This is a gear review about the best winter hiking boots in 2024.
If you like to go hiking in cold weather conditions without the right footwear, you risk cold feet, numb toes, and possible frostbite.
I’ve taken a look at the best winter boots for winter hikes, backpacking, and snowshoeing. The insulated winter hiking boots will work well with all the Best Snowshoes, Crampons, or Microspikes for your next winter season trip. If you want warm feet, keep reading.
Note that there are men’s and women’s winter hiking boots available in each of the styles.
How We Tested
All the Winter Hiking Boots in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the Best Winter Hiking Boots for 2024. Read the Review Policy for further details.
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Best Winter Boots for Hiking 2024
The Winter Boots for Hiking in 2024 are:
- Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Tall
- Keen Revel IV Polar
- Baffin Snow Monster Boots
- The North Face Chilkat 400 II Boots
- Merrell Thermo Chill Boots
- Salomon Toundra Pro CS WP Snow Boots
- Vasque Breeze WT GTX Hiking Shoe
- Sorel Caribou
Best Snow Hiking Boots – Overall
Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Tall
Pros:
> Reasonably priced
> 100% waterproof
> Warm fleece lining
> Plenty of cushioning
> All-terrain outsole
Cons:
> If you buy the wrong size, the company won’t exchange them for another size.
The Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 winter boot reaches calf high for full ankle protection as you hike. And not only does it feature a waterproof outer shell to keep moisture coming in, but it also lets moisture out if you start to sweat.
Winter hikers will like the fleece lining for insulation which gives the winter hiking boot a temperature rating of -40F / -40C. There is plenty of cushioning underfoot from the EVA midsole for shock absorption. And there’s a Vibram Arctic Grip outsole, which is designed for use on any terrain, including wet ice and slush.
It’s available in two color options, namely black and seal brown. And it’s available in sizes ranging from 7 to 15, and there are some half sizes available.
Overall, the Merrell Overlook 2 is one of the best snow hiking boots. As long as you are not taking these snow boots down to extremely low temperatures they are one of the best around.
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Best Winter Boots for Wide Feet
Keen Revel IV High Polar
Pros:
> They’re 100% waterproof
> Insulated for -40º degrees
> Has anti-odor technology
> Has LWG-certified leather
Cons:
> Premium product at a premium price stock.
Now, these are boots with a lot going for them!
First off, the Keen Revel IV High Polar snow boot is 100% waterproof, and won’t let any water in. And at the same time, the waterproof leather has a breathable waterproof membrane to allow sweat to escape immediately, keeping your feet completely dry.
They are also very well insulated with 400 grams of insulation weight and are designed for use in temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
But that’s not all, these boots feature Eco Anti-Odor technology to rid the shoes of any odor from your sweat. And the waterproof full grain leather upper used on the leather boots is LWG certified, which means that it’s tanned in an environmentally conscious manner, and it’s treated with PFC-free chemicals. And there is an EVA midsole for comfort.
There are four color options to choose from, and it’s available in sizes 7 through to 15, including half sizes. And like most Keen’s they have a wide toe box and are the perfect winter boot for wide feet or wanting an extra large toe box.
Overall, the Keen Revel IV High Polar leather boots are one of the popular winter hiking boots in 2024. They have a wide toe box and are well suited to hikers with wide feet that are looking for a high-quality insulated waterproof boot for winter hiking.
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Best Winter Expedition Hiking Boot
Baffin Snow Monster Boots
Pros:
> Excellent customer ratings
> Advanced & effective insulation
> They’re a full 11 inches from the arch
> Bungee-cord speed lacing system
Cons:
> No half sizes available
> Premium product at a premium price.
It comes from a long-established brand and has some rather unique features. Most notably, the sole is made with advanced thermo-set polymers in order to achieve a perfect balance of warmth, grip, and protection. Rated to extremely cold temperatures of -94F / -70C, they are one of the best snow boots.
