Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2025
Insulated snow boots for traction and stability on icy trails
December 9th, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Footwear
When temperatures drop below freezing and the snow starts flying, hiking gets a lot harder. There are so many things to consider, like which trailhead is plowed, how many layers to wear, and what hat to bring. But we sometimes forget about our feet until we’re knee-deep in snow and can’t feel our toes.
Insulated hiking boots are a key piece of equipment for winter hiking. They protect feet from cold temperatures, provide a barrier against moisture, and connect us to our trail crampons and snowshoes. They give us traction as we traverse snow and ice. They need to be comfortable for those long winter days to get us safely back to the trailhead.
We’ve done long-term testing with these four pairs of winter hiking boots. They’ve been worn extensively throughout the Northeast, most often in knee-to-waist-deep snow in the New Hampshire White Mountains and the New York Adirondack Mountains. They were tested in winter and shoulder seasons, in temperatures as low as -20°F actual and -50°F windchill, including on the top of Mountain Washington in 75 mph winds. We’re also in the midst of testing another seven 200g and three 400g insulated hiking boots this winter and will provide an update soon.
Related: Best Winter Boots for Men and Best Winter Boots for Women
Read More: What to wear winter hiking
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Comparison tables
Men’s
| WINTER HIKING BOOT | TREELINE AWARD | MATERIAL | WATERPROOFING | OUTSOLE | WEIGHT | INSULATION | HEIGHTS AVAILABLE | SIZES AVAILABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oboz Bridger | Best overall Read why |
Waterproof all Nubuck leather upper | B-DRY Waterproof Membrane | Trail Tread | 19.0 oz/ 775 g | 200g, 400g Freeze Guard | mid, high | 8 - 14 |
| Columbia Fairbanks | Best affordable Read why |
Leather, Mesh and Webbing | Omni-Tech | Omni-Grip | 15.2 oz/ 430 g | 200g | mid | 7 - 15 (men's) |
| Vasque Coldspark | Waterproof leather/soft shell | UltraDry waterproof breathable membranes | Rubber | unstated | 200g | mid | 7.5 - 12 (men's) | |
| Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus | Leather/textile/webbing | OutDry waterproof/breathable membrane | Adapt Trax | 47.6 oz | 400g | high | 7 - 17 (men's) | |
| Hoka Kaha 2 Frost | 91% recycled ripstop polyester mesh/9% textile | GoreTex | Vibram Megagrip rubber | unavailable | 200g | mid | 7 - 15 (men's) |
Women’s
| WINTER HIKING BOOT | TREELINE AWARD | MATERIAL | WATERPROOFING | OUTSOLE | WEIGHT | INSULATION | HEIGHTS AVAILABLE | SIZES AVAILABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oboz Bridger | Best overall Read why |
Waterproof all Nubuck leather upper | B-DRY Waterproof Membrane | Trail Tread | 48.3 oz | 200g, 400g Freeze Guard | mid, high | 6 - 11, Regular and Wide |
| Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Omni Heat | Best affordable Read why |
Full Grain Leather and Suede | Omni-Tech | Omni-Grip | unstated | 200g | mid | 5 - 12 |
| Vasque Coldspark | Waterproof leather/soft shell | UltraDry waterproof breathable membranes | Rubber | unstated | 200g | mid | 6 - 11 | |
| Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus | Leather/textile/webbing | OutDry waterproof/breathable membrane | Adapt Trax | 40.6 oz | 400g | high | 5 - 12 | |
| Hoka Kaha 2 Frost | 91% recycled ripstop polyester mesh/9% textile | GoreTex | Vibram Megagrip rubber | unstated | 200g | mid | 6 - 12 |
The winners
Best overall winter hiking boots: Oboz Bridger 10”
Insulation: 200g, 400g Freeze Guard
Waterproofing: B-DRY Waterproof Membrane
Outsole / Traction: Trail Tread
Heights available: mid, high
Material: Waterproof all Nubuck leather upper
Available sizes: 8 - 14 regular and wide (men’s), 6 - 11 regular and wide (women’s)
Weight: 775g per boot
Warmth level: 5/5
Waterproofness: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Price: $220
What we liked: Warm, waterproof, good traction, comfortable
What we didn't like: Because it’s a high boot, groundfeel and ankle flexibility is limited
These high boots were built with big mountain adventures in mind. They don’t feel particularly heavy, especially considering how warm they are. The waterproofing held on for a long time and has done well with re-waterproofing. Even when fully saturated with water, they remain warm.
