Winter hiking boots are an essential gear choice for cold-weather adventures. From waterproof fabrics to insulated linings, they’re built specifically to provide unmatched protection and warmth whether you enjoy hitting the trails or simply wish to keep your feet cozy around town. Highlighting features such as insulation, traction, waterproofing and more, we evaluate the best winter hiking boots for the 2024 season below, ensuring you find the perfect pair to elevate every chilly outdoor experience.
The best winter hiking boots combine waterproofing, insulation, grip and comfort to keep your feet ... [+] content. Outdoor Lace-Up Hiking Boots
Below, you’ll find five of our team’s favorite winter hiking boots, including our pick for the best overall winter hiking boots—the comfortable and capable Merrell Thermo Chill. Plus, we’ve highlighted our favorite insulated boot, the Oboz Bridger Insulated, our favorite waterproof boot, the Vasque Talus, and more. And if you find yourself looking for boots down the line, remember to revisit this article for additional picks and insights as we test and evaluate models throughout the winter season.
Style: Men, Women | Weight (pair): 2.25 pounds | Cuff Height: Mid-height | Insulated: Yes | Waterproof: Yes
Featuring an above-average shaft height at 6 inches, a robust leather upper with a waterproof lining and 200 grams of lightweight insulation, the Thermo Chill excels in maintaining comfort during winter hikes, even in temperatures ranging from the mid teens to low 30s (Fahrenheit). The spacious toe box accommodates thicker hiking socks, and despite its substantial insulation, the boot remains relatively light and agile, making it suitable for extended winter hikes, walks and even snowshoeing adventures.
With that said, the Thermo Chill also comes with certain trade-offs to keep in mind. The six-inch cuff height, for example, is above average among hiking boots, but it may be too low when hiking in extreme snow or cold scenarios unless you’re willing towear gaiters. And while the 200-gram insulation keeps your feet warm while you’re hiking, it’s not enough to provide warmth through prolonged periods of inactivity. At the end of the day, the Merrell Thermo Chill isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid all-around choice if you’re looking for a versatile, capable winter boot that’s waterproof and insulated.
Style: Men, Women | Weight (pair): 2.56 pounds | Cuff Height: 7 Inches | Insulated: Yes | Waterproof: Yes
I’ve been wearing the Oboz Bridger Insulated boots for nearly two years, and I can’t imagine a better pair for staying warm. They’ve kept my feet toasty and dry on hundreds of miles of winter hikes in Wyoming, Wisconsin and upstate New York—places known for some of the coldest temperatures and most snowfall in the country.
Durability and cold protection come courtesy of waterproof nubuck leather uppers and 200 grams of insulation, respectively. Winterized rubber soles are infused with silica to enhance grip, while molded rubber toe caps offer additional durability and protection. And not only are they fully waterproof and insulated, but I find the 7-inch height (8 inches in the men’s boot) to be perfect, as it’s high enough to keep out most snow, but not so high that the boots feel constricting or inflexible about the ankle. I also usually wear my doctor-prescribed orthotic insoles in most of my boots and shoes, but the provided thermal wool-topped insoles are so comfortable and supportive on their own that I’ve never needed to use my orthotics.
Style: Men, Women | Weight (pair): 1.88 pounds | Cuff Height: High | Insulated: No | Waterproof: Water-resistant
Altra is well-known for making ultra-comfortable hiking boots and hiking shoes that are extremely light, flexible and wide. Unlike some so-called “wide-width” footwear that’s wider through the mid-foot and slim through the toe box, Altra builds its shoes with a wide and roomy toe box to promote toe splay, which can also help with balance. Their Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 boot is the latest take on a winter boot that comes with moderate insulation and water resistance.
These boots may not cut it for below-zero scrambles up icy mountains or muddy 15-mile hikes through a downpour, but they’re perfect for light hiking in moderate winter conditions. Two years ago, I wore the previous iteration of this boot for about a hundred miles through snowy spring trails in Grand Teton National Park and Glacier National Park, where snow doesn’t melt well until summer. The boots were more water-resistant than waterproof, but they were the lightest hiking boots I’ve ever worn, so much so that it felt like I was wearing shoes. The latest ALL-WTHR Mid 2 boots are pretty much the same as the first-gen relatives, offering a supremely light and comfortable hiking experience (with an extra-wide toe box) that’s perfect for mild winter hiking.
