Best Ice Fishing Boots – Warm, Dry, and Sure-Footed Boots Reviewed
Best Ice Fishing Boots: It is important to have the right equipment, and also know how to select it. This is true for all ice fishing gear, but especially for ice boots. Good footwear can make the difference between a fun day pulling crappie through a hole or the pain of having to deal with cold feet and numb fingers.
We have reviewed our top winter fishing boots, and shared why they are so great to help you make the right choice.
Here’s a quick look at the top ice fishing boots
- Kamik CanuckOur Choice!
- Baffin Wolf
- Irish Setter 860 Elk Tracker
- Kamik Greenbay 4
- Kamik Nationplus
- Muck Arctic Sport
- Sorel Conquest
The Best Ice Fishing Boots – Reviewed
Kamik CanuckOur Choice!
Height:13″ starting at arch
InsulationRated to -40 F
Kamik is a trusted name in areas where the snow is deep, the winters long and their Canuck go a long ways towards explaining why.
These boots can be pulled on using a bungee lacing system that has cinches for adjustment. This is an excellent alternative to straps and buckles. Although it technically uses laces there is no tying required. You also won’t break a bungee cable, which is a major plus.
You won’t find a better boot to resist abuse than the one with a shaft made of durable 1000 denier nylon and a lower made from tough, cold weather rubber.
Zylex’s removable 8mm liner makes it easy to care for your boots. These boots are waterproof and cinch at their tops, which keeps snow out and your feet dry. This is a great feature that we love, and these boots deliver.
The Canuck also provides the winter boot you need, with all the traction you would expect from a winter boot.
This is a favorite choice for ice anglers as well as other winter sports enthusiasts. You can go out on the hard water knowing your feet are in good hands.
Pros
- Tall
- It is great at keeping snow in check
- Excellent warmth
- Great traction
- No laces
- Waterproof
Cons
- We couldn’t find any!
Baffin Wolf
Height: 11″ shaft
InsulationRated to -40 F
Baffin’s Wolf snowboots will make you realize that they are serious business. Durability is assured with a cold-weather rubber lower, and a nylon shelled upper that’s 900 denier.
The Wolf has a drawcord snow collar to prevent snow from entering their tops. This is a great feature for when the snow gets deep. They effectively seal the boots’ tops, ensuring your feet stay dry. The five-layer removable Thermaplush boot liners provide exceptional warmth and comfort. A removable 6mm footbed adds insulation to your soles.
This removability is much more than an extra. It will help them to do the job you want, and last longer, by removing the liner for air drying at the end of a long day.
The warmth is great, and most people won’t feel cold feet or toes after a long day on the ice.
Two quick-release, adjustable buckles secure the Wolf’s ankle and calf. We also appreciate this feature because it eliminates broken or loose laces. This system is very effective and most people will not have any problems fitting.
Baffin’s sole material, which is extremely flexible and comfortable to walk in, is excellent for snow traction.
Pros
- Tall
- It is great at keeping snow in check
- Excellent warmth
- Great traction
- No laces
- Waterproof
Cons
- Bulky, especially at the shaft
Irish Setter 860 Elk Tracker
Height: 12″ shaft
Insulation 1000g Thinsulate Ultra
The Irish Setter’s Elk Trackers are traditional in their design, but don’t let their beautiful looks fool you. They are all high-tech, despite their traditional appearance. They’re made for hunting elk in snowy, harsh conditions and will take on any challenge you throw at them on the frozen ice.
These boots are water-proofed with Gore-Tex and are extremely dry and breathable. Thinsulate Ultra is 1000g and will keep your feet warm in cold weather. Although it may not be as warm as snow boots, we would love to test it while angling.
As you would expect, the Elk Trackers offer exceptional snow traction, which is why so many outdoormen and cold-weather hunters swear to them. Their traditional appeal and rugged good looks are compromised by the lack of a snow collar, and an old-fashioned but still excellent lacing system.
We have found that round laces can untie themselves. Therefore, we recommend using a double knot.