The tread is excellent on ice, snow, and rock. The soles are fairly sticky and provide good traction. These boots are remarkably comfortable, especially for a high boot. All of the pressure on the lower leg can be uncomfortable, but these boots have a generous cushion around the shin and calf.
Oboz Bridger 10”
Men's
Women's
The author hiking in Oboz 10" Bridgers in the Adirondacks in -20°F windchill.Photo by David Lazar.
The boot runs slightly large but reasonably so. I just lace them a bit tighter if I want to wear a thinner sock. These are available in wide sizes, and I tested the men’s wide boot (see here for a review of the women’s version). The footprint is boot-size without being overly wide, so these fit well within snowshoes and crampons that accept standard boots.
The author hiking in the Adirondacks wearing Oboz Bridger 10" winter boots. Photo by Eli Burakian
These are cozy when I’m moving, no matter how cold it is outside. I’ve worn these in waist-deep snow in -20°F actual and -50°F windchill while happily still being able to feel my toes. These were my primary boots for completing my single-season Winter 46ers hikes of the Adirondack High Peaks, and they performed admirably in a wide variety of conditions. I knew I was wearing the best boots possible for the many difficult conditions I faced.
When toasty footwear is of key importance to safety, these boots deliver. If you’re looking for a warm boot for frigid all-day winter adventures in the snow that’s comfortable to wear and with good traction, these are for you.
The Oboz Bridgers are winners for best winter hiking boots in our Best Men's Winter Boots and Best Women's Winter Boots guides. You can read our in-depth review of the Oboz Bridgers for more details on its use during casual hikes.
Best affordable winter hiking boots: Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boot / Columbia Newton Ridge omni-heat
Insulation: 200g
Waterproofing: Omni-Tech
Outsole / Traction: Omni-Grip
Heights available: mid
Material: Leather, Mesh and Webbing
Available sizes: 7 - 15 regular and wide (men's), 5 - 12 (women’s)
Weight: 430g per boot
Warmth level: 3/5
Waterproofness: 2/5
Comfort: 5/5
Price: $125
What we liked: Lightweight, affordable and often on sale, comfortable
What we didn't like: Lacks structure to protect feet from traction over long days, poor waterproofing
The Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boots are lightweight, comfortable, flexible, and cute high-tops with no break-in period. These run a bit large and are available in wide sizes; I tested the men’s wide boot for reference. A Columbia rep told us the women’s version, which fits similarly, is called the Newton Ridge and uses the same Omni Heat tech.
The tread is decent, providing sufficient grip in most situations. The sole is thinner than I expected from a winter hiking boot; there’s also less cushion than many boots provide. The benefit is that these wear traction devices more similarly to a trail runner or hiking shoe (smaller footprint), so there’s less pressure on my toes.
Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boot / Columbia Newton Ridge Omni-Heat
Men's
Women's
Author testing Columbia Fairbanks in the White Mountains. Photo by Eric Hansen.
A downfall of these boots is because of their lightweight and flexible nature, they do not provide robust protection from the pressure of snowshoes and trail crampons. The upper and mid are mostly made of fabric and don’t have enough structure to protect feet over long days of winter traction wear.
Initially, the top of the high-top style boot pinched my ankles, rubbing uncomfortably. The solution I found was to tie the lower laces tightly, using the surgeon's knot lacing pattern to lock in the tension and then leave the upper laces loose, allowing my ankle to bend forward without resistance.
Iconic White Mountains photo of author wearing Columbia Fairbanks. Photo by Eric Hansen.
