Best Ice Fishing Boots – Tested Models That Actually Work
If you’re into ice fishing, then you know that it’s crucial to have the right footwear. Frostbite is always a problem in such cold environments, which is why you need boots that can keep your feet warm and toasty. Not only that but because you are walking on slippery surfaces, they need to maintain a high level of traction at all times, while also preventing water from seeping in.
Since there are so many different aspects to them, it’s necessary for you to find boots that are made specifically for ice fishing. We’ve compiled a list of the top models for you to look at, and we’re going to discuss the various components that you can choose and how they work. Next time you go ice fishing, you’ll notice the difference when wearing one of these pairs of boots.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Ice Fishing Boots - Comparisons
- Recommended Ice Fishing Boots
- 1. Muck Boot Arctic Sport Rubber High Performance Men's Winter Boot
- 2. Sorel Men's Conquest Boot
- 3. Muck Boot Men's Arctic Pro Snow Boot
- 4. LaCrosse Hunt Pac Extreme 10'' Boot 2000gm Leather
- 5. Baffin Men's Control Max Insulated Boot
- 6. Ice Armor 8609 Onyx Boots
- 7. Guide Gear Men's Monolithic Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boots 2400 Gram
- 8. Sorel Men's Intrepid Explorer Extreme Snow Boot
- 9. Baffin Men's Selkirk Insulated Boot
- 10. Kamik Men's Canuck Cold Weather Boot
- How to Choose an Ice Fishing Boot
- Final Verdict
10 Best Ice Fishing Boots - Comparisons
Image | Product Name | Primary Material | Different Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Rubber and fabric | 15 | ||
  | Leather | 19 | ||
  | Synthetic | 3 | ||
  | 1000 Denier Nylon | 4 | ||
  | Leather | 8 | ||
  | Leather | 1 | ||
  | 2,400g Thinsulate | 1 | ||
  | Synthetic | 8 | ||
  | Leather/ Synthetic | 8 | ||
  | Fabric / Rubber | 8 |
Recommended Ice Fishing Boots
1. Muck Boot Arctic Sport Rubber High Performance Men's Winter Boot
Starting us off is a thick, full-size boot that is built to withstand some of the coldest environments. The whole thing is a mixture of rubber and fabric, meaning that you not only get a fully waterproof shoe (all the way up, no less), but they are also well insulated.
What we like most about these boots is that they come with a dual-foam interior. One layer is thermal foam which helps provide extra warmth against the snow and ice. The second is made of flex-foam that conforms to your foot, so you get added comfort while you walk.
We also appreciate the tall upper as it provides additional protection against snow drifts and will keep your feet dryer. As long as you have your pant legs over the top of the boot, water and ice shouldn’t be able to get in. Finally, these boots are rated to stand up to temperatures of 40 below, so you won’t have any problem with most frigid conditions.
Pros
- Durable rubber and fabric construction
- Boot shaft covers up to 14 inches of your leg
- Thick, 1.25-inch rubber heel
- Boot opening is wide for easy in and out
- Holds up to temperatures down to -40 F
- Wrap up bumper provides extra toe protection
- 2mm thermal foam inside for extra warmth
- 5mm CR flex foam bootie for comfort
- Fully waterproof design
- Lightweight and flexible material
Cons
- Sizing may be hard for some users
- May be too tall for some people
- In rare cases, the boots may start peeling in places
When picking out the best ice fishing boot, you can usually either go with a rubber or a leather upper. As long as they are waterproof, we tend to prefer the latter because it conforms better to your foot and leg.
The biggest issue with all-rubber boots is that they leave space, which can lead to shifting while walking. With these boots, however, you have no such problem.
They come with an incredible lacing enclosure that hugs your foot and shin tightly. While they are not as high as other boots, they still offer plenty of protection against snow drifts and ice. In fact, they even have a built-in bootie that comes with a drawstring on top to prevent water from dripping into the boot itself.
As for warmth, these boots come with 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation, so they should be quite toasty, even in the most frigid conditions. Overall, they are rated to hold up to temperatures as low as negative 40 Fahrenheit, so you won’t have to worry about frostbite.
