What makes the best snake proof boots shine? Is it the quality of materials? The manufacturer? The heights of the shaft? Or, perhaps the best snake boots are the ones you feel most comfortable in?
The correct answer is “all of the above.”
Snake proof hiking boots should allow you to easily tear through woods and heavy brush while protecting your heel from bending and your wellbeing from a venomous snake bite. They need to be waterproof, so your feet stay dry while hunting. And they must offer enough comfort for heavy-duty, all day long challenges.
To summarize, a good hunting snake boot:
- Protects from venomous serpents and venomous Texas snakes. It should follow US standards and is to be thoroughly tested for penetration before being released to the public.
- Serves as protection from obstacles and standard hiking/climbing injuries
- Doesn’t break your camo (this is only viable to hunters)
- Is comfortable enough for you to hike, walk, track, and work for an extended period of time.
Yes, there’s a lot one should expect from snake boots for men or women’s snake proof boots, but hey, would you bet your life on anything lacking said qualities?
That’s what I thought.
Top 7 Best Snake Proof Boots Money Can Buy
- Irish Settler Waterproof Hunting Boots
- LaCrosse Men’s 376121 4xAlpha 16-inch Waterproof Hunting Snake Boot
- Chippewa Women’s Pull-On Snake Boot
- Danner Men’s Sharptail Boot
- Rocky Men’s Lynx Snake Boot-M
- Lacrosse Men’s 425615 Venom 18-inch Waterproof Hunting Snake Boot
- Thorogood Men’s Snake Boot 17-Inch Waterproof 1400 Hunting Boot
Now we’ve come to the meat and potatoes of this guide – snake boots reviews. After trying out more than a dozen options, I’ve hand-selected seven of the most comfortable snake boots.
1. Irish Settler Waterproof Hunting Boots – Best Lightweight Snake Boots
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If you are looking to put the happiest of grins on a hunter’s face, this pair of lace-up snake boots is the perfect option. Not only are they super lightweight and comfy, but they bring a lot of specific features to the table, you won’t be able to find elsewhere.
The rubber stole, 100% leather and synthetic materials are designed to absorb shock from walking or jumping. The SnakeGuard prevents fangs and hard thorns from a heavy brush from penetrating your feet, and the ScentBan technology is used to kill odor-causing bacteria – perfect for elongated camping trips of hunts that last for several days.
These hunting boots have a militaristic design and incorporate elements of forest camo. This is a cool feature for specific areas, however, the lack of other models and designs is real.
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2. LaCrosse 4xAlpha – Best Waterproof Snake Boots For Hunting
Specifications:
- 100% Rubber
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 14.5″ from arch
- Platform measures approximately 1.0 inches
- Boot opening measures approximately 16″ around
- Item Weight: 2.71 Pounds
These anti-snake boots may not look like much, but don’t judge a book by its cover. The hand-laid premium rubber is combined with a 3.5mm neoprene core. In simpler words, they are as soft as the wings of an angel on the inside, while still offering the sturdiness of 100% rubber.
Speaking of rubber, it is one of the best materials for absorbing shock and damage. That being said, it is quite prone to be damaged over time. The tears and scratches from walking through heavy brush will look nasty over a year or two. Still, this is probably the best option for dense, moist areas such as the swamps of Florida.
The shoes fit nicely thanks to an adjustable grip on the top even if you are walking through heavy mud. They are also much lighter than one might expect.
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3. Chippewa Women’s Pull-On Snake Boot – Best Women’s Snake Proof Boots
Specifications:
- 80% Cordura, 20% Leather
- Color: Brown Expresso
- Material: Genuine Leather Upper and Man Made Sole
- 1 Inch Heel
- Width: Medium (B, M)
- Item Weight: 2 Pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches
This model is my old lady’s personal favorite. The reddish-brown leather looks slick, and the Cardura sleeve pattern adds an additional layer of visual appeal.
These boots are made from 100% leather that serves as firm protection from penetrating snake bites, while the Cordura fabric helps reduce the weight dramatically.
The boots lack shock absorption and a couple of necessary hunting features such as a waterproof membrane but, hey, true beauty demands sacrifice, doesn’t it?
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4. Danner Men’s Sharptail Boot – Best Leather Snake Boots
Specifications:
- 100% Full-Grain Leather, Nylon
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 16″ from arch
- Boot opening measures approximately 19″ around
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper with lightweight 900 denier nylon
- Item Weight: 2.2 Pounds
These rattlesnake protection boots are made from 100% full-grain leather and nylon. The earlier offers excellent protection from penetration. The latter offers protection from water and a little bit of extra comfort.
The boots are quite heavy but, thanks to the nylon padding, they feel much lighter than they are when worn. Two adjustable leather straps, one around the ankle and the other at the top of the boot, make this one-size-fits-all option more adaptive. The bands do a great job of keeping the boots on your feet even if you are walking through dense mud.
I tested these bad boys out in a swamp in Florida a couple of months ago, and I have to say they did not slide down even half an inch. How awesome is that?
