Climbing at minus temperatures requires some special preparation. One of them is determining what kind of equipment to use. Therefore, you must consider investing in the best boots for winter hiking. They’ll help keep your feet warm and toasty throughout your adventure. Apart from that, these boots will also help protect you from rocks, dust, debris, and other elements.
Having the best boots for snow hiking will help you easily get through areas with a lot of snow. They usually come with a waterproof coating to prevent moisture from seeping into your feet. So if you’re planning on going on a big adventure this weekend, getting the best boots for hiking in snow is a must.
Below we’ve listed the 13 pairs of best boots for winter hiking. Most reviewers on Amazon say they’re the best of the best. Keep reading to find more details about them.
Table of contents
- UGG Adirondack Boot III
- Merrell Thermo Kiruna Snow Boots
- Manfen Hiking Boots
- Xpeti Thermator Boots
- Kamik Nationplus Boots
- La Sportiva Makalu Boots
- Mishansha Ankle Winter Hiking Boots
- Vasque Snowburban II Ultra Dry Snow Boots
- Salomon X Ultra Winter CS WP 2 Performance Boot
- Asolo Fugitive GTX
- Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boots
- Xero Shoes Alpine
- Lowa Tibet Superwarm GTX Boots
- How to Choose The Best Boots for Winter Hiking
- Are Salomon Hiking Boots Good for Snow?
- How Much Thinsulate in Boots is Enough?
- How Do I Keep My Toes Warm in My Boots?
UGG Adirondack Boot III
13
The UGG Adirondack Boot III is one of the best-rated hiking boots on Amazon. Thanks to their rugged outsole and comfortable wool lining, these boots should keep you warm to minus 32F. Apart from that, this footwear is made of waterproof material, allowing you to pass through damp areas easily.
We’ve tried wearing these best boots for winter hiking at minus 30F, and we found that both our feet felt warm and comfortable. Furthermore, walking through the uphill and downhill tracks feels like a breeze. Apart from that, the construction of these boots feels solid. We have no idea how long they’ll last, but we’re pretty sure they’ll hold up well for a long time.
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Pros
- 100% leather
- Premium materials
- Waterproof
- Synthetic sole
Cons
- Be careful with fakes
Merrell Thermo Kiruna Snow Boots
12
One of the mandatory requirements of the best boots for snow hiking is excellent grip and the Merrell Thermo Kiruna Snow Boots offers you exactly that. These tough footwear come with thick rubber lugs that allow you to walk on slippery surfaces without worrying about slipping and falling. In addition, the fleece material and heat-reflecting insole will help keep your feet warm, even if there’s a snowstorm!
If you’re looking for a new pair of boots that offer both warmth and good grip, Kiruna will make a great choice. They work well on rocky surfaces and come with impressive insulation. In short, these boots have everything you need for climbing in cold and rocky conditions. If you have $79 to spend, this footwear will make a great addition to your climbing gear collection.
Pros
- Man-made sole
- Metal hooks
- Heat-reflecting insole
- Over-the-toe insulation
Cons
- There’s a problem with sizing
Manfen Hiking Boots
11
Manfen Hiking Boots are a great option when you don’t have much to spend. Available at around $72, these boots offer a sturdy, water-resistant material and no less than 200 grams of Thinsulate. Both should be more than enough to keep your feet toasty under extreme temperatures. And if you thought that wasn’t enough, these boots also boast plenty of ankle support and a snowshoe strap ridge. This means you can wear these shoes while snowboarding!
If you head to their product page, you’ll find that these best boots for hiking in snow have received thousands of positive reviews. Most users praise the fact that they have superior soles and excellent ankle support. Apart from that, the bottom offers a good grip, so it won’t slip easily when it hits a muddy or icy surface. To conclude, this one won’t disappoint you if you intend to save some budget on your new hiking boots.
Pros
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures
- TPU ankle support
- Snow-shoe strap ridge
Cons
- It may be smaller than the normal size
Xpeti Thermator Boots
10
Xpeti Thermator Boots have sold over 1,000 pairs on Amazon for a good reason. These best boots for winter hiking boast a waterproof material and a rubber toe cap. To help keep your feet toasty throughout the hike, Xpeti embeds 200 grams of insulation into this sturdy footbed. If you’re looking for new hiking boots for your next adventure, the Thermator should be on your wishlist!
If you live where it snows all the time, getting Xpeti Thermator Boots instead of the regular hiking boots would be a wise decision. They’ll help you to go places more easily and comfortably. The rubber soles offer good traction, while the waterproof material helps keep the elements out. So do us a favor now. Click the link below and grab yours now!
