We Tested 8 Warm Weather Hunting Boots—Only One Won

My feet were on fire. It was 87 degrees during September’s Arizona archery elk opener, and I’d been hiking for three hours in my “lightweight” hunting boots that still had 400g of insulation. Sweat pooled in my socks, blisters were forming, and every step felt like walking through quicksand. When I finally glassed up a decent bull at 600 yards, I was too exhausted to make the final stalk. Those boots—great for November whitetails—were absolute torture in warm weather.

That failure launched a two-year obsession with finding the perfect warm weather hunting boot. I’ve now tested eight different pairs across early season hunts from New Mexico to Montana, logging over 300 miles through 75-95 degree heat. I’ve learned which boots breathe well enough for desert hunts, which ones cause blisters in hot conditions, and which features separate marketing hype from actual performance when temperatures climb.

This isn’t a roundup of “pretty good” boots. This is the story of finding the ONE boot that actually solves the warm weather problem—and seven expensive lessons about what doesn’t work.

Most hunting boots are designed for cold weather. Even “lightweight” or “uninsulated” boots are built with materials and construction methods that prioritize waterproofing and durability over breathability. This makes sense for 90% of hunting—but it ruins early season hunts when temperatures soar.

Why Cold-Weather Boots Fail in Heat

GORE-TEX Becomes a Liability: Waterproof membranes that keep moisture out also trap heat and sweat inside. During hard hiking in 80-degree temps, your feet generate serious heat. GORE-TEX breathes… but not enough when you’re moving fast under a hot sun. Within an hour, your feet are soaking in their own sweat.

Leather Holds Heat: Full-grain leather is bombproof, durable, and looks great. It’s also terrible at ventilation. Even thin leather creates an oven around your foot during warm weather. I’ve measured internal boot temperatures 15-20 degrees higher than ambient air temps in full-leather boots.

Insulation Is Obvious Murder: Anything over 0g insulation in warm weather is asking for misery. Yet I see hunters wearing 200g or even 400g boots during September because “they’re lightweight for insulated boots.” No. Stop. You’re cooking your feet.

What Actually Matters in Hot Weather

After 300 miles of testing, three features separate boots that work from boots that torture:

Maximum Breathability: Synthetic mesh panels, minimal GORE-TEX coverage, and aggressive ventilation design. Some boots abandon waterproofing entirely—and for many warm-weather hunts, that’s the right call.

Minimal Weight: Every ounce matters exponentially in heat. Heavy boots require more energy, generate more heat, and fatigue you faster. The difference between a 2.5-pound boot and a 4-pound boot is massive over 10 miles in 85-degree weather.

Fast-Drying Materials: When your feet do sweat (and they will), the boot needs to shed moisture quickly. Synthetic materials dry in hours. Leather takes days. This matters for multi-day hunts where you’re wearing the same boots daily.

For comprehensive guidance on matching boots to different hunting conditions, visit our hunting boots selection guide.

Price: $160-200 | Weight: 3.2 lbs/pair (size 10) | Height: 7″ | Insulation: None

After testing eight boots over two seasons and 300+ miles, the Irish Setter Wingshooter 7″ uninsulated is the only boot that genuinely solves the warm weather hunting problem without unacceptable compromises.

Why It Dominated the Competition

The Wingshooter uses full-grain leather with an uninsulated nylon lining that breathes surprisingly well for a leather boot. During a September New Mexico elk hunt where daily highs hit 88 degrees, I hiked 10 miles over two days. While my feet still got warm (it’s 88 degrees—physics applies), they stayed dramatically cooler and drier than in heavier boots or those with GORE-TEX linings.

The UltraDry waterproofing treatment on the leather provides water resistance without a full membrane liner. This is the key difference—the boot repels water from creek crossings and morning dew without trapping heat the way GORE-TEX does. After walking through wet grass for two hours, my feet were dry. After hiking uphill for an hour, they weren’t swimming in sweat.

At 3.2 pounds per pair, these aren’t the absolute lightest boots tested, but they’re light enough to prevent fatigue over long distances. More importantly, the weight savings over traditional 5-pound hunting boots is transformative in heat.

