Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (2024)

Antarctic Winter Boots
Extreme cold and dry conditions


Very low temperature cold weather boots
manufacturer rated down to -148 F / -100 C
Men'sWomen's

Ordinary leather or synthetic hiking boots aren't warm enough for very cold conditions, even with an extra pair of socks.

Boots for extreme cold weather conditions have a different construction, they have soft uppers, thick rubber or synthetic soles, insulation that is often removable and thick insoles to prevent heat loss downwards to the snow and ice. The flexible uppers and a lacing system or adjustable buckles allow you to get them on while already wearing one or more pairs of thick socks (and gloves), and allow for flexibility of fit. It is important not to squash socks down too much as trapped air is the real insulator.

These kind of boots are great at keeping you warm and are suitable for most activities at low temperatures, though you'll need something more specialist for exceptionally rugged terrain or climbing. If you intend to walk or stand around on flat-ish ground in incredibly cold conditions, they will fulfill their function admirably.

Boots for cold weather are going to be bulky and heavier than those for warmer temperatures, all that insulation leads to wide uppers and a hefty sole to keep the cold away. In the coldest temperatures, there is no getting away from this. There is no super thin or ultra light insulating or heat reflective material that can avoid this, whatever the advertising material says.

Cold Weather Winter Boots
for Less Extreme Conditions


Mens | Women's

Boots for your Antarctic Trip

If you're planning on a trip to Antarctica you'll need some suitable substantial footwear. These notes are specific to those going to Antarctica, but are applicable to any hiking boots that you may need for cold climates and rugged terrain.

Antarctica is rugged

. There aren't any footpaths and walking will be at best on sandy or pebble beaches. The landscape that is not snow and ice is rocky, pretty rough and rarely flat. So a good solid substantial sole to any footwear is needed so that you don't feel all of those rugged Antarctic rocks too directly.

Summer temperatures in coastal regions where most visitors go will be at about temperate Northern hemisphere winter levels

. It may well get below freezing point, so the boots should be warm enough and roomy enough to take a pair of under socks and also thicker warmer hiking socks.

Your footwear needs to be warm, water-resistant, supportive (at least ankle height) and with a good sole. Comfortable also helps of course and fortunately modern boots are much, much better than they used to be not so many years ago. Gone are the days of breaking in boots long before you needed to use them in earnest from a stiff incompliant starting point.

Also gone are the days when it was necessary as my grandfather advised me to my great horror as a fastidious teenager, to wee in them and leave them over-night (that's what they used to do in the army apparently - India, Northwest Frontier circa 1922).

It is sensible to get used to your boots and wear them around town or at least the house for a while before you set off for the airport to go south. It's not a good idea to put them on for the very first time in your cabin to go ashore and see your first penguin colony close-up. They arrive pretty much ready-to-go, but as with all footwear it also depends on how standard your feet are!

Socks - Don't "spoil the ship for a ha'porth o' tar". Get some nice comfy warm socks too. A good quality light-weight pair for next to your skin and then some "hiking" socks to go over these. These are usually made so as not to have seams in uncomfortable positions and may be specially cushioned on the areas where the weight is taken.
Hiking Socks:Midweight |Heavyweight

Antarctic Summer Boots
Cold and wet conditions


Waterproof cold weather boots
manufacturers rating down to - 40 F / - 40 C
Men's | Women's

As you will be on a ship and making boat landings ashore, waterproof boots are very useful! While you won't be deliberately wading through water, a missed footing into just a couple of inches of water could result in an uncomfortably soggy foot for quite a while afterwards.

For use in and around boats in the Antarctic summer, the modern take on rubber wellington style boots are ideal with a close fitting and insulated neoprene upper.

They are much better for walking in than traditional wellington boots and are widely used in Antarctica by scientists, guides and tourists alike . They are waterproof up to the top so you don't have to worry when getting in or out of the zodiac in shallow water and you can be comfortable walking around in them all day long.

