Trudave Low-Cut Waterproof Garden Boot Review: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse for Hunters Who Do It All
Let’s be real: hunting season isn’t just the handful of days you spend up a tree waiting for that perfect shot. It’s the weeks (and often months) of sweat, prep, and slogging around in mud and muck before season even starts that often matter most. Whether it’s checking trail cams in the rain, prepping food plots in spring thaw, or trudging around the back forty fixing fences, the work never stops—and neither does the mud.
That’s where the Trudave Low-Cut Waterproof Garden Boot comes in. It’s not built for the actual hunt—it won’t replace your tall rubber boots or insulated big-mile hikers—but it absolutely fills the gap for those countless “between” days when you just need something quick, waterproof, and tough enough to handle anything you throw at it.
I got my hands on a pair (camo-patterned), tested them through spring chores, and even took them on a trip north to Canada. Here’s how they held up.
What Are the Trudave Boots, Really?
First off, let’s clarify exactly what these boots are—and what they aren’t.
The Trudave is essentially a low-cut, ankle-height rubber garden boot, similar to the popular slip-on muck-style boots many use around the farm or yard. They’re built with a flexible, waterproof rubber exterior, and come in a range of patterns—mine had a hunting camo print. But don’t confuse them with your classic knee-high hunting boots: these only cover to just above the ankle.
That means they’re not intended for deep water crossings, thick brush busting, or all-day backcountry treks. What they are built for is the everyday grind: checking trail cams, working around the cabin, launching a boat at fish camp, or slogging through springtime mud while hanging stands and clearing lanes.
Field Testing: Spring hunting prep to Canadian Fish Camps
I started using the Trudave boots late last fall when the weather started turning. At first, they sat by the door for quick chores—hauling trash, feeding the dog, grabbing trail cam cards on rainy days. Pretty quickly, they became my go-to boot for anything that wasn’t the hunt itself.
Waterproofing & Mud Performance
In shallow puddles, wet grass, snow, and mud, they performed perfectly. My feet stayed bone dry hauling stands out of the woods in the slop and running gas cans back and forth in the snow.
But, let’s be clear: these are ankle-height boots. I made the classic mistake of stepping into water a little deeper than they were tall while landing a boat in Canada—my feet got soaked. That’s on me, not the boot. If you stay mindful of the height, they’ll keep you dry.
Durability & Wear
Trudave garden boots on a Canadian fishing trip.
In Canada, I wore them nearly every day around camp, in and out of the fishing boat, and during shore lunch cleanups. They shrugged off rocks, sand, and messy fish slime with no trouble.
The only visible wear came on the camo print itself. After a few weeks of hard use, the camo pattern on the toe began to fade and scuff. It didn’t affect the waterproofing or structural integrity of the boot—just cosmetics. If you’re someone who wants your gear to look clean season after season, consider grabbing a solid color instead of camo.
Winter Test
One thing I was skeptical of: would these thin, flexible boots be warm enough in cold weather? Surprisingly, they’re pretty solid when worn with decent wool socks. I wouldn’t stand on frozen ground all day in them, but for quick work outside or running errands in 20-30 degree temps, they did fine.
Comfort, Fit & Everyday Usability
The biggest thing I love about these boots is how fast and easy they are to slip on and off. There’s no messing with laces, tall shafts, or trying to wrestle your foot out when they’re caked in mud.
For anyone who has a muddy garage or porch, that’s a big deal—you can pop them off at the door and keep the mess outside.
Comfort-wise, they’re lightweight, flexible, and easy to walk in. Again, I wouldn’t hike ten miles in them, but for working around the yard, setting trail cams, or quick walks in the woods, they’re exactly what I want.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Waterproof up to ankle height
✅ Super affordable—perfect as a secondary boot
✅ Lightweight and slip-on convenient
✅ Surprisingly warm with the right socks
✅ Great for mud, shallow water, snow, and messy chores
Cons
❌ Camo pattern wears quickly (cosmetic only)
❌ Limited coverage—only ankle high
❌ Lacks heavy insulation or aggressive tread for serious off-trail hiking
Who Are These Boots For?
If you’re a hunter (or landowner) who spends half the year checking cameras, hauling gear, trimming shooting lanes, fixing fences, or just trudging through slop, these boots are exactly what you want. They’re a step above cheap department store rubber boots and a lot easier on the wallet than high-end hunting boots you’d rather save for the real hunt.
Final Thought:
If you are looking for an easy, ‘round-the-yard/woods boot. These will do the trick for ya without breaking the bank of the big brands. Their value is Tru :) Don’t think you’ll be disappointed with these.
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