One of the best things about a hike is that it’s an activity you can do all year long. However, when getting outdoors in the winter, you need to make a few adjustments to your gear to ensure that you protect yourself from the elements and stay warm.
Early on, I made the mistake of using my regular hiking boots for a snowy trek through the mountains, and I quickly learned that they did not provide the level of insulation to keep my feet protected from the elements.
I quickly invested in some good winter hiking boots that helped keep my feet warm and gave me the right amount of traction to feel safe during my next winter adventures.
Here are our recommendations for the ten best winter hiking boots of 2023.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
KEEN Revel 4
#2ND BEST CHOICE
Oboz Bridger
#3RD BEST CHOICE
Salomon Toundra Pro
Our Top Recommended Winter Hiking Boots
1) KEEN Revel 4 Mid-Height Snow Boot
200g of insulation inside protects from the weather up to -25 (32°C). The best thing about the insulation is that it’s made of bamboo, so it’s very lightweight and doesn’t add extra bulk.
KEEN makes some of the best winter hiking boots and outdoor footwear, and their KEEN Revel IV winter boots are no exception.
They offer all the essentials to ensure your feet stay warm and dry when embarking on winter hikes, and they’re designed to work seamlessly with most hiking microspikes.
I find that KEEN shoes often have a wider toe box than some of the brands, which I appreciate in the winter because it allows ample room for thick socks without them bunching up or rubbing around your toes.
PROS
CONS
2) Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot
Their 200g of Thinsulate insulation keeps your feet feeling great in harsh temperatures, and they’re fully waterproof.
The Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot is very durable and has an outsole that provides excellent traction on cold surfaces. These PAC boots also have great arch support, which prevents pain and injury.
I find that this brand tends to run a bit on the smaller side, so I went with a half a size bigger than normal, and they worked out well, even when paired with thick wool socks. I recommend reading the reviews on sizing before making the purchase.
PROS
CONS
3) Salomon Toundra Pro Climasalomon
In addition to having waterproof protection, the inside of the PU-leather boot has Aerogel insulation, which will keep your feet toasty up to -40°F, making them some of the best winter shoes you can find.
This Salomon winter hiking boot is one of the best snow hiking boots for women and men. Not only does it give you the protection that you need, but it also has a very stylish look to it.
They also absorb shock really well and feel very lightweight.
I wish they had a few more color options to choose from, as black isn’t my favorite color for hiking boots. However, I was willing to overlook that because they are so great.
PROS
CONS
4) Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Snow Boot
In addition to waterproofing, they also have antimicrobial properties that prevent bad odors and a very cushioned midsole for extra comfort.
Merrell Thermo snow boots come at a more affordable price than many competitors, which makes them the most affordable boots for hiking in the winter. They have 200g of insulation, which will help your feet stay cozy in most winter climates.
I noticed that the shaft is a bit lower than some of the other brands, which isn’t necessarily a problem, but I did use the boots in deeper snow conditions, and a bit of wetness seeped in through the top.
I would say they probably aren’t the best for extreme snow or wading through icy streams.
PROS
CONS
5) Salomon Outblast Thinsulate Climasalomon Winter Boots
They have 200g of Thinsulate insulation, which means they can handle even the most extreme conditions as winter rolls in.
This is another pair from Salomon that will keep your feet dry and protected while out on the hiking trails. The modern-looking style resembles a sneaker but will keep your toes feeling very warm.
I have narrow feet and found that these boots fit better than others. However, that could be an issue if you have wider feet, so I recommend trying them on in person if possible since they don’t offer wide sizes.
PROS
CONS
6) Merrell Thermo Kiruna Mid Shell WP Boots
These popular winter hiking boots have both 200g of insulation and a fleece lining to help keep your feet extra warm.
They also have a heat-reflecting insole that helps bring your body heat back toward the foot.
The lacing system on these has metal hooks that make it secure and customizable, so you get the perfect fit. They come in both a men’s and women’s version, with several stylish colors available.
I wore them for a full-day hike in fresh snow, and they felt comfortable and kept my feet warm and dry the entire time.
