Dryshod’s Evalusion Max Gusset Boots tested and reviewed. Here’s what we think about these cold-weather rubber boots.
by Jace Bauserman
Outdoor gear is expensive. There’s no getting around it. Sure, there are some gear corners you can cut, and I’ve cut many during my hunting gear. Some worked out. Other didn’t.
What has cutting gear corners taught me over the years?
There are gear corners you can cut to save some greenbacks. Two corners you should never cut are footwear and optics. Today, we’re tackling footwear.
Your feet, no matter your style of hunting are your best asset. I’ve seen 10-day backcountry hunts end after two due to Coke-can sized blisters. I’ve seen poorly built 1,200-gram insulation boots let frostbite creep in, and the list of boot failures goes on and on.
I don’t care if you’re walking 40 yards to a deer stand or 14 miles into the elk woods, what you put on your feet matters. This summer, while giving a whitetail workshop seminar, a gentleman told me, “All rubber boots are the same.” He went on to tell me that paying more than $90 on a pair of rubber hunting boots is a waist of funds. I couldn’t disagree more.
Rubber boots get put through hell throughout the year. We wear them during turkey season, deer season, and in environments where even the most waterproof boots won’t keep us dry. We wade creeks, climb trees, bust through brush, etc. Not to mention that most whitetail hunters utilize the sit-and-wait tactic, which can be absolutely lethal if you can sit and wait without freezing out.
I’m a Dryshod Waterproof Footwear fan. I’ve tested several models: most recently, the Shredder MXT. Those 15.5-inch tall, 4.2-pound rubber boots proved amazing. They were ultra-comfortable, didn’t make my feet sweat during warm conditions, and proved tough as nails.
To Read More About Dryshod’s Shredder MXT, Click Here
It’s late-October and temps in my neck of the woods are starting to dip. My archery whitetail season reopens on November 4. With a camera crew coming to capture the action, I’ve been hard at work hanging stands and making last minute adjustments. This whitetail work gave me a chance to put Dryshod’s latest hunting boot addition—the Evalusion Max Gusset—to the test.
The Dryshod Evalusion Max Gusset
The Dryshod Evalusion Max Gusset Boots redefine comfort and protection for those brutal, cold hunting days. With all the lightweight features that the original Evalusion is known for, these boots take warmth to the next level with six layers of insulating technology. I appreciate a boot that doesn’t soley rely on Thinsulate insulation. While Thinsulate isn’t bad, I do think this layering system is a better option for keeping your feet warm. When the temperatures drop, you want a boot you can rely on, and the Evalusion Max Gusset delivers.
At the heart of these boots is the EVA cold-blocking midsole paired with a 5.5 mm bootie that incorporates 2.5 mm of DENSOPRENE XD foam, designed specifically for extreme density and exceptional warmth. For added comfort, the design boasts a 2 mm airmesh and a cozy 2 mm fleece lining. I love fleece inside but not on the outside. For a while, many outdoor clothing manufacturers went the fleece route. It feels great and is ultra-cozy, but everything sticks to it. Fleece also sucks when it gets wet. Adding fleece to the inside of a product is extremely smart. Hunters get that same cozy feel and added warmth without worrying about the fleece grabbing every piece of debris in the woods or getting wet. The double Achilles heel and instep reinforcement provide not just protection but maximum comfort as well.
One standout feature is the adjustable gusset. I prefer an adjustable gusset. An adjustable gusset lets you customize the fit for larger or smaller calves. It also lets you easily tuck in layers of clothing. Standing 2 inches taller than the Evalusion OG model, these boots offer extra protection from the elements, brush, and debris. This is ideal for those who venture deep into public land tracts in hopes of finding a whitetail honey hole.
The Evalusion Max Gusset is constructed to be 100 percent waterproof. With Dryshod’s Hydrokote water-repellent technology, water rolls off the boots, allowing them to dry quickly. I’ve never had an ounce of mositure creep into any of my Dryshod boots. My original Evalusion boots are three years old, and they still keep water out. The 4-way stretch breathable airmesh lining promotes airflow, keeping your feet dry during long, strenuous days.
Designed with genuine hand-laid natural rubber and reinforced tuck boards for stability, these boots provide a superior fit and comfort that feels slipper-soft. And with handy back-pull tabs, easy-on and easy-off convenience is at your fingertips. For hunters facing extreme-cold conditions, the Dryshod Evalusion Max Gusset Boots are your go-to choice.
DryShod Evalusion Max Gusset In The Field
The Dryshod Evalusion Max Gusset Boots have proven to be incredibly durable in the field. I put them to the test over two solid weeks while hanging multiple treestands and setting up ground blinds. Their outer build stands up remarkably well against sharp, rigid tree bark, ensuring that they can handle the rigors of any hunt.
The outsoles provide maximum traction, even when navigating muddy terrain, which is crucial when you’re focused on walking up slippery ridges and navigating up stand sticks and pegs. And, like all Dryshod boots, comfort remains a top priority, and these did not disappoint.
During testing, several days were unseasonably warm, hitting over 70 degrees. Dryshod engineered these boots primarily for extreme cold weather, yet I was pleasantly surprised to find my feet didn’t swamp out in them while walking and hanging stands. On two chilly mornings, when the mercury dipped below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, I wore just a standard sock, and my feet stayed toasty warm. As someone who’s had frostbite twice in my younger years, I know all too well what it means to demand warmth and comfort in a boot. When my feet get cold, I head for the truck, but these boots provided the reliable warmth I need.
Given my tendency to chill quickly—especially when temperatures drop into the 30s—I have full confidence that the Evalusion Max Gusset will keep my feet warm during those frigid late-season hunts. I can already anticipate relying on them when the snow covers the ground and temperatures plunge into single digits or even below zero.
At under $200, the Evalusion Max Gusset is worth every penny. Combined with the Shredder MXT, my go-to uninsulated early-season boot, I now have a versatile rubber boot duo ready to tackle any terrain and temperature. Together, these boots ensure I’m prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws my way, allowing me to focus on what truly matters—hunting while staying dry, warm, and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
The Dryshod Evalusion Max Gusset boots encapsulate everything a hunter needs in an effective field boot. Their combination of durability, comfort, and warmth makes them an invaluable addition to any hunting gear arsenal. Having tested them extensively, I can personally vouch for their performance in various conditions, from rugged terrain to chilling temperatures.
With the insightful design that fuses practicality with comfort, these boots truly excel in keeping feet warm and dry without sacrificing mobility. For less than $200, you’re making a solid investment in equipment that performs well when it matters most. Pairing them with my Shredder MXT boots means that I’m ready for any season or situation.
