There is a sea difference between a summer hike and a winter one. Choosing the perfect winter boots with enough waterproofing, comfortable insulation, and necessary traction is the most critical key here. If you are planning for trudging through snowy trails or muddy tracks all winter long, here are a few tested and tried best pairs to keep your feet healthy and active.

Kodiak Tagish Waterproof Arctic Grip Winter Boot

These are the warmest winter boots on our list, working like wonders in even truly frigid temperatures. A throughout PrimaLoft Gold insulation along with polyurethane footbed and full-grain leather-built upper keeps the creeping cold at bay. The boots can easily withstand single-digit temperature, even paired with just mid-weight woolen socks. Also, the waterproof membrane of the Tagish boot is perfect to seal out water and soft snow on a wet hiking trail.

AKU Riserva NBK GTX

This one is the most supportive winter boots on our list, which is best for carrying heavy winter-trail backpacks. The Riserva boots can handle even 50 pounds of loads easily. The comfy but firm PU midsole helps to shift the shape weight of the boot from the outside to the heel. Taking advantage of the motion, the outsole supplies ample shock absorption. On a slippery trail like frozen swamps, where the heavy packs become heavier hazards, the tall leather cuffed boots can provide consistent traction with the same Vibram Octopus Multi-Surface outsole completed with 5-millimeter-deep lugs.

Merrell Thermo Rogue 3 Mid GTX

The Thermo Rogue has the best traction within the winter boots segment, delivering the best performances on sloppy surfaces. While the original was the winner of the Winter Gears Editors’ Choice Award in 2018, this new updated version comes with beefed-up outsoles for the best grip. With a sturdier Vibram Arctic Grip and a modified lug pattern, these boots stand out on any surface, starting from late-season slippery ice to wet snow, or from muddy slush to early spring steep dirt. The new lug pattern includes a New Vibram Traction Lug technology, which upgrades the boot’s regular lugs by placing smaller ‘micro’ lugs on top. As a result, it improves traction by boosting the surface area up to around 50 percent.