Winter/Snow Boots vs Hiking Boots

The main difference between snow boots and hiking boots is the level of insulation and warmth. As the name indicates that snow boots are specifically made for usage in winter or snowy places whereas hiking boot is a general term that means a boot that is used for hiking, no matter in the summer or winter. Also, snow boots are dedicatedly efficient for non-slip outsoles whereas hiking boots are ideal for abrasive grounds. Additionally, unlike snow boots, hiking boots are available in different types for trekking.

Note: Hiking boots are suitable for use in snowy places. Different brands offer hiking boots that you can wear in snowy conditions and skip snow boots.

Comparison Table of Snow Boots vs Hiking Boots

Below I have compared some features of snow boots against hiking boots which you may find helpful in understanding their comparison.

Features	Snow Boots	Hiking Boots
Image
Weight	Heavyweight	Lightweight
Warmth and Insulation	Mostly well-insulated to keep feet warm and cozy	Not much warm and cozy
Comfort and Interior	Soft and plush	May feel a bit stiff
Waterproofing	Best waterproofing to keep feet dry	Some models are not waterproof
Durability	I may feel a bit stiff	Work best up to 300 to 600 miles
Breathability	Not breathable	Breathable and ventilated
Price	Check Latest Prices	Check Latest Prices

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Hiking Boots Pros and Cons

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Snow Boots Pros and Cons

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Details of Comparison of Hiking Boots vs Winter Boots

Let’s find a bit more about snow boots and hiking boots to find the difference more clearly:

1. Warmth and Insulation

Both snow boots and hiking boots are compared for obvious reasons.

Although hiking boots are best for keeping feet in a cozy approach, snow boots are best.

Hiking boots keep the feet somewhat roomy, whereas snow boots have insulation that provides warmth and coziness to the feet.

Hiking boots may or may not be insulated. On the other hand, snow boots are always insulated to keep the feet ready for snowy conditions.

For example, I bought this KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot for myself, and it was reliable for comfort and grip, but it didn’t work well for snow hiking. On the other hand, this Columbia Men’s Liftop II Snow Boot, Insulated, High-Traction Grip has the best warm interior for feet that is reliable for snow and worst cold weather with zero feet freezing.

2. Weight and Interior

Although the interior of each hiking boot feels different to everybody, the moss of the hiking boot may feel stiff at first.

On the flip side, snow boots have multiple layers of padding that feel softer and bouncy for feet.

Due to the material choice, most snow boots are heavier than hiking boots.

Snow boots are heavy for miles of hiking, whereas hiking boots are also available in a lightweight design with a mid- or low-ankle cut design.

For instance, this Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot weighs 1.2 pounds; on the contrary, this Columbia Women’s Heavenly Shorty Omni-Heat Snow Boot weighs 2.12 pounds, which is fairly heavy.  

Also, the Columbia boot has a warm and soft faux fur collar that adds to its warmly insulated interior. So you can clearly see the differences.

Overall, hiking boots are minimal, while snow boots are bulky due to extra padding.

3. Traction and Grip

Regarding traction, hiking boots, and snow boots are both trustworthy. So what’s the difference?

In comparison, snow boots are more efficient for hiking on glassy smooth, slippery snow terrain, whereas hiking boots provide traction on abrasive and rough terrain.

For instance, this Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot, BREATHABLE, High-Traction Grip has the best traction for abrasive grounds thanks to its rubber outsole. In contrast, this Columbia Men’s Liftop II Snow Boot, Insulated, High-Traction Grip has dedicated traction on slippery snowing pathways.

4. Waterproofing and Breathability

Hiking boots are best for keeping feet ventilated and dry than snow boots. They are the best boots for winter/snow.

Conversely, snow boots are bright for warmth, so they keep off water to keep feet dry as much as possible. 

For instance, I picked this KEEN Men’s Targhee Vent Mid Height Breathable Hiking Boot, and it kept my feet well-ventilated for summer hiking, whereas this KEEN Men’s Revel 4 Mid Height Snow Boot was best for waterproofing and dry feet.

Note that hiking boots are available for breathability, whereas snow boots are reliable for ventilation, except for Converse performance.

It means you may find a hiking boot that is best for keeping feet dry from rainwater and sweat; however, mostly snow boots are not breathable!

5. Durability and Performance

The durability of hiking boots is commendable. Hiking boots work durably well for 300 to 600 miles, whereas snow boots are durable for many years to come.

However, it also depends on how often you hike and if you’re an avid hiker or a beginner.

It would be difficult to compare the durability of both boots as snow boots have insulation while hiking boots have added protection from injury and a toe box that is arguably sold.

However, snow boots may not perform well for hiking on mud, whereas hiking boots still manage to work on snowy grounds. So, you have to be careful when you should wear snow boots and when you should wear hiking boots.

For example, this Ariat Men’s Terrain Leather Outdoor Hiking Boots is best for abrasive grounds and uneven terrain, whereas this Merrell men’s Thermo Chill Mid Shell Wp Snow Boot, Boulder, 9.5 US boot is a great performer for snow only and may not perform well for hiking on sharp and abrasive cliffs. You cannot wear snow boots for a long walk due to the uncomfortable and heavy approach.

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Comparing Hiking and Snow Boots Reviews in Video Below

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