What to look for
• Build quality Winter boots have to deal with the worst weather going so they should be waterproof and breathable as well as pretty sturdy. They’ll also be heavier and stiffer than summer boots, so expect to have to do a little breaking in. That said, although new boots will be stiff they shouldn’t be uncomfortable – if they are, then they’re not for you.
• Fit Finding the right fit is everything. Take time trying your boots out in the shop, and wear the socks you’ll be wearing when on the mountain in the boots. Don’t be rushed into buying; if you’re not 100 per cent happy with the way the boots feel, don’t buy them.
• Care Don’t forget to regularly treat your boots with some form of waterproofing – this will ensure many years of good service, as will drying them properly after use.
• Uppers Almost always leather – either nubuck or full grain – the upper should give you support and protection from the elements as well as knocks. A rubberband (rand) runs between the upper and sole, offers extra protection.
• Lining Look for a Gore-Tex or other waterproof lining to keep your feet dry even if water gets past the outer.
• Ankle cuffs In theory the higher the cuff the more support it will give your ankle, but a mid-cut can give extra dexterity and comfort on extended hikes and treks.
• Outsole The outsole will be pretty stiff on this type of boot – good for scrambling and using crampons – but will still offer some flex to aid comfort when walking. Treads vary in depth but should help grip mud as well as rock.
• Crampons Decide if you want to use crampons – there’s no point getting stiffer, more expensive crampon-compatible boots if you’ll never use them. If you do want spiky feet, check the boots will fit the right crampons you’ll need. Here’s a list of the types of crampons available…
Types of crampons and what they’re for...
C1 Articulated or flexible walking crampons for easier grade snow attached with simple straps. They usually have ten points.
C2 Articulated or flexible step-in crampons attached with a heel clip and a toe strap. Usually have 12 points and a good choice for general winter mountaineering and lower grade climbs.
C3 Stiff or fully rigid crampons for full-on winter/ice climbing.
Winter walking and hiking boots reviewed:
Best for hikers looking for a lightweight, technical and flexible mountain boot
Salomon X-Alp MTN GTX
£200
The X Alp MTN GTX from Salomon is a lightweight all-season mountain boot designed to facilitate speed in the hills without sacrificing the all-important requirement for stability and support.
Weighing in at 530g, they may be feathery in terms of weight but the X Alp MTN GTXs pack a serious punch when it comes to durability and performance on the hill. Designed to deliver the agility, precision and support required on ridges, scrambles and glaciers, these boots are packed full of features to facilitate freedom of movement across the whole mountain.
While not strictly winter specific, the X Alp MTN GTXs are crampon compatible just as long as you are using the C1 flexible harness-type fixing kind. They also have an insulation temperature rating that goes down to -12c that indicates that they are ideal for occasional winter mountain forays in the UK and easy alpine routes. Think snowy winter walks rather than the North Face of the Eiger and you’ll be good to go.
Fit wise, if Salomon shoes work for you and you’ve got a narrow-to-medium volume foot then it’s game on. The X Alp MTN GTXs felt immediately snug and comfortable during our winter walking boot test day in the snowy Cairngorms and whilst they did rub a little around the ankle at first, this felt more like a ‘wearing in’ issue rather than a potentially longer lasting problem.
As you’d expect from the pioneering French brand, the materials used in the construction of the X ALP MTN GTXs are first class. The stand-out feature is Salomon’s 3D Edging Chassis, designed to facilitate the lateral edging performance of a far stiffer boot. This gives you security underfoot in challenging terrain without having to endure the rigidity of a full mountain boot.
Salomon’s Contragrip mountaineering outsole may divide opinion when it comes to quality of grip but it’s always worked well for us in potentially slippy conditions. The abrasion resistant lining is highly breathable and fast drying while the integration of GORE-TEX Performance Comfort technology means your feet stay dry even in the muddiest of terrain. Inside the boot, the EVA shaped footbed provides cushioning and anatomically designed support and the EVA heel cup keeps things steady at the rear. The OrthoLite sockliner is designed to create a cooler, drier, healthier and better cushioned environment under the foot and built to last. Selflocking molded eyelets hold the laces in place, minimising the need to stop and readjust the fit of the boot throughout the day and resulting in you getting to the pub for that well earned post mountain pint sooner!