The waterproofing on these boots was incredibly short lived, but re-waterproofing them regularly has improved their water resistance. I saturate them with a quarter of a can of silicone spray every ~6 weeks during the winter season and that keeps them sufficiently water resistant. They’re also warm enough for quick-moving activities in cold temperatures. I’ve comfortably worn them in temperatures down to the mid teens.
When it’s cold but not frigid, the risk is moderate, I won’t be wearing traction or snowshoes, and I’m looking for comfort, I grab these. They’ve been a great boot for many of my shoulder season hikes in the White Mountains as I’ve worked on my New Hampshire 48 4,000-Footers grid (each of the 48 peaks summited every month of the year for 576 peaks). If you’re looking for an affordable winter boot that feels more like an insulated sneaker than a boot, these are for you.
Other winter hiking boots we tested
Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus
Insulation: 400g
Waterproofing: OutDry waterproof/breathable membrane
Outsole / Traction: Adapt Trax
Heights available: high
Material: Leather/textile/webbing
Available sizes: Men’s 7-17 regular and wide (when available), Women’s 5-12
Weight: 706g per boot
Warmth level: 5/5
Waterproofness: 5/5
Comfort: 1/5
Price: $170
What we liked: Warm, waterproof, often on sale
What we didn't like: Uncomfortable fit, requires a long break-in period
Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus
Men's
Women's
Author testing the Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus on a northern Maine bushwhack at -18°F. Photo by Aubri Drake
The Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus boots run very large and feel heavy on my feet. They’re also a high leather boot (hitting mid-calf)requiring a long break-in period; I still haven’t fully broken them in despite hundreds of miles. They’re uncomfortable, and difficult to tighten around the lower leg or even bend at the ankle until they’re broken in.
The US-Canada border in Maine during a frigid, slow moving bushwhack where Bugaboots kept the author’s feet warm. Photo by Aubri Drake.
The tread is fairly smooth and not great on icy surfaces unless you add traction devices. The waterproofing has continued to work well. The groundfeel is very limited; these are rompy-stompy boots. They also have such a large sole that they barely fit within the width limit of my snowshoes (my pair is only a men’s size 9 wide), and getting traction devices onto the boot is challenging.
Despite these drawbacks, I have worn them down to -20°F actual and -50°F windchill in waist-deep snow, and had warm toes (though I had to wear 2 pairs of socks because they’re so large so that helped too). With 400g insulation, they’re very warm boots. They were my go-to boots for frigid conditions for my completion of the winter New England Hundred Highest, 15 peaks of which were difficult and slow-moving bushwhacks. If you’re looking for a more classic leather boot experience with good insulation and waterproofing (or if they’re on sale), these could be a good option.
Vasque Coldspark
Insulation: 200g
Waterproofing: UltraDry waterproof breathable membranes
Outsole / Traction: Rubber
Heights available: mid
Material: Waterproof leather/soft shell
Available sizes: 7.5 - 12 (men's)
Weight: 492g per boot
Warmth level: 3/5
Waterproofness: 2/5
Comfort: 4/5
Price: $140
What we liked: Lightweight, flexible, good ground feel
What we didn't like: Toebox lacks structure, poor waterproofing
The Vasque Coldspark boots are lightweight and flexible, with no break-in period. These boots are available in wide, and I tested the men’s wide boot. The boot does a good job balancing ground feel with insulation and cushion.
While these are shin-high, the ankle collar is flexible enough to be quite comfortable. The footprint is streamlined, fitting well within traction devices. The toebox doesn’t have much structure, but it’s been enough for me to be mostly comfortable while wearing snowshoes and crampons.
Vasque Coldspark
Men's
Women's
The author at the final summit of the 4000 Footers within Baxter State Park in Maine, withstanding 50 MPH winds while wearing Vasque Coldsparks. Photo by David Lazar.
The waterproofing was gone almost immediately, if it existed at all, and they haven’t held onto re-waterproofing very well, but they kept my feet warm in moderately cold temperatures, including (warm) winter summits of Katahdin in Maine. I’ve found these comfortable while moving for temperatures down to the low 20s, though I’ve worn them without harm (but definitely lacking comfort) into the low teens. These are a good middle ground between their warmth, comfort, traction, and groundfeel.
