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Can hiking boots be used in winter conditions?

Do you love the outdoors and are content to be out in cold conditions? If so, you may wonder whether you can safely wear hiking boots in winter. The short answer is yes, but it all depends on the type of hiking boot. One of the many great things about hiking is that you can enjoy it all year round. If you want to keep hiking, even in the snow and ice, you need waterproof hiking shoes that are up to the challenge.

At Columbia Sportswear®, we are not only specialists in hiking but also passionate adventurers. We don't want anything stopping you from getting out there and exploring the great outdoors. We've designed our range of hiking shoes and hiking boots to ensure that whatever the weather or terrain, you can still get out there and make the most of every trail.

So lace up your winter all-terrain shoes, don a warm winter hiking jacket and get ready to hit the winter trails.

What hiking boots can I wear in the snow?

While their leather uppers and heavier soles make leather hiking boots tough enough to withstand winter weather, they're no match for snow boots. This footwear is designed specifically for trekking on snowy trails. Investing in good snow boots will keep you warm, cosy and stable on slippery terrain. Their high-cut style provides extra ankle and foot protection even if you are plunging into deeper snow.

Our winter men's and women's hiking boots use up to 200 grams of cosy thermal insulation. It feels like you have a fleece inside your boots, especially with our cutting-edge Omni-Heat™ reflective technology. This holds on to every bit of warmth your feet produce to keep your feet warm on chilly hikes. Our winter boots come in different levels of warmth, so you can use our online filter to select what's right for you.

Will hiking boots keep me dry if it's wet?

Getting caught in a heavy downpour or trudging through wet snow can drench your boots. As any hiker knows, soggy hiking socks and cold, wet feet will spoil a hike. And if you don't have a spare pair in your pack, you'll wear wet shoes for the rest of your hike. Fortunately, that's not something you have to worry about with waterproof shoes for men and women from Columbia Sportswear®. Our winter men's and women's hiking shoes feature waterproofing technologies to keep your feet dry. OutDry™ is a 100% waterproof material that ensures every inch of your hiking boot is sealed so no water can penetrate the shoe. At the same time, the breathable fabric allows moisture that naturally builds up in your shoes and socks to escape. Your feet are left feeling dry, comfortable and sweat-free.

Can I wear hiking shoes on icy trails?

Ice is one of the biggest dangers of hiking in the winter. Your hiking boots need superb traction and grip so you don't slip, slide, or fall on the ice. Most mountain hiking shoes and boots provide exceptional traction on dirt and rocky terrain. But for walking on snow and ice, you need winter shoes specifically designed for these conditions. Look for winter walking shoes with durable rubber soles and deliberately placed lugs to keep you stable on this hazardous surface. Hiking boots with Omni-Grip™ all-terrain traction technology will provide the necessary grip on grip, loose dirt, snow and ice. Plus, cushioned soles help to distribute weight evenly and cushion impact as you walk to help you avoid straining or injuring yourself.

Also, make sure your winter footwear features Navic Fit™ for extra security. This system locks your heel in the winter boot for an enhanced fit and keeps your feet and mountain shoes secure when hiking or running on uneven terrain.

Our warm and waterproof hiking clothes for women, men and children will ensure the whole family is winter-ready. You'll find everything you need to stay dry, warm and safe, from an insulating mens hiking jacket to comfortable hiking shoes.