The fear of snakes is far worse than the risk of snake bite. In fact, the chances of dying from a venomous snakebite in the United States is nearly zero, and only one in 50 million people will die from snakebite (5–6 fatalities per year). Statistically, you are nine times more likely to die from being struck by lightning than to die of venomous snakebite. Nonetheless, the fear of snakes limits the outdoor activities of millions of Americans, since poisonous snakes can be found in most states, except Alaska. 

5254(2)Rocky Boots has a solution. It won’t cure your fear of snakes, yet it provides a cool looking preventive measure — their athletic snake boot. These were introduced at the SHOT Show last year and are remarkably light and comfortable — and very good looking.  Here are the details: Rocky’s new snake boot in its Rocky Athletic Mobility line features brand-new SnakeGuard Extreme technology, and is now available. SnakeGuard Extreme fuses two fabrics together to create the ultimate in snakebite resistance. It offers protection throughout the entire 16-inch boot rather than only in select areas like traditional snakeboots, while still providing flexibility throughout the boot.

“We’ve created a snake boot that combines Rocky Athletic Mobility comfort with the best protective technologies available today,” said SamBowman, marketing manager for Rocky. “The Rocky Athletic Mobility snake boots were tested with the strike of eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, so we know they offer supreme protection while remaining versatile in the field.” Above the SnakeGuard Extreme fabric, the boots feature a durable, waterproof GORE-TEX® fabric, Scent IQ™ scent and moisture control, and a padded ripstop nylon collar. The sole is constructed with an abrasion-resistant molded heel and toe and an aggressive multi-directional rubber outsole. The boots are available in RealTree® Xtra™ Green with brown overlays and have a waterproof sidezipper for easy on/easy off. The suggested retail price is $269.99.  www.rockyboots.com

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Joe Byers has more than 1,000 magazine articles in print and is currently a field editor with Whitetail Journal, Predator Xtreme, Whitetails Unlimited, Crossbow Revolution, and African Hunting Journal magazines. He’s spent the last three decades depicting the thrill of the chase and photographing the majesty of all things wild. Byers is a member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association and numerous other professional and conservation organizations.