TOP 11 Ice Fishing Boots 2024 with Buyer’s Guide & Honest Reviews
Let’s be honest with each other about something: ice fishing is pretty great.
We can agree on that much, can’t we? The breath-taking scenery, the serenity, the solitude – not to mention catching your own dinner.
But there’s no way around it: ice fishing is cold. Which is why you need to make sure your feet are properly protected.
Fortunately for everybody, I’ve compiled my own personal list of the best ice fishing boots currently available on the market.
What’s more, I’ve included a buyer’s guide below the list, as well as some of the most frequently asked questions about the subject.
Featuring my own take on specific brands offered by all the biggest names in the industry, read on to demystify the subject and cut right to the center of which boot will best suit you.
TOP 11 Ice Fishing Boots Reviewed 2024
Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Sport Rubber Winter Boots
Review: A sturdy synthetic boot with a rubber sole, this high-performance boot from Muck reaches far enough up the leg to provide all the weather protection you’ll need.
Pros
- Will function to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
- Offers comfort as well as support owing to the contoured midsole and warm fleece lining.
Cons
- Can be a little difficult to fit some wider foot sizes owing to the synthetic material used to manufacture it.
Takeaway
As long as you take into account the fact that you’ll need to wear heavy socks and size accordingly, this is a strong all-around option and one of the best ice fishing boots in 2024.
Kamik Men’s Hunter Snow Boots
Review: With a heel of approximately 1.25 inches and an adjustable snow collar, this product from Kamik (who are known for their good ice fishing boots) over performs given its relatively low price.
Pros
- The removable 8mm thermal-guard liner allows for versatility depending on the conditions you’re ice fishing in.
- Kamik’s EXPLORER synthetic rubber outsole provides excellent grip, no matter whether you’re walking on snow, slush, or ice.
Cons
- Weighing 24 ounces in total between the two boots, this footwear option is clunky and could tire you out quicker than you might be prepared for if you’re not used to walking in heavy boots.
Takeaway
Don’t be fooled by the low price-point. This is a high-performing option which will prove suitable for all manner of weather conditions you might come across.
Kamik Men’s Greenbay 4 Cold-Weather Boots
Review: Made out of 600 denier Nylon and featuring a waterproof upper portion, this product from Kamik is ideal for extended periods of ice fishing given its durability and support.
Pros
- The high-tech, lightweight, and durable nylon shell which features removable liners is strong enough to keep the warm in and the cold out.
- A mid-foot Velcro strap helps to keep the foot snug, and the thick rubber outsole guarantees excellent traction on the slippery surfaces you’ll encounter while ice fishing.
Cons
- This boot is very narrow at the ankle. Once the boot is on it fits fine, but getting your foot all the way into it will prove tricky if you have a slightly wider foot than average.
Takeaway
One of the warmest snow boots for ice fishing around, if you can manage to get this boot on it’ll serve you well, no matter how intense the conditions.
Sorel Men’s Conquest Snow Boots
Review: Unlike many other products on this list, the Sorel Conquest is made out of 100% leather and synthetic textile and has a heel of 4 inches.
Pros
- Seam-sealing technology makes sure that there are no chinks in the armor which might allow the cold to make its way in.
- 400 grams of Thinsulate ultra insulation ensures that feet stay warm and dry, no matter how demanding the environment is while you’re doing your ice fishing.
Cons
- Feet will sweat if you change from cold air to warm air quickly, and could compromise the security of the lining.
- The place where the rubber is seamed with the upper leather is potentially prone to cracking, ruining the boot.
Takeaway
Although the fact that they’re made out of leather is appealing, that same fact makes it likely that this model is one of the less durable options on this list, so you should really think about whether you want to take that risk or not.
Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Boots
Review: Designed specifically for the most intense of weather conditions, this is one of Muck’s most serious options and the price point reflects that fact.
Pros
- Patented Vibram Arctic Grip technology is the very latest in the anti-slip field, and promises to offer a new approach to the way boots grip on icy surfaces, including the notoriously treacherous wet ice.
- The Neoprene lining provides comfort at temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius, which makes it one of the most high-performing boots on this list in terms of temperature ranges.
Cons
- The Muck Arctic Ice is probably too expensive for most hobbyist / casual ice-fishermen to consider adding to their arsenal.
