The right hunting boots can make or break your hunt, especially during the cold weather season. Whether you're looking to purchase insulated hunting boots for mountainous terrain or the warmest rubber hunting boots for sitting in a tree stand, Thorogood has a selection of insulated and non-insulated hunting boots to meet your needs.
Boot Insulation Gram Chart
Keep in mind that these are general guides and that everyone will feel cold differently. The chart below shows different boot insulation weights in grams and a general guide for activity and weather types to help you choose the warmest hunting boots for your situation. If in doubt, we’d choose the higher insulation level so you can wear your boots longer into the season and supplement with warm socks if needed.
| Boot Insulation Levels | Hunting Days & Activity Levels |
| Non-insulated | Mildly cool spring and fall days or evenings with higher activity levels |
| Non-insulated | Mildly cool spring and fall days or evenings with higher activity levels |
| 400g | Mildly cooler days with moderate to little activity |
| 800g | Colder late fall and early spring days with light activity |
| 1600g | Wintery cold days with moderate movement |
Hunting Boot Insulation Explained
Now that you've considered some vital questions, let's look at hunting boot insulation levels. Boot insulation varies in quality and, for comfort and usability, maintaining warmth without bulk is ideal. You'll also want to consider activity levels since less insulation is typically needed if you'll be actively moving and walking, while more is needed for stationary activities.
Pro Tip: Everyone has a different internal thermometer. What temperature and condition we think is “cold" will vary, as does our body's circulation and comfort levels.
What Kind of Insulation Do Thorogood Hunting Boots Use?
What is Thinsulate™?
Thinsulate™ is the most frequently used type of boot insulation. Made by 3M, the synthetic fiber thermal insulation is used in clothing and footwear. Since it's thinner than polyester fibers, it's less bulky than other insulation types and also has waterproofing qualities. Fun fact: Thinsulate™ is also used in fabric roofs on sports cars (Porsche Boxster) to reduce heat loss and noise levels, as well as in upholstery.
How is Thinsulate™ measured?
Thinsulate™ is measured by weight, more specifically in grams per square meter of insulation. Thinsulate™ in boots typically ranges from 200g to 2500g.
What is SOLARCORE®?
SOLARCORE® is NASA-inspired aerogel that is proven to retain 50% more heat and is designed with minimal bulk to block the cold. The same science used to insulate spacecrafts on voyages at -450°F is now used in apparel and footwear (so don't complain to us your feet are cold with it because it definitely doesn't hit -450°F!)
How is SOLARCORE® measured?
SOLARCORE® isn't measured in grams the way Thinsulate™ is. It's formed in one 2mm thin layer and is added below our boots' footbed to form a cold-stopping barrier between the sole of the boot and the footbed. It's also added to the toe cap, protecting your toes and creating a barrier on the bottom of your feet. Thinsulate™ paired with SOLARCORE® creates the ultimate insulated hunting boot to protect you on your outdoor pursuits. Say goodbye to numb toes!