Pros
- Waterproof
- 200 grams of Thinsulate
- X-grip rubber outsole
- TPU ankle support
Cons
- We’re still working on that!
Kamik Nationplus Boots
9
Kamik Nationplus Boots are made for temperatures of minus 40F. They’re constructed of ultra-warm and water-resistant material, which makes them more than ideal for any outdoor adventure. Put on these boots, and you won’t have to worry about your feet getting cold and freezing during the hike. And to make your experience even more enjoyable, Nationplus brings an excellent Thinsulate system and rubber soles. They both offer good warmth and above-average traction.
We’ve spent almost two days in these best snow hiking boots, and we’re quite impressed. After walking for about seven miles, our legs didn’t hurt at all. Apart from that, we could also walk up and down the hills without problems. Overall, for around $70, these boots are worth trying.
Pros
- 100% leather
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof
Cons
- Only comes in black
La Sportiva Makalu Boots
8
If you don’t equip yourself with proper footwear, forget about hitting the snowy tracks. Have no idea which boots to get? Consider getting the fantastic La Sportiva Makalu Boots. They come with Mountaineering Performance Evolution soles. This distinctive technology is designed to offer excellent grip on various surfaces. Apart from that, the boots offer a waterproof lining and cushioned insole to add some extra comfort.
Offered at around $305, La Sportiva Makalu Boots have everything to be the best boots for hiking in snow. They won’t give your feet any blisters, cuts, or create discomfort. Apart from that, these boots offer great protection and grip. If you plan to venture through deep snow, these boots will be perfect.
Pros
- Leather
- Vibram upper
- Skywalk sole
- Full steel shank
Cons
- Requires some break-in period
Mishansha Ankle Winter Hiking Boots
7
Mishansha Ankle Winter Hiking Boots are probably one of the most popular hiking boots on Amazon. They’ve received over 5,000 positive reviews on the marketplace, and most buyers laud its affordability and durability. These boots come with an EVA midsole and faux leather lining to make your adventures feel more comfortable than ever. For extra safety, Mishansha features a toe cap. This particular feature should be more than enough to protect your feet from the elements.
One Amazon reviewer didn’t hesitate to call Mishansha the best boots for winter hiking. They’re tough enough to take on snowy terrain and have everything you need to make your hikes more manageable. Apart from that, this footwear comes with an attractive design. So if you’re looking for a beautiful new pair of boots to add to your gear collection, this one would be an interesting choice.
Love to do snowmobiling? Before you move on to the next entry, you might want to check out our best boots for snowmobiling.
Pros
- Artificial leather
- Rubber sole
- Unique upper
- Warm lining
Cons
- Not recommended for those with wider feet
Vasque Snowburban II Ultra Dry Snow Boots
6
Vasque Snowburban II Ultra Dry Snow Boots are one of the best weapons a nature explorer can have. They’re armed with thick rubber soles and tough lugs. Put on these boots, and you should have no problem dealing with any slippery or wet terrain. Even better, the waterproof material will prevent any moisture from seeping through. Keep your feet cool, even when you’re exploring the snowiest terrain!
We especially love the lace-up closure feature, which makes the boots feel more snug and stable. And after spending approximately five hours in these best boots for snow hiking, we can conclude that the Vasque is a solid product. It was comfortable, warm, and tough. We’ve tried wearing them at 10 degrees, and our feet are still warm. Oh, and one more thing, they look incredibly cool!
Pros
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof
- 3M thinsulate
Cons
- There are some wiggles on the toe box
Salomon X Ultra Winter CS WP 2 Performance Boot
5
Being one of the best boots for hiking in snow, the Salomon X Ultra Winter CS WP 2 Performance Boots don’t have as much insulation as their competitors. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip these tough boots. According to Salomon’s official page, the X Ultra Winter 2 is suitable for climbing with temperatures down to minus 21F. That’s because these boots have Ice Grip rubber soles that can provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces. And weighing in at around 2lbs, the X Ultra Winter 2 is one of the lightest mountaineering footwear.
Most reviewers on Amazon say that these best boots for hiking in snow work well on longer hikes. That’s because they have breathable materials and comfortable sole construction. Meanwhile, the leather upper is completely waterproof, and there’s a ClimaSalomon membrane to add extra protection to your feet.
Pros
- Ice grip rubber sole
- Thinsulate
- 2-year limited warranty
- X-Ultra bottom
Cons
- Only 200g of Thinsulate insulation
Asolo Fugitive GTX
4
The Asolo Fugitive GTX was created to redefine your hiking experience. Seriously, these boots are packed with tons of amazing features to make your every step feel solid and steady. They have super soles capable of working well on wet and dry surfaces. No matter the harsh terrain you face, you won’t slip and fall!
