Not all hunting boots are created equal, and rubber hunting boots occupy a class of their own. A good pair of rubbers need to fit right from your ankles down to your toes. They need to do a solid job of fighting off scent. They also need to be totally waterproof and stand up to poking sticks, jagged rocks and barbed wire. LaCrosse Alpha Lite rubber hunting boots cover all of these bases.

I first wore my Alpha Lites during an October whitetail bowhunt in Oklahoma. It was warm—in the 60s-70s—but the boots breathed enough so that my feet weren't sopping with sweat at the end of the day. I didn't do a crazy amount of walking on that hunt, but the break-in for these boots was almost instant. So, when spring turkey season rolled around, I knew I'd be able to comfortably crush miles while chasing gobblers on foot. Now, more than a year later, my Alpha Lites have seen their fair share of blood and they're still going strong.

The "Alpha" construction (see Alpha technology explained in more detail in this video) is the key ingredient behind the comfort and all-season wearability of these boots. It's based on a rubber exterior with a neoprene core, creating a perfect blend of durability and flexibility. LaCrosse offers Alpha Lites in Realtree APG HD camo, which is a versatile mix of green and brown colors that will match surroundings from spring through winter. These boots retail for $115.

The LaCrosse Alpha Lite rubber hunting boots get my Gear Nod of approval.