Buying the best boots for walking on ice can be a daunting task. You need something that is durable, safe, and comfortable. Your boots have to be well-made in order to handle all the use they will go through. You also need to pay attention to the ice cleats on the bottom of the boots.
Below are some of the best ice boots available on the market. Consider your needs and maybe go for a boot with a few more features than you initially thought you needed. We hope the information below will make your job easier and set you up with a good pair of boots for the upcoming winter.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Carhartt Men's 6 Work Safety-Toe NWP Work Boot | Best Overall |  |
| EVER BOOTS "Ultra Dry" Men's Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots Insulated Rubber Outsole | Budget Pick |  |
| Red Wing Heritage Men's Classic Moc 6" Boot | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Carhartt Men's 6 Work Safety-Toe NWP Work Boot
Pros:
- Full-grain leather and rubber traction sole
- Not slippery on ice part of this boot will let you walk on it without any problems
- Can be worn with or without socks
- Very durable; its outsole is thick and it is resistant to water
The Carhartt Men’s 6 Work Safety-Toe NWP Work Boot leaves you with no worries when it comes to strolling over hard surfaces. The outsole has deep tread lugs over the toe to give you the additional grip and balance that you need in slippery conditions.
2. Skechers Men's Hartan Onkin Work Boot
Pros:
- Breathable and waterproof upper
- Lightweight and durable
- Slip-resistant sole
- Good traction on snow and ice
- You can also wear them in rain
- Easy to clean, just wipe with a damp cloth
Cons:
- They are bulky and may be difficult to run with
- Some water seeps in
The Skechers Men’s Hartan Onkin Work Boot is a great choice for those of you who like to hike or hunt in the snow.
It’s a sturdy and durable boot that’s waterproof thanks to a Gore-Tex lining. It’s also breathable, so your feet will feel comfortable even if the outside is -20F.
The bomber and lightweight EVA and rubber sole will protect your feet from snow and ice. The outsole has strong and durable lugs that provide excellent traction in slippery conditions.
3. Timberland PRO Men's Rigmaster Steel-Toe 8" Waterproof Work Boot
Pros:
- Available 2-4 sizes
- Durable sole
- High leather upper
- Breathable
- Great for walking on ice
- Very affordable
Cons:
- No cushioning/support
- Uncomfortable for standing for hours
This is one of those products that provides everything you need and nothing you don’t.
This is one of the most popular boots for professional ice fishermen, and now you’re able to get them for your own pleasure. Great for walking on ice not only because of the sole — but also because of the ankle support they have.
The uppers are made of hearty leather – breathable one might add – with a toe protector and a rubber collar. The sole is rubber, and provides grip on icy surfaces. Then there are other features that we were desperate to mention such as the laces and the roomy toe box.
4. EVER BOOTS "Ultra Dry" Men's Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots Insulated Rubber Outsole
Pros:
- Suede leather upper
- Rubber outsole
- Good arch support
- Perfect for snow and rain
- Can change from hi-top to mid-top depending on your need
- Your feet will be warm and dry even if you walk across thin ice
- Price is reasonable
- Have good waterproofing
Cons:
- No ventilation
- Not for wide feet
- Sizing may be tricky
This is a great value pair for money that is trusted all around the world. It is a good pair for sturdy walking and hiking, but it is even better for stepping on thin ice and slush. No matter if you like to walk in snow or rain, this pair will keep your feet warm and dry. With its above average arch support, it is a great option for people who spend longer time walking in snow.
The price tag is very reasonable, but the quality of these boots for walking on ice is not far behind more expensive models and it is excellent for the warm season. If your feet are on the wider side, you may want to go a size bigger. For small feet it should be perfect.
They are quite small for people with wide feet, and they are not waterproof, but they provide decent protection from the snow and rain.
5. Red Wing Heritage Men's Classic Moc 6" Boot
Pros:
- Superior slip resistance; perfect for ice
- Antimicrobial deodorizing footbed
- Goodyear Welt construction
Cons:
- People with narrow feet may find the boot too wide
- A little heavy
You might recognize the name from Red Wing and Red Wing Shoes. The Milwaukee-based company was founded in 1905, and more than 100 years later they still make just about all of their products by hand. Their shoes and boots are played in the NFL, NBA, and MLB, and have been used in several movies.
Red Wing Heritage makes boots for just about every occasion from hunting boots to boots for snow play. The leather and rubber used to make these boots is sourced from all over the world. The materials they use have been selected for their durability, comfort and quality.
The Red Wing Heritage Men’s 6-inch boots have a partial leather-lined interior with a cushioned cork midsole that provides comfort. This boot comes with a cotton drill lining that will keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in heat.
6. Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Warm
- Strong grip
- Sturdy
- Well built, especially for the price
Cons:
- No insulation
- This product may feel a bit bulkier than those with more insulation
Featuring multiple protective systems, the Timberland White Ledge will keep your feet warm and dry in the worst weather conditions.
