Summary
Based on my experience while wearing the Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot, I can say that it’s definitely one of the best tactical or hunting boots I have ever put on, in terms of fit and comfort. Aside from being supremely comfortable, these boots are also packed with innovative features that result in a strong structure that can easily take on challenging environments encountered outdoors during hunting activities or while on tactical duty. Another huge plus was the lightweight profile that allowed me to move as quickly as I needed to in various situations without being hindered by heavy boots that could have caused an uncomfortable dragging feeling. Without the additional weight and bulk, this boot almost felt like a tall running shoe bursting with protective and performance-enhancing features to keep one going throughout the most demanding activities and settings.
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot features the proprietary UltraDry construction that works through the combination of waterproof materials and a lining that manages moisture, ensuring that your foot will remain comfortable and dry even when your activities require you to be exposed to wet or waterlogged surroundings. An exclusive tongue technology is set in place to reduce the pressure on the shin even with long hours of boot-wearing, while the memory foam insole cradles your foot for personalized comfort that you can rely on all day long. An abrasion-resistant material is placed at strategic points in the boot to ensure that these crucial areas have the enhanced protection to be able to fight premature damage that can be caused by tough tasks and environments. It should be noted, though, that the boot is only available in camo color options – so it may not be the most ideal choice for those who prefer standard black or sand colors for hunting or tactical boots. We will look into the details that make up the boots to determine the most notable attributes and if any improvements can still be made for overall functional and/or aesthetic enhancement.
To keep you moving agilely even in challenging settings, this boot delivers supreme comfort and protection you can count on.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a comfortable pair of boots that can easily keep up with the demands of your hunting activities or tactical duty requirements. The removable insole features memory foam that follows the shape of your foot to provide you with the kind of personalized comfort that fights foot pain, even as it eases pressure points underfoot so you can avoid the development of blisters.
Walking around in different environments throughout the day did not pose problems for me because I was able to do so continuously without suffering from extreme discomfort, allowing me to complete my tasks almost effortlessly.
I especially liked the exclusive Cushin Comfort technology that worked to prevent the tongue from biting painfully into my shin, which was a common problem that can be encountered with other tall tactical or hunting boots.
This feature enabled me to move as naturally as possible without a stiff material constantly digging into the top of my foot. Another notable feature that contributed to the exceptional comfort that this boot delivered was the high-rebound material that brought back a welcome surge of energy to every step, making it much easier to work nonstop without compromising my agility in the process. The inside of the boot is enhanced with a padded waffle mesh material that adds another layer of comfort. The upper comes with four-way stretch nylon that easily adapted to my foot’s movements with a flexibility that enabled me to effortlessly and quickly respond to situations as the need arised.
Weight
This boot is built with an advanced composite material that results in a considerable reduction of the overall weight without sacrificing strength and durability. This technology allowed the boot to provide superior comfort and support in a structure that is almost half the weight of traditional boots that are used for game hunting activities. The lightweight construction of this boot greatly contributed to the exceptionally comfortable experience that made it seem like I was wearing a tall pair of sports sneakers that allowed me to move naturally without compromising my quick response to crucial situations as needed.
Traction
These boots are equipped with a heavy-duty rubber outsole with multidirectional treads that deliver a strong grip on a variety of surfaces. The aggressive treads provided me with the confidence to move over wet and uneven ground conditions as required without the fear that a slight miscalculation in my step would result in accidental slipping or falling. I could feel the outsole firmly gripping the ground without the additional weight that can often cause a dragging feeling when using other non-lightweight boot options. This strong yet lightweight outsole construction provided a stable feeling throughout the day without that extra bulk that can cause discomfort, especially with long hours of continuous boot use.
Fit and Sizing
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot did not feel true to size. I felt that I could have gone half a size up to achieve a better fit that would have felt even more comfortable, especially with the host of comfort-enhancing components in place.
Still, the stretchy nylon material fitted on the upper gave a comfortable feel, allowing my foot to move naturally without suffering from the discomfort that can be expected when using a boot with a stiff upper material. The lace-up design also helped with a better fit, as it enabled quick adjustments to be made as the situation needed.
Waterproofing
This boot is built with the proprietary UltraDry technology that creates a barrier to prevent water and other liquids from entering the boot. Wearing it gave me the assurance that I could move through wet, muddy, and waterlogged areas without exposing my feet to extreme wetness. This allowed me to continue with my planned and required activities without worrying too much that my surroundings could compromise my foot comfort and safety.
Breathability
The same exclusive technology that delivers superior waterproofing also works to manage moisture within the boot. The interior lining allows air to pass through the footwear so the inside can maintain a cool environment that easily disperses built-up heat and moisture. This enabled me to work nonstop for the better part of the day without suffering from overheated and extremely sweaty feet in the process.
Quality and Durability
The boot is further strengthened with armored leather components that are built into the toe and heel areas. This ensures these crucial points have the additional protection to resist premature damage that can be a considerable risk in tough outdoor conditions. These leather reinforcements help improve the strength and durability of the boot, so you can take full advantage of its premium features for a long period of time.
Special materials are placed in strategic points underfoot to deliver an increased rebound that can be expected from athletic shoes, allowing you to move as quickly as possible with bursts of energy that can enhance your overall performance even in the most challenging situations.