Aesthetically, the X ALP MTN GTXs are easy on the eye and likely to appeal to those looking for something a little less glitzy than headline grabbing, carbon S/LAB boot in the same range. Available in both men’s and women’s versions for £200, these boots are most likely to appeal to aspirational alpinists who appreciate a technical boot yet value comfort and a flexible approach to their vertical adventures.
Rating 9/10
Aku Serai GTX
£370
The Serai GTX from Italian brand AKU is arguably the most ‘serious’ of the winter boots on review. A technical B3 crampon-compatible climbing boot, the Serai GTX is designed to take users to higher elevations and onto ice and rocky ridges.
Despite its intended purpose as a technical mountaineering, rock and ice climbing boot, the Serai GTX is surprisingly lightweight. Weighing in at 840g per boot, the Serai GTX won’t hold you back in the high alpine and will keep you well protected en route to the summit. The Primaloft thermal insulating liner keeps things toasty on the inside when it’s getting on the arctic end of wintry on the hill and the GORE-TEX liner ensures feet stay dry too.
As you would expect, the Serai GTX is a fully stiffened boot - exactly what you need when travelling on firm snow when you may need to kick steps to secure safe passage. This stiffness is provided by a combination of innovative technologies including a carbon fibre lasting board, honeycomb aluminium core and EVA. Essentially, lots of super techie stuff that works together to keep things light yet rigid underfoot.
Other features that impressed included the Vibram Nepal sole unit with good deep lugs, the mini snow and debris repellent gaiter at the top of the boot, and the durable Kevlar upper. We also liked the understated style of the boot which will likely appeal to those looking for something less neon and shouty.
Fit-wise the Serai GTX are on the narrow side which helps to deliver precision when required but might not work for those with wide feet. As always, try before you buy.
Rating: 9/10
Best for traditional hill walkers looking for a warm boot
Asolo Powermatic 200 GV
£200
The Asolo Powermatic 200 GVs are a flash-free zone. There’s no fancy colours, no integrated liners or innovative honeycomb constructions here – just a traditional leather hiking boot designed to deliver and built to last. Pulling on the Powermatics is a bit like taking a step back in time to a pre-‘fast and light’ age where reliability and durability were more of a priority than speed and bright colours.
The Italian heritage of Asolo means you can rely on the construction of the Powermatics to be top-drawer. Well thought out and innovative where they need to be, the full grain leather Powermatics may look old-school but they pack a decent punch when it comes to features. The outsole is made up of different PU densities to deliver stability and absorb shock where it’s needed most and the micro pulley lacing system ensures a comfortable and precise fit. The Powermatic last is definitely on the wide side though so if you’ve got narrow feet, you might need to look elsewhere.
A winter walking boot needs to be able to withstand the weather and the GORE TEX membrane liner delivers waterproof protection, ensuring your feet stay warm and dry on cold wet days. Whilst the Powermatics are just about stiff enough to wear with a strap-on crampon, you’ll need a more mountaineering specific boot if you’re hoping to travel regularly in seriously steep icy and snowy terrain.
Ideal for long distance backpacking and cold, wet rambles in the UK hills, the Powermatics will appeal to traditional hikers looking for a warm boot to withstand the elements. It is worth bearing in mind that the downside of a solid boot like this is that it will require a bit of a longer breaking in period than other more modern, flexible boots.
Rating: 8/10
Best for urban outdoor adventurers
Danner Jag
£130
Founded in the 1940's, Portland-based Danner design and manufacture outdoor boots and shoes for hikers, hunters, workers, military personnel and outdoor lovers. The original Jag made its debut back in the 1980's before being retired to the hiking heap for 30 years but now it's back but is it better than ever?
The first thing you'll notice about the Jags is the classic 80's styling. Whether you opt for the slightly more expensive full grain leather/textile or prefer to roll with the suede/nylon version, the Jag is all about the retro hipster look, so twizzle that beard, grab an almond milk latte to go and head out on the trail.
