Hunter Boots Review: 10 Things to Know Before You Buy (2024)

Sharing 10 things you need to know before buying your first pair of Hunter rain boots.

Rain boots are a staple shoe to have in your closet. And there’s no better rain boot than Hunter Original rain boots. Are they a bit more pricey than some other rain boots? Yes. But I bet they’ll last you much longer, if not forever, than other cheaper versions because Hunter’s quality is so good.

Typically, I wear them on an as-needed basis on a very rainy day. If it’s a rainy workday, I usually throw a pair of flats into my bag and change when I get inside. It’s worth it to protect my shoes, pants, and keep my feet from getting wet. Nobody likes to have soggy shoes and feet at the beginning of a workday you know? They’re also great to wear if you know you’ll be in a muddy area to avoid ruining your shoes.

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Hunter Boots Review: 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

Hunter Boot Sizing:

As far as sizing, Hunter boots are only offered in whole sizes. If you’re between sizes, I would recommend going down a half-size. Hunter boots are a little clunky, and I think the boots fit better a little snug versus too big! I’m typically a 7.5 or 8, and I sized down to a 7. They offer an adjustable buckle, but I really don’t see it as a useful feature other than for appearance.

On Hunter’s website, they have a sizing section to help you determine the best size option for you by showing you how to measure your foot. They also include measurements like maximum calf area and leg height. Hunter has free shipping and free returns too. So if the pair you first purchase doesn’t work, send them back to try a different pair.

Hunter boots are not meant for snow/wintry weather

Despite all the cute photos on Pinterest in the snow (I’m guilty of wearing them in the snow here!), the Original Tall Hunter boots aren’t meant for snowy weather. I don’t live in a snowy climate. If there’s a snow shower in Georgia, I wear mine with thick socks to play in the snow for a short period of time.

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If you live in a climate where snow is more prevalent, I’d recommend insulated boots from Hunter. They have a variety of boots made with a sherpa lining to keep your feet dry and warm for temperatures down to 23 degrees.

They aren’t the most comfortable shoe.

Hunter boots have a nice cushion on the bottom and are comfortable to wear, but the boots themselves are very stiff and limit a normal heel-to-toe gait pattern. If you have foot problems, like plantar fasciitis, you may want to avoid walking long distances in the Original Tall boots because of this.

Don’t wear them without socks.

Take my word for it, you don’t want to slip these on without socks. The rubber will basically suction to your skin, and you will burn at least 500 calories trying to get them off. A rubber boot slides on and off much easier with socks. It’s especially important if your skin is sensitive to rubber and/or you’re allergic to latex.

They have an antibacterial fabric lining.

I’ve had mine for years and haven’t had any issues with them smelling. This is definitely a perk to investing in a pair of Hunter boots over other brands. Rubber can make your feet sweat and stink, so it’s a good added measure.

Don’t be alarmed when they bloom.

Hunter boots go through what’s called “blooming” – when they get a powdery white film on them when you first get them. It’s a common process for natural rubber and nothing to worry about.

I noticed my black pair definitely went through a rougher phase when they bloomed, and it was a lot harder to shine them up. Hunter sells a boot care kit that might be worth purchasing, especially with black boots or other darker Hunter boots where the blooming is more noticeable.

After the first blooming, I haven’t noticed either pair doing it again. Some people prefer the “character” the blooming brings to the rubber boots – to each their own.

Cleaning tips and tricks

I bought a cleaner on Amazon that worked just fine, but I would definitely recommend the Hunter boot shine sponge as well to shine up your Hunter boots as needed. I haven’t had to clean mine in years since they bloomed. I’ve also heard you can shine them up with olive oil and a nonabrasive cotton towel or old shirt.

If they simply have mud or other remnants on them, you can use mild soap and water to clean them up. They’ll look good as new. Hunter’s website suggests storing them in a cool, dry place where they won’t bend or fold. They also suggest not putting them in direct sunlight to dry after cleaning them.

Matte or glossy finish?

I have always been drawn to the shiny version, but lately, I wish I had one of each. The matte pair look more natural/outdoorsy to me, but the shiny pair works better dressed up. I think it depends on your personal style as to which you’ll be drawn to!

Hunter offers a variety of different colors too from black to hot pink to kelly green. There are even some with two or three different tones.

shop matte hunter boots

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Consider a kid’s size if you’re on a budget.

If you’re between a size 5-7, you can buy a kid’s Hunter boot if you’re on a budget. The kid boots are $75 versus $150 for an adult pair. Here is how to convert between women and kids sizes: size 5 to 5.5 = size 3 kids, size 6 to 6.5 = size 4 kids, size 7 to 7.5 = size 5 kids. This is honestly a great trick for other shoes like athletic shoes too!

