You never know what situation you might get into when you’re out in the wild. You have to prepare for anything, including potential hazards like snakes.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, or spending time at your local nature reserve, there’s always a risk of coming face-to-face with a snake. While it might not be something that happens very often, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you.
If the worst does happen and a snake slithers up to you while you’re out in the wild, will your boots protect you? Are tactical boots snake-proof?
Yes, some tactical boots are snake-proof. Tactical boots, especially ones made from leather, can protect you from snake bites. They are not as effective snake-proof boots that shield you as high as over the calf.
Unfortunately, these boots can not protect us from all types of snake threats. Yeah, even the ‘snake-proof’ boots.
For context, picture yourself in front of a constrictor ready to attack. Probably, a boa or python. Will the boots snake-proof your way to survival? Yes, not really!
So, where does this leave us? Are there genuine snake-proof boots that protect you from all types of snakes? What do snake-proof boots actually mean?
Snake-Proof: What’s that?
We must understand the meaning of snake-proof. What does snake-proof really mean?
The term snake-proof can refer to several things, but most commonly, it is used in reference to clothing or footwear designed to resist snake bites.
The keyword is snake bites. Snake-proof boots or attires are not bulletproof defenses against all snake attacks. They are meant to shield us mainly from snake bites.
We can use various materials in snake-proof clothing and footwear, and the level of protection they offer can vary depending on the product.
What Materials are Snake Bite Proof?
First things first, no material is an absolute guaranteed defense against snakes. When discussing materials that snakes can’t bite through, there are some complexities to navigate.
For instance, snake bites differ in power. The size of a snake or even the length of its fangs can be the difference in power.
Materials that shield you from a coral snake’s bite would not necessarily put off a gaboon viper’s bite. It is vital to keep that in mind as you seek protective gear, whether it is clothing or footwear.
Whatever or whichever material that you can’t poke a needle through with medium force or pressure, fangs can’t get through!
~A universal rule for determining snake bite proof materials~
Sometimes, thick clothing can do the trick. However, in most cases, leather is the material commonly used in snake-proof gear! Leather boots offer enough protection from most bites.
Leather is also combined with synthetic polymers such as kevlar to manufacture snake-proof wear like gloves, boots, leggings, chaps, and gaiters.
Codura nylon is another snake bite-proof material. It is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear. Its high-strength nylon fabric makes it resistant to tearing and puncturing.
We use this material to make bulletproof vests and other protective clothing. It is also used to make chaps.
Snake Proof Boots: Are they necessary?
So, what are snake-proof boots? Are they indispensable?
Snake-proof boots are footwear dedicated explicitly to shielding you from snake bites.
Besides having bite-proof materials, the boots have an impenetrable lining for added safety.
Who doesn’t love the sound of that?
Are snake-proof boots necessary, though? Indispensable?
Their effectiveness notwithstanding, most snake-proof boots sacrifice comfort and restrict movement.
They are stiff and heavy. They are not very suitable for a modern lifestyle as they are uncomfortable sitting in for long periods.
They have an old-fashioned look and feel to them as well. They are often costly.
So, indispensable? It depends on where you are. Unless you’re in a place prone to snakes, you’ll feel much better wearing a standard pair of boots.
A pair of leather tactical boots can shield you from most snake bites. It’s not foolproof, but it does the job in most cases.
Did you know?
You are nine times more likely to die from being struck by lightning than from being bitten by a venomous snake.
UF Wildlife
Can Snakes Bite Through Leather Boots?
Ideally, leather can withstand most snake bites, but not all. Some snakes’ venom can penetrate leather, so it is not a foolproof defense against snake bites.
It all comes down to how hard or soft the leather in your boots is and the snake in question. A combination of soft leather and a large venomous snake will probably leave you at the mercy of your fate.
So how do we know whether or not our leather boots will put off an attack from snakes?
Once again, let’s invoke our universal rule. You’re safe if you can’t poke your leather boots with a needle at medium pressure!
Something to Keep in Mind
Leather boots can absolutely shield you from bites. Yeah, bites around your feet. Snakes are not limited to biting around your feet. They can bite as high as your knee height.
You would need your boots to be at least mid-calf high for protection. That’s a height that most leather boots don’t have!
Some snake boots are commonly 14 to 18 inches high, easily over your calf. In places such as Australia, where snakes are everywhere, you will do well in a pair of high snake boots.
Did you know?
As of 2018, 750,000 people have died as a result of being bitten by the world’s deadliest creatures, mosquitos, not snakes.
Statista
Can Snakes Bite Through Rubber Boots?
Some snakes, especially the smaller ones, can’t bite through rubber boots. Unfortunately, these are the minority.
Most snakes can and will bite through rubber boots. With powerful jaws and sharp fangs, snakes can puncture even thick rubber. If you are worried about getting bitten by a snake while wearing rubber boots, avoiding areas where snakes are known to live is best.
Just like any other material, the universal rule applies. Use a needle to find out whether your favorite rubber boots can shield you from harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do snakes bite above the knee?
A. Yes, it can happen. However, most snake bites happen around the feet and occasionally above the ankle.
Q. What part of the body do most snake bites occur?
A. Hands, feet, and ankles. That is according to fs.usda.gov.
Q. When do most snake bites occur?
A. Bites occur when humans and snakes are most active outdoors. Between April and October, according to fs.usda.gov.
Q. What triggers a snake to bite?
A. Snakes bite when they feel threatened, provoked, or startled. The best prevention is to stay away from them and wear protective gear.
Jesse is the main author of Tactical Angle. He’s also an avid survivalist, backpacker, and fishkeeper. He spends time setting up/maintaining my fish tanks, hiking, hunting, and climbing mountains.