The author hiked between Katahdin’s Baxter and Hamlin peaks, wearing Vasque Coldsparks. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Unfortunately, Vasque as a brand has been discontinued by its parent company Red Wing Shoes as of October 2024. If you can find a pair of these, they’re a good fit for dry winter hikes where comfort and nimble feet are a priority.
What we’re looking forward to
Winter hiking is beautiful but tough, and insulated boots are key to staying safe and sound! Photo by David Lazar.
So far, we’ve started testing another seven 200g and three 400g insulated hiking boots this winter. So far, we’re also testing the HOKA Kaha 2 Frost (200g) and the KEEN Revel Polar IV (200g).
Out of the box, the KEENs are wide, internally cushioned, waterproof, and comfortable. The HOKA Kahas wear similarly to HOKA Speedgoats, with a thick 3-inch sole that feels like wearing platforms. They’re soft and comfortable, but I’m worried the toe box isn’t robust enough to protect my toes from the pressure of winter traction and that traction devices won’t fit on the oversized sole, period. You can read our in-depth review of the HOKA Speedgoat 6s and the review of HOKA Kaha boots (uninsulated) to learn more about the fit.
We’re looking forward to testing a variety of insulated hiking boots from companies like Merrell, The North Face, Oboz, Salomon, and Scarpa.
Why you need winter hiking boots
This winter Presidential Traverse included freezing fog, rime ice, whiteout, and 75 mph wind gusts. Photo by Katie Rhodes.
Insulation for warmth
The largest difference between typical hiking boots and winter boots is insulation. Insulated boots are a critical piece of winter safety gear. Winter conditions can slow down hiking pace substantially, and excessive sweating is difficult to manage and can be very dangerous in certain conditions. Without insulation, the risk of temporary or permanent soft tissue damage substantially increases. Being unable to walk on frozen feet creates an emergency where self-rescue is impossible; this can become fatal in low temperatures and rough weather. In winter, risk reduction is that much more important than in 3-season conditions.
For my first year of winter hiking in New England, I used thick socks in GORE-TEX hiking boots with no additional insulation. I have Reynaud’s Phenomenon and for me, that means my toes often go numb and white with little blood flow, particularly in cold conditions. Typically, if I increase my heart rate by hiking faster, within 15 minutes the blood flow returns to my toes and the numbness dissipates.
However, during a winter hike in 2019, no matter how hard I hiked, the feeling did not return to my toes. It didn’t come back after I finished and drove myself back to my motel room, blasting the heat the entire way. I found myself sitting on the edge of a tub full of lukewarm water, frantically googling “frostbite symptoms.” I was not reassured to find that acute symptoms of soft tissue damage from frostbite are identical to that of Reynaud’s.
I also discovered that, quite logically, those with reduced circulation due to Reynaud’s are at higher risk for frostbite. Thankfully, after 30 minutes of exposure to warm water, blood flow and feeling returned to all 10 of my toes with no harm done. I sighed in relief and promised myself that I would buy insulated boots as soon as I returned home.
Waterproofing to keep feet dry
In winter, keeping feet protected from excessive moisture is even more important than in 3-season conditions. Winter miles take longer, often necessitating longer days. Skin saturated with water gets white, wrinkly, and breaks down quickly. Friction that would usually just cause a hot spot or small blister can damage saturated skin very badly, and maceration can complicate and slow the healing of wounds. Even without friction points, saturated skin can become painful to walk on.
Beyond skin protection, waterproofing is a key part of winter thermal regulation. When skin is wet, the effect of windchill increases, stealing body heat more quickly and increasing risk of hypothermia.
Enhanced traction for icy and snowy terrain
The author testing boots in the Adirondack Mountains with 75 mph wind gusts. Photo by Aubri Drake.
