, and an air cushion in the heel helps absorb shock and adds even more stability, as does a light EVA foam midsole.

The boot also features metal hooks and lace closures and waterproof, polyurethane-coated leather/mesh uppers. The Merrell sticky rubber outsole with durable traction grips the terrain when and where you need it. With lug depth of 5mm, these boots weigh only 1 pound, 4 ounces each.

Not only are these boots comfortable and functional, but they’re also quite easy on the eyes. And with an MSRP of around $120, the Thermo Chill is a good, light boot that is well within the price range of most of your customers. 

Danner Pronghorn 8" Realtree Edge 1200G 

Danner has been manufacturing the Pronghorn boot for nearly two decades, and each new iteration seems to be better than the last. This fifth generation is the culmination of many years of Pronghorn history and today’s cutting-edge footwear technology. 

Built on Danner’s TERRA FORCE® NEXT™ platform, the Pronghorn delivers the all-day comfort and stability that make the day’s haul easier on your feet. Full-grain leather forms the upper around the company’s proven 851 last. To cope with unpredictable weather in the field, they built the Pronghorn with a GORE-TEX waterproof liner that ensures no water gets in, while allowing sweat and moisture to escape. And for those headed out hunting in extremely cold climates, this Pronghorn features 1200G PrimaLoft insulation.

Danner’s Vibram SPE Midsole maintains the same cushioning properties as traditional EVA, but is more durable and won’t break down as easily. The technology also enhances rebound, comfort and support, along with bringing durability without added weight.

The Pronghorn’s fifth-generation outsole is quite rugged and responds well in diverse terrain. Not only does it provide better grip than past iterations, but it also fits seamlessly into the boot’s streamlined, lower-profile design. Additionally, the company’s TERRA FORCE NEXT platform combines an internal and external shank system that helps to provide arch support and torsion control. 

Finally, the Pronghorn’s 851 last is an update of Danner’s popular 850 last. It fits true to size with an athletic and supportive fit while providing ample room in the toe. Additionally, the specialized heel shape locks the heel in place for better fit and comfort at the back end of the foot.

For such a feature-packed boot, the Pronghorn carries a price tag that might surprise your customers. It starts at about $300.

LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 

For those customers who are going to be hunting in the mud and the gunk, a good pair of rubber boots is likely to meet their needs. And the LaCrosse Alpha Burly is a quality rubber boot that is still at a price point that many of your customers can live with.

Combining high-quality, scent-free rubber with naturally insulating neoprene, the Alphaburly Pro features a thick cushioning EVA midsole for added comfort. Additionally, an embossed liner allows for better air circulation, while an adjustable gusset gives a perfect fit.

The boot’s unique tread pattern gives the wearer the traction needed to move through demanding terrain, while the chamfered edges shed mud and muck. And the Alphaburly Pro’s full rubber-over-neoprene construction combines comfort with much-needed scent control for those in pursuit of deer, elk and other big game. With a comfortable, secure fit to keep your foot in place while on the move, these boots also go on and come off with ease. 

The boot is available with 18-inch uppers in several different camouflage patterns and insulation levels, including uninsulated, 400, 1000 and 1600G in Realtree Edge, uninsulated, 800 and 1600G in Optifade Elevated II camo, uninsulated and 1600G in Optifade Marsh, 800G in Optifade Timber, 800G in Realtree Max-5, forest green and several other combinations.

The Alphaburly Pros carry a price tag of about $230 — a very reasonable price for a top-quality rubber hunting boot that’ll last your customers many years.