7 Best Snow Hiking Boots

A winter boot that keeps your toes warm and dry, phenomenal grip and incredibly lightweight? Does such a boot exist? It sure does: after extensive tests both in the lab and the great outdoors, we found the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the best overall hiking boots for snowy conditions.

We really put these boots through their paces, standing them in a stream for over a minute to see how much water would come in. No surprises there: the Gore-Tex membrane is 100% effective and our feet didn’t get even slightly damp! The fully gusseted tongue and the mid-height collar both play their part in keeping water, snow, or gravel out of the boot.

Salomon’s iconic Contragrip outsole did a marvelous job at keeping us from slipping, even when we were hiking on snowy hillsides. In the lab, we measured the lugs with a caliper. The 41 lugs measure 5.1 mm, 16% deeper than average, giving a good amount of extra bite when the going gets rough.

For a winter-ready, partially leather boot, this one is surprisingly lightweight. Our scales showed just 13.8 oz (390g) per boot. Given that the average for waterproof boots is a whopping 19.5 oz (553g), we felt like we were skimming over the snow!

Whilst these are great for hiking in snow, they don’t perform so well in the mud because the tightly-spaced lugs struggle to shed mud easily. We don’t recommend them for regular hiking along muddy trails.

As adventurers who love winter backpacking, we can’t say no to the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. This waterproof boot has integrated stability features of epic proportions, it’s superbly comfortable, even in cold conditions, and defied our Dremel in our durability tests. All this and more is why we had to choose the Salomon Quest 4 GTX as the best snow hiking boot for backpacking.

Like many Salomon options, the Quest 4 GTX comes with the unbeatable ADV-C 4D Chassis stabilizer. Connecting the laces to a shank in the midsole, it provides us flawless support and stability, especially when we are carrying heavy packs. We put it to the test in the lab by twisting the boot torsionally. It’s an incredibly rigid boot, so we rated it 5/5 for torsional flexibility. On the trail, we feel surefooted and safe from painful twists.

Sporting a mighty stack height of 38 mm, there is a ton of cushioning below the heel. We found it especially welcome while hiking with heavy loads. At room temperature our durometer declares the midsole to have an almost average softness of 27 HA, blending support with comfort. What really blew us away was the way the midsole performed in the cold. After 20 minutes in the freezer, we tested the midsole with the durometer again. It had only stiffened to 32.9 HA. It feels and performs almost the same in cold weather as on warmer days, so we didn’t have to adapt ourselves to the change.

This impeccably waterproof and ultra-durable boot keeps us protected from whatever the outside world can throw at us. The Gore-Tex membrane and fully gusseted tongue stopped snow, rain and stream water from getting in, keeping our feet warm and dry all day. Rocks are no match for the sturdy multi-layered upper, which came away from a 12-second duel with our Dremel practically unscathed. If it were allowed, we’d award it 10/5 for durability!

A boot that packs in so much can be expected to weigh over the odds. The Salomon Quest 4 GTX weighed a hefty 23.4 oz (663g) on our scales, 24% heavier than our other waterproof hiking boots. Hikers looking for a lighter boot for more moderate hikes can look into the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX instead. 

Cold, snowy days are a different ball game with the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid. The wide toe box is comfortable for anyone who doesn’t like cramped toes, the waterproofing is exceptional, and this boot is incredibly comfortable, even in the cold. There is a lot to love in the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid, which is why we have chosen it as the best snow hiking boot with a wide toe box.

A glance at the toe box already tells us that this boot has plenty of wiggle room for our toes, but it was only in our lab tests that we discovered just how much. At the widest point of the toe box, we measured 106.4 mm, compared to the average of 102.1 mm. The space around the big toe is really where this boot shines, though. Measuring 85.5 mm, it offers an extra 6.5 mm of space. This is a boon for hikers with wide feet, and we enjoyed the freedom for our digits during our test hikes.

The high collar and leather upper of this boot is a natural barrier to snow getting into the boot, and it is complemented by the waterproof KEEN.DRY membrane. The tightly woven fabric of the tongue lets no water through, and yet it still allowed some smoke to escape during our smoke test for breathability. We awarded it 2/5 for breathability, making it more breathable than many other leather boots. In the winter, our feet stay warm and dry in all weather, and the breathable tongue makes this boot suitable for warmer days too.

While cold weather inevitably firms up most boots, the KEEN Targhee III Mid is one of a kind. Testing the midsole with our durometer at both room temperature and after 20 minutes in the freezer, we found the difference is slight, with the midsole becoming only 10.4% firmer in the cold. For comparison, the average difference in most other hiking boots is 21.5%. This makes the KEEN Targhee III Mid a consistent player, and we can rely on it to behave as we have come to expect on warmer days.

Despite 2 shanks in the midsole, the KEEN Targhee III Mid treads the line between stability and natural movement. We twisted it manually in the lab, awarding it a middling 3/5, less rigid than we had expected. We don’t recommend it to hikers looking for a very rigid boot for carrying heavy packs.

There is no need to set aside our hiking boots to wait out the cold winter months when we have the Columbia Bugaboot III to hand. With a cozy 200g insulation, this boot keeps our feet toasty in sub-zero temperatures. It is superbly supportive and grippy in icy conditions, not to mention boasting a high-performing midsole that works as it should in the cold. It’s no wonder, then, that we chose the Columbia Bugaboot III as our best insulated snow hiking boot!