PROS
CONS
7) Lowa Renegade GTX Mid-Hiking Boot
Not only will they protect you in cold weather and slippery surfaces, but the leather uppers have a Gore-Tex membrane that makes them some of the best winter hiking boots in terms of waterproofing.
Lowa Renegade Gtx Mid is a bit of an investment for your winter kit but is worth it for its protection and performance. If you’re looking for a mountaineering boot, you should consider these.
I like Lowa’s selection of colors for these boots, as they have many options that aren’t plain black or brown. They’re lightweight because of the Monowrap midsoles that help reduce the overall weight of the boots.
Our findings show these waterproof boots also have exceptional arch support and give great stability. I recommended them to a friend who was suffering from plantar fasciitis, and he said they helped him tremendously.
PROS
CONS
8) Timberland Chocorua Trail Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
They’re made in the USA of premium full-grain leather that’s also waterproof, with a TimberDry membrane that makes them breathable.
Chocorua Trail winter hiking boots have the popular Timberland brand name and classic style for which the company is well-known.
Although not the warmest boot option out there, these boots are versatile and look good both on and off the rocky trails. They have Thinsulate inside to help you stay warm but do not make your feet sweaty or feel overly hot.
After trying these winter boots, I think they’re better for colder conditions but not extremely freezing temperatures. They work well on packed snow, but you’d probably want more of a snow boot for deep snow conditions.
The waterproofing does hold up well, though, and kept me dry during my hiking through muddy terrain.
PROS
CONS
9) Columbia Bugaboot III Snow Boot
Among the best women’s and men’s winter hiking boots on the market, the Bugaboot III have a modern look that’s very sleek and looks great on winter trails.
Columbia is known for its cold weather gear; these insulated winter hiking boots with a waterproof breathable membrane are no exception. With an insulation weight of 200g, these have enough insulation to provide incredible warmth than many other winter hikers.
I liked the deep lugs and lug pattern on the Omni-Grip outsole and found that it provided some of the best traction on ice. My feet were happy, and I felt safe walking effortlessly across the winter terrain.
The mid-calf height also works well in snowy conditions, whether in the mountains or off-trail.
PROS
CONS
10) Manfen Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots
These pretty standard hiking boots have good traction, cushioned ankle support, and a rubber outsole that holds up against rough terrain and sharp rocks.
The great price of these winter boots makes them hard to pass up if you’re looking for something to wear when hiking in cold conditions.
The toe bumper and heel guard also help to provide additional protection against sharp obstacles on the trail.
I found this pair to be a good waterproof option that kept melted snow and mud away from my thicker socks. However, for the price, I’m not sure how well they’ll hold up in the long term.
PROS
CONS
Winter Hiking Boots Buyer’s Guide
When we considered the boots to place on our list of best winter hiking boots, we focused on several different features contributing to how successful a boot will be for winter hikes and colder temperatures.
Temperature Rating
You want to choose boots that will keep you from getting cold toes even on the coldest days. Most winter hiking boots will have the right amount of insulation in them to prevent you from feeling the cold, even at sub-zero temperatures.
Always check the temperature rating from the manufacturer to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Insulation Weight
The higher the weight of the insulation, the warmer the boots will be in frigid temperatures. All of the winter boot options on our list have at least 200-gram insulation inside of them. Always look at the insulation weight of the boots you purchase to ensure you keep your toes warm.
Traction
Hiking in the winter means snow and ice. Ensure that your winter hiking boots provide good traction on rocks, dirt, and slippery surfaces. The last thing that you want to do while hiking is injure yourself by slipping on ice.
Waterproofing
Waterproof insulated hiking boots are especially important in the winter months, especially for those living or hiking in extremely cold temperatures. Ice and snow will be on the ground, along with melted snow.
If your feet get both cold and wet, it could lead to frostbite or other dangerous issues. Ensure the winter boots you buy have a waterproof membrane and keep water out.
You can also buy a spray and waterproof your hiking boots every time it is necessary.
Cuff
Look for boots with a soft cuff that adequately closes the gap between your ankle or calf and the boot. This feature will prevent snow, rain, and other water from getting into the boots, helping to keep your feet drier and warmer.
