(Photo courtesy of Rocky Boots)
August 12, 2024
By Jace Bauserman
Over the past three decades, I've pursued animals from the unsullied alpine basins Rocky Mountain basins to the swamps of Florida to the sunlit plains of Africa. While each pursuit is different, all hunts have one thing in common: If you don't take care of your feet, your hunt will be over long before you're ready for it to be.
A poor pair of boots can turn a promising hunt into a painful ordeal, with hotspots, blisters, and general discomfort. That's why I've narrowed down my on-the-hunt foot care to only four trusted brands, one of which is Rocky.
Rocky is a staple in the boot arena, and over the years, this bootmaker has unveiled some remarkable terrain eaters. Roughly a year ago, I put a couple of Rocky's Elk Stalker boots to the test. I wore the boots in various conditions, put them in the stirrups while riding for elk, and hiked many miles in them. As expected, the boots proved their salt.
In 2024, Rocky brings its Trophy Series to market. Designed to keep you comfortable, dry, warm, and on the move from the mountains to the plains to swamps, this innovative collection features five boots engineered to be top-level performers available at price points that keep the bank account intact.
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Rocky Trophy Series 400G Insulated Rocky Trophy Series 400G Insulated Boot (Photo courtesy of Rocky Boots) Arguably, the most versatile and popular Trophy Series model is the 400G Insulated .
Why?
Four hundred grams of insulation is the most popular all-around insulation for various pursuits. For most hunters, 400G 3M Thinsulate insulation is ideal because it provides enough foot-warming insulation for the sit-and-wait hunter through October in most parts of the country and enough for the on-the-move hunter from September through November.
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The boots also hit a sweet spot in height. At 9 inches tall, the full-grain leather with Cordura uppers provides incredible ankle support without feeling like snake boots, and the overall weight rating of 1.95 pounds doesn't weigh you down.
Built to be an all-purpose boot, the Trophy Series 400G Insulated Outdoor Boot features Rocky Waterproof, a highly waterproof construction that keeps moisture out while promoting foot breathability. Whether you're walking through a dewy grass meadow in September or sitting in a damp duck blind, these boots perform.
The 900 Denier Cordura and Rocky Air-Port Lite Sponge PU Footbed with Memory Foam boosts overall durability and adds comfort. Like your favorite mattress, this footbed adds an element of on-the-go comfort that allows you to answer the go deep and far bell every day in the woods. The Multi-Terrain Rubber Outsole is ready to handle any terrain in any weather condition.
Rocky Trophy Series 400G Insulated Outdoor Boots are available in medium and wide widths and half-sizes from 8 to 14.
Rocky Trophy Series 800G Insulated Outdoor Boot Rocky Trophy Series 800G Insulated Outdoor Boot (Photo courtesy of Rocky Boots) I don't particularly appreciate when a boot manufacturer builds an excellent boot but doesn't offer it in multiple insulation models. While 400G is my typical go-to, I spend a lot of time chasing Western big game in November, December, and January, and typically, 400-gram insulation doesn't cut it.
I can stand my core, legs, and hands getting cold, but when my feet freeze, I head for the truck. Helping you dominate winter conditions, the Trophy Series 800G Insulated Outdoor Boot with lace-up construction promises all-day comfort and warmth.
As with the 400G model, the 800G measures 9 inches, which provides walking-in-snow protection. When the snow gets too deep, pair the boots with quality gaiters.
Aside from the extra 400 grams of 3M Thinsulate Insulation and a tick more weight, the 800G Insulated Outdoor Boots mirror the 400Gs in every way, including widths and available sizes.
Rocky Trophy Series 14" Outdoor Boot Rocky Trophy Series 14-inch Outdoor Boot (Photo courtesy of Rocky Boots) Another winner in the Trophy Series lineup is the 14" Outdoor Boot . These kicks showcased a waterproof upper with 3mm neoprene bootie construction and guaranteed Rocky Waterproof Construction for whitetail, turkey, and any pursuit in wet, muddy terrain.
I like to see the adjustable gusset around the calf to ensure the right fit and feel. The gusset promotes easy on/off, which is a staple of any good rubber boot.
Like all models in the Trophy Series line, the Air-Port Lite Sponge PU Footbed with Memory Foam makes these boots feel like your favorite pair of running kicks. Couple comfort with the boots' go-anywhere bulletproof Multi-Terrain Rubber Outsole, and you're ready to dominate your next outdoor venture.
The 14" Outdoor Boot features a lightweight (1.85 pounds) but rugged build. Whether you're sitting and waiting on a big buck or walking ridges trying to get a midday gobbler to sound off, these boots won't let you down.
The boots come in Realtree APX in medium width, and sizes range from 7 through 14. Half sizes aren't available.
Stay Tuned: Later this fall, Rocky is set to launch two additional 14-inch boots to the Trophy Series lineup: a 1,000g insulated boot and a snake-proof option.Rocky Trophy Series Waterproof Outdoor Boot Rocky Trophy Series Waterproof Outdoor Boot (Photo courtesy of Rocky Boots) From early-season archery hunts to long walks in hopes of flushing upland birds, Rocky's Trophy Series Waterproof Outdoor Boot measures 6 inches tall, weighs a mere 1.65 pounds, and has zero insulation.
However, though light, airy, and comfortable via the Air-Port Lite Sponge PU Footbed with Memory Foam, the boots are 100 percent waterproof, and the Multi-Terrain Rubber Outsole will dominate any surface.
Like other boots in the Trophy Series lineup, the Waterproof Outdoor Boot comes in multiple sizes and medium and wide width options.
Rocky Trophy Series 3" Waterproof Slip-On Boot Rocky Trophy Series 3-inch Waterproof Slip-On Boot (Photo courtesy of Rocky Boots) Whether you're kicking around camp, the house, or spending a day at the lake, Rocky's Trophy Series 3" Waterproof Slip-On Boot is an excellent choice. The waterproof full-grain leather look is stylish, and you can't beat the easy-to-slip on/off nature of these 1.45-pound boots.
Nylon ripstop boosts durability and boot longevity, and Rocky Waterproof construction means top-their waterproof protection while maintaining breathability. Half sizes are available from sizes 8 through 14, and medium and wide options are available.
Final Thoughts No matter the season and the pursuit, Rocky's new-for-2024 Trophy Series Boot lineup has you covered. Visit your local Rocky dealer or purchase these boots online at rockyboots.com/trophy-series/ .
(Photo courtesy of Rocky Boots)