Winter means different things depending on your location. From the snowy Colorado mountains to the dry Arizona desert and the perpetually wet Pacific Northwest, we put these boots to the ultimate test.
Winter hiking can either be a miserable, wet sufferfest, or a fun, dry adventure through wild terrain. Much of it boils down to the outfit you choose, from top to bottom. Soggy feet will quickly leave you with numb toes, and shoes without traction will have you slipping and flailing all over the trail. Durable, weather-resistant boots are essential for effortlessly moving through the white stuff, or slogging through muddy sludge.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the GearJunkie squad has collectively tested thousands of boots on their various forays into the chilly wild. Pooling our team’s overall knowledge and drawing from extensive personal experience in the frozen backcountry, staff authors Peter Reese and Mallory Paige clocked endless miles in just as many winter boots to whittle the selection down to the eight deserving models you see today.
For 2024, we brought in contributing writer Matthew Medendorp, who put updated silhouettes through the day-to-day paces in the snow and sleet-filled forests and dunes of a Michigan winter. In addition, we took the finalists to a post-blizzard Mammoth Lakes CA to compare specs and performance in head-to-head stress testing, determining which boots earned the crown and which left us with frozen toes.
With so many options on the market, narrowing in on the best winter hiking boots for any escapade can be no small task, but it’s an important investment for maximizing comfort and safety in cold conditions. We’ve broken this list into categories to help you find the best boot for your particular scenario.
Read on for the full list, and if you need more help choosing, check out our handy comparison chart, buyer’s guide, or FAQ sections at the bottom of this article.
Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on April 10, 2024, by adding the Vasque St. Elias to our line-up and by adding additional details about our testing practices, expanding our FAQs, and expanding the information regarding the warmth and comfort of winter hiking boots.
The Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2024
- Best Overall Winter Hiking Boot: Lowa Renegade GTX
- Best Budget Winter Hiking Boot: KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid
- Best Women’s Winter Hiking Boot: Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated
- Best Minimalist Boot: Xero Alpine Boot
- Best Traction: Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX
Best Overall Winter Hiking Boot
Lowa Renegade GTX
Specs
- Best forTreks from day strolls to extended hikes in moderate winter conditions
- Weight2 lbs. 7 oz. |2 lbs. 2 oz.
- WaterproofingGORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
- UpperNubuck leather
Pros
- Efficiency
- Agility
Cons
- Temperature range
Mallory Paige
Lowa remains one of the world’s preeminent mountain brands. U.S. hikers who’ve worn a pair know what’s coming. As in, strong statements about design, construction, and the on-trail performance of the Renegade ($255).
Our tester — new to Lowa but a savvy denizen of the Appalachians — added another perspective to winter boots: a national champion and a professional athlete from the world of road cycling.
Now coaching, mountain biking, and hiking North Carolina and beyond, he admired it top to bottom, from a sturdy upper to its durable Vibram outsole. While the footbed needed an upgrade, the boot was true to size.
Lacing and adjustment took some level of concentration, but the tongue’s comfort was superior to other boots he’s evaluated. Out on the trail, energy transfer was positive and consistent across varied terrain and weather conditions.
With the sole’s debris-shedding lug pattern, progress was steady as the GORE-TEX lining performed under the durable Nubuck leather shell. As with many Lowa boots, the MONOWRAP frame construction meant the boot tracked forward with reduced foot fatigue.
An uninsulated model, Renegade needs proper socking to reach freezing temps. An offsetting factor is enough flex to move freely, quickly, and maintain blood circulation in this confidence-inspiring winter option.
Best Budget Winter Hiking Boot
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid
Specs
- Best forAll-around winter wear, extending before and after hiking
- Weight2 lbs. 2.8 oz. | 1 lb. 12.4 oz.
- WaterproofingKEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane
- UpperOiled nubuck leather
Pros
- Adaptability
- Durability
Cons
- Temperature range
Mallory Paige
The mountains of North Carolina possess varied and dramatic weather. Even in early-season testing, a 50-degree range from 20 to 70 degrees took our tester from down jacket to t-shirt, with the affordable but durable KEEN Targhee III ($165) keeping pace all the way.
While KEEN is often seen as significantly wider than others, the fit was true with enough room for midweight wool socks. Comfort came with first wearing, as secure lacing teamed up with waterproofing to splash confidently through icy Appalachian creeks.