The soles of winter hiking boots are designed with snow and ice in mind. Many winter boot soles are thicker than 3-season hiking boots to account for insulation from cold, snow, and ice. The lugs are typically larger and more prominent than 3-season footwear, and some boots include a raised ridge on the outer heel to better secure snowshoe straps. Winter boots also typically include a metal D-ring at the base of the shoelaces to attach a winter gaiter.
Durable materials for harsh conditions
Poor visibility is more common in winter and can slow hiking pace nearly to a crawl. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Winter boots have multiple layers, including an outer layer made of hardshell or softshell material to shed snow and ice, an insulated layer, and an inner liner to wick away sweat. When these work well in tandem, the boots allow moisture to escape while preventing snow and slush from penetrating to the inner layer.
This division is also important to keep the heat of your feet from melting the snow covering your boots and then soaking into your socks and skin. At the very least, winter boots need to keep your feet warm, even if there are cold temperatures and high winds, even if you’re moving more slowly.
Protection from traction devices and snowshoes
Winter boots are typically designed with winter hiking tools in mind, specifically traction devices and snowshoes. Most trail running shoes and hiking shoes lack the mid foot and toebox structure necessary to protect feet from the compression of traction and snowshoe straps. This pressure can lead to discomfort and reduced blood flow, increasing the risk of frostbite.
Insulated vs. non-insulated winter hiking boots
A common question we get is when is a regular hiking boot going to work for a winter hike and when should you use a dedicated insulated winter hiking boot?
When moving slowly through deep snow, insulated boots protect feet from frostbite. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Pros of insulated
Insulated boots keep your feet warm and protect your soft tissue from damage in cold conditions that are outside the bounds of what standard non-insulated shoes and boots can safely handle.
Cons of insulated
If insulated boots are worn when it’s too warm, they’re sweaty, heavier than an uninsulated boot, and less flexible. This can be exhausting and frustrating. Under warmer situations, we wouldn't recommend a winter hiking boot. You may be better with a lightweight hiking boot.
Pros of non-insulated
The further away from the frontcountry you get in winter, the more important insulated boots become. Photo by Aubri Drake.
For people who only occasionally hike in winter and only do so close to the frontcountry during warm weather, uninsulated boots are typically less expensive, lighter, and breathe better. If you're sticking to the front country, you may be able to get away with hiking boots or even lightweight boots on warmer winter days.
Cons of non-insulated
If uninsulated boots are worn when it’s too cold, the risk of soft tissue damage from frostbite goes up. When taken to an extreme, such as wearing uninsulated trail runners in waist-deep snow when it’s 0°F, this choice can quickly become life-threatening. Frozen feet restrict walking and prevent self-rescue. In the New Hampshire White Mountains particularly, this issue has been seen multiple times by Search and Rescue, some with happy ends and a few ending in tragedy.
What to look for in winter hiking boots
We tested winter boots across all seasons to report back on our top picks. Photo by Aubri Drake
Insulation level
Winter boots come in a variety of insulation levels, from 100 grams all the way up to 600+ grams. This means a 200g boot contains insulation that weighs 200 grams per square meter, not that the boot contains that many grams of insulation. As a general guideline, 200g boots are comfortable down to 10°F to 20°F and 400g boots are comfortable down to -10°F to -20°F. Most people will be comfortable in 200g boots up to 30°F to 40°F. For 400g boots, anything above freezing will feel very warm, likely leading to sweating.
However, each person and situation is different. You may want to consider a higher insulation level if your feet tend to be cold, or you’ll be hiking at a lower intensity or with a group of people where the pace may be slower. Other reasons you may want higher insulation levels are if you’ll be further out in the backcountry, in mixed precipitation right around freezing (i.e., rain, slush, and snow), or hiking when your feet will be enveloped in deep snow all day.
Waterproofing
When it’s 5°F but rained 2” the day before, waterproofing is critical for safety. Photo by David Lazar.
