Hiking in the winter is a beautiful and serene experience – the fresh snow, the blue skies, the snow-capped peaks in the distance. But hiking in winter also comes with its challenges: tricky terrain, cold and uncertain weather, and the potential for wet, freezing feet. 

However, avoiding cold, uncomfortable feet during winter hikes is easy with the proper footwear. The best winter hiking boots, such as the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots, are insulated, waterproof, extremely lightweight, and have great grip. Below, we break down all of our recommended winter hiking shoes. 

Best Winter Hiking Boot Brands

Before we jump into the best winter hiking boots and shoes, here’s a quick look at some of the most popular brands on the scene. From rugged classics to innovative trailblazers, these trusted names will have you covered for all your winter adventures.

Lowa

If you’re after boots that offer timeless durability and exceptional performance, Lowa is a go-to. Their winter hiking boots are engineered for rugged trails while maintaining a refined, comfortable design.

Salomon

Salomon blends trail-running agility with hiking boot toughness, creating footwear that stands up to winter’s challenges. Their innovative designs keep you nimble on steep climbs and icy descents.

Keen

Keen is known for delivering boots that prioritize comfort and robust protection, perfect for tackling unpredictable winter terrain. Their designs ensure ample toe box protection without sacrificing style or support.

Merrell

Merrell’s winter hiking boots are celebrated for all-day comfort and reliable durability, making them a favorite among avid hikers. With technologies that keep your feet dry and agile, these boots help you conquer any trail with ease.

Columbia

Columbia offers innovative, rugged winter boots that combine advanced tech with dependable comfort. Their footwear is made to keep you moving through harsh conditions without missing a beat.

Danner

Danner is synonymous with timeless design and modern performance, delivering boots built to last on the most challenging trails. Their construction and attention to detail ensure you’re well-equipped for any winter outing.

Best Overall Winter Hiking Boots

Who Is It For?

For adventurers seeking a boot that effortlessly transitions from rugged winter hikes to everyday urban wear, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots have got you covered. These boots are a versatile staple in any winter wardrobe—especially if you’re the type of person who demands comfort, stability, and waterproof boots.

What We Love About It

We love how these cult-favorite boots marry classic design with modern tech. The GORE-TEX membrane delivers unbeatable waterproof protection and breathability, while the Vibram Evo outsole offers optimal traction across a range of terrains. Add in some stellar cushioning and a sleek look, and you’ve got a boot that hustles as hard as you do.

What Others Are Saying About It

Our customers appreciate the durable construction and reliable performance these boots bring to both intense hikes and daily wear. Stephanie R. writes, Solid Choice. These boots are comfortable, great construction, and traction. They didn't even have to be broken in! 🙂

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Best Runner-Up Winter Hiking Boots

Who Is It For?

For adventurers who crave a versatile boot that handles everything from brisk winter hikes to deep snowshoeing adventures, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Shoes are made for you. They boast lightweight agility, rock-solid stability, and top-tier waterproof protection, excelling in even the trickiest of winter conditions.

What We Love About It

We love how these shoes blend the nimbleness of a trail runner with the durability of a hiking boot. The advanced ADV-C chassis delivers targeted stability without sacrificing mobility, while the Contagrip MA outsole ensures exceptional grip on wet or slippery terrain. With GORE-TEX waterproofing keeping your feet dry and comfortable, they’re truly a winter workhorse.

What Others Are Saying About It

Overall, reviewers praise the perfect mix of comfort, grip, and protection these shoes offer on varied winter terrain. Cary Z. writes, Great Hiking Boots. Very comfortable hiking boot. Fits true to size. Gore-Tex kept my feet dry while snowshoeing in deep snow. Excellent purchase.

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Best Budget Winter Hiking Boots

Who Is It For?

For winter hikers on a budget who demand reliable performance without the premium price tag, the Hedgehog 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are your go-to. These boots are ideal for those who need a lightweight, durable option that can handle wet, chilly trails without breaking the bank.

