warmest ice fishing boots

What are the Warmest Ice Fishing Boots (Men’s and Women’s)

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If you go or intend to go ice fishing, then one of your main priorities needs to be keeping yourself warm. This will start by having the right boots to keep your feet warm and dry, so you can spend hours out on the ice and still be able to feel your toes.

There are some excellent ice boots available on the market, and the boots I have selected below are some of the warmest boots you will find and will keep your feet all toasty, even if you will be putting in long sessions out on the ice.

How do I choose a pair of boots for ice fishing?

Before we get into more detail on the individual boot options, I just want to tell you what you should be looking for when you are in the market for a warm pair of ice fishing boots.

Here are some key pointers to look for in any boot you want to consider for ice fishing and keep your feet warm:

  • Minimum of 1000 grams of insulation (more detail on what this means further below in this article)
  • Waterproof
  • Provide sufficient support for your feet and ankles
  • Comfortable to wear and move around in
  • Allow your feet to breathe

Here is a look at the warmest ice fishing boots for men

Cabela’s Inferno Boa Waterproof Winter Boots – Top Rated Men’s

The reason why these boots are so warm is they use a combination of the NASA-inspired SolarCore™ insulation and 2,000-gram 3M™ Thinsulate™ to provide the exceptional warmth you need when fishing out on the ice.

On testing, the SolarCore™ insulation was shown to retain 54% more heat over a 30 minute period than traditional insulation. When you have this technology paired with the 2,000-gram 3M™ Thinsulate™, you have the perfect recipe for keeping your feet warm.

The Inferno Boa boot also provides a lot of comfort for your feet, and a great deal of thought has gone into the internal layers of the boot to achieve this.

They have lightweight EVA midsoles that provide a lot of cushioning, and the aerogel barriers under the footbed ensure that each step is easy on your feet, even on the hard surface of the ice and frozen ground.

The aggressive design of the rubber outsoles provides excellent traction in the terrains you will encounter on your ice fishing trips. 

warmest ice fishing boots
Cabela’s Inferno Boa Waterproof Winter Boots

Keeping your feet dry is essential when fishing on the ice, and you need to have faith in your boots and know they will stop your feet from getting wet and cold.

This is another of the main benefits of the Inferno Boa boot. The outer layer of the boot prevents water from getting in, and the 4MOST DRY-PLUS™ linings absorb any moisture so the feet stay dry.

Another great feature of these boots is the innovative Boa lacing system. You tighten and loosen the boot simply by twisting the Boa disk at the top-front of the boot. This can be done with thick gloves on and is a fast and simple way to get your boot tightened to the exact fit for your feet and ankles.

The Inferno Boa boot from Cabela is designed for extreme temperatures and is a great option for anyone looking for a good quality boot to enhance their ice fishing experience.

Sizing guide:

These boots run pretty true to normal size. If you’re going to be wearing thick socks, or you’re usually a 1/2 size, then would advise going the next full size up.


Irish Setter IceTrek Boa Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots

You found this article because you want some ice fishing boots that are going to keep your feet warm, and this is exactly what the IceTrek Boa provides.

The 1600 grams of Primaloft insulation will wrap your feet up in a warm blanket, and whether you are trudging through deep snow or standing on thick ice, your feet will not be something you have to think about when you have these boots on.

These boots are quite light when compared to many other boots, weighing in at around 4.3 lbs for the pair (this will vary slightly depending on the size you get). This is made possible by the RPM™ composite material they are made from. Not only is it very light, but also tough and durable.

As far as sizing goes, the Irish Setter IceTrek Boa boot has 40% more toe room than standard Irish Setter boots, and they run pretty much true to size, maybe a slight bit bigger so they allow for thicker socks to be worn, but getting your actual size for these boots is recommended. If you have wider feet then these are the ideal boots for you.

Irish Setter IceTrek Boa Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots

The comfort level of this boot is exceptional. On the sole, there is a thermoplastic shank which not only provides comfort but also supports and provides stability for your feet, calves, and ankles.

