Summary
Using the Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot was an enjoyable experience that gave me a greater appreciation for the moc toe design – not only for its aesthetic value but also for that little bit of space in the toe box that afforded increased comfort. The waterproof boot is made with high-quality leather that delivered a supple texture, resulting in a premium appearance and feel that almost made me forget that this is primarily designed to be used in tough surroundings – such as those that can be encountered on job sites and in demanding outdoor locations. The moc toe design makes the boot a great choice for use in more casual settings because it won’t look out of place when paired with jeans, chinos, and even dressier clothes, but is tough enough to keep up with strenuous activities in and out of the work area.
The Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot was first introduced in the market in 1950 and has since undergone several upgrades to make it an even more impressive version of the original product. It’s crafted with excellent quality, full-grain leather that’s responsible for giving the boot its handsome aesthetic. The material has a thick profile that’s more pronounced compared to other moc toe boot choices. This leather is tough enough to provide long-lasting durability in a variety of work settings, allowing you to work without worrying that the material will easily fall apart when exposed to challenging situations. The boot features the proprietary UltraDry waterproof membrane that acts as an obstruction to keep the foot dry within as water and other liquids are prevented from penetrating the structure. It’s definitely one of the best moc toe boots I have ever tried, providing an outstanding level of comfort for all-day wearing even if they feel quite heavy. Below we’ll check out the features that make up this moc toe boot so we can discover which ones contribute the most to the superb structure, and which ones can be fine-tuned to improve their functionality within the boot.
When you’re on the lookout for a comfortable hunting boot, this waterproof choice can take on tough outdoor settings and has a handsome profilethat blends in with more casual surroundings.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot is by far one of the best moc toe boots I have used in terms of how comfortable the construction is. Within the boot, the EVA footbed provides ample cushioning that surrounds my foot for long hours of continuous comfort and support, relieving pressure points and stopping foot fatigue from developing so I was able to work without being bothered by extreme discomfort.
I loved how the thickly cushioned collar hugged my calf for enhanced comfort throughout the busy workday while ensuring a more secure fit that added stability to my movements.
The snugness of the fit also prevented the boot from rubbing painfully against my calf, so I was spared from having to deal with blisters even when I constantly moved for the better part of the day. The steel shank aided in keeping my calves and feet supported, and helped me maintain my stability, especially when moving over uneven terrains and other difficult-to-navigate ground conditions.
I appreciated how the moc toe design provided a little extra space that enabled my toes to wiggle when I started to feel like cramps were about to set in – which would not have been possible with narrow round-toed boots that can also cause painful pinching when worn for long stretches.
Without metal toe caps in the toe box, the upper part of the boot felt flexible enough to accommodate my foot’s movements without digging painfully onto the top part, so I was able to work nonstop without discomfort getting in the way of my productivity.
Weight
This boot has a medium weight, so it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for lightweight boot.
However, the weight doesn’t negatively affect the comfortable experience significantly. The solid feel of the boot actually works to increase the stable feeling that may prevent accidental slipping on wet surfaces, while the thickness of the leather upper material works to deliver a premium feeling and appearance that can only be a huge plus in the benefits column for this boot.
Traction
The Prairie outsole that is fitted into the boot delivers superior traction on various terrains and surfaces, even if it doesn’t have the rugged treads that can be seen in other work boots. The absence of pronounced lugs on the outsole works to this boot’s advantage, making it much easier for the boot to shed mud and other debris with every movement. This way, you won’t need to worry about the boot becoming too heavy as it collects debris, so you can continue working and walking around without feeling the extra weight. The outsole is as thick as the ones that are often built into most moc toe boots, but this Prairie outsole offers stronger traction to maintain your steady footing all day long on different surfaces.
Fit and Sizing
This footwear didn’t feel true to size – while using the boot, I felt that going half a size up would have led to a better fit. Nevertheless, the additional bit of space in the toe box due to the moc toe structure contributed to a comfortable experience, as my toes had the room to shift when needed, so I was able to avoid a full-blown cramp attack in the middle of a hectic workday. The thick upper material didn’t cause discomfort, especially since there were no metal toes in place to dig painfully into my toes with every bit of movement. The lace-up feature helps with effortless fit modifications so I had no problem adjusting the fit.
Waterproofing
This boot is crafted out of waterproof full-grain leather so you can work in wet conditions without worrying about water and liquids permanently damaging the footwear. This waterproof construction allowed me to continue my activities and kept my foot dry throughout the day as I worked in and around challengingly wet settings.
Breathability
The UltraDry technology is used not only for keeping water and other liquid substances from seeping into the interior, but also to manage the moisture level within the boot. This system comes with an inner lining that allows air to move inside the boot to dissipate heat before it can build to uncomfortable levels throughout the day. This same lining also encourages moisture to be drawn away from the skin so that the foot can maintain a dry and comfortable feeling even when the boot is worn continuously for long hours. This system made it possible for me to avoid sweaty feet, especially when work needed to be done in hot conditions and didn’t allow me to take breaks.
