When winter arrives, hiking through snowy trails can be a magical experience, but only if your feet stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Choosing the best snow boots for hiking is essential for tackling icy paths, deep snow, and unpredictable weather.
Whether you’re planning a challenging alpine trek or a serene walk through snowy woods, the right boots make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore top-rated snow boots designed to keep you steady, cozy, and ready for adventure, so you can confidently enjoy every step of your winter hike.
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: The North Face Chilkat V 400 ($159 on Amazon)
- 2 Best Value: Oboz Bangtail ($131.08 – $225.64 on Amazon)
- 3 Best Lightweight: Merrell Thermo Rogue ($159.95 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Everyday: Scarpa Moraine Polar GTX ($198.95 on Amazon)
- 5 Best Budget: Kamik Momentum 3 ($48.00 – $109.95 on Amazon)
- 6 Best for Men: The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport ($123.47 on Amazon)
- 7 Best for Women: Baffin Chloe ($177.71 – $185.00 on Amazon)
- 8 Best for Extreme Cold: Baffin Impact ($239.20 – $260 on Amazon)
- 9 Best Minimalist: Xero Shoes Alpine ($159.99 on Amazon)
- 10 How we test snow boots for hiking
- 11 How to choose Winter Hikers
- 12 FAQs
Best Overall: The North Face Chilkat V 400 ($159 on Amazon)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft circumference: 11 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 2 inches; 1.7 ounces
- Maximum Puddle Depth: 8.5″
The North Face Chilkat V 400 stands out for its warmth, comfort, and excellent traction, making it a top choice for snow boots for hiking. With generous synthetic insulation and a cozy lining, it kept our feet warm even in freezing temperatures. At just 3.86 pounds, the Chilkat feels light while delivering a reliable grip on icy trails or city streets. The boots were also impressed with their durability, maintaining peak performance throughout testing. Some boots are warmer or taller, but none match the Chilkat’s all-around performance.
However, one of these snow boots for hiking isn’t the most waterproof option. Its shorter tongue can let water in if crossing puddles or streams deeper than 8.5 inches, though it handles snow well. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Chilkat V 400 remains a top-tier, award-winning winter boot.
Best Value: Oboz Bangtail ($131.08 – $225.64 on Amazon)
- Sizes: Men’s 8-14; Women’s 5-12
- Outsole: Vibram Arctic Grip
- Insulation: 200g Primaloft BIO
- B-Dry waterproof membrane
In our testing, the Oboz Bangtail has several compelling advantages. For one, one of these snow boots for hiking is more budget-friendly while maintaining the same high quality – a significant factor when investing in premium boots. Additionally, the Bangtail offers superior protection, with extra padding around the upper and a sturdier toe bumper. Finally, it skips the side zip, a convenience for some but a potential weak spot that many serious adventurers prefer to avoid.
>> Read More: The 7 Best Thermal Jackets For Outdoor Activities (Tested)
Best Lightweight: Merrell Thermo Rogue ($159.95 on Amazon)
- Sizes: Men’s 7-15; women’s 5-9
- Outsole: Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain
- Insulation: 200 grams Primaloft Gold Eco Series
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
Hiking in winter comes with extra weight: heavier packs, bulkier clothing, and significantly heavier footwear—often double the weight of your warm-weather shoes. While the added heft of snow boots for hiking might go unnoticed at first, the biomechanics of hiking mean that weight on your feet feels up to five times more impactful than weight in your pack. This makes finding lightweight, high-quality snow boots for hiking essential.
Enter the Merrell Thermo Rogue, the lightest winter hiking boot in my tests, weighing just over two pounds for the pair. Despite its lightweight build, it delivered solid performance across most of my testing. Equipped with a version of Vibram Arctic Grip, it provided decent traction on ice. The Thermo Rogue also excelled in the waterproofing test, staying dry for an impressive 14 hours in standing water.
However, insulation proved to be a weakness. On a brisk pre-test hike, the boots warmed up quickly, outpacing the Oboz Bangtail. But during the cold-water test in the icy Snoqualmie River, the Thermo Rogue lost its insulating ability almost immediately, leaving my feet uncomfortably cold within minutes. For moderate winter hikes where lightweight boots are a priority, it remains a compelling option.
