Irish Setter introduced several new hunting boots in 2016, and they asked me to review a pair.
Because I have a following of upland bird hunters (especially woodcock hunters) who are frequently looking for early-season boots that can stand up to the rigors of busting through thorny, boggy woodcock cover, I figured the logical choice for a boot review would be Irish Setter’s new Wingshooter upland boots. This new lightweight, non-insulated entry (Style 839, 9 inch, $194.99) in Irish Setter’s Wingshooter series of boots features a side zipper and buckle for easy on/off convenience and their UltraDry™ waterproof construction.
Judging by the photographs I saw, the new Wingshooter boots not only looked durable, they reminded me of the classic hunting boot styles that I used to see on the hand-drawn covers of popular hunting and fishing magazines from the 1950s and 60s. As a result, I agreed to field test and review the boots during some off-season dog training this spring.
I’m glad I did. Here’s why.
Overall Comfort and Durability
The Irish Setter Wingshooter upland boots with the side zipper and buckle are simple to put on and take off. Upon first stepping into the boots, I zipped them and then adjusted the buckle for a comfortable fit. Taking the boots off is now as simple as unzipping them (without unbuckling them). They fit comfortably, although like all durable leather, there is a slight break-in period.
To test the durability of the leather and the boots’ waterproofing claims, I wore the boots through mud, puddles, and underbrush while dog training and turkey hunting. I also wore them as I stood on the sideline at various high school soccer games this spring. Now, for those of you who don’t know, it rained almost every day in May in Delaware, so the boots were truly tested.
The smooth and thick leather easily withstood mud, thorns, and tangles of vines, and I am proud that the boots now have some slight “battle scars” (i.e. minor thorn scrapes) on them. Likewise, the waterproof construction fulfilled its claims. Despite my standing through hours of rain and traversing through various puddles, my socks remained one hundred percent dry.
The only comfort concern I have (which is probably due more to my build than to the construction of the boots) is that the boots were a little loose on my ankles. Without laces to truly cinch the boots around my ankles, I found that wearing thicker socks and/or tucking my pant legs into the boots while hunting in potentially dangerous terrain make them fit more snugly.
The Style Factor
Here’s where things get really interesting.
I mentioned above that I wore the boots to several high school soccer games. At every single game, someone complimented me on the boots! No joke! I received compliments from women and men, old and young. I felt like one of those guys from the covers of the 1950s magazines!
As a result, I brushed the dried mud off of the boots, and I now find myself wearing them casually with jeans.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that Irish Setter Wingshooter upland boots are not only functional and stylish in the field, they are also great for everyday wear.