The KingToe® full-grain leather toe box provides comfort on the inside and protection from the outside. The increased tow room allows your feet to breathe and ensures you can wear these boots for hours at a time while still keeping your feet warm and comfortable.

The Boa lace-up technology used on these boots allows for quick and easy entry and exit from the boots, with a quick turn of the dial to either tighten or loosen the boot. 

Overall, the Irish Setter IceTrek Boa boot is a very warm and comfortable boot to use for your ice fishing trips. They will prevent wet feet and keep your feet warm for extended periods out on the ice. An excellent boot, and a lot of value for the price.

Sizing guide

These boots run pretty true to normal size. If you’re going to be wearing thick socks, or you’re usually a 1/2 size, then would advise going the next full size up.


Kamik Men’s Canuck Cold Weather Boot

This boot features a seam-sealed design around the top that keeps water out and allows for air to circulate your feet, and this adjustable cuff will enable you to keep the wind out of the boot as well. An 8mm Zylex® removable liner helps wick away moisture and keep your feet dry.

They are waterproof as well, and with the high 15″ collar on them, they are ideal boots for snow and ice. They have a fairly good grip on them, although not as extreme as some of the other boots mentioned on this page.

The synthetic material (RubberHe) used on the upper part of this boot is 50% lighter than rubber, which is why these boots are so light. The material also provides waterproof protection so your feet stay dry all day.

The slip-resistant rubber sole provides excellent traction to help you navigate safely to your fishing spot. They are comfortable under the foot, so walking on hard frozen ground is made easier because of the ample cushioning.

warm boots for ice fishing
Kamik Men’s Canuck Cold Weather Boot

The Kamik Canuck comes with adjustable laces and a padded collar for added support. The collar is easy to tighten with the bungee system it has, and the barrel lock ensures they remain sealed around your calves.

These boots are made in the USA using both domestic and imported materials. They have been designed for the cold temperatures and are comfortable to wear down to -40 degrees, so they are ideal boots for fishing on the ice. 

Sizing guide:

The Kamik Canuk boot is very spacious and suits a wider foot shape. If you have wider feet then this will be ideal for you, but if you have very narrow feet it might be a bit too spacious for you, even if wearing a thick pair of socks. It also runs about one size bigger, so bear this in mind when ordering.


Cabela’s Inferno Insulated Waterproof Boots

You still get all the insulation technology (NASA-inspired SolarCore™ insulation and 2,000-gram 3M™ Thinsulate™) and waterproofing properties to keep your feet warm and dry.

This is a great pair of boots for ice fishing at a really good price.

Sizing guide:

These boots run true to regular size. If you’re going to be wearing thick socks, or you’re usually a 1/2 size, then would advise going the next full size up


Baffin Titan

In the underside of the boot, there is a cushioned micro cellular waffle footbed that traps moisture and air and stops the cold from the ground from reaching your feet. This design is extremely effective and really does ensure that your feet stay warm and dry.

Around the top of the boot, there is a 1″ cuff with a bungee closure to keep any snow from getting inside the boot, and also to ensure the warm air inside stays put and keeps your feet warm. 

The boots are comfort rated down to -148°F and are ideal for ice fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, winter camping, and trudging through deep snow.

Baffin has put these boots through rigorous tests to ensure their integrity and durability. These tests include flexing the boot 50,000 times in varying cold temperatures to ensure the boot stays intact. 

Baffin Titan warm ice fishing boots
Baffin Titan

Overall, a very well-made boot that has been designed for icy conditions and will keep your feet warm and dry in even the harshest conditions. The Baffin Titan boot has been very well made, and this quality should give you a lot of usage and value.

Sizing guide:

It is recommended that you buy a size bigger than your regular shoe size. The Baffin Titan is a slimmer boot than the Kamik Canuk, so if you have narrower feet then the Baffin Titan would be a better option for you. 


