Snow Boots Vs. Hiking Boots [7 Differences & Similarities] 2023

Snow Boots vs. hiking boots? Which is the better option for you?

Many people might be tempted to wear their snow boots that they have sitting in the closet on the hiking trail.

Or vice versa, wearing their hiking boots out for a snow-filled day of fun.

But is this what’s best for both you and your beloved shoes when it comes to winter?

Let’s go over the differences between the two types of boots and decide if you can ditch one or the other, or if you should keep both.

What are Hiking Boots?

Hiking boots are shoes that are designed specifically to be worn outdoors and on a hiking trail.

They’re built to protect your feet from things like sticks, rocks, poisonous plants, wildlife, and more.

Typically, they’re pretty durable and hold up very well, even when walking or hiking on rough terrain.

In the winter, hiking boots do well in the snow, as they have good traction and are very sturdy.

Hiking boots are sold in a few different styles; low, mid, and high rise, each of these rising to a different height on the ankle.

They’re most often used for of course, hiking, but also for backpacking and sometimes as every day use shoes.

Pros of Hiking Boots

• Durable
• Good support
• Protective
• Good traction
• Suitable for all seasons
• Comfortable

Cons of Hiking Boots

• Expensive
• Not very versatile
• Longer break-in time

What are Snow Boots?

Snow boots are designed to be worn in snowy and cold conditions, typically only in the winter months.

They’re built to keep your feet warm and keep the snow out.

Most pairs are waterproof and have some form of insulation on the inside to keep your feet warm.

Lots of people use them for walking through deep snow or for walking outside for long periods of time.

Pros of Snow Boots

• Warm
• Durable
• Waterproof
• Keeps snow out

Cons of Snow Boots

• Not versatile
• Can only be worn in winter
• Heavy

Can I Wear Snow Boots for Hiking?

If you’re wondering if you can just double up on the usage of your snow boots and wear them for hiking, you’re in luck.

There are so many similarities between hiking boots and snow boots that you can definitely wear them.

You might find that your feet get a bit warmer and more tired, because there is extra insulation and they’re heavier.

If you’re going on shorter hikes (1-3 miles), there’s nothing wrong with wearing your winter boots for a hike.

But for longer hikes (4+ miles), I would still plan to stick with your hiking boots.

Snow Boots Vs. Hiking Boots: Things to Consider

When choosing a pair of boots to wear in the winter, there are a few things that you should think about to ensure you make the right choice.

Whether you wear snow boots or hiking boots, you should think about these 7 important factors.

Support

Something you’ll hear me say over and over again is that support in your shoes is crucial for a comfortable foot.

So when you’re looking for a pair of shoes for walking long distances, you should choose a pair with a higher ankle.

You’ll also want some arch support, but this can be added with some insoles that you can purchase online or at many stores.

Snow boots typically have a decent amount of ankle support because they come up higher on the leg. This will depend on the brand though because some lower-quality pairs have a pretty flimsy ankle.

Hiking boots are meant for walking long distances, and the options with higher ankles have a stiff, supportive system .There are options with low ankles, which don’t provide as much support.

Warmth

Of course, when we’re walking outside for a while, we want to stay nice and warm and avoid getting cold at all costs.

This usually comes in the form of some type of insulation within the boot.

Snow boots are meant to be worn in the snow and frigid temperatures, so you should expect your feet to stay warm.

Hiking boots are typically made to be worn in all four seasons, so you can also expect that they will keep you warm. Some are designed specifically for winter wear and have an insulation layer built into them.

Traction

When walking outside on ice and snow, it’s extremely important for your safety that you have traction on the bottom of your shoes.

This helps prevent you from slipping and hitting your head on the ground.

Snow boots are meant to be worn outside in the snow, so of course, they have some sort of traction. But you’ll need to check them before you wear them because again, you get what you pay for, and cheaper brands might have less traction.

Hiking boots are designed to be worn out on rough terrain with slippery rocks, water, and snow. Most hiking boots have great traction and do well in the snow and ice, especially with a pair of crampons or microspikes on them.

