Kuiu HD Mud Boots Review: Like All-Terrain Tires For Feet

My little corner of southwest Michigan has a high water table that turns my hunting area into a flooded, muddy mess year-round. Hunting in an area like this requires a good pair of rubber boots. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many brands and styles, trying to find the perfect solution. However, it’s a task that’s easier said than done. Rubberized boots often don’t provide proper warmth during the cold of November and December. Conversely, non-rubberized boots can’t protect against wet feet.

However, I may have finally found the perfect solution in Kuiu’s HD Mud boots. I wore these boots extensively during Michigan’s deer seasons. Here’s how they performed in an exceedingly wet environment.

Kuiu HD Mud Boots Overview

Specs

• Sizes: 8-14
• Weight: 4 Pounds, 10.6 Ounces
• Material (Upper): Polyester, Spandex
• Material (Lower): Rubber, EVA footbed
• Insulation: 7mm Neoprene and fleece

Pros

• Incredibly comfortable
• Surprisingly warm
• Impressive treads
• Kick-off tabs are a bonus

Cons

• Expensive
• Fabric portions pick up stickers

These boots feel purposely designed by someone who avidly hunts in the areas I frequent. It has an EVA footbed that is incredibly comfortable from the get-go, and there is no break-in period. The upper is a 92 percent polyester, eight percent spandex blend. It’s flexible enough without losing shape. Kuiu gave these boots some excellent woven loops that helped pull them on over thick layers. These boots have 7mm of insulating Neoprene material that Kuiu claims is comparable to a 1000-gram insulation. (More on that later.)

The lower part of the boots is made of tough vulcanized rubber. Kuiu added a small piece of extra rubber to the back above the heel. This serves as a kick-off tab to aid removal at the end of a long day. It’s extremely helpful with a stuck boot at the end of a long, cold hunt.  

Finally, Kuiu describes the tread of these boots as being “self-cleaning.” What they mean by that is that the treads are specially shaped and spaced to prevent mud build-up. It’s a more open pattern than I’ve seen on other boots of this type. I wasn’t sure how it would handle the sticky build-up I’ve experienced with other boots in my area. Again, more on that in a minute.

Pros of the Kuiu HD Mud Boots

Per Kuiu’s recommendations, I paired these boots with midweight Merino wool socks. This combination was perfect. Most of my hunts took place in roughly 30-degree weather. However, I did have one hunt that dipped into the teens. My toes never got cold in these boots, which I cannot say for every rubberized boot I’ve worn in this area. I’d say the claims about the insulation’s capabilities are accurate. A big plus is having a pair of rubber boots where I didn’t need to wear extra layers of socks to stay warm.

I also liked the EVA soles of these boots. Rubber boots don’t always have a reputation for comfort. However, these are exceptions to the rule. My feet felt cushioned and comfortable no matter what the terrain.

Speaking of terrain, we need to discuss the treads of these boots. They are exceptional. I’ve had plenty of hunts where I slipped and slid on my walk to my blind or stand in this area, but that never happened with these boots. Furthermore, the self-cleaning design of the treads does seem to work. I’ve always had problems with caked mud on my boots in my area. In one case, it cost me a chance at a buck when a chunk of mud fell off my boot while sitting on my ladder stand. However, it’s not an issue here. I’m not sure how Kuiu came up with this optimized design, but how clean they stay is impressive. I didn’t even need to pry any mud out at the end of the hunt.

Finally, I’m a big fan of the weight. It’s not often that I can find rubber boots that are comfortable for extended walks. The light weight of around two pounds each makes it possible.  

Cons of the Kuiu HD Mud Boots

The uppers of these boots are made of polyester and spandex, which I think helps reduce the weight. It also makes these parts of the boots harder to clean. Additionally, my hunting area is full of sticky plants. Little stickers and seeds stick to this stuff quite easily. They’re easily removable, but it is annoying. However, it is a trade-off that I’ll take because it’s easier to clean burrs than it is mud from the treads.

These boots are also expensive, at $200. I don’t think any hunter will be surprised at this price point. After all, Kuiu is a high-end brand with a reputation for being pricey. However, I get it if the price gives some hunters pause, especially if they are already augmenting these boots with other Kuiu gear. Things can get expensive in a hurry. Finally, for those who like to buy American, they are not USA-made. As you might expect, they are manufactured in China. I don’t hold this as a massive strike against them because the quality of the boots is still exceptional.

Final Thoughts on the Kuiu HD Mud Boots

I love these boots. As I’ve already stated, it feels like they were made for the slimy mud and standing water typical in my hunting area. I own rubber boots from almost every major manufacturer. There aren’t many that can stack up to the weight, the comfort, and the treads. The versatility is off the charts. I enjoy that these boots can seamlessly transition to ice and snow conditions. I’ll likely use them for my first shed hunting expeditions of the year. In short, Kuiu hit the ball out of the park here. The Kuiu HD Mud Boots present tremendous value for hunters who need a rugged boot for cold, wet conditions.