It would seem simple to create a boot that is waterproof, warm and comfortable. After all, consumers have been wearing knee-high rubber boots, hip boots and waders for many decades. 

That said, hunters have struggled over time with uncomfortable, stiff and cold rubber boots and waders with bad soles and leakage issues. Anyone who chased waterfowl in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s remembers packing duct tape and patch kits, along with the stiff walk to the truck after a cold morning standing in the icy, flooded timber.

When the rubber/neoprene combo arrived for boots and waders, hunters rejoiced. They were warmer, more comfortable, easy to put on or take off (usually), and they’ve improved over time. Better materials, designs, lasts for soles, sewing and bonding methods, and feedback from retailers and consumers have given us the golden age of boots.

For more than 25 years, Muck Boots has been at the forefront of providing rubber/neoprene pull-on boots for hunting, farm chores, outdoor work and everyday activities. The company offers numerous options for men, women and children in an array of styles and colors.

We recently spoke with Chris Lorenzo, general manager of Muck Boots, to learn more about the company’s history, what’s new for 2026 and what the future holds.

SSR: Thanks for taking time to visit with us this month. Give us some background about how Muck Boots got started. Was it on a farm? While hunting? Something else?

Lorenzo: It all started with a universal problem — muck and cold. The team at Muck Boots was determined to find a solution for keeping our feet dry and warm through it all. The company began, out of necessity, to build premium, protective, reliable boots that offer exceptional comfort in every element. That’s how the Original Muck Boot Company was born, providing 100% waterproof boots and footwear that withstand the muckiest situations in every season.

Since 1999, we have had the freedom to innovate, experiment and test our products in every single element — because outside, there are way more than four seasons. That’s why we’ve designed each of our styles to work hard for every task and brave every condition, so you can be protected, productive and always in your comfort zone, no matter the weather.

SSR: Muck is one of several companies with similar products. How tough is it to come up with new ideas every few years in such a competitive market?

Lorenzo: It comes with challenges as we strive to be the original and best, and set the standard in the rubber/neoprene market. We have very talented teams in marketing, sourcing and product development who spend countless hours researching the marketplace. They look for holes in our line and find inspiration in other footwear categories, like athletic trends that we can adopt in the rubber/neoprene market. 

SSR: Alternatively, having some basics that never go away — a work or hunting boot, for example — also must be beneficial as a foundation consumers can rely on, right?

Lorenzo: Absolutely. The great thing about Muck is our foundation was built on the Chore boot, which is what all the competitors strive to duplicate. Over the years we evolved the Chore into other collections in farm and ranch, construction, hunting and lifestyle that continue to be the backbone of Muck. The Chore remains Muck’s No. 1 selling collection.

SSR: Muck Boots is part of Rocky Brands, an international company with 11 hunting, work, farm and safety boot brands. Is that a plus these days with the economy in flux?

Lorenzo: It definitely helps when the company has owned factories as well as a larger pool of sourced factories to stay ahead of the competition. Having owned factories in China, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico is a huge advantage as we navigate the world economy. It allows us to remain competitive, and I would say have a slight advantage because of the diversity we have in sourcing. 

SSR: Consumers have been tepid about spending due to concerns on prices of basics, along with tariffs and political winds. How challenging has this been for Muck in sourcing materials, distribution and sales?

Lorenzo: As with many companies we were faced with challenges. However, as I stated above, and with an incredible sourcing team around the world, we were able to navigate and shuffle as needed to help mitigate the rise in costs and keep the retail increases at a minimum for the consumers. 

SSR: What is the most popular hunting boot in the lineup, and why?

Lorenzo: We have several popular styles in our hunting category. The three best are the Wetland, Woody Max and Fieldblazer.  We offer several colorways and heights in each of these. Again, these are the foundation, but with innovation we are excited to launch three new collections for fall 2026: the Xplorer, Outmax and Woodland Pro. Each has innovations that will solidify the Muck Brand’s position as being the Original and Best.

SSR: How about the rest of the line? Any favorites stand out among consumers that retailers should maybe key on for spring and summer?

Lorenzo: As with the fall line, we are changing the landscape in rubber footwear with an amazing women’s collection called Rainscape. Staying true to the Muck DNA but adding a slight pop of trendy colors will make this collection not only protective and functional, but also bring a little fashion into play. The tried and true in our spring collections are our Muckster Lite Clogs, a slip-resistant clog to get you through warm summer days. 

