Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot Review

From the Great White North of Canada comes Kamik’s hunter boots. Kamik has a sterling reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality boots for hiking and other outdoor activities. But, because they’re primarily an apparel company, do they understand the specific needs of hunters? Here’s an in-depth look at Kamik’s line of hunting boots for men:

What we like

Looking to keep your feet dry? These boots are 100% waterproof. Kamik calls them “winter rain boots.” They’re built to resist water, oil, and even acid. 

Do you frequently hunt in damp environments or during the winter or fall months? These boots will keep your feet dry and comfy even when trekking through rain puddles or snow piles. They have a temperature rating of -40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

They’re made from waterproof synthetic rubber with an adjustable waterproof nylon collar. Plus, they have an 8 mm Thermal Guard removable liner made from 100% recycled materials. It’s a two-layer system that wicks away moisture while locking in body heat. 

With so much focus on keeping feet cool, I was surprised at how useful they can be in warmer temps. You can simply remove the liner. The boots won’t be nearly as warm, but they’ll still be water resistant and durable. It’s a great option for hunting and hiking on warm summer days. 

These boots have some impressive numbers. They’re 13.75 inches high and weigh 4.6 pounds (as a pair). The boot opening measures 15.5 inches around with a shaft that is 13 inches from the arch and a heel that measures 1.25 inches in size.

Finally, I want to mention the unique benefits of the Kamik brand. While they’re not necessarily well-known among hunters, there’s a lot for hunters to like here. Kamik has been making outdoor footwear for over 100 years. They’re experts in keeping feet warm in freezing conditions.

• Thermal Guard liner locks in body heat
• Synthetic rubber exterior is 100% waterproof
• Designed for snowy and rainy conditions
• Easy to slip on and take off

What we wish was different

Take everything you know about how to size hunting boots and forget about it. Unfortunately, the unique construction of Kamik boots means they can be hard to size properly. The problem is the Thermal Guard liner. 

The removable liner is great for regulating the temperature inside the boot throughout the year. But the liner takes up a lot of space. When removed, the boot is substantially roomier. Even with thick socks, my feet were practically swimming in the boots when the liner was missing. But when I put the liner back in, the boots were almost too tight.

I’d recommend sizing these boots with the lining in place. With the lining accounted for, most people should buy boots that are a half-size larger than what they wear in street shoes.

Unfortunately, without the lining, the boots probably won’t fit very well. You can try to wear thick socks, but you might have to accept that these boots are best for winter use only.

Another potential issue with these boots is the lack of laces. While they’re easy to slip on and off, laces or some other fasteners would make it easier to adjust the fit. This lack of adjustability is another reason why taking out the liner can be an issue.

• Liner changes boot size
• Lack of laces makes precision sizing difficult
• Heel area can wear down over time

What other customers say

Whether complimenting or criticizing the boots, customers frequently refer to the sizing. The boots are incredibly warm. You probably won’t need to wear thick winter socks – and that can dramatically affect the sizing.

James P. said he wears a 9.5 in street shoes but needs a size 10 for these boots. That’s a much smaller size upgrade than he typically needs for a boot. He said the liner in these boots meant he only needed to wear regular socks.

However, not all customers praised the tight fit. John G. said removing the liner made the boots two sizes larger. He said without the liner in place the boots were too large to wear. Plus, the lack of laces means you can’t tighten the boots if the fit is too big.

Another common issue is tearing. Many people said the boots eventually developed holes and other signs of wear. However, the severity of these issues seems to vary substantially.

Joseph B. said his boots first started to show signs of wear after four years. He noted that during those four years he’d worn the boots through scrap metal piles, downed barbed wire, sharp wood, and other hazards. They went years without developing an issue, so he said he didn’t mind a small tear after such a long time without problems.

However, other people had significantly different experiences. Amanda B. said her boots worked great for four months but then developed a split on the top. She said her boots only survived about half the winter season in Maine.

Wrapping up

 If you’re looking for a traditional hunting boot, these boots from Kamik probably aren’t the right choice. They don’t have laces, aren’t made from leather, and have no scent control system.

However, they have some unique advantages. These boots excel at keeping your feet warm and dry. You can walk through snow, rain, and even deep puddles. The synthetic rubber exterior and nylon collar create a reliably consistent waterproof barrier.

Plus, the 8 mm Thermal Guard liner wicks away moisture before it can touch your skin. It also keeps your feet and legs warm with your body heat. The two-layer system protects up to 40 degrees below zero.

Just be aware that if you remove the liner, the size of the boot will change substantially. In most cases, the boots won’t fit properly without the liner. You’ll probably only be able to wear these boots in the winter. 

While they’re not the most versatile boots, they do have several unique features designed for hunters. If you’re concerned with keeping your feet warm and dry, these Kamik boots are worth consideration.