To give you a jump start on the season, weโve kicked the rubber on a lot of soles to find the best winter boots for men. Because winter varies so much around the country โ from slush and mud to deep powder โ we included a variety of boots from puddle-stomping to hell freezing over.
Our recommendations aren’t given unearned, either. We’ve saddled up in nearly 25 different pairs of winter boots over the seasons, and have worn them everywhere from elk hunts in the high alpine of Colorado to digging out our rigs from Sierra snowmageddons and approaching North Cascade fire lookout towers after the first snowfall. All those miles add up to a pretty good impression of what flies when the mercury plummets.
Throughout it all, we kept tabs on our feet and compared boots based on their warmth, durability, waterproofing, comfort, and style. Weโve tested all the boots we could get our hands on and used them through rain, snow, mud, and sun on countless adventures around the world. And weโve whittled it down to our favorites here. These are the boots we recommend to family and friends โ the boots we get excited to wear all winter long.
At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyerโs guide, as well as our comparison chart and price/value breakdown. And if you still have some questions about winter footwear, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions.
Editor’s Note: We gave this guide a big overhaul on November 11th, 2024 to ensure we’ve covered the best of the best for this winter. New to our lineup are the versatile North Face Chilkat V 400, the trail-worthy Merrell Thermo Chill Mid, the ultra-warm Baffin Impact, the Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol, and the LaCrosse AlphaBurly Pro.
The Best Winter Boots for Men in 2024-2025
- Best Overall Men’s Winter Boot: The North Face Chilkat V 400
- Best Budget Men’s Winter Boot: Kamik Nation Plus
- Warmest Winter Boot: Baffin Impact
- Best Men’s Winter Pac Boot: L.L.Bean Leather Snow Boots
- Best Men’s Aprรจs Ski Boot: Fubuki Niseko 3.0
- Best Winter Hiking Boot: Merrell Thermo Chill Mid
The North Face Chilkat V 400
- Weight: 3 lbs, 2 oz.
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper Material: Full-grain leather and suede
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Snowshoe compatible
- Gator attachment points
- Insulated
- Room for thick socks
Cons
- Could be too roomy for longer hikes
Kamik Nation Plus
- Weight: 3 lbs., 10 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Suede with sealed seams
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Reliable traction on ice and snow
- Warm and cozy removable liner
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
Baffin Impact
- Weight: 7 lbs., 8 oz. (pair menโs size 9)
- Waterproof: Yes (up to the top of rubber outsole)
- Upper material: Leather and nylon
- Width: Wide
Pros
- Mind-bending warmth (tested at North and South Poles)
- Rubber outsole provides good traction on compact snow
- Cinch collar keeps out wind-blown snow
- Replacement liners available
Cons
- Limited ability to snug down the boots, not a very responsive boot
- Not waterproof above outsole
- Pretty heavy to wear during active pursuits
L.L.Bean Leather Snow Boots
- Weight: 4 lbs., 5.2 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Tumbled leather
- Width: Wide
Pros
- Removable liner is easy to dry out
- Durable leather is pre-softened for out-of-the-box fit
- Rubber lowers are supremely waterproof
Cons
- Softer upper doesn't provide much support
- Not much traction on ice
Fubuki Niseko 3.0
- Weight: 3 lbs. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: EVA
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Impressively warm wool/polyester lining
- Rugged EVA outsole and shaft can take a beating
- Incorporates an ABS toecap to protect against dropped skis
- 10 different fun color schemes
Cons
- Forget about driving in these boots
Merrell Thermo Chill Mid
- Weight: 1 lb., 4 oz. (pair menโs size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Waterproof-coated leather
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Affordable pricing for a winter hiker
- In-house technologies help keep price down and still perform well
- 200 g insulation keeps feet warm in 30ยฐF+ temps
- Nylon arch shank gives the boot good support, and works well with snowshoes
Cons
- Merrel branded outsole isnโt very grippy on icy sidewalks; will wear faster
- Not quite enough insulation for sub-freezing temps unless youโre moving quick
- Laces are quite long
Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip
- Weight: 2 lbs., 13 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Suede
- Width: Standard and wide available
Pros
- Slick side-zip makes for easy access while wearing thick layers