Winter boots are all advertised as waterproof, though some do better than others. It can be really hard to determine in advance how well the waterproofing will survive, but I look for GORE-TEX waterproofing and/or long-term reviews. When waterproofing fails, the boot absorbs water and can lead to a cascade of minor to major problems. Even the best waterproofing will wear out so be sure to periodically re-treat your boots’ waterproofing to maintain their function.
Traction
Look at the boot’s soles and see if the lugs are prominent enough for the terrain you expect to encounter. If you will be facing mixed terrain (with snow, ice, and rock), you’ll want to be sure the sole is Vibram or something similar that offers good traction on wet rock.
Try your traction devices and snowshoes on for fit before taking new boots out on trail, as boot footprint sizes can vary. I have three pairs of traction devices: one for running, one for 3-season hiking and insulated boots with smaller soles, and one for insulated boots with larger soles.
Fit and comfort
The fit of the boot will influence how warm the boot feels. If it’s too large, warm air can escape and it’s more work for your feet to warm up the air present. If it’s too small, your toes will be cramped and the additional pressure can restrict blood flow to your toes. You may want to wear thicker or more cushioned socks in winter, so take that into account when sizing. This is also true if you intend to wear waterproof socks with your hiking boots, as many are designed to be worn over a thin, liner sock.
Additionally, the more insulated the boot, the tighter the fit tends to be; some brands recommend sizing up by half a size when buying their high 400g insulated boots. Research the brand and model you’re considering to see what people recommend (e.g., does it run big, small, wide, or narrow).
Boot height
Insulated boots can be necessary when temperatures drop and snow falls. Photo by Aubri Drake
Winter boots come in mid and high sizes; some brands offer different heights within the same model (like Oboz Bridger 8” and 10”). However, high sizes tend to be 400g insulated while mid sizes tend to be 200g insulated, so be sure to check before you settle on a particular boot.
Mid boots offer some stability, with a more responsive fit and better ground feel. High boots offer more stability, more protection from deeper ice and snow, and more insulation higher up your leg for a warmer boot overall.
Weight
Higher levels of insulation generally translate to a heavier boot, but companies have also invested a lot of attention towards reducing boot weight while not losing their key features. Know that a heavier boot will tire you faster, rather like having weights on your ankles. But like hiking with a pack, you can practice in advance and build the muscles needed to support the heavier boot weight.
Durability
Being prepared for all kinds of conditions is critical when above treeline in the alpine zone. A reliable pair of winter hiking boots can help mitigate the situation. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Winter boots last a lot longer than 3-season boots because they’re not being worn down by rocks and roots. Waterproofing is the most frequent point of failure, and requires periodic attention. Aside from that, softer boots will typically break down faster since they’re flexing more often, and less flexible boots typically last longer but are less comfortable. Winter boots are more expensive than 3-season boots, but they’re a worthwhile investment that will last a number of years.
Breathability
Less insulated boots tend to breathe better, but get cold more easily. More insulated boots tend to breathe less but stay warmer through varied conditions. Leather and rubber breathe less than other waterproofing options like GORE-TEX, but maintain their water resistance longer. Consider the primary conditions in which you’ll be using the boots, and then prioritize accordingly.
How to choose the right winter hiking boots
High winds in winter can drive windchill to very low temperatures. Make sure the boots you choose are up to the task. Photo by Aubri Drake.
When picking out a pair of insulated hiking boots for winter, there are a number of things to consider. The first question to ask yourself is what conditions will you be encountering on most of your hikes? If you’ll be hiking in temperatures below 10°F, you’ll need 400g boots. If you’re likely to be hiking in places with moving or standing water while it’s below freezing, waterproofing is a high priority. If you’re further from help in the backcountry, what is the biggest risk related to your feet and which boots will best mitigate that risk?
Like all gear decisions, it’s best to pick a boot built with your primary purpose in mind. Here are some things to consider as you pick which boot is best for you:
Weight vs. Warmth: Boots with 400g insulation provide higher levels of warmth but tend to be heavier and may tire you out faster. For faster moving or warmer weather hikes, consider if lighter 200g boots are a viable option.