Pros
- Durable leather and fabric construction
- Thick lace enclosure to provide better protection
- Large eight-inch shaft to protect the leg
- Drawstring bootie built-in to keep water out
- Fully waterproof leather and rubber exterior
- Rated for temperatures down to -40 F
- 400g Thinsulate insulation for extra warmth
- Molded EVA foam footbed for comfort
Cons
- In rare cases, the seam between the leather upper and rubber sole may start to split
- On rare occasions, the toe may not hold insulation very well
We’ve already seen what you can expect from MuckBoots, which is that they offer more than enough protection for your legs as well as thick, fully waterproof rubber construction.
In this case, however, these boots are built for hunting purposes, meaning that they are also ideal for climbing and squatting as you might do in a hide or the branches.
As such, these boots come with a stretchable topline so that once your foot is inside it hugs your leg to keep it from shifting. Not only that, but it has a thicker bootie (8mm) to keep water from coming in, and they are a bit more flexible.
When considering temperature changes, these boots are rated for -60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than enough protection for practically any conditions. That, coupled with a molded EVA interior means that your feet will stay toasty and comfortable all day long.
Pros
- Durable rubber and synthetic construction
- Stretch fit topline binding to prevent water leakage
- 8mm CR flex foam bootie for extra protection
- EVA molded foam insole for comfort
- Fully waterproof design
- Breathable air mesh lining inside
- Rated for temperatures down to -60 F
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Large 18-inch upper protects the legs
Cons
- In rare cases, the upper and outsole may start to separate
- Sizing can be difficult for some users
If you’re looking for an ice fishing boot that feels a bit more like a regular shoe without sacrificing any protection and comfort, then you may appreciate this Pac Boot from LaCrosse.
Unlike the MuckBoots, this model doesn’t have such a long upper, meaning that you can walk a bit more comfortably without having to worry about shifting.
We love the performance of these boots, and they are built to keep your feet as warm and dry as possible. First, they are constructed with 100% waterproof leather and high-quality 1000D nylon. Next, they have 2000 grams of high-performance insulation, which is much more than anything else we’ve seen so far.
Finally, they come with a reinforced heel and toe cap so that your feet are protected from the harsh terrain as well. The cool thing about the heel and toe as well is that they come with extra grip on the outsole so that if you’re climbing on the snowy or icy ground, you won’t slip. Overall, these boots are some of the best in the industry, even though they can run a bit narrow in the toe.
Pros
- Durable leather and rubber construction
- 100% waterproof design
- Thick lacing closure with 1000 denier nylon for protection
- Reinforced heel and toe cap
- Outsole pattern is designed for snow and ice
- Extra grip on toe and heel outsole for climbing
- Extreme 2000g insulation for extra warmth
Cons
- Sizing can be difficult for some users
- Can feel a bit bulky at times
When it comes to style and performance, nothing comes close to these boots from Baffin.
With a full grain leather upper and an Arctic rubber shell outsole, you will look like you are hiking straight out of a vintage documentary. While the leather upper doesn’t protect from all liquids like the others we’ve seen, the bottom is perfect for keeping your feet and toes dry.
As far as warmth goes, these are probably the best-rated shoes we’ve seen, as they can stand up to temperatures as low as -94 degrees Fahrenheit. The secret to these boots is the extra thick removable insulation. It is formulated to provide the utmost warmth all throughout, and the fact that they are removable means that they can be washed and dried much more easily than normal.
Overall, while we would prefer these boots to be more waterproof than they currently are, they look and feel incredible and will provide excellent performance out on the ice, as long as you don’t dunk them.
Pros
- Durable leather and rubber construction
- D-ring fast lace closure system
- Fully waterproof bottom
- EVA molded insole for comfort
- Removable multi-layer insulation
- Arctic rubber shell outsole
- High-performance traction in snow and ice
- Rated for temperatures down to -94 F
- Full grain leather upper
Cons
- Upper level is not waterproof
- Sizing can be difficult for most users
Sometimes, ice fishing boots can be somewhat restrictive because they are so thick and cumbersome.