Takeaway
Although this is the product is at the top-end of the price range for ice fishing boots, you get what you pay for.
One of the warmest ice fishing boots on the market today.
Baffin Men’s Wolf Snow Boots
Review: Featuring a five-layer removable insulated inner boot system and a sole design that offers a lot of grip. Baffin’s product is a solid middle-of-the-line option for ice fishermen who want to get the functionality they need without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Double buckle system provides support, while the locking snow collar allows for protection even in deep snow drifts.
- Reflective piping helps you see where you’re walking at night-time.
Cons
- The fact that the Baffin Wolf is light weight is great for comfort, but it isn’t necessarily what you want in terms of sturdiness.
Takeaway
Baffin have been making boots for 25 years now, and that experience shows.
This is a good all-rounder which can’t compete with some of the more specifically-manufactured boots in terms of technology, but certainly won’t let you down in a hurry.
Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Insulated Snow Boots
Review: The first boot to feature on this list which was designed specifically for women, the Columbia Ice Maiden II provides insulation and comfort in the harshest of conditions.
Pros
- Techlite lightweight midsole marries comfort and conditioning with high energy return.
- The Omni-Grip advanced traction rubber sole promises slip-free movement.
Cons
- 200g of insulation isn’t even close to the best out there.
Takeaway
While this boot can be used for ice fishing, the relative lack of insulation might make it more suitable for standard winter/trail environments, so think carefully about whether you want to go for this model.
Baffin Men’s Selkirk Snow Boots
Review: A 100% synthetic boot offered to the market from experienced manufacturers Baffin, this knee-high boot features at drawstring at the opening as well as adjustable calf and ankle straps.
Pros
- 8-layer inner boot insulation delivers intense warmth even in particularly cold environments.
- This boot is rated up to the -70 degrees Celsius range, which is an enormous plus for people who are used to ice fishing in extreme and frigid conditions.
Cons
- Not completely waterproof: only the part of the boot up to the top of the foot is fully water-resistant. This will present a problem if you find yourself in deep snow on the way to the ice fishing spot of your choice.
Takeaway
As long as you remember to go up a size while ordering and avoid any heavy snow drifts, this Baffin Snow Boot is one of the best boots for ice fishing, and has a unique and striking style to it as well.
Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme Snow Boots
Review: A gorgeous red quarts / black color scheme makes this option easy to see in snowy conditions, while the 100% textile and synthetic mix provides comfort as well as weather support.
Pros
- Removable 9mm recycled inner boot lining makes ensuring that you’ll always be warm a cinch, since you don’t have to put up with the cold until you can change boots.
- Designed for use in blizzards, the Bear Extreme is completely waterproof, so you can count on the product to give you the support you need.
Cons
- Weighing 12 ounces per boot, this is a heavier option and as such will fatigue you more quickly if you have to traverse long distances on your ice fishing expedition.
Takeaway
Offering protection from the most extreme of winter environments – blizzards – this boot is well priced for what it provides and can be considered excellent value for money.
Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Weekend-W Boots
Review: Another product designed specifically for women, this boot comes in pink and black and features full-on closure.
Pros
- The faux fur trim adds both style and warmth, while the 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility at the same time.
- 100% waterproof, which means it’ll really come into its own on long treks when other, non-waterproof options might let in some of the snow.
Cons
- Only rated to provide protection from temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
- Very difficult to size correctly owing to the rigidity of the material it’s made from.
Takeaway
While it looks good and packs plenty of helpful technology, the below-par temperature protection this boot offers really knocks it down a peg or two in my estimation.
Even so, this is one of the best women’s winter boots for ice fishing.
Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Snow Boots
Review: The warmest brand of boot offered by famous cold-weather company Muck, the fleece lining is robust enough to provide insulation in the most extreme of environments, while the lightweight midsole offers even more cushioning.
Pros
- Rated all the way to -50 degrees Celsius, the Arctic Pro will keep you toasty more or less everywhere except Antarctica.
- Muck’s stretch-fit Comfort Topline hugs your calf to seal in warmth, while ensuring neither cold nor debris make their way in and compromise your warmth.
- High-grade rubber provides added toughness and contributes to the boot’s 100% waterproof capacity.