Well-packed with 200g of insulation both around and below our foot, the Bugaboot III remains cozy in temperatures down to 30°F (-1°C). The 7 inch (17.8 cm) collar stops snow and cold air from getting in, as well as the warmth from our feet out. We pumped smoke into the boot to test for breathability, and not surprisingly it scored the least breathable rating of 1/5. This is definitely a snug winter boot!

The high collar not only keeps deep powder snow out of the boot, but also supports our ankles.  The fully gusseted tongue provides a comfy cushion against the laces, and the heel counter is rigid enough to keep our heels snugly in the boot. In our manual tests, the heel counter scored 4/5, where 5 is the stiffest. Altogether, it’s almost impossible to injure ourselves by rolling an ankle in these boots.

The traction didn’t let us down in slushy, snowy conditions. We measured the lugs to be 5.7 mm, 1.2 mm deeper than average. In addition, our durometer tests of the outsole showed 85.5 HC, slightly softer than the average 87.5 HC. It gives us an advantage in cold weather, as the softer outsole grips better to slippery surfaces. Altogether, we felt confident striding out in the snow.

The Bugaboot III has midsole material in bucketloads! Its impressive heel stack height of 46.9 mm offers an extra centimeter of insulation from the frozen ground compared to the average hiking boot. But what we love most about the midsole is how it performed in our winter durometer tests. After 20 minutes in the freezer, the midsole was only 21.5% firmer than at room temperature, meaning this boot’s cushy and supportive characteristics remain intact, even on the coldest day.

The Columbia Bugaboot III looks hefty, and our lab scales confirmed our suspicions. At 26 oz (737g), it is 34% heavier than the average for winter hiking boots. As such, we don’t recommend it to hikers looking for a lightweight winter option.

Our wilderness explorations are guaranteed safe thanks to the Asolo Fugitive GTX. Its protective nature and rigid build shelter us from all unwanted elements on multi-terrain hikes — water, wind, sharp debris, slips, and awkward trips. Crowning Fugitive GTX as our most supportive snow hiking boot is a no-brainer.

The Gore-Tex membrane’s defense against water and snow is unquestionable. We crossed river streams and slush with dry and toasty feet. It has a fully gusseted tongue and a high collar to ensure debris stays out and heat stays in. The boot even includes a toe bumper and suede layers for extra protection.

The midsole highlights support by putting together a firm cushion and a rigid platform. Our durometer confirms the foam is 34.0% denser than average, while the boot bends to a force 97.2% greater than average. Both elements enhance surefooted strides on uneven ground.

This boot takes traction seriously, and the patterned outsole works its magic on all types of terrain. Whether on frozen paths, loose ground, or rocky terrains, we're blown away by its grippy bite.

Outsole durability is a let-down as it started peeling away only after a few test hikes. Though the boot is designed to be resoled when needed, it should still last several months.

After testing in the lab and out on hikes, The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX had us in raptures! An incredibly lightweight boot, it retains its flexibility in the cold, and is spectacularly waterproof - it even has an extra trick up its sleeve regarding the latter. All this led us to believe without a doubt that the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is the best lightweight snow hiking boot.

Despite all appearances to the contrary, there is nothing clunky or heavy about the Ultra Raptor II! It feels light and agile on our feet, and the scales confirmed our suspicions! This boot weighs 14.6 oz (415g), which is 19% less than average! We walked further and faster on our hikes, and still had energy to burn at the end of it!

Both at room temperature and on our chilly hikes, this is a flexible boot when compared to the average. We bent it to 90° with a force gauge, which registered 32.4N at room temperature, 18% more flexible than average. But we also wanted to know how it performs in winter conditions, so we left it in the freezer for 20 minutes before testing it again. Of course, it stiffened up, but only to 40.2N. Since most hiking boots register 53.8N in the cold, the Ultra Raptor II clearly crushes the competition in cold conditions!

We tested the waterproofing of these boots by standing in 5-inch puddles, and they didn’t let a drop of water in. The Gore-Tex membrane and gusseted tongue work together to keep the water out (and heat in on cold days!). An elastic gaiter-like tongue around the collar adds to the appeal, helping to keep snow, water and debris out of the boot. This little gem should be a given on all waterproof hiking boots, as far as we are concerned!

This is not a boot for hikers with wide feet. Our average-width feet were already bordering on pinched. When we checked in the lab, we found the forefoot to be 106 mm, 6.9 mm narrower than average, and the heel an even more surprising 8.3 mm narrower than average. We advise wide-footed hikers to look into other options.

We took snow hiking boots to our city adventures and cut them open in the lab in search of the best urban hiking pair — the roads led us to Fairbanks Omni-Heat Boot. This pair proves winter boots don’t always have to feel bulky and stiff. It's like we only have sneakers on but with more comfort and warmth for all-day wear.

We’re mindblown with Fairbanks’ unmatched lightness. At 15.5 oz (439g), it significantly sheds off grams vs. the average hiking boot (18.4 oz/521g). This is due to the lower-than-average stack, which makes room for more flex. And flexible it is! Fairbanks required the least force of 16.6N to bend to 90° of all the boots tested in our lab. That’s 58.5% lower than average! 

Our feet feel cozy at home even with freezing temperatures. The upper is made of tightly woven Cordura fabric to keep snow and cold air out. The reflective Omni-Tech interior lining packs the boot with 200 grams of insulation, giving us a toasty experience by trapping body heat inside.

Underfoot, the 3.0-mm lugs keep us steady through snow and slush on level ground. The lug depth is more than enough for urban hikes. Yet we don’t recommend it for serious hiking because it lacks traction for more technical and uneven terrains.