Winter Hiking Boots FAQ

Table of Contents

There are three kinds of winter boots: insulated winter hiking boots, mountaineering boots, and pac boots. Which kind of winter hiking boot is right for you? Here’s a detailed guide that explains the differences between these so you can pick the right footwear for winter hiking, snowshoeing, winter backpacking, and winter mountaineering.

What should you look for when buying a pair of winter hiking boots?

winter hiking boots

Winter boots should be insulated and waterproof to keep your feet warm, they should have laces and not be slip-ons, they should be comfortable so you can walk or snowshoe in them all day, and they should be compatible with winter traction aids like microspikes, snowshoes, and crampons.

While the amount of insulation you need will vary on the distance and temperatures you hike or snowshoe in, winter boots with non-removable synthetic insulation are the lightest weight and therefore the easiest to hike in. Boots made with synthetic materials are also lighter weight and more waterproof than leather boots. The most comfortable boots for winter hiking are the ones that come over your ankles like regular hiking boots.

What is the difference between 400g and 200g insulation?

Winter boots are available with 400-gram insulation and 200-gram insulation. This refers to the thickness of the insulation used, not its weight. Boots with 400-gram insulation will keep you warm to 20-40 below zero degrees (F), while boots with 200-gram insulation are good to about 0-10 degrees above zero degrees (F). These temperatures assume you are walking, not standing around.

We recommend the following insulated 400g and 200g insulated winter hiking boots:

Men’s	Women’s	Insulation
Oboz 10″ Bridger Insulated	Oboz 9″ Bridger Insulated	400g
KEEN Revel IV High Polar	KEEN Revel IV High Polar	400g
The North Face Chilkat V 400	The North Face Chilkat V 400	400g
Salomon Toundra Pro	Salomon Toundra Pro	400g
Merrell MTN Thermo Rogue 4 Mid GTX	Merrell MTN Thermo Rogue 4 Mid GTX	200g
Oboz Bridger 8″ Insulated	Oboz Bridger 7″ Insulated	200g
KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar	KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar	200g
Columbia Bugaboot III	Columbia Bugaboot III	200g
Merrell Thermo Chill WP Boots	Merrell Thermo Chill WP Boots	200g

While all winter boots are compatible with traction devices like microspikes and snowshoes, it is important to make sure that they don’t create undue pressure on your toes (particularly) when attached to your boots which can lead to discomfort and blistering. Crampons are a little trickier since you need the right type of crampon to work with the insulated winter hiking boots described above. This is explained further below.

Comparing insulated winter hiking boots and mountaineering boots:

Mountaineering boots

Mountaineering boots have very rigid soles so they can be used with crampons for ice climbing and scrambling over ice-covered rock. Leather and synthetic mountaineering boots also tend to have less insulation, they’re heavier and less comfortable than most insulated winter boots, which have softer flexible soles that are easier to walk in. While special flexible crampons are available for softer-soled insulated hiking boots, they cannot be used for ice climbing which requires a rigid mountaineering boot sole and an ice climbing crampon.

We recommend the following mountaineering boots for winter hiking and non-technical mountaineering:

La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX Mountaineering Boots
Lowa Mountain Expert II GTX EVO Mountaineering Boots
Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX Mountaineering Boots

There are two types of mountaineering boots, single-layer boots, and double boots. Single-layer boots are intended for day hiking in alpine terrain, unprotected by tree cover. Double-layer insulated mountaineering boots have removable liners which make them warmer for people who get cold feet. They’re preferred for overnight and multi-day trips since the liners can be removed and put into your sleeping bag to prevent the perspiration that’s accumulated in them from freezing overnight.

Comparing insulated winter hiking boots and pac boots:

Pac Boots

Pac boots are winter boots that usually have a rubber lower half and a leather or synthetic upper, often with a removable felt liner. Pac boots are designed to keep your feet warm in the harshest weather conditions but are ungainly for walking and snowshoeing because they are heavy, they run up well above the ankle, and they have very poor ankle support. They’re mainly good for ice fishing and snowmobiling, where the amount of walking you need to do is minimal.