Cons
- This is an expensive model, and since you should only buy ice fishing boots new, this could well be beyond the reaches of your budget if you’re a hobbyist ice angler.
Takeaway
This boot is a very impressive option. Although it’s pricey, the value for money here is still superb owing to how many features this offering from Muck promises to deliver to you.
Among the warmest snow boots for ice fishing.
Ice Fishing Boots Buyer’s Guide
This will present you with all the tools you need to do your own research and make your own decision about which product is right for you.
The market can appear vast and complicated, with hundreds of products out there from dozens of different companies.
To be able to cut through the static and make your own choices, you need to keep a few different questions in mind.
Pre-Fishing Terrain and Traveling
The material you want your boots to be made out of is going to depend on which kind of terrain you need to traverse to get to where you’re going to be doing your ice fishing.
You also need to take into account how long the boots are going to be subjected to what kind of stress.
For example, if you’re going to be walking through deep snow, it’s imperative that the boot of your choice is waterproof all the way up.
Many models are waterproof in the foot section but only water-resistant further up the calf.
There’s no way around it: this is going to cause problems if the less durable part of the boot is exposed to prolong cold and wet.
On the other hand, if you don’t need the entire boot to be waterproof, the models which don’t use the same insulation and padding the whole way through are often much more comfortable to wear.
Temperature Resistance / Comfort Rating
Although this seems like an obvious point (for any kind of angling, ice fishing included), when it comes to your footwear you need to know exactly what the temperatures are going to be like.
It’s no good to have boots which are only comfort rated to -30 degrees if they need to be coping well with -50.
If it’s going to rain or snow, your boots should probably be made out of heavy material, like rubber, in order to prevent any moisture whatsoever making their way into your feet.
If it’s a cold, dry environment, a blend of leather and synthetic won’t cause you any difficulties and could well improve how comfortable you feel.
Expected Duration Of Expedition
Imagine this: you’re out on the ice, fishing away to your heart’s content. You cast an absent-minded glance at your watch and discover to your shock that you’re three hours late for dinner.
We’ve all been there.
Losing track of time while fishing is almost too common to mention.
Okay, sure.
But how does this relate to the best cold weather boots for ice fishing?
Well, if you’re planning to be ice fishing for extended periods at a time, you’ll probably want to find a model which comes with removable linings, so you can be sure that your feet will always be dry as well as maintaining enough comfort to keep the fishing itself enjoyable.
While it’s true that nobody ever knows exactly how long they’re going to be fishing, even a rough timeline is many times better than having no idea at all.
Some of the models listed above are designed expressly for this purpose, while others don’t offer anything of the sort and will wind up being a real drag on an activity which is, after all, meant to be fun.
FAQs
Do I need to buy new, or will second-hand do?
While second-hand equipment is often more than adequate for a lot of fishing purposes, when it comes to your boots, the one thing you don’t want to compromise on is their ability to keep the cold out and the warm in.
Don’t buy second-hand – you have no way of knowing what shape the temperature resistance is in.
Buying new is really the only option here.
I’m having trouble sizing my boots. What’s the best way to go about it?
This is a common problem with ice fishing boots. The sizes listed don’t take into account the heavy socks you’ll need to wear with the boots, so when you order yourself your regular size 9, you’ll likely end up disappointed with the fit.
To get around this, look at the reviews of the model of boot you’re interested in.
Commenters there always post about how accurate the sizing of that particular boot is, and how they went about deciding which size to buy.
Don’t underestimate the importance of the fit – practically everything else is secondary.
Is water resistant good enough or do I need waterproof?
Water resistant material will let some water in, but only if it comes in contact with the water.
Given that just about all of the foot parts of the boots above are waterproof, this one really just depends on how deep the snow you’re going to be walking through is.
The best winter ice fishing boots are going to be 100% waterproof.
It’s more expensive, but if you need this feature you should go for it. Water resistant just won’t do the same job.
Summary
So there you have it: the best ice fishing boots, made simple.
The list you just read through is only my personal top 11. Please do read through the buyer’s guide and make your own decisions – you’re the only person who can decide what’s right for you.
Do you have any tips for finding ice fishing boots I missed?
Let me know in the comments. I’m always interested in learning new things.
