8 Best Ice Fishing Boots in 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

Buy the best ice fishing boots you can afford to add to your ice fishing gear. In addition to ice fishing, you’ll use them for a lot more.

Anyone who enjoys ice fishing is aware that the first parts of your body to become cold while trying to land a large fish on an extended sit on the ice are your hands and feet. You’ll catch more fish for today the longer you stay and the warmer your feet are!

Fortunately for all of us, each year’s models of cold-weather boots improve thanks to the incorporation of cutting-edge materials and technology. Below are some top choices of ice fishing boots:

• 1. US Army Genuine Military Issue Cold Weather Bunny Boots: Best Overall
• 2. ArcticShield Cold Weather Snow Boots: Best Value
• 3. Muck Boot Arctic Pro Snow Boot: Best Waterproofing
• 4. Sorel Men’s Caribou Insulated Waterproof Boot: Best Comfortable
• 5. Baffin Men’s Titan with Snow Collar: Best For Extreme Cold
• 6. Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Ice Mid Snow Boot: Best Women’S Ice Fishing Boots
• 7. Clam Sub-Zero X Boot: Best for Deep Snow/Slush
• 8. Sorel Blizzard XT Boot: Best Budget

Learn more about the best ice fishing boots in the following paragraphs.

Best Ice Fishing Boots Reviews

1. US Army Genuine Military Issue Cold Weather Bunny Boots: Best Overall

Why We Chose It

These ice fishing boots are a great choice if you want to combine affordability and toughness. Rubber is used in their construction, giving you the added benefit of waterproofness as well as warm wool layers inside.

Ice fishing cleats are not present on the bottom of these boots, despite the fact that they have a non-slip feature.

On the bottom, they resemble your typical snow boots, but I’ve discovered that they provide more than enough traction on the ice even without cleats.

The side valve, which lets you inflate and deflate the boots to your preferences, is a unique feature that you won’t find on many other boots.

I’m shocked you can even get this military-grade feature at this price point.

Due to the side valve, you can compensate for the slightly loose fit of this boot compared to some of the other options by inflating the interior to make it a little bit more snug.

The honest temperature rating is what I like best, which is why I’ve decided to make these boots my top pick.

They have a rated temperature range of -40°F but consistently operate between 14 and 68°F. This indicates that while the boots can be exposed to temperatures as low as minus 40, that is the lowest temperature at which they can be without suffering damage.

You can only remain in temperatures between 14 and 68 for extended periods of time and expect the boots to keep your feet warm.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with ice fishing boots that cost around $100 and last for a very long time.

2. ArcticShield Cold Weather Snow Boots: Best Value

Why We Chose It

The cost will be discussed first. We absolutely LOVE these boots, which will cost you around $50. However, if you look at them, they hardly stand out from the standard snow boots that you would wear to go outside and shovel snow.

That is the case since they are not. They’re made with that same weather “resistant” material you always see and they feature a rubber sole that runs up a few inches from the bottom.

Although these boots have a rating for minus 40 degrees, as I’ve already stated, that doesn’t mean they can withstand those temperatures for an extended period of time.

Without wearing thick socks, you risk developing cold feet if it gets below 30 degrees while you’re out on the ice.

I enjoy their light weight, ease of movement, and affordability, so those are the things I like about them.

These boots are a fantastic option if you’re searching for footwear that doesn’t feel like it contains cement.

They won’t break the bank, are cozy, and are simple to put on and take off. They should work just fine for your occasional ice angler, in my opinion.

However, those of you who go fishing every weekend for five or more hours may want to reconsider these inexpensive insulated fishing boots and choose something more dependable, like the Baffin Titan.

3. Muck Boot Arctic Pro Snow Boot: Best Waterproofing

Why We Chose It

One feature will always be crucial when looking for the best ice fishing boots. Waterproofing.

The one thing that will consistently make your feet cold is moisture, despite the fact that many of these extreme temperature ratings that companies love to boast about will never apply.

You need boots that will keep the snow out not just for the first ten times you wear them, but also for the final ten times.

These hunting boots are made of 8mm neoprene with a footbed made of 2mm of premium EVA foam, which is similar to Thinsulate. I am aware that this is fancy language.

This simply means that there is excellent heat retention, which helps to ensure that your feet stay warm while you are standing on the ice.