SSR: Parents know that growing kids can do a number on almost any kind of footwear. My son when he was a teen seemed to go through shoes like a tree grinder. Is the youth footwear made the same way as for adults?

Lorenzo: Yes, we use the same premium rubber in our kids boots as we do in our men’s and women’s collections. Muck, being the premium rubber boot brand, needs to stay true to the best quality no matter the age. Our boots are made to last, and hopefully they can be passed down to siblings as your kids grow. 

SSR: Along with consumer feedback — and you know how consumers are about feedback with footwear — what kind of internal torture tests do you do for your boots? Freezing in ice? Busting through briars and frozen corn stobs? Sitting too close to a fire? 

Lorenzo: We put the compounds we use and the footwear through various tests. These include flex testing to make sure the rubber doesn’t crack, slip tests to make sure we provide the best traction, and temperature tests to make sure our comfort ratings are as accurate as possible. Of course, with any rubber boot you definitely want to avoid sitting too close to a fire; eventually, rubber will start to melt.

SSR: Is there anything specific you can think of that consumers hit on repeatedly that provoked a change in the boot or design? 

Lorenzo: Over time the biggest complaint seems to be, “my boot is leaking.” However, in most cases the moisture inside the boot is caused by perspiration. We try our best to educate the end consumer that in rubber footwear, it’s important to wear a moisture-wicking, merino wool sock. This will help alleviate the perspiration and keep you comfortable.

SSR: Muck Boots are great for duck hunting in fields or shallow slash water, or boating to a blind. Ever thought about getting into hip boots or waders?

Lorenzo: We actually have developed the Muck Wetland Waders for fall 2026 exclusively with the members of Sports Inc. This collection of retailers, which includes Rogers Sporting Goods (Liberty, Missouri), leads the country in wader sales and will provide a great test for Muck. We have the footwear part down, and are relying on a small group to assist us in the development of waders.

SSR: More companies are looking at “forever chemicals” such as PFAS or other coatings and materials to eliminate from the manufacturing process. Is this something Muck Boots is doing?

Lorenzo: We have eliminated all PFAS from our products. It’s just a better way to help the environment. It really has no direct effect on the product itself. 

SSR: Does Muck work with retailers on displays, special deals, seasonal sales or other advice to help move the products?

Lorenzo: Yes, we do all of the above. We run national and regional campaigns throughout the year. Our biggest promotion is centered around National Muck Day on October 5. Many retailers participate in this annual event and have fun with in-store displays and great promotions. We also can focus on strategic partnership and geo-target our marketing efforts for our retail partners through digital and social channels. In addition, we provide in-store POP and create custom concept shops, as needed.

SSR: What specific model or category, such as hunting or lifestyle, has shown the most growth recently?

Lorenzo: The utility and hunting categories continue to show strong growth year over year. What’s exciting is to see our women’s business grow. The adjacent markets for gardening and dog walking are examples that have gained a new customer base for Muck. It’s exciting to see the new Rainscape Collection be the next generation for Muck to continue to expand our customer base. 

SSR: What can we expect from Muck Boots in 2026?

Lorenzo: We are extremely excited about the new lines Muck is launching in 2026. Coming off a record-breaking holiday season, we are poised to continue to grow with our partners. The Rainscape Collection and new hunting boots for next fall are sure to keep Muck as the leader in rubber/neoprene footwear. Continued partnerships with Buck Cammander, Bone Collector and new partnerships with King Pedford and others are sure to enhance our marketing in 2026.

SSR: I’m considering Muck and other brands for my store. Give me the elevator pitch about why I should sell Muck Boots.

Lorenzo: Our boots are built for customers who demand gear that works as hard as they do. We combine 100% waterproof protection, industry-leading comfort and insulated performance that keeps feet dry and supported in any season. Unlike cheaper rubber boots, ours use high-grade neoprene, reinforced rubber, and flexible midsoles that deliver long-lasting durability without sacrificing comfort. That means fewer returns, higher customer satisfaction, and a product people come back for year after year.

Our boots appeal to workers, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts and everyday customers looking for dependable footwear, which drives strong repeat sales. When you sell our boots, you’re not just adding another item to your shelves; you’re offering a premium solution your customers will trust in harsh weather, tough jobs and daily life. We are the original and best.