- Well-insulated with 200G PrimaLoft for winter hikes
- Vibram Arctic Grip outsole provides traction on ice
- Lightweight and low profile
Cons
- More expensive than some winter hikers
- Not the most supportive or tall boot shaft
- Weight: 2 lbs., 4 oz. (pair)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather and mesh
- Width: Slightly wider than standard
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Very warm
- Good value
Cons
- Not quite supportive enough for hiking with exceptionally heavy loads
- Weight: 3 lbs., 7 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather upper with sealed seams
- Width: A bit wider than average
Pros
- Ideal for very cold weather and deep snow
- Good grip on ice
- Durable
Cons
- Bulky
- Weight: 1 lb., 4 oz. (pair menโs size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes (up to the top of outsole)
- Upper material: Recycled polyester
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Great looking boots with good enough performance
- Outsole traction in compact snow is great
- Upper collar cinch keeps blown snow out
- Aluminum insole layer is nicer than most pac boots
Cons
- Not waterproof above the outsole/upper interface
- Fit and control is a bit washy; we wished the laces extended up the collar a bit more
- No half sizes available
- Weight: 2 lbs., 2 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Durable
Cons
- Requires a short break-in period
- Not ideal for technical hiking
- Weight: 2 lbs., 11 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Rubberized neoprene
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Reliable waterproofing
- Good value
- Ideal for errands and wearing around the house
Cons
- Not the warmest
- Weight: 2 lbs., 9 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Rubberized synthetic material
- Width: Slightly narrow fit
Pros
- Truly waterproof
- Lightweight
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- Not ideal for folks with very wide feet
- Weight: 2 lbs., 14 oz. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather and suede
- Width: Standard with a roomy toebox
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Fully capable on rough and rocky terrain
Cons
- Requires a few wears to break in
- Weight: 3 lbs. (pair, men's size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes, seamed seals and rubberized toe-to-heel rand
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Sleek dressy appearance
- Warm
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Faux fur lining takes a long time to dry
- Fairly soft mid and outsole
- Weight: 5 lbs., 8 oz. (pair menโs size 10)
- Waterproof Yes:
- Upper material: Hand-laid rubber over neoprene
- Width: Standard
Pros
- Impressive static warmth from the 1600 g Thinsulate Ultra
- Embossed lining has channels to trap and warm air
- Great heel-hold and overall fit
- Calf gusset adjusts to accommodate different folks
Cons
- Pretty hefty weight and clunky footprint
- Only full sizes available
- Pretty pricey in the fully insulated versions
Men’s Winter Boot Comparison Chart
Men’s Winter Boot | Price | Weight (per pair) | Waterproof | Upper Material |
---|---|---|---|---|
The North Face Chilkat V 400 | $159 | 3 lbs. 2 oz. | Yes | Full-grain leather and suede |
Kamik Nation Plus | $100 | 3 lbs., 10 oz. | Yes | Suede with sealed seams |
Baffin Impact | $260 | 7 lbs., 8 oz. | Yes | Leather and nylon |
L.L.Bean Leather Snow Boots | $159 | 4 lbs., 5.2 oz. | Yes | Tumbled leather |
Fubuki Niseko 3.0 | $149 | 3 lbs. | Yes | EVA |
Merrell Thermo Chill Mid | $130 | 1 lb., 4 oz. | Yes | Waterproof-coated leather |
Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip | $240 | 2 lbs., 13 oz. | Yes | Suede |
KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar Boot | $190 | 2 lbs., 4 oz. | Yes | Leather and mesh |
Baffin Control Max Heavy-Duty | $270 | 3 lbs., 7 oz. | Yes | Leather upper with sealed seams |
Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Insulated Winter Boots | $160 | 1 lb., 4 oz. | Yes | Recycled polyester |
Blundstone 566 (Thermal) | $280 | 2 lbs., 2 oz. | Yes | Leather |
XTRATUF 6โณ Deck Ankle Boot | $115 | 2 lbs., 11 oz. | Yes | Rubberized neoprene |
Bogs Bozeman Tall | $160 | 2 lbs., 9 oz. | Yes | Rubberized synthetic material |
Danner Recurve 400G | $250 | 2 lbs., 14 oz. | Yes | Leather and suede |
LaCrosse AlphaBurly Pro | $210 | 5 lbs., 8 oz | Yes | Hand-laid rubber over neoprene |
How We Tested Men’s Winter Boots
Our team includes skiers, hunters, climbers, thru-hikers, and cyclists, and our activity doesn’t stop when winter rolls around. Every year, we field-test dozens of winter-ready boots on the market and compare notes to determine our favorites. We’ve tested boots while trudging through the snow with heavy packs and pursuing elk through frozen mud.
