Can I be totally honest with you? Hiking in snow is more challenging than in summer. And if you don’t have the best hiking boots for snow, there is no way you get scot-free. Many people think regular boots can manage in snow, that’s where they get fooled!
The dedicated pair of snow footwear guarantees waterproofing, a warm and comfy interior, and traction that helps you take firm steps. Moreover, the protective ankle support and the rugged design are something that helps feet in the sheer relaxing position throughout the day.
Unfortunately, online buying or shopping physically can be a time-taking task where you have to skim multiple pages to get the desired results. So, here I’m listing down the most ideal choices for hiking in snow that would be less likely to underperform.
Comparison of Top Picks – Best Boots for Hiking in Snow
MY PICK
Timberland Leather Mt. Maddsen
EXPERT’S PICK
Merrell Women’s Moab 2
BEST OVERALL
KEEN Women’s TARGHEE II MID
Snow Hiking Boots Reviews – For Both Men and Women
1. Timberland Leather Mt. Maddsen – Best Men’s Snow Hiking Boots
The first hiking boot for snow on my list is this one.
Timberland snow boots are exceptional, in my view. They provide comfort, warmth, and plenty of traction from the rubber outsole in heavy snow.
This is a full-grain leather hiking boot.
The full-grain leather, along with the carefully manufactured shaft that is about 5’’ from the arc, fits well and feels comfy.
These are great books, especially for snug-fitting and trendy styles. Its heel measures about 1.5’’, and that makes it perfect for snowy grounds.
The imported material and the high-quality water-proofing leather upper complement this boot.
What makes this Timberland not ideal is the fully gusseted tongue that readily keeps off the debris out of the boot, new and neat.
Moreover, its anti-fatigue comfort technology is there. So, I didn’t find my feet soaring at the end of the day. It’s perfect for the everyday all-day long wearing time.
Plus, the best thing is this hiking boot get softens quickly in no time.
If you want, you can also remove the anti-fatigue footbed that keeps things hygienic and more ergonomic.
Also, the TimberDry eco-conscious waterproof membrane is best for keeping feet dry in any weather and there is no issue of sweat build-up.
- Waterproof upper keeps feet dry in any weather
- Comes with removable anti-fatigue footbed
- Premium quality recycle Rubber Lug Sole
- ReBOTL fabric lining
- Resilient Compression-molded EVA foam midsole comfort system
- Nothing to mention
2. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 – Best Women’s Snow Hiking Boots
So, this one is a women’s boot by Merrell Moab. Merrel Moab boots are made for quality. Apart from this boot, second on my list, Merrel has also released some other boots like Merrell Moab 2 mid-waterproof and Merrel gore-tex.
It’s a perfect hiking boot for snow or in a more relaxed environment, so I picked it for my wife as she was in need of a comfy and warm boot. Here is what she appreciated.
First of all, its 100% leather upper with rubber outsole makes it comfortable for sensitive skin, plus the imported material ensures quality.
The waterproof upper instantly creates a barrier in water seeping down on the feet. Its shaft is 4.25’’ from the arch and that helps in quicker and griping footstep.
What she found extraordinary in this snow hiking boot is the protective tow cap. That makes a huge difference in keeping feet safe against abrasion, impact, or any other sudden jerk. This boot is carefully designed, and the breathable mesh lining further implies that.
There is no snow-sweaty feet situation in this boot. There are ten trendy colors available in his book, and all of them are prey to the sight.
In short, Merrell Women’s Moab is a totally worthy snow boot with its comfortable design. This boot is perfect for a 4 1/2 mile hike up with steep trails and sharp cuts.
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole
- Stable and firm footstep
- Durable material with breathable mesh liners
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole
- Great arch support
- Nothing to mention
3. NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Boots – Best Hiking Boots for Ice and Snow
NORTIV 8 Men’s hiking boot for snow is the top choice for professional hikers. So, based on the experts’ advice, I’m reviewing this snow hiking boot. This boot, with its all-black color and powerful design, feels like an instant eye-catching option.
Moreover, the rubber-made outsole and 13’’ inches boot opening keep things sturdier and under control. Wearing and taking off these boots is super quick.
Also, the removable insole maximizes the hygienic approach. You can wash the liners whenever you feel the need to.
With that, the injection molded upper greatly simplifies usability and durability. This snow hiking boot is fluffy, so you can easily run, jump, or walk miles without any discomfort or swollen feet.
What makes this mid-calf boot a wiser option for me in skiing is its velvet liner which is best for dropping down the temperature and in snow.
Also, the availability of 200g of high-quality cotton feels good on snow with soft feet and helps in warm feet even when the temperature ranges below -25F.
This abbot is best for professional hikers for spot skiing, mountaineering, cycling, hiking, and more.
If you are a fast runner, NORTIV 8 has got you covered with a stable outsole, slip, and abrasion-resistant quality.
It provides you extra grip and works well on rough to smooth terrain equally well.
