Fishing, Hunting, & Trapping

Best Ice Fishing Boots: A Handy List When Shopping for The Right Option

Best Ice Fishing Boots

Finding the best ice fishing boots is a tough challenge for most anglers looking for that perfect pair to provide warmth and offer the ultimate protection for their feet when ice fishing in winter conditions. That is the very same reason we’ve done our research and created this guide to take out the burden off your shoulders when shopping for the best boots for ice fishing on the market right now. Later, we’ll also discuss some buying tips and boots characteristics to look for in order to keep you informed when choosing the right ice fishing boots for your needs.

If you’re ready come on in and let’s start with some of the most popular angler boots around.

A few of the top-rated ice fishing boots

Baffin Men’s Selkirk snow boot

A top-rated ice fishing and snow boots online, these snow boots come either in expedition gold or black and they are one of the most favorites among anglers looking to get proper feet insulation when fishing during winter. Many of them love the man-made sole, adjustable strap for the ankle, back pull loop, and hoop and loop closure.

They also appreciate its polymath foam, which they find comfortable and useful all the time for its form-fitting characteristic. On the downside, some users noted that the boots weren’t convenient because they’re bulky.

If you like this product you can find and buy it here.

Baffin Men’s arctic winter boot

These ice fishing boots are chosen because of the sufficient insulation they provide, coming at a -40F rating and the 7-layer removable insulated inner system. They come with rubber soles, provide more warmth, and have a polar-proven grade to keep your feet toasty warm, even in extreme temperatures below zero.

Aside from ice fishing, these boots also work for tree stand hunting and meat lockers. They are water-proof and so you don’t need to worry about water and snow getting into your feet, ensuring they stay dry. When looking for supreme arctic protection, there is no need to look for any other by wearing this Baffin winter boot.

If you like this product you can find and check its price on Amazon.

Helly Hansen Men’s Skage sport winter boot

Made in Vietnam, this is another top-rating ice fishing boots you can buy from Amazon at low prices. This model comes with a modern yet old-fashioned hiking detailing, resulting in an all-in-one functional and stylish ice fishing boot. They are made with full-grain leather toe and heel caps for the best protection against cold weather.

Helly Hansen Men's Skage
Image credit: eastend.pl

Helly, for years, has been known to produce top-quality and long-lasting foot gears and has been recognized by thousands of fishers, hikers, and leisure-loving creatures all over the world.

Users reveal that this is one of the best footgear they have ever bought and some of them noted how it provides them with adequate feet protection from the cold, keeping their feet warm and toasty when ice fishing and doing other arctic activities they love! The product, however, may be pricier than its counterparts.

If you like this product you can find and check its price on Amazon.

Baffin Men’s endurance snow boot

Garnering an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, these boots are some of the best ice fishing boots on the market right now. Some users reveal how these are very incredible, providing them the comfort that they have been looking for.

The product comes in either black or fluorescent green and is made with a rubber sole for best insulation results. The product is made by top US maker Baffin, so quality would never be a question.

Its shaft measures 14.75 inches from the arch, its heal measures 1.5 inch and its platform measures about one inch.  Finally, the product comes with a unique 8-layer of removable inner boot system and has a cold-tested polyurethane base and tapered seam construction. The best part is that these boots are waterproof, both on their base and the upper portion.

If you like this product you can find and check its price here.

Sorel Women’s Joan of arctic boot

Choose from a wide range of colors, including black and brown of the Sorel arctic boots for women that may be yours if you are looking for top-quality, long-lasting footgear.  These boots also feel and look sturdy and so good they are very fashionable, too.

This product is made with imported leather, rubber sole, and faux fur cuff. Its heel measures about one inch and its shaft about 11.5 inches from the arch.

The best part is that they come with a vulcanized rubber shell and seam-sealed waterproof make. A user reviewed this product and noted that she loved how these boots are perfectly snug for her feet and that it provided her with sufficient insulation.

Sorel Women's Joan Of Arctic
Image credit: altitude-blog.com

She also said that these boots made her feel safe and warm without a doubt. One user reported, however, that these boots did not keep her feet warm when she was outside for long hours.

If you like this product you can find and purchase it on Amazon.

IceArmor Onyx boot

One of the top-rating ice fishing and arctic boots are known among those living in cold locations who love fishing, the product can keep your feet cozy and dry most of the time, especially when fishing during extreme freezing temperatures.

These boots are comfortable and convenient because they are lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. They also feature the known Thinsulate for incredible warmth and they give proper traction needed in icy conditions.

They also have an EVA-cushioned midsole for increased stability and for improving foot security on wet surfaces. Most reviews of the product are positive especially because the boots feature more of the characteristics users are looking for.

If you like this product you can find and check its price on Amazon.

IceArmor Sub Zero boot

Known for its long-lasting and tough performance, the Sub Zero boot from IceArmor can be for you if you are looking for the best boots for extreme weather conditions when enjoying winter activities, including ice fishing.