Real-World Hot Weather Performance

I wore these during:

• New Mexico early elk season (78-88°F)
• Montana September deer (68-82°F)
• Idaho bear hunting (70-85°F)
• South Dakota early pheasant (75-90°F)

In every scenario, the Wingshooter performed better than boots costing significantly more. The 7-inch height provides ankle support without the excess material of 9-inch boots that trap heat around the calf. The CuShin tongue comfort system prevented lace pressure even during long days.

The RPM composite outsole with two lugged oval insets provides excellent traction on varied terrain—from loose dirt to hardpack trails to muddy creek bottoms. The Goodyear welt construction means these boots can be resoled, extending their life significantly.

The Critical Details

Break-in: Minimal for a leather boot. About 10-15 miles before they felt perfect. The leather is supple enough that first wears were comfortable enough for hunting.

Durability: After 150+ miles, mine show normal wear but no failures. The full-grain leather resists abrasion well. The welted construction has held up perfectly.

Sizing: True to size. Order your normal size. The uninsulated version has more room than the insulated Wingshooter, so thick socks fit comfortably.

Ankle Support: Excellent for a 7-inch boot. The leather upper and structured design provided confidence on steep sidehills with a pack.

Breathability Reality Check: These breathe better than any full-leather boot I’ve tested, but they’re still leather. In 90+ degree heat, your feet will get warm. The question is whether they become unbearably hot or just moderately warm. The Wingshooter stays in the “moderately warm” category while competitors cross into “unbearable.”

What You’re Giving Up

These aren’t perfect. In truly waterproof terms, the UltraDry treatment is water-resistant, not 100% submersible-waterproof like GORE-TEX. For creek crossings under 6 inches, they’re fine. For wading through deep water, you’ll eventually get wet.

Below 55°F, your feet will get cold during stationary sits without adding thick socks. These are purpose-built for active hunting in temps above 65°F.

The ScentBan treatment provides odor control but not to the level of rubber boots. For deer hunting where scent matters critically, pair these with scent-control strategies beyond just boots.

Best For: Early season elk, deer, bear, and upland bird hunters facing temperatures above 65°F who need reliable ankle support and the best breathability possible in a leather boot.

These boots all had promise. Some excelled in specific areas. But each had fatal flaws that prevented them from winning the warm weather crown.

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 – Too Light, Not Enough Support

Price: $140 | Weight: 1.8 lbs/pair | Verdict: Great trail shoe, marginal hunting boot

The XA Pro 3D is beloved by hunters who prioritize speed and stealth. At 1.8 pounds, they’re incredibly light. The mesh construction means your feet actually stay cool—this is the most breathable option I tested.

But here’s the problem: they’re glorified trail runners. The low cut provides minimal ankle support. When carrying a 40-pound pack over rough terrain, I rolled my ankle during an Idaho hunt. The thin sole transmits every rock and root, making standing on tree stand platforms uncomfortable after 20 minutes.

I’ve watched hunters successfully use these for flat-terrain hunts and spot-and-stalk in open country. But for most hunters over 30 or anyone dealing with ankle issues, these are too minimal. When you add pack weight or hunt rough terrain, the lack of support becomes dangerous.

What They Got Right: Breathability (the best), weight, quick-lace system, affordable price
Fatal Flaw: Insufficient ankle support for serious hunting with gear

Danner Pronghorn 8″ (Uninsulated) – Still Too Heavy and Hot

Price: $220 | Weight: 4.8 lbs/pair | Verdict: Excellent boot, wrong season

The Pronghorn is a legendary boot—and for good reason. It’s bombproof, comfortable after break-in, and performs well across most conditions. The uninsulated version theoretically works for warm weather.

In practice, the full-grain leather construction holds too much heat. Even uninsulated, these boots felt like ovens during 80+ degree Montana hunts. The 4.8-pound weight became punishing over long distances in heat—every step required more energy, generated more heat, and contributed to overall fatigue.

The GORE-TEX lining, while great for waterproofing, added to the heat retention problem. After six hours of hiking in 85-degree New Mexico heat, my socks were completely soaked despite the “breathable” membrane.