Best Everyday: Scarpa Moraine Polar GTX ($198.95 on Amazon)
- Sole material: PRESA® HIK-05 / H-Compound
- Outer material: Leather
- EU Size: 40.5 – US Size: 7.5-8
- Polar GTX Waterproof Gore
Snow boots for hiking often suffer from overbuilt designs. The Moraine Polar GTX takes a more practical approach, offering just enough warmth and support for winter walks or weekend hikes without feeling like you’re gearing up for a mountaineering expedition. With a lower cut and flexible leather upper, it’s not the most rugged or technical boot, but it fills the gap for everyday winter outings needing more precision and support than a standard duck boot.
The TPU shank provides enough stiffness for hiking, while the cushy EVA midsole adds comfort. The Scarpa outsole performed well on mud, packed snow, and ice, and the mid-high ankle height offered adequate support for light hikes without heavy packs or technical terrain. If there’s room for improvement, it’s in the color selection. While the black is practical, a bit more style wouldn’t hurt for everyday wear.
Best Budget: Kamik Momentum 3 ($48.00 – $109.95 on Amazon)
- Measured Shaft Height (from bottom of sole to top of shaft): 10″
- Maximum Puddle Depth: 6″
- Measured Weight (lb per pair, size 7): 2.75
- Temp Drop in Ice Bath: -9.7°F
The Kamik Momentum 3 stands out as a high-value winter boot, offering exceptional comfort and warmth at an affordable price. Featuring a plush faux fur interior, one of these snow boots for hiking keeps your feet cozy even in freezing temperatures. The bungee lacing system allows for an easy slip-on fit, making it perfect for lighter-duty outings. The DWR-finished nylon upper effectively sheds snow, while the faux fur collar adds extra protection from the elements.
However, the loose fit of the Momentum 3 makes it less ideal for more adventurous or technical activities. Overall, the Kamik Momentum 3 is a standout for comfort and warmth, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for everyday winter use.
>> Read More: 7 Best Emergency Blankets For Cold Weather, Tested & Reviewed
Best for Men: The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport ($123.47 on Amazon)
- Flood Height (inches from bottom of sole to lowest point at top of shaft): 17.60″
- Weight per Pair (size 13): 5.35 lbs
- Mouth Circumference (inches):15.25″
- Lining/Insulation: Fleece
- Upper Material: Rubber
The Original Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport is a standout insulated rain boot that excels in warmth and waterproofing. If keeping your feet dry and cozy is your top priority during the winter months, this boot is hard to beat. One tester described it as “the ultimate go-to for extreme weather.” From heavy downpours to blustery snowstorms, the Arctic Sport proved its reliability, handling all but long-distance hikes with ease.
That said, one of these snow boots for hiking is not without its drawbacks. It lacks versatility and isn’t ideal for milder days or casual outings. Its breathability is minimal, and in temperatures above freezing, your feet may end up damp from internal moisture. But when stormproofing and insulation are non-negotiable, the Arctic Sport remains a top-tier choice.
Best for Women: Baffin Chloe ($177.71 – $185.00 on Amazon)
- Measured Shaft Height (from bottom of sole to top of shaft): 10″
- Maximum Puddle Depth: 9″
- Measured Weight (lb per pair, size 7): 2.5
- Temp Drop in Ice Bath: -4.1°F
- Type of Boot: All-around winter wear
The Baffin Chloe excelled in every test, earning its place as the top women’s winter boot. One of these snow boots for hiking delivered exceptional warmth, keeping our feet cozy even in freezing temperatures. One tester noted, “This is a seriously warm and comfortable boot.” The Diamond Net layering provided excellent breathability, keeping feet dry from sweat, while the 10-inch suede upper effectively blocked out snow and rain. It’s easily the best overall snow boots for hiking we’ve tested for women and a strong recommendation for those seeking warmth and performance.
However, Chloe’s 2.5-pound weight and slightly bulky design make it less ideal for casual wear. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Baffin Chloe remains a standout choice, blending comfort, warmth, and reliability in one exceptional winter boot.