Here are the warmest ice fishing boots for women

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme – Top Rated Woman’s

The uppers of the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boots are made from premium full-grain leather that is 2.8mm thick. They are also made in a 1-piece vamp design, which improves the overall water and abrasion resistance.

This design adds a lot of support for your feet and ankles, so you’ll feel comfortable and confident when walking on hard and uneven ground with these boots on.

What you will find with the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boots is that they are incredibly durable. You can really put them through some tough wear and tear and not only will they keep your feet warm, but also comfortable too, even when walking on frozen solid ground or frozen lakes.

They are multipurpose boots so you can use them for your ice fishing, hiking, mountain hike, hunting, and any other extreme outdoor activities where you want to keep your feet warm, comfy, and protected.

Overall, the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boots for ladies provide exceptional quality and durability. Yes, they are quite a high-priced boot, but you are paying for the Italian-made high-quality materials and design, and they will certainly enhance your trip, whether ice fishing or mountain hiking.

Sizing guide:

These boots run true to size. Would advise to get 1/2 size up from your regular size


BOGS Women’s Arcata Knit Waterproof Insulated Winter Snow Boot

The faux-fur lining at the top of the boot keeps the warm air in and the cold air out, and also provides a lot of comfort for the lower part of your legs.

The Arcata boots contain a contoured footbed that is cushioned so they provide great support for your feet. They are also removable so you can air them after each wear.

The BioGrip slip-resistant outsole is very aggressive in its design, and it provides maximum traction in snow, ice, and frozen terrain.

BOGS Women's Arcata Knit Waterproof Insulated Winter Snow Boot
BOGS Women’s Arcata Knit Waterproof Insulated Winter Snow Boot

Overall, the BOGS Arcata knit boots are very well made and provide exceptional warmth and comfort. They have received many 5-star customer reviews on Amazon because of their quality. They make ideal ice fishing boots and are reasonably priced too.

Sizing guide

The BOGS Arcata knit boots run fairly true to size. If your regular size is 7.5 for example, you should get an 8. They are also quite wide, so if you do have wider feet these will be accommodating, but even for thinner feet, they won’t feel too loose if you have a thick pair of socks on. 


Womens Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme

Another real benefit to highlight with these boots is the Vibram Arctic Grip outsole pods, which is a new ground-breaking sole technology specifically engineered to perform on wet ice.

This advanced gripping system will provide you with a lot more stability on slick surfaces due to the blend of the Vibram® Arctic Grip polymer compound for grip on wet ice and Vibram Icetrek rubber compound for superior traction on dry ice.

Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme women's ice fishing boots
Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme

The Arctic Ice Extreme Muck boots are very comfortable to wear. The comfort insoles and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole provide cushioning support below the feet on hard surfaces, which will provide a welcome comfort on cold winter days.

These boots are 100% waterproof and are comfort-rated from -60 degrees F to 30 °F (-50 °C to -1 °C), so ideal footwear for ice fishing.

Sizing guide:

These boots run true to size. If you are a half size, then order a size up.


Kamik Women’s Sugarloaf Boot

As soon as you try these boots on for the first time you will feel the quality of the design. They envelop your feet in a cozy environment as soon as you slip into them.

The waterproof 600 denier upper with wool collar and gusset tongue provides the warmth and protection from the wet and cold your feet will need on an ice fishing trip.

The removable 8mm Zylex™ liner keeps your feet nice and toasty when it’s cold and wet outside. The liner is very easy to take out and put back in again when needed.  

The footbeds of the Kamik Sugarloaf have an odor control treatment that is moisture-wicking and helps to keep the boots fresh, even after many hours of wear.

The PULSE synthetic rubber(He) winter outsole will give you good traction on hard slippery surfaces, and the waterproof, lightweight synthetic rubber(He) shell is both flexible and durable, so long treks in these will not be harsh on your feet.