Quality and Durability
The Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot is built with high-quality waterproof leather that feels a lot thicker compared to other work boot types. This results in a premium silhouette that looks handsome enough to be used for more casual settings, but it’s strong enough to withstand regular use in tough work settings. The thick leather material is supple enough to allow a wider range of motion for my foot compared to using other boots that can easily create discomfort because of their stiff upper materials. The Goodyear leather welt construction increases the water resistance of the boot as this feature – along with the waterproof leather and the UltraDry system – prevents water and other liquids from entering to preserve the comfortable foot dryness with the boot. A pull loop is fitted into the heel area to make it easier to pull the boot on and off so you won’t need to exert a great deal of effort with pulling on the collar itself.
A steel shank provided increased stability that allowed me to move naturally without losing my steady footing, especially over uneven floor and ground conditions, while offering much-needed support for my calves and feet.
Other Versions
The Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot is available in a dark brown option with a black Prairie outsole, as well as the following color choices with a white Prairie outsole: black, light brown, and dark brown. The 7-inch Wingshooter is also available in nubuck leather and full-grain Trout Brook leather, while the 9-inch version is offered in non-insulated and insulated selections as well as a safety toe version. Meanwhile, the 9-inch version that comes with a pull-on design with a side zip offers superior convenience and functionality for those who are not too keen on dealing with laces on a regular basis.
The Challengers
Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter 9-Inch Waterproof and Insulated Boot
The first alternative worth checking is the Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter 9-Inch Waterproof and Insulated Boot. The tall shaft of this boot provides better protection from the elements, which will work to your advantage if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, as the increased coverage can prevent critters from entering the boot. The 9-inch shaft of the boot also makes it possible for you to enjoy the exceptional waterproofing even when you’re working in deep puddles, ensuring your foot will remain dry throughout activity-filled days. This boot is an excellent choice for working in cold weather because it’s enhanced with 400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra to provide lightweight yet dependable warmth.
Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter 9-Inch Waterproof Leather Side Zip Boot
The Irish Setter Men’s Wingshooter 9-Inch Waterproof Leather Side Zip Boot comes in a pull-on structure with a zipper on the side to make it convenient for you to put it on and take it off, without dealing with laces. The waterproof full-grain leather upper works with the UltraDry system to prevent water and other liquid materials from soaking your feet so you can be assured you can take on extreme environments without compromising your foot safety and comfort. An adjustable buckle at the vamp helps you get to the most secure and comfortable fit with ease so you can work continuously without the boot slipping off accidentally. The footbed features memory foam that hugs the shape of your foot for superior comfort and pressure relief throughout the day, while an odor inhibitor system works to keep the interior of the boot feeling and smelling fresh.
Georgia Boot Eagle Trail 5-Inch Waterproof Hiker Boot
The Georgia Boot Eagle Trail 5-Inch Waterproof Hiker Boot is an excellent option if you prefer a sporty profile that still delivers impressive protection and functionality that can keep up with your demanding job and/or leisure activities. This exclusive waterproof system stops water from penetrating the boot while permitting air to pass through so that the interior maintains a breathable and comfortable environment. The tongue and collar are padded for increased comfort and to maintain a secure fit while stopping debris from getting into the boot. This boot stands out in the comfort department with the help of a footbed featuring a memory foam layer that molds to the shape of your foot, along with a dual PU layer for maximum cushioning to prevent foot pain. It also comes with electrical hazard protection for secondary safety against live currents that you may be exposed to within the workplace in dry conditions.
Keen Utility San Jose Aluminum Toe Work Boot
The Keen Utility San Jose Aluminum Toe Work Boot is a strong contender that delivers outstanding protection against safety hazards in and around the work area. Aluminum toe caps keep the feet protected from impact and compression risks that you can be exposed to as part of your profession or the leisure activity that you prefer. The waterproof leather upper maintains foot dryness even when working or moving across wet or waterlogged areas cannot be avoided. This boot is equipped with an oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole that offers impressive traction to prevent accidental slipping on wet, muddy, or uneven ground conditions. Meanwhile, the air-infused PU midsole delivers nonstop comfort and support to keep you going through the most grueling tasks without the increased weight and bulk.
Rockport Patten Waterproof Moc Toe Boot
The Rockport Patten Waterproof Moc Toe Boot is crafted with a seam-sealed waterproof structure that stops water and liquid substances from breaching the boot, making it possible for your foot to enjoy comfortable dryness even when the boot is exposed to wetness. The footbed comes with just enough padding to absorb most of the shock of repetitive movements while maintaining a lightweight profile without the additional weight and bulk. The rubber outsole features pronounced lugs to maintain a strong grip on the ground so you can maintain your steady footing on challenging surfaces. Priced at just under $100, this boot is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on comfort and waterproofing requirements.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot is one of the most outstanding moc toe boots I have ever tried. The thick leather material has a premium texture that exudes strength while showcasing a handsome aesthetic that looks equally at home outdoors, on job sites, and even in casual social settings. These are exceptionally comfortable boots that offer superior traction but are not recommended for those looking for lightweight work boots.
