Virtually every sport has a specific footwear solution to go with it, and for obvious reasons: cleats to dig into turf; court shoes to enhance quick, lateral movements; running shoes to protect against the damage from pounding from miles of pavement; even bowling shoes to provide the right amount of slide. Sometimes we simply opt for normal sneakers when there isn’t any particular need other than a comfortable shoe for general moving around.
Hunting really isn’t any different, as the quest for game calls for footwear suited to a variety of conditions. This includes knowing the terrain, understanding the possibilities for weather, and preparing as much as possible for the myriad other circumstances hunters face in the field, forest, prairie or plain. Some hunting footwear may be able to function in multiple roles or environments, but mostly the type of hunting lends itself to a specific type of hunting footwear solution.
Remind your customers they can plan all they want for an upcoming hunt, but if their footwear isn’t suited to the task — the wrong type or low quality — the experience may prove to be an exercise in misery. Hurting feet, cold feet, wet feet, unsupported or unprotected ankles — any one of these is enough to make literally every step of a hunt a reason for regret.
And with so many innovative footwear solutions available today, the days of buying a general hunting footwear solution are probably waning, even if there are good general hunting shoes and boots still available. The problem is, many customers just aren’t aware of what’s available. And it’s your job to learn about their actual needs, helping them consider not only the many factors their feet may face on an upcoming hunt but also how to be properly equipped to handle them. Moreover, it’s your job to do this helpfully and winsomely, letting them be in control of the shopping experience while carefully guiding them to an appropriate footwear solution.
Here’s the key: You may know within 10 seconds of interacting with a customer exactly what hunting footwear he or she needs. What you need to do is take the right amount of time to have them learn and discover — for themselves — how to think through a purchase like this. The goal is not merely for a customer to leave the store having made a purchase. Give them the opportunity to own the decision, grow their understanding, and see you as a trusted resource. That’ll help bring them back.
So, here are a handful of questions to ask customers who are shopping for hunting footwear:
First, simply ask them what they’re looking for. Customers in search of a “general-purpose hunting boot to keep their feet warm and dry” probably have different needs compared to customers who are in search of “a supportive boot for an upcoming elk-hunting trip out West.” The customer who just wants to keep his or her feet warm and dry while outside may not need an actual hunting boot. So get to know their situation. What is the environment or activity they’re planning to engage in? Caring for horses at a barn? Snowshoeing at the local golf course? Working at a car wash? Running a power-washing business? A daily hike on a local trail? Each of these activities has different circumstances potentially affecting their choice of footwear.
Second, once the need for an actual hunting boot is clear, learn as much as you can about the type of hunting he or she will be doing. Has he or she hunted before? What was that experience like? Do they own similar footwear and what do they think of it? Will the upcoming hunt be a one-time activity or recurring? What will the temperature be like during the hunt? Other weather conditions? What’s the terrain or topography like? All of these factors, of course, affect footwear choices for the hunter, and you can help with prioritizing them. For example, does the type of hunting demand lots of movement? Will the hunter need to carry any extra weight? Is the terrain flat or hilly, smooth or rocky? Or will the hunter need to remain in one location for a long time, perhaps in the cold? Questions like these will help build rapport and focus you and your staff on the most helpful solutions.
Additionally, after determining some of the logistical needs of the hunter, interact with him or her about other boot features. Find out, for example, if the hunter needs a boot with a specific height, a factor related to the amount of support needed or protection desired. Also, ask about the desired thermal properties — and be ready to explain types of insulation, how much is needed, whether it needs to be removable or replaceable, and what socks may be needed (a natural lead-in to additional purchases). You’ve already asked him or her about how much they anticipate moving; take time to understand how their feet function (or may function) during the hunt. Some people need less insulation and more breathability in a hunting boot.
Third, if it hasn’t yet been brought up by the customer, ask now about their budget. Keep in mind the whole hunting boot discussion may be new to him or her, and there may be some sticker shock when learning about some of the capable footwear available. Encourage the customer to consider investing more now instead of possibly under-buying and needing to buy additional footwear later. This is the classic “buy once, cry once” scenario where it’s considered better to pay for a high-quality item once as opposed to buying a low-quality item that doesn’t meet the needs or that wears out too quickly, resulting in the need for a second purchase.
Additional discussion may yield an opportunity to talk about the pros and cons of footwear made from synthetic vs natural materials, exactly what manufacturers mean when they say a boot is “waterproof,” and more. In any case, maintain a keen interest in learning more about your customers by asking good questions and being a trusted resource for them. It won’t be long until they’re the ones asking questions of you. Then the dialogue will grow into many meaningful conversations about how having the right gear made a huge difference in the overall experience of the hunt.
Great Hunting Boots for Different Conditions
Upland Hunting
Irish Setter Wingshooter 7-Inch
- Armageddon abrasion-resistant covering
- ScentBan scent control
- ExoFlex locked-in fit
- RMP lightweight durable outsole
- enerG high rebound energy return underfoot
- Waterproof (Ultra Dry)
Soft Terrain in Cold/Snowy Conditions
- Full-grain leather upper
- GORE-TEX (GTX)
- 100% waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX liners
- 600G Thinsulate Ultra insulation
- Danner Bob® Outsole
Wetlands
- 100% waterproof
- 5mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene liner
- Breathable mesh lining
- Stretch-fit topline binding
- Extended rubber coverage for added protection
- Lightweight, cushioned EVA midsole for added comfort
- MS-1 molded outsole
- Pull-tab for easy on and off
- Comfort Range: -20°F to 50°F / -30°C to 10°C
Light Trail Hiking
- Upper is made from a unique combination of leftover scrap material, making no two shoes the same
- 100% recycled laces and webbing
- Bellows tongue
- Protective and abrasion resistant toe cap
- 100% recycled breathable mesh lining
- 100% recycled mesh footbed cover
- Cleansport NXT™ treated for natural odor control
- 50% recycled removable EVA foam footbed
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Merrell Air Cushion
- Super Rebound Compound midsole with 20% recycled rubber flecks
- Vibram® Ecostep Recycle outsole designed with 30% recycled rubber
