The Best Men's Winter Hiking Boots To Wear In Cold Weather (2024)

Heading into the winter season, we know we’ll see the backcountry less populated than it was just a few months ago. And while it’s tempting to just stay indoors when the weather gets frigid, the benefits and experience of exploring nature are invaluable regardless of what time of year it is.

We’re always surprised to discover the number of people who are unfamiliar with the winter hiking space. However, in order to continue trekking in the tundra, it helps to understand the gear necessary to make the excursions more comfortable and enjoyable. To help you better grasp where to look when prepping for your winter adventures, we’ve compiled this guide to the best winter hiking boots available. And if you’re already a seasoned veteran for all seasons, our feature might help you narrow down your options this year.

What To Look for in Winter Hiking Boots

Aside from the comfort and durability desired in any standard hiking boot, there are a few other optimal traits to look for when buying a reliable pair of winter hiking boots.

Traction: Similar to standard hiking boots, you’ll want some hefty lugs. And to ensure that you stay upright in snowy or wet terrain, your lugs should be on the larger side. Likewise, keep your eye out for outsole construction from the likes of Vibram or another sturdy rubber compound impervious to the likes of wet or sloshy terrain.

Insulation: The trait that makes or breaks winter hiking boots is how warm they’ll keep your feet. Despite the burn you might feel during the most intense treks, that cold winter air can and will get through to your lower digits if you don’t plan ahead. It’s not uncommon for insulation to come from brands’ proprietary tech but can tap other types such as 3M’s Thinsulate or other typically-synthetic materials.

Waterproof: Like insulation, a waterproof membrane will help keep your foot warm and dry during the rainy days. This will even help you out in the snow since that snow will eventually melt when you get indoors and any residual powder left on your shoes will soak through to your socks. GORE-TEX is a popular material in boots — winter or otherwise — for a reason due to its ability to be both waterproof and breathable

Xero Alpine

Best Zero-Drop Hikers: For those who like the barefoot feel out on the trail, check out Xero’s Alpine boot, with a wide toe box for spreading your lower digits, a low sole, a lack of toe spring for a natural gait, and a 0mm drop for flat-footed footslogs — yet not without adequate support and traction. Weighing just 15oz each and equipped with a seam-sealed inner bootie for warmth and comfort, the Alpine also sports a fully-waterproof polyester upper that looks like a puffer jacket and has 200g of insulation.

Insulation: 200g synthetic fibers
Outsole: 5.5mm FeelTrue
Weight: 1.88lbs

Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots

Best Budget-Friendly Hikers: Merrell’s Thermo Chill Mid isn’t quite as ubiquitous in the backcountry as its flagship Moab model, but that’s just because these waterproof boots are meant strictly for cold weather. Featuring waterproof polyurethane-coated leather uppers with mesh inlays, the boots will keep your feet warm and dry without overheating them thanks to the 200g M Select WARM insulation, which lessens the bulk while maintaining performance. Like your typical Merrells, they’re built for the trail with molded nylon arch shanks, EVA midsoles, and 5mm lugs.

Insulation: 200g synthetic fibers
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 2.25lbs

Salomon Quest Winter Thinsulate ClimaSalomon

Best for Backpacking: If you want a pair of lightweight winter hikers that are warm all around, look no further than Salomon’s new Quest Winter boots, boasting a faux fur lining, a ClimaSalomon waterproof membrane, and 400g of insulation without the extra bulk thanks to Thinsulate for warm and dry feet. This winterized take on the brand’s standard Quest boots weighs just over 1.33lbs and also sports an ADV-C chassis for ultimate flexibility on the trail and an EVA foam midsole for support. Connected to the waterproof, PU-coated leather uppers, the gusseted tongue further prevents debris and slush from getting inside.

Insulation: 400g 3M Thinsulate synthetic fibers
Outsole: Winter Contagrip rubber
Weight: 1.33lbs

Oboz Bridger 8” Insulated Boots

Best for Winter Camping: A go-to slogger for the snowy months, these Bridger 8” boots from Oboz benefit from the brand’s B-DRY waterproof breathable membrane, BFit Thermalsport, a wool-topped insole that provides extra warmth underneath your feet, and 200g of 3M Thinsulate insulation. As a hiking boot, the Bridgers give you excellent support thanks to the chunky Granite Peak outsole with directional lugs for any incline, dual-density EVA midsoles, and torsional stability and support from the nylon shank and thermoplastic urethane.

Insulation: 200g 3M Thinsulate synthetic fibers
Outsole: Granite Peak
Weight: 3lbs

KEEN Revel IV High Polar Boots

Best Overall: Slosh through the snow or slice through the icy air with one of the most popular winter hiking boots around. Featuring a thermal heat shield built into the insole and KEEN.WARM recycled PET insulation between the seams, Keen’s Revel IV High Polar Boots have been rated for extremely cold temperatures as low as -40°F. You’ll feel totally shielded with these hikers, which provide protection up to your lower calf and keep your feet dry with waterproof uppers and a breathable KEEN.DRY membrane. If you’re worried about the stench caused by foot sweat, there’s no need to fear — the footbed is infused with safe probiotic anti-odor technology.

Insulation: KEEN.WARM recycled PET fibers
Outsole: KEEN.Polar Traction
Weight: 1.58lbs

Danner Arctic 600

Most Versatile: Danner’s go-to winter hiking boots are a no-brainer for the cold weather for their comfort and incredible performance. Tapping into the heritage brand’s expertise that’s become proven by its 90-year lineage, the Arctic 600 is a perennial classic for a reason. Constructed with a healthy dose of Vibram, with the comfy SPE midsoles and traction-built Nisqually Arctic Grip and Arctic Grip AT outsoles, the adventure boots feature stylish suede uppers reinforced by Danner Dry waterproof protection and 200g of PrimaLoft insulation underneath.

Insulation: 200G Primaloft
Outsole: Vibram Nisqually Arctic Grip
Weight: 2.8lbs

Lowa Renegade Warm GTX Mid

Best Upgade: For nearly 100 years, Bavarian icon LOWA has had innovation on the brain. In that time, mountaineers across the globe have made many a winter trek wearing a pair of LOWA boots, including Jim Whittaker, the first American to ever reach the top of Mt. Everest, back in the ‘60s. Keeping you protected with GORE-TEX Panda fleece insulation and a climate control insole for warmer days, the brand’s new Renegade Warm GTX Mid hiking boots also feature nubuck leather uppers, a Bavarian-inspired loden cuff trim, and Vibram Evo Icetrek outsoles that are safe for indoor floors.

Insulation: GORE-TEX Panda fleece
Outsole: Vibram EVO ICETREK
Weight: 2.54lbs

La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX

Best for Mountaineering: Although outdoor footwear giant La Sportiva hails from Italy, the brand’s ridiculously hefty winter hiking boots channel, and are named after, the icy environment of Nepal. While catering more towards mountaineering, these boots are arguably the most cold-weather-ready hikers available, given a GORE-TEX membrane and Vibram outsoles with Impact Brake System. However, the magic here may be the abrasion-resistant uppers themselves, made from Idro-Perwanger rough-out leather that’s been imbued with 3.2mm of silicone for extreme temperature control and given Vibram rands underneath.

Insulation: GORE-TEX Insulated Comfort Footwear
Outsole: Vibram with Impact Brake System
Weight: 4.5lbs