If you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, just getting your tail feathers wet for the first time, you’ve probably heard of Irish Setter Hunting Boots. They tend to get a lot more marketing on the wingshooting side of things but don’t let that fool you into thinking Irish setter only makes boots for hunting birds.
Irish Setter, under the Red Wing Shoe Company, has been in the business of manufacturing hunting boots since 1950, and they’ve built a quality reputation around their brand. While a good pair of Irish Setter boots will cost you a pretty penny, they’re more than worth the investment.
Irish Setter Boots are very durable and offer a host of premium features that the hunter in you will love. It’s one of those cases where you get what you pay for. All the boots in the Irish Setter hunting lineup are premium quality, waterproof, and designed to last for years.
Are Irish Setter Hunting Boots Worth it?
There are currently 32 hunting boots in Irish Setter’s lineup, and the vast majority of them feature leather as the primary material. More specifically, waterproofed leather. Every boot is different, but besides the mud boots, leather is the name of the game.
They also feature either synthetic or rubber soles. These are all heavy materials, and while you could wear them hiking, fatigue would become a factor. Some of Irish Setter’s offerings contain their “ScentBan odor control technology,” which both controls odor and kills bacteria.
Boots like the Elk Tracker feature steel shank support for a comfortable and stable arch.
Irish Setter Men's Wingshooter
$142.46 in stock
Amazon.com Features
- All Day Performance: The removable polyurethane footbed and moisture wicking nylon lining gives your feet long-lasting comfort.
- Tough Terrain Traction: Keep stability and traction through uneven terrain with the durable debris-shedding Prairie outsole.
- Waterproof Design: Full grain leather is protected with UltraDry waterproof construction that combines moisture management lining with waterproof components for dry, long-lasting comfort and performance.
- Lightweight Comfortability: This boot is surprisingly lightweight, and the sole includes a comfortable steel shank which provides more stable footing and helps support your feet and calves.
- Platform Construction: The Goodyear Welt construction of the sole platform prevents water intrusion and adds strength and durability to the boot making it long lasting. It allows the boot to be resoled to extend the life of the boot.
Quality of Construction
Irish Setter pushes the limits with their hunting boots. On the one hand, there has to be a high level of comfort. On the other hand, the boots have to endure rocks, mud, briars, water, climbing, and miles of trekking through forests.
What makes Irish Setter so popular is their success in both regards. Their boots are known for providing a high degree of comfort without compromising the quality of the build. They don’t put these boots together on Fridays, right before the end-of-the-day work whistle.
All of their leather-equipped variations are thoroughly waterproofed using Irish Setter’s UltraDry technology. Irish Setter loads their boots up with technology, including ATC outsoles and anti-torsion TPU Chassis. They also include “Tactile Connectivity,” which helps you feel each rock, branch, and divot you step on. Quite an accomplishment for such heavy boots.
Fit & Sizing
Irish Setter Boots are made to fit your size, however, they also include a lot of leather in their designs. Leather can be awfully tight when you experience it wrapped around your feet for the first time.
It’s like dealing with a brand new baseball glove, except you can’t drop your Irish Setter boots in a pot of boiling water. Most of their boots come in sizes 6 to 16, so there is plenty of range in terms of feet sizes. If your feet are wide, Irish Setter offers wide versions as well.
How long does it take to break them in
Every boot is different, even when you’re dealing with the same manufacturer for all of them. While some suggest it takes only a single day to break them in, others will tell you it’s more like a week. Of course, every opinion concerns a particular boot, and there are 32 to consider.
For what it’s worth, you should probably expect anything from one day to an entire week, wearing them every other day before your Irish Setter Boots are broken in. The Irish Setter Wingshooter Boots, in particular, can take up to a week.
Irish Setter Men's Wingshooter
$189.95 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- All Day Performance: The removable polyurethane footbed and moisture wicking nylon lining gives your feet long-lasting comfort.
- Tough Terrain Traction: Keep stability and traction through uneven terrain with the durable debris-shedding Prairie outsole.
- Waterproof Design: Full grain leather is protected with UltraDry waterproof construction that combines moisture management lining with waterproof components for dry, long-lasting comfort and performance.
- Lightweight Comfortability: This boot is surprisingly lightweight, and the sole includes a comfortable steel shank which provides more stable footing and helps support your feet and calves.
- Platform Construction: The Goodyear Welt construction of the sole platform prevents water intrusion and adds strength and durability to the boot making it long lasting. It allows the boot to be resoled to extend the life of the boot.
How to care for them
Several types of Irish Setter Boots have leather in them. It’s waterproof leather, but you need to treat it with something like NaturSeal—manufactured by Red Wing Shoe. Not only does NaturSeal replace the waterproofing, but it also creates breathability in the leather, which is essential for comfort.
Keep them clean and allow them time to dry before treating them. Always store them in a cool, dry area. Leather preservation is essential as well. Original Mink Oil Paste is excellent for leather preservation.
Bottom Line
Irish Setter Boots are more than worth the investment. It’s difficult to find a solid hunting boot that is both dependable and durable. A good hunting boot should be with you for the long haul.
Sure, Irish Setter Hunting Boots aren’t cheap. But when something as simple as boot choice makes or breaks your entire hunt, you owe it to your poor feet to cover the expense.
Besides, everything in the outdoors starts with your feet. When your feet are cold, you’re cold. When your feet are wet, you’re wet. When your feet ache abominably, the rest of you is in agony as well. Do yourself a favor—pass on the $29.99 Walmart boot special sale and grab a pair of Irish Setters. Your feet will thank you.
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The Review
Irish Setter Hunting Boots
We've rated the key features of Irish Setter boots to help you decide if they are right for you!
Review Breakdown
- Quality
- Comfort
- Size & Fit
- Value for Money
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