Best Winter Hiking Boots for Cosy Toes in 2021

Winter is coming (for Game of Thrones fans and avoiders alike…)! Yes, dear Cool of the Wilders, the nights are getting shorter and the mercury on the thermometers is dropping digits like autumn leaves. While the bears, badgers and good-weather hikers are all preparing for their annual hibernation, however, there are those of us awaiting the coming of the snow and chilly weather like kids before Christmas!

One problem…feet! We all have them. We all want to keep them. And we all want to keep them as cosy, comfortable and equipped for a challenge as possible when we head out on our winter wanders. But how? And with what?

Wearing warm socks is a start. But proper hiking adventures during the winter call for nothing but the best winter hiking boots.

• FAQs when choosing the best winter hiking boots
• What to look for in winter hiking boots
• Non-Technical winter hiking boots
• Technical winter hiking boots

Read on for our guide on how to choose a winter hiking boot followed by our selection of the best winter hiking boots of 2021!

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FAQs when choosing the best winter hiking boots

What to look for in winter hiking boots

Type and use

Technical

Technical boots are those designed to cater to the demands of more extreme winter adventures. While they are most suitable for mountaineering and hiking on steeper ground, there’s no reason you couldn’t use these boots for less extreme activities like winter forest walks or other lower level adventures other than the stiffer sole (which can cause sore feet on very flat, hard surfaces) and the price…! All of the technical boots in our selection below boast crampon compatibility, aggressive tread patterns on the soles for grip and an articulated, stiff toe for kicking steps in snow or for more delicate moves on rock.

Non-technical

These boots are designed for gentler activities but maximum warmth. They don’t pack the same performance-wise as technical boots but often have an extra and very generous allowance of insulation, have greater flexibility, and are generally much lighter. Ideal for gentler hikes, forest walks or anything else on less challenging terrain.

Insulation

If you’re going to be trudging through icy or snow-covered ground for hours on end, some form of added insulation is vital. Insulation types vary, with the most common and effective using synthetic materials which breathe and dry more easily than wool or fleece-type materials. Different boots also offer different weight or volumes of insulation, usually measuring between 100g and 500g. If your toes tend to get a bit chilly, the higher the better.

Crampon compatibility

All of the technical boots in our review offer crampon compatibility, but for many this will be overkill. If you’re unlikely to be on steep and/or technical terrain, a non-technical boot will most probably do the job and in any case can be used with non-automatic, strap-on crampons if you do happen to hit any tricky and sharply-angled slopes. For those likely to be walking on icy, steep ground or hard snow, a boot with fully automatic or semi-automatic crampon compatibility is preferable.

Comfort

As with any hiking boot, the comfort levels provided by your winter boots is a key consideration. With many winter boots, the extremely stiff sole can become nigh on crippling after a while if your feet are not used to them and your hike is on any kind of paved or flat surface without snow cover. The easy solution to decision making in this respect centers on whether or not you anticipate heading above the snow line and onto steeper ground or not. If so, a stiffer technical boot becomes an option. If not, the more flexible (and cheaper!) non-technical boots in our selection will most probably do the job!

The best winter hiking boots for 2021

Got all that? Great! Now, let’s get down to our summary of the best winter hiking boots that your feet need to stay toastie this winter!

Non-Technical winter hiking boots

Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots

If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of boots to see you through hikes in late autumn, early spring, or mild winters, then the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots are one of our favourites. They’re made from sustainably sourced leather and fitted with an ergonomic EVA midsole, a removable contoured insole, and moulded arch support.

At 2 lbs 4 oz a pair, they’re also one of the lighter winter hiking boots on our list. However, this lightweight and comfortable boot does compromise on warmth a little. The boots feature just 200g of low-bulk insulation. They perform best in shallow snow or mildly cold conditions but don’t provide enough insulation or waterproofing for extreme cold or hiking in deep snow.

Find the latest price at:
REI

KEEN Revel IV High Polar Hiking Boots

Made from sustainably sourced leather and insulated with recycled PET fibres, the Keen Revel IV High Polar hiking boots are an environmentally-friendly choice of winter footwear. The boots are waterproof, breathable, and fitted with insulated insoles that trap heat. They boast a comfort temperature rating of -40ºF making them suitable for hiking in deep snow. 5mm multi-directional rubber lugs provide plenty of grip in the snow whilst a wide toe cap and high side supports help to protect your feet from rocks and trail debris. For comfortable all-day walking in the chilliest conditions, the Revel IV High Polar boots are also fitted with an EVA midsole and heel support.

Find the latest price at:
REI

Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip Hiking Boots

If you’re looking for a low-profile winter hiking boot with a women-specific fit, the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip Hiking Boots are our top choice. They’re best suited to easy to moderate hikes in light snow and chilly weather. But, they’re also stylish and comfortable enough for daily wear in wintertime. They’re made with high-quality suede uppers that are built to last. The boots contain 200g of Primaloft insulation and the outer is treated with a waterproof top layer. Plus, each pair comes with a 365-day warranty and the company, based in Oregon, offers a repairs service for when the boots start to wear out.

When it comes to comfort, these boots are designed to be comfortable straight out of the box. They feature a cushioned EVA midsole as well as a removable Ortholite footbed and reinforced heels. There’s even a side zip, making them super quick and easy to put on and take off when nipping out the house.

