Archery hunting can be painful! Hot, dusty, no water, and maybe a heartbreaking close call or two. After a few weeks of getting your butt kicked in the early season, it is just about time to bust out the rifle and hopefully, finally start filling some tags! Many of us are in the process of swapping out some of our early-season gear and adding in our mid-season kit. Which for most of us means your garage or gear room probably looks like a bomb went off. Along with heavier base layers and more insulation pieces you may want to think about switching boots. It's about time to clean up and condition those lightweight, early-season boots and break out something a bit more heavy duty and warm.

When picking a mid-season boot you should be looking for a few specific features. Enough ankle support and midsole stiffness to provide comfort and stability on those heavy pack outs in rough country. I prefer a boot with durable all leather construction to hold up to the bad weather and different types of terrain. Unless your feet run very cold, don't overdo it on insulation. Instead, look for light to moderate insulation for more versatility. Temperatures on midseason hunts can swing drastically so I want a boot that will keep me as comfortable as possible in all kinds of conditions. You may be asking it to perform in weather with 50-60 degree temperature swings and in a variety of different country. From elk and deer in rough mountain terrain all the way to cut corn fields chasing pheasants. More versatility is the name of the game.

One of the hardest questions we get asked is what level of insulation do I need for a particular hunt or temperature. This question is so hard because there is no right or wrong answer. First of all, there are so many different variables that can affect internal body temperatures. Poor circulation and dehydration are two of the most common. Everybody tends to run a little hot or cold, so what works for one guy may not work for another. The activity level of your hunt can be another factor to keep in mind. Generally, your feet are going to be warmer on hunts with a high activity level. If you are doing a lot of hiking you can usually get away with less insulation than you would on hunts with a lot of sitting. Changing socks sometime during the day and drinking plenty of water can pay huge dividends in keeping your feet comfortable. The other problem is, air temperature does a fairly poor job of describing how cold it actually feels. A 30 degree, heavy, damp morning treestand sit in the midwest is going to feel a lot colder than a crisp, sunny, 30 degree morning glassing for elk out west. Anytime a boot shows an actual temperature rating, be wary.

A few of our best mid-season options are the Nevada, Guide, Hunter, Briksdal all of which feature 200g of insulation, and Wild Rock which has 400g.

The Nevada and Guide will both be a 3 on our flex rating. The only real difference between these two models is the height. The Guide is two inches taller than the Nevada. Both of these boots are extremely versatile and would be a great choice for an all around midseason boot.

The Hunter will be very similar to the Guide and Nevada, with a couple of exceptions. At twelve inches the Hunter will be two inches taller than the Guide and a full four inches taller than the Nevada. This can come in handy when hunting in snowy or wet conditions, especially if you do not like wearing gaiters. The Hunter is also rated as a 4 on our flex rating. It will feel stiffer through the midsole than both the Guide and Nevada. Both the 3 and 4 flex will work in a variety of conditions and terrains which one you choose will come down to personal preference.

The Briksdal is a very unique boot in our lineup. It is a 4 on our flex rating with a height of nine inches. It tends to fit slightly narrower and has a more low volume feel than the Hunter, Guide or Nevada. With the asymmetrical, lace to toe design, it will still fit a wide range of hunters. If you have a narrower, low volume foot the Briksdal would definitely be my recommendation.

The Wild Rock is very similar to the Guide. They will have the same height, fit, and flex. The Wild Rock will have a couple of features that are specifically designed to perform in wet and nasty conditions. We use a pre-treated full grain leather rather than Nubuck for the upper. This full grain leather is the next step up in water resistance from our standard nubuck. The Wild Rock also utilizes a slightly different Vibram outsole that is specifically designed to perform in snow, rain, and mud. If your mid-season hunts tend to be in colder, wet weather it may be the perfect choice.

No matter what boot model or insulation level you decide on, here are a few things to keep in mind this rifle season. Wear high quality merino blend socks and change them regularly. If your feet sweat walking into your stand, change your socks once you get there. If you are hiking and moving a lot, change socks during the middle of the day. Keep a ziplock bag in your pack to throw the used pair in. Wear gaiters. A good gaiter will keep moisture and debris out of your boots. They will keep you dry and more comfortable and hopefully hunting longer. Get some of our Crispi leather cream and make sure you are treating and conditioning your boots regularly. Just like your truck or rifle, proper maintenance on your boots will ensure good performance.

Finally, if you have any questions about gaiters, socks, the boots mentioned above, or any other Crispi products please give us a call. We would love to chat and help you out.

Mid-Season Boot Selection: Finding the Best Hunting Boots for Your Next Adventure

Archery hunting can be tough—hot, dusty, with limited water, and the possibility of those heart-pounding close calls. After enduring a few challenging weeks in the early season, it’s almost time to break out the rifle and shift gears into mid-season hunting. As you transition your gear from lightweight to more insulated options, it’s also crucial to think about upgrading to the **best mid-season hunting boots**.

Swapping out your early-season gear means more than just adding extra layers; it's time to retire those lightweight boots and bring out something more robust, insulated, and versatile. Let’s dive into what makes the best rated hunting boots for mid-season hunts and why investing in the right pair can make all the difference when you're out in the field.

