Ice Fishing in sub-zero temperatures has certain rewards, but the harsh bite of winter can take a toll on your health and performance. While thick clothing and gloves can maintain your core temperature, without thick ice fishing boots, you will freeze out there and possibly slip and hurt yourself.
Not just any boots will do, though. Make an informed decision to ensure you get your money’s worth. Here are some of the best ice fishing boots that you can get from Amazon, along with their features and what we liked about them.
10 Best Ice Fishing Boots for 2023 Reviewed
- Baffin Men’s Impact Insulated Boots
- Baffin Men’s Selkirk Snow Boot
- Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot
- Baffin Men’s Control Max Insulated Boots
- Sorel Men’s Conquest Boot
- Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Sport Hunting Boot
- Lacrosse Men’s Hunt Pac Extreme
- Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme Snow Boot
- Combat Boot, Mickey Mouse Extreme Cold Weather Boots
- Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus
1. Baffin Men’s Impact Insulated Boots
Protect your feet from the harshness of weather with Baffin Men’s Impact Insulated Boots. These boast an insulated nylon upper that has reflective piping along with double closures that can be closed quickly with thickly gloved hands. The inner part of the boot is encased in a multi-layer boot system that is designed to keep your toes warm and dry while you are fishing.
What we didn’t like about these boots is the fact that they can be quite clunky to walk in. This can be problematic if you encounter thick snow.
However, the outsole rubber gives enough traction to ensure that the bulky design does not become a challenge on terrain that is covered with thick snow.
2. Baffin Men’s Selkirk Snow Boot
If you prefer fishing boots that are lightweight and warm, Baffin Men’s Selkirk Snow Boots will not disappoint. The name of these epic winter boots was inspired by the strong-footed polar bear’s grip on slippery ice and snow. We have confidence that the rubber work and fiberglass compound in the construction allows the boot to live up to its namesake.
However, packing these boots can take some effort, and it can take up a lot of luggage space. You may have to get a separate case for it.
On the other hand, since you can use these boots both for ice fishing and for snowmobiling, you will not sweat that small detail.
3. Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot
Don’t let the name turn you off. The Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot is considered to be one of the best ice boots in the market. Stay warm in frigid fishing conditions courtesy of the 8mm neoprene bootie and toasty fleece lining. Plus, the topline binding keeps the cold and ice out so you will remain comfortable whether you are fishing in 40 or 94 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures.
While these boots are toasty, they can be quite stiff and unyielding, especially when you take them for the first time. Plus, some fishermen claim that the rubber on the bumper is not resilient enough to keep moisture out completely.
However, the air mesh lining allows air to circulate through the boot to prevent moisture buildup for prolonged comfort.
4. Baffin Men’s Control Max Insulated Boots
The Baffin Men’s Control Max Insulated winter fishing boots boast a seven-layer inner boot system that keeps feet warm and free of sweat and moisture. It is outfitted with vaporized membranes that have silver surfaces to direct heat back to cold feet, thus providing comfort in – 94 degrees Fahrenheit weather.
Don’t try and drive while you are wearing these boots, though! These are quite bulky and will not give you enough flexibility to drive safely, especially if you haven’t broken them in yet.
However, as far as traction is concerned, the Baffin exceeds expectations due to the incorporated IcePaw high grip technology.
5. Sorel Men’s Conquest Boot
As one of the best winter fishing boots out there, Sorel Men’s Conquest boot is one for the books. Designed for winter anglers who thrive on adventure, these ice boots will keep you comfortable and dry even in sub-zero temperatures. Made from molded waterproof thermal rubber, the shoes remain warm also if they get wet from the outside.
However, the laces on these ice fishing boots could have been sturdier, and overall these boots can diminish quickly.
On the other hand, 400 grams of Thinsulate ultra-insulation makes these ones stand out. The material is so thick that you will only need to use a single pair of socks to keep it toasty!
6. Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Sport Hunting Boot
Traversing through slushy ice is an angler’s nightmare, but Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Hunting boot can make it bearable. These are one of the warmest boots for fishing you can get owing to the 2mm thermal foam underlay. Plus, the MS-1 molded outsole maximizes protection and stability, as does the EVA molded midsole that has a contoured footbed.
These features can backfire inside, though. Make sure that you pack warm indoor boots along with these ones, though. Your feet will begin to sweat if you wear the boots inside for too long.
On the other hand, you won’t have to wear an extra layer of socks to keep your feet warm while you are ice fishing.
7. Lacrosse Men’s Hunt Pac Extreme
Ice fishing can be exhilarating, but it can get uncomfortable fast if you don’t have appropriate boots. The Lacrosse Men’s Hunt Pac Extreme ticks all the boxes in that regard. Outfitted with 2000 grams of Thinsulate ultra-insulation, these ones maximize protection in the coldest weather. The waterproof barrier lines the entire boot for 100% protection from sleet and cold.
These may be one of the best winter boots for ice fishing, but they can be a hassle to pack due to their awkward size. Plus, if you stand still in them for too long, your feet will start to get cold.
On the other hand, the features these boots offer make them an irresistible option for ice fishers. This includes the reinforced heel and toe cap that gives it additional abrasion resistance.
8. Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme Snow Boot
The list of the best ice fishing boots cannot be complete without Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme Snow boots in the lineup. These ice fishing boots boast a PU-coated synthetic upper that protects feet from moisture and icy winds, and the drawstring with barrel lock closure seals in warmth for a comfortable experience.
As far as ice fishing boots go, these are on the heavier side, so you will be exerting yourself quite a bit while you are trekking through thick snow.
However, you will forget the weight quickly when you realize that your feet have never been warmer! The incorporated frost plugs make sure of that.
9. Combat Boot, Mickey Mouse Extreme Cold Weather Boots
Considered to be the best boots for ice fishing, the Mickey Mouse Extreme Cold Weather option is durable and comfortable. These military-issue boots feature an air pressure release valve that you can open easily at high altitudes. Plus, besides ice fishing, these can be used for hunting and snowmobiling. The seamless shell design and the gusset that is fused to the body provide a complete seal that protects your feet from the elements.
We weren’t huge fans of the laces, which could be sturdier, but that is nothing that new ones will not solve. Plus, you may have to get liners to make the boot breathable.
Otherwise, these shoes offer excellent value for money and feel incredibly comfortable out on the ice.
10. Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus
The Columbia Men’s Bugaboot is one of the warmest fishing boots you can get, courtesy of the features it boasts. This snowshoe is made with Omni Heat reflective and other technologies that keep the wearer warm, whether they are ice fishing or plowing through the snow. The Techlite lightweight midsole ensures long-lasting comfort as well as a high-energy return that remains a spring in your step.
However, if you are looking for ice fishing boots that can keep your toes toasty indefinitely, these may not be the best ones for you. You may need to wear them with more than a single pair of socks to get the warmth you need.
On the other hand, these fit comfortably right out of the box. It’s like someone already broke them in before packing them! If rating your experience is a priority, try on the boots first before buying them.
How to Pick the Best Ice Fishing Boots
It takes more than a rating to determine which ice fishing boots can suit specific needs. You need to get into the features to figure out the pair that won’t fail you out on the ice and can keep you warm at the same time. In other words, the pair you buy should give you excellent value for money and add an extra thermal layer.
Here are some essential features that you should consider when you are searching for ‘best fishing boots for winter’ online.
Insulation
The insulation quality of these boots is determined by the material they are made from. Typically, boots that are made from rubber or synthetic materials that are made from durable fibers offer adequate insulation. Plus, the ones you choose should also have extra layers, such as Thinsulate to keep you extra warm. Rating insulation can be challenging at first, though, so go through customer reviews first.
Materials
Rubber is the go-to choice as the outsole material of these boots for several reasons. This feature ensures a sturdy grip, absorbs impact, provides warmth, and remains waterproof. Plus, it doesn’t wear quickly, either. However, a combination of synthetics and rubber can serve your purpose better. Rating your experience with each boot you try will also help you make an informed decision.
Outer Covering
If you are looking up winter fishing boots reviews or features, you cannot ignore the outer covering. While the lining can keep your feet warm from the inside, the outer cover should be strong enough to prevent moisture or melting snow from seeping in. For that to be possible, the outer covering has to be stiff enough to prevent punctures but flexible sufficient to ease mobility.
Stiffness
The stiffer the boot, the sturdier it will be. However, an overly thick boot can restrict mobility. A good rule of thumb is to consider kicks that have features that can keep your toes toasty and your stride smooth at the same time.
Additional Things To Consider
Boot Socks
The boot socks you choose should be thick enough to keep your feet warm but also breathable so that sweat doesn’t accumulate. Both the boots and your socks should work together to keep you comfortable. Don’t go for the customer rating. Buy socks that can save you warm and comfy.
Soles and Traction
Fishing on a body of ice water can result in a severe accident. If your kicks don’t have enough traction, this is a possibility. Make sure they have deep tracts that can grip the ice or spikes to prevent you from slipping.
Waterproofing
Wellies that are made of heavy-duty nylon or liner can prevent melting ice water from penetrating. Both the parts of the boot have to be pre-treated in order to avoid this. Once your socks get wet, frostbite is imminent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best cold weather hunting boots?
A: The best hunting boots that can keep your toes warm during a winter hunting expedition are those that have a sufficient inner and outer lining to prevent frostbite. Plus, these should be camouflaged in order to prevent prey from spotting you.
Q: What are the warmest boots for ice fishing?
A: Don’t let the rating fool you. The warmest boots you should get for ice fishing should be made of rubber, but the lining should be of a blend of this material and synthetic materials.
Q: Are muck boots good for ice fishing?
A: The answer is yes because muck boots are made to be completely waterproof.
Q: Are Mickey Mouse boots the warmest?
A: If you are rating this boot with other ice fishing boots, the Mickey Mouse boot will fall somewhere in the middle. That’s because it is designed only to withstand temperatures that can go down only to -20 degrees at most.
Q: What are the warmest boots you can buy?
A: Rating the warmest boots you can buy can be a challenge because the answer will always be subjective. Your choice will depend on your needs and the weather conditions you will encounter. However, if you are short on time, consider prominent brands such as Baffin, Sorel, or Bogs.
Insider Advice
If snow and ice get into your boot, you can get frostbite fast! Prevent this from happening by choosing boots that have tall sidewalls that reach under your pants. This will add a much-needed extra layer of protection.
Founder & Angler 
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