What We Love About It

We love how these updated classics pack extra cushioning and rugged waterproofing into a sleek, affordable package. With a DryVent membrane, multilayer overlays for toe protection, and a responsive EVA midsole, they keep your feet dry and comfy on every hike.

What Others Are Saying About It

Wearers love the blend of comfort and quality these boots deliver from the very first lace-up. James H. writes, Very comfortable boots right out of the box! North Face never fails to deliver exceptional quality!

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Best Premium Winter Hiking Boots

Who Is It For?

For hikers who demand the ultimate in premium performance on rugged trails, the Hanwag Alaska GTX Trekking Boots are built to conquer the world's toughest treks. These boots are perfect for adventurers who need reliable support and protection, whether you're loading up for a multi-day hike or shoveling snow after a record-breaking storm.

What We Love About It

We love how these classic trekking boots combine top-notch materials with advanced design. The waterproof GORE-TEX lining keeps your feet dry, while the Vibram Fuora outsole delivers exceptional grip and stability. With cemented construction for easy resoling and higher uppers that offer extra protection, these boots are engineered for heavy loads and long journeys.

What Others Are Saying About It

Customers agree that these boots live up to their claims about premium quality and supportive design. Kristin N. writes, These hiking boots exceeded my expectations! Incredibly comfortable with a high-quality feel, beautiful design and color, super sturdy build. The higher ankle design is a definite plus!

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Best Winter Hiking Boots for Warmth

Who Is It For?

For winter hikers and outdoor adventurers who need serious warmth and durability, the Baffin Zone Boots are the answer to your prayers. Whether you're trekking through snow-covered trails, snowshoeing in deep powder, or working outside in freezing temps, these boots offer the insulation and waterproofing you need to stay comfortable.

What We Love About It

We love how these boots are tested in the Arctic and Antarctic, proving their ability to handle harsh winter conditions. The Fixed-Fit multi-layer insulation keeps your feet warm, while the B-Tek Dry waterproof membrane ensures dryness in wet, snowy terrain. The Polar Rubber outsole provides excellent grip, and the snowshoe-compatible design makes them a versatile choice.

What Others Are Saying About It

Customers rave about the warmth, comfort, and snowshoe compatibility of these boots. Douglas G. writes, True to size. Easy to step into and remove as well. I don’t lace them to the top for everyday use, but they’re still very warm and look great. Great boot.

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Best Winter Trail Running Shoes

Who Is It For?

For trail runners who refuse to let winter slow them down, the Salomon Winter Cross Spike Trail Running Shoes are a no-brainer. While they may look minimalist, they’re anything but your streamlined, summer-loving, zero-drop shoes. No—these are built to handle icy, unpredictable conditions, delivering the grip and cushioning needed to confidently plow through snowy trails.

What We Love About It

We love how these shoes blend winter-ready protection with a dynamic running experience. The Energy Foam midsole provides a springy, cushioned ride, while the Winter Contagrip outsole (paired with carbide spikes) ensures maximum grip on slippery surfaces. Plus, a protective gaiter keeps debris out without sacrificing breathability.

What Others Are Saying About It

Winter runners are thrilled with the performance and reliability these shoes bring to the track. Colleen C. writes, The Solomon Winter Cross Spike Running Shoe is a true to size, comfortable, & breathable running shoe. The shoe is good on snow & ice pack trails.

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Best Lightweight Winter Trail Running Shoes

Who Is It For?

For winter trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts who crave a lightweight shoe that won’t weigh them down on frosty, uneven terrain. The Merrell Moab Speed GTX Hiking Shoes are engineered for rapid response, durable protection, and all-day comfort—even in winter’s embrace.

What We Love About It

We love how these shoes blend classic Merrell durability with a featherlight design perfect for fast-paced runs over snowy trails. With a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, recycled Vibram Ecostep outsole, and cushioned FloatPro Foam midsole, they deliver a responsive, secure ride while keeping your feet dry and nimble.

What Others Are Saying About It

Trail runners rave about their versatility and grip on both urban pavement and rugged winter trails. Eric L. says, Very versatile! Nice grippy sole, equally at home on concrete and chunky, rocky trails. Wore these in a rainstorm recently and my feet stayed perfectly dry.