Style points brought Targhee from path to café even as the boot’s structure and materials won on the trail. Based on the rigidity of its 6-inch upper, this boot is more for day hiking than backcountry overnights or extended trail campaigns with heavier payloads. Warmth is average for a non-insulated boot that offers fall and spring hiking competency at a reasonable price.
Support, comfort, and solid foot protection from weather and gritty trail conditions are this boot’s bailiwick. KEEN’s easy striding design made walking less tiring, particularly with two children in the mix across peak and valley.
The KEEN Targhee III‘s agility allowed more starting, stopping, and directional changes without worry about wet, cold, or blisters. And its sole construction smoothed out the bumps along the way. As affordable, dependable companions on cold gnarly trails — we think these are the best bang for your buck.
Best Women’s Winter Hiking Boot
Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated
Specs
- Best forSketchy or variable trail conditions from fall to spring
- Weight2 lb. 9 oz.
- WaterproofingB-DRY waterproof/breathable membrane
- UpperWaterproof nubuck leather
Pros
- Traction
- Warmth
Cons
- Upper height
Mallory Paige
Finding a boot that spans the spectrum of winter weather is a challenge, one that Oboz took on with vigor. With this Bridger model ($210), a well-managed cloak of 200g insulation handles moderate to fairly deep cold. That’s true even during brief periods of stop-and-stare appreciation of the winter landscape.
Wool-topped insoles fight back conductive heat loss through the boot’s outsole. And the addition of waterproof leather adds years of durability even on rocky trails or through sharp-crusted snow.
Oboz has never been shy about grabbing for traction with its hiking boots. Here, directional lugs and specialized, silica-infused winter soles add meaningful grip on icy surfaces. Testers took on extremely slick road surfaces along with frosty trails with no notable slippage.
While boot heights for winter hiking boots vary dramatically, the 7-inch upper on this Bridger strikes an efficient balance between weather protection, ankle support, and agility across mixed terrain.
Hikers with Oboz brand experience will instantly recognize the reliable lacing system, protective toe, and wrapped outsole in the Bridger, Sawtooth, and Arete lines. Styling is consistent as well, offering a distinctive profile that’s not shy about staking a claim to adventure.
Newcomers who make Bridger their winter pick will find a consistent fit across multiple products. This allows easy migration to a non-insulated model when the snowpack yields to spring wildflowers.
Best Minimalist Winter Hiking Boot
Xero Alpine Boot
Specs
- Best forStretching budgets where ice, slop, and mud are part of winter
- Weight1 lb. 14 oz. |1 lb. 7 oz.
- WaterproofingFully seam-sealed inner bootie and a water-resistant membrane
- Upper100% vegan-friendly rubber
Pros
- Warmth
- Comfort
Cons
- Support
Mallory Paige
The Xero Alpine Boot ($160) will satisfy anyone looking for a more minimalist winter hiking boot. With 200g insulation across a zero heel-drop platform, this one merited our attention for its expansive hiking-plus functionality.
The removable, heat-reflective insole adds warmth in a boot floating in at less than 12 ounces per foot (in a women’s 7). The Iowa testing team pushed this completely vegan-friendly boot across forest and field, even jumping low-lying branches and disused farm machinery in the process.
Beyond snow, tar-like mud crisscrossed the trail. No slipping here, with efficient energy transfer from foot to tread. In and through it all, stability bordered on shocking (in a positive way) given the boot’s nontraditional appearance.
Attentive lacing is needed to capture Alpine’s performance. Our female tester noted the stay-connected heel cup that improved the boot’s structure. Toes could spread for wider feet. Greater warmth accrued, keeping biomechanical efficiency with the medium lug outsole. Easy to walk past in evaluating hiking options, this eye-catcher from Xero deserves a second look.
Best Winter Hiking Boot for Traction
Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX
Specs
- Best forMaking miles with or without a pack
- Weight1 lb. 13.2 oz. | 1 lb. 9.4 oz.
- WaterproofingGORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
- UpperSynthetic textile
Pros
- Traction
- Durability
Cons
- Temperature range
Mallory Paige
Our Seattle-based tester pulled this pair on, finding them more like “running shoes than hiking boots” with a true-to-size instant fit and immediate comfort. The higher, padded cuff made her first steps easy and sure, all underpinned by a Contagrip outsole with multidirectional lugs.
