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13 Best Ice Boots – 2021
To help you pick a pair, we have selected some of the best ice boots available now.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Insulation
Winter ice boots are designed to provide insulation and warmth during the cold winter months.
All of the best boots for ice we’ve included in our list offer you some type of insulation to help keep you warm when you are outside in the low temperatures. Also, another thing to remember that ice boots that provide good insulation properties and waterproofing will help you do what you need to do even when the weather is cold and icy outside.
Most of the ice boots on our list give you two choices in insulation: either synthetic insulation or neoprene insulation. Neoprene insulation is the same material usually found in wetsuits that help protect people from the cold water while still allowing for effective thermal regulation in temperature. Designed to create warmth and also made to be durable, neoprene insulation lasts quite a long time, and it’s insulated capabilities don’t degrade with continuous use. So, neoprene is long-lasting, and its ability to insulate well will never wear off.
However, there is one downside to neoprene, and that’s the fact it doesn’t offer a lot of ventilation, so your feet can sweat. How effective the ventilation system is can also depend much on the boot’s overall design. Neoprene is also an effective insulator, but the material itself is not extremely warm.
The second type of insulation you’ll find in many of these shoes on our list, and probably the more popular material, is synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulation uses spun plasticized fibers combined into the interior area of the boot. Plus, synthetic insulation is not only used in those shoes to create warmth, but it is also used in a wide variety of other products, including winter jackets and winter sleeping bags. Synthetic insulation does a great job at keeping heat inside the interior area of the boot, and also comes with a decent loft system to help cushion your feet for extra comfort. However, how effective the synthetic insulation is designed into the boots can affect much about the warmth that you’ll experience.
Depending on the amount of synthetic insulation used and how it’s manufactured into the ice boots, you will experience different levels of warmth. Synthetic insulation also dries out quickly when it does get wet, and it won’t lose its ability to insulate if it gets wet. Synthetic insulation, however, is not as durable as some other insulation types, and its loft system can break down and lose its effectiveness over time.
Comfort
How comfortable your boots for snow and ice are, and how effective they are when you use them, will depend a lot on the lacing system designed into them.
First, lace type and design can dictate how well a boot will fit your feet, and also will tell you a lot about how easy they will be to get on and off your feet. Some lacing systems are easier to use than others, and how good the lacing systems are can affect how comfortable they feel and their overall performance.
Boots for ice that are designed with several lace eyelets can offer a great adjustment system when it comes to getting them to fit right but can create problems when you lace them up over the top area of your feet. While you can lace them to feel right, the feel of the fit overall is often not snug, but loose. So, depending on how snug you want your shoe to fit, that can be an issue.
Other boot lacing systems feature a speed lacing system that gives you more ankle support and more adjustability. While you’ll get the ability to customize the fit of the boots well with this lacing system, speed lacing systems can be the hardest to use when you want to get your snow ice boots on or take them off. Also, quick lacing systems aren’t quite as durable as shoes made with more traditional lacing systems.
Weather Resistance
Most brands that make ice boots focus on utilizing waterproof materials including rubber or waterproof leather, while others use a waterproof coating on the exterior of the boot to boost weather protection.
Since ice boots are designed to handle snow and ice well in cold weather conditions, and also are manufactured to create warmth, weather protection becomes a very important feature because if your feet get wet, you’ll get cold and miserable quickly.
Not all ice boots are made to be fully waterproof, even if they are advertised as such. However, if you’re looking for a pair of fully waterproof boots, then you’ll want to make sure your shoes have materials like neoprene and rubber, or those with a treated exterior shell. Just remember that with neoprene, the ventilation systems aren’t always excellent because of the way the materials react to regulate your warmth inside your boot.
The ice boots we’ve provided you with on our list above all have some kind of waterproofing protection on them. However, other features designed into the shoes can also affect how much water might seep into the boot, like zippers and tongue areas. So, make sure you check these out to make sure they provide the water protection you’ll need to have in your ice boots.
Traction
If you’ve ever walked outside of your house when the ground is covered in ice and snow, then you know the importance of having good traction in your ice boots.
