Winter weather unlocks new terrain to be explored. But before you do, making sure you don't sacrifice your feet to the temperature and snow of it all is important. The right hiking shoes (and socks) serve as key factors in comfortably hiking or walking trails (which, depending on where you are, may double as an ice rink!).
But the number of options out there can be daunting — there are leather and GORE-TEX boots, lightweight and waterproof shoes, and many more. To help guide your search, Shop TODAY spoke to Alex Lind, former product director at Altra Running, about how to shop for your perfect pair of hiking boots and his advice for sustaining them after a long winter of wear.
Sidewalk-and-slush-approved$80.00$115.00
What should I look for when shopping for winter hiking boots?
Whether you're trekking through snow, walking on paved trails or simply standing on your feet for multiple hours throughout the day, you want a boot that meets your specific set of needs.
"First, you should find something that feels like a natural extension of your feet," Lind says. "Second, be aware of the terrain that you are hiking. If it contains a fair amount of rock and hard surface, a shoe with more cushioning may be preferred. If it is on sand or a very soft surface, sometimes you may want something with a little better ground feel."
The key feature to keep in mind when shopping for hiking boots is size.
"Make sure that what you are wearing is the correct size for your foot. There is nothing worse than being stuck for a day or more while wearing a boot that is too tight or ends up rubbing somewhere," he says.
Whether you have to size up to make room for thick socks or size down to guarantee a secure fit, making sure you have the correct size trumps all when it comes to checking the boxes for a hiking boot, according to Lind.
How should I take care of my hiking boots when I'm not wearing them?
Just like any other article of clothing or pair of shoes, when your hiking boots get wet, allow them time to dry properly, advises Lind. Even if they're damp from sweat, making sure they are completely dry before embarking on your next hike or before you store them in a closet helps promote their longevity and overall look.
When cleaning your hiking boots, Lind strongly advises steering clear of the washing machine.
"Stay away from washing in machines as it can break down adhesives and other parts of the boot," Lind warns. When it comes to storage, he recommended avoiding direct sunlight and placing the boots in a dry spot.
"The sun is great, but it can break down the materials if they are left out for too long," Lind says. The takeaway: Make your coat closet, not porch, the new home for your hiking boots.
Editor-loved and recommended hiking boots
"I wore these on a snowy and icy hike in the Catskills last year and I can confidently say if I didn't have them, I probably would've had a broken ankle by the end of it," admits associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson. "We were staying at a cabin and the area around the parking spot was almost totally iced over so when I first got out of the car with my Hokas, I was slipping and sliding everywhere. When I walked there with these boots, I felt very secure. On the hike itself, it kept me stable going uphill and navigating hard and soft snow."
A closer look at the shoe makes it easy to see why these are a well-known favorite. The Mid 3 shoes, like their predecessor, are lightweight and breathable, and they feature a super-grippy Vibram rubber outsole that helps prevent slipping and instability on unpredictable terrain. That rubber tread, when combined with greater cushioning in the midsole and a supportive insole with reinforced heel support, allow for better ankle support, too.
This particular version of the Moab has a waterproof barrier, too, a reviewer favorite for those tricky water crossings. Others rave about their sturdiness (one has had their pair for three years), stellar arch support, and very short break-in period (many had none). The one caveat is to order a half-size up to make room for heavy socks for colder days. And, they earned a Shop TODAY Sneaker Award, for remaining a reliable pair we could count on during hikes and long walks alike.
For a boot that reviewers rave about not only because of how comfortable it is, but because of how chic it is, Merrell has got you covered. They’re even able to withstand a number of the elements, making them more than worthy of being your #1 choice when it comes to a winter hiking boot.
“They’re super comfortable for a full day of movement, have great grip, didn’t need to be broken in and hold up great against the elements,” says editor Vivien Moon.
Not to be confused with the best hiking sneaker above, this one earned the title during Shop TODAY's 2025 Travel Gear Awards, after being tested abroad by photo editor Vivian Le.
"I found these to be supportive around the ankles even though they're a bit of a lower profile shape," she says. "As advertised, they were also water proof and great for walking through the many puddles of water along the hiking trails I encountered. Overall they were a great shoe to take on a trip with varying landscapes--from the sandy beaches, the muddy mountain trails, to the cobblestone of the Dublin city streets--I felt like these were an extremely protective and versatile."
More hiking boots to shop
Outfitted with leather, rubber, mesh and webbing, all to ensure your feet stay dry, comfortable and warm, these waterproof boots from Columbia check all of the boxes. Just like the Newton Ridge hiking boots above, this pair boasts supportive, cushioned insoles and a responsive midsole, so your feet won’t get weary after multiple hours. Plus, the secure laces and a grippy rubber tread make sure that your ankles and feet won’t wobble and jostle around.
“There were days when it was raining all day and my feet were dry and warm,” said one reviewer who wore these boots on a trip abroad. Note: Make sure to size up.
Available in six different colors, these hiking boots provide both comfort and style when walking on the trails, rock climbing or whatever outdoor activities you have planned. Outfitted almost entirely with a water-resistant "semi-sealed" leather construction, this boot also features soft, mesh fabrics in the upper and around the ankles, as well as a breathable textile lining. Plus, the so-called Techlite lightweight midsole offers responsive and comfortable cushioning, according to the brand.
Reviewers praise these boots' durability, comfort and standout ankle support. A few mentioned, however, that they may not offer enough arch support if you have flat feet.
Made with durable fabric GORE-TEX, these boots from Teva also feature waterproof leather fabric on the sides to provide additional protection against water. Available in a variety of colors across several online retailers, these cute boots also have a rubber heel and bottom, an area Lind emphasized paying extra close attention to when trying hiking boots on at the store.
In addition to their chic design, customer highlights include the boots’ lightness, sturdiness and breathability. Others noted, however, that while water-resistant, they’re not fully waterproof; plus, those with flat feet observed that you may need to add extra arch support.
With waterproof in the name, this hiking boot features Vasque's "VasqueDry" material, that promises to keep feet dry and your boots still looking pristine.
Available in three colors and regular and wide options, the midsole and footbed are made with EVA, a plastic commonly seen in sandals. Reviewers love this pair because they're "a solid hiking boot without sacrificing style."
Meet our expert
- Alex Lind is senior product line manager at Altra Running, a running footwear company based in Denver, Colorado.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
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