GearJunkie’s Editorial Director Sean McCoy is no stranger to a snow-bound romp in the highlands, and regularly pursues big game in the alpine of Colorado where cold feet are simply not an option. McCoy spearheaded the testing of winter hunting boots for this guide and aimed to balance a test of grizzled durability with the need for undying off-trail traction when testing winter boots.
Contributor Austin Beck-Doss has a front-row seat to the brutality of a Wyoming winter from his station in Lander, where his transition from climbing season to snowboarding can be as short as a 48-hour storm cycle. Beck-Doss has been putting boots on the ground for this guide since 2022, and maintains a broad view over the category from slush-city cruisers to insulated aprรจs ski lot slippers.
Finally, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster may have a problem understanding the concept of a “shoulder season”, and regularly sets out into the mountains of the North Cascades as the first snows of the season are blowing in. An accomplished backpacker, mountaineer, and splitboarder, Belcaster has also advised and outfitted thousands of mountaineering clients in appropriate cold-weather footwear in his time, and knows that cold toes won’t do when the summit is calling.
When we test a boot for cold weather performance, we pay extra attention to warmth, ice and snow traction, and durability. Our waterproofing testing involves exposure to rain, snow, puddles, mud, and other elements that you’re likely to encounter between October and May. And if the weather fails to materialize, we improvise and bust out the garden hose. All told, we have drowned about 20 pairs of boots through our testing since 2021, and most all come out on the other side shining.
Our recommendations are not fixed in time. As new winter boots hit the market, we’ll be waiting to put them to the test. If they’re exceptional, we’ll be sure to add them to this list.
Buyerโs Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Boots for Men
Winter boots come in all sorts of shapes and styles. As our list of recommendations demonstrates, the winter boot market contains everything from extreme weather work boots to stylish formal footwear. With so many options, it can feel daunting to sift through the pile and select the perfect pair.
When choosing the best boots for you, itโs important to understand some of the key factors that differentiate one pair from the next. In this comprehensive buyerโs guide, we thoroughly explain each of these factors to help you make a confident and informed choice.
This list doesnโt cover every boot out there, but itโs quite comprehensive. We have a separate article if youโre looking for the best winter boots for women. For a selection of more technical models, check out our guide to the best winter hiking boots.
Types of Winter Boots
As sure as there are at least 50 words for snow, winter too can come in many different forms, from middling skiffs of transient powder to full-blown arctic blizzards that will get down to where Fahrenheit and Celsius meet. Because of this, not every winter boot will be the same, nor should they be.
Some are perfectly suited to setting out on one last hike of fall, while others prefer the brief transit between the door and the mailbox. When looking for a pair of winter boots, begin here by deciding on what exactly you’re angling to get done in your boots, and purchase based on what a boot excels at, not just what it can be pressed into service doing.
Casual Winter Boots
While they won’t be the warmest or the most waterproof, casual winter boots undoubtedly get the job done for cruising around a snowbound downtown or slipping into after a ripper of a day on the ski hill. Boots of this ilk won’t pile on the rubber, and more often use a higher leather or synthetic content to keep things light. Insulation levels will be around the mid-range, and support and comfort will be in high measure when compared to overall ability. These are your all-day snow shovelers (if it’s not too deep).
Insulated Chelsea boots like the Blundstone 566 (Thermal) are perfect examples of winter boots that are capable enough for a plowed sidewalk, but not quite tall enough to brave the drifts. For more wet-weather climates like the Pacific Northwest, the XTRATUF 6โณ Deck Ankle Boot are a fisherfolk favorite for when the waters are rising.
Snow Hiking Boots
If the first snowfall of the season ignites some primal fire in you to get out into it, you’ll likely need a bit more than your regular hiking kicks. Winter hiking boots are best thought of bulked-up hikers with additional insulation and traction, but maintain a similar mid-height boot cut to not impede foot control. Traction, too, is important here, with snow and ice-specific rubber outsoles like Vibram’s Arctic Grip being unrivaled in slick situations.
For light-duty use, the Helly Hansen Garibaldi V3 has enough chutzpah to hack it on groomed urban trails, but if real trekking is what you’ve got in mind, the rugged Vibram Arctic Grip outsole and added toe room for insulation of the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip has our hearts.