If you want to make sure you don’t slip, the traction system on the boots you purchase has to be effective enough to prevent injury, while still providing adequate amounts of support.
All of the best boots for ice on our list feature some kind of traction and grip features, but not all are created equally. So, make sure you consider how icy it will be whenever you walk outside.
Value
The ice boots on our list all feature value points and most of these shoes all fit into the more affordable price range.
We’ve listed many boots that will fit into anybody’s budget, and if you want a more affordable pair of high-quality shoes, we’ve provided you with some brands and styles that meet that expectation.
13 Best Ice Boots
1. Salomon X Ultra Winter CS 2
If you’re looking for lightweight, comfortable boots for ice that feel like an athletic shoe when you wear it but still offer a lot of weather protection and warmth, then the Salomon X Ultra Winter CS boots might be it. These are some of the lightest ice boots on our list and have enough comfort and warmth to keep your feet happy all day long.
Read moreInsulation
Designed with Thinsulate synthetic insulation on the interior, the liner on these boots for ice breaths well and provides you with a warm boot that also ventilates well. You’ll get the warmth you need anytime the temperature drops.
Comfort
Since these boots are designed to fit like winter running shoes, they do hug your feet well, giving you the support you’ll want.
Weather Protection
The exterior is made with a ClimaShield waterproof membrane that also ventilates well, and makes these snowshoe boots fully waterproof. You can be sure your feet will stay dry.
Traction
These boots provide ample amounts of traction and an excellent insulation system plus enough internal padding to keep your feet comfortable all day long.
Value
They run in the average price range and do give you a lot of bang for your buck. Plus, they are also durable and long-lasting, so you’ll be able to count on them to do the job for several months.
2. UGG Adirondack III Snow
It comes as no surprise that this is UGG's best selling temperature rated boot. The Adirondacks are an impressive pair of boots that have a -32 temperature rating and are fully waterproof. They are comfortable and flexible without compromising traction or warmth.
Read moreInsulation
If you are looking for ultimate warmth, you’ve found it. 200g of insulation brings a weather rating of -32 degrees. The leather upper and insoles are lined with 17mm of wool lining. Many reviewers are amazed by the warmth of these boots for snow and ice. You also have the option of fully lacing the boots, or cuffing the top.
Comfort
The flexibility of these boots makes them a comfortable choice for many different snow activities. The 17mm UGGpure sheep wool lined insole is easily removed for slightly less heat and cushioning. The midsole of the boot is made from dual-density EVA foam which provides great cushioning, stability, and comfort. Despite all of these comforts, if you don’t get the right size, you’ll be suffering. Without a doubt, you will need to size up a half size in these shoes. Don’t second guess it, just do it.
Weather Resistance
As you would expect from a boot of this caliber, the Adirondack is fully waterproof. They have a bootie construction with DryTech technology. The shaft height is seven inches, making it easy to pass through most puddles and slosh without worry.
Traction
The Spider rubber outsole provides impressive traction. They will give you a sense of stability on snow, ice, and even climbing uphill. As an added bonus, the rubber outsole maintains its flexibility in freezing temperatures.
Value
These ice boots are quite an investment. However, many reviewers have confidently stated that they are “worth every penny” and that they imagine that these will be the last pair of ice boots they ever buy.
3. Kamik NationPlus
Kamik’s NationPlus boots for snow and ice are made to handle icy, snowy conditions with ease, providing ample amounts of traction and good warmth and weather protecting features. These ice boots are a great all-around choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for ice boots that can handle versatile terrain.
Read moreInsulation
These boots good for snow and ice come designed with 200g of Thinsulate insulation on the interior area of the boots, which seems lower than some of the warmer boots on this list, but amazingly, these are still very thermal and can create a lot more warmth than what the numbers suggest. The insulation on these boots actually keeps its loft quite well, which helps to make it warm and toasty.
Comfort
The insulation on the interior area is comfortable and helps to add extra padding underneath your feet each time you move.
