Choosing the snowmobile gear is an important task for every rider. When choosing your snowmobile boots you need to pay attention to a few principles, otherwise, your feet will end up cold and wet.
Winter is a thrilling time for the snow warriors like us. And if you are into winter sports, this is your moment! Snowmobiling is on the rise, especially in the past decade.
The passionate snowmobilers take advantage of every snow. They cannot wait to ride their snowmobiles again and again. But if you want to enjoy these moments, you must have the proper gear. Snowmobiling gear includes clothes, headgear, face and eye protection, gloves, socks, and boots.
I must admit, my first experience with a snowmobile was not the greatest. I put on some general winter equipment, started and immediately realized that it could not protect my body in -25 temperatures.
The learning though was good: not all winter boots work for snowmobiling. Frozen feet and hands are no fun. You will want to leave the party and spend the rest of the holidays in front of the fireplace.
Snowmobile Boots
If you are into snowmobiling and you want to know how to find the best snowmobile boots, you’ve come to the right place.
The snowmobile boots represent an important part of your equipment. They are designed for this sport, so don’t go and buy any winter boots. Take your time and do as much research as possible. You must first understand the most important features for the snowmobile boots. Once you know them, you can make a conscious decision.
Main characteristics for snowmobile boots
If you want to enjoy the time on the snowmobile, you must, first of all, feel comfortable and warm. The conditions will be extremely cold, due to the speed you reach. Cold feet only kill the fun and make your ride a living hell, not to mention the danger of frozen toes.
First of all, the snowmobile boots are designed to keep your feet warm, to protect them from snow and humidity. Find below some of the most important characteristics to consider when choosing the right pair for you.
Size
The first thing you look for in the boots is the right size. They should not be loose, because this can get very uncomfortable in long rides. Also, they should not be tight either, because this can lead to various health issues, like circulation problems. Try the boots with the right pair of socks and check if your toes have enough room to wiggle in there.
Weight
The weight is a factor to consider because you do not want too heavy boots. Walking in the snow is difficult enough without having to push and pull your boots with every step.
Insulation
Insulation is very important. Look for a good insulation weight, because snowmobiling is a combination of minus temperatures and wind-chill sensations. Therefore the insulating materials need to be of very good quality, to trap the heat inside.
On Coastalboot.com you can find out more about boots insulation and the guide of insulation weights:
- 200 grams: Works best for cool temperatures and little to no activity.
- 400 grams: Works best for cold temperatures when doing a moderate activity.
- 600 grams: Works best for colder weather conditions and low activity levels.
- 800 grams: Works best for very cold weather and low activity.
- 1,000+ grams: Works best for extreme cold weather conditions with very little activity.
Removable insulation
Removable insulation means that the inner boot is insulated and can be removed. This is extremely helpful because the wet inner boot can get dry before your next winter adventure.
Waterproof or water-resistant
Good insulation works best with water-resistant or waterproof boots. They are able to protect the feet both from the inside and outside. The material used in the snowmobile boots should be able to both evacuate moisture and maintain protection from the outside. The snow melting on the boots can soak through non-waterproof boots. Once your socks and feet are wet, the lovely adventure turns into a miserable one.
Ankle support and shock protection
The boots should also offer ankle support and shock protection for your feet. Being on the snowmobile is much different than playing or hiking in the snow. It is very important that your feet feel comfortable in a static position for a long period of time.
How to choose them?
Choosing the best snowmobile boots can be a difficult task overall. The market is full of options. So how can you choose a good product that is also useful to you?
First of all, decide what kind of snowmobiling you are planning to do. Are you going just one time to test the feeling? Will it be an easy trail or a difficult off-road experience? How often do you plan to snowmobile? What are the temperatures in the area? If it normally gets to -20, you do not need to buy boots that are for -40. Do you want snowmobile boots or do you plan to use them for other winter activities too?
Once you determine the type of activity, it will be easier to research. And the characteristics listed above are good tips on what to look for and how to choose them.
Best Snowmobile Boots Reviewed (2018 – 2019)
Further, we’ll take a look at different brands of snowmobile boots for men and women. I put together the list based on my own snowmobiling experience. I really hope it will be useful for you. The brands presented below have a tradition in winter gear and their products go through a continuous process of improvement.
#1 Klim Adrenaline GTX Snowmobile Boots
This is a good quality pair of snowmobile boots from Klim. The model is a combination of premium materials and modern technologies. They use GORE-TEX (including inside insulation membrane) and 3M Thinsulate Insulation.
It offers comfort and ankle support, freedom of movement and protection from aggressive soil. I am not a fan of the lace system, I would have suggested fewer laces on the boot.
