Fact: I own enough pairs of hunting footwear (various heights and insulation properties) to open a small sporting goods store. During 2024, one of my favorite choices for whitetail hunting was the 15-inch-tall Muck Pathfinder. It’s a super-comfortable neoprene boot, warm enough for temperatures down to about 35 degrees, and 100 percent waterproof.
I mention my history with the Pathfinder to show my affinity for the Muck Boot brand. That said, I have to admit I was reluctant to say “yes” when my media contact at Muck asked if I wanted to try the company’s Muckster Lite clog.
A clog? Me?
I own a few pairs of sandals and love them for fishing and general warm-weather everyday use. My favorite for decades has been a Teva sandal (specifically the Men’s Original Universal), but because I often see my two college-age sons wearing clogs for summertime outdoor activities, I decided to give the Muckster Lite a try.
Men’s Muckster Lite Clog — First Impressions
I typically wear a size 10 shoe and boot. That said, because I knew that I’d be wearing the Muckster Lite clog barefoot, and because the “fit feedback” for this clog on the Muck website stated: “Customers like you recommend ordering one size smaller than regular size,” I chose a size 9. That turned out to be a mistake.
Unfortunately, my toes bumped the front of the size 9 clog; they were too small. The good news is my youngest son (20-year-old college golfer) wears a size 9, and he immediately offered to take them off my hands. So I ordered a size 10 and they fit perfectly.
Because of my extensive experience with Teva sandals, which secure tightly around my heel, it did take me a minute to get comfortable walking in clogs. I loved how fast I could slip in and out of the Mucksters, but initially I felt like I might “walk right out of them.” But that never happened, and soon I forgot that I was wearing them, which is the ultimate compliment when it comes to footwear.
Surprising Versatility
At the time of this writing (early February), you’d think that I would have stashed away the Muckster Lites months ago in a closet while waiting for spring. Not the case! As I teased in the subtitle to this article, the clog has become my most frequently worn shoe. I literally wear them every day, regardless of the weather — and I live in Minnesota (think winter).
The Mucksters stay by my front door, 24/7, and at a minimum I slip them on to get the daily mail. I slip them on hands-free, so whether my hands are full carrying groceries, or I’m taking out the trash and recycling (one bag in each hand), I simply slip my feet into the clogs and go. They are ultra convenient around the house.
This past summer I also wore the Mucksters on dozens and dozens of Midwest fishing adventures, typically in my kayak. Again, the convenience was off the charts.
On the many lakes where I fish for bass, crappies and pike, I set my kayak in a few inches of water, with a third of the kayak on shore. Then, I return to my truck to get my rods, tackle, anchor, small cooler, etc. It usually takes four or five trips, and as I approach the kayak, I walk in the shallow water and store the items in their proper place.
The clogs are ideal for walking in and out of the water because the side holes in the shoes allow water to immediately drain. Also, clogs provide protection for my feet from rocks, hooks, broken glass, etc. Yes, I sometimes will get sand or small rocks inside the clogs while loading and launching my kayak, but it’s easy to slip them off and dump the debris before entering the kayak.
Final Thoughts
The Mucksters were my No. 1 choice for kayak fishing last summer, and I often wore them when fishing in my larger boat, too. I could easily steer my foot-controlled, bow-mount trolling motor while wearing the clogs. I don’t like going barefoot in my larger boat because there might be hooks present on the carpeted floor.
Believe it or not, the Mucksters even played a role recently on an ice fishing adventure. The wind chill was in the single digits, and the ice was nearly 24 inches thick, which meant I could drive my truck right to the fishing spot. The lake is an hour drive from my home, and it’s uncomfortable to drive in bulky winter boots, bulky parka and bib, etc. It’s much easier to dress lighter when leaving home, then put on the heavier outer layers after arriving at the lake. I wore thick wool socks, slipped on the Mucksters and drove to the lake. After I arrived, I slipped off the clogs and put on the winter boots. Again — convenient!
I encourage you to visit the company’s website to learn more about the Muckster Lite clog. They are super comfortable and, at $50, an incredible value, especially when you consider that they’ll likely last forever.