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5. Rocky Men’s Lynx Boot – Great Waterproof Snake Boots For Hunting
Specifications:
- 100% Textile
- Manmade sole
- Shaft measures approximately 15″ from arch
- Heel measures approximately 1.5″
- Reinforced toe and heel cap
- Item Weight: 2.4 Pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches
These lightweight snake boots are made from 100% textile. Several layers of padding, comfortable, soft cloth on the inside, a waterproof membrane, and a hard material on the outside serve as excellent protection against penetration without overburdening your feet.
The D-ring hardware, paired with lace-up and a cushioned footbed, ensure a great fit that literally feels like a second skin. Reinforced heel cap and toe guarantee protection from injuries. These boots will stay on, no matter what.
On the downside, all the extra layers of padding are only good in a mild climate. These are definitely not the best snake boots for hot weather. But hey, you know what they say – the northern hunter’s treasure is a southerner’s sweat bath, eh?
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6. Lacrosse Men’s Venom Waterproof Hunting Snake Boots – Comfy Snake Boots With Zipper
Specifications:
- 100% Full Grain Leather and Nylon
- Lug sole
- Shaft measures approximately 15″ from arch
- Heel measures approximately 1.25″
- Platform measures approximately 0.5 inches
- Full-grain leather with 1000 Denier nylon upper plus abrasion
These bad boys are pretty similar to LaCrosse Men’s 4xAlpha. They have all the cool features, bells and whistles the previously mentioned model boasts like the Scent Dry lining, 360-degree snake guard protection, a 100% waterproof membrane, etc.
What really makes these lightweight snake boots stand out is the availability of choice. Lacrosse Men’s Venom comes in not one, not two, but three camo options that will be in handy for people who enjoy strolling through woods, swamps, and deserts.
Unfortunately, the boots share the very same disadvantage – the rubber is prone to wear and tear damage. You probably won’t notice the smaller cuts for like a year, but – and please, trust me on this one – the scars will show in time. Sure, this doesn’t make or break the performance, but hey, if you already chose to pay for a premium quality item, why not make sure it stays in mint condition for at least a couple of years?
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7. Thorogood Men’s Snake Bite Waterproof Hunting Boots – Great Boots To Protect From Snake Bites
Specifications:
- 50% Leather/50% Cordura
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately 17.75″ from arch
- Boot opening measures approximately 18″ around
- Waterproof
- Dual-density polyurethane footbed
- Package Weight: 2.2 Pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches
This 50/50 blend of fine leather and Cordura makes for a great option for those of you who enjoy the best of two worlds: modern achievements of technology with an old-school flair. What really makes these shoes shine, however, is the removable dual-density polyurethane padding. Keep it inside if you are looking forward to several days-long hikes through the woods, or remove the padding if the weather outside is as hot as hell.
Additionally, I have to mention the outsole slipping pad. Gush, my old bones wish more shoes had these. Putting Thorogood Men’s Snake Bite on feels like a walk in the park if compared to some of the other anti-snake bite shoes I’ve mentioned above.
These shoes are exceptionally well-made, which is a rarity among imported snake boots. The only bad-ish thing I can say about this model is that the design is a hit or miss.
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Your Ultimate Buyer’s Guide To Finding Top Rated Snake Boots
You’ve seen the snake boots I have hand-picked for my review. But what are the criteria I based my opinion on? Other than comfort and personal preference, that is.
Well, you see, the answer to this question lies in the reason you need snake boots in the first place.
The why
Why should you buy a snake-proof boot? I mean, the answer may seem like an obvious one. People who reside in an area where venomous snakes live need protection for preventing snake bites.
If that were the case, people all across the US would still walk around in tall cowboy boots made from genuine leather. Those bad boys are more than enough to keep you safe from a rattlesnake.
Then again, I never saw any Australians wearing protective gear the last time I visited Australia. Perhaps there’s more to it than anti-fang armor?
I mean, sure, there is a certain degree of avoiding risk with anti-snake gear as some serpents have venom that’s powerful enough to kill a grown man in several hours. That being said, the lion’s share of danger noodles do not enjoy human company so they will not settle in cities or even populated suburban areas.
A snake is most dangerous in the wild, especially when there are no people around, so that people who know they are leaving into the woods or swamps for an extended period of time should get a pair of snake proof boots. In simpler words, snake boots are gear that’s primarily designed for hunters, hikers, and travelers. Understanding this is the key to pinpointing the perfect pair of heavy-duty snake gaiters and boots.
You are what you wear
Now that we’ve settled on the fact that form is in some ways more important than the primary function, picking a decent pair of snake proof boots is somewhat simpler. You need them either for hunting, hiking, exploring the wilderness, or working outdoors in areas where snakes reside.
This information makes a choice much simpler. How?
Well, if you plan to visit a moist, swampy area, pay close attention to how tight the boots fit. This way, you will make sure they don’t slide off or get stuck in deep mud. Also, there’s the factor of water resistance you must take into account before investing in a pair of hunting boots.
Residing in a much hotter, sunny area, on the other hand, may require boots with a removable inner layer of padding. Also, water-resistance might not be that much of an issue among the blazing sands of Arizona. A decent level of protection against penetration is a must as the venom of a rattlesnake is not only lethal but highly acidic as well. In simpler words, the boot can stop the fang from piercing your skin, but the pressure with which the venom is shot out might still cause damage if it reaches an open area on your body.
