This year I’ve really increased my hiking mileage and decided to go for some trail runners, Altra Lone Peak 8, which have worked great for me. Recently I did a sunrise hike to McAfee Knob in Virginia, and even with thick socks, my feet froze. I’ve heard waterproof hiking shoes are best for winter hiking, but I’m not sure which ones would be the best for me. My budget is around $200. I mainly hike in Southwest Virginia through the Appalachian Mountains. Any recommendations?
For winter, if temperatures are around freezing or below, you’ll want a solid one-piece leather upper, a GTX membrane, PU midsole, and Vibram outsole. These boots are pricier, but they last years and can be resolable, so they are a good investment. For $200 or less, it’s tough to find these unless you catch a big sale. I would avoid brands like Merrell, Salomon, TNF, and Columbia, as I’ve seen issues with those brands, especially in harsh conditions. For instance, Salomon doesn’t line the footbed with GTX, and they use a material that absorbs water. I’ve had several pairs of Salomon Quest 4 fall apart quickly. I’d recommend saving a bit more for leather options which are more reliable in the long run. Some good brands include Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo, Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX, and Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker.
@Ray
I’m looking for something similar, and I noticed all the options you listed seem a bit heavy. I was considering the Asolo Fugitive GTX, but I’m not sure if they’ll be warm enough for winter hiking.
@Oak
Yes, those boots are heavier. You get more support and insulation, which is useful in harsh conditions, but they do weigh more. I’ve used the Asolo Fugitive GTX, and they’re fine in temperatures down to about 20°F, maybe 15°F with the right socks. The Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo and Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker are better in cold weather, especially in snow. The 520s are good down to 0°F, and they do well in extreme cold with thick socks like Smartwool. If you’re going into subzero temps, you may want a more insulated leather boot, like the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme.
If you keep an eye on sales at local outdoor shops, you can often find great deals on boots from brands like Lowa, Scarpa, Asolo, and others. When new models come out, last year’s models often go on sale, sometimes at half the price. I grabbed a pair of Scarpa approach shoes for just $100 during a sale.
If you like a wider toe box, you could try the Topo boots, or the Keen Targhee, which has a roomy toe area. If you’re looking for waterproof options, the All Weather Lone Peaks might be worth considering, though waterproof doesn’t necessarily mean warmer, just drier. It depends on how cold or warm you run and the conditions like snow on the ground.
@Jules
I love my Targhee 4 shoes. I just wear them with low gaiters in moderate snow, and they’re great.
I’ve used the All Weather Lone Peak mids for winter hiking (in Sweden), and they’ve kept my feet really warm, especially with merino socks.
There are two important things to keep in mind. First, it’s key to try boots on in person at a local store, like REI. You can get tons of recommendations, but if the boots don’t fit right, they won’t work for you. That said, I swear by Salomon. I’ve been using the X Ultras for years, and they’re light, grippy, and waterproof. They fit really well too. They make both low and high versions of this model, and they’re great for fast hikes. They might not be the warmest in extreme cold, but they’re fantastic for most conditions.