These are fantastic boots for cold to moderate weather (30-60°F). For genuine warm weather, the physics of heavy leather and GORE-TEX work against you.

What They Got Right: Durability, comfort after break-in, ankle support, resoleable, proven design
Fatal Flaw: Too heavy (4.8 lbs) and too hot for genuine warm weather use

Schnee’s Kestrel (Uninsulated) – Premium Price, Same Heat Issues

Price: $275-300 | Weight: 3.6 lbs/pair | Verdict: Excellent boot for moderate temps

Schnee’s Kestrel is marketed specifically for early season and warm weather hunting. The uninsulated, 6-inch height design looks perfect on paper. The quality is exceptional—hand-made in Montana with premium materials.

But it’s still primarily a leather boot with GORE-TEX. At 3.6 pounds and featuring full nubuck leather construction, it retains heat just like other leather boots. The premium construction and materials don’t solve the fundamental physics of leather trapping heat.

During Arizona hunts above 85°F, my feet got just as hot in these as in the cheaper Danner Pronghorns. The ventilation isn’t meaningfully better despite the premium price tag.

These boots shine in moderate weather (50-70°F) where you need some warmth but not insulation. For genuine hot weather (75°F+), you’re paying $300 for the same sweaty-feet problem.

What They Got Right: Build quality, support, USA-made, long-term durability
Fatal Flaw: Premium price doesn’t overcome physics—leather with GORE-TEX is hot

Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 – Budget Pick With Limitations

Price: $110-140 | Weight: 2.2 lbs/pair | Verdict: Comfortable for flat terrain only

The Valsetz is popular among hunters in agricultural areas and flat terrain. The synthetic construction breathes well, they’re lightweight, and the side-zip makes them convenient for getting on and off.

At 2.2 pounds, these boots kept my feet cooler than any leather boot during hot weather. The breathability is excellent—second only to the Salomon trail runners.

The problem is structural support. The low cut (6 inches) and minimal ankle structure make them risky for anything beyond groomed trails. During a Montana hunt in rolling terrain, they felt unstable with pack weight. In truly rough terrain—rocks, deadfall, steep slopes—I felt vulnerable to ankle rolls.

Several hunters I know swear by these for early season deer in the Midwest where terrain is gentle. For Western hunting or anywhere with serious terrain challenges, the lack of ankle support is a deal-breaker.

What They Got Right: Breathability, weight, price, side-zip convenience, dries fast
Fatal Flaw: Insufficient ankle support for rough terrain or pack weight

Lowa Zephyr Mid TF GTX – The GORE-TEX Trap

Price: $240 | Weight: 2.8 lbs/pair | Verdict: Good boot for moderate temps, too hot for real heat

The Lowa Zephyr Mid is marketed as a lightweight tactical boot perfect for warm conditions. The nylon/leather construction is lighter than full leather, and at 2.8 pounds, they’re relatively light.

The full GORE-TEX lining killed them for genuine warm weather. During an 8-mile Idaho bear hunt at 78 degrees, my feet were swampy within four hours. The membrane trapped heat and moisture despite the “breathable” marketing. By day’s end, hot spots were forming.

These boots are actually excellent for moderate temperatures (45-65°F) with occasional wet conditions. That’s their sweet spot. For temperatures above 70°F with active hunting, the waterproof membrane becomes a liability rather than an asset.

What They Got Right: Build quality, ankle support, durability, true to size
Fatal Flaw: GORE-TEX traps excessive heat in warm weather

Meindl Comfort Fit Hunter (Uninsulated) – Heavy European Design

Price: $280-320 | Weight: 3.8 lbs/pair | Verdict: Overbuilt for warm weather

Meindl makes exceptional boots in Germany, and the Comfort Fit Hunter is beautifully constructed. The uninsulated version with wide toe box is comfortable for all-day wear.

But at 3.8 pounds with full-grain leather and GORE-TEX, it’s simply too much boot for warm weather. During New Mexico hunts, these performed identically to the Danner Pronghorn—heavy, hot, and tiring in the heat.