But, this warmth does not stop at the sole. The Snow Monsters are fully insulated right up to the opening, which is a full 11 inches from the arch. The winter boots are essentially made for use in cold temperatures and deep snow.
The other great feature is how the sole and midsole are molded to the base since this gives them better durability.
It’s available in two color options, namely black, and worn brown. And it’s available in sizes ranging from 7 to 14.
Overall, the Baffin Snow Monster Boot is a winter hiking boot best suited for winter hikers that want to go hiking in cold deep snow or very cold conditions such as arctic expeditions.
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Premium Winter Hiking Boots
The North Face Chilkat 400 II Boots
Pros:
> Comes from a top brand
> Water-repellent surface
> Breathable textile fabric
> Recycled insulated lining
> Winterized rubber outsole
> There are half sizes available
Cons:
> No small or large sizes
> Premium product at a premium price
The North Face Chilkat 400 II Winter Boots come from one of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. And as you may imagine, they subsequently come with a big price tag to match.
However, many people seem to feel it’s worth the money, given the numerous excellent customer ratings and reviews.
The star feature of these boots is The North Face’s proprietary DryVent fabric. This fabric is designed to be both waterproof and breathable.
The outer surface is treated with a durable water-repellent finish that is designed to repel water from the surface.
But that’s not all they have going for them. They also feature 400 grams of insulation and a cozy fleece lining.
What’s more, this insulation is made with recycled materials, so you’ll be helping the environment by investing in them. It has been designed for temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, the compression molded EVA midsole is made so that it will last longer. The outsole is even more durable, made with winterized rubber and designed to maintain traction. And the protective toe cap is quite solid.
It’s available in two color options, all black or zinc gray and black. It’s available in sizes 9 through to 11.5 including half sizes.
Overall, The North Face Chilkat 400 winter boots are suited for winter hiking.
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Best Budget Winter Hiking Boots
Merrell Thermo Chill Boots
Pros:
> Very popular product
> Has a very reasonable price tag
> Looks particularly smart & sleek
> Waterproof AND lets moisture out
> Features deep lugs on for traction
> They have 200 grams of insulation
Cons:
> Only available in black (but they look stunning)
Now, the Merrell Thermo Chill Boots are a popular pair of winter snow boots that look very smart, sporty, and sleek for everyday wear. They are also cheaper than most of the other winter boots in this review. So if you want a warm boot at a reasonable cost, this might be for you.
It features Merrell’s special M Select Dry fabric, which is waterproof and seals water out. But at the same time it lets moisture escape, so your feet never feel sweaty.
The leather upper also has mesh for breathability and provides excellent ankle support and very deep lugs on the outsole for great traction on the ground in wet, slippery conditions.
They also boast 200 grams of insulation, making them warm enough for walking through snow. They’re available in sizes from 7 through to 15, and there are some half sizes available.
Overall, when you take into account the weight, price, and quality the Merrell Thermo Chill Boots are a very versatile boot for winter weather and well worth a look for anyone wanting a good boot without the high price tag.
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Best Lightweight Winter Hiking Boot
Salomon Toundra Pro CS WP Snow Boots
Pros:
> Well loved by owners
> Has a very reasonable price tag
> Looks particularly smart & sleek
> Waterproof AND lets moisture out
> Features deep lugs on for traction
> They have 200 grams of insulation
Cons:
> Only available in black (but they look stunning)
Here we have some snow boots that are perfect for walking through snow. And granted, they are expensive, but there are a great many who deem them to be worth it, given that so many people like them.
They feature the best technology in the business, coming from NASA, no less.
It uses Aerogels which was developed by NASA as its means of insulation, which it claims is lighter and thinner than other insulating materials, making this the warmest boot in Toundra Salomon’s range. It is designed for temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
They have polyurethane coated leather upper that are a 100% waterproof insulated boot and will not allow a single drop of moisture to penetrate through.
