Snowshoeing has really become the craze in outdoor winter sports. More and more people are renting snowshoes for a day or weekend, while others are purchasing them to use seasonally for recreation and exercise.
Snowshoeing is great because it can be enjoyed by almost anyone since all you need is the proper gear, like boots, snowshoes, and poles which is all available in our outdoor store. Snowshoeing can be done on any level of terrain that you might decide to explore; from easy flat trails to rough, steep uphill climbs. Continue reading to learn more about the best snowshoeing footwear.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Timberland Chocorua Trail Mid GTX
Very breathable for Gore-Tex boots
Good traction
Affordable
How To Choose The Best Boots For Snowshoeing?
One thing that you will need to consider when purchasing boots for snowshoeing is whether they are waterproof. The majority of winter boots are not waterproof, so if you plan on spending long periods of time in the snow, you will definitely need to invest in some waterproof boots. If you are simply going out for a couple of hours or less, then most everyday winter boots should be fine for short excursions.
Snow shoeing with regular winter boots can be okay, but you will find that most of your time is spent de-snowing your boots instead of enjoying the scenery. Once the snow has seeped through to your socks and feels like ice cubes on your toes, it isn’t very pleasurable anymore.
If you are only out for one or two hours, most waterproof winter boots will be fine.
List of Top 10 Best Boots for Snowshoeing
- Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX
- KEEN Targhee II Mid WP
- Timberland Chocorua Trail Mid GTX
- Merrell Moab Mid WP
- Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX
- Sorel Caribou II
- Columbia Bugaboot Plus III
- Sorel Joan Of Arctic
- KEEN Women’s Hoodoo Iii Lace Up Mid Calf Boot
- Baffin Snogoose
Best Boots for Snowshoeing Detailed Reviews 2023:
Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX
SPECIFICATIONS
Features a lighter, more comfortable design
• Tongue slides less
• Rubber sole can’t handle rough terrain
• Waterproof
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Lightweight
✓ Waterproof
✓ Good lacing system
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not good for winter camping on rougher terrain due to thin rubber soles
Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX is the upgraded version of the original 4D. It’s a durable, lightweight mid-cut hiking boot that provides excellent traction in most terrains, even in deeper snow. Waterproof, with a Gore-Tex membrane, it’s an overall great winter hiking boot.
This model is lighter than the original 4D, making it even more appealing for those who like to take their gear on long hikes. As an added bonus, this model’s tongue doesn’t slide to the side as easily as previous models; a small but very important detail that makes your hike much more pleasant. The only downside of these boots is that they don’t have a thick rubber sole, so they aren’t that great for winter camping and longer treks on rougher terrain.
KEEN Targhee II Mid WP
SPECIFICATIONS
- Keep your feet warm and dry
- Cushioned for all-day-long comfort
- Durable to last you for years of tough use
- Breathable mesh keeps feet feeling fresh
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Breathable upper
✓ Very affordable
✓ Easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not for rocky trails due to thin soles
✗ They don’t do well in cold weather
This is a good winter hiking boot that is priced just right for those that need to watch their budget. In addition, it has a breathable upper that lets your feet breathe, which makes this model more comfortable in the long run. These boots are great during warmer days for casual hikes and snowshoeing trips. KEEN Targhee II Mid WP is great because the upper mesh allows for better breathability than most other winter hiking boots, allowing your feet to stay warm and dry. It’s also made with water-resistant leather which will keep your feet dry during all sorts of weather conditions.
The downside is that they are not very good on rocky terrain due to the lack of ankle support, but they’re great for casual snowshoeing in good weather.
Why Buy this Product?
The Targhee II is a decent winter hiking boot that is priced just right and provides enough functionality to be useful during milder winter days. It also features an upper breathable mesh so your feet can stay dry and warm during hikes in warmer winter conditions.
Timberland Chocorua Trail Mid GTX
SPECIFICATIONS
- Extremely good winter hiking boot
- Durable and comfortable for moderate days
- Breathable Gore-Tex lining
- Decent traction on most surfaces
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Very breathable for Gore-Tex boots
✓ Good traction
✓ Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not for rocky trails due to thin soles
✗ Loose lacing system
This model is a good, affordable winter hiking boot that will serve you well during milder days. It has a Gore-Tex lining and 400g synthetic insulation which make it very breathable, an important feature for winter boots because perspiration can make your feet wet and cold. It also features a rubber sole that provides decent traction on most surfaces.