- Shock-absorption midsole
- Features removable insoles
- Velvet lining for protection and anti-abrasion
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Not good in heavy rainfall
4. KEEN Women’s TARGHEE II MID – Best Winter Snow Hiking Boots
KEEN is a popular brand for hiking boots and this Targhee boot worked well for my wife. Its comfortable fitting and adaptive interior instantly took up the foot shape and ran true to the size. Recently I along with my wife, went snow hiking and purposely wore this boot. So here I’m presenting you with honest feedback:
Like any other snow boot, it also has waterproof liners, but this boot definitely has the quality.
Moreover, its all-terrain rubber outsole with 4mm lugs makes it a perfect choice for mud, dirt, gooey grounds, and even steep rocks.
Since my wife has sensitive skin, she wanted a boot that never causes abrasion or rashes.
KEEN women’s boots fall right, for that matter, as it has plush cushioning with a lightweight overall build. That gives a speedy walk and makes things practical. If you have plantar fasciitis, this boot will never heart your vulnerable feet joints
It’s tough to design with maximized traction, 4mm multi-directional lugs, and the contoured heel lock system provides the most controlled grip on sharp snow paths.
Moreover, the external stability shank is there.
KEEN women’s boots have lace-up closure, so they have the ideal approach to finding a comfortable fitting approach and trying out different lacing combos. This boot works fine with no blister or soaring feet for nearly 30 miles, which is worth noticing.
My wife found this boot remarkably lighter on her feet, so it helped her walk faster without any hassle.
Also, the responsive footbed with supportive arch support helps in each step during hiking in the snow. Overall, this boot is worth paying for.
Overall this boot is perfect for snow and cold environments and one of the best for keen women hiking boots.
- Rubber outsole provides high traction grip
- Lace-up closure for adaptive fitting
- Its fairly affordable
- Supportive for feet with External Support Shank
- Removable metatomical footbed
- May give blister if worn without socks
- The insoles may feel stiff a first
5. Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III – Best Boots for Snowshoeing/Crampons
If you’re already a fan of Columbia Boot Company, this one would not disappoint you. Columbia Men’s boots are known for their powerful traction against multiple grounds.
However, this boot is extraordinary when it comes to hiking in the snow.
So, I will review it based on the customer’s assessment.
The best thing about these boots is it’s easy-adjust with outdoor gear like snowshoes or crampons, because of their rubber sole and base, it does not hurt you once you stick them in the snowshoes.
This boot looks stylish and covers your mid-calf area to keep warmth around.
Secondly, it has imported material with 100% leather which means durability and natural fitting would not be a matter of concern.
The latest Omni-tech technology with air-permeable protection with waterproof and breathable factors makes it a perfect boot for hiking. You never feel sweat-built or externally moist on your feet at all.
The dry and warm feet with a comforting grip allow you to walk faster and easily. The 200 grams of insulation with the best cushioning and robust material to withstand snow/water is appreciable. The injection molded shell and leather element work best in highly chilled temperatures.
Its super lightweight midsole with enhanced resilience makes sure you hike and climb in a comfortable grip. Since Columbia boots are available in multiple colors, you can choose your selection.
Not only for hiking, but you can also wear this boot on the snowy pavement as the grip on slippery grounds is always there. On extremely hard terrain, you can quickly and comfortably walk up to 50 miles, marking its durability seamlessly.
- Stylish and plush for feet
- Midsole cushioning
- Waterproof and breathable material
- Maximized traction on hard and slippery grounds
- Deep lug with supreme traction
- It has hooks, no eyelets
6. NORTIV 8 Men’s – Best Waterproof Snow Hiking Boots
Unlike the above-mentioned boots, this one is unique in its style and comes with a high-quality Thermoplastic Elastomers sole. The NORTIV 8 men’s boot is super durable in snow and water, making it ideal for winter hiking.
For me, this boot has been the best purchase so far.
Its premium quality material never causes blisters or abrasion on feet, plus the genuine fabric upper with wind and water resistance is a lifesaver in snow.
I also found this boot quick to wear with an easy pull-on design. For keeping your feet warm, this boot has three remarkable systems.
For instance, the Warm cushion faux fur insole added comfort, and the supportive fit is there. Then you have the premium 200g high-quality insulation that keeps feet dry even if the outer temperature is -25F.
And lastly, its insulated warm comfy lining highlights the safety during hiking or climbing.
Its adjustable strap is a fantastic factor that significantly helped me when my feet got swollen during hiking. I quickly adjusted the strap to find a more comfortable fitting.
- Softer lining with adjustable strap
- Superefficient functionality
- Waterproof material
- It feels bulky
- It does not feel fashionable
7. NORTIV 8 Men’s Warm Outdoor Boots for Cold Weather
Only the best hiking boot for snow would give you blister-free comfort even if you walk miles.
NORTIV 8 is a great men’s boot that feels super comfy and warm when you are in the snow. Its rubber outsole locks in the grip, making it perfect footwear in a slippery environment.
I found this boot well-made and well-designed which complements the style as well. The 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate warming system efficiently keeps feet dry and warm.
I especially found its zip-up closure excellent for quick boot slip-on, and it’s soother. Through its grasping outsole, the slip-resistant design further backs up when you hike on snowy mountains.