Determined to overcome wet or wild, the Cross Hike ($190) prevailed across conditions common to the Pacific Northwest. The integrated lacing system and closed-gusset tongue kept the Gore-Tex membrane’s performance intact.
Uphill and downhill, the Cross Hike couldn’t be prodded into slipping. As the boots aren’t insulated, there’s room for a reasonable sock.
We wore them without gaiters and were impressed to find the uppers dry after a wet, muddy, and snowy hike. Breathability was superior, with little water pushing past the cuff after post-holing through deep snow.
Salomon is known for winter performance from ski slope to cross-country trail to mountaintop. The Cross Hike delivered with extras, including a hidden tongue pocket for the lacing toggle.
While its heel drop is only 10 mm, the Cross Hike portrays an elegant heel height that echos fashionable footwear. With adequate room for feet nudging wider, this boot is an athletic option.
Best of the Rest
Vasque St. Elias GTX
Specs
- Best forHiking in tough conditions or carrying loads
- Weight2 lbs.14 oz.,| 2 lbs. 6oz.
- WaterproofingGORE-TEX
- UpperFull-Grain Leather and Nubuck Leather
Pros
- Comparatively lightweight for its burly construction
- Out-of-the-box comfort, little to no break-in time
- Extremely waterproof
- Good breathability
Cons
- Tight lacing system
- Leather scruffs and wears easily
Mallory Paige
For 2024, Vasque updated its St. Elias GTX boot ($230) with modern specs and tech, taking a retro-leaning style and injecting it with modern performance. Sometimes, this kind of play doesn’t work, but Vasque gets the balance just right here.
The midsole is built with a partially bio-based EVA, alleviating the clunky weight normally associated with full leather hiking boots. Further supplemented by an energy return tech that’s en vogue in running shoes, we found there’s way more performance under the hood than the throwback silhouette suggests. The GORE-TEX waterproofing proved effective and efficient for our tester while he was breaking trail into a record-level Eastern Sierra snowpack and during his sleet and puddle-filled hikes through the woods of Michigan.
It’s worth noting that these are leather, so they require some maintenance. Cleaning off mud and drying before storing is crucial. Our tester noted easy scuffing and an occasional hotspot caused by tight lacing. Ultimately, these were small issues in the scope of the Vasque St. Elias’ rugged performance. If you’re looking for a winter hiking boot that looks sweet and performs well, the Vasque St. Elias GTX is for you.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 C.RDY
Specs
- Best forGoing big even in colder temperatures
- Weight2 lbs. 5.7 oz.
- WaterproofingGORE-TEX
- UpperStretch ripstop upper with seamless overlays
Pros
- Protection
- Convenience
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Pricing
Mallory Paige
Many models in this guide make the step, leap, or jump into fall and spring use. Not the Terrex Free Hiker 2 ($260) — it’s a pure winter hiking boot champion.This insulated model integrates a proprietary COLD.RDY insulation technology and uses an elastic liner and exterior side zipper to harness the foot.
While startling to lace-and-eyelet traditionalists, this fitting and closure method is common in expedition-capable boots. That’s because gloved hands can operate the mechanism to change socks or switch to down booties in an alpine context. Employing the BOOST technology in the midsole improves the energy return (according to documented lab testing), making difficult miles less strenuous. Additionally, PrimaLoft insulation keeps your feet at a nice, warm homeostasis on bitter-cold jaunts.
GORE-TEX is employed for waterproofness, with a stretch ripstop upper that delivers what Adidas calls a “sock-like fit.” While others at the trailhead might mistake it for a recreational pac boot (because of the zippered upper), they’ll be left standing in a cloud of snow.
Women’s Danner Inquire Mid Insulated
Specs
- Best forAll-around winter wear including backcountry day hikes
- Weight2 lb. 13 oz.
- WaterproofingDanner Dry barrier
- UpperSuede and synthetic
Pros
- Comfort
- Versatility
Cons
- Low upper height
Mallory Paige
PrimaLoft Gold steps into the mix with the Danner Inquire ($180), which is as nimble as any tested for this Guide. Its trail capability competes with everyday utility for outstanding value across wide-ranging conditions.