Far from being all fashion and no function, the Jag packs a decent punch when it comes to on-trail performance with a Dry liner which is 100% waterproof and keeps feet dry whilst also letting sweaty tootsies breathe.
Rugged and durable yet undeniably lightweight, the Jags are best suited to fast low altitude hikes on even ground. The flexible sole facilitates freedom of movement and the lightweight EVA midsole offers great cushioning underfoot. Grip-wise the Retro Danner waffle outsole is adequate as long as you're travelling in easy terrain, head into steep, slippery terrain with rocks and roots and the Jags will more than likely come unstuck.
Wear them on wet Sunday walks with the family, on your daily commute through the park, or simply wear them with a pair of jeans in your local. The Jags are a versatile and stylish pair of lightweight hiking boots that fit perfectly with today's urban outdoor uniform.
Rating: 8.5/10
Best for hikers looking for a light but stiff winter walking boot
Haglöfs Grym Keprotec
£260
It’s pretty hard to ignore the Haglöfs Grym Keprotec. Big, bulky and butch, this dark and slightly menacing looking hiking boot reminds us of Darth Vader and much like the Dark Lord, it has hidden sides.
For such a burly boot, the Grym Keprotec’s have an impressively low weight of just 845g per boot in a UK size 8. This will please anyone looking for a robust and durable hiking boot that won’t slow you down on the hill.
They may be lightweight but Haglöfs have gone heavy on innovation with the Grym Keprotecs. From the integrated RECCO searchable technology to the use of Kevlar in the protective Schoeller upper fabric, the Grym Keprotecs are clearly attempting to blaze a new trail when it comes to outdoor footwear technology.
It may all look good and sound very impressive but does this translate into winter performance out on the hill? With their high ankle cuff and significant forefoot flex, these boots are fantastic for long winter yomps. The high ankle cuff keeps snow on the outside of the boot and reduces the need for a gaiter, unless you anticipate encountering seriously deep snowdrifts.
The Vibram sole is grippy and stiff enough to cope with challenging terrain, but the Grym Keprotecs still offer a generally flexible and comfortable ride thanks to the EVA midsole and memory foam around the ankle. The GORE-TEX Performance Comfort liner ensures that feet are kept dry and warm when winter unleashes her wrath.
The Grym Keprotec is a butch of a boot so it comes as no surprise that it’s not designed for delicate feet. Whilst the integrated SOLE heat mouldable footbed will help customise fit to a degree, the high volume interior of the Grym Keprotecs will suit broad feet better.
Although they take a strap-on C1-style crampon, the Grym Keprotecs are not designed for serious alpine use, so don’t expect to be ice climbing in them this winter. Think log cabins in snowy Swedish forests and long frosty walks in the UK mountains and you’ve got it spot on. As long as your expectations are in line with the intended purpose of these boots, we defy anyone not to be impressed by the Grym Keprotec.
Rating: 9/10
Best for aspirational alpinists who encounter a variety of challenging and technical terrain.
Hanwag Makra Combi GTX
£215
With nearly 100 years of outdoor footwear making experience under their belts, it’s safe to say that German brand Hanwag know a thing or two when it comes to producing quality mountain boots and the Makra Combi GTX further enhances this reputation.
The Makra Combi GTX is a real alpine adventurer. Built for high mountain missions in the alpine, the Makra Combi GTX is a semi automatic crampon-compatible, lightweight and technical mountain boot that will take you above treeline, along rocky ridges and into glacial terrain.
It may be described as an ‘all-rounder’ but make no mistake, this is one serious boot. Exceptionally lightweight yet aggressive, the Makra Combi GTX is packed full of features designed to deliver precision in challenging terrain when moving at speed. The durable, waterproof and breathable GORE TEX liner kept our feet dry and comfortable on the coldest and wettest of hill days and the lightweight, highly technical and aggressive Vibram Pepe sole offered superior traction underfoot. We used the boot with C1 flexible crampons which were easy to fit, stayed in place and offered underfoot security on the snowy Cairngorm plateau.