The product comes with a waterproof rubber exterior, providing durable and reliable wear, and is lined with 1200 grams of Thinsulate, giving that maximum insulation. Not only that they offer great insulation, but they also offer an easy on and off with their cut-out handles.

IceArmor Sub Zero boot

If you are looking for dependable and long-lasting winter boots, you may want to take a look at this product that garners mostly positive reviews from its users due to its better insulation, ice traction, and great design and fit. On the downside, some users said that these boots may be bulky, although these are isolated remarks that do not reflect the general public consensus.

If you like this product you can find and buy it on Amazon.

Irish Setter Elk Tracker 860 Men’s winter boots

Featuring full-insulation protection for hunters, anglers, and hobbyists that love to do winter activities, such as ice fishing, these Irish Setter boots are popular! This product features a cushion comfort tongue technology for minimizing shin pressure and comes with the double EE width for accommodating your favorite technical winter socks for incredible warmth even in long hours of exposure in the cold. See also our reviews of the best winter socks to keep your feet toasty and snug.

Users reveal that these boots are great from the get-go and provide them adequate protection from the cold. They also love the boot’s perfect fit, keeping them feeling comfortable all day. On the other hand, some people report that that the boots are too wide, but these happen to users who have narrow feet.

Irish Setter Boots
Image credit: speechfoodie.com

Nevertheless, the product gives users that perfect comfort and fit to keep going through their day of ice fishing or winter hiking. It measures 12 inches in height, two pounds per boot and made with leather welt construction material, and comes with a steel shank.

If you like this product you can find and buy it here.

Baffin Apex Men’s extreme winter boots

Proven and tested to keep up with extreme conditions at the Everest base camp, ice fishing in Michigan, and snowmobiling in Northern Maine, these boots are very effective in providing proper feet insulation. You can keep your feet toasty warm even in long hours of exposure to the cold.

Users note that these boots are perfect for their leisurely winter activities, including ice fishing and winter hiking. Its height is 14 inches; weight is 2.6 pounds per boot and is made with timberwolf leather material.

They love its full laced shaft for providing them a custom fit that keeps them comfortable all the time. On the downside, some users reveal that this pair of boots is quite a little bit more expensive than other products they bought.  Nevertheless, they say that it best serves its purpose!

Baffin Men’s Impact Insulated Boots

One of the best Baffin boots, this model is for the elite fisher and winter hiker! These boots are used by dog sledders in Alaska and by adventurers in the North Pole. Baffin Impact is also used by mountaineers climbing Mt. Everest and those who love ice fishing in cold Wisconsin.

If you want to make use of the perfect boots to keep up with extreme weather elements, you can opt for these Baffin boots to serve any purpose.

The boots measure 16 inches in height and weigh 2.2 pounds per boot. They are made with durable Diamond Lite insulated nylon and base of arctic flex rubber and deep rubber traction on the outsole.

Baffin Men's Impact Insulated Boots
Image credit: intrepidsnowmobiler.com

Most users note that these boots are perfect for providing them that warmth they have been looking for and say that this pair of boots last longer than others that they have bought. They also reveal how this pair keeps them safe when hiking or ice fishing with its traction system.

Many of them also reveal how they love its cold-resistant polyurethane midsole material and its reflective underfoot air bubble. As a disadvantage, these boots may be too wide for those with narrow feet.

If you like this product you can find and buy it here.

Bobcat K Zip

From the maker of some of the best boots for winter comes Bobcat K Zip, the perfect pair you will love if you are looking for that great comfort and fit. Some of its key features include its four-way stretch neoprene expansion darts, an oil-tanned leather upper, durable zipper that allows easy one-hand removal when you’re in a hurry, and its sewn-in liner that is combined with wool and Thinsulate.

Bobcat K Zip
Image credit: pinsdaddy.com

For superior warmth, the product comes with a ten-inch waterproof protection layer.  According to user reviews, they find the Bobcat K Zip boots to be one of the best they have ever bought for the great insulation and protection they provide them when doing their most-loved winter activities, such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and winter trekking.

If you like this product you can find and purchase it on Amazon.

Alaska boot

As part of this list of the top ice fishing boots, the Alaska Boot should never be left out because it may be one of the most dependable winter foot gears out there that fishing and adventuring enthusiasts would be proud of wearing.

Some of the great features this model offers are its heat-shield footbed and its lightweight insulation protection that is made from bamboo and charcoal. It also comes with multidirectional lugs on its rubber outsole.

For some users, they love its lightweight design, making it perfect for transport and wearing even for long hours, but some users note that the product may not be ideal for someone looking for complete ice fishing boots features that other boots offer. Nevertheless, the product is appreciated for its affordability and waterproof and breathable characteristics.

If you like this product you can find and check its price on Amazon.

Intrepid Explorer

Valued at an average of $199+, the Intrepid Explorer may be for you if you are looking for comfort and insulation for your feet when doing winter activities, such as mountain climbing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

The product comes with a synthetic upper that has a built-in gaiter, keeping the snow out. In addition, the product comes with multidirectional lugs on its rubber outsole.

If you like this product you can find and buy it on Amazon.