And that’s not all – it also features aggressive treads, so you get excellent grip and traction with every step you take, even on snow and ice.
And if all that’s not enough, it also comes backed by a lengthy 2-year warranty. Very reassuring.
It’s available in sizes 7 through to 14, including half sizes. When I tried them on I found them to be true to size, and I was very impressed with their performance when I used them in snow.
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More Winter Walking Boots
Vasque Breeze WT GTX Hiking Shoe
Pros:
> Vasque’s most premium winter boot
> Features a Gore-tex waterproof outer
> Also features 200 grams of insulation
> Exclusive Megagrip Vibram outsole
> Available in half and wide sizes
Cons:
> They’re only available in brown or green
> The boots lack height, they cover your ankle, but that’s about it
This is Vasque’s most premium winter boot. It features a Gore-tex waterproof outer to keep the rain out, and it has 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet dry and toasty warm when it gets cold out there.
It also features Vasque’s exclusive Vibram outsole, complete with Megagrip compound, so you get plenty of grip on the ground with every step. And leather uppers are soft enough so you will need to much time to break them in.
It’s available in a wide range of sizes, from 7 through to 14, including half sizes and wide fit. Unfortunately, the price does go up with size, but I’d argue that the winter boots are very reasonably priced.
Overall, the Vasque Breeze WT are great for winter hikers in many winter weather conditions, but I wouldn’t risk wearing them in extreme cold. If you want hiking boots for winter hikes that use quality Thinsulate insulation and are not too cold or for everyday wear, these could be the winter boots for you.
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Sorel Caribou
Pros:
> Removeable felt liner
> Reasonable price
> Waterproof
Cons:
> Not the best for extreme temperatures
The Sorel Caribou are one of the better winter walking boots that be worn in very cold weather, or out in deep snow.
With a removable felt liner and waterproof nubuck leather upper these walking boots will work well in extremes. They are also reasonably priced and with a build quality that will last many winters.
Overall, the Sorel Caribou is a solid pair of winter walking boots that can be worn around town in the deep and cold temperatures or out on your winter adventures.
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More Boots for Winter
- Columbia Bugaboot III – The Columbia Bagaboot III is another great option for a very well-insulated boot for winter hiking and backpacking. It has 400 grams of insulation weight and will be added to the list soon.
Brand | Insulation | Weight (pair) | Temp Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Tall | Synthetic | 2 lbs. 9 oz | -40F |
Keen Revel IV Polar | Fleece | Not Specified | -40F |
Baffin Snow Monster Boots | Synthetic | 6 lbs. 2.9 oz | -94F |
The North Face Chilkat 400 II Boots | Primaloft | Not Specified | -40F |
Merrell Thermo Chill Boots | Synthetic | 2 lbs. 4 oz | Not Specified |
Salomon Toundra Pro CS WP Snow Boots | Aerotherm | 3 lb. 15.4 oz | -22F |
Sorel Caribou | Synthetic | 5 lbs | Not Specified |
Winter Hiking Boots Buyers Guide
Women’s Winter Hiking Boots
All the boots in this review have been Men’s Winter Hiking Boots but the women’s winter hiking boot is essentially the same. Most winter hiking boots in this review all come in a women’s winter hiking boots versions.
Size
One of the most important things to consider when buying winter hiking boots is size and fit. If you buy the wrong size, you can risk chafing or a lack of foot and ankle support.
Finding the right size when you’re shopping online may be trickier than trying them on in store, but it can be done.
If you know your usual shoe size, you can usually find the right size for you, which you can check against size charts displayed on the product page. When Buying snow boots keep in mind that you will certainly be wearing quality socks to keep your feet warm in colder temperatures. Wearing thick socks will mean you will need to size up from your regular hiking boots.
When I measure my feet with one of the feet measuring devices I am right on size 10 but hiking boots feel tight for me at that size. I always wear size 11 hiking boots or running shoes. When wearing winter hiking boots I can fit in size 11 or even size 12, specially when it is really cold and I need extra thick wool socks for added insulation. So go a full size bigger or even an a half size bigger than you usually wear.