Clothing for cold conditions - layering is the key

  • Layer one:underwear / base layer (can be short and thin or long and "thermal")
  • Layer two: theinsulating layer, tops & pants
  • Layer three:outer shell layer

Women's Winter Boots
Men's down the page

Recommended for Cold Weather

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (4)Baffin Snogoose - Women's
Rated -40F / -40C, 100% synthetic, rubber sole, inner boot

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (5) Baffin Ice Field - Women's
Rated: -100C /-148F, 7 layer inner boot, rubber sole

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (6) Bogs Classic High No Handle - Women's
Waterproof Insulated Rain and Winter Snow Boot, Rated -40F / -40C -Men's

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (7)Kamik Snowvalley - Women's
Rated: -25F /-32C, waterproofed suede upper, faux fur collar,8+ colors!

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (8) Columbia Ice Maiden II - Women's
Rated -25F /-32C, textile and suede upper, waterproofed, 200g insulation

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (9)Kamik Momentum Boot - Women's
Rated -25F / -32C Waterproof boot with lace closure, grippy tread, 10+ colors!

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (10)Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot - Women's
Rated -25F / -32C, waterproof, leather upper, rubber sole, faux fur collar

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (11)Sorel Caribou - Women's
Waterproof, rated -40F / -40C, removable 9mm felt inner boot, extra insulated soleMen's Caribou

Budget Choice

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (12)DREAM PAIRS Mid-Calf Waterproof Snow Boots - Women's
Warm, water resistant and durable

Budget Choice

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (13)Aleader Mid-Calf Winter Snow Boots - Women's
Waterproof, leather and synthetic uppers


Men's Winter Boots

Recommended for Cold Weather

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (14)Baffin Snow Monster - Men's
Rated -94F / -70C, Tall leather and nylon boot quick-lace, grippy lugged outsole

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (15)Baffin Impact - Men's
Rated -148F / -100C, buckle closure, nylon upper, snow collar
Women's

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (16)Kamik Men's Nationplus
Rated -40F / -40C, leather upper, 200g thinsulate insulation, traditional laces

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (17)Kamik Greenbay 4 - Men's
Rated -40F / -40C, waterproof nylon uppers |women's

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (18)BOGS Men's Classic High-m Snow Boot
Waterproof and Insulated, Rated -40F / -40C -Women's

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (19)Columbia Bugaboot III - Men's Waterproofed upper, rated -25F / -32C, 200g insulation, tough soleWomen's

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (20)Sorel Caribou - Men's
Waterproof, rated -40F / -40C, removable 9mm felt inner boot, extra insulated soleWomen's Caribou

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (21)Sorel 1964 Pac nylon - Men's
Waterproof outer, felt inner boot, rubber sole

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (22)Baffin Control Max - Men's
Stay out all day in extreme cold weather, rated -70C / -94F

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (23) Baffin Apex - Men's
Rated -148F / -100C, 100% leather quick lace system, 8 layer inner boot

Budget Choice

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (24)
NORTIV 8 - Men's

Insulated Waterproof, Construction, Hiking, Snow Boots, Rated -25F

Budget Choice

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (25)
ALEADER Waterproof Snow Boots - Men's

Durable, textile and rubber cold weather boot, -25F rating

Cold Weather Boots - Keep your feet warm in extreme cold weather, 2023 (2024)

FAQs

What is the warmest cold weather boot? ›

The North Face Chilkat V 400 boasts incredible warmth and unparalleled comfort, taking its rightful place at the front of the pack for men's winter boots. These boots are luxurious for cold weather, with bountiful synthetic insulation and a cozy lining keeping your feet happy as the temperatures plummet.