Hunters from the north need to deal with much more than fangs. Hardened rocks covered by the grass or a severely prick brush are as much a source of potential injuries as the fangs of a snake.
Then there’s the temperature – you do want to keep your feet warm at night, don’t you?
How to pick the perfect pair of boots?
Ok, I get it, picking a pair of decent shoes is hard, even after knowing the why, especially to someone who has yet to purchase the chaps. Luckily, I am here to make your life a little bit simpler (and so much safer thanks to protective gear).
Without further ado, here are the core elements that make or break a pair of snake boots:
Weight
If put simply, all protective boots are heavy. Some more than others, but the extra layers of leather, cloth, and padding, paired with heavy-duty rubber, aren’t what you may call running wear. The worst part about this deal is that, if you are not used to the weight, everything you try on for the first time feels unbearable.
You’ll get used to most shoes after a couple of times, but this doesn’t remove the issue of making the right choice when shopping. Here’s a pro tip for you: a top-heavy boot is never a good choice. If the weight is distributed on the bottom from heel to toe – congrats, you’ve got yourself a winner.
Comfort
Yes, snake chaps and boots are no Nikes, but that’s really a little price to pay for the possibility to walk through snow, mud, forest, and swamp while keeping the toes nice, dry, and cozy. That being said, the footwear you are going to rock for several days in a row should offer at least some level of comfort.
I’d suggest paying close attention to the materials used for the inner layer of padding. Make sure it is soft. Then there are such factors as arch support, insole, and insulating liner, and heel height to keep a close eye on. All of these factors will ensure that the boots offer heel support and shock absorption in addition to protection from snakes.
Water resistance
Water-resistance is a prominent feature of most snake resistant boots. They are designed as items for hikers, so most manufacturers consider this feature as a must-have. That being said, some models, especially those made of leather alone, are not resistant to water.
More on the matter, not all waterproof boots are made equal. Some models fail at their job even after a simple rainy afternoon in the woods. Pay close attention to the materials that are used. Rubber shoes with a membrane can stay submerged in water indefinitely, while a leather boot cannot.
Maintenance
Given the amount of stress your boots will undergo, they are bound to get real dirty sooner rather than later. Rocks, sand, and dirt do not play nicely with footwear, you know. This is why I prefer my shoes coated with rubber – a simple spray from the hose does miracles when it comes to maintenance.
That being said, rubber is much more prone to piercing damage, so expect to see little cuts and dents after a couple of months out in the fields. Leather boots, on the other hand, stay slick for much longer, but they demand more care such as moisturizing and polishing. The choice is entirely up to you, but if you are anything like me, you’ll go with a waterproof fabric + rubber combo.
Budget
Given the fact that a decent pair of protective boots will cost you anything from $100 to $500, this factor is entirely up to you and your wallet to decide. Please note, that anything below $100 is a smoking pile of garbage that’s not worth neither your time nor your money.
Also, you should keep in mind that the boots in the price range between $100-250 are probably manufactured in China. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but if you choose to go for an Asian product, please keep a close eye on the quality of the build.
Warranty
A good manufacturer will always provide a warranty for their products. Some even go as far as offering lifetime support. These are the best deals when it comes to heavy-duty or protective gear.
FAQ
Read these answers to the most frequently asked questions about snake proof boots to know everything about good hunting boots.
What makes a boot snake-proof?
The materials used in the boot are designed with the prevention of penetration in mind. Manufacturers typically use sturdy materials such as leather, rubber, or several layers of padding.
What to use to treat snake boots?
This deepens on the shoes you own. Models made from rubber can be cleaned with water from a hose, while leather boots demand moistening and polish.
What happens if a snake bites regular boots?
Well, that depends on the boot, but most common footwear manufacturers do not take such factors as a razor-sharp snake fang into account. The odds are a snake can pierce most run in the mill models of shoes without an issue. The danger noodle may get stuck in some of them though, so the people in the hospital can give you an antidote. Can snakes bite through leather boots?
Snakes can bite through the most run in the mill leather boots. Cowboy boots do offer a certain level of protection, though.
The Verdict
A great pair of snake proof boots can save your life from a dangerous venom. This is a viable option for hunters, travelers, and hikers who spend a lot of time in the wilderness where there’s no option of calling 911 and getting medical help in time.
More on the matter, the best snake proof shoes offer a series of additional benefits such as ankle protection, protection from physical harm, shock absorption, a waterproof membrane, and more. In simpler words, they are a multi-purpose tool you absolutely must invest in before going out into the wild, if even for a couple of hours.
So, do you still have any questions left regarding snake-proof boots? Don’t be shy, leave your thoughts in the comments section below. I will happily answer all of you guys!
References:
- Six tips for preventing snake bites (UC Davis Health):
https://health.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/2018-2019/07/20180710_rattlesnakes.html - Why should you buy a snake proof boot (Docgate):
https://docgate.world.edu/buy-snake-proof-boot/
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