Despite being marketed as non-insulated boots, the Fugitive GTX has everything you need to have a wonderful winter hiking experience. Compared to similar products, these best boots for winter hiking can give you a stable ride. Apart from that, the toe box is a bit wider, allowing you to get extra balance. So if comfort and performance are your main concerns, GTX is a must-have boot!
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Gore-tex lining
- Waterproof
- Breathable
Cons
- Non-insulated
Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boots
3
Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boots are guaranteed to give you top performance. First of all, this pair of footwear only weighs around 440 grams. That’s about 80 grams lighter than most hiking boots! With that much reduction, each and every one of your steps should feel lighter and more agile. Therefore, you can explore all the trails and hills you’ve never been to!
Furthermore, insulated pads should keep your feet warm and comfortable under minus temperatures. Apart from that, these best boots for snow hiking require almost no breaking-in period. This means you can experience unmatched comfort right from day one! Last but not least, Fairbanks also carries all the necessary protections. There’s a tough shell, a rubber bumper, and thick outsoles to keep all the elements away.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Affordable
Cons
- They’re a little too narrow
Xero Shoes Alpine
2
Are you planning to explore some snowy terrain shortly? Then make sure you wear proper footwear like Xero Shoes Alpine. These boots will give you the best comfort, especially when dealing with freezing and extra slippery trails. Most reviews we’ve read say that these boots excel in control and freedom. It’s as if you’re walking without having any bulky shoes on your feet!
Compared to other boots, Alpine offers lower clearance. However, this alone isn’t enough to dismiss that they’re one of the best boots for hiking in snow. They provide impressive traction. They’re lightweight. Apart from that, they have excellent foot-to-ground sensitivity. So if you have $160 to spend, these boots won’t disappoint you.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Rubber sole
- Natural fit
- Zero drop heels
Cons
- Low clearance
Lowa Tibet Superwarm GTX Boots
1
When your adventure goes on longer than expected, you’ll need hiking boots that can keep your feet toasty for hours. In this case, we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Lowa Tibet Superwarm GTX Boots! Just as the name suggests, this footwear will protect your feet from freezing temperatures. Trust us, we’ve tried wearing these boots at minus 5F, and our big toes haven’t frozen!
Apart from that, these best boots for winter hiking have a powerful midsole. It gives you extra stability, which is much needed when dealing with unpredictable terrain. It was as if all the rocky surfaces were bowing down to our feet when we put on these boots! In short, if you’re looking for hiking boots that work flawlessly, you can bet your money on the Iowa Tibet Superwarm GTX.
Pros
- 100% Nubuck
- Imported
- Synthetic sole
- Padded tongue
Cons
- They’re pricey
How to Choose The Best Boots for Winter Hiking
Hiking during the winter requires some extra preparation. You need to ensure that you’re wearing clothes and gear that’ll keep you warm, even under extreme temperatures. Therefore, you’ll need the best boots for winter hiking.
The problem is, of the many best snow hiking boots out there, how do you know which one is the right one for you? How do you know that you’re spending your money properly? Well, that’s why we’re here. Below we’ve prepared three important tips for choosing the best boots for hiking in snow. Keep reading to find more details about them.
Waterproof
Whenever you decide to go on a winter hike, wearing waterproof footwear is a must. Best boots for winter hiking will help keep your feet warm and dry for hours on end. This should allow you to continue exploring without being disturbed by moisture penetration or cold temperatures.
Insulation
Boots with extra insulation are essential, especially when you’re going on a trip with extreme temperatures. However, too much insulation can also be a problem if you go during a warm winter. Therefore, consult someone with more experience in nature exploration. This way, you can easily find the best boots for snow hiking that you’re looking for.
Sole
Last but not least, pay attention to the sole. Best boots for hiking in snow should have wide lugs, as they work best for deeper snows. Some boots offer a special outsole for better traction on slippery surfaces.
Are Salomon Hiking Boots Good for Snow?
Yes. They have 400 grams of Thinsulate to keep your feet toasty under extreme temperatures. Apart from that, these boots also come with a set of features to protect you from the elements.
How Much Thinsulate in Boots is Enough?
Most winter hiking boots carry 400 grams of insulation. That should be enough to keep your feet warm in less cold weather. But if you plan to go somewhere with extreme temperatures, you should get boots with more insulation.
How Do I Keep My Toes Warm in My Boots?
There are several things you can do. First, you can invest in more expensive hiking boots, which usually have more insulation and cushioning. Alternatively, you can warm up your boots before putting them on or try wearing higher-quality socks.