Boot Height: Mid versus high. If you’re hiking on rough terrain, or snow has yet to fill in the gaps between rocks, consider a higher boot. Higher boots provide more stability and protection from snow and rocks, while lower-profile boots are typically more comfortable. That said, most mid boots are 200g and most high boots are 400g, so your warmth needs may trump your desired boot height.
Breathability vs. Waterproofing: Even in winter, feet can sweat. Consider whether breathability or waterproofing is a higher need for your winter hikes. Waterproofed fabric and breathable membranes help prevent moisture buildup and help keep feet dry on longer hikes.
Traction and Sole Size: If you’re going to be wearing winter boots by themselves most of the time, pay close attention to the boot’s lugs and sole. You’ll want to be sure they give you good traction on ice and snow. If you’ll be wearing them with traction most of the time, make sure the sole of the boot fits within your current traction devices and/or snowshoes. Also make sure that the boot you choose protects your toes from the pressure of traction and your mid foot from the pressure of snowshoes.
Mountaineering Boots vs. Insulated Winter Boots. Insulated winter boots are very different from mountaineering boots. Mountaineering boots are inflexible, expensive, and specifically designed for mountaineering activities, including rigidity for kick-steps and use with full crampons. They’re not meant to be used with snowshoes. There are a few models of full crampons intended for use with insulated hiking boots, but most people using these boots will wear lightweight and flexible traction devices like Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons, and snowshoes.
How should winter hiking boots fit
Winter boots often have larger soles than uninsulated boots. Be sure a new pair of boots fits your existing traction. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Snug heel and ankle
When trying on winter boots for mountain adventures, it’s important to make sure the boot fits well around your heel and ankle. If the fit is too loose or too tight, when the foot flexes while climbing uphill the heel of the boot will rub. Intentional choice of sock thickness can help, but they can only do so much. Many outdoor gear stores have a steep ramp or faux rocks where you can see how the boots fit. At the very least, you should be able to go up on your toes and up and down stairs without discomfort.
When going downhill, toes can also get jammed into the front of the boot if the fit is too loose or too tight. Lacing patterns can help with this issue if the fit is too loose. If you buy online and can’t try the brand or model in advance, consider wearing them around inside for a few days, to be sure they fit before taking them outside. This allows for an easy return if they’re not the right size.
Room for thicker socks
Thicker socks are one option for adding warmth and cushion, particularly if you’re going to be pushing the boots towards the bottom of their temperature range. Thick socks are also helpful for filling up space in boots that might tend to run large. When you buy your boots, you’ll want to decide ahead of time if you’d prefer for there to be space for a thicker sock (might be loose on your foot with a thinner sock), or if you’d prefer to plan for a thinner sock and rely more on the boot’s built-in insulation.
My tip for winter hiking socks is to buy knee-high socks — I’ve had good experiences with wool socks from Darn Tough and Bombas. Lower socks tend to slide down throughout the day, and in most winter conditions, it is not safe or feasible to stop, remove or roll up multiple leg layers, and adjust socks. I’ve had a few toe and heel blisters because my socks slid down and it was impossible to stop to adjust them so I continued hiking, feeling my skin being rubbed raw and blistering. After switching to knee-high socks, I haven’t had this issue again.
Wiggle room in the toe box
When above treeline in winter conditions, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your feet. Photo by Eli Burakian.
Similarly to trail runners, you’ll want to make sure you can wiggle your toes without discomfort. Because of the more structured uppers and mids of winter boots, if you can’t wiggle your toes when they’re new, breaking in the winter boots will only give you a small amount of extra room. This is even more important in winter because you’ll need to be able to assess the state of your toes and if there’s any impending risk of frostbite. You’ll also want to leave room for thicker socks and/or feet swelling due to cold, on longer days, or over the course of a hiking weekend.
Try with insoles
If you use aftermarket insoles, you’ll want to be sure to try them in the boots before you take them outside. Most boots feature a removable insole, though I have encountered a few that glue their insoles down. Boots tend to have more space for high volume insoles but it can be difficult to get insoles into boots without wrinkling or folding over, especially in high boots. I’ve found a shoe horn or a stick can help with that process.