This boot is designed to have a reduced weight – almost half of the weight of other game hunting boots – with the use of a special composite material that also delivers maximum strength and durability without compromising comfort. Without the additional weight, this boot delivers exceptional functionality while ensuring that overall comfort can be enjoyed even with long hours of continuous vigorous activities in tough outdoor surroundings. One of the features that stand out the most is the proprietary Irish Setter scent control system component that is added to the different materials throughout the boot, from the footbed to the linings and the leather upper. This scent control system works by killing bacteria that can cause bad odors so you can be sure that the boot can maintain a fresh feeling and smell even with nonstop use in challenging activities and environments. The exclusive Cushin Comfort tongue technology works to deliver increased comfort by reducing the pressure that can be felt when the tongue bites into the shin so you can continue to work for the rest of the day without feeling pain on the top part of the foot. A lightweight nylon shank delivers additional support to keep you steady on your feet even when you are navigating challenging surfaces, without the additional weight.
Other Versions
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot is available in the following camo colors: stone, Realtree edge, and mossy oak. It also comes in an insulated version that will keep your foot warm in cold surroundings without sacrificing superior protection and durability, as well as a Trout Brook leather option that features tanned leather from US-raised cattle. There’s also another version equipped with the BOA Fit System that enables the achievement of a customized fit with a simple dial for micro-adjustments and an insulated side-zip boot option. An 8-inch women’s boot is also available with 400 grams of insulation, offered in mossy oak break-up country camouflage.
The Challengers
Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch BOA Fit Waterproof Leather Boot
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch BOA Fit Waterproof Leather Boot is built with the same full-grain leather and abrasion-resistant material as the original waterproof 8-inch boot, helping to preserve the boot’s remarkable strength and durability for long-term benefits. This waterproof boot also has a lightweight profile that delivers superior protection and reinforcement without the heaviness and bulkiness closely associated with other hunting boots. It also features the Realtree camouflage profile that comes with ultra-realistic contrast and detail to help you blend in with your surroundings for more efficient hunting activities. Another component that sets this boot apart is the exclusive BOA Fit System that can be engaged by simply turning the built-in dial, allowing you to adjust the boot so you can get the most precise fit that delivers the highest level of comfort and security to suit your specific needs.
Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Insulated Boot
Meanwhile, the Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Insulated Boot is an awesome choice for working in different weather conditions that can expose your foot to the discomfort brought about by extreme temperatures. This boot comes with a memory foam insole that hugs the curves of your foot for a customized fit and to relieve pressure points so you can avoid discomfort even with long hours of continuous use. The exclusive UltraDry waterproof system keeps your foot protected against getting thoroughly soaked when you need to work or move through wet environments. The special odor control technology stops the development of foul smells by killing the bad bacteria within the boot. This boot is equipped with 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation that traps body heat upon compression to maintain a welcoming warmth within the boot in wet or dry conditions, ensuring that your feet will stay comfortable no matter how tough the surroundings can be.
CQR Men’s Water Repellent Military Tactical Boot
The CQR Men’s Water Repellent Military Tactical Boot comes in a no-nonsense monochromatic profile that will fit in well with tactical or military uniforms. It comes in an ankle-high structure that helps keep the ankle fully supported to prevent painful twisting, especially when your job requires you to quickly do lateral movements. The interior features a smooth lining with generous padding to keep your foot cushioned, deliver long-lasting support, and offer pressure relief that you can rely on. The boot is fitted with hardened eyelets that ensure you can do the necessary lace adjustments without damaging the area even with constant modifications. This is a water-repellent boot that can keep your foot protected against splashes of water and other liquids, preventing them from easily entering the boot to preserve a comfortable dryness within.
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Waterproof Mid Boot
The KEEN Men’s Targhee II Waterproof Mid Boot comes in a mid-cut height that offers great support for your ankle without being too constricting in the process. It’s equipped with a waterproof membrane that stops liquids from entering so you can continue to work in wet conditions with the guarantee your foot can enjoy all-day dryness and comfort. The footbed is designed to deliver remarkable arch support to prevent foot fatigue from setting in even when you stay on your feet for the better part of the day. This unique footbed structure also works to cradle the natural shape of the foot for customized comfort that you can enjoy for long hours at a time. Meanwhile, the contoured heel lock secures the heel in place to prevent it from sliding, ensuring continuous support and comfort throughout the most intense activities. The aggressive rubber outsole offers maximum traction on a variety of surfaces to keep you steady on your feet indoors and out.
Cungel Men’s 8-INCH Camouflage Waterproof Hunting Boot
The Cungel Men’s 8-INCH Camouflage Waterproof Hunting Boot easily blends in with its surrounding area to aid with hunting and other outdoor activities. The waterproof structure keeps the foot feeling dry and comfortable as it prevents water and other liquid substances from seeping into the interior, allowing you to move and work nonstop even in waterlogged areas. The outsole features aggressive treads that deliver a strong grip on the ground to prevent slipping while moving on uneven or wet surfaces. A lightweight midsole absorbs most of the impact of your footfalls to relieve foot fatigue and ease pressure points so you can deal with challenging activities in the most comfortable manner. With a less than $60 price tag, this boot delivers the protection and comfort level you’re looking for without requiring you to shell out a lot of money for the experience.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot is a great tactical boot that also works well for hunting activities as it’s built to take on tough outdoor settings. The lightweight construction and cushioned interior deliver exceptional comfort that can make you feel like you’re wearing a pair of tall running shoes, allowing you to keep on moving throughout your duty in an almost effortless manner. However, it may not be the most ideal choice if you’re looking for plain or standard colors because the boot is only available in camo color options.