Also keep in mind that some of the winter boots will need a short break in period, but overall they should feel comfortable right out of the box.
You can get sizing info from the product page for each of the boots in our shortlist by clicking on “Check price”.
Weight
Let me make it clear, winter boots will be much heavier than regular leather hiking boots. Good winter hiking boots needs a lot of insulation to keep your feet toasty. Most have some form of thick reinforced toe cap to protect the feet but this also adds to the weight and bulk of a good winter boot. Also, the boot height on a good winter boot is much higher to allow you to travel in deep snow.
Insulation
Without adequate insulation, your feet could quickly start to feel incredibly cold and uncomfortable and ruin your days’ hiking. So make this your next consideration.
Some manufacturers will state the lowest temperatures the winter boots can take. And when they do, I like to look for ones that can handle temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit which is also minus 40 Celcius. When you know what sort of cold weather protection you need you can narrow down the best winter boot for you.
Many winter boots use a removable liner so you can take out the insulation overnight and dry them out of needed. That way the hiking boot and liner can have a good chance of drying before you put them on again in the morning.
Water Resistance
If you end up walking in the rain or through melted snow, then you need your winter boots to be water-repellent or at the very least highly water-resistant. Feet that are wet and cold feels worse than feet that are merely a little cold.
Almost all the winter boots feature some sort of waterproof lining for weather protection. The waterproof membrane on insulated waterproof boots will make hiking trails covered in deep snow easier to traverse.
Breathability
A long day’s hike in well insulated boots could make your feet quite sweaty and, again, uncomfortable. To that end, it’s worth looking for a winter boot that wick sweat away.
Keep in mind when in cold conditions your sweat will freeze before it has a chance to move through the breathable membrane. This is not something other boots need to deal with. Regular waterproof hiking boots do a much better job at breathability than winter boots for this reason.
Deep Lugs on Sole
It’s also important that you invest in boots that feature a good tread pattern with deep lugs, because you need to get as best a grip on the ground as possible. If you’re treading through the snow, icy conditions or slippery surfaces good tread is important, but that may not be enough, you might need extra traction.
Traction Devices
When hiking on challenging terrain you may want to add some sort of traction device to add grip on icy surfaces or hard packed snow. A good pair of Microspikes are usually all you will need. In most cases Crampons are only needed on mountaineering style trips.
When hiking on deeper snow all the winter hiking boots in this review will work well with Snowshoes. So if you are be aware that any winter boot in this review will work with snowshoes or microspikes.
Warm Socks
Having a good pair of winter hiking boots is only half the solution to having warm feet on the hiking trails in winter. Warm socks are super important. A lot of the time two pairs of socks will be best. A thin liner sock and thick or midweight wool socks worn in combination. The Best Warm Socks for Hiking are usually wool socks as they endure the harsh winter elements better than most synthetics.
Value for Money
You can expect to pay at least $100 for a pair of good quality winter hiking boots, but there are some that can cost well over $200, including some in our shortlist.
This is why, if you have a tight budget to stick to, I recommend that you check prices as you go along.
Conclusion
Best Winter Boots for Hiking in 2024 are:
- Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Tall
- Keen Revel IV Polar
- Baffin Snow Monster Boots
- The North Face Chilkat 400 II Boots
- Merrell Thermo Chill Boots
- Salomon Toundra Pro CS WP Snow Boots
- Vasque Breeze WT GTX Hiking Shoe
- Sorel Caribou
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Boots For Hiking In The Winter?
How Tall Should Winter Hiking Boots Be?
If you’re trudging through snow, you need your boots to be at least as tall as the fallen, and a little taller besides in case you’re met with further falling snow. As a general rule, the taller your winter hiking boots are the better, provided that they allow for enough movement.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.
The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.
BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.