Warm, Trail-Worthy Winter Boots That Won’t Break the Bank: The North Face Chilkat V 400 Review

The first storm of winter rolled in overnight, heavy and quiet. By morning, the trails had vanished beneath a thick white blanket, and every step made that satisfying squeak that only deep cold brings. I laced up The North Face Chilkat V 400 ($159), clipped into snowshoes, and set out with my dog through the stillness.

Over the next few weeks, these boots became my daily go-to. From snowshoeing through rolling meadows and hiking icy ridgelines to evening dog walks on slick streets, they handled it all. The Chilkats stayed warm, waterproof, and stable, with the comfort of a hiking boot rather than the stiffness of a traditional snow boot.

They don’t rely on flash or gimmicks; they simply perform where it matters most, providing warmth, traction, and comfort at a price that’s hard to beat.

In short: After weeks of snowshoeing, hiking, and icy dog walks, the Chilkat V 400 proved to be a true winter workhorse. It’s one of the warmest boots in its class — waterproof, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring on slick terrain. For the price, it’s hard to find a better all-around companion for life in the cold.

Compare The North Face Chillkat V 400 to others I’ve tested in our guide to the Best Winter Hiking Boots. 

The North Face Chilkat V 400 Review

Warmth

The Chilkat V 400 ranks among the warmest boots I’ve tested, easily standing up to frigid dawn starts and long days in single-digit temperatures. The synthetic insulation traps heat effectively without adding bulk, and the fleece lining provides a soft, inviting interior that’s especially welcome when pulling them on before sunrise.

Even in subzero conditions, my feet stayed toasty during long snowshoe hikes and static moments, such as photographing wildlife or shoveling the driveway. The thick midsole insulation helps seal out ground cold, and the boot maintains an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. While they’re overkill for mild climates, these are ideal for hikers, snowshoers, and winter explorers who spend real time in deep cold.

Weather Protection

The Chilkat V 400 performs exceptionally well when it comes to keeping out snow and slush. The lower rubber shell repels water, ice, and road slush, while the waterproof upper keeps moisture from sneaking in during prolonged exposure. I splashed through half-frozen puddles and soft drifts for hours and came back completely dry.

The gusseted tongue blocks snow intrusion, and the 8-inch height adds plenty of coverage for deep powder or melt-season mess. The waterproofing held firm through every test, and the boots dried quickly indoors, ready to go again by morning. Unless you’re wading through knee-deep snow all day, the Chilkats offer all the protection most winter hikers will ever need.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is where the Chilkat V 400 separates itself from bulkier winter boots. It feels more like a hiking boot — snug and supportive, but with enough flex for natural movement. The heel locks in securely, and the roomy toe box allows for thicker socks without pinching. The fleece lining adds cozy insulation that makes these a pleasure to wear from the first step, even before a full break-in.

Compared to the Columbia Bugaboot III, the Chilkat feels more dialed in and nimble underfoot, offering a closer hiking-boot fit that’s better for long walks and snowshoe outings. The Bugaboot wins slightly in overall cushioning, but it’s bulkier and less precise when moving over uneven terrain.

The fit runs true to size for narrow to medium feet, though wide-footed hikers may want to size up slightly. After long hikes and multiple dog walks through packed snow, the cushioning and support stayed consistent with zero hot spots. The only tradeoff for all that warmth and structure is a slightly stiffer feel on steep terrain, where some might prefer a boot with more flex.

Traction

The Chilkat V 400 excels on frozen ground. Its aggressive lug pattern, made of cold-weather rubber that stays pliable in low temps, grips firmly on ice and compact snow. I tested them on frozen trails, slick sidewalks, and snow-covered switchbacks, and the grip felt rock-solid in every condition.

While they don’t have a branded outsole like Vibram Arctic Grip, the traction feels dependable. The lugs are well-spaced to shed snow and prevent buildup, and they pair beautifully with traction devices for added security on steeper or icier routes. If winter footing is your top concern, the Chilkats deliver reliable grip and stability.

Durability

After weeks of steady wear in snow, ice, and salt, the Chilkat V 400 still looks nearly new. The rubber rand and shell show minimal scuffing, and the stitching remains tight and clean. The upper leather softened slightly over time without losing shape, and the waterproof membrane has held strong after countless wet miles.

The build quality punches well above its price, feeling more premium than many boots twice as expensive. With occasional cleaning and reproofing, I expect these to last multiple winters of heavy use without issue.

Room for Improvement

There’s not much to fault with the Chilkat V 400. The biggest limitation is flexibility. On steeper or uneven terrain, the boot’s sturdy build can feel a bit rigid, making quick footing adjustments trickier than in lighter models like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Thermo.

Hikers with wider feet might also find the midfoot slightly snug, especially when paired with thick socks. Still, these are small tradeoffs for a boot that delivers exceptional warmth, traction, and protection across every other category.

Who It Is For: The North Face Chilkat V 400

The Chilkat V 400 is for anyone who refuses to stay inside when the temperature drops. It’s ideal for hikers, snowshoers, and winter explorers who want warmth, comfort, and all-day reliability without overspending.

I wore these boots everywhere, from frozen trailheads in the Tetons to icy grocery store parking lots, and they handled every setting with confidence. Compared to the KEEN Revel IV Polar, the Chilkat offers similar warmth and traction for a lower price, though it feels slightly stiffer and less flexible on steep climbs. For those seeking a single, do-it-all winter hiking boot that’s warm, durable, and affordable, the Chilkat V 400 is hard to beat.