8 best snow trekking shoes this winter [2022 Edition]

Best Snow Trekking Shoes are what you’re here for and that’s exactly what you’ll Get. If you’re planning a trip to Himachal this winter or going solo to Leh? No matter how you plan to spend your winter, if it involves snow, your ordinary boots are not going to cut it.

With this buyers’ guide, I’ve compiled the best snow trekking shoes FOR MEN AS WELL AS WOMEN available in India to make your trip a cozy affair.

Winter is coming and thankfully white walkers are taken care of, but no one is stopping the snow and blizzard it brings with it. Whether you live in northern India or you’re just planning to spend some time there this winter, you need to have your wardrobe ready.

8 best snow trekking shoes List [2022]

Along with warm fur coats, scarfs, and inners, a pair of sturdy snow boots would make the staple of your wardrobe.

Before I get started with the best snow trekking shoes for this winter there are a couple of pointers that you must consider before making any buying decision.

As a starting point, you must ask yourself a few questions that will give you clarity on what kind of shoe would really meet your expectations and requirements.

Where do you intend to wear them? Are you just looking for some casual activities and walking in the city? If that’s the case you’re better off with some casual winter boots which provide decent insulation and are somewhat water-resistant.

Of course, they are much cheaper, provide good value for money, and are better suited if you’re not planning on hiking.

However, if you are going on a hike, there isn’t really an alternative for snow boots.

Snow boots provide a great grip on slippery ice and snow.

Most common injuries on Icy terrains occur due to falls and snow boots are designed to provide the best grip on those slippery trails.

What is the expected temperature of the place you intend to wear your winter boots? Whereas winter boots only provide basic insulation, snow boots are specifically designed to withstand very low temperatures.

Snow boots are the warmest shoes out there, they keep your feet warm and cozy in sub-zero temperatures.

In harsh environments, our body loses heat from the head, palms, and feet. While most people take care of the first two with hats, mufflers, and woolen gloves, a good insulating boot cannot be ignored.

Is there going to be rain and mud? Snow is not the only problem snow boots solve.

The real problem sometimes is the water seeping into your shoes while trekking, best snow boots are made up of waterproof materials and provide excellent protection against wet and muddy terrains and protect your feet from going numb.

If these requirements fit the bill, you can go ahead and choose the best snow trekking shoes from the compiled list of the best ones available in India.

8 best snow trekking shoes for winter

Best Overall Option: Quechua Men’s Snow Hiking Shoes SH520 X-Warm Mid

The shoe from Quechua has topped the list as it’s currently the best snow trekking shoe in India available at a very competitive price. Quechua Men’s Snow Hiking Shoes SH520 X-Warm is a comfortable, waterproof, lightweight, stylish, and very affordable snow trekking shoe currently available in India.

SH520 X will keep your feet warm and are comfortable up to -16°C. They are waterproof and use Snowcontact technology for good grip over the icy surface.

The material used on the outside is synthetic with a warm lining inside to prevent the water from entering the membrane while at the same time letting the foot breathe while trekking.

Warranty	2 Years

Best for comfort: Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Iii Cordovan, Rusty Hiking Rain & Snow Shoes

Columbia Men’s Snow Shoes are the most comfortable snowshoe out there available in India. These High Ankle Leather Boots are waterproof and provide warmth at temperatures up to -32°C.

The best thing about Columbia Bugaboot is its classic military-style design which is built for longevity and is hard to easily wear off.

With the use of new Omni Heat technology, the thermal-reflective lining reflects the body heat while maintaining a high level of breathability. The lightweight rubber sole not only provides great traction and grip.

Columbia Bugaboot is available in many colours and sizes on Amazon.

Warranty	9 months

Best Overall for Women: Columbia Women’s Minx Mid Iii Boots

Columbia Women’s Minx Mid Iii Boots are a perfect mix of comfort and style this winter for all the ladies out there. Made from synthetic material, faux fur is used on the collar and tongue of the boots.

Shoes take special care of the warmth with the use of 200g’s of the insulating heat-trapping reflective lining.

The sole is made of rubber which provides great traction on snow and icy surface.

The synthetic textile used on the outer body makes the shoe waterproof and the Minx Mid Iii provides insulation up to -32°C which makes them the ultimate choice for snow trekking.

Warranty	6 months

Best for Warmth: QUECHUA Men’s Snow Shoes Warm & Waterproof SH100 U-WARM High – Black

QUECHUA Men’s SH100 U-WARM High is hands down the warmest snowshoes on the list. With thick faux-fur warm lining, shoes can provide warmth at -11°C when stationary and up to -20°C while trekking.

A very thin membrane made of up to 25-micrometer components is affixed to the inside of a fabric that blocks water from entering the boots while allowing moisture to escape at the same time to maintain breathability.

