Gear review: Irish Setter Wingshooter Boots
When it comes to upland bird hunting, your boots can make or break your day in the field. Choosing the right pair not only keeps your feet warm, comfortable and dry, but it also lets you focus on the task at hand — hunting birds. That's why I swear by my Irish Setter Wingshooter boots. Tough, waterproof, comfortable, durable and worry-free, they’ve become an essential part of my gear.
Toughness to Handle Any Terrain
When you’re walking miles across unpredictable landscapes — from the thickest, wooliest cover found in farm country to the shortgrass of the open prairies — you need boots that can handle it all. Irish Setter Wingshooter boots are built tough enough to withstand whatever you throw at them. Whether I'm trudging through dense grass or navigating rocky paths, these boots hold up without showing signs of wear and tear.
Waterproof for All Conditions
One of the biggest challenges during pheasant season is dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. The weather here in South Dakota during pheasant season runs the gamut, from sunshine days in the 60s and 70s to blistering cold and snow.
In other words, having a versatile boot that’s waterproof is a must. Whether it’s crossing a creek or walking around the edge of a slough or dealing with a dusting of snow, that’s where the Wingshooter’s waterproofing shines. The boots feature UltraDry waterproof construction, keeping my socks and feet dry for all-day comfort. If there is measurable snow on the ground, I’ll opt for my insulated Irish Setter VaprTrek boots, but any other time I’m grabbing my Wingshooters.
Comfort Matters
Speaking of comfort, the full-grain leather boots aren’t just durable — they’re incredibly comfortable, too.
We hunt a lot of public ground, and one of the reasons we’re successful is our willingness to hunt “in back of beyond” where other hunters rarely venture. There’s only one way to get to these untouched spots, and it involves walking — a lot of walking — so having boots that mold to your feet and provide stability is literally a key step in any successful hunt.
Hunting boots shouldn't limit where you hunt or how far away from the truck you hunt.
Wingshooter boots provide excellent support, preventing foot fatigue even after hours of trekking. I personally prefer the 9-inch version, which offers extra ankle stability, keeping my feet comfy and well-supported throughout the day.
Durable for Season After Season
When I invest in hunting gear, I want it to last. Irish Setter Wingshooters are designed with durability in mind, so I know they’ll hold up season after season.
They’re made with high-quality leather and a sturdy sole that doesn’t wear down easily, no matter how much time I spend in the field. This level of durability gives me peace of mind, knowing I won't need to replace them anytime soon. In fact, mine are now entering their sixth season.
Worry-Free Hunting
The only time you should think about your boots is when you put them on and take them off. If you’re thinking about your feet during the hunt, that means your feet are wet, sore or tired — or all three — and it’s time to find a new pair of boots.
And that’s why the greatest advantage of my Wingshooter boots is that they’re worry-free. I don’t have to think about my feet when I’m out there — no blisters, no wet socks, no discomfort. That allows me to focus entirely on hunting, which is what I love most.
Give them a try!
If you’re in the market for a new pair of upland boots, I highly recommend the Irish Setter Wingshooters. They’ve become my go-to for their toughness, waterproof protection and all-day comfort. I liked ’em so much I got a 7-inch pair for casual wear.
For more information or to find your next pair, go to IrishSetterBoots.com.