For winter walkers, cold, damp feet are a big no-no. And, unlike summer hiking, you can’t just change into sandals if your shoes get wet. That is why you must invest in high-quality winter hiking boots. Choosing what winter hiking footwear to go with can be confusing. We will help you make your search easier and provide you with the best winter hiking boots for women.
Our Top Pick – Best Winter Hiking Boots for Women
We have found the best winter boots for women, and our top pick is the Oboz Women’s Bridger 7” Insulated B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Boot. These winter boots are known to provide good torsional stability and protection. They are firm but lightweight and they allow for streamlined outsoles for better comfort. It also comes with a 3M Thinsulate insulation that helps keep your feet winter even during the coldest days.
Read on for more information, or click the link below to read more reviews on Amazon.
- O FIT Insole Thermal: Our proprietary insole is what we're known for. Molded to match the specific shape and construction of every pair we make, this purpose-designed technology delivers the kind of...
- UPPER: Waterproof all-nubuck leather provide protection and durability on the trail. Featuring a molded rubber toe cap that protects your toes from trail debris and a heel counter that helps maintain...
- GRANITE PEAK MIDSOLE: Great for day hiking but burly enough for a multi-day backpacking trip. Featuring a TPU Chassis boosts stability and prevents stone bruising without inhibiting flex....
- GRANITE PEAK WINTERIZED OUTSOLE: Our quintessential hiking outsole built to be supportive and protective. Featuring our winterized rubber for increased grip in the cold. If you're tired of feeling...
Here are the Best Winter Boots for Women that we have included in our Review
Hiking is such a great activity that allows you to work out, burn calories, go out, and enjoy the great outdoors. The experience gets even more exciting when done during the winter. It allows you to enjoy a different but equally beautiful and breathtaking view of the woods covered with snow. However, for you to enjoy your trip, you will need boots that can keep up with you and the cold weather.
Your choice of winter boots can make or break your winter hiking experience. Thus, finding the right one is crucial. But the problem is, with so many varieties and selections available today, it may be difficult for you to find the one you need. To help you narrow down your options, we have listed the best winter hiking boots for women.
Best Women’s Winter Hiking Boots This 2021
Best Overall: Oboz Women’s Bridger 7” Insulated B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Boot
- O FIT Insole Thermal: Our proprietary insole is what we're known for. Molded to match the specific shape and construction of every pair we make, this purpose-designed technology delivers the kind of...
- UPPER: Waterproof all-nubuck leather provide protection and durability on the trail. Featuring a molded rubber toe cap that protects your toes from trail debris and a heel counter that helps maintain...
Our top pick for the best overall boots for winter hiking is the Oboz Bridger 7”. This is because it offers great traction in the snow, it’s fully weatherproof, and it’s extremely comfortable. Furthermore, their proprietary waterproofing system (B-DRY), allows the sweat in your feet to escape and keep moisture out. As a result, your feet will stay dry and warm throughout the hike.
The Oboz Bridger 7” features an O-Fit Thermal insole that has an insulated top sheet and a Mylar bottom sheet that reflects heat to your foot. This is a very effective way of keeping your toes nice and cozy. It also has rubber toe caps, a great supportive footbed, and is complete with deep and directional lugs that allow you to go up and down the trail with ease. Plus, it’s compatible with snowshoe and gaiter as well.
Best Boots for Traction: Columbia Women’s Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Snow Boot
- OMNI-HEAT: Our patented Heat Reflective garments are the ultimate body heat management system for outdoor performance. The interior lining consists of our metallic dot pattern designed to retain heat,...
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The PU coated leather and textile upper features waterproof and seam-sealed construction, along with rich 200g insulation to keep feet warm in harsh frozen terrain.
If you are looking for winter hiking boots that can provide you with the best traction in snowy terrain, the Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV is your top choice. It has a Micheline outsole that can provide you with a firm grip with temperatures as low as -65F. Furthermore, it is packed with 600g insulation and features the company’s thermal-reflective Omni-Heat lining. Thus, you can expect your feet to remain warm and comfortable even in sub-zero conditions.
This pair of winter boots is a combination of nylon, leather, webbing, and metal hardware. It also has a Techlite shell and is made with seam-sealed construction. Thus, making it lightweight and fully waterproof.
Most Affordable: Manfen Women’s Hiking Boots
- OUTSOLE MATERIALS---Waterproof mesh upper and Hydroshield Membrane waterproof. 200 Grams Thinsulate Insulation for -30℃.
- ANTI-SKID PERFORMANCE---Rubber toe cap protection and rubber outsole for optimal trail grip. and the technology can protect your feet. You will find it that a very aggressive sole to grab the rocks...
