Tested True: Rocky BearClaw 800G Insulated Hunting Boots

After every hunt, I journal. It doesn't matter whether the outing was successful or not; journaling leads to reflection and reflection leads to learning. While flipping back through my journal entries over the years, I was surprised at how many times the words “Rocky Boots” jumped out at me.

From east to west and north to south, I've covered hundreds of miles in Rocky Boots. From full-grain leather builds to rubber makes to snake boots, Rocky has kept me on the hunt for 25 years.

That's just a few examples. Rocky has powered the outdoor footwear industry since 1932. Hunters are drawn to various models of Rocky Boots because the manufacturer is renowned for producing comfortable, well-built boots that are engineered to handle daunting terrain and Mother Nature's unpredictable conditions.

Enter Rocky's new-for-2025 BearClaw 800G Insulated Hunting Boot.

The BOA Is Better

No, this boot review has nothing to do with running, but bear with me. I run many ultramarathons in the Rockies every summer. One of my biggest complaints is wet, muddy shoelaces that come untied at the least opportune times. This year, I opted for a trail shoe that featured the BOA system, and I loved it.

Like trail shoes, boots designed for western hunting typically have laces. Not only do those laces get dirty and wet, but they also tend to come untied and break due to the abuse from the weather and terrain. Those breaks never happen at home. They always happen on the mountain, and if you're like me, you'll spend an hour burning paracord ends and threading those ends through boot eyelets.

I was thrilled to see that Rocky added the BOA Fit System to its BearClaw 800G Insulated Hunting Boot. A pull-and-push, easy-to-grip wheel-like system that connects to a bulletproof, lightweight cable instead of traditional laces, this system lets the hunter micro-adjust the tightness of the boot around the feet and ankles. The small rotating dial is built into the tongue. It doesn't add weight and is not bulky. Pull the dial out to loosen the cables, and when it's time to put your boots back on, push the dial in and turn it counterclockwise to tighten the wires in micro-increments. With the BOA FIT System, a customized boot fit is guaranteed.

Concerning durability, I've never had a BOA Fit System fail me. Several pairs of my running shoes and bowhunting releases feature the BOA Fit System. It is tough as nails and performs flawlessly even when frozen. Factor in that Rocky Boots are renowned for their durability and ability to keep hunters on the hunt, regardless of how rugged the terrain or nasty the weather, and you've got a no-fail system that will enhance comfort and overall fit.

Full-Grain Leather

A year or two ago, I penned an article about Rocky's 1000G Elk Stalker Insulated Waterproof Boots. The good news: I still use those boots when horsebacking across the West in search of late-season bulls and bucks. The full-grain leather, if treated regularly with boot wax, is 100 percent waterproof and doesn't break down over time like full-synthetic or boots with a mixture of synthetic and leather.

Like the Elk Stalker, the BearClaw comes in a variety of sizes, two width options and features 100 percent full-grain leather. Though the 800G 3M Thinsulate Insulation was a bit warm for an early September elk hunt, I gave the boots a 10-mile round-trip test drive straight out of the box.

Yes, my feet got hot, but the BOA FIT System boosts comfort, and the boots' rugged full-grain leather excelled in the jagged, cedar-dotted elk canyons I often roam. These boots will provide years of no-fail use.

Traction? Yes, Please

Wherever you're hunting in the world, weather conditions can change quickly, as can the terrain. Rocky designed its BearClaws to dominate the terrain while keeping the elements out. The 10mm lug BearClaw Grizzly Grip outsole, combined with the lightweight EVA midsole, provides outstanding stability even in rugged, wet terrain. The outsoles are aggressive, which is a requirement for boots designed for weather conditions that require 800G of 3M Thinsulate insulation. However, I had zero problems slipping the boots into my saddle stirrups and taking my four-year-old mare for a ride. They don't feel bulky or thick.

Warm Boots Are Bulky & Uncomfortable

Are Rocky's BearClaw 800G Insulated Hunting Boots as slim, sleek, and lightweight as their Outback GORE-TEX Waterproof Hiker Boot? No, and they are not supposed to be. The insulation must go somewhere, but Rocky has done an outstanding job of making these boots look proportionate, and the 2.15 pounds per boot weight rating is respectable.

After wearing the boots for 10 miles in rocky, uneven and generally steep canyon country, the super-flex welt construction and 1-year Vapor Pass breathable recycled membrane waterproofing kept my feet dry (it had rained). After the hike, I had zero blisters or hot spots. I chalk this up to Rocky's Air-Port Ultra sponge PU footbed with memory foam. These 800G boots don't feel like 800G boots. I've worn several boots with insulation between 800 and 1200G that made my heels and arches ache. These boots wear like a broken-in pair of running shoes. I was supremely impressed with the combination of comfort and durability.

What About the Uppers?

I go through hunting boots quickly. On a hunt, a good boot can be the difference between staying on the mountain and punching a tag or not. I've seen hunters limp off the hill after a day or two of hunting with Coke-can-sized blisters. Others have gotten feet that are wet and icy, with no way to dry the inside of the boots.

You can skimp on things in hunting. You can cut some corners and save some money. Concerning boots, you want the very best. At $235, these 9-inch-tall boots are a bargain. The full-grain leather boots, featuring a 1680 Denier Cordura tongue with the BOA Fit System, have sturdy uppers that allow the BOA Fit System to wrap the padded internal orange material around the upper ankle for a custom fit. This fit, which can be constantly adjusted via the BOA Fit System, allows the hunter to adjust the tension around the ankle instantly.

Feet will swell during and after long hikes. Increased pressure and gravity cause blood and fluid to pool in the feet. Dehydration, a common condition among hunters, can also cause swollen feet. I'm not sure about you, but I can feel my feet swelling inside my boots. When this happens, I stop, take off my boots, and relax for a while, or loosen the laces. With the BOA Fit System, you can lean over and micro-adjust the tension to your preferred setting. Rocky thought of it all with the BearClaw 800G.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned, September in Colorado isn't the time to test out the boots' 800G 3M Thinsulate Insulation. However, suppose it works anything like the 1000G 3M Thinsulate Insulation in Rocky's Elk Stalker. In that case, these boots should be excellent for October and November hunts, and if temperatures don't drop too low, they should provide warmth through much of December as well.

Rocky Boots produces excellent products that strike a price point that doesn't strain the budget. Just because a boot doesn't have a $400 or $500 price point doesn't mean it's not a great pair of boots. If you're in the market for a warm, comfortable, and ultra-durable pair of hunting boots that provide traction and flexibility across a diversity of terrains, give the BearClaw 800G Insulated Hunting Boots a go.

---