Try with your current traction
If you already own traction devices like Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons, or snowshoes, check that they fit on the boot before leaving the house (or even bring them with you to the store). While owning multiple sizes of traction can ultimately give you many options, most hikers will only want one pair of each type so be sure the boots you’re buying fit the ones you have.
Winter hiking boots care and maintenance tips
Boots in need of cleaning and re-waterproofing. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Winter boots can last for many years, typically much longer than standard hiking boots because snow and ice don’t wear down soles like dirt and rocks do. Cleaning them up and making sure they’re free of dirt, mud, salt, and other corrosive residue before you put them away after an adventure will help keep them going year after year. I’ve worn many pairs of insulated winter boots for more than five years, and while the internal padding can get crushed and the waterproofing can break down over time, they’re still in rotation and going strong.
Waterproofing
Re-waterproofing is a necessary task for all winter boots once their waterproofing fades. A waterproof spray meant for your particular type of boot (e.g., leather vs. fabric) is easiest; I’ve used Nikwax sprays as well as silicone spray on my boots. Some models of boots will require regular re-waterproofing (like every ~6 weeks for boots worn regularly) to maintain their water resistance.
Drying and Storage
After a weekend wearing the same pair of soaking wet boots six years ago, I impulsively purchased an inexpensive set of boot dryers (like these) for less than $20. I initially felt sheepish about it, but boot dryers quickly changed my mind. It was truly magical to have a dry pair of boots every morning in the winter and spring, regardless of the long day I did the day before.
Alternatives include placing boots next to wood stoves, baseboard heaters, dehumidifiers, or fans. Even more basic is to stuff the boots with newspaper, to help leach out the moisture. Just keep in mind that drying boots with heat (especially high heat) can potentially dry the material and lead to faster breakdown of the boot or warp the shape.
Be sure to test a heat source before leaving boots to dry overnight. Regardless, be sure to fully dry your boots before putting them away after an adventure!
How we researched and tested
The author testing boots in the Adirondack Mountains with -20°F windchill. Photo by David Lazar.
These boots have been worn extensively throughout the Northeast, most often in knee-to-waist-deep snow in the New Hampshire White Mountains and the New York Adirondack Mountains. They were tested in many wild places, like the summit of Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and on the Canadian border in Maine. Testing conditions included temperatures as low as -20°F actual and -50°F windchill, including on the top of Mountain Washington in 75 mph winds.
These four boots were selected because they’re all insulated winter boots available in men’s wide sizes. These were reviewed by professional reviewers at places like Outdoor Gear Lab, Section Hiker, and Backpacker Magazine as well.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Author celebrating their winter Northeast 111 4000 Footers finish (in Columbia Fairbanks)! Photo by Katie Rhodes
Aubri ('Data') Drake is a queer and transgender hiker, ultrarunner, writer, and researcher. Aubri discovered long-distance backpacking in 2013 and has been running away to the woods ever since. They’ve thru-hiked many trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Nüümü Poyo (also known as the John Muir Trail), Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, and Colorado Trail.
Most relevant for this story, Aubri has completed numerous Northeast peakbagging lists in both winter and summer seasons including the Northeast 111 4000 Footers (which includes the New England 67 4000 Footers, the Adirondack 46 High Peaks, and 2 peaks in the Catskills) and the New England Hundred Highest (which includes 15 bushwhacks through dense forest). They’re 95% done with a New Hampshire 48 4000 Footers grid (each of the 48 peaks summited every month of the year for 576 peaks). They’ve run ultramarathon distances up to 100 miles, completed the Northeast Ultra 8, and set more than 20 Fastest Known Times. Aubri has logged more than 9,000 miles on their feet (often in insulated winter boots!) in the last three years, and their writing has been featured in Trail Runner Magazine and Long Trail News magazine.
Website: https://transcendingmountains.blog/ Instagram: @genderqueer_hiker
You can read Aubri’s Treeline Review stories on their author page.