Capturing the benefit of advanced, lightweight materials, the design doesn’t sacrifice structure to turn an OrthoLite footbed and TPU shank into hiking efficiency. These proven components serve Danner well across their line, including the Men’s Mountain 600 Insulated footbed (a boot also test-hiked with positive results).
Inquire sports a proprietary moisture barrier and midsole in a 5-inch-high boot. A leg gaiter is warranted for moderate to deep snow, as the easy-walking upper isn’t self-sufficient through deeps and drifts.
Our female tester, with flatter feet, wanted more arch support. Most hikers are advised to use an aftermarket footbed or insert. Danner offers a range of worthwhile options starting at $14. Importantly, MegaGrip material forms a high-traction outsole to make the entire package a durable result, with enough warmth to carry the day for winters to come.
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
Specs
- Best forWide-footed hikers keen to trek without cold feet
- Weight2 lbs. 1 oz. |1 lb. 6 oz.
- WaterproofingGORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof breathable membrane
- UpperNubuck leather
Pros
- Comfort
- Durability
Cons
- Temperature range
Mallory Paige
This selection is back to the future, with big news attached to a perennial hiking favorite — wide is now available in the Nucleo High II GTX ($239). For several years, this trail-and-mountain workhorse has taken hikers and their stuff up, down, around, and across challenging terrain.
While structured for moderate loads, the package of features assembled here deserves to be revisited. Blood circulation is critical to winter hiking success, and too-narrow boots are a common risk factor to comfort and safety.
GORE-TEX Surround Technology is central to the boot. Breathability in all directions doesn’t sacrifice waterproof protection. Instead, it aids the creation and maintenance of a 60% humidity environment.
Durable Nubuck uppers protect this function, with a warrior-like appearance to beguile any Mad Max fan. The upper’s superior ankle stability and protection drew kudos from the hulking tester, a former football and rugby standout.
Outsole construction and the lug design comprise this boot’s Impact Brake System. This allows superior control without blister-inducing movement inside the boot, or nasty spills while barging through snow, ice, mud, and sleet.
As a European brand, the traditional shapes, or lasts, can challenge some American feet. With wide now available, there’s good reason to take La Sportiva’s legacy of mountain adventure to winter trails this season.
Winter Hiking Boots Comparison Chart
| Winter Hiking Boots | Price | Weight (per pair) | Waterproofing | Upper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowa Renegade GTX | $255 | 2 lbs. 7 oz. |2 lbs. 2 oz. | GORE-TEX waterproof/ breathable membrane | Nubuck leather |
| KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid | $165 | 2 lbs. 2.8 oz. | 1 lb. 12.4 oz. | KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane | Oiled nubuck leather |
| Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated | $210 | 2 lb. 9 oz. | B-DRY waterproof/ breathable membrane | Waterproof nubuck leather |
| Xero Alpine Boot | $160 | 1 lb. 14 oz. |1 lb. 7 oz. | Fully seam-sealed inner bootie and a water-resistant membrane | 100% vegan-friendly rubber |
| Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX | $190 | 1 lb. 13.2 oz. | 1 lb. 9.4 oz. | GORE-TEX waterproof/ breathable membrane | Synthetic textile |
| Vasque St. Elias GTX | $230 | 2 lbs.14 oz| 2 lbs. 6oz | GORE-TEX | Full-grain and Nubuck leather |
| Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 C.RDY | $260 | 2 lbs. 5.7 oz. | GORE-TEX | Stretch ripstop |
| Women’s Danner Inquire Mid Insulated | $200 | 2 lb. 13 oz. | Danner Dry barrier | Suede and synthetic |
| La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX | $239 | 2 lbs. 1 oz. |1 lb. 6 oz. | GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof breathable membrane | Nubuck leather |
How We Tested Winter Hiking Boots
Slogging up slushy alpine slopes, trekking over muddy, root-strewn trails, or simply trotting around town — the GearJunkie team doesn’t mess around when testing hiking boots. We rifled through our closets, talked with veteran backpackers, and scoped the retail shelves to lace up with the best winter hiking boots around. You can rest assured that each boot on this list has been rigorously tested on real-world treks in the backcountry.
