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The rain won’t stop pouring because you don’t have the proper boots to walk with. Rain boots are not very cheap so you have to make sure you are exchanging your money for the best pair of boots for your legs.
If you have come across a similar topic, you already know it’s a hot one. Are you also confused about whether to go for Hunter boots or the Muck boots?
You have probably seen this comparison. You can save yourself stress because there is nothing to compare. These two boots might be built for the same purpose but it’s important to know that they are not the same.
Before you spend a fortune on a pair of boots, learn why the Hunter boots might be better or less as good as the Muck boots.
What is The Major Difference Between Hunter Boots and Muck Boots?
These two boots truly are rain boots with the right features needed to keep water out. You are probably one of those who mistake Rain boots for Winter boots.
They probably should be the same but, unfortunately, the Hunter Boots pick a side. You can’t wear a pair of Hunter Boots on snow and expect not to slide off.
The Muck boots have a higher level of traction when compared to the Hunter boots. The Hunter boots have little to no traction. Even if you choose to ignore the winter season, your Hunter boots can’t save you from sliding off a wet surface while it’s raining.
Technically, while your Muck boots provide enough support to keep you on your feet, your Hunter Boots were only built to keep water out.
Hunter Boots Review
The private limited company, Hunter Boot, was founded in 1856 by Sir Henry Lee, as a manufacturing company for footwear.
The company soon became known as a rubber company, producing items that range from car tires to combs and golf balls.
Sir Lee was succeeded by William Bartlett, sometimes in the early 1900s, who is reportedly behind the invention of the type of car tires used in our present world.
The Hunter Boots, popularly known to be made of natural latex which contains 40% rubber and 60% water, are reportedly crafted with hands and each pair is said to take approximately three days. However, the Hunter boots are undoubtedly very durable.
While some complain the Hunter boots cost a lot, many agree the boots are worth the money. The Hunter boots manage to rank as one of the most durable boots you can ever lay your hands on.
There is a soft cushion on the inside for extra comfort but customers claim the support is not enough. While the zigzag pattern on the outsoles was designed to make the boots antiskid, the feature seems to be failing.
One of the most common complaints received on Hunter boots is the weight. The boots are heavy, which is a result of the vulcanized rubber it’s made of.
Pros:
- Higher Durability
- Worth the price
- Snug fit
- Soft insoles
- Shock absorption
- Waterproof
- Antibacterial fabric to prevent the smell
Cons:
- Low Support on legs
- Risks of sliding on a wet surface
- Not Weatherproof
- Heavyweight
- Expensive
Check Hunter Rain Boots in the marketplace
Muck Boots Review
Muck Boots (also called The Original Muck Boot Company) was established by Jim Donohue in 1999.
The company is pretty modern, considering the starting dates of most competitors, but it has found a way to control a respectable spot among the top footwear companies.
Since the date of production, the waterproof Muck rain boots keep getting acknowledged by a wide range of people.
Muck boots are made with rubber and neoprene. The neoprene fabric guarantees the immunity of your boots to the weather condition which makes it a great option for winter days.
The Muck boots tend to be plain in look and also pricy. Asides from the snowy peculiarity, some Muck boots have an element of steel on their outsoles which add more support and protection to the legs of the wearer.
Virtually all the reviews on the Muck boots have to acknowledge its high quality, even if the intention was to leave a negative review.
However, Muck boots are not entirely free of downsides. There are cheaper Muck Boots that turn out to be less durable than the expensive ones. However, they are still strong enough to be compared with regular rain boots.
Another negative review has to do with the company’s customer service. The company’s refund policy is not very favorable to customers but very few people will try to let go of this opportunity.