SH100-WARM High are tested for waterproofing by simulating walking motion with feet half-submerged in water for 16 km to maintain the quality standards.

Warranty	2 years

Best Slip-on option for Women: Quechua Women’s Waterproof Warm Snow Boots – SH500 X-WARM LACETS – High

If you’re looking for some quick slip-on shoes, Quechua Women’s SH500 X-WARM LACETS are just what you need.

Technically they are semi-slip-ons as they use a scratch to tie the shoes but nevertheless, they are quick to put on and quicker to get rid of.

Shoes provide warmth up to -2°c when static and -14°C when moving. Shoes are made of synthetic material with a warm lining on the inside.

Boots provide good grip and traction on the snow with their rubber sole with 4 mm crampons as they have a comparatively wider base surface.

Warranty	2 years

Best for traction: Polar Men’s Snow Hiking Mucker Duck Grafters Waterproof Saftey Thermal Boots

Polar is a popular brand known for its rugged shoes and these Muscle Ducker Grafter boots are your classic go-to shoes if you like military-grade.

Polar snow boots feature a unique anti-skid design and solid molded rubber sole which provides great confidence with no matter the terrain and the surface. These boots can be used through thick snow, heavy rain, and even ice.

Polar thermal boots are fully fur lined with faux fur from the collar to the toe which provides great insulation up to -30°C and great cushioning for your feet.

One thing to keep in mind would be to buy them a few weeks in advance as these boots would take some time to ship to India.

Warranty	2 years

Best Slip-on option for men: QUECHUA Men’s Snow Boots Warm & Waterproof SH500 X-WARM – High

Just like the one for women, Quechua has these Men’s SH500 X-WARM variants if you want slip-on shoes for quick use.

These mid-calf shoes are an excellent option if you are a regular snow hiker who needs long-lasting proven shoes that remain waterproof in a feet deep snow as well.

SH500X features a side chain to quickly put on the shoes unlike the scratch used for the ladies’ variant.

They can withstand temperatures up to -12°C when stationary which is the best in class, while moving they keep your feet warm up to -21°C.

they also feature the Quechua’s snow contact technology rubber sole that provides great traction on the snowy surface and gives you the confidence to keep going.

Warranty	2 years

Best Stylish Option: QUECHUA Men’s Warm Waterproof Snow Shoes – SH500 U-WARM – High

If you like to keep it trendy, look no further. QUECHUA SH500 U look stunningly stylish for any snow trekking shoes out there.

SH500 U is made of leather material which gives it the premium look while the warm lining on the inside keeps your feet toasty for long.

The snowshoes feature big 5 mm deep studs that provide great traction on snow, the rubber sole made with Snowcontact technology ensures the firm grip is maintained at all times. Shoes can provide warmth up to -21°C when in motion.

Warranty	2 years

Tips to follow before zeroing down on the best snow trekking boots

• People often complain of their shoes not fitting them once they wear them with slightly thicker socks, with snow boots it’s even more crucial.
  • If you are going to wear your winter boots with 2 pairs of socks or with thick woollen socks, make sure you buy half a size bigger shoe.
  • Tight shoes can get very uncomfortable, very quickly while hiking especially in the chilling cold.
• Another related point to keep a note of is that your feet are at their biggest during the evening and at the smallest in the morning.
  • It’s a good idea to try on the snowshoes during the evening.
• When trying on new shoes, always take a short walk wearing them around the shop(or your hall if trying on at home).
  • Try stretching your toes in different ways to check the comfort as the trekking trail would have many uneven footings.
  • Buy them once you’re convinced of their comfort.
• This goes without saying but always try both boots as it is not uncommon to have a slight difference in feet size and you want to make sure the boots are comfortable on both feet.
• Check your shoes under daylight as the colors look slightly different under artificial lights inside closed spaces.
• Snow trekking shoes are usually of moderate weight, but they also come in all shapes and sizes.
  • During the trek, it’s better to have your boots as light as possible. So keep a close eye on the weight of your snow trekking shoes.
• Always, always buy waterproof snow trekking shoes. Often during trekking on snow, the outer material of the shoe gets damp and the moisture can seeth into the shoes.

TakeAways for the best snow trekking Shoes

You don’t buy snow trekking shoes every day, if you intend to use them on your trips It must last for a few years. But snow trekking is not very popular in India unlike in Canada or some other western countries which means a smaller market for these items and lesser options. This makes it even harder to find the best snow trekking shoes in India; with this article, I’ve tried to help out the folks like me who like winter and do not miss out on any chance they get to have a snow adventure. Which trekking shoes do you think are the best? Do let me know in the comments. #choosebetter