The best WINTER hiking boots of 2026 are...

Here is my view on the best winter hiking boots of 2026. For winter boots I'm looking for a pair of insulated boots that offer warmth, durability and protection whilst offering great grip and comfort too.

Most winter boots are winter mountaineering boots. These are simply too much for most people with their rigid soles, expensive cost and heavier weight. Normal hiking boots get too cold and don't offer the right sole for ice and snow.

Below is what they say about the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof hiking boots. Personally, I love mine and they do exactly what I want from a pair of winter hiking boots.

To be clear, if you want to go winter scrambling in the ice and snow, go for mountaineering boots. If you want a boot for cold, wet, muddy days go for standard hiking boots. However, if you want warm, comfortable, grippy hiking boots for sub-zero snowy and icy days, these are hard to beat!

Official link: https://www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/moab... (10% off first order)

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Thermo hiking boots https://amzn.to/4qubxI0
Grivel Explorer https://amzn.to/3LTXaxv
Grivel Explorer Light https://amzn.to/4qtWTk7
Unigear Microspikes https://amzn.to/49I1RSO

Made For: Winter hikes

Thermal innovation meets rugged winter trails. The Moab Speed 2 Thermo is your ticket to conquering winter adventures without the bulk. Lightweight warmth, waterproof protection, and insulation from NASA developed Solarcore® material—engineered to beat winter's toughest conditions. This boot will support you through all you winter activities without having to sacrifice comfort.

FEATURES:
• Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
• Waterproof suede leather and waterproof nylon ripstop upper
• 100% recycled laces
• 90% recycled webbing
• Padded collar
• Bellows tongue keeps out debris
• Protective and abrasion resistant coated leather heel and toe cap
• Gaiter D-Ring
• Metallic hardware
• 100% recycled breathable mesh lining
• 200 grams Primaloft® Gold Eco Series synthetic insulation
• Solarcore® insulation utilizes the thermal advantages of Aerogel— the same material NASA uses to insulate spacecraft — to deliver best-in-class thermal performance in a flexible, breathable low profile form that delivers ultimate performance for cold weather activities.
• 100% recycled mesh footbed cover
• Cleansport NXT™ treated for natural odor control
• SOLARCORE® Aerogel insole provides underfoot superior warmth while being extremely flexible and ultra-thin
• 5% recycled removable PU footbed
• Rock plate for protection
• FloatPro™ Foam midsole for lightweight comfort that lasts
• Vibram® Icetrek outsole designed to provide the improved grip on very cold, icy, or snowy surfaces
• Drop: 10mm
• Lug: 6mm
• Shaft height (top of midsole to top of boot): 5.63in, 143mm
• Half pair weight: 1lbs-2.51oz, 525g

If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE ‪@BackpackingUK‬

Thanks, Andy.

#hiking #hikingboots #winterhiking