The 14 Best Winter Hiking Boots for Men and Women, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Amazon

In the past, once chilly temperatures and snowy days arrived, hikers packed up until spring came along. But now that hiking gear is warmer and more weatherproof than ever, they can enjoy the great outdoors year-round.

If you plan on immersing yourself in nature this winter, there are a few items that you should invest in prior to hitting the trails. In addition to an ultra-warm coat and a pair of sturdy hiking poles, you'll also need a top-notch pair of winter hiking boots on hand. The perfect pair will not only keep your feet warm and toasty, but they should also help protect them from the elements.

Nothing can ruin a hike faster than the wrong shoes, so if you're planning a route through an area that typically has a lot of snow on the ground this time of year, you should opt for a pair of hiking boots that are waterproof to stop the moisture from seeping into your shoe. Meanwhile, those walking through icy terrains should invest in a pair that offers ample traction.

To help you avoid frozen toes and painful blisters, we turned to customer reviews to see which hiking boots they say kept their feet warm, comfortable, and supported through a full day of hiking in snow and slush.

Whether you're looking for a pair of super warm women's hiking boots or an ultra-rugged men's style, these are the 14 pairs of winter hiking boots that shoppers say are the best of the best. Keep reading to shop them all.

These are the best winter hiking boots for women:

• Best-rated: Ugg Adirondack III Boot

• Best for Comfort: Sorel Out n About Plus Conquest

• Best for Warmth: Salomon Vaya Powder Boot

• Best for Traction: Merrell Thermo Kiruna Hiking Boots

• Most Stylish Option: Cole Haan GrandExplore Genuine Shearling Trim Waterproof Hiker Boot

• Best Affordable Option: Manfen Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots

• Best Weatherproof Option: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot

These are the best winter hiking boots for men:

• Best-rated: Xpeti Thermador Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots

• Best for Comfort: The North Face Tsumoru Boot

• Best for Warmth: Kamik Nationplus Boot

• Best for Traction: La Sportiva Makalu Boots

• Most Stylish Option: L.L.Bean Alpine Hiking Boots

• Best Affordable Option: Mishansha Ankle Winter Hiking Boots

• Best Weatherproof Option: Vasque Snowburban II Ultra Dry Snow Boot

Best Women's Winter Hiking Boots

Best-rated: Ugg Adirondack III Boot

Thousands of Amazon shoppers have given these Ugg boots a near-perfect rating thanks to their comfort level and durability. Along with a -32 degree Fahrenheit temperature rating, these popular hiking boots boast a rugged outsole and a cozy wool lining. Plus, they are fully waterproof, so your feet will stay warm and dry even while trekking through slushy conditions. "Temperatures were 30 below with the windchill, but my feet were toasty warm and comfortable," one shopper wrote. "I do a lot of hiking and walking up and down hills. These boots were so comfortable and are holding up so well I love them."

To buy: amazon.com, from $170

Best for Comfort: Sorel Out n About Plus Conquest

These Sorel hiking boots feature a super-soft microfleece lining and a plush EVA footbed for maximum comfort. The boot's rubber sole has a unique herringbone pattern that prevents you from sliding on slippery surfaces, and the seam-sealed construction keeps dampness out. While the shoes fit true to size, many shoppers recommend going up a half-size if you plan to wear them with thick winter socks. "Love these. So comfortable. I normally wear an 8 but went up to an 8 1/2 based on the recommendation, which I'm glad I did," one customer said. "Wore on a hike on a snow-covered path and they worked out great, as well as wearing them around running errands, and [they] are really comfortable."

To buy: zappos.com, $76 (originally $130)

Best for Warmth: Salomon Vaya Powder Boot

These Salomon hiking boots feature 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet warm in frigid temperatures. Not only do the boots have a foam-insulated lining for added warmth, but they also have a rugged outsole, rubber toe, and heel caps to protect your feet from the elements. Zappos shoppers love how lightweight and comfortable the boots are. "I've worn these boots in Grand Teton during winter and all my winter hikes in Colorado and never once did I feel any coldness or pain in my feet. These are my go-to boots now for winter hiking," wrote one.

To buy: zappos.com, $113 (originally $130)

Best for Traction: Merrell Thermo Kiruna Hiking Boots

The thick rubber lugs on these Merrell hiking boots will give you the grip you need to walk through slick trails without falling. Along with a super-soft fleece material lining, the boots feature a heat-reflecting insole that helps keep your feet super warm even in blizzard-like conditions. "Warm and great for gripping rocks," said one shopper. "These are fantastic boots for hiking in cold rocky conditions. Wore them all over Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder and they've kept my feet warm and dry the entire time."

To buy: amazon.com, from $79

Most Stylish Option: Cole Haan GrandExplore Genuine Shearling Trim Waterproof Hiker Boot

Zappos shoppers love these Cole Haan hiking boots because they are as fashionable as they are functional. In addition to a flexible rubber sole that provides excellent grip, the cute leather boots also have a plush EVA insole and a cozy wool-blend interior. Customers also rave about how comfortable and lightweight the warm lace-up booties are. One wrote, "I love, love, love these boots! They look great with everything and are very comfortable to wear. I especially like that they are not heavy."

To buy: zappos.com, $200

Best Affordable Option: Manfen Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots

If you're looking for a well-made pair of winter hiking boots that won't break the bank, hundreds of Amazon shoppers recommend this pair by Manfen. Made from a durable waterproof material, the top-rated boots also feature 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet warm in temperatures of up to -30 degrees Celsius. Even better, they provide ample ankle support and have a snowshoe strap ridge so you can wear them while snowshoeing too. "The fit of these boots are wonderful! Wore them for a week straight in Iceland," wrote one reviewer. "They have superior soles, great ankle support, and they look great. They are [also] waterproof! I didn't slip at all in mud and very little on ice. The shoe is quite rugged and high quality. I'd recommend these to any outdoor enthusiasts."

