KUIU HD Mud Boot Evaluation

If you’re masking severe miles in unpredictable terrain, your boots aren’t simply footwear; they’re gear. And like every gear, they need to carry out, maintain up over time, and maintain you snug.

I wore the KUIU HD Mud Boots by way of a whole looking season in Montana, placing them to the check throughout creeks, rocky ridgelines, deep snow, and muddy fields. After greater than 50 miles of mountain climbing in various situations, I’ve really feel for what they do nicely and the place they’re missing.

From every day chores, journeys to the river, and journeys to the sector, these boots have turn out to be certainly one of my go-to grabs on my means out the door. After a full season after which some, what are my ideas?

Briefly: The KUIU HD Mud Boots are much more succesful than I initially thought they’d be. They’re watertight, heat, snug, and supportive in methods my earlier rubber boots haven’t been. They’re virtually excellent if you happen to overlook one little match subject.

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KUIU HD Mud Boot Evaluation

First Impressions & Match

Proper out of the field, I used to be stunned by how snug they had been. The match was cosy in a great way, not overly tight, however safe sufficient to really feel supported while not having to lace something up. I’d describe the sizing as true to dimension, however count on them to be extra fitted than your common rubber boot or Muck-style choice.

That tighter match does make them somewhat tougher to get off on the finish of the day, however for me, the additional effort was price it for the efficiency they gave within the discipline.

Terrain and Circumstances Lined

I wore the KUIU HD Mud Boots throughout varied terrain, together with mud, rocks, snow, creek crossings, and dry fields. Initially, I deliberate to make use of them for early-season archery hunts in September, figuring out I’d be crossing a ton of waterways on my specific hunts, however they shortly turned my go-to all through the autumn and into late-season snow.

I used them to cross a number of creeks and by no means as soon as fearful about slipping or shedding traction. The grip was strong, even in slick or uneven situations. That was one of many standout options. These boots don’t really feel cumbersome or clumsy, which may typically be the case with rubber-style looking boots.

Consolation & Efficiency Over Time

Total, they had been very snug for prolonged put on, although I discovered it useful to swap out socks midway by way of on hotter days, which might be apply for many rubber boots to stop moisture abrasions.

The fleece lining added a pleasant contact of heat in colder climate, however if you happen to’re planning to be out in adverse temps for hours, you’ll need extra insulation or thicker layers. They stored my toes dry and heat in most situations, and I by no means skilled heel elevate or foot fatigue.

That stated, one draw back was the way in which the rubber folded on the entrance of the boot and rubbed towards my shins throughout longer hikes. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, however it’s one thing to bear in mind if you happen to plan to cowl a severe distance in at some point.

Assist & Construct

One of many largest surprises with these boots was how a lot assist they offered. Most rubber or mud boots I’ve used prior to now are usually flimsy across the ankle and arch, however the KUIU HD Mud Boots gave me the construction I wanted whereas mountain climbing throughout uneven floor. I by no means rolled an ankle or felt unstable, even with a full pack.

The boots are holding up nicely after a full season and over 50 miles of mountain climbing. The tread is beginning to present typical indicators of damage, which is predicted, however the physique of the boots nonetheless seems to be virtually new. There isn’t a splitting, cracking, or leaking. For one thing that’s been by way of creeks, snow, and tough terrain, that’s spectacular.

What I’d Enhance

If I might tweak something, I’d handle the rubber rubbing subject on the entrance shin space. After longer hikes, that contact level would begin to trigger slight discomfort. It didn’t occur each time, however usually sufficient that I seen. I additionally wouldn’t suggest these as your go-to for multi-hour hikes in excessive chilly except you’re layering up.

It doesn’t assist that I’m a sucker for carrying denims within the discipline. That being stated, the rub subject occurred on events after I was carrying denim, my looking pants, and simply instantly on my pores and skin whereas doing the mundane duties that occur to require a pair of shoes.

Greatest Use Case

These boots are perfect for anybody on the lookout for dependable footwear in moist, variable situations. I feel they shine throughout early to mid-season archery hunts or for conditions the place you’re going to be out and in of water and dirt, however not masking 10+ miles a day. These could be excellent boots for trudging by way of the muck and brush to your treestand.

I’d suggest them to different hunters or out of doors staff who want a boot that may deal with harsh environments with out breaking down after one season. They’d make a fantastic ranch boot.

Last Ideas

For $199, the KUIU HD Mud Boots ship loads of worth. They’ve turn out to be a dependable piece of drugs for me, and I count on them to final a number of extra seasons. The waterproofing, assist, and sturdiness all met and exceeded my expectations.

Whereas they’re not excellent, primarily because of some consolation quirks throughout lengthy hikes, I’d undoubtedly purchase them once more if I wanted a strong boot for moist, unpredictable terrain.

Editor’s Notice: These boots had been examined by a rugged hunter and outdoorsman who isn’t a author. That tester relayed his firsthand expertise to the writer. The writer was current throughout testing.