Find the latest price at:
REI

Vasque Snowburban II Insulated Boots

Boasting 400g of Thinsulate insulation, UltraDry lining, and ColdHold soles for super-grippyness, the Snowburban II is a toasty, functional, super-comfy boot ideal for hikes where things aren’t getting overly technical and/or steep. Although weighing in at a slightly ponderous 3lb 6oz per pair, the UltraDry lining and insulation (largely responsible for the increased poundage) not only keep the cold and damp out, but wick away any sweatiness while you’re on the move.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI

Salomon X Ultra Winter CS WP 2 Performance Boot

While lacking the insulation and overall warmth of competitors such as the Keen Summit County and Vasque Snowburban, Salomon claim the X Ultra Winter 2 is suitable for hikes down to 21ºF (-6ºC). Compared to its other non-technical brethren, moreover, this very agile, comfy boot is a lot lighter, grippier and performs better on long day hikes. This is down to excellent breathability and comfort-boosting sole construction. It’s leather upper is also fully waterproof and backed up bt a ClimaSalomon waterproof membrane.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry

KEEN Summit County III Winter Boot

Though not quite as grippy or light as some of its competitors, the Summit County III regains brownie points for its all-day comfort, quality waterproof leather materials and 400g of toe-toasting insulation. While this may be a little too flexible in the sole for steeper hikes, the Summit County is ideal for any other type of non-technical wander and just might be the best insulated boot out there for those who prefer leather to synthetic fabrics! A lighter alternative to the Vasque Snowburban while offering similar insulation at a slightly cheaper price.

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Keen | Amazon | REI

Scarpa SL Active Hiking Boot

Updated in 2020, these classic hiking boots have been roaming the hills and mountains of the UK and Europe since 1983. This latest version is as popular as ever with winter hikers taking on technical hikes and scrambles in cold and moderately snowy conditions. They owe their waterproofness and general robustness to the extra thick 2.8mm Sherpa leather uppers. Plus, they are incredibly comfortable, for a relatively stiff leather boot, thanks to the plush collar and ankle padding. Though they provide good warmth in conditions a little below 0ºC, they can’t compete with many of the insulated options on this list in this department. A great option for 3-4 season hikers in moderate conditions.

For more information read our full review of the Scarpa SL Active Hiking Boots.

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Amazon | Scarpa

La Sportiva Karakorum

For the ideal ‘bridge’ boot between technical mountaineering boots and insulated winter hiking boots, look no further than the all-time classic and highly versatile La Sportiva Karakorum. These incredibly rugged boots are as much at home on a gentle forest walk as they are in the high mountains and offer B2 crampon compatibility to boot. They aren’t quite as well insulated as the top end (400g) insulated and non-technical boots in our review but offer a very robust alternative with much greater dexterity and all round performance.

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La Sportiva | Amazon | Backcountry

Columbia Mens Bugaboot Plus III Omni-Heat

The Bugaboot Plus III is an extremely comfortable, well-made boot that combines all of the best features available in its competitors at a lower cost. While it only has 200g of insulation, the Bugaboot III is warm enough when temperatures are around 30ºF (-1ºC), is very comfortable, and offers the feel of a standard hiking boot with increased grip and weather-proofing.

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Amazon | REI

Merrell Moab Polar Waterproof Winter Boot

Offering 400g of insulation and weighing only 2lbs 12oz, the Moab Polar is a toasty hiking boot that comes in lighter than most non-technical competitors while offering the same insulation. While not as high around the ankle as other boots in our review, the Moab Polar boasts fantastic grippiness, a very rugged construction and is a lot cheaper than most rivals for the title of best insulated winter hiking boot!

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Amazon | Backcountry

Oboz Bridger 8″ Insulated BDry Hiking Boot

Waterproof, very breathable and made with very tough, rugged leather, theBridger 8″ is a boot you can rely on when the weather takes a turn for the inclement. With an 8-inch collar height, comfy EVA midsoles, 200g of Thinsulate insulation and winterized rubber soles, the Bridger is both comfortable and built to deal with deep snow and rugged trails. It might not be as warm as competitors such as the Keen Summit County III or Vasque Snowburban, but it’s a fraction lighter, just as comfy and the slightly shorter (7” collar) version might just be the best women’s winter hiking boot for those of you not veering onto the super steep or technical stuff!

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Amazon | REI | Backcountry

Technical winter hiking boots

La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX Boot

The all-time favourite of mountaineers just about everywhere, La Sportiva’s Nepal EVO is a beast of a boot that combines technicality with comfort. It’s not the cheapest boot out there, granted, but you get a lot of ‘damn, that’s good’ for your dollar! The construction and overall quality is second to none, and a pair of Nepal Evo’s will last you a lifetime if cared for properly. They boast a waterproof breathable Gore-Tex membrane, insulated lining, and a durable leather upper to keep your feet toasty wherever you might be headed (short of an 8000er!). A true contender for the title of both best men’s winter hiking boot and best women’s winter hiking boot!

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Amazon | REI | Backcountry | La Sportiva

Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX Mountaineering Boots

For a relatively lightweight technical, insulated boot that’s just as happy in the hills as it is on the snow-clad peaks, look no further than the Mount Blanc Pro GTX. It features a Gore-Tex Insulated lining for added warmth, comfort and weather-proofing, great breathability, step-in crampon compatibility and bomb-proof ruggedness. Again, this is a fairly pricey option but for the extra spend you get a very durable, well-made, versatile boot in return. Compared to the Nepal EVO, it’s a little lighter but just a fraction short in terms of insulation.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI

From snow-bashing bruisers to toasty thwarters of foot-freeze, the above list offers a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you’re heading on high to scale a snowy peak or just trudging through the white stuff on lower-level hikes, we’re sure there’s something in there that will keep your feet comfy and cosy until Spring!

Happy hiking everyone!

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