Fit-wise, the Makra Combi GTX come in Hanwag’s Alpin Wide Last but if you’re narrow of hoof, don’t despair. The width of the last is less about being wide-foot specific and more about preventing walking-induced pressure points during long days on the hill. We have narrow feet but found the boot to offer a snug, secure and comfortable on-hill feel.
When it comes to styling, the Makra Combi GTX packs a fairly impressive punch. The bright colours and contrasting stitching combine to create a classic yet striking boot that you could imagine seeing on the feet of the most stylish and performance-conscious Chamonix mountain guide.
Packed full of alpine specific features, this boot will be way too technical for those looking for a cosy winter rambling partner but if you’re into cold weather rocky scrambles and technical hill walks then it could be right up your gully.
Rating: 9/10
Best for fast females looking for a fashionable, light hiking shoe for wet winter walks
KEEN Terradora Pulse Mid Waterproof
£110
Created to inspire women to get outdoors no matter whether they’re city, mountain or country-based, the enormously popular Terradora hiking range has been designed for women from the ground up.
With 5 styles to choose from - including the new Terradora Leather WP available in both a mid and low version – the Terradora range reinforces KEEN’s TrailFit fitness movement and delivers a stable, flexible and comfortable off-road ride.
The Terradora Pulse Mid we tested is a very well made, exceptionally comfortable, rugged mid that functions like a technical trainer. Perfect for women looking to get in a quick ramble on the Downs or a speed hike around the park, the lightweight flexible Terradoras offer great grip in the wet and will keep your feet dry on a rainy winter’s day thanks to the KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane.
The Terradora is an immediately comfortable shoe thanks to the combination of the dual density PU foam footbed and the cushion panel that relieves pressure on the achilles. While comfort is king in this market, what makes the Terradora so special is that it offers way more than just a relaxing underfoot ride. The integration of the ESS stability shank demonstrates KEEN’s desire to make the Terradora a technical shoe and it certainly feels well made and supportive right out of the box.
In terms of fit, KEEN advise that the Terradora runs about ½ a size big but we found the UK size 6 we tested to be absolutely spot on. Flexible without feeling sloppy, the Terradoras moved well out on the trail and offered a secure yet unrestricted off road ride. Winter walks are all about slippy roots and rocks, puddles, mud and wet leaves and the Terradoras took all of these in their stride.
The Terradora Mid is not built to take you into the high alpine and it’s certainly not designed to hold a crampon and that’s absolutely ok. As a light hiking mid for quick trail escapades, it more than does its job and it does it with style.
Rating: 8/10
Best for Scottish winter mountaineering
La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX
£265
The Trango Tower GTX is the latest addition to La Sportiva’s much lauded Trango series of lightweight mountaineering boots.
Much like its other Trango siblings, the Trango Tower GTX is a great looking, technical mountain boot that will appeal to fans of Euro alpine styling. The colour of the model we tested was Grey/Berry – a distinctive combination of off white/salmon pink that’s subtely female without being overtly girly.
As soon as you pull a pair of Trango Tower GTX’s onto your feet, you’re immediately aware of their intentions. They’re a semi-stiff, super supportive, exceptionally well constructed boot – serious enough to take a hybrid crampon yet flexible and light enough to be used for a long winter’s day on the hill.
Fit-wise, the La Sportiva last tends to work best for those with narrow or medium sized feet so if you’re new to the Italian brand then we strongly recommend trying on the Trango Tower GTX before splashing the cash. We have very narrow, low volume feet and the Trango Tower GTXs just about work for us with the addition of a supportive footbed.
In terms of features, the Trango Tower GTX are laden with innovation and the very best in Italian design. The GORE-TEX membrane does a great job of ensuring your feet stay warm whilst keeping water at bay. The light yet stiff feel of the boot is the result of a PU midsole with EVA inserts that offers a far more comfortable ride than that of a traditional steel shank.
One of the stand out features of the Trango Tower GTX is the durable, abrasion resistant upper with ‘Honey-Comb Guard’ – a tough mesh fabric that offers greater protection against wear and tear in vulnerable areas. If you’re investing £265 of your hard earned cash in a B1 boot, you’re going to want to know it will last the distance.