One downside is that the lacing system isn’t as good as other models, so you may need to tighten it a bit more often.
Another downside is that they aren’t very good on rough terrain because of the thin soles, but they’re perfect for those who want to take snowshoeing trips during warmer winter days.
Why Buy this Product?
This is a good winter hiking boot that has the necessary features to keep you comfortable and dry during your winter adventures. And, since it’s made by Timberland, all products come with a good warranty and customer service.
Merrell Moab Mid WP
SPECIFICATIONS
• Give your feet the protection and comfort they deserve
• Keeps your feet warm and dry during winter
• Durable, comfortable and stylish all in one
• Versatile enough to handle a variety of conditions
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Comfortable
✓ Good traction
✓ High ventilation
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Exposed mesh prone to tearing
✗ They aren’t great on rough terrain due to the thin soles
This is a very good all-around winter hiking boot, comfortable and breathable enough for most winter conditions. The upper is fully lined with mesh so your feet can breathe easily during warmer days. It’s waterproof thanks to its proprietary M-Select Dry membrane which keeps water out without sacrificing breathability.
Merrell Moab features Vibram rubber soles, which provide good traction on most surfaces, including rocky trails. They’re also very durable and can survive a lot of punishment.
The main downside with these boots is that the exposed mesh can be prone to tears so they may not last very long if you don’t take care of them or wear them on rough terrain.
Why buy this product?
The Moab provides a good balance of breathability and weather protection, making them a good choice for people who want to take light hikes during mild winter days or snowshoeing adventures. They’re great for casual hikers that don’t need a ton of ankle support.
Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX
SPECIFICATIONS
• Sleek, Lightweight Design
• Durable Construction
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Comfortable
✓ Good traction
✓ High breathability
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not very resistant to abrasion
✗ Narrow toe box means they may feel uncomfortable after a while
Sheds snow easily for comfortable winter hikesThis is a great winter hiking boot for casual hikes in milder winter conditions. The upper is very breathable thanks to its TPU fabric which can withstand wear and tear, plus it has mesh panels that allow air to circulate inside the boots if your feet get hot.
The Breeze features a waterproof breathable Gore-Tex membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable. It also has a good rubber sole which provides excellent traction in snowy and icy conditions.
The main downside with this model is that it’s not for rough trails because the thin fabric upper isn’t very resistant to abrasion and the narrow toe box means you may feel uncomfortable in them after a while.
Why Buy this Product?
It is a good choice for people who want to get out on the trails during mild winter days. They’re not great for rough terrain because of their thin, fragile fabric upper but are comfortable and highly breathable, which is perfect if you tend to get hot easily while hiking or snowshoeing.
Sorel Caribou II
SPECIFICATIONS
• Perfect for winter conditions
• Durable rubber and leather construction
• Thick sole with good traction
• Can be used in snow or on hiking trails
REASONS TO BUY
✓ High insulation
✓ Durable
✓ Traction
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Heavy
✗ Can be uncomfortable after walking for long periods of time
This is a very traditional boot that has been used by military personnel, hunters, and winter hikers for more than 40 years. It’s perfect for just about any type of winter conditions thanks to its 9mm felt insulation which will keep your feet warm on the coldest days.
It’s made of rubber and leather, giving it added durability to withstand long hikes on rugged trails. It also has a thick sole with good traction for winter hiking and snowshoeing trips.
One downside with this boot is that it’s quite heavy (2 pounds) which can be tiring over the course of a hike or snowshoeing trip.
Why Buy this Product?
The Caribou is a perfect choice for people who want a traditional boot that will stand the test of time. It’s made to last and has been used for multiple purposes by both civilians and military personnel, so you can trust it to keep your feet warm on the coldest days.
Columbia Bugaboot Plus III
SPECIFICATIONS
• Guaranteed waterproof
• Durable construction with good traction
• Warm enough for winter sports
• Comfortable with padded collar and tongue
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Comfortable
✓ Excellent traction
✓ High breathability
✓ Durable construction
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not very insulated (200g)
This model has a tough construction that can withstand just about any type of terrain. It’s waterproof, which makes it great for winter sports or activities where your feet will get wet, while the 200g synthetic insulation keeps them warm on even the coldest days.
