You should consider the dangers that await you outside when you go out for a hike, yardwork, etc. One of the prominent dangers is rattlesnake bites.
Human beings and snakes are much like oil and water – they do not go hand in hand. Hence, you should protect yourself from a snake’s bite.
Many people think rubber boots are a perfect solution for them. The question is – can a rattlesnake bite through a rubber boot?
The short answer to the question is that rattlesnakes can bite through a rubber boot. There is much more to it. Let us understand the risk and ways you can protect yourself.
Before we get to the main topic, let us first understand the type of typical Rubber Boots most people normally own and how much protection they offer against Rattlesnake bite:
1.) Gardening Boots: These boots provide minimum protection from rattlesnake bite. These boots are mainly such made that they provide comfort and flexibility while doing gardening activities.
2.) Rain Boots: Also known as wellies or galoshes, these boots don’t provide high protection against rattlesnake bite. These boots are mainly made from soft silicon rubber boots. However, they definitely prove to be better than low-top boots.
3.) All – purpose green or Black Rubber Work Boots: These boots are heavy-duty rubber boots. They have much harder and more durable outer shell which provides comfort during rough work conditions. These boots provide good level of rattlesnake bite protection.
4.) Work Boots for Light Construction: These boots are mainly made up of leather, nylon, rubber and other additional materials. These boots can provide reasonable protection from rattlesnake bite. These boots mostly have steel toes which can help protect from a rattlesnake.
See also: Snake Boots or Rubber Boots Comparison
Which Rubber Boot Parts Are Normally Exposed To Rattlesnakes?
If you have rubber boots, you need to understand the risk associated. Below are parts of the rubber boot and the risk and protection they provide from rattlesnake bite:
1.) Sole – The soles of rubber boots are created using plastic and heavy rubber. As a result, they provide good protection from snake bite. It is highly improbable that it will be possible for a rattlesnake to penetrate through the sole of your rubber boot.
2.) Ankle – From a rattlesnake protection standpoint, this is a weak point in rubber boots. The manufactures use softer rubber to make this area thinner in order to provide more comfort and ease of mobility. Thus, this area is quite high-risked.
3.) Toe – In most of the rubber boots, the area around the toes is quite thick. Some of the rubber boots like construction boots have steel toes. Thus, a rattlesnake’s fangs cannot penetrate them.
4.) Legs – Many rubber boots such as gardening boots and urban rain do not provide sufficient protection from snake bites. These are mostly the snakes who often strike higher up the leg.
If you want to buy a rubber boot, ensure you get those that go far up the leg. Generally, a rubber work boot will cover at least 13 inches of the ankle region as well as the lower leg.
What are the Materials used in Rubber Boots and What is its Thickness?
The most common unisex rubber boots are mostly built by using PVC Rubber. Their thickness would normally be 3 MM and expand upto 4 MM.
This would provide extra and much needed protection on areas like toes. The midsole region of the boots would also consist of a rigid plastic construction.
Some of the rubber boots are often made up of proprietary material which is called Flexothane. The knitted fabric is coated with polyurethane, which makes it highly tear-resistant.
Although it looks sturdy, it does not have a puncture-resistant design and cannot provide protection from a powerful snake bite.
What are the Weak Points of Rubber Boots?
When we talk particularly about rattlesnake bites, the ankle and metatarsal regions are the weakest points on any rubber boots.
You are also at risk of a snake side strike in rubber boots since there is usually no added protection for the ankle.
What is an Alternative to Rubber Boots?
Rubber boots protect you from rattlesnake bites but only partially. However, if you have to work or go in areas where there are chances of you meeting rattlesnakes, you do not want to take chances. You can have better protection through snake boots.
How are Snake Boots Better?
Snakes respond to the body heat signature, and hence they are active both in the daylight and at night. Rubber boots help in keeping body heat from radiating. A snake boot, on the other hand, blocks your heat signature and is, therefore, an optimal choice for this purpose.
Snakes boots are designed to prevent rattlesnake bites from puncturing and reaching your skin. If you decide to go with a snake boot, check the materials and the environments they are designed to be used in.
It will help to ensure you are not purchasing a boot that while providing excellent protection does nothing for maintaining a semblance of body temperature.
