Winter Hiking–Getting Started with the Right Boots

By:  Larry Yetter

AMC NH Excursions Co Chair
Director – AMC NH Winter Hiking Series

Annually, the NH Chapter has provided a Winter Hiking Series to teach three season hikers how to be safe in the winter.  This year, the series was cancelled due to the pandemic and instead we are focusing on providing education through webinars and articles such as this.  In this article, we will focus on your boots, socks, and gaiters.

Choosing the correct winter hiking boot is one of the most important decisions to make for a safe and enjoyable winter hiking experience.  It is time to put your trusty 3-season boots aside for something warmer and water-proof.  Much of the hiking in the Northeast involves steep, icy terrain both above and below tree-line and your winter hiking boots should be designed to handle these conditions.  You will be hiking for 8 to 10 hours in cold temperatures with slush, snow and ice.  Winter boots should keep you warm and support traction devices such as micro-spikes, snowshoes and crampons.

The first place to start in your search for your winter boot is to choose your socks.  We recommend a two pair sock system.  The first sock is a liner sock which acts as a base layer to wick sweat away from your foot.  Liner socks are thin, lightweight wicking socks usually merino wool or a synthetic material.  Cotton socks are not appropriate for winter hiking.  On top of your liner socks, look for a thick insulating sock that will provide you with warmth and cushioning.  Both wool and synthetic blend socks will work.

Once you choose your socks, take them with you to an outdoor retail store such as EMS, REI, LL Bean, or Cabelas.  Be prepared to spend some time at the store as this will be one of the most important purchases for your winter hiking.  Go later in the day as your feet tend to swell during the day.

There are many types of winter hiking boots available. All are waterproof and insulated. We recommend you look for leather or leather/plastic boots and pick the boots that are the most comfortable on your feet.

The recommended winter boots for a beginner winter hiker are leather or leather/plastic boots.  Plastic mountaineering boots are also available, but we do not recommend them for winter day hikes in the White Mountains.  Plastic mountaineering boots are useful for extended above tree line exposure and particularly for winter backpacking trips.

You will want to be sure the boots are waterproof and insulated.  AMC NH Winter Hiking Series recommends 400 grams of insulation for your winter boots or a rating down to -20 degrees F.

You will want to make sure the boots are not too tight and your toes have wiggle room.  Try on the boots and walk around the store in the boots for up to 30 minutes.  Browse the store looking for other things you need such as gaiters while wearing the boots.  Walk up and down inclined surfaces if available in the store.  Hopefully you can find a knowledgeable salesperson to help you in this process.

Ask about the return policy as you may want to wear the boots in your home and climb up and down stairs before committing to wearing them in the field.  You should also check and ensure that the boots will work with the snowshoe bindings that you will be using.

We are often asked which brands work best.  There is never really an answer for this question because everyone’s feet are different.  A boot that is perfect for me might be a nightmare for you.  That said, Cabela’s Avalanche boot is a good reasonably priced boot.  Vasque, Oboz, Salomon and Keen are all winter boot brands seen on the feet of winter hikers in the White Mountains.  An internet search of “best winter hiking boots” will bring up guides and reviews for you to research before your trip to the store.

Now that you have your boots, we highly recommend that you go back to those gaiters you were looking at and find a pair that fits over your boots.  Gaiters are waterproof (like Nylon or Gore-Tex) and wrap around your leg from your boot to below your knee, normally with a strap below your boot and Velcro to keep tight on your lower leg.

Gaiters are light, inexpensive, and keep snow from getting into your boots as well as keeping your lower legs dry.  If you’re wearing crampons, they’ll also protect your pants, as it is easy to accidentally kick yourself with the spikes on a crampon while you’re walking and tear a hole in your pants.  Gaiters are usually $60-$100 and are much easier to replace.  If you accidentally submerge your foot in water while on a winter hiking trip, gaiters will also offer a brief few seconds’ protection against water in your boot.

So, if you have socks, boots, and gaiters, are you done?  Unfortunately, no.  Winter hiking is an expensive hobby as the gear required can be costly.  You now need to look for traction for your feet like microspikes and snowshoes as well as clothing, gloves, hats, and potentially a bigger pack and safety gear.  It is too much to cover in this one article but look around for education opportunities like webinars, classes and even internet research to help you prepare for winter hiking.  Slide packs for the webinars can be found on the Chapter website at https://amcnh.org/excursions-workshops-courses/winter-hiking-series/.

Have fun and be safe.