These boots are durable and can be relied upon year after season.
Pros
- Tall
- Attractive
- Excellent warmth
- Great traction
- Waterproof
Cons
- Round laces can be loose or broken.
- No snow collar
Kamik Greenbay 4
Height:13″ starting at arch
InsulationRated to -40 F
Kamik’s Greenbay 4 cold weather boots are another reason this brand is so beloved, especially by budget-minded ice anglers.
These are as tall as the Canucks and can be pulled on just like them. They don’t have a bungee lacing mechanism, but instead of a strap with hook and loop closure at their ankles, they use a strap with a hook-and-loop closure. These boots are sealed against snow thanks to Kamik’s standard Bungee Cinch. This system is waterproof and works well.
The shaft is 600 denier nylon and the lower made from winter-proof rubber are durable. They can be used for many seasons. They’re half the price of the Canucks and aren’t as tough as they are.
The removable 8mm Thermal Guard liner, which can be removed, keeps your feet warm in all weather conditions. These can be worn in the bitter cold at the same temperature as the Canucks. This removable lining makes it easy to dry your boots after a long day.
Like other Kamik products the traction is great.
Pros
- Tall
- It is great at keeping snow in check
- Excellent warmth
- Great traction
- No laces
- Waterproof
Cons
- It’s not as difficult as it seems for the Canucks.
Kamik Nationplus
Height: Arch 10″
Insulation 200B Thinsulate, rated at -40 F
Kamik’s Nationplus, which is half the price of Irish Setter’s Elk Hunter, offers a traditional look at a lower price.
These boots measure approximately ten inches from arch-to-top and lack a snow collar. We wouldn’t recommend them for deep snow without gaiters. However, 200B Thinsulate provides sufficient insulation to keep your feet warm at a temperature of -40 F.
The waterproof rubber lower and well-designed upper offer waterproof protection. As long as you don’t step in deep snow drifts, your feet will stay dry. The liners can be removed for drying, which is a must after a long day on ice.
These boots offer excellent traction in snow and will hold your feet securely in place.
This boot style, like the Elk Hunter’s, uses a round laces system. It is a nod back to tradition, but can cause problems if you don’t use a double knot.
Pros
- Attractive
- Excellent warmth
- Great traction
- Waterproof
Cons
- Round laces can be loose or broken.
- No snow collar
- We recommend wearing gaiters with these boots if you are not as tall as you would like.
Muck Arctic Sport
Height:14.5″ From arch
Insulation fleece-lined 5mm neoprene/ 2mm neoprene footbed
Muck’s Arctic Sport Boots are a new approach to winter footwear. They don’t use the traditional insulation and instead use thick neoprene. These boots are a great choice in bad weather and we’re impressed.
These boots rise 14.5 inches above the arch. They are a greatly improved version of a rubber shoe. They do not have a collar and rely on the tall shaft to keep snow from entering the top. We prefer boots with this feature and we find the Kamik or Baffin boots a little more secure.
5mm Neoprene is a great insulation material, and many ice anglers have tested it. They are completely waterproof and warm enough to be used in the bitter cold.
Muck’s boots can be worn as slip-ons and do not have any lacing system. They rely on a snug fit at the ankle, similar to rubber boots, to keep them in place. This is a proven system that we trust and have no complaints about.
Arctic Sport’s cold-weather rubber grips provide excellent traction in snow.
Pros
- Tall
- Excellent warmth
- Great traction
- No laces
- Waterproof
Cons
- No snow collar
Sorel Conquest
Height: 8.5″ shaft
Insulation: Thinsulate Ultra 400g, rated up to -40 F
Sorel’s Conquest, our last traditional-styled boot is probably the best.
The Conquest has an 8.5-inch shaft making it one of our most popular boots. We would normally consider this a problem. However, unlike the Nationsplus and Elk Hunter, which have taller boots, the Conquest has a great snow collar. The Conquest boot is shorter with this feature than the one with an inch or so of uncollared shaft. We recommend it.