Weather Protection
The design is made to keep water out, with a thick rubber and suede leather exterior that repels water so it stays away from the boot’s interior. Also, the boots feature a thick rubber sole that's designed to boost insulation while also preventing water from seeping through.
Traction
Also, they come with a flexible range and a thick rubber sole that helps to grip the ice and snow well without restricting your movement.
Value
If you’re shopping on a budget, then these snow ice boots are priced very affordably for the amount of protection and warmth you’ll get. They are one of the least expensive models you’ll find in a pair of high-quality boots.
4. Bogs Classic Ultra Mid
Bogs designed their Classic Ultra Mid boots with slippery surfaces in mind, so these boots give you great traction in both icy and snowy conditions and on a wide variety of trains. Bringing you great traction and comfort, you’ll get a lot of use out of these durable, high-quality ice traction boots.
Read moreInsulation
These offer a decent amount of warmth, although they aren’t quite as warm as some of the other boots on our list. Still, they are designed with 7mm Neo-Tech neoprene insulation, so they do offer decent warmth performance, and can keep your feet warm even when the temperature drops.
Comfort
This option is designed with a four-way stretch interior bootie, so you get a lot of flexibility and range of motion whenever you boot them on. Also, the interior bootie area adds an extra warmth boost but provides a nice padded area to keep your feet comfortable and happy.
Weather Protection
They are fully waterproof, and also feature antimicrobial protection so you don’t have to worry about odor build-up or bacteria creating health problems for your feet. These snow and ice boots do effectively keep your feet warm and dry, and offer decent weather protection overall.
Traction
The rubber sole of these boots is non-slip and non-marking. However, the traction system could be improved. They will help to keep you upright in the snow, but in packed snow, they are less reliable.
Value
These are a good deal for the price. Plus, they are durable and long-lasting, so you’ll have them for many seasons to come.
5. Sorel Caribou
Sorel’s Caribou boots are designed to handle icy, snowy terrains very well, and include a lot of warmth and waterproof protection. These boots will protect you from all types of harsh environments, and also keep your feet both comfortable and warm while you are on-the-go.
Read moreInsulation
Sorel’s Caribou boots are made with a removable felt liner on the interior you can use as needed to help create extra warmth. The Thermo-plus inner boot area adds a lot when you need to keep your feet toasty as you trek through the cold weather.
Comfort
The removable inner boot liner adds an extra comfort boost since they give you extra padding and help keep your feet warm and happy. Also, these boots are very flexible and designed to move as you move, meaning they won’t restrict your activities when you are on the go.
Weather Protection
Sorel’s duck-style Caribou boots are fully waterproof and come with a seam-sealed waterproof upper as well as a waterproof vulcanized rubber shell. These boots will effectively keep water out of the interior area very well, allowing your feet to stay dry.
Traction
The rubber soles of the Caribou have small circular traction pegs. These circles make it easier for you to grip the snow and feel stable. On pure, slick, ice, you may still slide a bit, but could always attach a set of crampons.
Value
Sorel’s Caribou boots come priced in an average range, which makes them a great value for all of the protection and warmth you’ll get with them. Plus, they are durable and long-lasting, so you’ll be able to use them for many seasons.
6. Muck Boots Arctic Ice
The Original Muck Boot Company is known for making premium products as a necessity rather than a luxury. Their boots are designed so you are always protected, productive, and are in your comfort zone no matter what the weather.
Read moreInsulation
The Muck boots feature a soft fleece lining that not only improves the comfort of the boot but also provides a good level of insulation. The lining also makes the boots exceptionally durable, particularly on long treks, with plummeting temperatures of between -40 degrees to 4 degrees.
Comfort
Constructed with a 5 mm neoprene, this material provides comfort and flexibility. The material acts as a great shock absorber and helps the boot adjust to the shape of your foot, reducing the risk of any chafing or blisters.
Weather Protection
These boots are 100% waterproof so if you are caught out in the rain or snow, your feet will stay nice and dry. Featuring a tough Spandura material and an extended rubber shaft around the boot, these winter boots will protect you against harsh conditions.
