The Finest Winter Climbing Boots of 2023

How We Tested Winter Hiking Boots

Slogging up slushy alpine slopes, trekking over muddy, root-strewn trails, or simply trotting around town — the GearJunkie team doesn’t mess around when testing hiking boots. We rifled through our closets, talked with veteran backpackers, and scoped the retail shelves to lace up with the best winter hiking boots around. You can rest assured that each boot on this list has been put through some serious torture on real-world tests in the backcountry.

Staff authors Peter Reese and Mallory Paige — both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts — curated our initial roundup of 12 boots in February of 2021, and have been putting new models and brands to the test ever since to bring you the streamlined selection you see today. Each of the boots on this list have been vetted by these stone-cold pros, and put through the wringer in demanding winter environments — all proving to be worthy.

We tested these boots with a mind for comfort, weather protection, and durability. We also wanted to make sure to include a wide variety of shoes for the different adventures we find ourselves on, so there’s something for everyone. Finally, this is an organic, constantly evolving guide that we strive to update regularly with the top models on the market, so it stays fresh and relevant.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Hiking Boot

Where Are You Hiking?

Winter is a term that means wildly different things depending on your location. So, before seeking out the perfect boot, take a moment to think about your location. Is it wet, snowy, or mostly dry?

Do you regularly see temps in the single digits? Or do you enjoy a milder winter average? Answering these questions will help you weigh the importance of waterproofing and insulation.

Warmth

The importance of warm feet can’t be argued. This goes beyond avoiding frostbite or cold damage to your feet and toes. Improperly insulated feet can both ruin a winter hiking experience and change a life, dramatics aside.

Targeting the right level of insulation and weather protection for each hiker — given their location and types of trips — is part of picking the right boots. For some, an insulated boot is the antidote to cold weather. Others thrive with merino wool socks inside their synthetic or leather boots.

Winter boots don’t have to include insulation to be considered for winter travel. Many people like the freedom of being able to keep their feet warm with thick socks in waterproof boots, and put thinner socks on when the temps increase and they want more breathability. Others prefer thick, cozy insulation at all times when trudging around in frigid conditions — and may gravitate to models like the Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated.

Waterproof Boots

Waterproofing fights back against the incursion of water, being impervious to incoming moisture at any temperature. These models are particularly attuned to deep snow and temporary immersion in shallow standing or running water.

This puts water protection inside a more durable exterior layer of leather or fabric. As with resisting or repelling water, the boot’s tongue and lacing system are potential weak points in achieving a tight seal.

Caution is needed here, as allowing the foot to maintain a 60% humidity level in the middle of exertion is a balancing factor. Those who get hot, sweaty feet while walking benefit from the ability to release excess perspiration even during colder months, and even when there’s wet outside the boot itself.

Many, if not most, winter hiking boots identified as waterproof now have “breathable” as a critical caveat to accomplish this feat.

Insulation

Most winter hiking boots have some level of insulation. It’s measured in grams and generally ranges from 100 g up to 600 g. Most of the boots included here are in the 100-200g range. We find that offers the best warmth, without overheating during active hiking.

Comfort

Comfort, for the purposes of this guide, is defined as “supporting good blood circulation, moving easily across variable terrain, and allowing minor fit adjustment for sock and weather conditions.”

Being easy to put on and take off is also a plus. As with traction, the thickness and composition of the sole system have an effect on comfort. A thick and robust sole prevents sharp unerfoot rocks from poking into the ever-sensitive bottom of the foot.

From initial fit to general comfort at rest and in motion, a smart boot pick comes with box-to-backcountry confidence every time the trail calls and laces get tied. Sore feet are a bummer, but fortunately, they’re completely avoidable.

Traction

Winter boots have a lug pattern designed for snow and ice. In addition, the rubber compounds used are made to stay soft and grippy in frigid conditions. This is adequate for most casual winter outings. However, in extreme ice, we still reach for a traction device.

Durability

Winter boots are susceptible to wear-induced failure in at least three ways. First is in the closure or lacing system, where pulling to tighten the boot stresses the seams, including the tongue’s attachment.

Second is the cuff around the ankle, where simple wear can break down the collar or padding at the top of the upper. And third is the material on the toe, as coarse snow acts like sandpaper to abrade the leading section of the boot.

Often, as on a work boot, this toebox area is reinforced against scraping from the outside as well as repeated toe impact on the inside.

Winter Hiking Gear

Along with a good winter boot, these pieces of gear will make cold, snowy outings that much more enjoyable.

Socks

Good winter hiking socks regulate temperature and humidity inside the boot, add comfort by cushioning the foot, and can improve the boot’s fit to some degree. Most winter hiking simply requires a single, midweight sock.

Insoles

Insoles (often called footbeds) have loomed larger in the last five years, as some manufacturers put thin factory inserts into boots as placeholders. In the case of winter hiking, season-specific insoles add a modicum of insulation. Others also improve the mechanical support for the foot inside the boot. The cost of a merino or hybrid foam product ranges from $25 to $60 and lasts up to three years.

Traction Devices

These turn many boots into a multitool that can move competently across slippery surfaces, crusted snow, and glare ice. The options are many, and those with miniature cleats or crampons allow safer travel.

These devices are convenient to carry, use, and then repack. Plan to spend between $40 and $120. Strong choices include the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System and the Korkers Ice Walker, both at about $70.

Gaiters

They are seen most often in mountaineering photos or those of old-time backcountry skiing. While the low versions are most helpful for keeping debris out of hiking and trail running shoes, the taller models help prevent deeper snow and harsh rains from working their way into the boot’s cuff.

With gaiters, only a few worthwhile, waterproof-breathable options exist, most in the $100-120 range. Classic and hard to beat are Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters that add only a few ounces, defy abrasion, and come in all sizes.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles come with or without ski baskets that allow their use in snow accumulations over 5 inches. Most are collapsible to attach to a daypack and earn their keep on steeper slopes on slipperier surfaces, as well as when carrying a heavier payload.

Snowshoes

Like many of the other system components, snowshoes deserve serious consideration if deeper snow conditions are common or anticipated. Boots with stiffer soles are great candidates for use with binding-equipment snowshoes.

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