We tested the best winter hiking boots available to keep you comfortable and crushing it all season long. To ensure we covered all variables, we tested these boots in the snowy Colorado mountains, the perpetually wet Pacific Northwest, and the snow and granite-streaked Sierra Nevada. The GearJunkie squad has collectively tested thousands of boots on our various forays into the chilly wild to whittle the selection down to the deserving models you see today.
For winter 2024/25, we brought in contributing writers Andrew Potter and Ryan Kempfer, who put updated models through the day-to-day paces around the east side of the Sierra, Yosemiteโs high country, and the Teton Range. We compared specs and performance in frigid head-to-head stress testing, determining which boots earned the crown and which left us with frozen toes. Whether you’re seeking the warmth and performance of our overall favorite, the KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar, or the excellent value and quality of our budget pick, the KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid, we have you covered.
Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on December 7, 2024, by adding the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 to our line-up and a price and value discussion.
The Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2024-2025
- Best Overall Winter Hiking Boots: KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar
- Best Budget Winter Hiking Boots: KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
- Best Womenโs Winter Hiking Boots: Oboz Bridger 7โ Insulated
- Best Minimalist Winter Hiking Boots: Xero Alpine Boot
- Best Winter Hiking Boots for Traction: Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX
- Best Winter Hiking Boots for Fast & Light Missions: The North Face VECTIV Fastpack
- Most Versatile Winter Hiking Boots: Lowa Renegade Evo GTX
- Best for: Long cold hikes, winter peak bagging, snowshoeing
- Weight: 1 lb. 8.27 oz.
- Waterproofing: Keen.Dry breathable waterproof membrane
- Upper: Leather and Mesh
Pros
- Extreme warmth
- Safety toe
- Roomy yet technically sound fit
Cons
- A bit heavy/not ideal for travel
KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
- Best for: All-around winter wear, extending before and after hiking
- Weight: ย 2 lbs. 8.6 oz. | 2 lb. 2.6 oz.
- Waterproofing: KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane
- Upper: Nubuck leather
Pros
- Adaptable
- Durable
- Comfortable out of the box
- Great support
Cons
- Waterproofing is not as stout as some others
- Could be warmer
Oboz Bridger 7โ Insulated
- Best for: Sketchy or variable trail conditions from fall to spring
- Weight: ย 2 lb. 9 oz.
- Waterproofing: B-DRY waterproof/breathable membrane
- Upper: Waterproof nubuck leather
Pros
- Traction
- Warmth
Cons
- Upper height
Xero Alpine Boot
- Best for: Stretching budgets where ice, slop, and mud are part of winter
- Weight: ย 1 lb. 14 oz. |ย 1 lb. 7 oz.
- Waterproofing: Fully seam-sealed inner bootie and a water-resistant membrane
- Upper: 100% vegan-friendly rubber
Pros
- Warmth
- Comfort
Cons
- Support
Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX
- Best for: Making miles with or without a pack
- Weight: 1 lb. 13.2 oz. | 1 lb. 9.4 oz.
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
- Upper: Synthetic textile
Pros
- Traction
- Durability
Cons
- Temperature range
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated WP Boots
- Best for: Fastpacking in cold and wet weather
- Weight: 2 lbs. 1.9 oz.
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Upper: Leather with reinforced mudguard
Pros
- Exceptionally light
- Feature rich
- VECTIV technology prioritizes momentum
- Packable
Cons
- Not ideal for those with wide feet
- Extreme toe spring can cramp the toes
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX
- Best for: Treks from day strolls to extended hikes in moderate winter conditions
- Weight: ย 2 lbs. 9.6 oz. |ย 2 lbs. 0.8 oz.
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
- Upper: Nubuck leather
Pros
- Efficiency
- Agility
Cons
- Temperature range
Other Winter Hiking Boots We Recommend
- Best for: Long distance forays where comfort is essential
- Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz. (pair)
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Upper: Waterproof bootie construction
Pros
- Nimble/minimalist
- Very light for a fully waterproof boot
- Foot shape toe box enhances comfort
- Packable
Cons
- More of a sneaker than a boot
- Snow and ice travel might require traction aids
- Best for: Hiking in tough conditions or carrying loads
- Weight: 2 lbs.14 oz.,| 2 lbs. 6oz.
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Upper: Full-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
- Best for: Going big even in colder temperatures
- Weight: ย 2 lbs. 5.7 oz.
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
- Upper: Stretch ripstop upper with seamless overlays
Pros
- Protection
- Convenience
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Pricing
- Best for: All-around winter wear including backcountry day hikes
- Weight: ย 2 lb. 13 oz.
- Waterproofing: Danner Dry barrier
- Upper: Suede and synthetic
Pros
- Comfort
- Versatility
Cons
- Low upper height
- Best for: Wide-footed hikers keen to trek without cold feet
- Weight: 2 lbs. 1 oz. |ย 1 lb. 6 oz.