Traction
The boots have Vibram Arctic Grip pods on the outsole which deliver advanced traction, particularly on wet ice. When it comes to dry ice, the boots have a Vibram Ice trek full base layer that provides a high level of traction. The multi-directional lugs provide further traction when walking along the ice and across different terrains.
Value
Sold for a high price, these winter boots from Muck may be pricey but they will certainly keep you warm, dry, and well protected in extreme weather conditions. For these reasons, the winter boots are a quality investment piece that is worth every dollar.
7. Keen Durand Polar
Keen’s Durand Polar boots are designed to be lightweight and easy for hiking while still providing plenty of traction and comfort on the ice. These boots are made to fit extremely well and provide the type of warmth and cozy feeling you’ll want to have when you’re out in the cold winter weather.
Read moreInsulation
Designed with 400g of Keen’s insulation on the interior of the boot, you get double the warmth with these shoes for snow and ice, so your feet will generate plenty of thermal regulation. You’ll never have to worry about feeling cold each time you wear these boots outside.
Comfort
Made to provide the perfect fit each time you put them on, you get a lot of flexibility plus a quick lacing system designed into these boots.
Weather Protection
The sole of these boots is made out of water-resistant rubber.
Traction
Speaking of that water-resistant rubber sole, these boots are designed to handle all types of terrain when the weather is icy and snowy and provide an excellent traction system.
Value
Keen’s Durand Polar boots run on the more expensive side of things, possibly because all of the manufacturing is American-made. However, for the price, you do get a boot that’s durable enough to last you many seasons.
8. Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat
Columbia’s Bugaboot Plus III Omni-Heat boots are made to offer you an excellent choice in insulated hiking boots manufactured to be lightweight, waterproof, and very affordable. If you are shopping on a budget, you might enjoy everything these boots have to offer, considering they’ll save you from burning a hole in your pocketbook.
Read moreInsulation
Columbia designed these boots for icy conditions with an Omni-Heat reflective liner, which helps to use your body heat to regulate the temperature inside of them, keeping warmth inside. These also come with 200g of synthetic insulation as well, so you get a good heating system with these boots.
Comfort
The insulation designed into these shoes gives you some extra padding and adds extra support and shock absorption. Also, these boots are very lightweight, making them easy to wear as they bring you extra traction and support on the ice.
Weather Protection
Manufactured to be highly waterproof, the boots come with a Techlite waterproof shell placed over the outer leather and nylon fabrics on the exterior of the boot. With this combination design, these boots are very waterproof, don’t leak, and will help keep your feet dry.
Traction
The Omni-Grip non-marking rubber outsole has a winter-specific tread pattern that grips easily to almost all terrains. The design also makes them a good candidate for snow climbing as well.
Value
For the features and benefits you get with these boots, they are very affordable, and probably the best selection in ice boots for those shopping on a budget. Made to be durable, you’ll get a lot of use out of these ice boots.
9. LaCrosse Ice King
The LaCrosse boots are built for comfort, durability, and warmth. They are also known for thriving in locations where the temperature drops below -20 and the snowfall hits 200+ inches.
Read moreInsulation
These ice boots have 400G of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation that wraps around your feet, keeping them warm. Additional insulation has been added through an 8mm felt midsole that will not compress over time.
Comfort
The boots feature a removable poly-foam liner that has 6mm of felt underfoot, giving you plenty of cushioning and warmth. The boots have an open-wide lacing system and include a back-pull tab.
Weather Protection
The ice boots have a 100% full-grain leather upper that is highly water-resistant, so your feet stay dry.
Traction
These have a hand-laid premium rubber base, with an abrasion-resistant toe cap that is 100% waterproof. These boots feature Trac-Lite outsoles that are fully vulcanized, for extra durability.
Value
Available at a mid-price, if you want a warm and durable pair of ice boots that will protect you in the harshest of conditions, these are the boots for you!
10. The North Face Chilkat 2
The North Face Chilkat boots bring you an excellent all-around ice-boot that offers ample amounts of warmth and weather protection. The extra insulation in these boots makes them very comfortable, and they do a fantastic job of handling terrain.