Example pac boots:

Sorel Caribou Winter Boots
Baffin Snow Monster Insulated Boots

Pac boots are also too large to fit microspikes, crampons, and often snowshoes which are winter hiking essentials. In general, pac boots are best used for less vigorous winter activities like snowmobiling or ice fishing.

Why can’t I use my regular hiking boots for winter hiking?

It comes down to waterproofing and insulation. Most insulated winter hiking boots are guaranteed waterproof out of the box. Many have lowers made with rubber or waterproof synthetics so you can tramp through puddles and wet snow without worrying about the fabric absorbing water. If you do get moisture in your boots because it comes over your ankles and into the boots, insulated winter boots will still keep them warm. The same can’t be said about regular leather or synthetic hiking boots, even when treated with waterproofing creams and sprays. If your regular hiking boots absorb water in winter, they can easily freeze, and lead to discomfort, frostnip, or frostbite in extreme cases, on long winter hikes.

How important is it to have Gore-tex or waterproof/breathable insulated winter boots?

You often don’t have a choice. Most insulated winter hiking boots are only available with built-in waterproof/breathable membranes. While breathability is important in winter, perspiration is bound to accumulate in your socks and boots when your feet sweat, even if your boots are made with a waterproof/breathable liner. If your feet do get damp, the most important thing is to have insulated boots to keep them warm.

How accurate are warmth ratings for boots?

While some boot manufacturers provide warmth ratings for their products, there’s no standard way to measure the warmth of winter boots. Understand that these ratings are directional at best and that users will have varying experiences based on their activity level, health, weight, sex, metabolism, and other factors. My advice: read customer reviews and try to buy winter hiking boots that have been available for multiple seasons so more is known about their performance. Referrals from friends and trusted sources are best.

How much insulation should winter boots have?

Some insulated winter boot manufacturers publish the amount of insulation in their boots, while others don’t. For example, some boots have 200 gram Thinsulate insulation, and synthetic insulation, while others have 400 gram Thinsulate (This denotes the thickness of the insulation, not its weight.) While boots with more insulation are likely to be warmer, comparisons between different models depend on the type of insulation, boot design, and individual user differences in terms of activity, health, weight, etc. That said, winter boots with more insulation are preferred for hiking in subfreezing temperatures on long hikes or for highly exposed alpine routes without vegetation cover.

What are the most popular forms of insulation in winter hiking boots?

Manufacturers use a wide range of synthetic insulations in winter hiking boots, many of them proprietary. One of the most popular forms of synthetic insulation is called Thinsulate and is made with polypropylene fibers. Boots with 200-gram Thinsulate are best used in early winter or spring in moderate temperatures or for high activity levels. Boots with 400-gram Thinsulate insulation or more are better for much colder winter temperatures below freezing.

What are the most important features to look for on insulated winter hiking boots, beyond waterproofing and breathability?

Temperature rating: While you need to take manufacturers’ temperature ratings with a grain of salt, they are a good indication of the relative warmth of a boot.

Amount of insulation: While it’s difficult to make warmth comparisons between boots with different kinds of insulation, knowing the amount of insulation used in boots can help you compare the warmth of different models made by the same manufacturer.

Reinforced toe cap: In addition to providing kick protection, a sturdy toe cap won’t collapse the front of the boot and potentially cause blisters when used with tight-fitting microspikes or crampons.

Gusseted tongue: This is just like a regular boot or shoe tongue, except the sides of the tongue are closed and sewn to the interior of the boot. This helps prevent water from leaking through the laces and into the boot when you step into deep puddles.

Cuff: The top of your boot, where it surrounds your calf is called the cuff. Look for boots with a soft cuff that closes off the gap between your leg and boot while staying comfortable during a long day of hiking. It will also trap heat and prevent snow from falling down your boot if you have to walk through deep snow.

Lugs: The soles of your boots should provide good traction when walking on loose or packed snow. Look for boots with a deep tread like a Vibram sole. When walking on ice, you’re likely to augment your boot with traction aids like microspikes or crampons.

