Cold feet can ruin a good day of snowmobiling, whether you're on a snowmobile tour or enjoying a snowmobile vacation. Dressing your feet for snowmobiling is similar to suiting up your body: the goal is to keep warmth in, cold out, and stay dry.
This is more challenging for your feet because they are farther from your core body heat. Reduced blood flow to your extremities can exacerbate the issue, leading to colder feet. Each foot releases up to a full cup of moisture per day as water vapor, which can result in a cold and clammy feeling. These factors are intensified when your feet remain comparatively still on cold running boards while riding your snowmobile.
Let's explore some of the best snowmobile boots available, considering factors like warmth, comfort, waterproofing, and durability.
Understanding the Importance of Layering and Wicking
You’ve heard about layering. Baffin boots have proprietary multiple layers that act as a complete, integrated insulation system to provide superior thermal warmth, heat retention and moisture control. Baffin wicks away foot perspiration from my skin and expels it from my winter boots.
While Baffin does an exceptional job of keeping my feet warm and dry, I’ve got a job to do too. First, I make sure to get Baffin boots that are big enough. Typically, this means winter footwear larger than the normal size of my street shoes. I do my winter boots try on with the socks I will be wearing to go snowmobiling.
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My second job is to wear socks that support and enhance the wicking properties of my Baffin boots. Thirdly, at the end of every day’s ride, I pull out and separate the inner insulated boot and insoles from the winter boot shell. Where possible, I place the inner boot over a hot air vent to dry overnight.
Why? Remember that cup of water vapour each foot can release? While the Baffin system does keep my feet warm and dry all day, I don’t want to start a new day behind the eight ball with the possibility of any residual moisture anywhere in my winter boots.
Baffin Snowmobile Boots
Baffin has a whole range of winter boots. I chose the Eiger and Impact models because I wanted quick, easy fasteners, not laces, that won’t freeze up (Like many of you, I slip my boots on and off without ever using the fasteners). I also liked the easy-close gauntlet at the top of each winter boot that keeps snow out when tightened. Plus, I find the Baffin boot soles provide decent traction when I’m walking around.
A rating down to -100˚C may sound like overkill, but I’d rather have plenty of unused warming capability from my winter footwear than not enough. Surprisingly, my feet have never been too hot in my Baffin boots, even riding in mild temperatures. And best of all, Marsha hasn’t ever complained about cold feet since switching to Baffin!
Baffin Impact
The Baffin Impact is the most rugged option for extreme cold conditions.
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- Reasons to Buy: Warm in extreme conditions, comfortable inner liner, inspiring traction.
- Reasons to Avoid: Lacks high water protection, pricey, cumbersome and heavy.
- Who is it best for: "If you need the warmest option out there, the Baffin Impact is the boot for you," our testers said.
This is the warmest in-class boot we've tested at GearLab. They are heavy, so they're best for those who aren't going to be walking long distances or doing anything particularly strenuous. These massive, heavy-duty boots have a removable synthetic liner and another layer of insulation fixed on the inside of the shell. The thick soles incorporate a honeycomb pattern in the footbed that traps warmth beneath the foot and keeps the cold at bay.
Should you buy it? The Baffin Impact is best for short distances and long days spent in very cold weather due to its substantial weight and bulk. A size 13 pair weighed 6.42 pounds, the heaviest in our testing lineup. These boots also lack significant protection from water, and are some of the most expensive in our lineup. Unless you encounter the worst of winter weather, these may be a little bit much for most uses.
Baffin Chloe
- Reasons to Buy: Impressively warm, hearty outsole, stormworthy waterproofing, effective traction, liner can be removed.
- Reasons to Avoid: Heavier than others, clunky, style is an acquired taste.
- Who is it best for: The Baffin Chloe excelled across all our test metrics, keeping feet warm and protected even in extreme cold.
This boot is ideal for those who spend long hours outdoors in frigid conditions or need dependable protection for everyday winter wear. The quality of this women's boot stood out during testing, thanks to Baffin's B-Tek Heat and Polywool insulation, which kept our feet toasty even on the most frigid days. The Diamond Net layering offered impressive breathability, effectively wicking away internal moisture to keep feet dry and comfortable.
Should you buy it? If top-tier performance is your priority, these boots are a worthwhile investment. They deliver outstanding protection from the elements, keeping your feet warm and dry in harsh winter conditions. The Baffin Chloe checks off all the boxes, including its best-in-class insulation and comfort.