Duck Boots
Born out of necessity, duck boots trace their lineage back to an old Mainer by the familiar name of Leon Leonwood Bean, who grew weary of his leather hiking boots slowly becoming soaked on his forays into the depths of the Northeast. Working with a cobbler, Bean glommed the lower portion of a rubber rain boot onto the leather upper of hunting boots, and created one helluva winter tromping boot. Duck boots today are still identified by this hybrid construction, which makes them perfect footwear for getting chores around the cabin done. If you’re a sucker for the real deal, the L.L.Bean Leather Snow Boots draw a direct line from the OGs, and are dang tough to boot.
Pac Boots
With roots in the military, pac boots were originally rubber-soled overboots that soldiers would place over their boots to add additional warmth and waterproofing. Today, the term pac boot has evolved to mean pretty much any boot that sports a removable liner. It can be said that many pac boots also exhibit the characteristics of duck boots, but the liner is the key difference, and one that makes these boots far more versatile for multi-day use. Sizing is typically fairly generous to accommodate large socks, and as such, overall control is a bit limited.
Our top pick for a pac boot was the L.L.Bean Leather Snow Boots, which incorporate a felt liner that was easy to pull in and out of the boot and dry over our wood stove. The budget-minded Kamik Nation Plus boots will only cost you $100 and also perform the same feat, and for a high-end no-compromises boot, the Baffin Control Max Heavy-Duty loads up on tech to keep your feet warm.
Winter Hunting Boots
The chase doesn’t have to end when the weather turns for the worst, and in fact, many hunters enjoy the challenge of tracking quarry through the snow. Hunting boots for winter don’t make any concessions in the traction department, and anticipate muddy, rocky, and slick conditions. These boots require a good bit of added insulation to ensure your feet don’t go numb sitting in a tree stand for hours on end. Look for at least 300-gram insulation in any winter hunting boot, with some going all the way to 1,600 grams.
The warm LaCrosse AlphaBurly Pro are great boots for spending hours in a tree stand, but not the best choice for long hikes. For more fleet-footed hunts like chasing pheasants, the Danner Recurve 400G is a slightly more forgiving and nimble boot that still packs in 400-gram insulation.
Winter Work Boots
Nobody said that mucking out a barn in -15 was going to be easy, but somebody has got to do it. Winter work boots don’t often have the luxury of a clean slate of untouched snow to traipse across, and if icy mud is more your office, then a good pair of winter work boots is in order. Waterproofing in these boots is an absolute, and rubber and neoprene constructions reign here. High-cut boots are also a necessity, with calf-highs not being uncommon.
The Bogs Bozeman Tall Boots are easily the most work-ready winter boots out of our tested bunch, with a 14.5″ collar and 7mm-thick neoprene insulation that kept us warm while splitting wood this previous winter. And for serious work, Bogs even makes a line of insulated boots that incorporate a steel toe.
Temperature Ratings
Any winter footwear worth its weight will offer plentiful warmth. Many winter boots come with a specific temperature rating. While these ratings can be helpful guidelines, the actual feel of a pair of boots will always be a better indicator of warmth than a manufacturerโs rating.
Often, boots claim to have very impressive temperature ratings well below zero. Because there is no standardized test for boot temperature ratings, always take these numbers with a grain of salt. The warmth of a boot comes from various factors, including sock thickness, activity level, personal cold tolerance, and much more.
A winter boot rated to -10 degrees F will likely feel warmer than a boot rated to zero made by the same manufacturer. Using temperature ratings to compare boots from different manufacturers is a less reliable practice. We certainly recommend trying boots on to get a real impression of their warmth and comfort.
Insulation Type
Winter boots utilize a variety of different insulation types to achieve the desired combination of warmth and comfort. The most common types of insulation are synthetic, felt, and sheepskin.
Synthetic
Most modern winter boots are equipped with synthetic insulation. Between the outer shell and the inner lining of the boot, synthetic materials provide lightweight and durable warmth. Perhaps the most important benefit of synthetic material is that it can insulate even when wet.
Popular name-brand synthetic insulation options include Thinsulate and PrimaLoft, though many other quality options are available. No matter the name brand, the total weight of synthetic insulation will always be a better indicator of warmth than the name brand.
Many manufacturers include the insulation weight in their boot specifications. Lightweight to midweight boots will usually have a fill rating of 200-400 g. If you are seeking heavy-duty boots for extreme cold, look for a fill rating of at least 300 g.
Felt and Sheepskin
Felt and sheepskin are materials that have long been used to insulate winter footwear. While synthetic insulation is by far the current norm, some manufacturers opt for classic and traditional materials.
