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Best Snake Proof Boots Reviewed and Tested
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
The criterion based on materials, with a little bit of a twist. Putting the leather products against the rubber ones would put some boots at a disadvantage (despite their massive pros). So to keep things fair, we separated the two into their own criteria. Leather ones were rated first on their toughness, break-in time and overall quality. This was an easy criterion to measure when pairing the boots side by side. It also led to a lot of low quality leather boots being left off of the top ten completely. With the leather component at its best, customers are guaranteed top-grade protection.
Rubber materials had average protection but offered an extra layer of security when in the water. We still prioritized protection, so if the material was too weak it was not left on the list. In the end, our grade for the rubberized materials was based on their water ability, toughness, and break-in time. Rubber constructed boots have a low break-in time so are favored as backups, or when a specific size isn’t available for a model. Despite their average toughness, all of the rubber boots on the list were rated high enough to withstand a snake bite.
The best material is leather. It has been proved that very few snakes, despite their sharp fangs, are able to penetrate the leather. When testing the boots, ensure that the leather is thick enough. Apart from leather, there is a combination of other materials that you can look out for when testing boots. These include nylon, leather, denim, synthetic weaves, and Kevlar. The manufacturing process interlaces all these materials to create a layer that a snake bite would find difficult to penetrate.
Comfort
Comfort was the hardest of all criteria to judge. Since you are the person that will use the shoes, once you are happy that the shoe will be able to do the job for which you want it, you need to ensure that it fits comfortably. Remember that snake boots, like all other hunting shoes, take extra thick socks. It is advisable to fit the boots wearing the socks that you will mostly use the shoes with. This is something that some boot companies are factoring in and making the size slightly bigger than the normal.
This wasn’t just about size but had to do with the effectiveness when worn for hours. Wearing any snake proof boot for long hours will cause discomfort, yet some are better at adapting than others. With proprietary insoles on some models, they were able to meet or even exceed some of the comfort features offered in regular boots. Only a few companies were capable of porting over their comfort technologies from shoes and applying them to boots. Like a pair of Timberland boots, these can be judged fiercely for not having a good warranty attached to them. Any outdoor apparel that comes with a bad warranty won’t last long with customers if they get the run around with replacements.
Style
Anyone testing these boots would do themselves a favor is they start by looking at the design first. But why is the design so important? The main reason is that the venomous bites that kill thousands of people across the world are on the leg, particularly from the shin right all the way to the knee. It is rare for the bite to be on the foot itself. So, if you are looking for a pair, you will need to ensure that it covers the areas that are mostly bitten by the snake.
However, hunters or anyone else dealing with snakes should never make the mistake of believing that a snake could never strike above the knees. There are many venomous snakes that are known to be able to strike much higher. What this means is that if you are testing snake boots, you should at least have an idea of the kind of snakes which are most common in the place where you live.
With a bulk of the list concentrating on simplicity, some made the top ten went for a more natural look without losing their basic camouflage. Danner Pronghorn was a brand that met the design criteria head-on with a design that looked like a regular leather boot. Chippewa was also a standout, earning points with what looked like a high-end dress boot.
Weather Resistance
If you're going out looking for snakes or at least trying to avoid getting bit by one, the last thing you need is the weather to weaken the material and put you in danger. The boot not only needs to protect you from snakes but from the elements and weather as well. They should keep you warm and dry, no matter what's going on around you!
When submerged underwater, the leather material for all of the boots on the list performed well. They held up as expected, and a few even surpassed their rubber competitors. Our point system favored the products that could handle extended periods in the water with minimal wear and tear. Buyers that want maximum protection and some great water options should have no problem buying the leather options on the top ten list.
Value
Price was a criterion that we took seriously because you deserve getting your money's worth! With this list that meant the standout was snake guard shields. They were a wonderful alternative on the list that not only cut down on weight but also showed a huge cut in their price. Snake guard shields worked great on their own or when compared with a pair of boots.
With the warranty criteria, we cleared out a lot of products- even the ones that were ranking high on the list. We didn’t expect them to have as good a warranty as Timberland boots, but we did expect them to treat the products to a standard outdoor apparel warranty. The remaining on the list meet or exceed the listed warranty requirements.