Kamik Women's Sugarloaf Boot for ice fishing
Kamik Women’s Sugarloaf Boot

Overall, the Kamik Sugarloaf is an excellent quality boot, and with a temperature rating of -40°F, you will be able to keep your feet warm and comfortable. They are affordable boots that also look great as well. They are also made in the USA (from imported materials).

Sizing guide:

These boots run a little small than your normal size, so order one size up than your regular shoe size.


Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Sport II

These boots are 12.2 inches high, which is around the mid-calf level. They provide all of the exceptional warmth and comfort you expect from a Muck boot and are ideal for a day’s ice fishing or any other extreme winter outdoor activity.

As soon as you slip your foot into one of these Arctic Sport II boots you will appreciate the quality of the design.

The contoured footbed provides immediate support and cushioning for your feet, and the soft fleece lining of the boot ensures your legs are wrapped in a comfortable enclosure too. They also utilize an Antimicrobial footbed insert for odor control.

Muck Boot Women's Arctic Sport II warm ice fishing boots
Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Sport II

Creating a warm environment for your feet when you are ice fishing is essential, and this is exactly what the Arctic Sport II boots do. The 5mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene inner boot adds a layer of protection from the cold along with the fleece lining, and it is a really effective combination.

The top part of the Arctic Sport II has a stretch-fit top-line binding that keeps the boots snug to your legs to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Overall, the Arctic Sport II boots are incredibly warm and durable and provide a very comfortable environment for your feet. A great option for your ice fishing needs.

Sizing guide:

These boots run true to size, accounting for wearing a thick pair of socks. If you are a half size then buy the next full size up. 

The maximum calf circumference is 14.6 inches, so if you have really large calves then these are not ideal as they will not stretch much in the lower part of the boot.


What does ‘grams of insulation’ mean?

Some boots will indicate the grams of insulation used in their linings. The grams of insulation are relevant to the density and weight of the synthetic lining used in a boot. For example, 200 grams of insulation means that a 1 meter squared section of the insulated liner would weigh 200 grams. The higher the weight in grams, the warmer the insulation is. 

Which type of insulation should I use?

The type of insulation you have in your ice fishing boots is the key to keeping your feet warm, and there are several different types of insulation that work well with cold-weather activities like ice fishing.

If you are going to be standing on the ice all day, you need insulation that is thick and will keep the cold air and the wet away from your feet, while at the same time allowing your feet to breathe.

There are several brands that make really effective synthetic boot insulation that will really keep your feet warm. Some of these brands you will likely see a lot when you are researching for some ice fishing boots include Thinsulate, Primaloft, Gore-Tex, and Heat-MX.  

Then you have natural insulation such as Wool, which is very light and certainly very warm. But the main issue with Wool is that it is not waterproof and will not keep your feet dry, which is essential when ice fishing. So Wool is not a good insulation option for ice fishing.

Boot terminology explained

While looking for your new ice fishing boots you may well have come across some terminology that may be confusing to you.

So I want to address some of that terminology here so you know exactly what it is and hopefully give a bit more clarity on your purchase decision for a new pair of boots.

What is Thinsulate?

‘Thinsulate’ is the brand name for a synthetic fiber thermal insulation that is now widely used in a lot of clothing to provide warmth, including in the uniforms for the US Army. The term ‘Thinsulate’ was trademarked by the 3M corporation, and they have been making the material since 1979.

What is Gore-Tex?

Gore-Tex is a brand that specializes in outdoor clothing and gear. You will find some of their technologies used in fishing and hunting boots.


Other general questions

A: Even though all of the boots mentioned on this page have exceptional traction, cleats are needed to ensure you get proper traction at all times when on the ice

There are lots of good cleats available that will give you traction when walking on the ice. A couple of recommended sets of cleats are:

A: While it is important that you do wear warm thermal socks when fishing out on the ice, you do not want to wear any socks that are much too thick. This can end up making the boots too tight and cutting off circulation from your feet.


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