The downside of felt and sheepskin insulation is they tend to be heavy and bulky. Still, these materials can be warm and comfortable. Usually, felt and sheepskin is utilized in a bootโs lining where they can be in direct contact with the foot. While these materials provide warmth even when wet, they may become extra heavy when saturated and require lots of time to dry.
Weight
As you might expect, heavier boots are usually built for the worst conditions, while lightweight winter boots are better for moderate temperatures and less demanding uses. As the thickness of the outsoles and the fill rating of insulation increases, the overall weight goes up. Lightweight winter boots are great for active use, but they often sacrifice some stability, grip, and warmth.
Boot Height
Almost all winter boots are ankle-high or higher. Boot height is a major factor that determines the intended function of the boot.
On the low end of the boot height spectrum are lightweight hiking-style boots such as the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip. Lower-cut boots typically measure around 7 inches from the footbed to the top of the boot. Lower-cut boots are ideal for hiking, as they tend to be relatively light and flexible.
The downside of lower-cut boots is they allow snow to seep in, especially when post-holing through a deep snowpack. If you find yourself in bottomless snow with a pair of ankle-high boots, a pair of gaiters may offer a simple solution.
If you plan to use your boots in regions with lots of snow accumulation, youโll probably want to pick boots at least 8 inches tall. Work boots and boots for extreme weather are designed to sit higher on the leg, keeping the elements out and the warmth in. On this list, the Baffin Control Max is a high-cut and extremely warm boot ideal for the coldest, snowiest conditions.
Waterproofing
Nothing beats a reliable pair of boots that keep your feet warm and dry no matter how bad the weather gets. Waterproofing is the difference between blissful comfort and soggy misery.
Waterproofing is ultimately a product of the materials incorporated into a bootโs design. Features such as rubber outer layers and an exterior water-resistant treatment are standards of the most waterproof boots.
All of the boots weโve selected are designed to keep water out as much as possible. Some of the more robust included models feature a two-piece system that includes an outer waterproof barrier and an inner removable liner. On this list, the Kamik Nation Plus is a great and affordable two-piece boot that successfully keeps moisture out.
One-piece boots typically feature a waterproof membrane sandwiched in between the outer material and the lining. While one-piece boots usually donโt have the failproof waterproofing of many two-piece styles, they tend to be lighter and more flexible.
On this list, the Fubuki Niseko 2.0 is a burly all-EVA boot with a full-foot-tall shaft that refuses to let water in.
Breathability
The downside of built-in insulation and waterproof membranes is decreased breathability. While boots that trap heat are certainly desirable, overheating can be a real concern, even in extremely cold weather. For this reason, a reasonable degree of breathability is an asset in winter boots.
Generally, lightweight hiking-style winter boots are more breathable than gravy-duty work boots or two-piece models that thrive in extreme cold. While hiking or performing other strenuous activities, breathability can help to prevent sweating and blisters.
Ultimately, breathability is a trade-off. Winter boots simply cannot be completely waterproof and extreme weather-ready and fully breathable at the same time.
If youโre simply looking for top-notch warmth or waterproofing, breathability doesnโt need to be a major consideration when selecting boots. If you plan to wear your boots for active use in a wide range of conditions, be sure to select a breathable pair.
Outer Material
A winter bootโs exterior material will significantly affect its waterproofing, breathability, and weight. Rubber and leather are the most common outer materials.
Rubber
The waterproof qualities of rubber boots are unbeatable. For decades, brands such as Muck Boot and XTRATUF have been well-regarded for their nearly impenetrable rubber boots. In constantly wet and rainy regions such as the Pacific Northwest, rubber boots are a rightfully popular choice.
The downside of rubber as an outer material is its lack of breathability. In the same way that rubber boots successfully keep moisture out, they also keep moisture in. For long hikes and active use, rubber is not the ideal outer material.
Leather
Leather boots have been a popular winter footwear choice for hundreds of years. While leather does not provide the impenetrable qualities of rubber, it is a supple, durable, and relatively water-resistant material.
Compared to rubber boots, leather models tend to breathe slightly better. If you plan to wear your boots in a wide range of weather conditions, leather boots are an excellent and versatile choice.
Outsoles and Grip
The outsole is the part of a boot that makes direct contact with the ground underneath. Good grip is essential to a winter bootโs value and performance.
True winter boots come with outsoles designed to provide reliable grip in cold and snowy conditions. To account for subfreezing temps, many winter boot outsoles feature soft rubber compounds that donโt overly harden in the cold. Additionally, thoughtfully designed tread patterns can prevent snow and mud from building up.
