If you plan to hike this winter, buy insulated, waterproof winter hiking boots to protect your feet and keep them warm. Regular hiking boots intended for three-season conditions, mids, or trail runners lack enough insulation and may not stay waterproof in wet snow, puddles, or slush. Even regular leather hiking boots treated with waterproofing products can absorb moisture, becoming cold and potentially freezing during a long outing. This can lead to discomfort, frostnip, or frostbite in severe conditions.

Insulated winter hiking boots are a much better option because they have waterproof construction, rubber or waterproof synthetic lowers, and insulation that helps retain warmth even if moisture enters from above or accumulates from perspiration. While waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex can reduce water entry, they cannot prevent dampness from sweating or the chilling effect foot perspiration can cause in cold winter weather. When that happens, insulation remains the most important factor. A damp insulated boot can still retain warmth better than an uninsulated boot that has absorbed water and begun to freeze.

Three types of winter boots

Types of Insulated Winter Boots

When choosing insulated winter hiking boots, you’ll want boots for the temperatures you expect to encounter, usually between -10°F and 35°F, although you may encounter even colder temperatures. People with cold feet may want to get more heavily insulated boots to stay warm. The temperature ratings that winter hiking boots come with assume active use, so it pays to get a boot that is even warmer if you have to stop and stand around for a while. Say, for instance, a companion is injured. You’ll want boots with enough foot insulation to stay with them until help arrives.

Winter boots generally fall into three categories:

Each type is designed for different conditions and activities, from winter hiking and snowshoeing to ice climbing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The best choice depends on how much you walk, how cold and wet the conditions are, and whether you need to use traction devices such as microspikes, snowshoes, or crampons.

1. Insulated waterproof winter hiking boots: These are insulated with 200g or 400g Thinsulate synthetic insulation, PrimaLoft, or Aerogel insulation and have a waterproof/breathable liner like Gore-Tex. They’re usually rated for temperatures near 0°F or lower and are single-layer boots without a removable liner. They’re good for walking and work well with microspikes or snowshoes.
2. Mountaineering boots: These are usually single-layer leather boots insulated with a waterproof/breathable liner made of Gore-Tex Comfort, which has added insulation. They rarely have a temperature rating and are best worn with heavier wool socks. They have very rigid soles designed for heavy crampons and aren’t easy to walk in over long distances.
3. Pac boots: Designed for hunting or snowmobiling, these boots are often built for frigid conditions and come with removable liners. They’re not great for walking any distance, and they don’t work well with traction aids like microspikes or crampons because their exteriors are very bulky.

Waterproof/Breathable liners

The waterproof/breathable liners, like Gore-Tex, built into cold-weather boots usually do a good job of keeping moisture out, especially when the boots are new. But it doesn’t hurt to add extra waterproofing, like Sno-Seal, to the outside of the boots, especially along the seams, for added protection. Waterproof/breathable liners do break down with use, and it’s good to have a backup strategy. These liners also provide poor breathability in winter, and your socks will likely get damp from perspiration if you’re active. While not ideal, this is normal, and the added insulation will keep your feet warm.

Insulated Winter boots come in different calf heights

What to Look for in Winter Hiking Boots

If you plan to hike or snowshoe in winter, you’ll want insulated, waterproof boots designed primarily for walking, not more technical activities like mountain climbing or ice-climbing, or sedentary activities like snowmobiling or ice fishing.

Winter hiking boots look like regular hiking boots, mid-height boots, or even boots with coverage above the ankle, but they’re all waterproof and insulated. For most winter hiking and snowshoeing, boots that extend just above the ankle are the most comfortable and practical. The more calf coverage you have, the warmer your feet will remain.

Winter hiking boots should have laces instead of slip-on designs or zippers so you can tighten the fit. When walking on snow or ice, lug depth and rubber type matter less than your ability to use traction aids like microspikes or snowshoes, which bite into the surface and keep you from slipping. For instance, anti-slip rubber soles designed to prevent slipping on urban sidewalks are virtually worthless if you need to wear microspikes for traction most of the time.

Synthetic insulated boots are usually lighter and more water-resistant than leather boots. The insulation will be built into the boot and not removable, which keeps the weight down and makes the boots easier to walk in. The amount of insulation you need depends on the temperature, how active you will be, and whether you will walk continuously or stand still for long periods.

200g vs 400g Insulation 640

Understanding 200-Gram and 400-Gram Insulation

Winter boots are commonly offered with 200-gram or 400-gram Thinsulate insulation, although PrimaLoft or Aerogel insulation is also used and provides the same level of warmth retention. The 200g and 400g quantities refer to the insulation’s thickness or density, not its weight inside your boots.

