The Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2025-2026

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 — 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 — both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts — curated our initial roundup of 12 boots in February. Ever since, we have been testing new models and brands to bring you the streamlined selection you see today.

Over the last couple of years, Chris Kassar and Ryan Kempfer joined the testing team to help put new models through their paces. These stone-cold pros have vetted the boots on this list and put them through the wringer in demanding winter environments — all proving to be worthy.

Our Testing Grounds

Every boot in this guide earned its place through months of on-snow abuse. Lead testers Ryan Kempfer and Chris Kassar put each model through its paces on Colorado’s winter 14er summits, across frigid Yellowstone mornings while watching wolves, on easy dog-friendly hikes around Jackson, and during big snowshoe efforts deep into the Tetons. These varied conditions let us see how each boot handles steep ascents, icy descents, long miles in bitter cold, and more casual winter outings alike — the same range of adventures our readers tackle every season.

Our Testing Process

We put these boots through full-on winter abuse — not just a quick walk on a snowy sidewalk. Testing took place in deep alpine snow, on icy summits, and along groomed trails while hiking, snowshoeing, and sometimes post-holing for miles. We often carried multiple pairs on a single outing and swapped mid-trail to directly compare warmth, traction, and comfort in the same conditions.

Because every foot is different and every hiker has different goals, we gathered feedback from a wide range of contributors, editors, and friends of the publication. But as much as we value outside perspectives, we didn’t just take anyone’s word for it — we focused on true winter hiking boots designed for snow, ice, and frigid conditions rather than standard hiking boots with waterproof membranes. Each model was tested for comfort, weather protection, and durability, including standing in freezing water to make sure waterproofing held up to real-world submersion.

This is an organic, constantly evolving guide. We update it regularly with the top models on the market so you’re always seeing the most relevant, best-performing winter hiking boots available.

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. And don’t forget to check out our guide to winter traction devices before heading outside this winter.

Our Winter Hiking Boots Rating System

Each boot in this guide is scored on a 1–10 scale, using decimals for precision. The overall score is our complete verdict based on real-world testing rather than a simple average. We evaluate warmth to see how well a boot keeps feet comfortable in subfreezing temperatures. Weather protection measures water resistance and how materials hold up in snow and slush. Comfort and fit gauge cushioning and support over long, cold miles. Traction tests grip and stability on packed snow, ice, and mixed winter terrain. Together, these scores give you a clear picture of where each boot excels and where it may fall short, so you can confidently pick the right pair for your adventures.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Hiking Boots

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 can’t 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 — given their location and types of trips — 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 keeping their feet warm with thick socks in waterproof boots and put thinner socks on when the temperatures increase and they want more breathability. For those, our unsolicited but still waterproof picks, like the Salomon Cross Hike GTX, make good choices.

Others prefer thick, cozy insulation at all times when trudging around in frigid conditions — and may gravitate to models like the Columbia Bugaboot III. 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 water intrusion, being impervious to incoming moisture at any temperature. These models, like The North Face Chilkat, 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 boot’s 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 during 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 it’s wet outside the boot itself.

Many, if not most, winter hiking boots identified as waterproof now have “breathable” as a critical caveat to accomplish this feat, incorporating GORE-TEX or similar 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 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 it 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 like we see in the Columbia Bugaboot III 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 Xero Alpine Boots is a good idea since they offer wide toe boxes and flat soles for a more natural feel.

Traction

Winter boots like the Columbia Bugaboot III 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 tongue’s 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. Leather boots may require more care upfront, but ultimately, it will last longer than the synthetic and textile options. But if you don’t 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 boot’s fit to some degree. Most winter hiking simply requires a single, midweight sock.

Insoles

Insoles (often called footbeds) have become more common in the last five years, as some manufacturers put thin factory inserts into boots as placeholders. For 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 three years.

Traction Devices

These turn many boots into multitools that can competently move across slippery surfaces, crusted snow, and glazed 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 boot’s 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 doesn’t 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 aren’t as supportive as others. Or, you can also snag our budget pick, the Columbia Bugaboot III ($120), which is insulated and waterproof but is a bit heavier and bulkier than 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 — it’s built to withstand extremes and offers unparalleled traction. The Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated ($210), has an incredible amount of warmth and traction, as well. As mentioned, a higher price doesn’t automatically mean warmer. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Thermo ($190) offers great traction and comfort but isn’t as warm as others, 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 isn’t always the case. The versatile Lowa Renegade Evo GTX ($280) has many features, but believe it or not, it’s 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.  Both of these options are durable and will last many seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions