The Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2025

We examined one of the best winter climbing boots out there to maintain you snug and crushing all of it season lengthy. To make sure we lined all variables, we examined these boots within the snowy Colorado mountains, the perpetually moist Pacific Northwest, and the snow and granite-streaked Sierra Nevada. The GearJunkie squad has collectively examined hundreds of shoes on our varied forays into the chilly wild to whittle the choice all the way down to the deserving fashions you see immediately.

For winter 2024/25, we introduced in contributing writers Andrew Potter and Ryan Kempfer, who put up to date fashions by means of the day-to-day paces across the east aspect of the Sierra, Yosemite’s excessive nation, and the Teton Vary. We in contrast specs and efficiency in frigid head-to-head stress testing, figuring out which boots earned the crown and which left us with frozen toes. Whether or not you’re looking for the heat and efficiency of our total favourite, the KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar, or the wonderful worth and high quality of our finances choose, the Columbia Bugaboot III, we now have you lined.

Editor’s Be aware: We refreshed this text on February 14, 2025, by including our new favourite finances choose, the Columbia Bugaboot III to our line-up.

The Finest Winter Mountaineering Boots of 2025

Different Winter Mountaineering Boots We Advocate

Winter Mountaineering Boots Comparability Chart

How We Examined the Finest Winter Mountaineering Boots

Our Professional Testers

Slogging up slushy alpine slopes, trekking over muddy, root-strewn trails, or just trotting round city — the GearJunkie staff doesn’t fiddle when testing climbing boots. We rifled by means of our closets, talked with veteran backpackers, and scoped the retail cabinets to lace up with one of the best winter climbing boots round. You may relaxation assured that every boot on this listing has been rigorously examined on real-world treks within the backcountry.

Employees authors Peter Reese and Mallory Paige — each seasoned outside fanatics — curated our preliminary roundup of 12 boots in February of 2021, and we now have been placing new fashions and types to the take a look at ever since to carry you the streamlined choice you see immediately.

Over the past couple of years, Andrew Potter, Ryan Kempfer and Matthew Medendorp joined the testing staff to assist put new fashions by means of their paces. The boots on this listing have been vetted by these stone-cold execs and put by means of the wringer in demanding winter environments — all proving to be worthy.

Our Testing Grounds

Along with day by day put on and tear hikes and common utilization, in 2024, we despatched gear tester Andrew Potter to the winter playground of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., and the Yosemite excessive nation, the place he put our new candidates to the take a look at. He toted crash pads for miles on an alpine bouldering journey and examined the lighter, sooner choices on long-distance alpine goals. For added subject testing,

Our earlier contributor, Matt Medendorp, examined the boots in deep snow alpine circumstances, groomed trails, and the windy excessive deserts of Bishop, typically packing a number of boots on one hike and altering footwear mid-trail to higher get a really feel for every boot’s strengths and weaknesses. Ryan Kempfer and editor Chris Kassar examined many of those boots within the Teton excessive nation over the course of some winters.

Our Testing Course of

We examined these boots in deep snow alpine circumstances and on groomed trails whereas climbing, snowshoeing, and typically post-holing. Generally, we introduced a number of boots on one hike and adjusted footwear mid-trail to higher get a really feel for every boot’s strengths and weaknesses. And, as a result of each foot is completely different and each hiker has a distinct objective, we solicited suggestions from our wide selection of contributors, editors, and pals of the publication to verify we had one thing for everybody. However as a lot as we love our family and friends, we didn’t simply belief their phrase: we examined these boots with a thoughts for consolation, climate safety, and sturdiness. We even stood in freezing water with every pair to make sure the waterproofness held as much as our requirements of submersion. And, we wished to verify to incorporate all kinds of footwear for the completely different adventures we discover ourselves on, so there’s one thing for everybody.

Lastly, that is an natural, always evolving information that we try to replace repeatedly with the highest fashions in the marketplace so it stays contemporary and related. For those who’re searching for all-season climbing boots, take a look at our guides to one of the best climbing boots for girls and for males. And, for those who’re searching for extra informal winter boots, take a look at our guides to one of the best winter boots for males and finest winter boots for girls. And don’t neglect to take a look at our information to one of the best winter jackets earlier than heading outdoors this winter.

Purchaser’s Information: The way to Select the Finest Winter Mountaineering Boot

The place Are You Mountaineering?

Winter means wildly various things relying in your location. So, earlier than looking for out the proper boot, take a second to consider your location. Is it moist, snowy, or largely dry?

Do you repeatedly see temps within the single digits? Or do you get pleasure from a milder winter common? Answering these questions will assist you weigh the significance of waterproofing and insulation.

Heat

The significance of heat toes can’t be argued. This goes past avoiding frostbite or chilly harm to your toes and toes. Improperly insulated toes can each spoil a winter climbing expertise and alter a life, dramatics apart.

Concentrating on the correct degree of insulation and climate safety for every hiker — given their location and forms of journeys — is a part of selecting the correct boots. For some, an insulated boot is the antidote to chilly climate. Others thrive with Merino wool socks inside their artificial or leather-based boots.

Winter boots don’t have to incorporate insulation to be thought of for winter journey. Many individuals like the liberty of with the ability to maintain their toes heat with thick socks in waterproof boots, and put thinner socks on when the temps enhance they usually need extra breathability. For these, our unsolicited however nonetheless waterproof picks, just like the Salomon Cross Hike GTX, make a superb choose.

Others desire thick, cozy insulation always when trudging round in frigid circumstances — and will gravitate to fashions just like the Columbia Bugaboot III. In case your toes run chilly otherwise you hike lengthy distances at excessive altitudes, the KEEN Revel IV is an superior possibility that’s rated to -25 levels F.

Waterproof Boots

Waterproofing fights again towards the incursion of water, being impervious to incoming moisture at any temperature. These fashions, just like the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 are significantly attuned to deep snow and momentary immersion in shallow standing or working water.

This places water safety inside a extra sturdy exterior layer of leather-based or material. As with resisting or repelling water, the boot’s tongue and lacing system are potential weak factors in reaching a decent seal.

Warning is required right here, as permitting the foot to take care of a 60% humidity degree in the course of exertion is a balancing issue. Those that get sizzling, sweaty toes whereas strolling profit from the flexibility to launch extra perspiration even throughout colder months, and even when there’s moist outdoors the boot itself.

Many, if not most, winter climbing boots recognized as waterproof now have “breathable” as a crucial caveat to perform this feat, incorporating GORE-TEX or GORE-TEX-esque tech to stop water from coming into the boot however permitting vapor to flee.

Insulation

Most winter climbing boots have some degree of insulation. It’s measured in grams and customarily ranges from 100 g as much as 600 g. Many of the boots included right here, like our total prime choose, the KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar are within the 100-200g vary. We discover that gives one of the best heat, with out overheating throughout lively climbing. On the intense finish of that spectrum, but remarkably breathable, The North Face Fastpack Vectiv sports activities 200g Heatseeker Eco insulation.

Consolation

Consolation, for the needs of this information, is outlined as “supporting good blood circulation, shifting simply throughout variable terrain, and permitting minor match adjustment for sock and climate circumstances.”

Being simple to placed on and take off can be a plus. As with traction, the thickness and composition of the only real system impact consolation. A thick and strong sole like we see within the Columbia Bugaboot III prevents sharp underfoot rocks from poking into the ever-sensitive backside of the foot.

From preliminary match to common consolation at relaxation and in movement, a wise boot choose comes with box-to-backcountry confidence each time the path calls and laces get tied. Sore toes are a bummer, however happily, they’re fully avoidable. When you have vast toes, trending minimalist just like the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 isn’t a nasty concept. The Xero Alpine Boots provide vast toe bins and flat soles for a extra pure really feel.

Traction

Winter boots just like the Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex have a lug sample designed for snow and ice. As well as, the rubber compounds used are made to remain delicate and grippy in frigid circumstances. That is enough for a lot of winter outings, even ones the place ice, mud, snow and dust are prevalent. Nevertheless, in excessive ice, we nonetheless attain for a traction machine like these featured in our Finest Winter Traction Gadgets information.

Sturdiness

Winter boots are vulnerable to wear-induced failure in not less than 3 ways. First is within the closure or lacing system, the place pulling to tighten the boot stresses the seams, together with the tongue’s attachment.

Second is the cuff across the ankle, the place easy put on can break down the collar or padding on the prime of the higher. Third, the fabric on the toe; coarse snow can act like sandpaper to abrade the main part of the boot. Usually, as on a piece boot, this toebox space is bolstered towards scraping from the surface in addition to repeated toe influence on the within.