Pros:
- High durability
- Worth the money
- High traction
- Lightweight versions
- Shock absorption
- Enough support for legs
- Waterproof
- Weatherproof
- Soft insoles
- Snug fit
Cons:
- Cheaper boots with less quality
- Cheaper boots with less support
- Cheaper boots with less traction
- Highly Expensive
Check Muck Boots in the marketplace
Hunter vs Muck Boots: Head-to-Head Comparison
Construction
Muck Boots are said to be built in four layers, each added for durability and comfort. Neoprene and Rubber on the outsole guarantee durability and resistance to water. The sock liners (or insoles) assure comfort and warmth.
Muck boots have inner liners made of a material called XpressCool. With an XpressCool lining on the insides, moisture is drawn away from your skin to keep your feet cool in the hottest environments. The fabric also protects against microorganisms that may eat away at your feet.
The Hunter boots are made with vulcanized rubber. The vulcanization process makes it hard and heavy.
They also have insoles designed for comfort with inner antibacterial fabric linings to prevent the usual odor you get from worn boots. This is a feature you won’t get in your Muck boots.
Hunter boots are just as well stitched as your Muck boots, ensuring the proper level of durability. The only complaints you get on both boots have to do with cracks.
However, this doesn’t happen naturally for either of the boots. Hunter boots sometimes have an obvious stitch detailing to beautify the looks. Muck boots don’t have this feature but are stitched well enough to last a lifetime.
Muck boots pay attention to the weight of each pair of boots. Despite the sturdy look and the four layers they are built in, Muck boots are half as weighty as the Hunter boots.
The Hunter boots are just as sturdy as Muck boots but are twice as heavy due to the vulcanized rubber they are made of.
Bottom Line: If judged by construction, Muck boots are protective and easy to move with. However, Hunter boots take the lead here, being protective and more durable.
Asides from the durability, Hunter boots are built with a sense of fashion that considers the smell along with the looks. While the Muck boots will smell horrible, you can proudly take off your Hunter Boots in public without bothering about the smell.
Price
Muck boots sometimes cost more than Hunter boots. While regular Hunter boots have prices ranging from $99 to $199, Muck boots can range up to $250. The difference is obviously not very high, though both boots are considered expensive.
However, people tend to go for the higher prices of the Muck boots. This is because, while Muck boots are assumed to be better at traction than Hunter boots, the cheaper Muck boots don’t have high traction. The support is also very low in the cheap Muck boots.
Hunter boots are already known to be of less support when compared to the expensive Muck boots.
The prices matter because the expensive Muck boots offer better features than the cheaper ones.
Bottom line: If judged by prices, Muck boots will take the lead because, while the price difference is not very high, they offer better quality and support than the Hunter boots.
Build Quality
As mentioned earlier, Muck boots are sturdy and Hunter boots are equally sturdy. While both boots are thick and well-built, Hunter boots are a lot stronger. Muck boots may have layers that enforce their thickness but the vulcanized rubber in the Hunter boots is a lot thicker.
The strength of both boots can be argued since Muck boots reinforce the shanks, toes, and heels with steel. However, these features are only added to the expensive Muck boots.
Hunter boots, on the other hand, are all made with vulcanized rubber so, irrespective of the price, the quality of your boots remains strong.
Bottom line: If judged by Build and Quality, Hunter boots are a better option. The protection promised by Muck boots cannot be found in the cheaper options.
While the steel shanks are added to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the boots, the Hunter boots are already thick enough to keep sharp objects out.
Insole
They both have removable insoles and can be replaced. Hunter boots have their insoles made of Australian shearlings. Shearlings are famously known to be able to brush off cold.
The furry insoles of the Hunter boots are not just fluffy for comfort but they enable warmth too.
While the insoles are advertised as supportive, mass reviews object to that, also adding that the fluffy insoles are not as comfortable as they should be. However, it has a proven ability to absorb shock.
The standard insoles used in Muck boots are called EVA liners. The soft insoles are supportive and comfortable, though the reviews claim they are not as comfortable as expected.