The rubber lower ensures good traction in snowy and icy conditions while the upper part is leather with a textile lining that enhances breathability. They’re also very comfortable thanks to their padded collar and tongue, plus the lacing system allows you to customize how your fit feels.
The Bugaboot is not as insulated as some other boots on this list because it only has 200g, but that’s still enough for most winter conditions as long as you’re not standing in the snow for hours.
Why Buy this Product?
It’s one of the best choices available for people who want a durable boot that won’t let them down no matter what type of terrain they cross. It also provides good traction on slippery trails and has excellent breathability, making it comfortable to wear all day long.
Sorel Joan Of Arctic
SPECIFICATIONS
• 6mm felt insulation will keep your feet warm
• Rubber soles make it the perfect winter boot
• Removable foam liner and fleece top are comfortable
• Feminine style to offer a lighter alternative
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Genuine leather
✓ Good traction
✓ Insulates well while still being breathable
✓ Feminine design
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Expensive
✗ Not appropriate for some winter activities or terrain types (ice, long hikes)
This stylish boot is perfect for women who want to stay warm on cold days without having to wear heavy, ugly boots.
It has a 6mm felt insulation which will keep your feet warm even when it’s freezing outside, but they’re still comfortable thanks to their removable foam liner and fleece top. They also have rubber soles with good traction which means you can use these boots for both winter sports and casual walks.
The Joan of Arctic is a feminine looking boot which means it may not be everyone’s taste, but that also ensures they’re on the lighter end (1.4 pounds) despite their size (16 inches). This also makes them very comfortable to wear, while still providing excellent insulation.
The downside is that they’re rather expensive, but you do get a lot for your money as these boots are genuine leather and have excellent insulation. They also come with good traction which means they should last you many winters to come!
Why Buy this Product?
They look great and will keep your feet warm without making them sweat thanks to the good insulation and breathability.
KEEN Women’s Hoodoo Iii Lace Up Mid Calf Boot
SPECIFICATIONS
• This is a great choice for cold winter days
• It’s waterproof and reinforced
• It’s well insulated with Keen Freeze outsole
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Good traction
✓ Waterproof and well insulated
✓ Reinforced against scuffs and tears
✓ Durable construction
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Heavy
✗ Not very breathable (not for long hikes or walks)
This pair is a good choice for women who want to go hiking and enjoy the outdoors during wintertime.
It’s well insulated with Keen Freeze outsole, which doubles as a rubber sole and gives your feet great traction on snow and ice (it also has nylon shank).
The Hoodoo III Lace Up Mid Calf Boot also features 200g insulation which is enough for temperatures from -34C to +9.5C, making it a good choice for cold winters or mountain hikes.
It’s also waterproof and reinforced against scuffs and tears, so you can walk in them without worrying about ruining them easily. The upper part is made of leather and the outsole is rubber, so these boots are durable and will survive many seasons.
The downside is that these aren’t very breathable, so you’ll have to wear moisture wicking socks or your feet will get cold after a few hours. They’re also rather heavy, which makes them less comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Why Buy this Product?
These Boots are durable, long lasting winter boots which also have good traction. They’re great for casual walks in the snow or for hiking in colder areas.
Baffin Snogoose
SPECIFICATIONS
• Hydrophobic & breathable
• Built-in wool to keep toes warm
• Stylish boots for all winter activities
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Very warm
✓ Durable and made for winter hiking
✓ Reinforced with a steel toe cap
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not very breathable
✗ Heavy on the foot, so not good for long walks or hikes
✗ Don’t look very stylish either
This pair is a good choice for active women who want to get out and enjoy the winter weather.
The Snogoose has a 7-layer lining which makes them very warm, while also providing great insulation against water and cold air. The rubber sole gives you traction both on ice and snow, plus provides good shock absorption so your feet won’t get hurt when you’re walking on ice and stone.
It’s also reinforced and durable, which means you can go winter hiking with these boots as well as ice fishing or snowshoeing without having to worry about ruining them quickly. They even come with a steel toe cap for added safety.