What Characteristics Make a Boot Snake-Proof?
Boots that are particularly manufactured to be snake-proof possess a few different and additional features that assist in snake-bite protection.
These boots are somewhere around 14 inches to 18 inches tall. They consist of plated snake bite prevention features within the boot shaft layers or on the overlay of the boots. Since most of the snakes can bite on the lower area of the foot, toe boxes are very important too.
Thus, snake-bite proof boots will consist of such additional materials which will shield your feet well.
Here are few of the recommended Rubber Boots that can help you protect from a Rattlesnake Bite:
1.) FROGG TOGGS Waterproof Winchester Viiper Snake Boot Camo Hunting: These boots are 100% Polyester and 100% waterproof construction that provides all-day comfort. The puncture proof lining that provides an extra layer of protection from rattlesnakes.
- WATERPROOF COMFORT
- SNAKE RESISTANT
- BLEND INTO YOUR SURROUNDINGS
- TRACTION AND DURABILITY
- DESIGNED FOR YOU, CREATED FOR THE OUTDOO
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2.) Rocky Red Mountain Waterproof Snake Boot: These snake boots boasts of 16 inches of material that provide protection from snake-bite. The Realtree EDGE snake guard is one of the lightest and most compliant snake-bite guard because of its high abrasion nature.
- 16 Inches of Snake Proof Protection
- Rocky Briar & Thorn Guard
- Realtree EDGE High Abrasion Snake Guard
- Light and flexible cement construction
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3.) Rocky Men’s Lynx Waterproof Snake Hunting Boot: For those who frequent the area where snakes reside, these boots from Rocky are very comfortable and also help keep your feet safe and dry.
The Snakeproof fabric in these boots protects you from getting bitten by most the snakes, including rattlesnakes.
- Lace-up hunting boot featuring D-ring hardware and cushioned footbed
- Reinforced toe and heel cap
- Logo patch at ton
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4.) Dryshod Mens Viperstop Snake Hunting Wide Calf Boots Knee High: These particular Dryshod Viperstop boots helps one stay clear from the moisture. They help the foot cooler in warmer temperatures. The boots gives off less body scent thus helping you stay undetected by snakes.
- Snake-protection and adjustable gusset
- Adjustable Gusset Style
- 2” taller than our regular model
- Hand-laid penetration-resistant rubber from top to bot
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5.) Georgia Boot Athens Waterproof Snake Boot: These George Boots features the very effective barnyard proof SPR leather which is smartly used with 900 denier nylon. This 16-inch snake boot will help you stay dry. These boots offer a high level of Snakeguard protection.
- Full-grain SPR leather and 900D nylon
- High performance mesh lining
- Georgia waterproof system
- Snakeguard Extreme protection
- San-Crispino with cemented h
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Are Snake Boots Worth Spending on?
The price of snake boots is higher than that of rubber boots. Hence, when it comes to cost, you must be wondering are they worth it?
If you visit places where snakes live, you definitely need a snake boot as you may not want to take a chance with your life. However, if you are working on lawns or going on a hike – then you probably don’t need a snake boot.
FAQs
Will a Rubber Boots Protect me from Rattlesnake Bite?
Certain Rubber boots will definitely protect you from rattlesnake bite. These boots are made up of sturdy material and hence will help in preventing the fangs from touching your skin. Thus, upto a certain extent, rubber boots will help protect from venomous snake bite.
How will Rubber Boots Protect me from Rattlesnake Bite?
Because the rubber boots possess a thick layer, their hard soles can help stop a rattlesnake bite from penetrating to the bottom of the foot.
The fangs of snakes sink into their victims without them knowing whether or not they’ve broken skin or pierced a boot.
Should I Spend Good Amount of Money on Snakeproof Boots?
If you visit places where snakes live, you definitely need a snake boot as you may not want to take a chance with your life. However, if you are working on lawns or going on a hike – then you probably don’t need a snake boot.
Conclusion:
What kind of boots you should have to protect yourself from rattlesnake bites depends on where you want to use them. As discussed above, sometimes, having a snake boot is the best option.
In other cases, you can go with good quality rubber boots. The important thing is that wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings if there is any danger of rattlesnakes.