One way to prevent this from happening is to make sure your boot doesn’t have any weak points. As was mentioned above, getting moisture in your boot is the main cause of your feet becoming cold.

These boots’ one-piece design will ensure that there are few openings through which moisture and cold can enter.

The Arctic Pro’s lack of velcro or drawstrings, as opposed to the Arctic Sport, which has both, is my biggest complaint.

When you put your feet in, this implies that there may be open space on the side, which could result in moisture entering.

Conversely, if your calves are big, the boots might be too tight. They advertise a “stretch-fit” but that can wear down over time.

Overall, these booties are made of premium rubber that is always and completely waterproof. The only thing I wish is that I could wear these boots all year round, but they are too warm and insulated for that.

4. Sorel Men’s Caribou Insulated Waterproof Boot: Best Comfortable

Why We Chose It

Some boots, like these nubuck boots, are actually made for cold climates. They are unique winter boots that are completely sealed with an oversized rubber sole to keep out any moisture.

The traditional style combined with the nubuck leather is what first catches my attention. This kind of leather is renowned for its resistance to cold weather, but it’s also a fantastic choice for durability and longevity.

I also like the grippy bottom and vulcanized rubber shell because they will prevent slipping when you’re pulling a sled down a hill or walking on ice.

Regarding comfort, this is what convinced me to buy these boots.

They’re among the most comfortable ice fishing boots you’ll ever wear, aren’t too tight around your calves, have simple-to-tie laces, and maintain their grip around your legs to keep snow and slush out.

All things considered, these are a fantastic choice for both weekend drivers and daily drivers.

5. Baffin Men’s Titan With Snow Collar: Best for Extreme Cold

Why We Chose It

I’ll begin by speaking to the biggest issue at hand. Although these boots have a rating for -148 degrees Fahrenheit, that does not mean they can withstand that temperature.

It indicates that the lowest temperature to which you can expose these boots without causing damage is that one.

Since the typical ice angler will never experience such low temperatures, it can be said that these boots are capable of anything.

With the snowpack and wind gusts, you’re actually more likely to experience steady temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter how cold it gets, these winter boots will keep your feet warm.

Be warned, they’re very tight to put on the first few times and the sizing is clunky so you’ll want to go a few sizes larger if you don’t like a snug fit.

Get one size bigger if you don’t mind making a few trips to break them in, but be prepared for some short-term foot pain.

To be fair, these boots do a good job of retaining heat and preventing the buildup of moisture that could lead to perspiration as part of keeping your feet warm.

The fact that these boots have a seamless, solid rubber outsole, which prevents weak points from being created as you walk, is another aspect of them that I really like.

This implies that as the boots age, there is a decreased likelihood of moisture getting inside of them.

Even though I like this feature, it does make turning them on and off more difficult. Nevertheless, the extra 2-3 seconds of trouble are worthwhile in the long run.

Once you get used to them, you’ll notice that the additional insulation keeps your feet from getting cold and that they aren’t overly bulky to walk in.

These are the boots for you if you worry that some of the other boots won’t keep your feet warm enough because you have cold feet (literally, not metaphorically).

6. Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Ice Mid Snow Boot: Best Women’S Ice Fishing Boots

Specs

• Temp Rating: (-40)
• Material: Neoprene
• Waterproof: Yes

Pros

• Warm, durable, long lasting
• Completely waterproof
• Great traction on the ice

Cons

• Design flaw digs into your shins
• Price

Why We Chose It

Nine times out of ten, you’ll find me recommending Muck Boots because they’re among the best on the market. These are the top-notch boots for women who enjoy ice fishing.

Because of their minus 40-rated soft inner fleece lining, you should be fine in the majority of subfreezing temperatures for extended periods of time.

The outsole of these boots is one of their distinctive characteristics. It’s called the “Vibram Arctic Grip” which is said to offer superior slip protection on wet ice with the highest level of traction.

This is excellent for when you’re walking on ice that is covered in a snowdrift. This will help you avoid falling because the ice is extremely slick due to that thin layer of snow.

There are a lot of aspects of these waterproof boots that I like, but there is a serious design flaw that keeps coming up. The boots dig into your shins when you walk because they are shorter than most of the others on this list.

The problem is so serious that it eventually causes pain and leaves a mark on your legs.

