13 Winter Hiking Boots to Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry
The winter hike is defined by serenity, solitude, and pristine nature. While trails are likely fuller this winter than in past years—this trend continues from the beginning of the pandemic when homebound travelers started spending as much time outside as was bearable—they’re still not likely to be as crowded as they are in other seasons, ensuring a peaceful foray into the outdoors. Plus, forests, mountains, and wooded areas are often left untouched this time of year, offering unspoiled surroundings, clean, sharp air, and, if you're lucky, fresh, powdery snow for you to revel in.
Of course, a winter hike can easily become unpleasant if you’re unprepared. But as long as you’re dressed properly, you’ll be able to enjoy nature’s splendor even during the coldest months. At the top of that list: insulated winter hiking boots with nonslip soles, which are key to staying warm and dry—and to avoid sliding on the ice. While it’s true that a good pair of lined hiking boots can be a bit of a splurge, these practical boots are made to last years, making them a worthy investment for outdoorsy travelers. Below, 13 of our top winter hiking boots to pull on this season.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Scarpa Rush Polar GTX hiking boots
Sizes: Men’s Euro 36–48; women’s Euro 36–42
Weight: Men’s 23.9 oz.; women’s 19.7 oz.
Notable features: Superior shock absorption and stabilizing technologySerious winter hikers should look no further than these supremely functional snow hiking boots from Scarpa, a family-owned company that has been making high-performance footwear in the foothills of Italy’s Dolomite Mountains since 1938. Key features include a Perwanger suede outer backed by Gore-Tex and insulated with Primaloft Gold Eco, an exclusive PRESA outsole with Interactive Kinetic System Technology to absorb impact, and H-compound rubber that provides a secure grip at low temperatures. The extended ankle collar height and Dynamic Stabilizer Torsion frame support your arch and wrap your heel on both sides for excellent stability and torsion control so you can feel safe and confident on any icy incline.
Rossignol 1907 Chamonix black boots
Sizes: Men’s 7.5–12.5
Notable features: Stylish, alpine-inspired lookFor men more concerned with looks than rugged function, these chic leather boots are as at home at an outdoor restaurant as they are on the trail. Honoring Rossignol’s French Alpine legacy, which began back in 1907, the supple black leather is accented with a stylish herringbone textile. But this boot is still practical: It’s insulated with Wintherm technology, waterproofed with an Outdry membrane, and sports a rubber sole that provides solid footing in any condition. Bonus: There’s a side zipper so you don’t have to undo and redo the laces every time you go out.
Merrell Antora 3 Thermo mid zip waterproof boots
Sizes: Women’s 5–11
Weight: 12 oz.
Notable features: Sustainable designThese boots are perfect for shorter hikes when you want your feet to stay warm and dry without overheating. The insulation is 100 grams of Primaloft Gold Eco Series synthetic insulation and a waterproof membrane seals out water. A zipper allows for easy on-off while the laces, breathable lining, and mesh footbed cover are all made from 100 percent recycled materials—plus the compound midsole has 15 percent recycled flecks (and boasts durable shock absorption). At the very bottom is a Vibram Icetrek sole that holds tight to icy or snowy surfaces.
Overland Ariel wool-lined leather hiker boots
Sizes: Women’s Euro 36–42
Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
Notable features: Genuine rabbit fur trim and wool liningFounded in 1973 in Taos, New Mexico, as Overland Sheepskin Co., Overland initially peddled sheepskin coats, hats, and gloves, before expanding to other products and materials. These fashionably designed boots are made in northern Italy and feature dyed cow leather, cozy rabbit fur trim, and soft virgin wool lining, ensuring feet are heated and snug. Available in bright red or black, these boots make a statement on easy and moderate hikes.
Arc’teryx Norvan Nivalis GTX shoes
Sizes: Men’s 4–14; women’s 5–15
Weight: 12 oz.
Notable features: Water-repellant gaiterThis gender-neutral shoe from popular outdoor gear brand Arc’Teryx is ideal for alpine hiking and running in wet, cold, wintery conditions. The Norvan Nivalis has an exceptional grip made from Vibram Megagrip rubber compound with a formidable lug pattern, yet remains lightweight. Your feet will stay dry thanks to its upper, which is lined with a Gore-Tex bootie, and the highly breathable water-repellent zip-front gaiter that extends to the ankle for added protection. If you are using it for trail running, know that the toe box is sized to accommodate splay and the heel absorbs shock wonderfully.
Danner Inquire mid insulated boots
Sizes: Women’s 5–11
Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
Notable features: Grippy Vibram lug solePortland, Oregon–based Danner boots has been a leader in the US-made hiking boot category since 1932. Founded by Charles Danner, whose sons John and Bill now run the company, Danner continues to turn out excellent hikers for all types of trails and conditions. This women's lightweight suede boot boasts a furry trim, waterproof lining, and 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation. The Vibram lugged sole provides a strong grasp in snowy or icy conditions, while the boot’s interior is soft and comfy, ready to tackle trails straight from the box. We especially love the orange accents, adding a little brightness on a blustery day. These are the boots you’ll want to grab when you set out on a three-hour-plus winter trek through the woods or mountains.
