10 Best Muck Boots (Review) In 2022

Despite only being around for 20 years, the Original Muck Boot Company quickly carved out a reputation for itself of being one of the most reliable, rugged, and durable options for outdoor activities around. This aligns with its sole (ha) mission to create a line of outdoor footwear that war renowned as the most comfortable and high performing possible.

Over the years, Muck Boot has expanded its range to cover footwear for the farm, for outdoors, for sports, for the garden, and have even tried their hand (or foot) at designing quality options for equestrian purposes.

Throughout these categories, there is a constant satisfaction. The boots provide comfort, warmth, and dryness that’s all contained within a durable and versatile boot that doesn’t just need to be used when working all day long.

It’s this versatility that draws so many people towards them, too, and you’re as likely to see them sported on a rainy day on city streets as you are caked in mud at the end of a long trudge through the forest. It doesn’t matter if the boots are crafted from the finest leather or high quality extended rubber, the range of over 60 styles (yeah, we could only pick 10) is ideal for whatever demands you want to test it with.

If you’re an ice fisherman, its boots are one of the first things you should pack before heading out. If you’re a farmer, you’ll need them for tackling the dirtiest parts of the job, and if you just want them in the role of rain boots, to keep your feet dry on the way to work, there’s no better option to make that possible.

Setting the standard for outdoor footwear, the Muck Boot motto is Style for those with substance. Looking at the quality that shines through each pair of boots, whether man, woman, or child, it’s clear Muck Boots can have found the perfect balance between style and substance to deliver some of the most reliable, most sought-after products around.

Made from rubber, Muck Boots have a lifespan of about three to five years; so, they are the durable choice for individuals who appreciate the style that lasts. These solid boots will outlast other options, of course, depending on personal usage and maintenance. What’s more, they are really useful especially when it comes to carrying out domestic and tactical chores such as going fishing, farming, hunting, gardening, and any other outdoor activities.

And thanks to the neoprene material, they are great for use during winter and work well to protect the feet from frostbites when working or walking in the cold. Furthermore, they are usually waterproof and offer excellent support and shield. Available in small to large sizes, they cater to those with big to large feet without discrimination.

With all this background information, it’s easy to jump on board and plan for the next brand of muck shoes to purchase, but before you make that hurried decision, there are vital things you should know.

Features To Look For In Muck Boots

Durability - Durability is really a concept that rides dominantly on maintenance and quality. They practically work hand in hand; you could maintain a pair of poorly made muck boots and they wouldn’t last a month. Do the same with muck boots made with sturdy, reinforced materials, and it would last much longer. Remember, muck boots are made of leather, just like tires; so, one day they will wear out. The real question is how long it would take a good pair of muck boots, before the wear and tear sets in? Well, top quality muck boots should last up to 3 years with the right maintenance.

Thanks to the stylish and versatile make, these shoes can be worn to a lot of places, especially dirt or mud-prone areas. What’s more, they should be able to withstand heat, extreme cold, rough terrains, and muddy areas as well. They should equally be easy to wash off any grime stuck to the base after use and the outsoles should be well-reinforced; they are certainly a good contender for different terrains, yet remain relatively light on the feet.

Additionally, the toe area and the heel should be the target for reinforcements, as these are the areas where pressure is applied most of the time. Some manufacturers apply triple reinforcements on these areas to ensure the boots stay solid and sturdy regardless of the terrain. This ensures the boots have a solid construction and balance on the ground. In addition to the extra-strength and sturdiness on the rubber soles, they should equally remain flexible, and well-prepared to withstand abrasion.

At the end of the day, quality muck boots are designed not only with top quality materials; it goes further than that. The manufacturers ensure the soles are well-reinforced, offering the required support to the equally durable and sturdy uppers.

Fit - Most muck boots are actually designed with a unisex fit, just some categorize and differentiate between male and female sizes. That means most brands sell unisex sizes that are suitable for both men and women to wear. However, biologically, women’s feet tend to be smaller than men’s feet.

Also, generally, people's feet vary in sizes, shapes, and forms; people could have small, wide feet or slender long feet and more. This makes the fit of any shoes or boots an important variable. Muck boots should hug the form of the feet snugly, if it’s overly tight or slightly large, it will cause discomfort. Oversized or undersized shoes equally compromise adequate support and may not deliver on comfort as well.

Since most muck boots have unisex sizes, the only smart way to shop is by strictly following the size guide. Women should get muck boots that are one size down from the men’s size if that’s what’s available on the size guide. For men who are a size and a half, it’s better to order the next size up, and women should opt for the next size down.

Size - Size is an important factor to consider when looking for the perfect fit, getting the right size will determine how comfortable the shoes will be. It’s best to check the size charts provided by the manufacturer to ensure it’s the right size for you. Go for shoes that have proper details on the size guide, especially for muck boots that are unisex. Muck boots should be easy to put on and pull off, and shouldn’t be inconvenienced when you walk. This can only be assured when you get the right size.

Material - As muck boots serve as a protective covering against harsh terrains, acting as one of the most formidable shields against dirt and rough environments, they are often made from neoprene, a kind of rubber that is aerated, and the same material used to make maritime survival suits.

Beyond that, manufacturers decide which materials to mix in on the uppers and midsoles. In addition, the boots are designed with materials that provide ample insulation, keeping you warm in the winters, or extremely windy conditions.

It’s needless to say that the kind of materials that are used, and how reinforced they are will determine the general quality, comfort and durability of the muck boots. That’s why it is important to go through the product descriptions, finding out what kind of materials were used in making the uppers, mid-soles and the outsoles as well.