The Manfen Hiking Boots is the most affordable pair in our list of winter hiking boots but it can perform just as well. It has 200g Thinsulate insulation, keeping you warm even in temperatures as low as -22F. It also has a rubber toe cap and rubber outsole that provides you good traction in the trail.
This model is lightweight with molded TPU ankle, giving your feet ample support. It also has a durable EVA midsole that adds superior cushioning as well as comfort. There is an anti-fatigue insole as well that is breathable and able to reduce odor. Moreover, the Manfen is made with HydroGuard seam-sealed internal membrane. Thus, it can effectively keep your feet dry and comfortable in any weather condition.
Best All-Around Winter Boots: Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Boot
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The waterproof leather upper features our seem-sealed membrane bootie construction, and our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, which provides long-lasting comfort with superior...
- STYLE MEETS FUNCTION: The perfect combination of function and style, with its quilted ankle support. You'll find plenty of flex in the boot that also looks great wherever you go.
If you’re looking for boots that you can wear from the streets to the mountains, then the Columbia Ice Maiden II is your best choice. It is stylish and offered in many color selections. But more than that, it is designed with waterproof leather and textile. Plus, it is equipped with 200g insulation.
This boot also features a Techlite lightweight midsole, providing you long-lasting comfort and cushioning. It is also made with an Omni-Grip rubber sole for more traction and prevents slipping. Take note, however, that this model is best for quick hikes in regions with milder winters. It only offers sufficient warmth and since it is leather, you will probably need to treat it with a snow sealant to preserve its protection capabilities.
Buying Guide to Find the Best Winter Hiking Boots for Women
When it comes to winter hiking boots, there are several factors that you should look into, including:
Weather Protection
Winter hiking boots need to be able to withstand snow, ice, water, and slush. You need to make sure that they can keep up in any terrain, whether in tall snowbanks, streams, puddles, or rivers. Boots with full weather protection can keep your feet dry and prevent them from freezing. If your boots absorb or take in water while you’re hiking during winter, this might freeze and cause you frostbites. To prevent this, check for fabrics that do not absorb water such as rubber, neoprene, or synthetics. For leather materials, consider using a snow sealant at least two times every season to maintain its protection.
Insulation
Since you would be dealing with snow, your boots should have enough insulation to keep your feet warm. Do take note, however, that the amount of insulation you will need depends on your needs. As a guide, if you are going hiking below zero and for multiple days, then 400g insulation can provide you the most warmth and comfort. While less warm, 200g insulation can be sufficient, especially for individuals who are less sensitive to the cold.
You can also check the temperature ratings indicated by the manufacturer to know how warm the boots are.
Traction
Even if you are going to add microspikes to your boots, it’s still better to have soles that can provide good traction both in loose or packed snow. Thus, look for boots that have deep treads.
Toe Cap
Winter hiking boots need to have reinforced toe caps for added protection and to ensure the front won’t collapse when you wear them with crampons or microspikes.
Gusseted Tongue
When it comes to boots for winter hiking, we suggest looking for those with a gusseted tongue. This is similar to any boot tongue, however, the sides of it are sewn to the boots. This prevents water from seeping through, especially when you accidentally step on puddles.
Comfort
The last factor you have to check is comfort. Usually, the most comfortable boots you can wear while hiking in the snow are those that are not bulky and those that can provide you protection. Of course, the materials should also make you feel good. Thus, look for boots with cozy insulation and plush liners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all hiking boots suitable for winter hikes?
Hiking boots are beneficial in many ways. But not all are appropriate for winter hiking. Regular hiking boots have limited tractions compared to winter hiking boots. They are not ideal for winter because they do not provide much insulation. Winter boots also provide a higher level of waterproofing compared to hiking boots. So, it would be best if you choose your hiking boots according to the season.
Are duck boots suitable for hiking?
Hiking in duck boots is not a good idea. They work well in damp and muddy circumstances but not on icy trails. They’re acceptable as casual boots and everyday wear. But they lack the traction and stability required for typical hiking.
What kind of socks do I wear with hinter hiking boots?
We recommend you wear warm socks composed of synthetic materials or Merino socks. Socks with a high Merino wool content are highly breathable. They also have excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. Furthermore, they keep warm even when wet.
Final Word
Do not mess around with your feet during winter hikes. Remember, hypothermia can strike quickly. You’ll lose so much heat to the cold conditions if you’re wearing sub-optimal footwear. You may sometimes get away with less expensive hiking gear, but not when it comes to your feet. Invest in a good pair of winter hiking boots. Then relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery that winter brings.
It isn’t easy to know where to start when looking for winter hiking boots. We must know more about the features and materials before buying a pair of winter hiking boots.
There’s a jungle of alternatives for the best winter hiking boots for women. Yet, we assure you, the best one will shine through the dozens of options once you know what to look for. Happy Hiking!