Irish Setter’s Elk Trackers are built for the hunt, but ready for anything.
For serious hunters who venture deep into rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, the Irish Setter Elk Tracker XD offers an ideal balance of durability, comfort and performance. Drawing from the legacy of the original Elk Tracker, this updated XD version (available in 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch) brings new technologies and materials into the mix—resulting in a boot that’s more resilient, more supportive, and ready to take on the most demanding backcountry conditions.
Irish Setter boots were born out of the Red Wing Shoe Company, which has been building purpose-driven footwear for workers since 1905 and hunters since 1929. In 1950, Red Wing introduced a new boot made specifically for hunting. It featured Oro-Russet leather—a reddish tone that gave the Irish Setter line its name, echoing the coat of the hunting dog.
Throughout the following decades, Irish Setter continued to introduce new materials and construction methods, including waterproof kangaroo hide, Vibram soles, and double-layered leather uppers—advances that gave the boots added durability and weather resistance.
By the 1990s, the hunting line had grown to 14 styles. In 2000, Irish Setter marked its 50th anniversary with a new logo and released the original Elk Tracker, designed for the challenges of remote big-game terrain.
Today, Irish Setter continues to serve both outdoor enthusiasts and workers with boots shaped by decades of field use and design evolution.
At the heart of the Elk Tracker is the waterproof leather upper, handcrafted from premium Trout Brook Leather—tanned in Red Wing, Minnesota, using time-honored methods. This exclusive leather, sourced from U.S.-raised steer hides, is tough enough for multi-season wear and supple enough for comfort over long days on foot. The upper features a proprietary camo pattern for field concealment, while a full leather gusset overlay helps keep trail debris out.
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A wraparound Armatec rubber rand adds a serious layer of defense against abrasion, protecting your feet and prolonging the life of the boot. The lace-to-toe design allows for a more customized fit, especially helpful when tackling steep descents or carrying heavy packs. Underfoot, the Vibram outsole with Megagrip compound offers excellent traction across slick, uneven, or muddy surfaces—so you stay stable no matter what the terrain throws your way.
Comfort technology is where the Elk Tracker XD goes beyond the traditional hunting boot. CuShin Comfort tongue technology reduces pressure on your shin and flexes as you move, eliminating the discomfort some boots cause during long hikes. Inside the boot, Irish Setter’s TempSens system actively responds to your internal temperature and sweat levels, helping regulate heat and moisture for comfort across changing conditions. If you heat up, it helps release excess warmth and sweat. If the temperature drops, it works to retain body heat and keep your feet comfortable.
Waterproofing is handled by the brand’s UltraDry system, which combines a moisture-wicking lining with a sealed construction to keep the elements out. And to keep things fresher over time, ScentBan antimicrobial treatment is infused into the linings, leathers, and footbeds—minimizing odor caused by bacteria, even after long days in the bush.
Finally, the Energ midsole inserts offer strategic high-rebound zones that borrow from athletic footwear design, giving you a little extra spring in your step over long approaches and tough pack-outs. Every detail in the Elk Tracker XD is built with purpose—so you can focus on your hunt, not your footwear.
Key Features at a Glance
- 8-inch upper made from handcrafted Trout Brook Leather.
- Armatec™ rubber rand for wraparound abrasion resistance.
- Vibram® Bulls-Eye® Air Bob outsole with Megagrip for secure traction.
- UltraDry™ waterproofing for long-lasting protection from moisture.
- TempSens technology regulates internal temperature and sweat.
- ScentBan™ antimicrobial treatment keeps odors at bay.
- CuShin™ tongue reduces pressure on the shin for all-day comfort.
- Lace-to-toe fit system allows for better control on steep or uneven terrain.
- Energ high-rebound midsole inserts provide added energy return with each step.
- XD (Extreme Duty) construction enhances toughness in high-wear zones.
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