To buy: amazon.com, from $50

Best Weatherproof Option: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot

Not only are these Columbia hiking boots seam-sealed and fully waterproof, but many Amazon shoppers say they block out wind very well. The popular boots are made with extra cushioning for all-day comfort, and they have a breathable lining and tongue to help keep your feet dry. What's more, their soles are made with the brand's signature Omni-GRIP technology, so you know they provide excellent traction. "These boots kept my feet warm during fall and winter hikes (with snow)," wrote one shopper. "The toe box on the wide width is excellent. I have Morton's neuroma on both feet and had no pinching at all."

To buy: amazon.com, from $72

Best Men's Winter Hiking Boots

Best-Rated: Xpeti Thermador Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots

Over 1,000 Amazon shoppers have given these Xpeti hiking boots their seal of approval, and it's easy to see why. Made from a waterproof material, the shoes feature a rubber toe cap for added protection and 200 grams of insulation to keep your feet nice and warm. "I live in Vermont and go for a hike up a mountain every day. Since I am doing so much hiking on snow and ice I suddenly got the idea of buying actual winter hiking boots instead of the typical winter boots I have always had. What a huge improvement," said one reviewer. "These are perfect in every way, comfortable, easy to put on and take off, warm, and they have great traction on ice and hard packed bulletproof snow."

To buy: amazon.com, from $56

Best for Comfort: The North Face Tsumoru Boot

Hundreds of Zappos customers say these boots by The North Face are the most comfortable pair of hiking boots they've ever owned. The patented Winter Grip outsole provides ample traction on slippery surfaces, while the molded footbed and soft fleece lining make them comfortable and supportive enough for hours of wear at a time. Many shoppers say that the boots took minimal break-in time and were good to go after one use. "I used these boots for a trip to Iceland, I used every day to hike on ice and snow roads all around the golden circle and I just can say they were awesome," wrote one shopper. "I never felt uncomfortable using them. I really love them plus I could use them on a daily basis even in the city. I totally recommend this product."

To buy: zappos.com, $120

Best for Warmth: Kamik Nationplus Boot

These ultra-warm Kamik boots are temperature rated for -40 degrees Fahrenheit and waterproof, so you don't have to worry about your feet getting cold or wet while you hike in freezing temperatures. Customers love the boots' Thinsulate insulation system, as well as their durable rubber outsole that offers both support and traction. "I wanted to get a pair of winter hiking boots because I was going to be snowshoeing at a nearby ski resort," said one reviewer. "So this would be up and down hills as well as flat ground. They worked out well, I never felt as if my feet were cold and my feet did not hurt even after the 7+ miles we hiked."

To buy: amazon.com, from $70

Best for Traction: La Sportiva Makalu Boots

Avoid slipping and sliding over snowy trails with these La Sportiva hiking boots. They feature the brand's signature Mountaineering Performance Evolution soles that will help you grip all types of terrains easily. The winter-ready boots also boast a water-resistant lining and a cushioned insole for added comfort. "These are the best boots I have ever owned," raved one customer. "I had several pairs of leather boots before these and always got blisters and suffered general discomfort and soreness in my feet. I've hiked my Makalus in extreme weather and elevation and never, ever had a blister. Not even once. Amazing. I can hardly believe it myself. I love these boots and have had them for eight years now. Outstanding comfort, protection, support, and grip. They work great for snowshoeing and with a pair of gaiters are great for hiking through deep snow."

To buy: amazon.com, from $305

Most Stylish Option: L.L.Bean Alpine Hiking Boots

These L.L.Bean hiking boots have a more modern, sneaker-like design than other options on this list, so you can wear them both on and off the hiking trails. The sleek boots have a VertiGrip outsole for added traction and an EVA midsole for extra cushioning, and they are also incredibly lightweight, so they won't weigh you down as you hike. "This is an outstanding everyday boot in cold and snowy weather," said one shopper. "I wear these boots daily in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. Great in snow or wet surfaces. Warm and definitely comfortable for light hiking in snow with snow cleats. I was completely surprised at the comfort in simply walking around the house or outside in cold weather."

To buy: llbean.com, from $114

Best Affordable Option: Mishansha Ankle Winter Hiking Boots

Nearly 5,000 Amazon shoppers are fans of these Mishasha hiking boots thanks to their durability, warmth, and affordable price point. The lace-up boots feature a cushioned EVA midsole and a thick faux-fur lining that make them super comfortable, and a protective toe cap to keep your feet safe from the elements. "These shoes are perfect," raved one customer. "I go to Colorado every couple months and needed durable boots that can withstand the cold, stay dry from snow/water, and make my hikes a little easier. I have fully tested these out and can vouch 110 percent that these shoes are everything I needed and more. Comfortable, nice style, affordable, and they do perfect hiking in the fresh snowy mountains."

To buy: amazon.com, from $20

Best Weatherproof Option: Vasque Snowburban II Ultra Dry Snow Boot

These Vasque hiking boots will help you tackle slippery terrains and wet, snowy conditions with ease. The thick rubber sole features rugged lugs that offer excellent grip and traction, and the waterproof material will keep your feet dry, even while trekking through a foot of snow. Shoppers love that the adjustable lace-up closure provides a secure and stable fit and that the terry loop on the back of the boots make them easy to slip on and off. "Excellent boot," one reviewer wrote. "Comfortable, warm, sturdy, weatherproof. I've worn them in 10 degree weather and my feet stayed warm. I've worn them in snow, sleet and freezing rain and my feet stayed dry. Oh, and my wife says they look good."

To buy: amazon.com, from $112

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