However, this pair from Ice Armor is much better than most with a thinner and more flexible upper.
Thankfully, though, just because it moves more doesn’t mean that water and ice can get in.
Overall, these are a decent pair of boots, as they come with 1000 grams of Thinsulate insulation, an EVA molded foam insert and a removable inside liner. They stay warm all day long, and the liner is much easier to clean. Finally, they are both completely waterproof, so your feet stay dry.
Pros
- Durable leather and rubber construction
- 100% waterproof design
- EVA molded insole for comfort
- 1000g of Thinsulate insulation
- Two-piece high traction outsole
- Removable inside liners
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Nylon lace closure system
Cons
- Sizing can be difficult for some users
- In rare cases, the leather upper may start to wear off
Next, we have another pair of hunting boots, which are built to handle practically any environment and terrain.
They are made with high-quality leather and synthetic materials, which not only provide excellent protection but also ensure that your feet feel comfortable all day long. The exterior of these boots is incredible with a fully waterproof design and a thick 900 denier nylon upper.
They also come with a gusseted tongue to keep water and debris from getting inside, and the outsole is molded to provide the best traction on almost any surface. Inside, you get spectacular warmth with 2400 grams of Thinsulate insulation.
This is more than enough to keep your feet and toes toasty throughout your travels, even with thin socks. On the bottom, they come with a molded EVA foam insert, so you get better comfort while walking. Finally, the inside has a moisture-wicking liner, so your feet don’t get too sweaty.
Pros
- Durable leather and rubber construction
- Fully waterproof design
- 2400g Thinsulate insulation
- Thick 900 denier nylon upper
- Removable EVA molded insole for comfort
- Moisture wicking mesh lining
- Rubber toe and heel cap for protection
- Gusseted tongue prevents water and debris
- Sure-grip rubber outsole
Cons
- Can be a bit large and bulky for some users
- In rare cases, the upper may not be completely waterproof
While most ice fishing boots are designed to handle slippery environments, usually they can also handle most other kinds of terrain as well. In this case, however, the Sorel Intrepid Explorer Snow Boot is perfectly made for winter conditions, meaning that you get better traction, comfort, and protection.
The exterior is amazing with a 15-inch shaft to keep your legs dry from snow drifts and cold temperatures.
The boots are 100% waterproof, and they even come with a built-in gaiter system to keep water and debris out. The outsoles are made of thick rubber and provide excellent traction on the snow and ice.
Inside, these boots come with an extra-thick 13mm ThermoPlus liner. That way, you can wear regular socks and still be toasty warm all day long. They also come with a thick molded EVA footbed to add extra comfort while walking, and reinforced heel and toe caps keep your feet protected from all the elements.
Pros
- Durable synthetic and rubber construction
- Long 15.5-inch shaft for extra protection
- 100% waterproof design
- Built-in gaiter system to keep water out
- Extra thick rubber outsole for traction
- 13mm Thermo plus liner for warmth
- Removable molded EVA footbed for comfort
- Multi-directional lug outsole for traction
- Reinforced heel and toe caps
Cons
- In rare instances, the upper and outsole may split at the seam
- Sizes run a bit large for most users
Like the snow boot from Sorel above, this set of shoes from Baffin are perfect for ice fishing because they offer exceptional protection from the cold.
Overall, if you want to make sure that you don’t slip while also ensuring that your feet stay completely dry, these boots will have you covered. On the outside, they come with a 13-inch shaft to protect your legs from snow and ice.
Although it’s not as long as some of the others that we’ve seen, it does come with a drawstring gaiter on top to make a tight seal between the boot and your leg. In addition to the gaiter, you also get two straps; one on the ankle and one on the calf.
These extra straps make sure that you don’t shift around while walking, as well as keep water and debris from settling on the bottom of the boot. Inside, these shoes come with a seven-layer insulation liner that provides exceptional warmth.
In fact, these snow boots are rated to hold up to temperatures as low as -94 degrees Fahrenheit. The liner is also removable so that you can wash it, making it even more convenient.Finally, with regards to comfort, these boots have a Polymech foam insole that cushions your feet and keeps you feeling good all day long.