BEST SNAKE PROOF BOOTS REVIEWED AND TESTED
1. LaCrosse Alphaburly
On the top spot on the list is the Alphaburly Pro, a Lacrosse product that lives up to its name. Snakes won’t stand a chance against the solid construction of these boots.
Neoprene And Rubber Materials
This is the best use of these two materials in one boot in a head to head matchup with the other options. It is the perfect amount of flexibility and protection so that you’re not slowed down while wearing them.
Features and Specifications
This boot measure 18 inches in height to ensure extra protection. They are also waterproof and scent-free to keep from attracting unwanted guest.
Cost and Value
Lower sizes are average price while the larger sizes take a slight bump into the high priced territory. Overall the price compared to the other boots on the list is quite low.
2. LaCrosse Venom Scent
Lacrosse took a lot of the ideas from the rest of the industry and fused them into this boot. The Venom Scent is designed to be a solid selection but also at an affordable option for most.
The Best Protection
Using both leather and fabric, Lacrosse provides the best protection on the list. Their 360 snake guard will protect you against bites better than any other choice.
Features and Specifications
This features 1,000 denier nylon uppers to protect from the harshest environments. It also measures 8 inches with a 2-inch heel to guard high off the ground.
Cost and Value
Customers will be looking at a price that goes from average to high based on size. Even at the largest size, it is still lower priced than a lot of the other options.
3. Crack Shot
Not so much a boot as a way to make your favorite pair of boots impervious to venom-filled fangs no matter how determined. These gaiters attach to any boot and ride almost up to the knee and create a barrier that not even a Cobra is going to be able to get past. We also like that these gaiters come with an insurance policy that guarantees your safety.
Easy to Apply
We do really like the notion that you don’t really have to buy a specific pair of snake proof boots rather with these any boot becomes snake proof. Simply wrap these gaiters around your leg and they extend down over the toe of your shoe and then attach firmly to your leg. A few plastic clasps keep the gaiters firmly attached and in place no matter how much work you put them through.
Comfortable
Despite the look of these gaiters they are meant to be comfortable and mean to be secure but to also ride easily and not rub against your leg in a way that might cause a blister or rub any skin raw. They apply easily and sit snugly bot comfortable on your leg and foot.
Cost and Value
The price varies but considering these are taking the place of an entirely new pair of shoes these are incredibly affordable given the kind of protection they provide. They’re also made in the U.S. if that’s important to you and come with the backing of a 1 million dollar liability guarantee.
4. Irish Setter 2875
This is a premium pair that features the best protection against the deadliest of snakes. The boots are constructed from the ground up to prevent penetration of snake fangs and other sharp objects which makes them into the perfect choice to wear when you are in hazardous conditions. They are designed to stay lightweight and breathable so that you have added comfort when you have these boots on.
Waterproof Leather
Most boots are made from rubber which is heavy and doesn't breathe. These boots are made from waterproof leather materials so that they are more comfortable and lightweight while still providing you with protection against water and moisture.
SnakeGuard Construction
The boots feature a construction that is engineered to block snake fangs and other sharp objects from penetrating the sides of the boots. This will provide you with the ultimate protection against snakes as well as thorns and other sharp objects.
Cost and Value
You will see these boots sold at a price that is higher than the average price. The higher price comes from the higher quality construction and materials that are used to make these boots.
5. Bogs Bowman
This pair of high profile waterproof hunting boots will help you stay dry and protect you against snake bites while you are spending time in the wilderness. They offer lots of features that you would expect to see in a premium outdoor boot including waterproofing, moisture-wicking, and protection against odors. These features and much more turn them into an excellent hunting boot that you can wear hours at a time.
Scent Protection
The boots feature a Scent Combat technology that kills off odor-causing bacteria. This will help reduce the number of bacteria in the boots so that they continue to smell fresh even after wearing them all day long in hot weather.
Moisture Wicking
There is an interior lining in the boots that wicks away moisture. This helps improves the overall comfort of the boots because your legs, ankles, and feet will feel drier and less hot since moisture is getting pulled away from them.
Cost and Value
This is a brand of premium outdoor hunting boots so you will see these boots sold at a price that is higher than the average price. You will get a lot of value in the boots since they have everything you need to enjoy the outdoors.
