Muck Boots: An In The Field Review

There is nothing worse than cold and wet feet when out in the field on a hunt. Okay, missing the shot of a lifetime at a Boone and Crockett level buck might actually be worse. But if your feet are warm and dry you will have one less thing to complain about while recounting the tale of the one-that-got-away back at camp. The Original Muck Boot Company makes some great footwear for keeping your feet warm and dry in the field.

My view from a box stand. Not in the picture are my warm feet courtesy of The Original Muck Boots.

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to go Whitetail hunting in South Arkansas. The area I was hunting was in and around a lot of timber that had been flooded for Duck habitat, needless to say, a lot of mud and water. It was also unseasonably cold and snowing. Yes, it does snow in Arkansas, but snow that sticks  is very uncommon here. The temperatures were between 34 and 23 on the first evening and morning of my hunt. I had packed my Arctic Sport Muck Boots and was very glad I did.

Here are a few specs on the Arctic Sport Muck Boots from their Website:

• Stretch-fit topline binding, snugs leg to keep warmth in and cold out
• 5mm NEOPRENE bootie with four-way stretch nylon, 100% waterproof, lightweight and flexible
• Fleece lining
• 2mm thermal foam underlay added to the instep area for additional warmth
• EVA molded midsole with contoured footbed
• MS-1 molded outsole is rugged, aggressive and durable for maximum protection and stability
• Height 13

I have had this pair of Muck Boots for about 4 years now. There is a window of temperature ranges that I have found them to be perfect for. If it is too “warm”, around 40 degrees or more, the boots are too much and my feet sweat. Sweaty feet = wet feet and wet feet = a bad thing. I have yet to find the lowest temp that the Muck Boots at least keep my feet from freezing. The coldest I have been out in the field in them was around 5 degrees. My feet were warm and dry even if the rest of me wasn’t. The Arctic Sports are listed as being suitable for -40. I have no reason to doubt that claim, but this southerner has no plans of testing that limit.

Muck boots in the water at the edge of flooded timber

The tread on the Muck Boot Arctic Sport is rugged and provides good traction in mud, snow, ice and on steep slopes. I have walked across shallow creeks, and as long as the water is below the top of the boot, the neoprene does not allow any water in. I have walked about 5 miles in a day of hunting in these Muck Boots. They are on the heavy side for longer hikes, about 2 pounds, but that is one of the trade-offs for a warm and waterproof boot. Other than factoring in the weight of the boots, and the fatigue that can come from that, they are comfortable enough for extended hiking.

Snow on the ground. FYI, it is hard to take pictures of boots while you are wearing them.

I have narrow, B width feet, and these boot come in standard D width. Muck Boots are also only made in full sizes. I also normally wear a half size. However, the Arctic Sports in a half size bigger than I normally wear are not overly big or wide when coupled with a heavy wool sock. Because of my narrow foot, I was worried there would be too much room in the heel of the boot and this would allow my foot to move around and create friction and blisters. This is not the case. The stretchable nature of the neoprene and the soft fleece lining helps a lot with the fit and comfort of these boots.

This was from the bottom of an open-air ladder stand I hunted from. It was 24 degrees and my feet were warm.

The Original Muck Boot Company makes a lot of other styles of extreme weather boots. Some of their boots are heavier and warmer and they also offer boots that are for warmer weather. For the conditions, temperatures, and terrain we have in much of North America during the winter, it is my opinion that the Arctic Sport Muck Boots are a clear winner for a cold weather hunt.

To learn more visit the Original Muck Boot Company by clicking HERE.