On that note – whilst it is hard to be critical of a top quality boot like the Trango Tower GTX, if we had to find any kind of fault then we’d be looking at the potential durability of the sole. The super sticky Vibram Cube sole is grippy yet soft so is likely to wear out faster than a heavier sole with deeper lugs. Intersperse use with trainers for light hikes and a more traditional boot for the most demanding of mountain days and you should be good to go.
While the Trango Tower GTX will probably be too stiff for back-to-back days of munro bagging in wet conditions, they’ll come into their own if you find yourself scrambling on An Teallach where the ability to edge on small holds will be key.
Rating: 9/10
Best for rugged hill days where a walking axe and C2 crampons will be packed.
Salewa Raven 2 GTX
£250
The Salewa Raven 2 GTX is designed for alpine summer mountaineering but works just as well as a UK winter walking boot. It’s lightweight, flexible and complemented by a fine degree of forefoot stability and an arch gripping fit.
Sitting at the lighter end of the full winter boot range the Raven would struggle on the hard neve slopes of a grade 2 ice climb despite the crampon-compatible grippy Vibram® WTC sole.
Whilst it doesn’t have the stiffness in the sole or upper required to deal with full on winter climbing, it is an ideal boot for long, sleet-ridden days when you want to move fast and light in the hills. Inside the boot, warmth and weather protection are provided by the GORE-TEX Performance Comfort liner that kept our feet cosy and dry on the wettest of winter days. On the outside, the Vibram sole offered great traction and surefootedness over rough ground and the Anatomical Cuff ensured a really comfortable ride. The overlapping construction of the Salewa Raven 2 GTX also delivered surprisingly good edging ability and made scrambling a balanced and stress free affair.
SALEWA’s 3F System, 3D Lacing and MFF+ footbed sounds bafflingly technical but they do ensure that the Raven 2 fits around your foot. Salewa are so confident of the “Alpine Fit” that they declare it to be 100% blister free. This bold claim is certainly radical but during testing proved 100% correct. Whilst the Raven 2 GTX does have a slightly wider forefoot and a quite defined arch fit, the volume adjusters in the box are a great idea extending the range of people the boot will fit. If it works for you then it really is game on.
It can be hard to find a pair of boots capable of doing most of what you need, but the finely put together, well-finished Raven 2 certainly comes close and will be first off our gear shelf for rugged hill days where a walking axe and C2 crampons will be packed.
Rating: 9/10
Best for winter mountaineers and climbers
Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX
£400
Scarpa’s Ueli Steck inspired Mont Blanc range of boots have been a constant favourite among winter mountaineers for years. The Pro GTX model is a new classic – a highly technical, tough, all-mountain boot designed to hit the sweet spot between lightness and durability.
When you consider that the Mont Blanc Pro GTX is a B3 boot, it is both remarkably comfortable and impressively light. B3 boots can be pretty burly and rigid beasts and while the Mont Blanc Pro GTX has all the technical features associated with this category, it offers a surprisingly relaxing ride.
It may be comfortable but there’s no mistaking the intentions of the Mont Blanc Pro GTX. The clue, after all, is really in the name. Designed primarily for winter mountaineering, mixed climbing and winter walking, the Mont Blanc Pro GTX is a sturdy boot packed full of features to enable swift and efficient progression in cold conditions.
Designed to work with step-in crampons, the Vibram Total Traction outsole of the Mont Blanc Pro GTX provides an excellent platform underfoot. Using the latest dual density PU inserts with Scarpa Activ impact technology, the rugged outsole offers the perfect balance of support, protection and comfort – imperative for long and demanding days on the hill.
The Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX does an excellent job of keeping winter where it belongs – on the outside of the boot. The rugged 3mm suede leather upper is super durable and the GORE TEX Performance liner kept our feet warm and dry on the harshest of Scottish winter days. Sockfit technology and the integrated semi gaiter further enhance the boot’s ability to keep toes toasty by preventing scree and snow from getting in over the top of the boot. They also help to deliver the snug yet flexible feel of the boot that makes the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX a seriously impressive all-season mountain contender.
Rating: 10/10
