Synthetic vs Leather. Opinions wanted

[Shooter264]

If your most comfortable, favorite hunting boots were available in both leather versions and synthetic, which one would you choose and why? No difference in fit and comfort, just a difference in material. Personally, I’d choose synthetic for the following reasons: lighter, fast drying, and little to no stretch when wet. Definitely not a right or wrong answer here, just looking for opinions. Thanks

 

[Rock-o]

I'd probably buy both.

 

[Superdoo]

I'd probably buy both.

Yup.
In all seriousness though. If I could only buy one... Probably leather. Usually it holds up better/ longer than the synthetics.

 

[TheGDog]

Synthetic... you'd be able to more fully clean the scent out of it. Also would require less maintenance.

 

[Chasin2hundo]

After owning my first pair of synthetics. I’m not sure if I’ll look back. Love how fast they dry, don’t stretch out or crack like leather. I might try a pair of crispi Nevada’s someday just to test their leather out. Heard great things about them.

 

[Brendan]

Warm weather boots: Synthetic. Cold weather boots with snow: Leather.

 

[WhiteOak]

If around cactus, leather every time. Brush past an emerging cholla or mound cactus and those needle pierce through synthetic like butter.

 

[Desk Jockey]

When I started backpacking 25 years ago I think it could have been truly said that leather was better. Flash forward, especially in the last 10 years, and I think synthetic construction at the top end has surpassed leather. Modern materials, stitching, glueing and welding have caught up to the point where they rival or exceed performance and durability iMo.

soem of my favorite and most durable boots are synthetic or hybrid construction - crisis Thor’s and Idaho’s and asolos. There is still some nostalgic appeal to a finely made leather boot but for me, hybrids are the best choice.

I will concede white oaks point about heavy thorns, but apart from that application I will take synthetic or hybrid nearly every time. I would also add that the majority of my boot failures as long as I can remember have been soles and rands coming unglued Or getting damaged. I think that is a weakness independent of what the upper is made of.

 

[Rangerpants]

I am all about leather, but I tend to hunt in places with lots of sharp thorns and/or abrasive rocks. I haven't been able to get synthetic boots to hold up nearly as long as a good leather pair.

 

[Shooter264]

What would you all say in regards to sheep and goat hunting specifically? I guess you could throw high country deer hunting into that mix as well

 

[Brendan]

What would you all say in regards to sheep and goat hunting specifically? I guess you could throw high country deer hunting into that mix as well

Sheep and Goat I'd personally be looking at a mountaineering stye boot with sole and lateral stiffness (and overall comfort) taking precedence. My feet would need the extra support on that type of hunt. Most of the boots in that category are a synthetic or a hybrid which are also less likely to stretch. Only wild card is that a leather boot would probably hold up better in areas with a lot of loose rock / shale.