Manitobah Pacific hikers
Sizes: Women’s 5–11
Weight: 2 lbs.
Notable features: Indigenous artist-designed outsoleSheepskin lovers will obsess over these pillowy soft and warm suede boots that are lined with pure sheepskin and wool, and boast a sheepskin footbed, providing 100 grams of insulation. The outersole is designed by Haida artist John Brent Bennett who was inspired by water ripples—a gorgeous waterproof full-grain leather and stitching detail adds extra flair. Canadian brand Manitobah, which is Indigenous-owned and works exclusively with Indigenous designers, became a certified B Corporation in 2023.
Vasque Talus WT NTX hiking boots
Sizes: Men’s 7–14; women’s 6–11
Weight: Men’s 2 lbs. 7 oz.; women’s 2 lbs.
Notable features: 200 grams of NatureTherm recycled insulationVasque has been in business since 1964 when its founder observed the popularity of hiking on a trip to Europe. He returned to Minnesota and began creating outdoor footwear for Americans with a focus on comfort and durability. These sleek boots are built to keep out icy temps and are a cold-weather version of one of the brand’s most popular hiking boots. This version adds a whopping 200 grams of NatureTherm recycled insulation, a Nature-Tex 50 percent recycled waterproof membrane, weather-resistant coated leather, and the Vasque ColdHold compound for an anti-slip grip. Wear the Talus WT NTX when you want your feet to stay warm, dry, and comfortable all day long—whether on a trail or not.
Merrell Nova 3 Thermo Moc shoes
Sizes: Men’s 7–15
Weight: 10.6 oz.
Notable features: Slip-on with a Vibram IceTrek soleLooking for a shoe you can wear all winter for warmth as well as the occasional beginner-level hike? The Nova 3 Thermo Moc works as a sneaker and hiker, as well as a casual slip-on to throw on for a quick grocery run. It sports a waterproof membrane and is insulated with 100 grams of Primaloft Gold Eco Series synthetic insulation, and even though it’s a slip-on, the external rear sling locks in your heel. It also features various recycled materials throughout and an outsole made from Vibram Icetrek to keep you secure on any slippery surface.
Fracap x Aether Apparel W Dolomite boots
Sizes: Women’s Euro 36–41
Notable features: Shearling lined and Italian calf leather outerAether Apparel teamed up with Fracap, an 113-year-old Italian leather shoemaker, to create this stylish winter hiking boot lined with sheepskin. Based in Puglia and known for classic alpine boots, Fracap uses 100 percent vegetable-tanned leather, sturdy metal eyelets, and a thick Vibram sole ideal for gripping snow and ice. This shoe—the second collaboration between the two brands—features a plush shearling lining for added warmth, is available in black, cream, camel, and gray, and comes with two sets of different colored laces. Because these are genuine calf leather, they might be a little stiff out of the box, so we recommend breaking them in around town before hitting the trails.
Blundstone thermal lace-up boots
Sizes: Women’s 6—9.5
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.
Notable features: Genuine shearling and Thinsulate liningFor more than 150 years, Blundstone has been making quality rugged footwear in the Tasmanian outback, so it's no surprise these lace-ups can handle icy mountains and jagged rocks. Waterproof, shearling-lined with genuine New Zealand sheepskin, and insulated with Thinsulate, they sport the same tough outsole found on every pair of Blundstones that secures a solid step. Taller than their classic Chelsea boots, these can be laced up all the way or folded over to expose more of the shearling lining, offering two styles in one. And for those who find their feet sweating, the sheepskin footbed is removable.
Danner Arctic 600 side-zip boots
Sizes: Men’s 7–14
Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz.
Notable features: Side zipper and extra-tallIf you hate lacing and unlacing boots every time you suit up for a trek, these Danners have a hidden side zipper allowing for easy on-and-off—and they’re as comfortable and supportive as they are stylish. The Vibram Nisqually Arctic Grip sole ensures non-slippage on any landscape, while a rubberized EVA midsole gives comfort and support that won’t wear down. Plus, your feet will stay toasty no matter what, thanks to PrimaLoft insulation and a 100-percent-waterproof barrier. We especially love that these are seven inches tall, ensuring ankles and shins stay dry even through slushy terrain.
White Mountain Tamasha lace-up hiker’s bootie
Sizes: Women’s 6–11
Notable features: AffordabilityA good pair of hiking boots can set you back about $200 or more, but if you’re after something stylish and toasty for the occasional outdoor foray, these well-priced White Mountain booties should do the trick. They come in four fashionable shades and feature a cute faux fur trim and cozy fabric lining, while the outside is made water-resistant with 3M Scotchguard.