Tips when choosing ice fishing boots

The list above contains some of the most-loved ice fishing boots on the market right now and we hope that it helps you in finding the right pair to accommodate your needs.

In this section, let us discuss some of the key pointers when shopping for ice fishing boots.

And let us begin by taking note that finding the right pair has something to do with selecting the product to offer you that insulation and flexibility you need and that suits your local conditions and outdoor activities, such as ice fishing.

Person is Ice Fishing

When it comes to forming, the old-fashioned ice fishing boots often are made with natural upper and then rubber lowers. They also have removable liners and a well lace-up front, resulting in great insulation.

However, they are usually bulky, giving a loose fit, especially to those with narrow feet. On the other hand, remember that synthetics may be generally lighter and more flexible and that they are easier to walk in and snugger.

When it comes to function, including optimal comfort and warmth, you may want to opt for high-quality boots that come with proper EE width for accommodating thick winter socks. And speaking of function, most ice anglers go for PAC boots because they have waterproof bases and rubber exteriors, keeping your feet dry all the time.

They are suitable for ice fishing because they stay dry even when walking in wet snow and drilling ice holes.

Boot Waterproofness
Image credit: pilecast.net

In most cases, ideal ice fishing boots also come with a rubber base that is attached to the boot’s heavy-duty leather, nylon, and other heavy-duty materials informing the boot’s upper portion. If buying these boots, you can opt for one that can cover up to your calf for perfect insulation and protection even in thick snow conditions.  There should also be a gaiter on the upper boot’s top for sealing out elements, especially snow.

See also: How to Wash Hiking Boots: Keeping Your Feet Protected

In addition, you have to see the fastening system and some of which may be buckles, zippers, laces, or a combination of these, all for securing features.  A suggestion: You may opt for the type with zippers or buckles because they may be easier to close even if you are wearing mitts or gloves.

Then, see the liners when choosing ice fishing boots, as they are useful in speeding up the drying time of your boots, especially ideal if you are going for the trip for several days.

When it comes to design, ice fishing boots vary, so what you have to do is to focus your research on the type of boots that can adapt to your specific outdoor activity or in extreme weather conditions. You have to steer clear of products, such as urban boots, which may be stylish but they will not work for icy conditions.

Choose boots according to the features you are looking for without compromising the style you desire to get. There are good stylish boots to find, and some of those we’ve featured above. Nonetheless, select the boots to withstand extreme weather conditions and provide you with that ultimate insulation and protection.

Ice Fishing

There are some ice anglers that go for rubber boots, which also work well in keeping their feet dry; however, these may only be suitable as reserves when the winter condition is not that bad. Remember, they can keep your feet dry, but they do little to nothing when it comes to insulating your feet against the cold winter temperature.

Characteristics to look for winter fishing boots:

  • Durable
  • Waterproof
  • Ultra insulation
  • Breathable
  • Removable liner
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Ankle fit design
  • EVA cushioned midsole
  • Cut out handles for easy on and off
  • Rubber exterior
  • Snow traction

Between all that sloshing water and snow and being exposed to cold conditions for hours when ice fishing, your feet should be kept warm; else, they will freeze! Check out the boots we have featured here as well as buying tips and characteristics when shopping for that perfect ice fishing boots.

Finally, don’t forget to leave your comments if you think we missed your favorite boots here or share this guide with angler friends who might find it useful.

For more information on what winter gear to add to your backpacking gear list, see our article on this topic.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If the information in this post has been helpful, please consider purchasing through one of the links in this article. Thank you.

About the author

Andrew McKay

Andrew McKay is a seasoned hunter and fisherman from Anchorage, Alaska. Andrew thinks that he is the luckiest person in the world, as he lives in the most gorgeous place in United States and does what he loves to do. As a member of Alaska Professional Hunters Association and International Hunter Education Association, he is always looking for the ways to improve his skills and to teach people around him.

6 Comments

  • The feet are the most important part of the body to keep warm during winter. I go with Ice Armor Onyx boot, it like walking on air, and I wear them during any season too. Perfect for the heavy-duty and reasonable price.

    • That’s a great choice, Marco. Ice Armor Onyx boot are waterproof, breathable, and ultimate in dry comfort.

  • I personally prefer snow boots with thick double soles because it makes exposure to the cold more bearable. Some boots allow the feet to breathe especially when you choose to wear warmer wool socks but some are fine with regular socks, too, just so the feet don’t sweat.

  • Finding the best ice fishing boots is a tough challenge, but we make it easier for you by providing you with useful buying information.

  • Fishing in winter conditions could pose a lot of challenges because of the snow and finding fishing boots that can provide insulation for your feet is another concern. However, ice-fishing boots seem to be the best option for you during chilly season. Some of the fishing boots are alaska boot, intrepid explorer, baffin men’s insulated boots, cearmor onyx boot, and bobcat K boot.

  • In addition to your contributions, the best ice fishing boots should be outfitted with icepaw pads that improve grip on ice. Quality comes at a price when shopping for ice fishing boots, though.

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