Best for Extreme Cold: Baffin Impact ($239.20 – $260 on Amazon)
- Measured Shaft Height: 15″
- Measured Weight: 6.42 lbs (size 13)
- Maximum Puddle Depth: 4″
- Fit Details: Roomy
- Appropriate Activity: Chores
The Baffin Impact excels in extreme cold, making it ideal for short treks and extended stationary activities in freezing temperatures. However, its 6.42-pound weight (size 13) makes it the heaviest boot in our tests, and its bulk limits mobility. Additionally, one of these snow boots for hiking is not the most waterproof option, as water seeped in at the seams during testing, and it comes with a steep price tag.
Despite its limitations, the Baffin Impact stands out as the warmest boot we tested, making it a solid choice for frigid, sedentary outings where warmth takes precedence over mobility.
Best Minimalist: Xero Shoes Alpine ($159.99 on Amazon)
- Sizes: Men’s: 6.5-15; Women’s: 5-10.5
- Stack Height: 7.5mm
- Weight: 28.6 ounces for a women’s 9
- Fits true to size
I took the Xero Shoes Alpine on an overnight snowshoe trip in freezing temperatures and was impressed with their performance. Despite the cold, my feet stayed warm in just a pair of thick ski socks, even during breaks (though they did cool slightly while eating dinner). Over 14 miles of snowshoeing, they proved reasonably waterproof, keeping my feet dry, though one of these snow boots for hiking is fine crossing a mountain stream, just don’t linger too long.
One issue I noticed was that the textured ruff at the top of the shoe collected snow, which stuck to my legs and eventually melted. While this didn’t affect the shoe’s waterproofing or my legs (protected by layers), it made it hard to slip the shoes back on during a late-night bathroom break, as they were frozen in place.
>> Read More: 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks (Tested) for Winter: You Should Try
How we test snow boots for hiking
Each year, we set out to find the top snow boots for hiking available, conducting thorough testing on every pair. We purchased each model ourselves to avoid any bias in our assessments.
Our gear experts stood in icy rivers, braved snow hikes in extreme cold, and ventured into winter storms to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each boot. Using buckets of icy water, we pinpointed the exact moment water began seeping into the boots, while also measuring the temperature inside them. We focused on key factors such as warmth, comfort, weather protection, traction, and durability.
After each testing session, our testers made detailed notes, ultimately combining their insights to assign each boot a final, well-informed score. We examined both men’s and women’s snow boots for hiking.
How to choose Winter Hikers
When buying snow boots for hiking, first ask: where and how will you use them? Will you be running or carrying heavy loads? Knowing how you’ll use them is key, as snow boots for hiking are designed for specific needs and can vary in warmth, weight, and stiffness.
Insulation
Most synthetic insulations offer similar warmth, so focus on the amount, not the type. Boots with about 200 grams of insulation provide warmth without overheating. Be cautious with heavy insulation as it can lead to sweaty feet and blisters.
Traction
Best snow boots for hiking often feature outsoles made of soft rubber compounds, like Vibram’s Arctic Grip, which improve traction on ice. Lug design also matters—small teeth grip snow, while larger voids handle slush. Keep in mind that traction aids, like microspikes, are often necessary on icy terrain.
Waterproofing
A waterproof membrane, like Gore-Tex, is essential for winter hiking. Leather boots, even if treated, don’t perform as well in keeping your feet dry.
Fit
Best snow boots for hiking need to fit well to avoid blisters and discomfort. Pay attention to heel slippage, toe space, overall width, and ankle support. If you can’t try them on in-store, order online and wear them around the house to check the fit.
FAQs
Do I need winter hiking boots?
If your feet are often cold or you have trouble maintaining traction on snow and ice during winter hikes, investing in a quality pair of snow boots for hiking (paired with top-notch hiking socks) can significantly improve both your comfort and motivation to enjoy outdoor adventures in the coldest season.
Should I get waterproof hiking boots?
Many hiking boots come with waterproof features or offer waterproof options to shield your feet from the elements like rain, snow, and river crossings. However, sweat can still lead to damp feet, and the limited ventilation in waterproof boots can make this worse. When choosing the right boot for your needs, think about the terrain you’ll be hiking on (waterproof boots may be less necessary in dry conditions, for example) and your foot type to ensure a good fit.
What socks should you wear with hiking boots?
It’s best to wear wool-blend or synthetic socks with hiking boots, as these materials wick moisture away and keep your feet dry. Avoid cotton socks, as they trap moisture and can lead to blisters and discomfort.