Opt for the shorter version or the packable tour boots if you need to walk long distances:

If you have to walk long distances because you live in a city or are planning on traveling in a wet climate, I’d recommend the Chelsea boot or the Play boot, which are two of the shorter Hunter boot styles. Because they’re not a tall boot, they’re much easier to walk longer distances in, yet they give you the protection you need from rain.

The Chelsea boots come just above the ankle and feature two elastic gussets on each side for easier on and off, and helps your feet move more comfortably. The elastic makes the shoes look a bit more modern because of the different texture it gives the boots.

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The Play boot is made with a lighter material than the original boots. The Play boots come just above your ankle and are perfect for city-living. They’re still 100 percent waterproof too. Win-win if you ask me.

If you have your heart set on the tall version but want them to feel lighter, they also make an Original Refined Tall boot, which has a thinner design. They look like the Original Tall boot – just a lot lighter! 🙂

shop Hunter boots on sale

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I have two pairs of Hunter boots in lipstick (pink) and black. Generally, the black boots rarely go on sale. I normally see the colored versions go on sale the most.

The pink boots were my first purchase, and I wear them a lot more than I thought I would, given they’re so bright and pink. A few years later, I picked up a shiny black pair. Between the two colors, I like and wear my pink pair a lot more than black. They’re definitely a fun statement on a rainy day!

Side note: Hunter’s website offers a 20 percent discount to students and health care workers. So if you fall into one of those categories, take advantage!

Outfits wearing Hunter boots: ONE / TWO/ THREE/ FOUR/ FIVE

rainy day outfit ideas with hunter rainboots

Looking for outfit ideas to wear on a rainy day with your Hunter rain boots? Here are 5 ways to style them.

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Layer up your Hunter boots with fall wardrobe essentials, like this green sweater and a leopard beanie. I love how the white jeans keep this look fresh for the fall season. And yes, you can definitely wear white past Labor Day. 😉

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I’m a dress girl at heart, so I love to pair my rain boots with floral dresses.

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For a classic and casual fall outfit, pair your rain boots with a fall plaid-flannel, button-down top and a camel coatigan.

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Have somewhere to be on a rainy day, but you still want to look cute and put together? Pair your Hunter rain boots with a plaid skirt and sweater to look and feel put together, even when it’s raining.

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One of my go-to outfits throughout fall and winter is a dark wash jean with a striped basic tee and poncho sweater. I love adding a pop of red Hunter boots during the holidays.

As you can see, there are so many options Hunter offers their customers from the colors to the fits to the styles. There’s a Hunter boot for everyone!

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Hunter Boots Review: 10 Things to Know Before You Buy (2024)

FAQs

What is special about Hunter boots? ›

Hunter boots are supposed to be immune to this, due to their vulcanized rubber and well-sealed construction. The Asgard boots are also good at keeping water out, according to the reviews on Amazon: “You can literally submerge your foot in water while wearing them and nothing leaks in,” one person wrote.

Should I size up or down for Hunter boots? ›

SIZE UP versus SIZE DOWN: Hunter boots are made in whole sizes only. If you buy the Original style, size down (they run big). If you buy the Refined style (my preference) I suggest purchasing your normal size or a 1/2 size up if you can.

How long do Hunter boots last? ›

Once you take everything into account, hunting boots last an average of 2-4 years. Of course, there's going to be a lot of variance here depending on the type of hunting boot you choose, your style of hunting, how often you hunt, etc.

What is the difference between Hunter Huntress boots and original? ›

The Huntress features a larger, more wide calf circumference–16.5 inches compared to the Original's 15 inches–and its shaft is 14 inches, which is two inches shorter than the Original's height. It's also a bit roomier in the ankles, and has a straighter cut.

Are hunters comfortable to walk in? ›

Hunter boots have a nice cushion on the bottom and are comfortable to wear, but the boots themselves are very stiff and limit a normal heel-to-toe gait pattern. If you have foot problems, like plantar fasciitis, you may want to avoid walking long distances in the Original Tall boots because of this.

Can you wear Hunter boots everyday? ›

They're definitely not just for rainy days! As the weather gets cooler, they're a fun statement shoe that you can wear any day just like any other boot. Since I've loved my black glossy Hunters so much, I picked up this red pair from Zappos for this season.

Is it better to buy boots tight or loose? ›

How are boots supposed to fit? Boots should not be too loose or too tight on your foot. The best fit should be snug (but not tight) around the whole of your foot, with enough room to move your toes and a maximum of a quarter to a half-inch of slippage at the heel.

