Hiking in winter is a feast for the eyes. However, walking in the cold and snow requires proper gear. Choosing the right pair of walking boots is therefore essential to keep your feet warm and dry. Today, there are many models designed specifically for cold and wet conditions. If you're wondering which boots to choose for winter hikes to avoid freezing feet, this article is for you. We'll take a look at the most suitable models, highlighting the key criteria to consider.
Which hiking boots should you choose to stay warm and dry?
In spring, summer, and even autumn when the weather is still mild, your usual pair of hiking boots will do just fine. But walking in winter means dealing with cold, snow, frozen puddles, and muddy trails... To ensure these challenging conditions don’t put your feet to the test, it’s essential to opt for warm boots that are suitable for the season – and for several important reasons.
Having wet, freezing – or worse, numb – feet can ruin your experience and even pose a risk (frostbite, localised hypothermia...). By keeping your feet dry, a pair of waterproof hiking boots offers optimal protection against these dangers.
Are trainers suitable for winter walking?
When walking on a snowy trail, it’s best to avoid wearing trainers – even if they’re waterproof, as some trail running shoes may be. Lightweight shoes should also be avoided. After snowfall and in cold weather, it doesn’t take extremely low temperatures for the risk of slipping to increase. Trainers often lack grip. Additionally, like low-cut hiking shoes, they don’t provide the same level of ankle support as boots.
In contrast, a good pair of winter boots offers support, effective insulation and reliable waterproofing – all essential for walking in the snow and freezing temperatures. They provide optimal protection against cold and damp, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with peace of mind, without the worry of slipping on an icy patch.
Essential features of winter hiking boots
Not all walking boots are created equal when it comes to facing winter conditions. Here are a few key points to help you choose the ideal pair that will guarantee comfort and safety during your cold-weather hikes.
Waterproofness
In winter, it’s best to have waterproof boots that prevent moisture from getting in and keep your feet dry while walking through snow, puddles, mud, or even rain. This is without doubt the number one criterion – because even if your boots are warm, they’ll be of little use if water seeps in.
Breathability
Hiking boots equipped with a membrane such as Gore-Tex are not only waterproof but also breathable. They form an effective barrier against water (from streams, puddles, dew, rain, snow...) while still allowing your feet to breathe. In fact, even in winter, your feet can sweat, and the build-up of moisture inside your boots can cool them down and create a very uncomfortable sensation.
Water-repellent coating and sealed seams
Beyond having a waterproof and breathable membrane, winter boots often feature a water-repellent coating, sealed seams, and gusseted tongues – all designed to prevent melted snow from seeping in over time.
Snow gaiters
For even better protection, you can also wear snow gaiters, which fit over your boots and extend up over the lower legs of your hiking trousers. They add an extra layer of defence, especially when it’s snowing or raining, or when you’re walking through deep powder. The goal is to achieve maximum waterproofing so your feet stay dry from morning until evening.
Thermal insulation and comfort in extreme cold
Winter means cold weather, and your boots need to act as a true shield against low temperatures. Effective insulation is essential to retain warmth around your feet. Most winter hiking boots include a warm lining (e.g. Thinsulate, Primaloft, fleece, wool...), which helps trap body heat and block out the cold.
When choosing a pair of boots, if you know you tend to sweat a lot from your feet, be careful not to pick a pair with too much insulation. On a physically demanding route with steep elevation gains, this could lead to damp feet, which might freeze once you stop moving.
Hiking socks
Remember, whatever boot model you go for, you can adjust the internal warmth by wearing hiking socks, specifically designed for walking. They don’t need to be thick to be warm. Those made from or containing merino wool, as well as synthetic fibre options, are not only insulating but also breathable, allowing sweat to evaporate so your feet stay dry.
Insulated insoles
If you’re particularly sensitive to the cold, you can opt for insulated insoles. These simply slip inside your boots to enhance thermal comfort.
Grip and traction: which sole is best for walking in the snow?
Walking in winter means moving over potentially slippery surfaces – snow, ice, mud, wet rocks… The grip of your boots is therefore a top priority. The outsoles need to offer excellent traction. We recommend choosing soft rubber soles, which remain flexible even in low temperatures. They should also feature deep lugs to help shed snow and mud. On wet or frozen surfaces, these lugs reduce the risk of slipping.