Pros
- Durable synthetic and rubber construction
- 13-inch shaft protects against snow drifts and water
- Fully waterproof material
- Drawstring gaiter on top of the boot
- Adjustable calf and ankles strap to keep water out
- Hook and loop enclosures for stability
- 7-layer inner insulation for warmth
- Rated for temperatures as low as -94 degrees F
- Polymech foam lining for comfort
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Liners are removable for easier cleaning
Cons
- Toe may feel a bit tight
- Rest of the boot might be too big for some users
Our final set of ice fishing shoes come all the way from Canada, where they know a thing or two about cold weather. The Canuck Cold Weather Boot is both stylish and practical and offers plenty of warmth and protection for your feet.
The exterior of the boot is made of thick 1000 denier nylon and rubber, and the whole thing is completely waterproof.
On top, there is a bungee drawstring gaiter to keep water and debris from settling inside, keeping your feet nice and dry. The outsole of these boots also come with a remarkable tread design that improves grip while you’re out on the ice.
Inside, these shoes have an 8mm Zylex liner that insulates your feet and toes. The liner is also removable for easier cleaning, and so you can let it dry out from sweat. Overall, these boots are relatively lightweight and comfortable and should help you withstand most frigid temperatures out on the ice.
Pros
- Durable fabric and rubber construction
- Thick 1000 denier nylon upper
- Bungee drawstring gaiter
- 8mm Zylex liner for warmth
- Liner is removable for cleaning
- Slip-resistant tread
- Fully waterproof
- Lightweight and flexible
Cons
- Boot sizes run big for most users
- In rare cases, the boots may start to leak
How to Choose an Ice Fishing Boot
Shaft Length
Unlike most boots, when you’re out in the ice and snow you want to make sure that none of it gets into your shoe from the top. As such, it’s usually better to have a taller shaft that can go underneath your pants to provide an extra layer of protection.
For the most part, ice fishing boot shafts are usually between 10 and 18 inches, so you want to find a size that feels the most comfortable without letting any water inside. If you are on the taller side, a longer shaft may feel great, but you won’t really know until you try them on. We highly recommend about 13-14 inches, as that is usually best for most people.
Material
Although the bottom of ice fishing boots is always rubber to ensure complete water resistance while walking, the upper can be made of several different materials. Usually, they are a combination of synthetics such as nylon mixed with leather or rubber.
If you want complete water resistance, then we highly recommend getting a boot that is mostly rubber. Leather shoes tend to allow some water to drip in, even when they are treated with waterproof chemicals. The only downside to all rubber boots is that they don’t conform to your leg as well, meaning that there may be some space between, which could lead to shifting while you walk.
Insulation
Repelling water is the primary goal of any ice fishing shoe, but the secondary objective is to keep your feet warm as well. As such, most boot models will come with some kind of insulation on the interior so that your body heat reflects back and keeps your toes toasty.
Usually, insulation is measured in grams, with higher numbers meaning more warmth. So, for example, a boot with 2400 grams of insulation is better than one with 1000 grams. That being said, if you are planning on wearing snow socks with your boots, then you will probably want to opt for a lower number as the combined insulation may cause your feet to sweat more, which could make them cool down.
The other thing to consider about the insulation is whether or not it is removable. The benefit of that is that you can let it dry out much more quickly and easily than if you left it inside. Also, you can wash and clean the liner as it will start to stink after a while.
Gaiter
Sometimes, on the top part of the boot (where your foot goes in), you may see an enclosure system. Most of the time, it uses a drawstring to create a tight seal between the boot and your leg. The reason to have this is that it will work much better at keeping water out of your shoes and maintaining a dry interior. If you plan on walking in deep snow or you like to have your boots outside of your pants (as opposed to inside), then we highly recommend having a gaiter.
Final Verdict
When it comes to ice fishing, we prefer to have boots that are made specifically for the snow and ice. While hunting or winter boots are great, they don’t have as much traction or water resistance as snow models.
For that reason, we highly suggest that you get either the Soren or Baffin Snow Boots, as they will work better about keeping your feet warm and dry and will offer more stability on the ice.
Related Resources
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