How do you break in Hunter boots? ›

To start, wear your boots out for short distances and for short periods of time before you wear them on much longer walks. Breaking in your rain boots will also allow you to pay attention to how they fit, whether you need insoles or whether you should adjust your boots if you can.

Should hunting boots be tight or loose? ›

Find Your Perfect Fit

If you plan on adding a liner to your boots, you need to go two sizes up so the liner and your feet both fit comfortably. It's best to try on hunting boots late in the day, when your feet are more swollen. The boots should fit snug around your instep and ankles.

Why do Hunter boots peel? ›

Occasionally, you may notice a white powdery "bloom" on your Hunter rubber wellington boots. This is because rubber is a natural product and in certain conditions, insoluble particles may rise to the surface. This is a common process, characteristic of high quality, natural rubber and nothing to worry about.

Do Hunter rain boots crack? ›

Hunter boots come in a variety of sizes, styles and colors to suit any taste. With extended wear, Hunter rain boots can become cracked. A crack in a rubber boot can allow water to seep inside the boot, destroying the shoe's usefulness.

Do you have to wear socks with Hunter boots? ›

We recommend that you wear our cuffed socks with every pair of Hunter rain boots, for a more comfortable fit and to protect your feet and legs, whilst also keeping your feet dry and warm.

Is Hunter a luxury brand? ›

Hunter Luxury is an award-winning supplier of innovative, sustainable luxury packaging products. Established in 2001, our industry experience and creative resources help some of the world's biggest brands to connect with their consumers.

Are all Hunter boots made in China? ›

It previously made tyres, conveyor belts, combs, golf balls, hot water bottles and rubber flooring. Hunter holds several Royal Warrants as suppliers of waterproof footwear. Green Wellington boots, now manufactured in China, are its best known product.
...
Hunter Boot Ltd.
FormerlyNorth British Rubber Company
Websitehunterboots.com
8 more rows

What is the best color in Hunter boots? ›

For versatility's sake– at least for your first pair, I recommend buying a more neutral color, like black, classic olive green, or even red. You'll be able to wear them with everything. Hunter Boots also come in two finishes, matte and glossy, and two heights, tall and short.

Can you wear Hunter boots anytime? ›

The great thing about Hunter boots are that they are season-less. You can literally wear them every single month of the year.

Why do hunters shake? ›

"It's a powerful stimulant that increases blood pressure, heart rate and metabolic pressure. It's like pushing a gas pedal on a car." Like any other substance coursing through the body, though, adrenaline does have side effects, including shortness of breath and tremors.

Is there a decline in hunters? ›

“Recreational deer hunting is the primary tool that's available to state wildlife agencies to manage the resource, but in the next 10 years we're going to see a steep decline in the number of hunters,” said Duane Diefenbach, adjunct professor of wildlife ecology in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Can you wear jeans with Hunter boots? ›

3- Jeans: Wearing jeans with Hunter boots is possible, but you really need to make sure your top is breathable — otherwise you might overheat. Also, flared jeans can work if you fold the bottoms before you put on your boots (skinny jeans still look better though).

How often should you moisturize your boots? ›

Unless you want to replace your boots every other month, you'll need to use a boot conditioner at least once per month. There are important steps to take before applying conditioner to get the best results. First, use a damp rag to rub off dirt and grime. A slurry of soap and water works best to start this process.

When buying boots should you buy a size bigger? ›

As a basic guideline, it's preferable to get a slightly larger shoe-size boot than smaller shoe-size boots With the right pair of any boot type, your feet should feel snug.

Should I buy boots a half size bigger? ›

Should You Order Your Boots A Half Size Bigger? Only If The Bootmaker Lasts Run Small. Boot and shoe companies make boots or shoes to particular foot dimensions, which is assigned a numerical size. The dimensions that size fits is determined by the last, the mold that the boot or shoe is made around.

Should your toes touch the end of your boots? ›

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.

Are hunters good for snow? ›

Hunter boots are great for rain, but that doesn't mean they're ready for true winter. While they may be waterproof, they provide little in the way of warmth. They also lack the traction necessary to walk safely in ice and snow.

What is the difference between Hunter rain boot and snow boot? ›

There isn't much difference between rain boots and snow boots, but there are some key things you need to know. Snow boots generally have a thicker sole and are made from more synthetic materials. They also tend to be taller, usually going up past your knee, while rain boots typically stop at mid-calf.

Can you fix cracks in Hunter boots? ›

When trusty boots start to leak because of a crack or hole, don't throw them away. Use a shoe repair adhesive and a specialized rubber boot treatment to fix it instead.

