5 Best Snow Hiking Boots in 2023

Nothing ruins a winter hike quite like getting wet and cold feet. It can turn a great day out into a miserable experience in just a few moments. Even if you live in a part of the world where it doesn’t snow too much in winter, it’s still worthwhile to consider buying a pair of the best snow hiking boots possible.

And if you do live in a very cold region, these should definitely be part of your setup. Let’s take a look at why they’ll become one of your favorite pieces of kit.

What is a snow hiking boot? 

Snow hiking boots are specially designed footwear that provide extra protection from the snow and cold while hiking in winter.

Why should you consider buying a snow hiking boot?

Snow hiking boots are made specifically for the cold, so when the mercury drops, these boots perform in a number of ways, mainly:

• Warmth
• Waterproofing
• Traction
• Protection
• Durability
• Versatility

Warmth - stay warmer for longer

Snow hiking boots are designed with various levels of insulation to keep your feet warm in cold temperatures, which is key for hiking in wintery and icy conditions. Much more info on this is below.

Waterproofing - dry feet are warmer than wet ones

Boots made for winter are often waterproof or water-resistant, which is important for keeping your feet dry and comfortable during hikes in wet or snowy conditions. We’ll also discuss this in more detail below.

Traction - find grip on icy trails

Get better traction on slippery or uneven terrain than regular hiking boots or shoes with snow hiking boots, thanks to their specialized soles and tread patterns.

Protection - keep debris out

Winter hiking boots offer extra protection for your feet and ankles, with features like higher ankle support, thicker soles, and reinforced toe caps. Higher cuffs are also great at keeping snow out.

Durability - made for tough conditions

Withstand harsh weather conditions and rough terrain in a pair of boots designed for the colder month, making them more durable than regular hiking boots or shoes.

Versatility - can be used throughout winter

You can easily use your snow hiking boots for other outdoor winter activities, like snowshoeing or winter camping.

What types of insulation are out there?

Not all insulated snow boots are created equal. Some are designed to be a lightweight option in chilly climates and others are made to keep you warm in the most extreme situations. Different materials provide different levels of warmth, breathability, and moisture management, so it's important to find the best one for you.

Synthetic insulators

Synthetic insulators are incredibly popular and are made from polymers and can be very lightweight yet breathable. It is often used in the form of hollow fibres that trap heat, keeping your feet warm even in below-freezing temperatures. Some synthetic fibres are high-end and perform extremely well, while other budget options can be a good choice in slightly warmer winters.

Primaloft

Primaloft is a synthetic fibre that is designed to be highly water resistant and breathable. It is lightweight and can provide excellent insulation even in damp conditions, something that most natural fibres struggle to do.

Thinsulate

Thinsulate is a synthetic insulation that uses microscopic fibres to trap heat and keep your feet warm. It is lightweight, breathable, and can be used in both wet and dry conditions. 

Down insulation

Down is the lightest, most compressible type of insulation available for snow hiking boots. It's a natural material made from small feathers and offers superior warmth retention and breathability compared to other materials. 

Merino wool

Merino wool is known for its softness, moisture wicking properties, and warmth retention capabilities. You're unlikely to find boots that use it as the main insulator, but instead, it's often used as an inner lining in winter hiking boots to keep your feet warm and dry.

Example of a 200g insulation boot (Columbia Bugaboot III)

What are the benefits of insulation? 

So is all this thinking around insulation worth the effort? Even if you spend most of your time running about town during winter rather than on the trails, you should still give plenty of consideration to insulation.

Here's why:

• Keeps feet warm in snowy conditions 
• Prevents heat from escaping from the footbed 
• Provides additional cushioning for comfort 

Keeps feet warm in snowy conditions 

Insulation is designed to trap air and create an insulating barrier between the cold outside and the warm environment inside your boots. This layer of insulation helps keep your feet warm by reflecting heat back towards you, whilst trapping any warmth generated from an activity like walking or running.

Prevents heat from escaping from the footbed 

The insulation also acts as an additional layer between the snowy environment and your feet, trapping heat generated from hiking and preventing it from escaping. This is very important in very cold conditions.

Provides additional cushioning for comfort 

Lastly, insulation offers an additional layer of cushioning to protect and support your feet. This is especially important when you’re on the trails for extended periods of time and need extra comfort and support. The added cushioning will reduce fatigue and help keep your feet comfortable all day long.

Waterproof hiking boots for snow

Waterproof hiking boots are designed to be completely waterproof, meaning they will keep your feet dry even in standing water or deep snow. Water-resistant hiking boots on the other hand provide a level of protection from moisture and mud but will not be able to withstand being submerged in water and snow for a prolonged period of time.

The benefits of wearing waterproof hiking boots in winter 

As well as doing what they say they’ll do, waterproof hiking boots also have a few other advantages that you mightn’t consider right away.

They protect from water and moisture 

The most obvious benefit of wearing waterproof hiking boots is that they provide protection from snow and moisture. The combination of materials used in their construction helps to keep your feet dry even in the wettest of environments. This can help to prevent discomfort and coldness while out on the trail.

Difference in permeability between a waterproof and non-waterproof hiking boot

They're built for slippery conditions

The best snow hiking boots often have an aggressive tread pattern that helps to provide extra grip on slippery surfaces. This is especially helpful when trekking over wet rocks or muddy terrain as it will give you the extra stability you need to keep your footing secure. Waterproof hiking boots are all about keeping you safe, happy, and moving out on the trails.

They support your feet

Another great benefit of waterproof hiking boots is that they often come with some premium features. Many have extra cushioning and support for added comfort on longer hikes. Layers of foam and well-built midsoles help to absorb shocks from the terrain, providing much-needed support for your feet over long distances and rugged trails.

Understanding the waterproof rating system

The waterproof rating system evaluates how well a material can resist water penetration. It’s often used to assess the effectiveness of waterproofing materials in outdoor gear, including hiking equipment like jackets, tents, and most importantly for us, hiking boots. The waterproof rating is usually measured in millimeters (mm).

How the waterproof rating is measured

The waterproof rating of a material refers to how much water it can endure before leaking. A rating of 10,000 mm means the material can withstand a 10,000 mm tall column of water. The higher the rating, the better the material's water-resistant properties. Hikers need to be aware of this when selecting appropriate gear depending on the weather conditions.

What waterproof rating is the best?

The different levels of waterproof rating refer to the amount of water pressure a material can withstand before it starts to leak. Generally, waterproof ratings can be classified as low, medium, or high.

Do I always need the highest waterproof rating possible?

Hikers need to know waterproof ratings in order to choose gear that suits the weather. In wet or snowy weather, it's important to have gear with a high waterproof rating to keep things dry and warm. If a hiker plans to hike in heavy rain or snow, they should wear boots with a high waterproof rating. However, if they are hiking in dry or hot conditions, a lower waterproof rating should be fine.

Plan for changing weather on longer hikes

When choosing waterproof gear, keep in mind the type of hiking you plan to do. In areas with lots of snowfall, it's best to play it safe and choose gear with a higher waterproof rating. If the hiking trip is going to last for an extended period of time, gear with a higher waterproof rating may be necessary due to the risk of being out in changing weather.