Thinsulate 400g provides warmth to combat the bitter cold. These boots are waterproof thanks to traditional lacing. Be aware of broken or loose laces as with all boots this style. They have an adjustable strap at the heel that is secure by a plastic buckle.
For drying and replacement of the footbed, you can remove the liner. It would be preferable if it were removable. You will need to dry the boots between each use.
Excellent traction
Pros
- Attractive
- Excellent warmth
- Great traction
- Waterproof
- Great snow collar
Cons
- Round laces can be loose or broken.
- It’s a little too short
- Liners cannot be removed
How to Choose Ice Fishing Boots
Learn the Difference
It is important to understand that not all boots, even waterproof ones, are suitable for ice fishing. We will make recommendations for products we wouldn’t wear in hard water. Also, we want to explain what makes a good angling boots different from those that are made of cool weather rain or mud gear.
Fisherman will be seen wearing a wide variety of boots this winter. Some prefer insulated rubber. We understand. Lacrosse Grange boots are a favorite of mine, and I use them for hunting in spring and fall. It’s important to understand the limitations of this style of footwear. They are not made for ice fishing.
The Xtratuf deck boots are great for walking in the mud or working on a boat. They’re also great in wet, cool weather. However, on ice, when the wind blows and mercury drops, we would prefer something warmer and better insulated.
Our products are better than any other because they offer the same protection against water and provide greater grip.
Warm
This is almost a given.
It doesn’t have to be bitterly cold every day, but it is possible to fish on ice in the late fall and early spring when there are warmer days. We recommend that you only fish in boots that can withstand the coldest conditions.
It’s nearly impossible to compare the different high-tech materials gram-for-gram. However, you should look for insulation that is at least -25 F.
Waterproof
Your ice fishing boots, no matter how warm, are not waterproof. You don’t have to keep your feet dry even if you run your leg across the ice. However, they should be able to withstand snow and slush.
As long as you don’t let snow get in the boot, every boot we reviewed will keep your feet dry.
Tall and Collared
You’ve all been there. A snow drift is deeper than your boots or shoes, and you step on it. The inevitable result is cold, wet feet. Hours spent on ice can ruin the best of times.
Your feet should be kept dry and warm. Your feet will be cold and wet no matter how waterproof or insulated your boots. As a snow shield, we like to have a collar or cinch that can easily be adjusted.
Our 8.5-inch boot has a snow collar and shaft. This is about the length we recommend.
Good snow traction
While no boot can provide bare-ice stability, most boots will allow you to walk on hard water that is covered with snow. One boot may grip snow like a ski, while another might feel like a ski. Sometimes the reason for these differences is a mystery.
Lacrosse Grange boots are a great choice for snow. They wouldn’t be suitable for ice fishing. However, it is important to remember that just looking at the soles of boots won’t tell much.
We will evaluate the snow traction of the boots that we review. All the products on our shortlist will keep your feet planted on any ice, even the most slippery.
Durable
No one wants their gear to break. It’s important to remember that the bitter cold can affect the texture and pliability materials such as rubber and plastic. Boot materials can withstand temperatures of -20 F, so ice fishing footwear must be able take punishment even when frozen.
Our boots are well-equipped for winter.
Our Pick: The Kamik Canuck
These boots are great and will be great on the ice. We love the Kamik Canuck. It has all the features we want and more.
Canucks are tall and well-collared, so snow doesn’t get through their tops. This is a big advantage in deep snow and something you will appreciate when you first step into a drift. The bungee lacing system is also a favorite, because it avoids all the usual pitfalls. The Canucks’ waterproof insulation and heavy-weight insulation promise all-day comfort. This is a must-have for serious fisherman.
Kamik’s Greenbay 4 boot is a great option for budget-minded anglers. We would not hesitate to use them on the ice. If you prefer a traditional-styled boot, we recommend taking a look at the three that we reviewed. They are so similar in performance and features that it would be difficult to choose a winner.