How do you break in hunting boots fast? ›

You want to start slow and small. Try wearing your boots around your house in the evenings after work. Be sure to wear the socks and insoles you would normally wear while hunting. Eventually up the time to wear your boots around the house for a whole Saturday.

What kind of hunting boots should I get? ›

The best all-around hunting boots are field boots because they combine various features. Rubber boots are best for damp environments and waterfowl hunting. Hunting antelope in a flat country requires flexible and breathable boots, whereas the best boots for hunting sheep in mountains are stiff and supportive.

Is it better to hunt high or low pressure? ›

A high, stable barometer is also good hunting. After compiling our results, whitetails seem to move best when the pressure is between 29.90 and 30.30 inches with the best movement occurring at the higher end of that range, around 30.10 to 30.30 inches.

How do I protect my Hunter boots? ›

To ensure a long and healthy lifespan for your boots, wipe clean and leave to dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or artificial heat sources. Only use cold, soapy water to clean your boots. Do not use solvents. Do not store boots whilst damp, folded or creased.

Can you wash Hunter boots in the washer? ›

The heat can damage the rubber and may cause any colours to fade. Likewise, never put wellies into the washing machine or tumble-dryer, as the heat will damage the rubber.

How long is Hunter warranty? ›

Our products are made from high quality materials, using innovative design and production techniques. We take great pride in our work and most products which are purchased from Hunter are covered by a twenty-four (24) month warranty.

What do you do if Hunter boots get wet inside? ›

Stuff your boots with newspaper if they get wet on the inside. Bundle up newspaper sheets and tightly stuff them inside each boot. Remove the newspaper after a few hours and let the boots air dry for 24-48 hours. The newspaper will soak up the excess water.

How many hours does it take to break in boots? ›

Keep a Spare Pair

New boots can take around 80 to 100 hours to break in. That being said, don't subject yourself to wearing your boots for 4 days straight and expect your feet to be happy with you. Instead, space this time out to about 2 to 3 hours a day and keep a second pair of boots to change into.

Are Hunter boots good for wide feet? ›

Did you know that Hunter boots are available in a variety of widths? There is no need to feel the pinch since our iconic rubber boots are now available with the option of a roomier fit.

Do Hunter boots have removable insoles? ›

Using the pull tab, it usually just takes one or two pulls to get them on. These are not boots that your feet will just slide into. I would take that into account if you are pregnant, or have any issues with bending/pulling shoes on. They have a removable insole.

What is so great about Hunter Wellies? ›

The big advantage of the boots was that they were sturdy and very enduring. It was hard to cut them and so people who were used to rationing for food, clothing, and materials really enjoyed a sturdy boot that was hard wearing and would last them for a long time.

When should I use Hunter boots? ›

Hunter rain boots are a mainstay for festivals in the summer — there is no boot that can conquer mud or rain like these. … but you can still wear them during normal summer rainy days. If keep your top & bottoms light — your outfit will look cool and keep you cool…

Why do hunters wear rubber boots? ›

Scent Control Rubber boots are preferred by whitetail hunters for their scent control properties. They have a definite advantage over leather and synthetic boots when it comes to scent control because they trap odor and don't allow the scent of your feet to escape.

Are Hunter boots made in China? ›

It previously made tyres, conveyor belts, combs, golf balls, hot water bottles and rubber flooring. Hunter holds several Royal Warrants as suppliers of waterproof footwear. Green Wellington boots, now manufactured in China, are its best known product.
...
Hunter Boot Ltd.
FormerlyNorth British Rubber Company
Websitehunterboots.com
8 more rows

Should I go up a size in Hunter wellies? ›

The most common question we are asked when a customer is looking to buy Hunter Wellingtons is 'Do I need to go up a size?' Our answer to that would be no, we recommend that you purchase the same size as you take in a shoe as Hunter boots do allow for wearing thicker socks.

What material is best for hunting boots? ›

Leather. Leather has been the go-to material for standard hunting boots since their inception. The durability and availability of the material makes it the most popular material for today's hunters. When it comes to pros and cons, full-grain leather is the industry leader for toughness and durability.

Do hunters wear deodorant? ›

Your regular clothes, right down to your underwear, should be washed in scent-free detergent with no dyes or perfumes. When possible, take a shower with scent-eliminating soap and shampoo just before you head for the woods and use the scent-eliminating deodorant too. Never ever wear cologne or scented deodorant.

Why does Hunter wear orange? ›

“Hunter orange is worn by hunters to increase their visibility and to reduce their potential for being mistaken for game,” Busbice said. “ (And) hanging an orange vest or other cloth on or near your tree stand alerts other hunters to your presence without attracting the attention of deer.”

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