6. Muck Boot Elite
People who spend a lot of their time walking will need additional comfort and support. These boots offer features that will help cushion and support your feel so that you do not feel pain and discomfort in your feet after wearing them for a full day. They have other features that you would expect to find.
Flex-Foam Bootie
There is a cushioned bootie on the inside of the boot that is made from FR flex-foam. This boot cushions and helps to support your feet and ankles so that you can wear the boot for long hours at a time.
Molded Outsoles
The outsoles on this boot are designed to provide you with the maximum amount of traction that you need. They will help you grip in even the slickest conditions so that you can walk with confidence.
Cost and Value
These boots are sold at a price that is higher than the average price. You can expect superior comfort and protection from snakes and other conditions thanks to the high quality make and construction of the boots.
7. LaCrosse Grange
This boot has thick layers of rubber that will help make sure that no snake's fangs will penetrate the boot. In addition to protection against snakes, you can enjoy all of the other features found in this boot. The boots are perfect to wear outdoors all day long and will help your feet feel comfortable thanks to the support found around the ankle as well as the arches of your feet.
Fully Rubber
This brand of boots is made completely out of rubber. The rubber will help make sure that you do not get bit by snakes but it also fully waterproofs the boots so that you can stay dry in wet conditions.
Ankle Fit
The ankle of the boot is designed to fit around your ankles and fully support them. This will help you feel better after wearing the boots and can also help prevent injury if you happen to slip while walking.
Cost and Value
You will see these boots sold at a price that is well below the average. The lower price turns these boots into a bargain purchase because you can have outdoor protection without having to spend much.
8. MuckBoots Pursuit
Leather is usually the go-to when you need superior protection, but it isn’t the only option. The Muck boot offers an interesting alternative for buyers that need better water protection with these types of boots.
100% Rubber
The rubber is thick enough that it stops bites just as reliably as leather, with the added benefit that it’s better for water use. To make up for what is usually uncomfortable wear, they padded the inside with a lot of comfort extras.
Heat Retention
This model was specially designed to retain heat and keep you warm during the colder seasons. It also offers shock absorption to prevent your legs from getting tired.
Cost and Value
Despite the rubber materials the price remains high for this pair in all sizes. There is a bit more give in the fitting so this may hold some serious value to customers having issues finding a comfortable fit.
9. Danner Men's Jackal
Now, this is a boot. A tall, tough, fully articulated boot that is going to rise up almost to your knee. Not only that but it’s lightweight and fully resistant to venomous reptiles. It has a strong rubber sole and Gore-Tex lining that’ll keep you warm and snug inside this tough boot. The lace-up element can be a bit annoying as this boot is so high it’ll take some time but you can rest easy that nothing is going to be able to bite through these.
Waterproof Construction
Not only as these boots snake-proof they’re waterproof as well. The rubber sole will keep water from soaking up through the bottom of the boot and the nylon upper and shank are fully water-resistant and with a bit of scotch guarding are going to keep you dry as well as warm.
Lace ups for comfort
While lacing up these boots may be a bit annoying it allows you perfect the fit in a way that will make you most comfortable. These boots ride high so being able to make them comfortable on not only your feet but also your calves is going to make your life a lot easier when you’re out in the wild.
Cost and Value
We like the price of these boots and we like the fact that they’re tough resilient, water-resistant and ride high up on the leg to give you some real confidence that no snake is going to be able to get past these tough boots.
10. Georgia Men's Athens
This is one tough pair of boots and the wonderful thing about them is that clean up nice and in a pinch can do double duty as a passable set of dress shoes. These boots are synthetic construction that guarantees they’ll last and also guarantees their water resistance.
Tough Construction
These boots have a tough steel shank, an EVA sole and an advanced footbed that guarantees their ability to stand up to any snake but also their ability to stand up to any kind of weather and come out in good shape.
Ride High
These boots go well up on your thigh to provide that much more protection
Cost and Value
This is an expensive pair of boots, no doubt about it. But for all, you’re getting from these boots, water resistance, snake-proof, and their tough construction it’s a price we think is well worth it.
Sources
- , Field and Stream, Hunting Site
- , Wikipedia, Information Site