Boots can make or break your time outdoors. High quality light weight boots like the Irish Setter VaprTrek™ Realtree® APX Waterproof Hunting Boots are worth checking out; here’s our review.
The Irish Setter VaprTrek™ Realtree® APX Waterproof Hunting Boots that we got our hands on were pretty comfortable. The VaprTreks did not need much breaking in and were suitable for wear the first time we put them on. We found that to be like most of the Irish Setter line that we’ve been exposed to.
VaprTrek line
The VaprTrek line of boots by Irish setter is a series of hunting boots that are suitable for fall, spring, and even some winter instances. “Irish Setter boots’ popular VaprTrek hunting boots were reimagined to enhance long lasting comfort, reduce weight and add sustainable materials,” an Irish Setter release says. “Go all day and all hunting season — even in cool weather conditions — with Irish Setter’s new all-leather upper boots; an all-black boot; and boots with 400 or 800 grams of insulation.”
Irish Setter continued: ”A stretch collar provides comfort and flexibility in the calf and achilles while stalking or climbing up and down from a treestand. Leather/abrasion-resistant fabric uppers feature a leather flex area in the forefoot allowing the boot to comfortably flex naturally with each step. UltraDry™ waterproofing provides long-lasting protection keeping feet dry while ScentBan™ scent control eliminates odors within the boot. Offered in Mossy Oak® Country® Roots camouflage or Realtree® APX camouflage with select models featuring Primaloft® insulation for warmth in cool environments.”
Different styles
There are a number of different styles of the VaprTrek line of boots. (Prices are Irish Setter’s MSRP.)
- 3937 is an 8” boot with 800 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Mossy Oak® camouflage, $229.99
- 3938 is an 8” non-insulated black leather boot, $209.99
- 3939 is an 8” non-insulated boot in camouflage, $229.99
- 3940 is an 8″ non-insulated boot in Mossy Oak® Country® Roots camouflage, $209.99
- 3941 is an 8″ non-insulated boot in Realtree® APX camouflage, $209.99
- 3943 is an 8″ boot with 400 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Mossy Oak® Country® Roots camouflage, $219.99
- 3944 is an 8” boot with 400 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in leather camouflage, $239.99
- 3945 is an 8” women’s boot with 400 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Mossy Oak® camouflage, $219.99
Construction
The VaprTrek boots are made from multiple materials. They’re primary base material is leather. In addition to leather, the boots are made with abrasion resistant nylon. The boots have a nylon shank for added stability. The shank also makes the boots suitable for some light work tasks around the camp if needed.
VaprTrek boots have aggressive lugs on both their soles and an outsole rand that wraps around the front and sides of the boots. These lugs make the boots suitable for different terrains and add to their anti-slip design.
Our experiences
We got to get the VaprTrek Realtree® APX 3941 non-insulated boots out into the field. Anytime we try new footwear, our feet take some time to adjust to the new gait. That aside, these boots were very comfortable from the get go.
The fact that they’re so lightweight did not put added stresses on the body when traipsing about. (While we love our all-leather Irish Setter Elk Tracker XDs, they are a heavy boot; you don’t get any of that added weight with the VaprTreks.)
These are hunting boots but are more than suitable for trail hiking or other outdoor “ing” activities like camping. The 8 inch height gives some added stability. However, it won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a boot that’s choking you off mid-leg.
After wearing these for a few trips we feel that we can recommend that you check them out. If you think they’ll fit your needs we’d recommend them. The price point is not out of this world, they’re comfortable, and they kept our feet dry in modest amounts of moisture.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Different styles available. Price point is reasonable. Comfortable. Waterproof.
Minuses: Only come in an 8 inch model; not available in lower or higher variations.
Overall, we really liked these boots. We might be biased because we’re a fan of the Irish Setter line of footwear to begin with. We’ve yet to try out a set of boots that did not really woo us except for their snake boot line — those are just what they are. We’re looking forward to years worth of lasting wear in our VaprTreks and can’t wait to see what else Irish Setter puts out in the future.
Check out our conversation with William from the 2024 Great American Outdoor Show where he talks about some of the newer Setter models HERE or in the embed below.