Use - Made for strong and able individuals who are not afraid to get their feet dirty, muck boots prove to be great for such tasks and are equally easy to maintain. As muck boots come in various designs and styles, the one you pick out really depends on the nature of what you do.

There are muck boots made for farming, fishing, hunting, gardening, equine use, and much more outdoor activities. Choose the boots that suit the nature of tasks, chores or jobs that will be carried out.

Height - The nature of the work you do, as well as personal preference, is really what determines what height of muck boots to go for. A lot of muck boots are designed with a long-form that rides up to the calves, some cut through the midsection. The height of the boots will determine the comfort you’ll personally enjoy. There’s also the seasonal factor to consider, with more people opting for longer heights during the winter for added warmth.

Longer boots will also effectively keep snow and debris out of the feet when hunting or carrying out various tasks in the snow. On the flip side, when it gets warmer in the summer and fall, you might want a shorter pair to prevent breaking out a sweat or being generally uncomfortable when working

Comfort - Yes, muck boots were created for tough and soft work alike, from making flower beds, to factory work and more. Whether it’s simply a walk through the park or carrying heavy materials from one point to another, one thing is certain. Also, comfort is key when considering most boots, especially ones that are likely to be worn all day. Ploughing the grounds or wetting the posts would be extremely difficult if your feet are constantly taking a beating.

No doubt, different factors would contribute to how comfortable muck boots would be. If the shoes are too heavy, this could make walking around a real sweat breaker. Also, the fit will equally determine how well your feet are treated when working and walking around and there’s equally the padding to consider, good muck boots are well-padded with well-reinforced outsoles that keep the pressure off the feet.

Water Proof - Muck boots are practically the top choice for individuals whose jobs or chores require getting their feet a little dirty. It’s equally a great choice for homeowners, farmers, factory workers and more during the winter season, thanks to its ability to provide adequate insulation. However, when looking at boots that can take you through all seasons, especially the winter, then we must consider the water-proof functions.

Cowboy boots may be fancy, however, they lack the water-proof function to allow them to survive the muck and moisture on the ground. Muck boots, on the other hand, should have a water-proof material preventing muck from wearing out the boots in no time. Boots without this function will quickly break those seemingly durable forms in no time, leaving behind a sight not pleasing to the eyes.

On the other hand, the boots should have a protective layer that keeps the moisture or water from seeping into the boots. No one wants to pull out soggy, smudged sock at the end of a long day, or even walk around with damp socks. To avoid this, ensure the boots are 100% water-proof before going ahead to purchase them.

Maintenance - Muck boots are characterized by their rubber soles; rubber is known to be sturdy, bouncy, sleek and smooth to the touch. Depending on the design, they could either be textured, smooth or grooved. In light of this, you have to consider getting muck boots that are easy to maintain, and clean after those long days in the farm or animal shed.

Getting the mud, dirt and grime of the soles and uppers shouldn’t have you breaking a sweat and the dirt should easily slide off with a spray of water and mild scrubbing with a soap and water solution. And to keep the uppers looking great and shiny, it’s best to use wax polish or liquid detergent to condition it.

However, don’t use conditioners on the soles, so they don’t get overly slick and compromise traction. Even more, the rubber outsoles should be easy to repair in any case of the rubber getting punctured and sealants should be able to fix and cover punctured areas to ensure continued durability of the boots.

Muck Boot FAQ

Q: How long do muck boots last?

A: The durability of muck boots largely depends on their make and your maintenance. Well maintained muck boots should last an average of two years.

Q: How do you care for muck boots?

A: Muck boots are made with neoprene material and rubber soles that must be maintained regularly to improve and ensure durability. These boots weather the sun, rain or snow, and such exposure can take a toll on them if not properly managed. To keep them in top condition, here are a few tips to follow.

• Clean the insides with a water and vinegar solution to deodorize them. This solution will sanitize and cleanse, as well as remove and prevent foul odors.
• After a day in the rain, take a few newspapers and stuff them in the boots to soak up any excess liquid. This should prevent the boots from developing molds and foul smells.
• Wear socks with rubber boots to reduce sweat and odors.
• Always try to keep the boots dry by airing them out after use.
• Don’t dry boots outside for long, they could be affected by different temperatures and consequently affect the rubber.
• To clean the exterior part of the boots, make a water and soap solution, spray on the solution to the boots, then use a dry cloth to gently work in a scrub. Wipe them clean with a clean dry towel afterward.
• Ensure you get out all the muck and dirt on the outsoles, keeping them on will only shorten the lifespan of the shoes.
• Occasionally treat the uppers with some conditioner to prevent cracking and drying.

Q: How can I make muck boots fit better?

A: If you have already purchased a pair of muck boots, and they are a bit too big, then there’s no need to return them. Simply slip on a pair of sock, this should add more volume in the shoes, and ensure a snugger fit. It’s better to wear medium-weight athletic socks rather than heavy socks. However, for heavy socks, try to select the next size up on the true half size.

Q: Do muck boots run true to size?

A: This really depends on the brand, some muck boots run true to size, while others don’t. You’ll have to read through the reviews on the product and study the size guide as well to see if a particular pair runs true to size. If they don’t, the next step is to determine whether to buy a size up or down. This can be adapted from reviews online, videos about the shoes as well as the manufacturers note on the matter.

It’s equally important to note that for users who prefer to wear socks before their boots, and it’s better to go half a size up. This should help to better accommodate the extra layer the socks bring, ensuring the boots aren’t overly tight.

Source:

1. Our Story - The Original Muck Boot Company