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof breathable membrane
- Upper: Nubuck leather
Pros
- Comfort
- Durability
- Superb braking lugs
- Outsole offers good grip
- Ankle movement isn't restricted
Cons
- Temperature range
Winter Hiking Boots Comparison Chart
Winter Hiking Boots | Price | Weight (per pair) | Waterproofing | Upper |
---|---|---|---|---|
KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar | $180 | 24.27 oz. | Keen.Dry breathable waterproof membrane | Leather and Mesh |
KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid | $170 | 2 lbs. 8.6 oz. | 2 lb. 2.6 oz. | KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane | Nubuck leather |
Oboz Bridger 7โ 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 |
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated WP Boots | $185 | 2 lbs. 1.9 oz. | Yes | Leather with reinforced mudguard |
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX | $265 | 2 lbs. 9.6 oz. | 2 lbs. 0.8 oz. | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane | Nubuck leather |
Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 | $180 | 1 lb. 14 oz. (pair) | Yes | Waterproof bootie construction |
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 |
Womenโs 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 the Best Winter Hiking Boots
Our Expert Testers
Slogging up slushy alpine slopes, trekking over muddy, root-strewn trails, or simply trotting around town โ 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 โ both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts โ curated our initial roundup of 12 boots in February of 2021, and we have been putting new models and brands to the test ever since to bring you the streamlined selection you see today.
Over the last couple of years, Andrew Potter, Ryan Kempfer and Matthew Medendorp joined the testing team to help put new models through their paces. The boots on this list have been vetted by these stone-cold pros and put through the wringer in demanding winter environments โ all proving to be worthy.
Our Testing Grounds & Process
In addition to daily wear and tear hikes and general usage, in 2024, we sent gear tester Andrew Potter to the winter playground of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., and the Yosemite high country, where he put our new candidates to the test. He toted crash pads for miles on an alpine bouldering trip and tested the lighter, faster options on long-distance alpine objectives. For additional field testing, he stood in freezing water with each pair to ensure the waterproofness held up to our standards of submersion.
Our previous contributor, Matt Medendorp, 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 didnโt just trust their word: we tested these boots with a mind for comfort, weather protection, and durability.
Full disclosure โ 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.
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. If you’re looking for all-season hiking boots, check out our guides to the best hiking boots for women and for men. And, if you’re looking for more casual winter boots, check out our guides to the best winter boots for men and best winter boots for women.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Hiking Boot
Where Are You Hiking?
Winter 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 canโt 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 โ given their location and types of trips โ 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 โ and may gravitate to models like the Oboz Bridger 7โ Insulated. If your feet run cold or you hike long distances at high altitudes, the KEEN Revel IV is an awesome option that’s rated to -25 degrees F.
Waterproof Boots
Waterproofing fights back against the incursion of water, being impervious to incoming moisture at any temperature. These models, like the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 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 bootโs 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 thereโs wet outside the boot itself.
Many, if not most, winter hiking boots identified as waterproof now have โbreathableโ 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, like our overall top pick, the KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar are in the 100-200g range. We find that offers the best warmth, without overheating during active hiking. On the extreme end of that spectrum, yet remarkably breathable, The North Face Fastpack Vectiv sports 200g Heatseeker Eco insulation.
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. If you have wide feet, trending minimalist like the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 isnโt a bad idea. The Xero Alpine Boots offer wide toe boxes and flat soles for a more natural feel.
Traction
Winter boots like the Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex 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 many winter outings, even ones where ice, mud, snow and dirt are prevalent. 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 tongueโs 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 Vasqueโs St. Elias GTX may require more care upfront, but ultimately, it will last longer than the synthetic and textile options. But if you donโt 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 bootโs 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 multitools that can competently move across slippery surfaces, crusted snow, and glare ice. There are many options, and those with miniature cleats or crampons allow safer travel. Check out our guide to the best winter traction devices for a full discussion and list of our favorites.
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 bootโs 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.
Price & Value
Boots built for hiking in cold, snowy, icy conditions inevitably cost more than some other, more casual types of footwear. However, in this category, price doesnโt always mean warmer or more waterproof, so be sure to choose the best winter hiking boots for your needs instead of just by price.
Budget
Solid budget winter hiking boots hold a minimum price tag of $100-170. If you opt for a lightweight design with moderate insulation and water resistance, you can grab a pair like the fashionable and functional Xero Alpine Boot ($160). However, these arenโt as supportive as others. Or, you can also snag our budget pick, theย KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid ($170),ย which is insulated and waterproof but isnโt as bomber as some of our pricier picks.
Mid-Tier
Jumping up into the $180-210 price range brings higher overall quality and usually a bump in weatherproofing. Our top overall pick, the KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar ($180), is extremely warm, waterproof, and tough โ it’s built to withstand extremes and offers unparalleled traction. The Oboz Bridger 7โ Insulated ($210), our top pick for women, has an incredible amount of warmth and traction, as well. As mentioned, a higher price doesnโt automatically mean warmer. The Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX ($190) offers great traction and comfort but isnโt insulated at all, so be sure to choose carefully for what you need.
Premium
The priciest winter hiking boots cost more than $230. Often, these boots have more technical features and greater warmth, traction, and waterproofing. However, as we mentioned earlier, this isnโt always the case. The versatile Lowa Renegadeย Evo GTX ($265) has many features, but believe it or not, itโs not insulated!
The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 ($260) is completely waterproof and insulated, super supportive, and has nifty features like zippers that can be operated with gloves. ย Both of these options are durable and will last many seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
While a winter hiking boot will work for all general winter activities, a general winter boot may not work for hiking. Whatโs 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.
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.
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.
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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