As a general guide, 200-gram insulation suits active use in temperatures around 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, while 400-gram insulation is better suited to temperatures between approximately -20 and -40 degrees Fahrenheit. These estimates assume that you are walking rather than standing around. Individual experiences vary considerably.

We recommend the following insulated 200-gram and 400-gram winter hiking boots:

Regardless of insulation level, check that your boots work properly with your microspikes, snowshoes, or crampons. Traction devices should not create excessive pressure on your toes or the front of your boots, since this can cause discomfort and blisters. This is often the case with lighter-weight winter hiking boots or mids that have soft uppers.

Mountaineering Boots

Mountaineering boots have rigid soles and are harder to walk in.

Mountaineering boots are designed for steep, technical terrain and ice climbing. They have rigid soles that support crampons and allow climbers to stand on small edges of ice or rock. They are also generally heavier, less flexible, and less comfortable for ordinary hiking than insulated winter boots. They can also be quite bulky and may not be compatible with microspikes or even snowshoe bindings. Mountaineering boots I recommend.

• La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX Mountaineering Boots
• Lowa Mountain Expert II GTX EVO Mountaineering Boots
• Scarpa Ribelle HD GTX Mountaineering Boots

Mountaineering boots are available in single-layer and double-layer designs. Single-layer boots, like those listed above, are intended primarily for day trips in exposed alpine terrain. Double-layer boots have a removable liner and are best for overnight trips because you can remove a damp liner and sleep with it, preventing it from freezing overnight.  They’ve largely fallen out of use, but if you’re going someplace where you need them, you can often rent them from mountain guides, especially if you’ve hired a guide service.

If you need a full crampon compatible with the flexible soles of insulated winter hiking boots, look for one with a “flexible leaf spring or center bar,” like the Camp Stalker Universal Crampon. This flexible center bar connects the front spikes to the rear spike assembly. The flexible bar prevents the crampon from snapping in half when used with boots that have more flexible soles.

Pac Boots

Pac boots have poor ankle support and are often too large for traction aids

Pac boots usually have a rubber lower section, a leather or synthetic upper, and a removable felt liner. They are designed for very cold, wet conditions, but their warmth comes with several hiking disadvantages. Pac boots are heavy, bulky, extend well above the ankle, and provide limited ankle support.

They suit activities that require little walking, such as ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Examples include:

• Sorel Caribou Winter Boots
• Baffin Snow Monster Insulated Boots

Their large size can also make it difficult to fit with microspikes, crampons, and most snowshoes. For active winter hiking, insulated hiking boots are usually a better choice.

How Reliable Are Boot Warmth Ratings?

Boot warmth ratings are useful for comparing products, but they are not standardized. Manufacturers may test their boots differently, and a rating cannot account for every person or condition.

Your experience will depend on factors such as:

• Activity level
• Temperature and wind
• Whether you are walking or standing
• Health and circulation
• Body weight
• Metabolism
• Sock choice
• Boot fit

Read customer reviews and look for boots that have been sold for several seasons. Recommendations from experienced hikers and people you trust can also be useful.

Important Boot Features

Beyond insulation and waterproofing, several design details can improve comfort and performance.

Temperature rating

A manufacturer’s temperature rating provides a rough indication of warmth, but it should not be treated as a guarantee.

Reinforced toe cap

A sturdy toe cap protects your feet and helps prevent the front of the boot from collapsing under tight-fitting microspikes or crampons. A collapsed toe box can cause pressure and blisters.

Gusseted tongue

A gusseted tongue is attached along its sides to the inside of the boot. It helps keep water from entering through the laces when you step into deep snow or puddles.

Cuff

The cuff is the upper edge of the boot around your lower leg. A soft, comfortable cuff helps retain heat and prevents snow from entering when you walk through deep snow.

Lugs

Deep, well-spaced lugs provide traction on packed and loose snow. Rubber compounds and tread patterns vary, but a durable sole such as Vibram can provide reliable grip. On ice, you will generally need microspikes or crampons in addition to the boot tread.

Gaiter ring

A gaiter ring near the toe allows you to attach the front hook of your gaiters. If your boots do not have one, you can often attach gaiters to the laces instead.

Getting the Right Fit

Winter boots should not be tight. A cramped boot restricts circulation and can make your feet colder. Your toes should have enough room to move, but your foot should not slide excessively from side to side. Your heel should remain secure when the boot is fully laced.

Try on winter boots with the socks you plan to wear. If you wear thick winter socks, try them on during the fitting process. When between sizes, it is usually safer to choose the larger size. You can fill a small amount of extra space with thicker socks or higher-volume insoles, such as Superfeet. You can’t make a boot that’s too small larger.

SectionHiker never accepts payment for gear reviews or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, hiking and backpacking FAQs, and free hiking guides.

About the Author