Staff authors Peter Reese and Mallory Paige — both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts — curated our initial roundup of 12 boots in February of 2021, and have been putting new models and brands to the test ever since to bring you the streamlined selection you see today. Each of the boots on this list have been vetted by these stone-cold pros and put through the wringer in demanding winter environments — all proving to be worthy.
In addition to daily wear and tear hikes and general usage, in 2024 we sent gear tester Matthew Medendorp to the winter playground of Mammoth Lakes, CA toting a carry-on and checked bag filled with winter boots finalists, determined to carry out head-to-head testing or to perish in the deep snow of the recent spring blizzard that trapped motorists on the high passes of the Eastern Sierras.
Full disclosure — he was never in danger of perishing, but there was still a lot of snow. Matt tested the boots in deep snow alpine conditions, groomed trails, and the windy high deserts of Bishop, sometimes packing several boots on one hike and changing footwear mid-trail to better get a feel for each boot’s strengths and weaknesses.
And because every foot is different and every hiker has a different goal, we solicited feedback from our wide range of contributors, editors, and friends of the publication to make sure we had something for everyone. But as much as we love our friends and family, we didn’t just trust their word: we tested these boots with a mind for comfort, weather protection, and durability.
Finally, this is an organic, constantly evolving guide that we strive to update regularly with the top models on the market, so it stays fresh and relevant as brands release new versions of beloved classics or quietly phase out old stalwarts, this guide will stay up to date and relevant.
We tested these boots with a mind for comfort, weather protection, and durability. We also wanted to make sure to include a wide variety of shoes for the different adventures we find ourselves on, so there’s something for everyone. Finally, this is an organic, constantly evolving guide that we strive to update regularly with the top models on the market, so it stays fresh and relevant.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Hiking Boot
Where Are You Hiking?
Winter is a term that means wildly different things depending on your location. So, before seeking out the perfect boot, take a moment to think about your location. Is it wet, snowy, or mostly dry?
Do you regularly see temps in the single digits? Or do you enjoy a milder winter average? Answering these questions will help you weigh the importance of waterproofing and insulation.
Warmth
The importance of warm feet can’t be argued. This goes beyond avoiding frostbite or cold damage to your feet and toes. Improperly insulated feet can both ruin a winter hiking experience and change a life, dramatics aside.
Targeting the right level of insulation and weather protection for each hiker — given their location and types of trips — is part of picking the right boots. For some, an insulated boot is the antidote to cold weather. Others thrive with merino wool socks inside their synthetic or leather boots.
Winter boots don’t have to include insulation to be considered for winter travel. Many people like the freedom of being able to keep their feet warm with thick socks in waterproof boots, and put thinner socks on when the temps increase and they want more breathability. For those, our unsolicited but still waterproof picks, like the Salomon Cross Hike GTX, make a good pick. Others prefer thick, cozy insulation at all times when trudging around in frigid conditions — and may gravitate to models like the Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated.
Waterproof Boots
Waterproofing fights back against the incursion of water, being impervious to incoming moisture at any temperature. These models are particularly attuned to deep snow and temporary immersion in shallow standing or running water.
This puts water protection inside a more durable exterior layer of leather or fabric. As with resisting or repelling water, the boot’s tongue and lacing system are potential weak points in achieving a tight seal.
Caution is needed here, as allowing the foot to maintain a 60% humidity level in the middle of exertion is a balancing factor. Those who get hot, sweaty feet while walking benefit from the ability to release excess perspiration even during colder months, and even when there’s wet outside the boot itself.
Many, if not most, winter hiking boots identified as waterproof now have “breathable” as a critical caveat to accomplish this feat, incorporating Gore-Tex or Gore-Tex-esque tech to prevent water from entering the boot but allowing vapor to escape.
Insulation
Most winter hiking boots have some level of insulation. It’s measured in grams and generally ranges from 100 g up to 600 g. Most of the boots included here are in the 100-200g range. We find that offers the best warmth, without overheating during active hiking.
Comfort
Comfort, for the purposes of this guide, is defined as “supporting good blood circulation, moving easily across variable terrain, and allowing minor fit adjustment for sock and weather conditions.”
Being easy to put on and take off is also a plus. As with traction, the thickness and composition of the sole system have an effect on comfort. A thick and robust sole prevents sharp underfoot rocks from poking into the ever-sensitive bottom of the foot.