Many winter boots are equipped with soles known for their sticky rubber compounds. This is the case with the renowned Vibram soles, which give you confidence with every step.
Crampons
If the soles alone aren’t enough, there are accessories that enhance grip on snow and ice. These crampons and ice cleats slip over your boots and are similar in concept to snow chains for cars, improving traction on icy mountain roads. Some models are fitted with metal spikes, while others have claws resembling those used on mountaineering crampons.
Snowshoes
Walking through deep, soft snow calls for different equipment, as even the best high-ankle hiking boots will sink into powder. That’s where snowshoes can be extremely helpful, allowing you to move forward without exhausting yourself. Their toothed soles often feature claws and crampons on certain models, which provide excellent grip whether you’re going uphill, downhill, or traversing a slope.
Which boots should you wear for snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing doesn’t require specialist footwear. However, we recommend wearing high-ankle hiking boots or mid-cut boots that are both waterproof and insulated. In addition to being supportive around the ankles, it’s best if they are also stiff. You can immediately rule out Moon Boots, which are definitely not suitable. While they are warm, they are far too soft, and snowshoe bindings need to be firmly secured. Moon Boots also fail to provide adequate ankle support.
You might be tempted to wear après-ski boots for snowshoeing. While most are waterproof, they’re not always breathable enough. With some models, you risk ending up with damp feet due to sweat – and cold toes shortly after.
Whether you're snowshoeing intensively on an expedition or just for leisure, we recommend wearing a pair of warm socks and possibly adding snow gaiters to stop your trouser cuffs from getting wet and to prevent powder snow from entering your boots.
How to care for your hiking boots in winter
If you want your hiking boots to last, the key is proper maintenance to preserve their waterproofing season after season. Here are some practical tips to help you take care of them and extend their lifespan.
Cleaning your hiking boots after walking through snow, mud...
After hiking in powder snow, it’s best to remove any snow build-up on the upper, in the lugs, and any small ice chunks that may have formed around the laces. If you’ve walked through mud, make sure to clean off the dirt from both the upper and the soles. Use a soft brush and some warm water to gently scrub the exterior and remove mud from the tread. You can lightly soap particularly dirty areas if needed, but be sure to rinse or wipe them clean so no soap residue remains.
Drying your hiking boots
It’s best to let your boots dry gently, avoiding direct heat sources. Remove the insoles to allow the interior to dry more effectively, especially after sweating. This helps prevent bad odours and premature wear of the inner lining. Drying should take place at room temperature, in a dry, well-ventilated space, away from any direct heat. We advise against placing your boots on a radiator, near a wood burner, pellet stove, or fireplace in an attempt to speed up the process. Excessive heat can damage the waterproof-breathable membrane or even deform parts of the boot. A handy trick is to stuff crumpled newspaper inside to help absorb moisture. Drying may take time, but it’s better to be patient than to put on damp boots too soon.
Reproofing your hiking boots
The original waterproofing of your hiking boots can fade over time, so it’s a good idea to reproof them periodically. However, be aware that a waterproofing spray mainly revives the water-repellent treatment on the outer surface of your boots. It does not repair the waterproof-breathable membrane if, over time, the repeated motion of walking or contact with abrasive rocks has damaged it. Water-repellence allows moisture (dew, rain, snow...) to bead up and run off the surface rather than soaking in.
Conditioning the leather of your hiking boots
Applying a cream or wax is an important part of caring for leather hiking boots. These treatments nourish the upper, restoring its suppleness and helping to maintain its natural water-repellent qualities. However, be cautious with certain greases, as they can clog the extremely fine pores of Gore-Tex membranes and reduce their breathability.
Storage between outings
Between winter hikes, store your boots in a dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid leaving them in the boot of your car, in the garage, or in a damp cellar, as this could cause premature deterioration. That would be a real shame.
By making a habit of looking after your boots and keeping them somewhere that isn’t too cold or damp, you’ll significantly extend their lifespan – and enjoy the feeling of putting your feet into a clean, well-maintained pair every time.
