Can Snakes Bite Through Rubber Boots?

Some can, but most can’t.

Before we go into more detail, we need to consider your reason for asking this question.

Do you like to work in your garden and you occasionally see garter snakes or rat snakes or other common species like that?

Or do you often hike, or perhaps even work, in the wilderness in an area that is home to larger snakes, like rattlesnakes?

No matter your situation, the answer to the original question is the same. But what you should do about it will be very different.

We’ll explain it all below.

 

Can Snakes Bite Through Rubber Boots?

Yes, snakes can bite through rubber boots. Not all can, but some.

While sturdy rubber boots can protect you from several things, including many snake bites, they do not offer full protection against all snake bites.

When they feel threatened, larger snakes with longer fangs can bite straight through a pair of rubber boots.

 

What Are My Chances Of Being Bitten By A Snake?

Snake bites don’t happen as often as you might believe. But a fear of snake bites is perfectly understandable.

As friendly as some snakes can be, other species can be deadly. But luckily for us, they rarely bite humans, except when they feel threatened. So don’t panic.

According to a publication by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation of the University of Florida, the chances of being bitten by a venomous snake are slim.

They stressed that you are nine times more likely to die from being struck by lightning than to die of a venomous snakebite.

Depending on factors like your environment, the kinds of activities and adventures you embrace, and your work/hobby, your chances of being bitten may be higher than the average American.

If, for instance, you hike in a snake-infested area, you work in a snake farm, or you decide to visit Brazil’s snake island (why??), your chances of encountering snakes are higher. In this case, it is essential you have proper protection.

 

Do Rubber Boots Offer Any Sort Of Protection?

Rubber boots can protect you from many things, but they only offer partial protection from snakes bites.

To an extent, a rubber boot can be helpful. It can protect you from snakes that don’t have powerful fangs. The snakes most of us could generally encounter in our day-to-day lives fall under this category.

For instance, if you are working in your garden, the chances of encountering a snake that can pierce through your rubber boot are almost non-existent.

Of course, this assumes the boots are high enough to not leave part of your calves exposed. Most snakes slither on the ground, so they probably won’t bite higher than the calf.

That said, some snakes can strike higher, especially when provoked. Boots should be above the calf for maximum protection.

 

Rubber Boots Are Not Enough

As hinted earlier, rubber boots are not necessarily snake-proof. Most rubber boots can protect you from the snakes you are most likely to encounter around your home.

But they won’t protect you from larger, more dangerous snakes.

If you are going on a hiking or hunting expedition in unfamiliar territory or territory infested by snakes, rubber boots are not ideal.

Some of the most dangerous snake species have strong fangs that can puncture rubber boots and deliver dangerous venom into your body.

 

What Kind Of Boots Protect Against Snake Bites?

Snake proof boots are the proper footwear for protection against snake bites. These boots, which are commonly called snake boots, are specially made with puncture-proof materials.

The materials are too tough to puncture, even for the fangs of rattlesnakes.

A good pair of snake boots will keep you comfortable and protected from snake bites when on foot.

More importantly, they give you peace of mind when you are wearing them. You can do your work or enjoy your excursion without constantly worrying about what may be lurking on the ground.

 

How Do Snake Boots Work?

Snake boots work by providing a reliable protective layer that cannot be punctured by snake fangs. Unlike regular rubber boots and other regular boots, snake boots are made with unique puncture-proof materials.

An impenetrable rubber material forms the snake-guard lining sandwiched between the boots’ outer fabric and inner lining.

Snake boots can come in combinations of leather, rubber, neoprene, and even polyurethane. The defining feature is the puncture-proof rubber material that makes them impenetrable by snake fangs.

The design of snake boots differs greatly, but they are always long enough to protect you from snakes that may strike higher above the ground.

Some also have other important features, such as slip-resistant outsoles. The most important thing is that they feel comfortable and offer maximum protection against snake bites.

 

Are Snake Boots Tested?

Yes, experts have tested snake boots to ensure that they genuinely offer protection against snake bites. Most of the reliable manufacturers of snake boots test their prototypes in renowned reptile farms.

On their website, LaCrosse explains how they test their snake boots. They use an unbiased, third-party facility to subject their snake boot models to a range of penetration tests.

In the testing process, each boot is filled with an inflatable latex balloon to identify any possible puncture from the exterior. Handlers then provoke the snake to strike the boots.

Next, the snake handlers will try to force the fangs to penetrate the boot far enough to puncture the balloon. It is only when the fangs fail to penetrate the balloon that they are certified snake-proof.

 

Rubber Boots Vs. Snake Boots

At this point, you should know the significant difference between a regular rubber boot and a snake boot. The essential point is that snake boots are puncture-proof, making them impenetrable by snake fangs.

Regular rubber boots are not strong enough to protect you from the fangs of some dangerous snakes.

Again, experts make snake boots of tough materials, including a combination of leather, rubber, and other tested materials. Every snake boot is also tall enough to protect you from snakes that may strike high above ground level.

 

Do I Need Snake Boots Or Are My Rubber Boots Okay?

Depending on where you live, and the activities you do, you may not necessarily need snake boots.

But if you live or work in a snake-infested area, and some of those snakes are larger and more dangerous, you need snake boots.

As we learned earlier, some snakes can easily bite through rubber boots. Some of the largest rattlesnakes have strong fangs that can penetrate a rubber boot or other regular boot.

You should also get a snake boot if you often hike or hunt in an area where you are not entirely sure of the wildlife. Some venomous snakes are deadly, and genuine snake boots provide your lower legs and feet with maximum protection.

 

Snake Bites And Rubber Boots: Final Thoughts

Some snakes can bite through rubber boots, but most can’t. If you don’t spend time in areas with larger and more dangerous snakes (i.e. ones with large fangs) then this shouldn’t concern you. Your rubber boots will be fine.

But if live somewhere, work somewhere or sometimes go somewhere that is home to larger species like rattlesnakes, you should get a pair of snake boots. At the very least, they will give you peace of mind. And they could save your life.

If you do get bitten by a snake and it won’t let go, we have an article that can help. Learn how to get a snake to let go. Not that this is generally an issue with constrictors and not venomous snakes.