This boot is made of water-repellent leather and rubber, and has a good grip. It is insulated with a warm padded polyester lining and a thick cushion midsole for added comfort.
The contoured footbed and a padded collar give your feet extra cushioning for the miles on your boots. The rubber sole is oil-resistant.
7. Wolverine Men's W10308 Drillbit Boot
Pros:
- Warm pigskin upper
- The steel shank lends structural support to the interior of the boot
- Long lasting full-grain leather
- Rubber boot bottom for traction
- Maintains shape even after months of use
Cons:
- The laces are fixed
- The steel shank can cause discomfort on feet that are a bit wider
- Not best for people with lower back pain, foot, leg or knee issues
The Wolverine 1,000 Mile Boot is a shoe that you can rely on for a long time. The leather on the upper is thick and dyed to protect from water, mud, harsh UV rays, and abrasions.
The sole is a rubber block with abrasion resistant lugs. A Vibram outer sole with a Wolverine F4-S shank are included, which makes this boot able to withstand a load capacity of 500 pounds.
The laces are also made of steel, which give better support to the ankles and make the boots very durable. They also provide great traction on snow and ice. However, some reviewers note that this feature can be problematic for anyone who has issues with their joints.
8. Kamik Men's Alborg Cold Weather Boot
Pros:
- Very warm with removable insoles
- Tread is good
Cons:
- The lacing isn’t burly enough
- not bulky enough for extreme cold/snow.
Best for: Extreme cold/rain, or snow
The Kamik Men’s Alborg Cold Weather Boot is a lace-up, heavy-duty waterproof winter boot. Its nylon/fiberglass upper is burly enough to keep your feet warm even in extreme winter conditions. The nylon/fiberglass Gore-Tex lined upper keeps your feet dry when you walk on ice or snow, and the reinforced leather toecap provides excellent protection.
Keeping your feet warm is key to not getting frostbite and staying comfortable for long periods of time, especially when you have to walk on snow and ice.
9. Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Toe cap offers protection and durability
The Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat has a thick sole that not only offers excellent traction but also features a sturdy toe guard that protects the boot from damage. The latter also gives the boot a sleek profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best boots for walking on ice?
To be effective, a boot must have a good, solid sole that won’t slip on ice and will provide traction for walking and running. Although it may appear rubber is the superior material for that sole, the sole of a winter boot can be made from a variety of materials, including:
Rubber. This is standard, and it works well on ice and wet surfaces. It’s fairly durable, though it isn’t particularly pleasant to step on ice with.
Vulcanized rubber. Also known as gum rubber, this is a superior kind of rubber that is more dense and durable than standard rubber. This material is featured in Keen boots.
What are the best soles for walking on ice?
If you don’t want to slip on black ice, these are the best soles for walking on ice:
P. Adjustable Ski Boot: The only thing better than walking on ice with this ingenious boot is skating on ice with them on your feet! It’s the only footwear with built-in ski/snowboard bindings that allows you to effortlessly switch between walking and gliding on the snow.
Q. Lug Sole: If you are going to be walking on slippery, wet streets in the cold, good quality, aggressive, lugged soles are the best way to go. Most winter boots come with this type of sole. It’s the kind of sole you would find on a pair of hiking or work boots.
How do I keep my boots from slipping on ice?
Walking on ice is a slippery business, but there are some ways you can make your ice-walking experience more safe and enjoyable.
Take frequent (and short) breaks. Keep moving as you are walking but stop frequently to get your bearings. It can be very disorienting to be walking on ice, so stop and look around a few times while you are walking in order to regain your bearing and know where the best place is to stop before you really fall.
Beware of the frozen lake ice that looks clear. Lots of times you can see the fish beneath the ice but the surface might be covered with water. Remember that swimming pools look very different from an underwater perspective than an above-water perspective.
Walk facing the direction you want to go. Since you’ll be walking on ice, the potential for slipping and sliding will be the greatest when you are going sideways or backwards. Keep that in mind as you are walking.
What shoes are best on ice?
If you live in a winter climate and have to cross frozen surfaces, there are three things in particular you’ll want your footwear to do: give you traction, keep you warm, and keep your feet dry.
Find boots that are non-metal so that you don’t risk damage to your car or your plumbing when you step on a sharp piece of metal. Look for treads that are “grooved” so that they don’t freeze on the ground. And find boots that have some insulation and/or water resistance to keep your feet warm and dry.
Conclusion
The main purpose of winter boots is to protect us from the cold and to keep our feet warm. But we all like to have different features when it comes to the products we use on a daily basis, and winter boots are no exception.
So this article contains a couple of essential tips that will help you to choose your next pair of winter boots.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Carhartt Men's 6 Work Safety-Toe NWP Work Boot | Best Overall | |
| EVER BOOTS "Ultra Dry" Men's Premium Leather Waterproof Work Boots Insulated Rubber Outsole | Budget Pick | |
| Red Wing Heritage Men's Classic Moc 6" Boot | Upgrade Pick | |