These boots are more technical and perfect if the snowmobile is more than just a hobby to you.
Key features:
- 600 grams of 3m™ thinsulate™ insulation
- moisture-wicking liner plush liner materials
- speed lace system
- insulation inside gore-tex® membrane ensuring a dry thermal layer internal cushioning
- removable moisture-wicking ortholite® insole
- use of a technical sock is required to ensure gore-tex® footwear top performance
- lower “D” ring position to hold cuff down
#2 Baffin Wolf Snowmobile Boot
Canadian manufactures definitely know what they do when it comes to snowmobiling! “The simpler, the better” is a proper description for this product from Baffin.
I love the dual straps system that provides both comfort and security for the feet. Inside the boots, you will find a 7 (seven!) layer insulated boot, with all layers removable. The synthetic upper with a locking snow collar prevents spraying snow or water to enter the boot. The insulation system can keep your feet warm up to -40F.
Key features:
- Temperature Rating: -40ºC/-40ºF
- Liner: Removable, Baffin multi-layer inner boot system
- Moisture management system
- Comfort
- Base: Arctic Rubber Shell, EVA Midsole, Polar Rubber Outsole
- Double-weave, 900 Denier nylon upper
- Double buckle system
- Locking snow collar
Snowmobile boots for women: Baffin Women’s Impact Snowmobile Boot
#3 Sorel Men’s Bear XT Snowmobile Boot
SOREL is definitely a recognized brand in the world of boots, with good quality products. Their expertise in winter boots is demonstrated with the new models that are released every year.
These boots are some of my favorites. They have an easy and efficient lacing system (only three laces above the ankle). This provides good ankle support. The inner boot has a removable liner (9 mm) for added warmth and resistance up to -40° Fahrenheit.
The PU coated synthetic textile upper is wind and water resistant. The bottom is made of a waterproof vulcanized rubber. Adding the barrel lock closure, there is very little chance for your feet to get wet while wearing these Sorel boots.
Key features:
- 100% Textile and Synthetic
- Synthetic sole
- Rugged snow boot featuring a waterproof polyurethane-coated upper with drawstring and barrel-lock closure
- Removable 9mm recycled felt inner boot with Omni-heat reflective lining
- 25mm bonded felt frost plug midsole
- Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell with Sorel aero-trac non-loading outsole
#4 HJC Extreme Men’s Snow Boots
These boots are made for snowmobiling, not so much for walking. They were created with the sole purpose of full protection in the snow, without much attention to fashion. They are compact and offer a lot of important features.
First of all, I’ll mention the removable Thermolite fleece liner. It provides insulation for comfort in temperatures down to -68F. Imagine that! Being removable, it will be easy for you to take it out and clean it easily.
The upper is made of leather and water-resistant, while the bottom is very strong, made of rubber and waterproof.
In terms of value, they are affordable and good value for the money.
Key features:
- Designed especially for winter power sports
- Waterproof and water-resistant synthetic leather upper
- Removable insulated polar Thermolite fleece liner
- Maximum comfort in temps down to -68F
- Full-length lace up combined with hook and D-ring rivets
- Chisel-tooth traction sole with integrated arch support
- Durable rubber covered toe caps
- Reflective piping and rear patch
- Waterproof & Water Resistant Synthetic Leather Upper
#5 Kamik Men’s Greenbay 4 Cold-Weather Boot
These snowmobile boots from Kamik seem very traditional at a first glance. However, if you look closer you will discover a lot of modern features that are really worth.
First of all, they are really comfortable: easy to put on and to tighten. The sole is made of synthetic rubber. Due to this material the boots are very strong. At the same time, they are flexible and lighter than the ones made of natural rubber.
The upper side (600 denier Nylon) is waterproof. This is a very important feature because you need to keep your feet warm and dry. The strap above the ankle can be handled easily and it helps with ankle support too. The upper drawstring closes the boot securely to keep the spraying snow out. The boots can be used in temperatures up to -40°.
Key features:
- Waterproof 600 denier nylon upper
- Adjustable snow collar with bungee lace lock
- 8 mm Thermal Guard removable liner (100% recycled content) and moisture wicking lining
- Adjustable midfoot hook and loop strap
- Waterproof and lightweight synthetic RubberHe shell
- PULSE lightweight synthetic RubberHe outsole
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, the market for snowmobile boots is very big with a wide range of costs too. The best snowmobile boots for you depend on the type of activity you plan.
Are you a regular snowmobile user or do you plan to do a lot of snowy activities? Do you need general winter boots or do you need a pair for a specific sport? It all comes down to choosing the right tool for your needs.
I would love to hear more about your experience in choosing the most suitable snowmobile boots. What are your pieces of advice?