49 best snow hiking boots

When facing an environment filled with all sorts of cold conditions, one of the options you should consider are snow hiking boots. These hikers are designed to shield your feet from low temperatures in this particular terrain. At the same time, you’d gain a more secure footing with the improved traction rendered by these footwear products. They’re also engineered to supply you with sufficient support to keep you balanced while hiking through snow. But before you go ahead and get new snow hiking boots, it’s important to know the benefits they can offer you and the limitations they possess.

The perks of wearing the best snow hiking boots

Hiking footwear products designed for cold weather grant several benefits. Here are the primary perks you’ll gain when you wear snow hiking boots.

• They provide a boost in traction. The best snow hiking boots are equipped with outsoles that are designed for cold weather conditions. These components contain aggressive lugs that bite down on winter ground conditions to secure your footing. They’re also made of specialized rubber compounds that won’t freeze when exposed to low temperatures. Thanks to these outsole-related features, the chances of slipping on snow are reduced.

• Snow hiking boots shield your feet from the cold. The best footwear models under this category are equipped with layers of insulation to prevent your feet from freezing off. On the other hand, select snow hiking boots use other means to achieve sufficient warmth, such as thermal insoles or wool-lined collars. In any case, they provide the warmth your feet need to function in this kind of environment.

Several considerations when getting new snow hiking boots

Getting a new pair of snow hiking boots can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Before you purchase them, it’s important to determine the qualities you need in this type of outdoor gear. Here are the primary requirements you should check out when buying snow hiking boots.

Fit

Using an ill-fitting pair on your adventure can cause blisters. It’s vital to choose snow hiking boots that provide you with a precise fit. Keep in mind to wear your preferred outdoor socks when trying these hikers on. Lace the boots and walk around in them for a couple of minutes. Make sure your feet are secure while you’re testing them out. Also, it’s best to try new snow hiking boots in the afternoon because your feet swell a little during this time of the day.

Support

It’s important to know if you’re going to bring a backpack to your trip or not. If you are, it’s better to get snow hiking boots. They provide sufficient support and cushioning to compensate for the extra weight on your back. Their upper construction covers your ankles and prevents them from twisting the wrong way. This benefit will come in handy when you’re tackling uneven ground conditions or slippery surfaces while carrying a backpack. 

Durability

Setting your trip in a cold environment will test the limits of your gear. The snow hiking boots you’re going for should be built to last long against these harsh conditions. The best footwear models for snowy hikes feature robust uppers and high-performance rubber outsoles that are engineered to withstand low temperatures. Several brands reinforce their snow hikers with toe caps and rands for improved toughness.

Protection

The finest snow hiking boots grant your feet with sufficient protection in a cold environment. These boots come with layers of insulation to warm your feet and microporous membranes to prevent water intrusions. They also feature rubber caps to protect your toes from getting stubbed. Moreover, some of these hikers use gusseted tongues to prevent debris and snow from entering them.

Crampon and snowshoe compatibility

There are instances when the traction your snow hiking boots supply won’t be enough. If this is the case, it’s best to go snow hikers that are compatible with crampons or snowshoes. These two outdoor accessories can be attached to select boots to boost their grip on snowy ground conditions. If you want to be prepared when you go outdoors, you should choose a pair that grants you this benefit.

Notable brands that sell the best snow hiking boots for men and women

Keen

Hiking boots manufactured by Keen for snowy adventures are engineered to keep your feet safe and comfy. They’re equipped with specialized outsoles that provide you a secure grip on slippery or slushy terrain. Some of Keen’s best hikers for cold conditions feature layers of insulation for effective warmth retention.

Merrell

Merrell’s snow hiking boots are optimized to give you ample performance in a frigid environment. Their hikers use specialized outsoles that render durable traction on snowy ground conditions. They also use uppers with waterproof membranes and lightweight layers of insulation to keep your feet protected from the elements.

Danner

The best snow hiking boots made by Danner feature various technologies designed for cold weather. The outsoles used in these footwear products contain self-adapting lugs for an improved grip over slippery surfaces. The best Danner snow hiking boots are equipped with wool-lined uppers, layers of insulation, and waterproof membranes to keep your feet dry, plush, and warm during winter.

Vasque

Vasque’s quality hiking boots for cold conditions are crafted with several features that are geared towards winter-ready traction and protection. They use grippy outsoles made of ColdHold compound, making them ready for freezing temperatures and slippery surfaces. The brand’s best snow hikers also combine layers of insulation and wool fabric to prevent the cold from affecting your mobility.

The North Face

The finest snow hiking boots offered by The North Face use Vibram outsoles for multi-directional grip on slushy terrain. Their midsole components provide the cushioning and support you need when traversing a snowy trail. Select snow hikers from this brand also feature full-grain leather uppers lined with felted wool for enhanced durability and warmth.

Frequently asked questions about winter hiking boots

Do all snow hiking boots come with insulated uppers?

Select brands offer snow hiking boots that don’t contain layers of insulation. These footwear models feature other means to trap heat, such as using wool-lined collars or removable thermal insoles. They are generally more affordable than their insulated counterparts, but the latter offers reliable warmth retention in low temperatures.

Is it easy to find a new pair of snow hiking boots online?

Finding new snow hikers online isn’t that challenging at all. You can check out the winter-ready offerings from various footwear manufacturers and determine which product suits you best. There are a lot of online retailers that carry these products for you to choose from. They even provide discounts so you can maximize your budget for the best snow hiking boots. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you can confirm the purchase and have the product shipped to your location right away. 

The downside to getting new snow hikers online is you won’t be able to try them on. Make sure you get the right size for your feet before finalizing a purchase. Otherwise, you will need to return these ill-fitting boots and request for a replacement right away. 

What’s the best way to preserve the quality of my snow hiking boots?

Cleaning your footgear after a winter trip is a must to keep them in good condition. Here are some simple steps you can follow to maintain the quality of your snow hiking boots:

• Remove the laces and insoles so you can have better access to your hikers’ hard-to-reach-areas.
• Get a brush with soft bristles and use it to wipe traces of dirt and debris on your snow hiking boots. You can also go for an old toothbrush or a soft piece of cloth.
• Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water. Apply this solution to clean every area of your hikers thoroughly. Do not use bleach as it will affect the quality of your gear.
• Do not place your snow hiking boots inside a washing machine as it may damage them.
• Apply a small amount of conditioner on the uppers while they are still damp. This solution helps preserve their water repellency.
• Leave your snow hiking boots in a well-ventilated spot after washing them. Do not place them near any direct source of heat. Doing so would affect the quality of your hikers. 

What can I do to maximize my snow hiking boots?

There are certain outdoor gear products you can use to optimize your snow hikers. For instance, you can choose to wear Merino wool socks when you’re tackling a snowy terrain. These socks can regulate temperature so your feet can stay warm in frosty weather. They also possess moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties to prevent your feet from smelling.

If you want to prevent water or debris from entering your snow hiking boots, you should consider getting gaiters. One part of this outdoor gear is attached to the bottom of your hiker while the other end is connected to the leg. They cover the collars of your boots so nothing can enter them. These gaiters will come in handy if you’re expecting unfavorable weather or critters during your trip.

Author

Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com