A pair of quality hunting boots is a must for any serious angler, as is a good set of rain gear. It can be difficult to find comfortable, easy-to-wear, and affordable hunting boots. Fortunately, AFTCO has designed a quality $100 hunting boot to give anglers a quality hunting boot at a good price. the Ankle length fishing boot from AFTCO It’s already won Best in Show at ICAST in 2022, and we checked out the shoes at that show. However, we weren’t completely sold on until we got a couple of fish this year for fishing. Then we saw for ourselves just how good these shoes are. It’s packed with features anglers really care about. Let’s get into it really quickly.
Purchase in warehouse processing
Design features in AFTCO Ankle Deck Hunting Boots
There are plenty of quality features packed into these AFTCO Ankle Deck Boots. The boots feature ultra-durable waterproof material on the outside, grippy traction sole, and a neoprene inner lining that is not only quick-drying but flexible and contoured to keep you comfortable on your feet. They also include a custom compression-molded antimicrobial insole that gives your feet plenty of cushion, support, and bounce. This is important if you plan to stand on deck 8-10 hours a day or if you plan to walk for a long time while fishing from the shore.
The reinforced toe and heel give you extra protection and durability as you walk through rocky terrain. An added back kick wedge gives you an extra layer so you can deflect stubborn elements through your heel without ripping your shoe or foot. This wedge makes taking your shoes off with your other foot much easier without tearing your sole.
traction that matters
I am very interested in the soles of hunting boots. You need a sole that will grip in wet conditions. But I also don’t want a sole traversing and bringing huge donuts of mud and rock with me to my boat. Therefore, there is always a balance in how the soles of hunting boots are constructed. Surfaces can become soft in wet conditions. And one mistake on the boat can be a problem. So a good pair of shoes means having good tread. AFTCO actually tested a few different designs before settling on one that provided the best traction and grip in wet conditions. And these slippers don’t pick up a lot of debris. The extra distance at the toe and heel gives the tread a more stable grip while also being functional.
I’ve worn this boot a lot while fishing from the bank, and jumping in small lakes and streams. I keep these shoes in my truck. And if I stop to fish somewhere during my travels, I just toss it and go. I walk across all types of terrain from tall grass, deep sand, jagged rocks, rappels as well as creek rocks and more. The boots have held up very well in a variety of conditions.
Tapes are well done
One of my pet peeves with shoemakers is when they make pull loops too small for an adult man to fit a single finger into. Those of us who are older and have bad arthritis in our hands don’t grip small pieces of cloth well enough to wear tight shoes. So the ring makes it a lot easier but it has to be big enough for an adult man to put his finger in. I can actually put two fingers in these straps and it makes these shoes a lot easier to put on and take off.
Good hunting boots should be easy to put on and take off, and they should be very comfortable for all-day wear, which means they should sit on your foot but not so tight that you have to have someone take them off for you. These shoes deliver by all accounts. I can pull them on and off easily but they don’t flop on my feet.
Shoes for all occasions
I wear these shoes pretty much anytime it rains. Looks great with jeans on the town or fishing at the lake. Having the right pair of shoes for wet conditions is a must in my opinion. Keep your feet comfortable and dry and your days on the water will be more enjoyable. Most good hunting boots are in the $150-$250 range. So a good pair of versatile $99 hunting boots that are made to last are invaluable to us. We always have a pair on hand, and for me right now, that pair is the AFTCO Ankle Deck Fishing Boot.
You can find AFTCO Ankle Deck Hunting Boots at these online retailers: