The great thing about dove hunting is that it does not require a special hunting boot, and certainly not one heavily insulated—at least not for most of the states with dove hunting.
Dove hunting is a field hunt, often sunflower or milo, maybe corn (harvested), or just about any field where dove might find food on their way from one point to another.
These kinds of fields do not usually require heavy duty hunting boots, or heavy duty boots of any kind. But, boots are the way to go, and preferable over sneakers.
Here are a couple options to consider for your 2025 dove season.
Danner makes a great boot. I had a pair of Danner Chukka boots about 25 years ago and still to this day swear they were the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. They were probably recraftable but at that time had no idea what that was or meant—otherwise I’d probably still have those boots today.
Thankfully, Danner makes more than one style of boot and for dove season you might want to look at their FullBore, which is a 4.5” non-insulated, non-waterproof plain toe boot from their military line. Designed for hot weather, this boot features a cushioning Vibram platform with Megagrip technology for improved traction on the outsole. Its lightweight upper, moisture-wicking air mesh lining and ventilation technology make it comfortable in hot weather.
So, definitely ideal for Arizona, Texas, and dove fields across the deep south. The FullBore comes in Coyote in sizes 6 to 15, and in widths D and EE. The MSRP is $190.00.
For a more traditional boot style, the Bull Run Moc Toe from Danner fits the bill. Danner describes the Bull Run as a “utilitarian work boot with a timeless design that stays in style when you punch out.” I have a very similar style boot from Irish Setter that is super comfortable.
The Bull Run Moc Toe features a full-grain leather upper that is both strong and soft, topping the sturdy Danner’s Wedge outsole that provides all-day comfort thanks to the soft polyurethane compound used. Danner states that the boot is recraftable, including part replacement, leather care and restitching.
The Bull Run Moc Toe comes in Brown, Black and Tobacco colorways, in sizes 7 to 15 in width D and EE. The MSRP is $260.00. Also available in women’s sizes.
Danner Wayfinder is designed for women and is built with Danner Dry waterproof lining. The upper is made of suede leather and abrasion-resistant nylon which create a super durable, comfortable upper.
The polyurethane footbed provides superior shock absorption with an additional layer of open cell construction for improved air circulation. Danner’s Plyolite midsole offers lightweight comfort and shock absorption while the Danner Wayfinder outsole provides traction in diverse terrain.
This waterproof, non-insulated 8” lace-to-toe boot will take you from the dove fields to upland game hunting and beyond. It comes in a Brown/Buff colorway in women’s sizes 5 to 11 and in women’s medium width. MSRP is $170.00 but currently on sale for $102.00 at Danner.com.
While 5.11 might not be top of mind for hunting footwear, their tactical-style boots are more than capable when it comes to the early dove season. Case in point, their A/T Elite GORE-TEX 8" Boot.
A duty boot, the A/T Elite features a waterproof breathable membrane and is built with a full-grain leather and high abrasion mesh upper. It’s ultralight and durable. Comfort comes from the A.T.L.A.S. Elite PU insole and integrated support plate, the Dual Density-PU midsole with energy return and shock mitigating capabilities, and the 5.11 x Vibram full rubber high traction ASTM certified slip and oil resistance outsole.
The A/T Elite GORE-TEX 8" Boot is available in Dark Coyote or Black in sizes 4 to 15 with both D and E width options. The MSRP is $235.00.
Another option from 5.11 is the A/T 8" Waterproof Non-Zip Boot, which features a waterproof suede and nylon upper with a Tac Dry + BBP membrane to keep your feet protected and dry. Inside, the boot has an Ortholite footbed, Force shock absorbing foam in the heel, and Echo Foam forefoot, while the outsole is slip-resistant for stable footing while the All Terrain Load Assistance System (A.T.L.A.S.) provides support and stability.
Available in Dark Coyote in sizes 6 to 14, D or E width options, the A/T 8" Waterproof Non-Zip Boot has an MSRP of $200.00.
Another option for women is the Trailbreaker GTX from Lacrosse. This is a 7” non-insulated and waterproof boot designed for women and will take you through dove season and beyond. Its 100% waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX liner will keep feet dry and comfortable. The upper is constructed with suede leather and lightweight, abrasion-resistant nylon for durability and comfort.
The rubberized EVA midsole delivers superior cushioning and shock absorption underfoot while the 7Mag outsole is designed with multi-direction lugs that flex across variable terrain to provide reliable traction, no matter the conditions.
This boot comes in Major Brown in a women’s medium width in sizes 5 to 11. It has an MSRP of $210.00.
I’ve never owned a Merrell boot or shoe but I’ve seen so many people wearing them when I lived in New Hampshire that I thought it was the official state shoe. Built rugged for hiking, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a mid-height design which provides more ankle support without sacrificing mobility.
The shoe has a waterproof membrane for dry feet in all conditions and has Merrell Air Cushion for maximum shock absorption while the exclusive Moab 3 footbed contours to your foot. The bellows tongue keeps out dirt and debris. The outsole is Vibram TC5+ for traction and features a protective rubber heel and toe cap.
The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof comes in nine colorways, including the four shown: Olive/Gum, Earth, Boulder, Beluga. These are available in sizes 7 to 15 in medium and wide widths. MSRP is $170.00.
Finally, the pair of boots that I have personally had experience with, and love, is the Irish Setter Wingshooter. This is a non-insulated 7” boot in the classic upland style that features a waterproof leather and UltraDry waterproof, breathable membrane to keep your feet dry.
The sole of the boot provides good cushioning for comfort, even if you’re on your feet all day. Trust me, I spent lots of time criss-crossing the NASGW and NRA Show floors in my pair of Wingshooters.
The MSRP is $219.00, but the Goodyear welt design of these boots allows for recrafting. So, if you wear them out, which eventually happens, you can get them rebuilt.
The Setter Fifty is another boot I’ve worn, though not out in the field, just trade shows and around town. They are extremely comfortable.
The 6-inch leather Setter Fifty is a retro-style boot inspired by the original Irish Setter that became a top-seller in the 1950s. Fully updated, it features full-grain leather, an outsole made from 51% post-industrial materials and Goodyear Welt construction that is both durable and resolable (we love this).
Its classic design features inspired details like the white wedge sole, pinched moc stitching detail and a familiar silhouette. For added comfort, it has a CuShin tongue that reduces pressure on the shin and a highly breathable stretch nylon collar.
The Setter Fifty comes in Mango (the boot I have), Black, and Deep Taupe colorways, in sizes 6 to 14 in D and EE width options. The MSRP is $179.99.
— Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network