Outsole compounds and tread patterns vary wildly across the winter boot market. Generally, models geared toward hiking will have a deep tread and superior grip. Work boots typically come with heavy, bulky outsoles that prioritize durability above grip.
In severe conditions, you may want more winter traction than your boots can offer on their own. No matter how deep and sticky your tread is, chances are it wonโt help on solid sheets of ice.
Traction devices such as Yaktrax and MICROspikes can be fixed onto the bottom of winter boots for improved grip on ice and hardpack. These devices have metal components designed to dig into ice and improve traction โ just like tire chains on a car.
Fit and Sizing
Properly sizing winter boots can be a tricky process. Unlike with most footwear, youโll likely wear extra thick socks with your winter boots, and itโs important to consider this when picking a size.
Ideally, your winter boots will be comfortable and free of major air pockets and hot spots. Of course, the best fit for you depends on the type of activity youโre using the boots for.
If youโll be hiking or working on your feet, we recommend a snug fit for maximum performance. If you plan to use your boots for hanging out casually or simply wearing them about town, a looser, comfort-first fit is the way to go.
As always, thereโs no substitute for trying on shoes, and we highly recommend you do so if possible.
Price & Value
Budget
Winter boots typically start out at a bottom dollar of $100, and for the budget price, there’ll be some concessions made to hit the price point. This is the realm of casual winter boots, which typically are less insulated, and likely to use suede leather or synthetics in their uppers.
The outsoles are also often molded together with the boot lowers, which is a cheaper manufacturing process but not as durable. For the money, the Kamik Nation Plus will keep you warm and dry in deep snow, but isn’t our favorite hiker. If you’re looking to cover more ground, the Merrel Thermo Chill ($130) are much lighter and have a slightly higher fit, though they only come up to ankle height.
Mid-Tier
Mid-range boots will often run between $150 and $250, and this is where most winter hiking and snow boots reside. These boots will often spring for a more top or full-grained leather and may incorporate a proprietary waterproof lining into the build. Vibram soles also make an appearance here, which can greatly enhance the traction on hard-packed snow or ice. Our favorite boots (The North Face Chilkat V) are pretty affordable at $159. They’re insulated, decent hikers that are waterproof almost up to mid-calf. They also have gator attachment points and pair well with snowshoes.
The Baffin Impact ($260) and Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip are two mid-range boots that give a lot for a moderate amount of money. The Impacts are the warmest boots we’ve tested and are great if you need to be stationary in the cold for a long time, while the Danners are a good insulated hiker.
Premium
Anything north of $250 and you’ll get a pair of boots geared towards maximum warmth and durability, with temperature ratings that may be overkill for a lot of us in the lower 48. The Baffin Impact ($260) and Danner Recurve 400G ($250) are two premium boots that give a lot for a moderate amount of money. The Impacts are the warmest boots we’ve tested and are great if you need to be stationary in the cold for a long time, while the Danners are a good insulated hiker. The Blundstone 566 ($265) are some of the more expensive boots we tested, and while they’re warm and very comfortable, you pay top dollar for those sheepskin liners and the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a boot winter-worthy is weather protection. Insulation and waterproofness keep the feet warm and dry. So consider waterproofness a requirement, not a nice-to-have.
Ask yourself if youโll frequently be in rainy, or wet conditions or if slushy snow is a common occurrence. If so, prioritize waterproofness. Just be aware that it often comes at the cost of breathability and excessive heat retention.
These days, shoe sole technology is a science all its own and can truly make or break the shoe. If you find yourself walking and hiking in icy conditions, pay special attention to the tread grip and look for one designed for ice.
Vibram makes an arctic-grip lug that has a tackiness on slick, icy surfaces. Itโs not as grippy as microspikes, but it adds extra confidence when walking on ice.
Many boots have replaced the liner with insulation directly in the boot. The benefit of the liner is you can remove it and set it out to dry between uses. The downside is that liners can sometimes cause extra movement and friction, which can lead to blisters and discomfort.
The main considerations with height are ankle articulation, keeping snow out, and comfort. If you regularly get out in deep snow and want a lot of support, choose a taller boot.
Be aware that taller boots can have different diameters. If you have larger calf muscles, you may need to try a few pairs on to see if they fit your legs.
The Best Winter Boots for Women of 2024-2025
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The Best Winter Mittens of 2024-2025
When itโs freezing out and too cold for five-finger gloves, pull on our favorite winter mittens from Stio, Outdoor Research, Burton, and more.