The European last runs large (order a half-size down), which some hunters appreciate. The wide toe box is comfortable. But comfort doesn’t overcome the weight and heat retention issues.

For cold weather hunting, these are fantastic. For warm weather, save your money.

What They Got Right: Comfort, build quality, wide toe box, resoleable
Fatal Flaw: Too heavy and warm for temperatures above 70°F

For more detailed boot comparisons across different categories, visit our hunting boots review section.

This is the most controversial question in warm weather boots: do you sacrifice waterproofing for breathability?

When You Need Some Waterproofing

If your hunt involves:

• Creek crossings (shallow, under 6 inches)
• Rain/monsoons (Southwest September)
• Morning dew walks through tall grass
• Occasional wet terrain

Then water-resistant treatment (like the Wingshooter’s UltraDry) provides the right balance. You get protection from typical wet encounters without the heat-trapping penalty of full GORE-TEX membranes.

When to Skip Waterproofing Entirely

Desert hunts in dry climates where rain is extremely unlikely benefit from completely non-waterproof boots like the Salomon or Under Armour. The increased breathability is dramatic—your feet stay significantly cooler.

For hunters with reliable weather patterns and minimal water exposure, the breathability gains from skipping waterproofing entirely are substantial.

My Recommendation

For most hunters who face varied conditions, the Irish Setter Wingshooter’s water-resistant-but-not-fully-waterproof approach is ideal. The UltraDry treatment handles typical wet scenarios—creek crossings, dew, light rain—without the swampy-feet penalty of GORE-TEX boots.

You sacrifice some waterproof capability, but you gain dramatically better breathability and temperature management. For warm weather hunting, that’s the right trade-off.

Even the best boots need the right socks. Warm weather demands different sock strategies than cold weather hunting.

What Works

Thin Merino Wool: Contrary to intuition, wool works brilliantly in heat. It wicks moisture better than synthetics and doesn’t retain odor. Use thin or lightweight wool, not expedition-weight.

Recommended: Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight, Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light, Farm to Feet Greensboro

Liner + Thin Wool System: For long hunts, wear a thin synthetic liner under a lightweight merino sock. The liner wicks moisture away from skin, the wool provides cushioning and continued moisture management.

I use this system on multi-day hunts and it prevents blisters better than single-sock setups.

What Doesn’t Work

Cotton: Never. Ever. Cotton holds moisture, causes blisters, and provides zero moisture management.

Thick Wool: Expedition-weight or thick wool socks are overkill for warm weather. They trap heat and cause overheating.

Cheap Synthetics: Budget synthetic socks often trap moisture and smell terrible within hours. Invest in quality socks—they matter as much as the boots.

After watching (and making) these errors, here are the most common warm weather boot failures:

Using Cold-Weather Boots in Hot Weather

This is the #1 mistake. Hunters invest $200-300 in quality cold-weather boots then try to use them year-round to justify the cost. Physics doesn’t care about your budget—leather, insulation, and GORE-TEX hold heat.

If you regularly hunt both cold and warm weather, you need separate boots. The performance difference justifies the investment.

Prioritizing Waterproofing Over Breathability

Most hunters overestimate how much waterproofing they need during warm weather. Unless you’re crossing deep creeks or hunting in monsoons, breathability matters more than full waterproofing.

Water-resistant treatment handles dew and shallow crossings. Full GORE-TEX for warm weather is usually overkill that makes you miserable.

Ignoring Weight

The difference between a 3-pound boot and a 5-pound boot seems small when trying them on in a store. Over 10 miles in 85-degree heat, it’s transformative. Every ounce matters exponentially in warm conditions.

Prioritize lightweight construction for warm weather hunting.

Wearing New Boots on Opening Day

Even “minimal break-in” leather boots need miles before hunting. I wore my Wingshooters for 15 miles of hiking before my first hunt. Zero blisters during the hunt because the boots were already molded to my feet.

Budget two weeks of daily wear before opening day.

Cheap Socks with Premium Boots

Don’t spend $200 on boots then wear $5 gas station socks. Quality moisture-wicking socks ($20-25 per pair) are as important as the boots themselves for warm weather comfort.