Why Choose the Best Hunting Boots for Mid-Season?

The right pair of boots can be a game-changer when it comes to mid-season hunts. Whether you’re chasing elk in rugged terrain or trekking through damp cornfields, you’ll need boots that offer:

Stability: A stiff midsole and ankle support are essential for heavy pack-outs in rough country.
Durability: Choose boots with durable, all-leather construction to withstand harsh weather and varied terrain.
Insulation: Opt for light to moderate insulation—200g to 400g—for versatility in fluctuating temperatures, making them the best cold-weather hunting boots for mid-season conditions.
Water Resistance: Mid-season hunts often involve wet and muddy conditions, so having the best waterproof hunting boots ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable.

Top Picks for the Best Hunting Boots 2024 Mid-Season

Here’s a look at some of our top mid-season hunting boots that offer the perfect blend of warmth, support, and durability:

1. Crispi Nevada & Guide (200g Insulation)

Flex Rating: 3
The Nevada and Guide are incredibly versatile options for mid-season hunts, offering just the right balance of insulation and flexibility. These boots are rated as some of the **best hunting boots** due to their all-leather construction and comfortable fit.
The primary difference between the two is the height: the Guide stands two inches taller than the Nevada. This extra height offers additional protection and support, especially in rough terrain or light snow.

2. Crispi Hunter (200g Insulation)

Flex Rating: 4
If you’re venturing into areas with deeper snow or wetter conditions, the Hunter might be the best elk hunting boots option. Standing at 12 inches tall, it offers superior ankle support and insulation, keeping you protected during those cold mornings.
The stiffer midsole provides stability on rugged, uneven terrain, making it one of the best boots for hunting when you need extra support.

3. Crispi Briksdal (200g Insulation)

Flex Rating: 4
The Briksdal is a unique option with a narrower, low-volume fit, making it ideal for hunters with slimmer feet. Its asymmetrical lace-to-toe design ensures a snug fit and excellent support.
As a mid-height boot (9 inches), it provides the right amount of ankle support without feeling too bulky, making it one of the best-rated hunting boots for those who prefer a closer, more precise fit.

4. Crispi Wild Rock (400g Insulation)

Flex Rating: 3
The Wild Rock is a fantastic choice for cold, wet conditions. This boot features a pre-treated full-grain leather upper that offers superior water resistance compared to standard nubuck leather.
Equipped with a Vibram outsole specifically designed for snow, rain, and mud, the Wild Rock stands out as one of the best insulated hunting boots available, keeping you warm and dry even in the harshest conditions.

Choosing the Right Insulation for Your Mid-Season Boot

One of the biggest questions hunters have is determining the right level of insulation for their hunting boots. The answer isn't always straightforward, as it depends on several factors:

Activity Level: If you’re hiking or moving a lot, you can often opt for boots with lighter insulation since your feet will generate heat. If your hunt involves a lot of sitting, consider boots with more insulation.
Personal Body Temperature: Everyone’s internal temperature varies. If you run cold, you might want to go with boots that have 400g insulation, but if you tend to run warm, stick to 200g.
Weather Conditions: Be mindful that air temperature doesn’t always indicate how cold it feels. A damp 30-degree morning in a treestand can feel much colder than a sunny, dry 30-degree morning while glassing for elk out west.

No matter which insulation level you choose, the key is to look for boots that can handle a variety of mid-season conditions, making them the best hunting boots 2024 options.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Mid-Season Hunting Boots

1. Wear Quality Merino Wool Socks: Always wear high-quality Merino blend socks and change them regularly. For hunts with high activity, switch out socks midday to keep your feet dry.
2. Use Gaiters: Gaiters are a game-changer, keeping moisture and debris out of your boots. A great waterproof, breathable gaiter will keep you dry and comfortable and hopefully hunting longer. The Crispi Alto gaiter is the best hunting gaiter on the market and is designed to attach to several models eliminating the need for the strap that goes under the foot and removing the dreaded broken strap or ball of ice under the foot.
3. Maintain Your Boots: Treat and condition your boots regularly with leather cream to extend their life and ensure they remain one of the **best-rated hunting boots** in your arsenal.

Why Crispi Boots Stand Out for Mid-Season Hunts

Crispi's boots are known for being some of the best boots for hunting in a wide range of conditions, and their mid-season lineup is no exception. With models like the Nevada, Guide, Hunter, Briksdal, and Wild Rock, you have options that offer:

Versatility: Suitable for diverse terrain and weather conditions, making them the best hunting boots 2024.
Insulation Options: Ranging from 200g to 400g, providing warmth without compromising on comfort or flexibility.
Durable Construction**: Full-grain leather and high-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance in the field.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Mid-Season Hunt with the Best Hunting Boots

Selecting the right boots for your mid-season hunt is crucial to ensuring comfort, safety, and success. Whether you're stalking elk in the mountains or trekking through wet, snowy fields, having the **best cold weather hunting boots** can make all the difference.

Remember, if you have any questions about choosing the right pair for your next hunt, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you find the best hunting boot for your needs so you can stay focused on what matters most—filling those tags and creating unforgettable hunting memories.