Gusseted Tongue
This type of tongue looks like a regular boot tongue, but the sides of it are sewn into the side of the boots. Like the cuff, it will prevent water from getting into your boots and help you to stay dry and protected.
Lugs
When buying winter hiking boots, look for aggressive lugs as they also help in winter conditions, offering a better grip (often multidirectional) and providing traction on snow or ice to keep you safer during your winter hikes.
Outsole
As with the lugs, the outsole on your winter hiking boots must also help provide excellent traction on ice, snow, and other frozen terrain. A Vibram sole is usually on the best winter boots because it grips very well cold surfaces.
Comparison Table
| BOOT | PRICE | Insulation |
|---|---|---|
| KEEN Revel 4 | $190 Backcountry» Check on Amazon» | KEEN.WARM insulation, -25°F |
| Oboz Bridger Mid BDry | $140 REI» $200 Backcountry» Check on Amazon» | No |
| Salomon Toundra Pro Climasalomon | $200 REI» $200 Backcountry» Check on Amazon» | Aerotherm, -40°F |
| Merrell Thermo Chill | $130 REI» Check on Amazon» | Yes, 200g Thinsulate |
| Salomon Outblast Thinsulate Climasalomon | $150 Backcountry» Check on Amazon» | Yes, 200g Thinsulate |
| Merrell Thermo Kiruna Mid Shell | Check on Amazon» | Yes, 200g Thinsulate |
| Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | $255 REI» $255 Backcountry» Check on Amazon» | Yes, GORE-TEX Panda fleece insulation |
| Timberland Chocorua | $150 REI» Check on Amazon» | Yes, Primaloft 200g |
| Columbia Bugaboot III Snow Boot | $130 REI» Check on Amazon» | Yes, 200 g Aconic AC-Q200 |
| Manfen Thermator | Check on Amazon» | Yes, 200g Thinsulate |
Do You Need Insulated Boots for Winter Hiking?
Anytime you hike in winter conditions, you need insulated boots, especially in the toe area, to prevent your toes from turning to ice while you hike. A designated winter boot will provide you with enough insulation.
For snowy conditions, you will want to look specifically for snow boots.
What Else Did We Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Boots for Snow?
As we settled on the boots for our list, we also considered additional information not related to the construction or winter performance of the boots.
The following factors also helped us make our final decision.
Feedback
We looked specifically at the feedback of others who wore the boots in winter and how they held up under extreme conditions.
We considered what they had to say about comfort, waterproof capabilities, and the boot’s warmth and only chose ones that received positive feedback in these areas.
Shipping
If buying winter boots online, it’s important that they ship quickly, have a reasonable shipping price, and offer easy return shipping. All of the best winter hiking boot options on our list met these criteria.
Warranty
We ensured the boots on our list had good quality construction and that the brands were reputable and stood behind their product. Boots that included a manufacturer warranty took preference over ones that did not.
Our Number #1 Pick
When considering all of the best winter hiking boots, the pair we liked the most was the KEEN Revel 4 Mid-Height Snow Boot. KEEN always puts out good quality boots and stands behind their product.
I’m also a big fan of the wide-toe box, which accommodated my mid-weight wool socks well. The waterproof breathable membrane was a bonus, and my feet didn’t feel sweaty at all when wearing them.
The lightweight bamboo insulation is innovative; these boots really held up and performed well over all types of frozen terrain.
FAQs
Wearing winter hiking boots in the summer is not a good idea. The synthetic insulation in the boots will cause your foot to sweat and make for an uncomfortable hike. Even ones with a waterproof breathable membrane will likely not provide a good experience for a summer hike.
A gore-text membrane helps to keep water out of your boots by providing waterproofing, which is important for a winter hiker. However, your winter boots should also be fully insulated in addition to Gore-Tex, or your feet will not stay warm.
The best winter hiking boot will provide traction, help your foot stay warm, keep you dry, and not grow uncomfortable during your winter-walking adventures. Both treated leather boots and boots made of synthetic materials are excellent for winter hiking.