What boots will keep your feet warm? ›

Our Team's Winter Boot Picks
  • Best Overall Winter Boot: The North Face Chilkat 400 V.
  • Best Budget Winter Boot: Kamik Nation Plus.
  • Best Everyday Winter Boot: Sorel Caribou.
  • Best Boot for Winter Hiking: Merrell Thermo Chill.
  • Warmest Winter Boot for Extreme Cold: Baffin Impact.
  • Best Insulated Slip-on Boot: Keen Anchorage III.
Nov 20, 2023

Why do my feet still get cold in insulated boots? ›

Tight-fitting boots will restrict blood circulation and make you cold quicker than a boot with ample room. Most boots leave enough space for the user to wear a thick sock but keep this in mind when gearing up; you don't want those toes to be too tight!

Which is better Sorel or Kamik? ›

Traction: Sorel boots typically have a more substantial and rugged outsole, which provides good traction on snow and ice. Kamik boots also have a durable outsole, but they may not have the same level of traction as Sorel boots.

What does the US military use for extreme cold weather boots? ›

As a reaction to the frostbite that many soldiers suffered while fighting in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, the Bunny Boot was designed to support soldiers in the coldest conditions that any military could resonably attempt to operate, a 'worst-case scenario' that would include regions such as ...

How warm are GORE-TEX boots? ›

Gore-Tex is a highly breathable waterproof material to keep you from getting too hot. The Gore-tex lining does make them somewhat less breathable (thus a little warmer). I still wear them all year round, and if you are doing any extended hikes where you need dry feet, waterproof is more important than cool.

What shoes keep your feet warm in winter? ›

Shoes that are good for the cold include knee-high boots, ankle boots, Chelsea boots, platform shoes, loafers, and even chunky sneakers. Whether you're going to work, walking, running errands, or traveling, you need warm shoes to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.

What keeps your feet warm in winter? ›

Use two pairs of socks if needed. In very cold temperatures, I suggest two pairs of socks. Wear one thin layer next to your skin made of a wicking material like polypropylene and a thicker layer made of a combination of wool and other synthetic materials.

How do you keep your feet warm with poor circulation? ›

When your feet get cold, put on a pair of warm socks and take a short walk or move around to help blood flow to your feet. If your symptoms are the result of an underlying condition, work with your provider to manage or treat the condition that causes your symptoms to prevent your feet from being cold all the time.

Does wearing two pairs of socks keep your feet warmer? ›

Does wearing two pairs of socks make your feet colder? It shouldn't but it can happen if you wear them in shoes or boots that are to tight. It's not really the socks fault, you reduce blood circulation in your feet. Simply wearing 2 pairs won't, in fact that would be warmer as it adds an extra layer of insulation.

How can I make my winter boots warmer? ›

First, you can try wearing socks that are made of wool or a thermal material. You can also try wearing a pair of boot liners, which will help to keep your feet warm and dry. If you are still having trouble keeping your feet warm, you can try using a boot heater.

Are pajar boots warm? ›

They are waterproof and very warm, nice for Canadian winter.

How warm are Sorel winter boots? ›

Warmth and Insulation

The Sorel Joan of Arctic is a warm boot that Sorel rates to -25F (we've tested it down to -30F with real feel of -45F but don't recommend it).

What happened to Sorel boots? ›

Kaufman Footwear declared bankruptcy in 2000. The Sorel trademark was bought by Columbia Sportswear. Following Columbia's purchase, the Sorel brand was expanded to other products, such as nylon outerwear and other work-related garments.

What temperature are 400g insulated boots rated for? ›

In terms of temperature, a 200g insulated winter boot will keep your feet warm down to about 0-10 degrees (F), while a 400g winter boot will keep them warm down to -20 degrees (F) and possibly lower. Generally speaking, you can wear a pair of 200g winter boots in 20-30 degree Fahrenheit temperatures quite comfortably.

What temperature are 200 gram insulation boots rated for? ›

The more work you're doing, the more you move around, and the warmer your feet will be, making insulated boots that are 800g-rated a bit too warm for comfort. The most common insulation weight is 200g, rated at 30-40°F, meaning you'll feel comfortable in all but the harshest conditions.

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