- Warm faux fox lining for enhanced warmth
- Extra gripping outsole
- Resilient EVA insole
- Zip-up closure for instant wearing
- Water-resistant suede material & shell
- It does not feel fashionable
- The fabric around the zipper needs to improve quality
8. Columbia Women’s Minx Shorty Iii Snow Boot
Recently, I went to Alaska for snow hiking with my better half. So based on her experience, here is what she had a soft spot for.
Its super soft fur around the ankle feels supportive when skiing.
Its rubber outsole is non-marking with the traction rubber, but what makes things extraordinary is the ankle-high arch. It provided more strength during climbing or rush movement.
The mid-calf design makes it better if you want to wear it apart from socks.
Additionally, its cozy faux-fur-lined trim provides extra comfort during long walks in the snow. They are perfect and wear more like sneakers which feel great for style.
Also, the Omni-TECH waterproof and breathable technology is fantastic and can amplify the purpose of a snow hiking boot.
Since my wife likes to spend more time in deep snow, that boot never causes dampness or mist on the feet, which is an excellent parameter for keeping the feet completely dry.
Columbia Women’s Minx Shorty snow boots have many more colors available that further give the choice of selecting the right way.
So, if you are wondering about style and chic design, you have your way to it. The textile upper and the high-tech insulation lining have left no stone unturned to lock warmth during dropped-down temperatures.
Also, the removable contoured PU footbed further is there to add hygienic comfort. The best thing about this snow boot is that it feels super comfy around the bare skin with no rash or abrasion. The faux fur collar and tongue lining are all about foot comfort. Walking miles without any interruption is not a big deal with Columbia Minx!
- Omni-HEAT thermal reflective lining for deep snow
- Removable contoured PU footbed
- Waterproof and breathable uppers
- Cozy and comfortable with faux fur
- No cushioned insole
- It feels little bit tighter at first
9. KEEN Women’s Greta Boot WP Snow
This women’s boot is super plush around the ankle and feels softer on the skin every time you wear it.
Unlike many bots, this KEEN women’s boot has PFC-free construction that only makes a sure non-toxic approach. It’s best if you have allergic or sensitive skin.
According to expert snow hikers, this women’s boot is the best for the minor budget, plus the rugged and tough outsole always provides the feet with enough padding during hiking.
Its waterproof leather, textile uppers, and compression molded EVA midsole for resilience are unique even if it rains.
Overall, KEEN women’s Greta boot fits with the Lace-up w/ speed hooks and fuller grip in support.
- High-quality rubber outsole for deep traction
- Removable, dual-density EVA
- Waterproof and breathable uppers
- PFC-free construction
- No zip-up closure
- They’re narrow at the toe box
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Boot for Hiking In Snow
When you are shopping online for a snow boot, there are so many things that you may want in it. For instance, you will look for styles, colors, prices, brands, etc. however, how a snow hiking boot should perform matters the most. So here I’m presenting the key feature of the best hiking boot for snow must-have. Let’s take a look one by one.
1. Waterproof and Breathability
The cushion in the insole and the EVA footbed help a lot when you want responsive footsteps on rocks or snowy cliffs. It’s important to note that EVA midsoles are significant when you want to keep joint stiffness during extreme temperatures.
2. EVA Midsoles
The cushion in the insole and the EVA footbed help a lot when you want responsive footsteps on rocks or snowy cliffs. It’s important to note that EVA midsoles play a major role when you want to keep joint stiffness during extreme temperatures.
3. Ankle Support and Warm Liners
The boot must offer you proper ankle support and padding around the calf for hiking in snow. The mid-calf boot will be a good choice if you want to hike all day long. Moreover, warm and plush liners such as faux fur insoles are the perfect choices for keeping feet warm, comfy, and comfortable through hiking.
4. Slip Resistant or Traction
Another neglected thing during snow hiking boot buying is the gripping outsole. Therefore, during boot shopping, carefully pay heed to which boot has a rubber outsole with a rugged pattern for fuller firm traction on slippery grounds.
The book must work fine regarding shock absorption and impact as hiking involves lots of jumps, climbing, or violet feet movement. The boot sole with traction during walking is the best.
5. Insulation
A boot with Insulation keeps your feet dry and warm in the deep snow. Experts recommend hiking boots with insulation from 200g to 400g. It seamlessly makes the shield between the coldness/dampness and the feet.
So, the boot must have higher insulation in snow hiking or skiing to keep the blood flow regulated naturally. Insulation boots are available from 600 grams to 1,000. However, you can pick 200g insulation in the boot for regular hiking.
6. Fitting Closure, Lace, or Zip-up
It depends on whether you want a zip-up closure or hook and lace closure in the inner boot. However, it’s essential to pay heed to the manufacturing quality. Zip-up closure will give you an instant slip-on approach, whereas the lacing system will help in adaptive fitting in case your feet are swollen.
So, choose the boot that you want as per your preference. The fitting will majorly help in snowy areas as you have worn thick socks, impacting your original foot size.