Gaiter ring: A gaiter ring is a small ring attached to the top of the toe box that you can hook your gaiters onto to prevent them from riding up your leg. It’s not the end of the world if your boots don’t have one: you can still usually hook the gaiter to your boot laces, but most insulated winter hiking boots have them.

How should winter hiking boots fit?

It’s important not to wear tight-fitting boots because they will restrict blood flow resulting in cold feet. There should be some wiggle room for your toes, you want to minimize the amount of lateral movement in the boot without feeling like your foot is being squished, and make sure that your heel doesn’t lift when walking with the boot laced up.

Be sure to try on winter hiking boots with the socks you intend on wearing to hike, especially if you use thicker, warmer socks in winter. If you’re between sizes, it’s always easier to shim out the extra space by wearing thicker socks or by replacing the boot’s insoles with higher volume insoles, like Superfeet, than trying to fit into boots that are too small.

How can you avoid getting blisters in winter hiking boots?

Make sure you break them in well before hiking in them in winter, even if it means sweating through some hikes in warmer weather to soften them up. Learn how to lace your boots to relieve any pressure on the top of your foot, eliminate heel lift, or keep your laces from slipping loose when you tie them. Test out and fit all of your traction devices in advance of needing them, including microspikes, snowshoes, and crampons, so you can identify potential hot spots and take the necessary corrective actions in advance. This may include taping your feet with leukotape, wearing different socks, or re-adjusting traction aids so they don’t rub you in a bad place.

What are microspikes?

Microspikes are like tire chains for your boots. They’re pointed pieces of metal connected to short chains and elastic bands that wrap around your boots to give you traction when walking on ice and snow. While they work with all boots, it’s important to get ones that fit your boot size so they don’t break when overstretched. You also want to make sure that the toe box of your boots doesn’t collapse under them, which can cause discomfort and toe blistering.

What kinds of crampons are compatible with insulated winter hiking boots?

flexible bar hiking boot crampons

Insulated winter hiking boots have softer soles that bend when you walk, flexing in the middle of the sole under the ball of your foot and the arch. If you want to use crampons, you need ones that have a flexible center bar connecting the front and heel spikes that can bend with the sole and not break.

Recommended crampons for soft-soled winter hiking boots:

Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons
Kahtoola KTS Hiking Crampon
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons
Grivel G10 New Classic EVO Crampons

These attach to your boots with what are called universal bindings which are plastic hoops that wrap around your heel and the front of your boots and are secured using webbing straps. They’re not intended for ice climbing but are good for walking across crusty snowfields and low-angle ice.

Are insulated winter hiking boots, mountaineering boots, and pac boots all compatible with snowshoes?

Generally yes, but it can depend on the size of your boots and the length of your snowshoe bindings. High-volume boots, such as mountaineering boots and pac boots, may require some binding adjustment such as longer binding straps or webbing. Be sure to test their compatibility before you need them on a winter hike.

How often do you need to replace winter hiking boots?

Winter hiking boot soles last much longer than regular hiking boots because you’re hiking on snow and ice, not abrasive dirt or gravel. Winter hiking boots tend to wear out when one of their seams works loose and splits. You can usually extend their life when this happens by having them repaired by a shoemaker or by pre-emptively strengthening your boot seams using Silicone seam sealer or Shoe-Goo to strengthen them.

SectionHiker never accepts payment for gear reviews or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, hiking and backpacking FAQs, and free hiking guides.

Leather vs. Synthetic Hiking Boots, Which is Better?

I was thinking recently about the pros and cons of the traditional leather hiking boot versus some it’s synthetic counterparts, in terms of its material construction.

Before going any further, I think it useful for me to define what I mean by a traditional leather hiking boot and a synthetic hiking boot.

Meindl Vakuum GTX Hiking Boots For Men

To me, a traditional hiking boot is the leather alpine style boot, like the one pictured above, which have been around for years.

A synthetic hiking boot is one that may have a more technical look and will usually consist of textile only or a greater mix of textile and leather materials in the construction, like the one pictured below.