Style: Men, Women | Weight (pair): 2 pounds | Cuff Height: Mid-height | Insulated: Yes | Waterproof: Yes
Built for cold, wet and snowy trails, the Vasque Talus WT NTX is a versatile hiking boot that’s tough enough for the trails but attractive enough for everyday wear. The blended-material midsole, which Vasque refers to as “ColdHold,” is a lightweight, durable compound that provides extra grip for slippery and sketchy conditions, be it icy trails or soon-to-be-shoveled driveways. A polyester mesh lining helps wick away moisture, which proves useful if snow seeps into your boots or if you happened to overdress and you’re sweating through your socks. Thanks to the small metal hook at the bottom of the laces, you can easily toss on gaiters to keep snow and rocks out of your boots without the hook tearing up your shoelaces.
What makes this boot stand out among the crowded winter hiking boot field (aside from the sleek design) is the fact that they’re made with sustainable materials. Warmth comes from 200 grams of Nature-Therm recycled insulation, which is topped off with a Nature-Tex 50% recycled waterproof membrane and weather-resistant PU-coated leather.
Style: Unisex | Weight (pair): 1.33 pounds | Cuff Height: Mid-height | Insulated: Yes | Waterproof: Yes
A rugged companion designed to conquer the challenges of winter hiking, Salomon’s winterized Quest boot provides comprehensive weather protection without compromising flexibility or adding unnecessary weight. 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation not only keeps your feet warm but also resists water, ensuring a comfortable and dry experience without the excess bulk.
Under the hood, the Salomon Quest features an innovative ADV-C chassis to optimize stability without impeding mobility. Winter-ready Contagrip outsoles rely on a specialized compound that maintains grip even in freezing temperatures, and the inclusion of gaiter rings speaks to the boot's readiness for deep snow.
With all that said, we have reason to believe the Salomon Quest Winter boot is on the verge of being discontinued, hinting at a potential improvement in design come 2024. But if you’re seeking a blend of performance and durability in a winter boot, it’s a great option to consider, with exciting prospects for an even more refined version in the near future.
With a keen understanding of the factors and features essential for winter footwear—including waterproofing, insulation, grip and durability—our selection process left no boot unexplored. By prioritizing features most important for winter treks, we subjected each boot to comprehensive real-world testing in the field to ensure that their performance not only met but exceeded any and all claims made by the top brands in the industry. From impervious waterproofing to insulation capabilities, these boots were scrutinized to guarantee they could withstand the unpredictable challenges of winter weather.
Yes, you can wear hiking boots in winter, and they’re often a great choice for cold and snowy conditions. Look for boots with insulation, waterproofing and a solid grip to handle slippery surfaces. Ensure the boots you have in mind provide adequate warmth and consider using gaiters in deep snow to keep your feet dry if need be.
A hiking boot membrane is a waterproof and breathable layer integrated into the boot's construction. Common membrane materials include Gore-Tex or eVent. The membrane acts as a barrier against external moisture, such as rain or snow, while allowing internal moisture (sweat) to escape, thus keeping your feet dry and comfortable. This enhances the boot's overall weather resistance, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions while ensuring a more enjoyable and comfortable hiking experience.
I'm a reporter covering the intersection of sports, business and technology. My byline has appeared at CNBC.com, The Hockey News and Narratively. I started this journey covering a handful of New Jersey Devils stranded in Albany during the 2012 NHL Lockout, with stops on the beats of the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. I graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism where I specialized in Sports Media.
I'm a reporter covering the intersection of sports, business and technology. My byline has appeared at CNBC.com, The Hockey News and Narratively. I started this journey covering a handful of New Jersey Devils stranded in Albany during the 2012 NHL Lockout, with stops on the beats of the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. I graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism where I specialized in Sports Media.
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