Waterproof

Having a waterproof boot compared to not can be the difference between a fun day and a miserable one.

It’s really just no fun to go home with soaking-wet feet at the end of the day.

Which is why I really recommend having waterproof boots no matter the time of year, but especially in the winter.

Snow boots are designed to be in the snow, so most of them are waterproof and will keep your feet dry. They also typically have a fastener at the top that straps the boot around your ankle which prevents snow from sliding in.

Hiking boots are typically waterproof, but won’t keep your feet dry if you’re submerging them in snow for long periods of time. Especially because the snow will start to seep into the top of the boot, causing your foot and leg to get wet.

Comfort

Having comfortable shoes is always a huge factor in having an enjoyable day.

This stays true when it comes to boots in the winter.

Especially when it’s extra cold outside, you’re going to want to stay comfortable and not have to worry about being uncomfy.

Snow boots are typically pretty bulky and heavy and aren’t made to be worn long distances. They tend to be made of heavier materials and aren’t as breathable which can result in sweaty feet after a long day of hiking.

Hiking boots were designed to be worn for miles and miles on end, so they definitely have a one-up in the comfort department. They’re typically more flexible and have a softer sole with more support for your foot, plus they’re lighter.

Weight

Sort of going off of the comfort aspect of both shoes, it’s important to understand their weights.

If you’re going to be walking long distances, you’ll want something that’s lighter and isn’t going to feel bulky on your foot.

Snow boots are heavy and don’t offer much ability to breathe because of that weight and their use in keeping out snow.

Hiking boots are made to be lightweight because they’re often taken on long hiking trips. They don’t feel bulky on your foot and also give it the chance to breathe a bit more.

Versatility

When buying your shoes, think about how often are you going to be able to wear them.

Can they be versatile and worn at any time of the year? Or are they going to be put away during the summer season?

Snow boots are pretty much only good from the time snow flies until the time it melts. So when the summer months roll around, back to the closet they go until the next cold season.

Hiking boots are usually good for year-round use, which gives them much more versatility and flexibility. Whether it’s a snow-covered path or a clear hiking trail, hiking boots are great for either

Snow Boots and Hiking Boots: Comparison Chart

When it comes to these two shoes, there are a number of differences to consider before using them interchangeably.

Now that we’ve gone through all of the factors and have sorted through whether each one meets the criteria or not, let’s compare them.

	Hiking Boots	Snow Boots
Support	Yes. Strong, supportive ankles.	Yes. Although some are flimsy.
Warmth	Yes. Especially if they’re a winter model.	Yes. Designed to be worn in the snow.
Traction	Yes. Made for rough terrain.	Yes. Made for snow and ice.
Waterproof	Depends on the model. No ‘waterproofing’ above the ankle.	Yes. All throughout, made to be worn in snow.
Comfort	Yes. Made to be worn long distances.	No. Stiff and heavy.
Weight	Lightweight.	Heavy.
Versatility	Yes. Worn year-round.	No. Only worn in winter.

Best Hiking Boots for Snow

If you’re on the hunt for some great hiking boots that you can wear in the winter months, check out these two pairs that I’ve listed below.

Both are great options that are waterproof, comfortable, supportive, and will keep your feet warm, even in the snow.

Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry

KEEN Revel 4 Mid-Calf Polar Boots

FAQs

Wrap-Up: Snow Boots Vs. Hiking Boots

If you’re trying to decide on the best pair of shoes for hiking in the wintertime, you may be wondering, what’s better, snow boots vs. hiking boots.

In the end, hiking boots come out on top and are what should be worn on the hiking trail, year-round.

They’ll provide you with the most amount of support, comfort, and waterproofing for your feet.

You’ll be doing what’s best for you and will still be able to enjoy the winter months.

Related Posts About Hiking Boots:

• Are Duck Boots Good for Hiking? [Pros & Cons]
• Are Hiking Boots Necessary?
• Are Timberlands Good for Hiking? [What You Should Know]
• Are Blundstones Good for Hiking? [Top Considerations]
• Do Hiking Boots Need to be Broken In? [Here’s Why]