HiTec Mens Bandera Mid WP Hiking Boot Featured Image

If you’re in the market for new hiking boots, then check out the best men’s hiking boots and the best women’s hiking boots.

Materials

The main construction material options for hiking boots are broadly summarized in the table below:

Full Grain Leather

Tough and durable leather with great abrasion resistance, as well as natural water resistance and breathability. Ideally used for wetter climates and rugged terrain. Can come in different thicknesses depending on what hiking you want to use the boots for.

Nubuck Leather

Buffed down full-grain leather. Not as tough as full grain leather but still has good water resistance and breathability as well as performing well in terms of abrasion. A step down from full-grain leather in terms durability but a step up in terms of flexibility.

Synthetic Materials

Made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, etc. Usually a combination of many different materials. Less expensive than leather but does not enjoy the natural waterproofing that leather provides so the waterproof membrane used in the boots is important.

I should state at the outset, that while I definitely have a preference which I won’t reveal till we reach the conclusion, I have over the years utilized both the traditional leather and more modern synthetic types of hiking boots.

I thought I would walk through some of the obvious categories for comparison to see how they both fair in comparison.

Weight

A practical consideration for any pair of hiking boots is weight. This can be more relevant for certain types of hiking than others. For example, if you are planning to do a lot of backpacking, a sturdy but ideally lighter hiking boot could be preferable.

In my experience, in terms of weight, as a general rule, the more modern hiking boots constructed using a mix of leather and more synthetic materials and textiles are typically lighter than the traditional Alpine style full leather boots.

There are exceptions on both sides of this equation but this has been what I have found overall. A fully synthetic pair of hiking boots will be lighter in weight, but you will lose out in other categories.

Stability

Given that the traditional leather Alpine hiking boot is usually heavier, I have also generally found the traditional style of leather hiking boots provide more stability over varying terrain.

Again, there are exceptions and the overall construction of the whole hiking boot has a lot to do with this. However, that said, on a longer term basis I think leather is a tougher material that molds better to the shape of a foot than synthetic materials.

It remains stronger for longer and with that in mind, I give this one to the traditional leather hiking boot.

Style and Look

This is one that I personally feel is a big one. It’s probably just good old fashioned conditioning but it is hard to not think of hiking when you look at a traditional style leather hiking boot.

That style and design has been around for a very long time and so is just associated with hiking … I think of the Alps and I think of a fine pair of leather Alpine hiking boots

The synthetic style boots broadly speaking aim for a more modern and technical look or aim to mimic the traditional leather style. You can of course get a very technical looking hybrid that utilises both leather and textiles.

At the end of the day, this is down to personal taste and preference. For me, I think it’s very hard to beat the look of a traditional leather hiking boot. It is pleasing to the eye and looks the part. As this is a personal preference, so I will call this one a draw.

Waterproof Capabilities

A large part of any hiking boots waterproof capabilities comes from the lining which is often made from a specific waterproof material like Gore-tex.

Nearly all hiking boots will have this lining. However, leaving the lining aside, the question here is whether an upper made 100% from full grain leather or one that is 100% synthetic, or a combination of the two, provides a better option in terms of being waterproof.

I will always come down on the side of the 100% leather option but the quality and type of the leather used plays a big part in that statement. Generally speaking though, the leather boots win out against synthetic.

Breathability

Most hiking boots these days will have an inner liner that is both waterproof and breathable. In that regard, most well designed hiking boots should have some level of breathability.

However, leather is skin at the the end of the day and so has some level of natural breathability in it. However, by design and construction, synthetic materials can be adapted to allow a much better airflow inside hiking boots. In that regard, it could be argued that synthetic materials are better in terms of breathability.

However, you need to look at things in their entirety and in the right context.

That is, if you’re planning to always do your hiking in warm and dry weather, mainly over well established paths and trails, you may think about sacrificing the other advantages that leather hiking boots can provide to be able to enjoy a better ventilated pair of hiking boots. It’s rarely that simple though

Price

At the end of the day, any top pair of hiking boots will likely have leather in its construction to some degree. The question becomes more, are the uppers 100% made from leather or a mix of leather and textiles.