There are tiny pierced holes in the forefoot to allow airflow and eliminate odor. Unfortunately, the insides of the Muck boots create a comfortable environment for odor, making the perforated EVA sock liners incapable of eliminating the pungent smell.
The reviews agree with the supportive feature, though most of it comes from steel heels which are not present in cheap Muck boots, and the insoles can absorb shock.
Bottom Line: If judged by the insoles, Muck boots take the lead. Having a muck boot insole in another pair of boots would put its stink-repellent features to work.
However, even with the odor, the perforated holes allow airflow and warmth which keep your feet dry by wicking sweat.
The liners of the boots do the same. The Hunter boots, on the other hand, are not as supportive as the cheap Muck boots.
Outsole
Muck boots are thick but Hunter boots are a lot thicker. Without the steel shanks and toes in Muck boots, they are not as protective as Hunter boots.
Expensive Muck boots are not just thick but they provide protection and support. While Hunter boots are very thick, they can still be pierced if struck hard with a sharp object.
Muck boots have steel toes, steel shanks, and steel heels that cannot be pierced. In addition to that, there is a layer of spandura over the Neoprene outsole to ensure durability. Also, the steel heels provide superb support to the legs.
Both boots are sturdy in appearance. However, Muck boots are easier to walk with than Hunter boots.
Muck boots are very plain in look, though a few Muck boots have some design. Hunter boots are fashionably designed with stitch details and gloss finishing on the outsoles.
Bottom Line: If judged by the outsoles, Hunter boots take the lead. With the spandura layer on the outsoles of the Muck boots, they can be considered as durable as Hunter boots.
However, Hunter boots win in terms of the outer appearance, having a fashionable and glossy look that allows easy cleaning.
Fit and Sizing
Both boots run true to size. Once you refer to the size chart, you are bound to find the perfect size for you. However, both boots don’t have half sizes.
The reviews advise you to choose the nearest smaller size for both boots. Both boots, made with rubber, stretch out with time.
Both boots are meant to fit snugly at first and might be quite uncomfortable. They both stretch to fit you with time. However, Muck boots should stretch first. Hunter boots will take a longer time, being extremely thick.
When your Muck boots are too loose, they are not very comfortable but they can be managed with an extra insole/ sock liner. Adding extra sock liners should fill the excess space in your boots and fit snugly again.
Hunter boots are a lot worse when loose. They can also be managed with extra insoles but the weight of the boots is very discouraging. Extra space in Hunter boots will only make it harder to walk with.
When your Hunter boots fit snugly, they tend to suction your skin and become hard to pull off. This is pretty dangerous and stressful which is why you are advised to wear sock liners.
Muck boots, on the other hand, are easy to pull off, even though they are snug. The liners allow you to slide your feet in and out of the boots easily. If you find trouble pulling out your Muck boots, you can easily step on the heels and slide your leg out.
Bottom Line: If judged by Fit and Sizing, Muck boots win this. The two boots seem uncomfortable from the first wear but Hunter boots tend to feel like you are wearing the wrong size.
Hunter vs Muck Boots: Which is Better Overall?
After a close look at the two rain boots, we can agree the Muck boots take the lead, even though they are not perfect. Hunter boots have fashionable styles and can come ahead of Muck boots in some sections that are not very important (like the smell).
While the Hunter boots can be argued to be more durable, Muck boots are durable enough to last many years. However, Hunter boots don’t seem to be good enough for what they are made for.
As rain boots, there should be an antiskid feature to avoid sliding off the wet ground. This feature can be found in the Muck boots but not in the Hunter boots.
Muck boots also take the lead in versatility, being usable in all seasons. These are the important criteria in which Hunter boots are lagging.
Conclusion
Hunter boots are better used as fashion footwear or a quick getaway from the rain. They will last a lot longer than Muck boots by just playing that purpose.
If you will buy rain boots to play the role of rain boots, then Muck boots might be the best. After the rain, you still get to pull them on for winter. That’s what an extra $50 will get you in the market.
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