For additional warm weather hunting gear and accessories, check out our hunting gear guide.

I wasted over $1,000 testing boots that didn’t work before settling on the Irish Setter Wingshooter as the warm weather winner. That’s $1,000 in boots that now sit in my garage, plus the cost of hunts where my feet quit before I did.

The Wingshooter isn’t perfect—no warm weather boot is. But it makes the fewest compromises. It’s light enough (3.2 lbs) to prevent fatigue. Breathable enough to keep feet cooler than full-leather competitors. Supportive enough for serious terrain with a pack. Water-resistant enough for typical wet encounters. Durable enough to last multiple seasons. And affordable enough ($180) that you’re not gambling $400 on warm weather performance.

Every other boot I tested compromised something critical. The Salomon was too light and lacked support. The Danner was too heavy. The premium boots cost 50-100% more without performing better in heat.

For hunters who only occasionally face warm weather (5-10 days per season), the $140 Salomon XA Pro 3D works if you have good ankles and hunt moderate terrain. It’s an acceptable budget compromise.

For hunters who regularly face 70-90 degree temperatures—September elk, desert mule deer, early bear season, Southern deer hunting—the Irish Setter Wingshooter is the smart choice. It transformed my early season hunts from suffer-fests focused on foot pain into enjoyable pursuits where I could focus on hunting.

Choose based on your actual hunting conditions and terrain. Flat-terrain hunters can use trail runners. Serious mountain hunters need real ankle support. But for most hunters facing typical warm weather scenarios, the Wingshooter provides the best balance of breathability, support, durability, and value.

Your feet are your foundation. When they’re cooking in inappropriate boots, nothing else matters. That bull you’ve been chasing all morning will walk away while you’re too exhausted and foot-sore to make the final stalk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need waterproof boots for warm weather hunting?

For most warm weather hunting, water-resistant treatment (not full GORE-TEX) provides the best balance. The Irish Setter Wingshooter’s UltraDry treatment handles morning dew, shallow creek crossings, and light rain without the heat-trapping penalty of full waterproof membranes. Only choose fully waterproof boots if you regularly cross deep water or hunt in consistent rain. For dry-climate desert hunts, non-waterproof boots breathe better and keep feet cooler.

What’s the best insulation level for warm weather hunting boots?

Zero insulation. Period. Even 200g insulation will cook your feet in temperatures above 70°F during active hunting. Any amount of insulation traps heat that has nowhere to go during warm weather. If you need warmth for cool mornings (50-60°F), add thicker socks rather than buying insulated boots. Boots marketed as “lightly insulated” or “200g for versatility” are still too warm for genuine warm weather use above 75°F.

Are leather boots okay for hot weather hunting?

Uninsulated leather boots can work for warm weather if they lack full GORE-TEX linings and use relatively thin, breathable leather. The Irish Setter Wingshooter with water-resistant treatment (not full membrane) breathes better than GORE-TEX boots while providing more ankle support than trail runners. However, all leather boots retain more heat than mesh/synthetic boots. Accept that your feet will run warmer in leather—the question is whether the added support and durability justify slightly warmer feet for your hunting style.

How much should warm weather hunting boots weigh?

Target boots under 3.5 pounds per pair for warm weather hunting. The sweet spot is 2.8-3.2 pounds—light enough to reduce fatigue in heat but heavy enough to provide ankle support and protection. Ultra-light trail runners at 1.8 pounds lack adequate support for most hunting. Traditional leather boots at 4.5+ pounds generate excessive heat and fatigue. Every ounce matters exponentially when hiking in temperatures above 75°F.

Can I use my cold weather hunting boots in September?

You can, but you’ll be miserable and your performance will suffer. Cold weather boots with insulation, heavy leather, and GORE-TEX trap heat during warm weather. Your feet will sweat excessively, you’ll develop blisters, and you’ll fatigue faster than necessary. If you hunt both seasons regularly, invest in separate warm weather boots ($160-200). The performance difference—cooler feet, less fatigue, fewer blisters—justifies owning two pairs. One boot cannot efficiently handle both 20°F and 85°F conditions.

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