Anglers have tried wearing multiple pairs of thick socks to try and solve the issue, but it seems to be almost impossible to do so. Not everyone experiences this, and possibly only people with bigger calves do.

One of those times where you have to pick your battles is this one. These ice fishing boots for women are among the warmest, but they have a significant flaw.

7. Clam Sub-Zero X Boot: Best for Deep Snow/Slush

Specs

• Sizes: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
• Weight: 4 pounds, 4 ounces (size 10)
• Color: Black/charcoal

Pros

• Seamless construction
• No laces
• Heal kick tab eases removal

Cons

• Some condensation may occur

Why We Chose It

Wool holds heat even when wet. The Sub-Zero X boots from Clam have detachable wool liners, which make it very simple to dry out perspiration—which, after a full day on the ice, is unavoidable.

The material helps retain body heat by keeping snow out when the drawstring at the top is pulled tight. This boot is excellent for anglers who spend the day moving from hole to hole or who squat in makeshift huts without a floor. When snow along the shorelines begins to melt and slush builds up on the ice in the late season, these boots are among the best for ice fishing.

8. Sorel Blizzard XT Boot: Best Budget

Specs

• Sizes: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
• Weight: 1 pound, 13.6 ounces (size 10)
• Color: Black
• Height: 15.25 inches

Pros

• Good in deep snow
• Very little lacing
• Inexpensive compared to others

Cons

• Laces not waterproof
• Lower insulation value compared to others

Why We Chose It

Although it can be challenging to find a waterproof boot in this price range, the Blizzard XT’s synthetic upper effectively repels water thanks to its PU coating.

For quick drying of condensation, the inner liner, made of 9mm of omni-heat reflective recycled felt, is detachable. To prevent the cold from accumulating from below, the midsole is a 2.5 mm bonded felt frost plug. This is a good boot for people on a tight budget who walk a lot while ice fishing because the drawstring and barrel-lock closure allow you to keep the boot’s top snug against your shin.

What to Look for in Best Ice Fishing Boots?

We compiled these crucial characteristics that you should search for when buying the best weather boot to save you the trouble!

Warmth and Comfortability

You should purchase this gear primarily to prevent getting cold feet outside. Select this as one of the most important features to look for.

Can I expect to feel as warm and cozy as I want to? How much time will I be warm in these ice fishing boots?

You will undoubtedly receive a response if you ask these of yourself.

Insulation

It’s crucial to have boots with adequate insulation if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside in the cold. Numerous boots have warm materials like fleece, neoprene, or other linings. Outdoor boots made of synthetic fibers frequently contain the material Thinsulate as well. For outdoor boots, these fibers are a fantastic option because they can insulate down to 10 degrees and continue to function when wet. When standing for long periods of time, insulation also aids in comfort.

Waterproof

Boots that keep your feet dry are essential for ice fishing because your feet may become covered in snow, ice, and water. Choose ice fishing boots that are waterproof or at least mostly water-resistant. Common materials for the outsole of boots include rubber and neoprene. If you anticipate walking through snow or puddles, waterproof boots with the shaft up might be a good idea.

Traction

You are less likely to slip while on the ice, which could put you in danger, if you have boots with good traction. More forceful traction is required on surfaces like ice. When spending hours on the ice, the angular lugs on the outsole provide more traction on the slick ground.

Durability

What could possibly be better than investing in durable equipment? It will not only be your best friend when you’re outside, but it will also save you a ton of money!

Neoprene and other synthetic materials, just to name a few, are among the materials that can make your boots last longer, so look for products made of these high-quality, long-lasting materials.

Read More: What to Wear With White Boots?

Final Thoughts on Best Ice Fishing Boots

Research is the key to finding the best boots for ice fishing.

In conclusion, US Army Genuine Military Issue Cold Weather Bunny Boots is the best overall option due to its suitable material and side valve for inflation. If you want a budget one, then you can buy Sorel Blizzard XT Boot.

I’ve learned a few things the hard way, which makes your decision to buy easier. You shouldn’t have any issues if you choose any of the recommendations in this guide.

Good luck out there! For more information about boots, read our posts below:

• How to Wear Boots With Dress?
• Are White Boots In Style?
• Are Riding Boots Still In Style In 2022?

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