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What to Look for in Winter Hiking Boots

When you’re hiking over uncertain terrain in the winter, there are several key factors to consider. Below, we explain each component so you can select the right hiking boots. 

Insulation

At a minimum, winter boots should be waterproof and insulated to keep your feet warm and comfortable. Knowing the amount of insulation can help you choose the right boots for your needs. 

For example, some boots have 200 grams of Primaloft insulation, a common type of synthetic insulation, while others simply have a GORE-TEX liner. Temperature ratings are another way to see how relatively warm winter boots are, though the warmth will be subjective to each person.

Traction

Your hiking boots should provide a good grip when you’re walking across packed or loose snow. Try to find boots with deep lugs such as Vibram Grip or some other compound on the outsole. 

You may also want to add a winter traction device to your insulated hiking boots such as the Kahtoola MICROspikes or Hillsound FreeSteps6 Crampon

Durability

How durable hiking boots are will come down to the build and materials. Nubuck or full-grain leather, for instance, is very durable and resists water and abrasion. Synthetics like nylon, polyester, and “synthetic leather” may be less expensive but can start to wear down sooner. 

Waterproof membranes and liners such as GORE-TEX also help hiking boots last longer and prevent moisture from entering the shoe.

Versatility

Though hiking boots for very cold weather aren’t shoes for everyday wear, some models are more versatile than others. For example, mid hiking shoes with modest insulation can also be used for commuting or a short winter walk.

A low bootie could be used for working from home and even city outings. Finding a hiking shoe that you can wear in different contexts helps you get more wear out of it. 

Tips to Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry

The right winter boots are essential, but pairing them with the right accessories will take your extremely-cold-weather comfort to the next level. So, here’s everything you need to keep your feet warm and dry for the best all-around winter wear performance:

Crampons

Slippery trails and icy terrain demand extra grip. Crampons attach to your boots, providing stability and reducing the risk of slipping on icy surfaces.

Gaiters

Snow and slush can sneak into your boots, soaking your socks and making your feet cold. Gaiters act as a protective barrier, sealing the gap between your boots and pants to keep moisture out.

Thermal Socks

Standard cotton socks won’t cut it in winter. Opt for wool or synthetic thermal socks that wick moisture away and provide insulation even when damp. Thick socks are best, but midweight socks are a minimum for proper insulation.

Foot Warmers

Disposable or rechargeable foot warmers slip into your boots, delivering extra heat on freezing days. They’re perfect for long treks in sub-zero temperatures when you need all the warmth you can get.

Insulated Insoles

Cold can seep in from the ground, chilling your feet from below. Insulated insoles add an extra thermal barrier, helping to trap heat and keep your feet comfortable throughout your hike.

FAQ

Q: Are hiking boots and snow boots the same?

A: Hiking boots and snow boots are not the same but have some similarities. Hiking boots tend to be lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable than snow boots. Snow boots can provide better traction in the snow and usually come up higher around the calf.

For more winter boot recommendations, check out our top picks for men and our favourites for women.

Q: How tall should winter hiking boots be?

A: It’s not set in stone. Winter hiking boots can be of varying boot height depending on your needs. For heavy snow, calf-height hiking boots are best, while mid boots are best for shorter hikes in milder weather.

Q: Can hiking shoes be used in the snow?

A: Hiking boots are safe to use in the snow as long as they are waterproof and insulated boots. If your hiking boots absorb water on regular hikes, using them in the snow could lead to a dangerous situation such as frostbite.

Final Tips, Winter Warrior  

Whether you want solid winter boots for doing cold-weather commutes or tackling snowy trails, any reason is perfect for investing in boots that keep your feet warm and dry. When selecting winter boots, pay attention to the traction, materials, insulation, and waterproofing to get the most out of your boots. 

A customer favourite for 20-plus years, our top pick for winter boots are the Renegade GTX Mid Boots which stand up to the cold while still being versatile and comfortable.