Klim Snowmobile Boots
Many users praise Klim boots for their quality, customer service, and the effectiveness of the dual Boa system. The Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry, and the insulation ensures warmth without excessive bulk. Klim offers excellent warranty support, standing behind their products and providing replacements when needed.
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User Experiences:
- One user reported that their first pair of Klim Adrenaline Pro GTX Boa boots lasted about 6 seasons before leaking around the toe, with easy warranty replacement via BOA for a broken cable.
- Another user highlighted the comfort and fit of the FXR Elevation dual boa boots, noting the built-in half gaiter to prevent leaks.
509 Raid Dual Boa Boot
The 509 Raid Dual Boa Boot has 600 g 3M Thinsulate, which has been enough to keep my tootsies warm through typical riding temps of -5 to -15˚C. That’s with a thin sport-type sock. However, I will say that when it dipped below -20˚C this winter, I did end up with cold toes.
Unlike other boots I’ve tried, the Raid Boot doesn’t feel cumbersome when switching sides and dangling a leg. What I also appreciate about this boot is the ability to better feel my foot placement on the running boards, which is important for quick maneuvers, like hop-overs.
To be extremely nick picky, the only complaint I have is that because of the loop size, it’s a challenge (albeit minor) to work the snap through.
Additional Boot Options
- Columbia Bugaboot III: Great winter performance without breaking the bank, offering a comfortable fit and fleece-lined insulation.
- Columbia Minx Shorty IV: Ideal for casual winter wear, providing a cozy, affordable option for everyday cold-weather use.
- Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid: Suitable for winter hiking, offering waterproofing and insulation for packed snow trails and sidewalks.
- Keen Revel IV Polar: Perfect for winter hiking, providing excellent traction and protection on icy and uneven terrain.
- Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT: Great for cold, wet climates, offering supreme waterproofing and phenomenal traction.
- UGG Butte: Best for navigating winter streets and mountain towns, combining style with warmth and durability.
- The North Face Shellista VI: An excellent choice for cold, snowy climates, balancing performance with stylish design.
- Nortiv 8 Winter Slip On: Ideal for budget shoppers, offering a fast and easy slip-on design with decent warmth and durability.
Fly Marker Boa Boots
The Fly Marker Boa Boots that I wore last two winters were still beautiful in all-black. And they still had a traditional fit when on my feet and lower legs - meaning they had some flex and were comfortable when riding but also when walking around.
Backing up to the basics, the Markers are 12 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide at their broadest point. They feature a leather upper, with reinforcements in the toe and heel for extra protection. The rubberized sole offered moderate grip. A decent level of warmth comes from 600gram insulation, with a fuzzy/soft material pressed up my socks and a removable insole for quick and easy drying.
The best part was the fit, and how easy they were to take on and off. I could pop out the Boa dial and yank on the grab strap on top of the tongue and instantly open them widely to easily slide in my foot. I’d then push the dial in and twist it clockwise to the level of tightness I preferred. When the riding day was done, I could pull out the knob/dial and pull-out on that tongue-mounted strap again for easy take off. There were no laces to untie and then loosen.
Table: Snowmobile Boots Comparison
| Boot Model | Best For | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baffin Impact | Extreme Cold | Removable liner, honeycomb sole | Exceptional warmth, great traction | Heavy, lacks water protection |
| Baffin Chloe | Frigid Conditions | B-Tek insulation, Diamond Net layering | Top-tier insulation, excellent comfort | Clunky, heavier than others |
| Klim Adrenaline Pro GTX Boa | Versatile Riding | Gore-Tex lining, dual Boa system | Waterproof, durable, great customer service | Can be pricey |
| 509 Raid Dual Boa Boot | Hardcore Riding | Dual Boa, 600g Thinsulate | Flexible, comfortable, good balance | May not be warm enough in extreme cold |
| Columbia Bugaboot III | Budget Shoppers | Fleece-lined insulation | Comfortable, affordable | Limited snow depth |
| Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT | Cold, Wet Climates | Neoprene insulation | Completely waterproof, phenomenal traction | Heavy, lacks versatility |
| Fly Marker Boa Boots | Traditional Fit | Leather upper, 600g insulation, Boa system | Easy to take on and off, comfortable | Somewhat narrow fit |
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