As a general rule, a good solid pair of leather hiking boots will cost more than something that is either made wholly from synthetic materials or a mix of both synthetic and leather. Leather is a more expensive material and so usually means a more expensive pair of hiking boots.

Break In Time

Nearly all new boots or shoes need to be broken in, to some degree. When it comes to leather vs. synthetic hiking boots, in the early stages synthetic will usually be the winner.

Leather is of course a much tougher material than the synthetic materials used for hiking boots, so it logically will take longer to break leather in.

However, what you may gain in the short term you may lose in the long term in terms of abrasion and wear and tear. On the cold number of breaking in alone, your feet will usually adapt much quicker to synthetic material boots than leather.

Durability

In terms of durability, I would say there is no real contest. Hiking boots made from quality leather are tougher and more durable. As a natural fiber, leather is more resilient and will withstand abrasion over time much better than hiking boots made from synthetic materials.

This is borne out in the fact that many top quality leather hiking boots can be resoled if the leather upper is taken good care of.

It is not uncommon for good leather boots to last for many, many years if you replace the soles. Synthetic hiking boots on the other hand, have a shelf life and when they’re done, they’re done.

meindl-vakuum-gtx-hiking-boots-for-men-in-the-field-2

Other Considerations

One other thing worth mentioning is related to your diet preferences. ‘Huh?’ I hear you say. Yes indeed … if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, a synthetic hiking boot may be more in line with your principles than one made from leather, which of course comes from animals.

Not relevant to all but most likely relevant to some so I wanted to add that in as a note here. While not directly related to the performance of the types of hiking boots against one another as such, it is still a valid point worth adding into the mix.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to leather vs. synthetic hiking boots, my personal preference is hands down, a top notch leather pair of hiking boots.

I just can’t really see how synthetic hiking boots can compete in terms of functionality. However, there can be exceptions as outlined above e.g. hiking in really hot weather on well established trails.

While leather is my favorite, in summer I do sometimes use a hybrid mix in hiking boots with an upper made of nubuck leather and some synthetic materials. As outlined above, they are a bit lighter and definitely more breathable for a hotter time of year.

At the end of the day, it’s your personal preference but if you are looking for a quality pair of hiking boots, you will nearly always end up with some element of leather involved in the construction of the upper, if they are not 100% leather.

I hope you found this article useful and maybe even thought provoking. What do you prefer, leather or synthetic hiking boots? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Comments

David Rehm says December 18, 2017 at 6:31 am

This is a good, informative post and I appreciate it. As an old-school backpacker with 40 years of hiking boot abuse, I’ve used full grain leather boots from Raichle, Vasque and Merrill and even Adidas. Over the years, I’ve gone through synthetic hikers from Merrill, Salomon and Keen. All worked well for their intended purposes, but good old fashioned leather still tops the charts for me. With proper care, and I consider taking care of a good boot part of the equipment experience, a good leather boot will last a long time and can usually be re-soled.

Colm says December 18, 2017 at 11:47 am

Thanks David, I’m glad you found it useful. I agree with your points, both leather and synthetic boots have their place and their job, but like you, for me a leather hiking boot is hard to beat. I’ve went through plenty of more synthetic type boots over the years myself, ones from Scarpa, Salomon, Merrill to name a few … I had pretty good experiences with most of them too, and I still use a pair for light hiking in warmer times of year. However, while I like them, they just aren’t a touch on my leather Meindl boots. Taking good care of your boots is essential too as you say. I clean my boots after every use and treat them regularly as well. I expect to get a long life out of them.

What are you looking for?

Cool Hiking Gear is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

https://sectionhiker.com/winter-hiking-boots-fequently-asked-questions/https://coolhikinggear.com/leather-vs-synthetic-hiking-boots-which-is-better

Author

classworkgam

Samantha has a background in computer science and has been writing about emerging technologies for more than a decade. Her focus is on innovations in automotive software, connected cars, and AI-powered navigation systems.

Winter Hiking Boots FAQ