From initial fit to general comfort at rest and in motion, a smart boot pick comes with box-to-backcountry confidence every time the trail calls and laces get tied. Sore feet are a bummer, but fortunately, they’re completely avoidable.
Traction
Winter boots have a lug pattern designed for snow and ice. In addition, the rubber compounds used are made to stay soft and grippy in frigid conditions. This is adequate for most casual winter outings. However, in extreme ice, we still reach for a traction device like those featured in our Best Winter Traction Devices guide.
Durability
Winter boots are susceptible to wear-induced failure in at least three ways. First is in the closure or lacing system, where pulling to tighten the boot stresses the seams, including the tongue’s attachment.
Second is the cuff around the ankle, where simple wear can break down the collar or padding at the top of the upper. Third, the material on the toe; coarse snow can act like sandpaper to abrade the leading section of the boot. Often, as on a work boot, this toebox area is reinforced against scraping from the outside as well as repeated toe impact on the inside.
Keep in mind that the materials affect the durability. The leather of a boot like Vasque’s St. Elias GTX may require more care upfront, but ultimately, it will last longer than the synthetic and textile options. But if you don’t take care of it, it may deteriorate sooner. Durability can often come down to regular maintenance, and, above all, always drying your gear before storing. Especially important with snow and mud that are winter hiking mainstays.
Winter Hiking Gear
Along with a good winter boot, these pieces of gear will make cold, snowy outings that much more enjoyable.
Socks
Good winter hiking socks regulate temperature and humidity inside the boot, add comfort by cushioning the foot, and can improve the boot’s fit to some degree. Most winter hiking simply requires a single, midweight sock.
Insoles
Insoles (often called footbeds) have loomed larger in the last 5 years, as some manufacturers put thin factory inserts into boots as placeholders. In the case of winter hiking, season-specific insoles add a modicum of insulation. Others also improve the mechanical support for the foot inside the boot. The cost of a merino or hybrid foam product ranges from $25 to $60 and lasts up to 3 years.
Traction Devices
These turn many boots into a multitool that can move competently across slippery surfaces, crusted snow, and glare ice. There are many options, and those with miniature cleats or crampons allow safer travel.
These devices are convenient to carry, use, and then repack. Plan to spend between $40 and $120. Strong choices include the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System and the Korkers Ice Walker, both at about $70.
Gaiters
They are seen most often in mountaineering photos or those of old-time backcountry skiing. While the low versions are most helpful for keeping debris out of hiking and trail running shoes, the taller models help prevent deeper snow and harsh rains from working their way into the boot’s cuff.
With gaiters, only a few worthwhile, waterproof-breathable options exist, most in the $100-120 range. Classic and hard to beat are Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters that add only a few ounces, defy abrasion, and come in all sizes.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles come with or without ski baskets that allow their use in snow accumulations over 5 inches. Most are collapsible to attach to a daypack and earn their keep on steeper slopes on slipperier surfaces, as well as when carrying a heavier payload.
Snowshoes
Like many of the other system components, snowshoes deserve serious consideration if deeper snow conditions are common or anticipated. Boots with stiffer soles are great candidates for use with binding-equipment snowshoes.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a winter hiking boot and a regular winter boot?
While a winter hiking boot will work for all general winter activities, a general winter boot may not work for hiking. What’s best for running to the bus stop or shoveling snow may not hold up to extended miles on the trail or time in the backcountry. We tested these boots specifically for hiking applications so you know you can trust them to perform when it counts.
Should I order a larger size for winter boots?
Over 90% of the time, the answer is “no” as the manufacturers have accommodated a midweight hiking sock into their sizing calculations. When possible, we recommend heading to your local gear shop for a fitting. Bring along the socks you plan to use and any aftermarket insoles to find the most accurate fit.
What are the best boots for ice and snow?
The big concerns with winter boots are warmth, traction, and keeping snow out. And while all of the boots listed here can hold their own in these categories, there are a few standouts if your winter hikes are particularly snow- and ice-laden.
What’s better, hiking shoes or hiking boots?
This really depends on the terrain, weather, and personal preference. Boots offer better ankle support and come in more insulated options. Hiking shoes are preferred by many for their light weight and improved maneuverability.
If your winter hiking entails lots of powder, it’s worth investing in a boot. If you live in a milder climate, a shoe can easily transition from winter to summer with the addition of wool socks and traction devices.
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