Understand that the supplies have an effect on the sturdiness. The leather-based of a boot like Vasque’s St. Elias GTX could require extra care upfront, however in the end, it should last more than the artificial and textile choices. However for those who don’t handle it, it might deteriorate sooner.

Sturdiness can typically come all the way down to common upkeep, and, above all, at all times drying your gear earlier than storing. Particularly essential with snow and dust which might be winter climbing mainstays.

Winter Mountaineering Gear

Together with a superb winter boot, these items of drugs will make chilly, snowy outings that rather more gratifying.

Socks

Good winter climbing socks regulate temperature and humidity contained in the boot, add consolation by cushioning the foot, and might enhance the boot’s match to some extent. Most winter climbing merely requires a single, midweight sock.

Insoles

Insoles (typically referred to as footbeds) have loomed bigger within the final 5 years, as some producers put skinny manufacturing unit inserts into boots as placeholders. Within the case of winter climbing, season-specific insoles add a modicum of insulation. Others additionally enhance the mechanical assist for the foot contained in the boot. The price of a merino or hybrid foam product ranges from $25 to $60 and lasts as much as 3 years.

Traction Gadgets

These flip many boots into multitools that may competently transfer throughout slippery surfaces, crusted snow, and glare ice. There are lots of choices, and people with miniature cleats or crampons permit safer journey. Try our information to one of the best winter traction units for a full dialogue and listing of our favorites.

These units are handy to hold, use, after which repack. Plan to spend between $40 and $120. Sturdy selections embody the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System and the Korkers Ice Walker, each at about $70.

Gaiters

They’re seen most frequently in mountaineering photographs or these of old-time backcountry snowboarding. Whereas the low variations are most useful for maintaining particles out of climbing and path trainers, the taller fashions assist forestall deeper snow and harsh rains from working their approach into the boot’s cuff.

With gaiters, only some worthwhile, waterproof-breathable choices exist, most within the $100-120 vary. Traditional and laborious to beat are Out of doors Analysis Crocodile Gaiters that add only some ounces, defy abrasion, and are available all sizes.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles include or with out ski baskets that permit their use in snow accumulations over 5 inches. Most are collapsible to connect to a daypack and earn their carry on steeper slopes on slipperier surfaces, in addition to when carrying a heavier payload.

Snowshoes

Like most of the different system parts, snowshoes deserve severe consideration if deeper snow circumstances are frequent or anticipated. Boots with stiffer soles are nice candidates to be used with binding-equipment snowshoes.

Worth & Worth

Boots constructed for climbing in chilly, snowy, icy circumstances inevitably price greater than another, extra informal forms of footwear.  Nevertheless, on this class, worth doesn’t at all times imply hotter or extra waterproof, so be sure you select one of the best winter climbing boots to your wants as an alternative of simply by worth.

Finances

Stable finances winter climbing boots maintain a minimal price ticket of $100-170. For those who go for a light-weight design with reasonable insulation and water resistance, you’ll be able to seize a pair just like the modern and practical Xero Alpine Boot ($160). Nevertheless, these aren’t as supportive as others. Or, it’s also possible to snag our finances choose, the Columbia Bugaboot III ($120), which is insulated and waterproof however is a bit heavier and bulkier than a few of our a few of our pricier picks.

Mid-Tier

Leaping up into the $180-210 worth vary brings increased total high quality and normally a bump in weatherproofing. Our prime total choose, the  KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar ($180), is extraordinarily heat, waterproof, and hard — it’s constructed to resist extremes and presents unparalleled traction. The Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated ($210), our prime choose for girls, has an unbelievable quantity of heat and traction, as nicely. As talked about, the next worth doesn’t mechanically imply hotter. The Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid GORE-TEX ($190) presents nice traction and luxury however isn’t insulated in any respect, so be sure you select rigorously for what you want.   

Premium

The priciest winter climbing boots price greater than $230. Usually, these boots have extra technical options and higher heat, traction, and waterproofing. Nevertheless, as we talked about earlier, this isn’t at all times the case. The versatile Lowa Renegade Evo GTX ($265) has many options, however consider it or not, it’s not insulated!

The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 ($260) is totally waterproof and insulated, tremendous supportive, and has nifty options like zippers that may be operated with gloves.  Each of those choices are sturdy and can final many seasons.

Often Requested Questions