Best Snowshoeing Boots

Snowshoeing is an excellent activity you can engage in during the winter months, where ice and snow mainly cover the ground. And while snowshoeing cannot be accomplished without snowshoes, equally essential equipment is an excellent pair of snowshoeing boots. 

Snowshoeing boots give insulation for your feet and keep them warm. They also provide waterproofing so that your feet don’t get wet and cold, which can ruin your whole snowshoeing trip. Furthermore, they offer comfort to your feet so you can enjoy hiking out for more extended periods.

In this article, we will show you seven excellent snowshoeing boots for your next snowshoeing adventure. 

Comparison Table

First, have a look at the boots and their features and characteristics, nicely compared side-by-side.

SnowshoeUpper MaterialFootbedMidsole

OutsoleLiningWeightInsulationPrice
Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Winter Boots

Waterproof leather, soft shellDual-density EVAEthylene vinyl acetate (EVA)RubberUltraDry waterproof breathable membranes, fleece2 lbs 8 oz.Thinsulate synthetic fibers$$
Merrell Moab Polar Waterproof Boots

Cow suede, mesh, polyurethaneEVAEVARubberWaterproof, breathable membrane2 lbs. 12 oz.Polyester fibers$$
Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP Winter Hiking Boots

Leather, synthetic die-cut EVAmolded EVANon-marking Contragrip rubberSynthetic faux fur2 lbs 15 ozAerogel$$$$
XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Trekking Boots

Waterproof meshsheepskinEVARubberMesh3 lbsThinsulate$
KEEN Targhee High Lace Waterproof Boots

Waterproof, salt-resistant leatherdual-density EVADual-density, compression-molded EVANon-marking rubberBreathable mesh2 lbs 13 ozKEEN.Warm$$$
Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Snow Boots

LeathercushionedTechlite EVAMichelin Winter Compound rubberOmni-Heat reflective1 lb 12 oz200g synthetic fibers$

Product Reviews

Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Winter Boots

The Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Winter Boots are one of the most well-rounded snowshoeing boots on our list. These boots have a protective waterproof upper material, comfortable footbed, cushioned midsole, durable outsole, is relatively lightweight, and has excellent insulating material – all of which are what make a suitable snowshoeing boot.

The Vasque Coldspark has a 1.8 mm waterproof leather and soft-shell upper material for protection from wet weather and snow. The upper also uses an UltraDry technology, which incorporates a waterproof breathable lining that prevents water from entering the boot and allows sweat to escape readily.

These winter hiking boots also come with a footbed made of a dual-density ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) which has high resistance to both heat and cold, is durable, and provides more cushioning for your feet. The midsole is also made of molded EVA for extra cushioning and shock absorption. Also, the boots are lightweight at only 2 lbs 8 ounces.

These snowshoeing boots also have a Monolith rubber outsole which, alongside an incorporated ColdHold dual-density polymer and a multi-directional tread, provides excellent traction for slippery terrain such as snowy and icy trails. Also, these snowshoe boots have excellent insulation, making use of 200g 3M Thinsulate synthetic fibers and a fleece lining – features that guarantee that your feet stay warm in any cold conditions.

A downside to the Vasque Coldspark is that although it keeps your midfoot and toes warm, the heel portion can be more susceptible to the cold, so that is something you might have to look out for. On the plus side, these snow boots come with a gaiter that helps keep rain and snow out of your boots.

Merrell Moab Polar Waterproof Boots

The Merrell Moab Polar Waterproof Boots are another excellent choice for well-rounded snowshoeing boots. These winter hiking boots have an upper comprised of several materials – cow suede, mesh, and polyurethane – that work together to provide excellent waterproofing, protecting your feet from the elements. Also, adding to the boots’ waterproofing is an M-Select Dry lining that is also breathable.

The Merrell Moab comes with a footbed made of EVA that provides cushioning for your feet and is also removable, so you have the option to take it out depending on the type of terrain you plan on using the boots in. The midsole is also made out of EVA.

On the other hand, the outsole is made of rubber which is sticky and has a versatile tread pattern – features that help provide good traction on various types of trails. The soles also use an M-Select GRIP technology to boost the sole’s ability to grip on any kind of terrain.

These snowshoeing boots come with insulation in the form of 400g polyester fibers, which reflects heat released from your feet and retains it, and maintains warmth. Another feature of these boots is an M-Select FRESH technology that helps prevent any undesirable odors from developing.

A downside to the Merrell Moab is that although there is enough room around the toe and heel parts, it can be narrower along the midfoot portion. This can be a bit constricting for more big-footed people, so it is something to consider.

Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP Winter Hiking Boots

If you are looking for a pair of snowshoeing boots with excellent insulation, look no further than the Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP Winter Hiking Boots. These snowshoe boots incorporate NASA Aspen AeroGel Aerotherm technology that helps to keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Salomon Toundra Pro has an upper made of leather and synthetic material, which, along with a breathable Climashield membrane, protect your feet from moisture. A dual-layered molded EVA is used for the midsole, providing excellent responsiveness to terrain while still providing comfort to your feet. The footbed is also made of molded EVA.

These winter boots have an outsole made of non-marking Contragrip rubber, which is made to retain aggressive traction even in subzero temperatures; you can comfortably use these snowshoeing boots on icy and snowy trails.

 Another feature of the Salomon Toundra Pro is the lining made of synthetic faux fur, which feels soft against the skin and adds extra comfort. A downside to these snowshoe boots is that it has a relatively higher price point than other boots. Also, the Salomon Toundra has a somewhat larger toe box, which may be a bit too wide for some people.

XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Trekking Boots

If you are on a budget and are looking for an affordable pair of snowshoeing boots, then the XPETI Thermator Mid-Rise Waterproof Trekking Boots are the choice for you. These trekking boots have the lowest price on our list but still, come with plenty of quality features.

The XPETI Thermator has an upper made of waterproof mesh and incorporates a breathable X-DRY membrane to protect your feet from rain and snow. These snow boots also have a lining made of mesh that wicks moisture so that your feet stay as dry as can be while you wear them.

Not only do these snowshoe boots keep your feet dry, but also warm as well. The XPETI Thermator uses two hundred grams of Thinsulate for insulation, which can keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit. These boots also have a footbed made of sheepskin that provides both warmth and comfort.

These snowshoeing boots have a midsole made of lightweight and sturdy EVA that provides durability, acts as a cushion, and provides comfort to your feet as well. For the outsole, durable and slip-resistant rubber is used, providing excellent grip. There is also a molding rubber toe cap that protects your front foot from collisions, while a TPU backstay protects and supports the heel portion.

A downside to the XPETI Thermator is that it might not be completely waterproof, particularly at the toe portion, so you might not want to go wading into shallow streams with these boots. But at the price they are at, they are worth considering for snowshoeing.

KEEN Targhee High Lace Waterproof Boots

The KEEN Targhee High Lace Waterproof Boots are another excellent choice for a comfortable pair of snowshoeing boots. A dual-density, removable EVA footbed, along with a dual-density, compression-molded EVA midsole, work together to give as much cushioning to your feet as possible. Additionally, these boots are easy to secure, with speed hooks allowing more effortless lace adjustment.

The KEEN Targhee High Lace has an upper made of waterproof, salt-resistant leather that comes from a tannery certified as having environmentally sustainable practices by the Leather Working Group (LWG). The upper works with a KEEN.DRY technology makes use of a waterproof and breathable lining to protect your feet from wet weather and terrain.

This pair of snowshoe boots has an outsole comprised of non-marking rubber, which uses a KEEN.FREEZE technology that incorporates 4mm multi-directional lugs for enhanced traction in colder conditions. You can be sure to have a reliable grip on snowy and icy trails. An ESS shank also adds stability and support to the boots.

A KEEN.WARM tech is employed to provide warmth to your feet, using 200g insulating material with a temperature rating of -25 degrees Fahrenheit. An additional feature of these winter boots is a Cleansport NXT technology that provides natural odor control.

A downside to the KEEN Targhee High Lace is that the heel portion might be a bit more susceptible to the cold than other parts of the boots.

Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Snow Boots

Another excellent choice of snowshoeing boots for those on a budget is the Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Snow Boots. Besides having an affordable price range, these winter boots are also the most lightweight ones on our list, weighing at just 1 lb 12 oz.

The Columbia Bugaboot IV has an upper that combines leather, nylon, webbing, and metal hardware in a seam-sealed construction for the waterproofing of the boots. For the midsole, TechLite technology is used. TechLite EVA cushions your feet, absorbs impact, and recovers a more significant percentage of energy used when pushing off snow.

For the outsole, these snowshoeing boots use Michelin Winter Compound rubber with a specially engineered tread pattern, has undergone siping, and includes special compounds that greatly enhance grip on wet and icy terrain. These boots have one of the best grips among the others on our list.

With the help of an Omni-Heat reflective lining and 200g insulation, the Columbia Bugaboot IV keeps your feet warm in temperatures of up to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The Omni-Heat technology makes use of metallic dot patterns that reflect and retain heat.

A downside to the Columbia Bugaboot IV is that water might enter them through the lower lace holes, so you might not want to use these boots for wading through streams that have a higher water level.

FAQs

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

When choosing a pair of snowshoeing boots, the essential things to consider are:

  • Insulation for keeping your feet warm
  • Waterproofing to protect your feet from wet conditions
  • Comfort in wearing
  • Excellent traction
  • Light weight
  • Affordability

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

What makes winter boots much more suited to snowshoeing than regular hiking boots lies in their insulation and waterproofing. Traditional hiking boots are not usually equipped to handle lower temperature conditions, so your feet can suffer from the cold and discomfort when they get wet. 

On the other hand, winter boots are not only waterproofed but they also incorporate insulating material to keep your feet warm throughout your snowshoeing.

Conclusion

The Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Winter Boots are the best snowshoeing boots when it comes to being well-rounded. The Vasque Coldspark has UltraDry tech for waterproofing, a comfortable footbed and cushioned midsole, excellent traction with its ColdHold outsole with multi-directional tread, and excellent insulation via Thinsulate synthetic fibers and a fleece lining. These boots also come with gaiters for extra protection and are relatively lightweight at 2 lbs 8 oz.

For well-insulated snowshoeing boots, the Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP Winter Hiking Boots is an excellent choice. The Salomon Toundra Pro incorporates NASA Aspen AeroGel Aerotherm technology that keeps your feet warm in temperatures as low as -40°F. These winter boots also have a Climashield membrane for protection from outside moisture, non-marking Contragrip rubber outsoles for aggressive traction, and synthetic faux fur that feels soft and gives extra comfort.

The best snowshoeing boots for those on a budget are the Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Snow Boots. This pair of boots has one of the best tractions on wet, snowy, and icy terrain, made possible by its Michelin Winter Compound rubber outsoles. The Columbia Bugaboot IV also has Techlite EVA midsoles that provide cushioning and high energy recovery, has an Omni-Heat lining that keeps your feet warm, and is very lightweight at 1 lb 12 oz. These winter boots truly give you value for your money.

Hopefully, this article has helped you narrow down your choices for snowshoeing boots. Whichever ones you choose from our list are sure to be an excellent choice.