Read moreInsulation
These feature 400g of Primaloft Eco insulation, which is more than twice the insulation used by most other manufacturers. That means these ice boots are extremely warm and do a fantastic job of using thermal insulation to keep your feet toasty all day long.
Comfort
Not only is the insulated interior made to keep your feet warm, but they also keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. They are designed to be very flexible, so they will move as you move and never restrict your activities.
Weather Protection
Made with excellent water-resistant protection, these boots are made with a ballistic nylon material and leather upper and are designed with superior waterproof construction. They come with rustproof hardware, and also include a Dri-Lex fleece lining, meaning they’ll keep your feet warm and dry all day long.
Traction
The icepick snow traction sole has great traction. The aggressive lugs that are carved into the rubber sole provide great stability.
Value
For the number of features and the quality of the design you’ll get out of these ice boots, The North Face’s ChillKat are priced at about an average range. You’ll get a lot of long-lasting benefits from this very durable boot, too.
11. SOREL Alpha Pac XT
The SOREL Men’s Alpha Pac XT waterproof and insulated boots have been designed and made to protect you in the most extreme conditions.
Read moreInsulation
These feature a removable 9mm recycled felt inner boot with an Omni-Heat reflective lining that will keep you warm in temperatures of as low as -60F. Additional insulation comes from a 2.5mm bonded felt frost plug and a 9mm felt footbed.
Comfort
For the comfiest fit, these boots have been constructed with a comfy EVA midsole, giving you additional thermal protection. The Polar Lite shell also makes these boots flexible to move in.
Weather Protection
These ice boots from SOREL have been made from a waterproof synthetic textile material that has a seam-sealed waterproof construction. They have a shatter-resistant buckle and a built-in gaiter with a barrel lock closure system for extra protection.
Traction
Reflective safety graphics, give you better visibility when wearing these boots and a grippy outsole keeps your feet firmly on the ground when you are on the move.
Value
One of our more expensive winter ice boots, this pair from SOREL will protect, with whatever comes your way! If you are going on an urban adventure these are great boots to invest in for your travels.
12. Helly Hansen Woodlands
Having made boots for over 140 years, these Helly Hansen Woodland boots are a fantastic pair to help people stay and feel alive in all weather conditions.
Read moreInsulation
The boots are warm and comfy; however, they do not offer as much insulation in comparison to some of the other ice boots in our collection.
Comfort
Different from the other boots in our collection, these winter ice boots present a casual, city-style look, that could be worn anywhere. The casual boots have a padded collar, making them extremely comfy to wear. They are also warm and lightweight making them easy to walk in.
Weather Protection
These boots will keep you protected in all kinds of weather. Featuring a waterproof leather upper and a water repellent mesh ankle collar, your feet will stay dry in these boots.
Traction
The Helly Hansen boots have a HellyGrip protective rubber outsole that provides a solid grip under your foot.
Value
Sold for a more affordable price, this option is a great buy if you are on a budget. However, they may not be suitable for some due to their style and lack of insulation. Available in 6 different colors and styles, you get a lot of choice with this pair.
13. Columbia Ice Maiden II
Columbia is known for its attention to detail, which is what sets their boots apart from the rest! Using only the highest quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and stitching, these ice boots from Columbia are built to last.
Read moreInsulation
This option has been constructed with 200g of insulation, keeping your feet dry and warm in the cold weather.
Comfort
These features a lightweight midsole and a superior level of cushioning, making them super comfy. The boots have a soft faux fur collar and tongue lining as well as a lace-up closure, allowing you to adjust the boots so they are a perfect fit. A removable contoured PU footbed provides additional comfort.
Weather Protection
The ice boots will be able to stand up against bad weather because they have been crafted using waterproof leather and textile construction.
Traction
The Omni-Grip advanced traction rubber sole helps prevent any slips or trips.
Value
This stylish pair of boots from Columbia are being sold for a mid-price. Available in 9 different colors, this pair of women’s ice boots are a fantastic choice if you are looking for a warm, comfy, and durable option.
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