Despite looking like functional work boots, they’re still comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. They also have good insulation all around the ankle, which means they’ll keep your feet warm even if you’re walking on ice or wet snow.
The downside is that they don’t look very stylish at all, so won’t impress people when you’re off hiking in the forest. They’re also not very breathable, so will leave your feet feeling damp after a few hours.
Why Buy this Product?
The Snogoose are rugged boots that can be worn for many winter activities without ruining them quickly. They keep your feet both warm and safe with steel toe caps and a 7-layer insulating lining.
The Quick Shopping Tips For Purchasing The Best Boots For Snowshoeing:
Here in this guide, we will cover all the tips which need to purchase the best boots for snowshoeing. Some main features are given below.
Materials:
The materials of the boot which you have to purchase the product. because some material is very comfortable and others are not so much comfortable for this purpose boots.
Insulation:
The insulation of a boot is the most important thing, if you do snowshoeing than there always possible for cold weather even low temperatures occur herein below zero temperature. So the insulation of boots is really important for this purpose.
Breathability:
Some boots are too much breathable, but some are not so much good for this reason. The breathable boot is more comfortable than a non-breathable boot. Because you have to walk on snow or ice so it’s not better for your feet.
Waterproof Boots Traction:
The traction of a boot is very important for safe walking on ice. The best possible way to purchase the right boots for snowshoeing is by reading some best product reviews such as the top 10 list or consumer reports etc. So this will be helpful for you in purchasing the right boots which you need for this purpose.
Best Fit As Winter boots:
You have to purchase the right fit boots for snowshoeing. if too tight or too much loose then you won’t feel comfortable in it. So always purchase the perfect size of these purpose boots.
These are some main features that you have to look at when purchasing the best winter boots for snowshoeing. Always be careful when purchasing the best boots for snowshoeing.
Designer Deep Snow Board Boots:
Designer snowboard boots are boots designed specifically for the sport of snowboarding or skiing. These boots are usually made with tough leather or other tough materials, and will almost always have a high level of insulation to provide warmth during long periods out in the cold while riding on the ski slopes.
Designer boots are often designed with a reinforced or padded tongue, along with extra material around the ankles for added protection against any hard impacts that may occur while snowboarding or skiing. They will also have a very high level of waterproofing to keep riders' feet warm and dry during wet weather while engaged in winter sports.
Other Features To Consider:
Cuff Height:
Cuffs should come up high enough to keep snow out of your boot around ankle height. If it doesn’t, you will find yourself having to take off your gloves and pull back your pant leg to clear snow out of your boot each time you take a step.
Insulation:
Some snowshoeing boots are insulated, while some do not have insulation. If you will be spending long periods of time in the snow, you might want to consider getting one with insulation so your feet for a day out sledging with the kids.
Gore-Tex:
Gore-tex is a membrane that is waterproof and windproof. It allows moisture to escape, but not enter so your feet stay dry and warm. You will want good traction for snowshoeing as well. Most winter boots come with an outdoor sole. If you purchase boots without the outer soles, purchase some type of grip for slippery surfaces.
Conclusion:
So, these are some main features that you have to look at when purchasing the best winter boots for snowshoeing. Always be careful when purchasing the best boots for snowshoeing. I hope you will find this article helpful if you are looking for the perfect snowshoeing boots for yourself. Thanks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Tennis Shoes For Snowshoeing?
Regular running or tennis shoes are not made for walking on ice or through deep snow, even if they have a Vibram sole. The soles aren’t thick enough to absorb the shock that occurs when walking over rough surfaces. Furthermore, you will end up with wet feet, which can end up making you very uncomfortable.
Are Boots Made For Snowshoeing Different From Winter Boots?
Yes and no. Winter boots are usually designed to be water-resistant, allowing the wearer to step in puddles without getting their feet wet or cold. The difference is that winter boots are designed for warmth, which means they are made with insulation to keep the wearer warm.
Can I Walk In Winter Boots That Aren’t Broken In Yet?
t is best to break in your boots before your first winter walk. If you don’t, it is possible for the leather to split where you need the most support. This will either leave you with wet feet or a very uncomfortable pair of boots.
