When I was a kid, we used to just pile on layers of every piece of hunting clothing and oversized boots when heading out to go snowmobiling. The best snowmobile boots you can find today are tailored specifically for the sport. Features like various amounts of insulation, waterproofing and lacing variations comprise the majority of differences between types of boots. When the temperature drops, we need boots that are not only warm, but waterproof and comfortable, so keep reading to check out our top picks

Cover image from KLIM gear.

Best Snowmobile Boots

	Klim Adrenaline GTX	Baffin Men’s Wolf Snowmobile Boot	Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme
Temp Rating:	-40 F	-40 F	-40 F
Upper:	Leather & textile	Leather & 900D nylon	PU coated synthetic
Insulation:	3M Thinsulate	Multi-layer insulation system	Omni-heat reflective lining
Closure:	BOA	Double buckles	Drawstring / barrel-lock
Rating:	4.6 / 5.0	4.5 / 5.0	4.4 / 5.0

For more of my snowmobile gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Snowmobile Helmets, Snowmobile Jackets, Snowmobile Goggles

Quick Answer: The Best Rated Snowmobile Boots

1. Klim Adrenaline GTX Snowmobile Boots
2. Baffin Wolf Snowmobile Boots
3. Sorel Bear Extreme Snowmobile Boots
4. FXR Racing X-Cross Snowmobile Boots
5. Joe Rocket Men’s Snowmobile Boots

Our reviews of the top rated snowmobile boots with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right boots for you.

Snowmobile Boot Reviews

#1 Editor’s Choice – Klim Adrenaline GTX BOA Pro Snowmobile Boots

Decidedly more “woodsman” than some of the other boots on our list, these snowmobile boots look like they could fit right at home on a hunting trip in the colder weather. 600 grams of insulation is right at that level I like to see in a cold temperature boot, so it should keep you toasty warm in all but the harshest weather. With a strong list of features like Gore-Tex and a BOA enclosure instead of traditional laces make these a strong contender!

The Gore-Tex lining will keep your feet completely dry and allow any sweat to evaporate for comfortable all-day riding. The Ortholite insoles make these boots great for walking as well as riding. Underneath the boot features a tread that’s plenty aggressive, but muted enough to comfortably walk in. I think they could have increased the coverage of the toe kick, but that’s a relatively minor detail. I do like the use of reputable names such as Thinsulate and Gore-Tex for quality long lasting materials, so it’d be hard to go wrong with these boots – even with the higher price tag.

Video: Overview of the Adrenaline Boot.

#2 Runner Up – Baffin Men’s Wolf Snowmobile Boot

I love the simplicity of these Baffin snowmobile boots. They operate with just two large straps that tighten to provide all the holding power of the boot. These boots have a 5-layer inner boot liner with Thermaplush made to repel water and keep you warm. They’ve also packed on a fully-wrapped toe plate for kicking protection or accidental impact.

While they’re not rated quite as warm as others on the market, these will keep you warm down to -40 Fahrenheit. One thing I would have liked to see done better on these boots is the sole construction. Although these boots are suitable, they could definitely have improved the aggressive nature of the tread and used much more pronounced lugs. Even without this minor improvement, they are still some of the best boots for snowmobiling.

Backcountry.com

Women’s Model: Baffin Women’s Impact Snowmobile Boot

#3 Customer’s Choice – Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme Snowmobile Boot

Sorel is a name that most will recognize as standard in the world of snow and outdoor boots. They’ve been making good snowmobile boots like these for years, and they know how to do it right. With fully-molded rubber bottoms and polyurethane coated uppers, there’s little chance of water getting in. I love the simplified lacing system which consists of basically three laces located just above the ankle.

Again, we find that this boot features a removable liner, this time with 9mm of felt. That’s enough liner insulation to keep most people warm down to -40 Fahrenheit. Sorel tops it all off with a simple drawstring closure at the top of the boot, keeping the cuff snug against snow getting in your boot and soaking your feet!

Women’s Model: Sorel Women’s Glacier XT Boot

#4 Best Unique Style – FXR Racing X-Cross Snowmobile Boots

These snowmobile boots look as slick as anything. Considering that most modern snowmobiles look like stealth fighter jets, you’ll need these boots to keep up with styling. Available in five different colors, most are high visibility colors. Some will like the bright colors for better visibility and safety, others may want to look elsewhere for more muted tones. I also like the sturdy platform these boots are built around.

On the sole of the boot, huge lugs and a large toe kick plate provide the security and safety you’ll need out of a snowmobile boot. Overall, I think these are up there with the best snowmobile boots, and a solid choice for most riders, though I would’ve liked to see them use a removable liner.

#5 Best for Warmth – Joe Rocket Men’s Snowmobile Boot

The Joe Rocket Boots have been designed from the ground up to keep your feet warm in sub zero conditions. Joe Rocket claims the boots are good down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit, so they’re some of the warmest snowmobile boots thanks to the removable Thermolite liner. The leather uppers have Scotch guard treatment, so they’ll be waterproof even in the worst weather. In addition, the fully rubber bottoms are guaranteed to hold out the water (unless you puncture a hole in them).

I absolutely love that the inner liner can be replaced and you can just buy a new one. Anyone who has worn a pair of snow or ski boots knows how quickly the liners can pack out. Replacing the liner will restore the warmth and function of the boot instantly.

Snowmobile Boot Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Snowmobile Boot for You

• Insulation
• Removable Insulation
• Lacing
• Sole and Tread
• Kick Plates and Protection
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Insulation

Of course, insulation is an important feature to have in snowmobile boots, but how much should you be looking for? Because snowmobiling occurs in cold temperatures and creates tons of wind-chill factor by moving quickly, you’ll want a lot. Remember, you’re also sitting still most of the time, unless you’re an advanced rider. All of these factors mean low body temperatures and extreme cold outside.

According to Coastalboot.com you may find the following scale to be a helpful guide in choosing boot insulation weights:

• 200 grams: Works best for cool temperatures with little to no activity, or for high activity levels in cold weather.
• 400 grams: Works best for cold temperatures when doing 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

In snow boots, one feature that’s often overlooked is modular insulation. Basically, the inner boot is made from a thick insulation and can be removed. So, why should you care? Because when a boot gets sweaty or wet, it can take days to dry unless you remove the wet inner liner. Removable liners can then be set on the heat register or put in front of the fireplace to dry before you head out again in the morning!

Lacing

Ease of use is a critical factor, and when it’s negative temperatures outside we want to avoid having to take off our gloves and fidget with tiny laces or intricate buckles. That’s why large laces, simple lacing systems or even a strap style system for lacing are your best friends. When it comes to boot laces, the simpler the better! Look for boots with large laces featuring only a handful of adjustment points, so you can get in there even with your gloves on.

Sole and Tread

Boot soles and tread are extremely important for snowmobiling boots. Because of the chilly conditions, snowmobile boots need to handle ice and snow with distinctive tread patterns. I like to look for boots with aggressive outer lugs. These are the rubber protrusions around the edge of boot which help dig through snow, mud and ice. Some may even come with metal studs for traction on ice.

Kick Plates and Protection

On many snowmobile boots, there are built-in protective elements. One feature is the kick plate, which is usually found on the toe. These are thick rubber pads which usually wrap up from the sole to cover the toe. They can be used to protect the toes from impact, or to help kick and clean snow and ice off the sled.

Other features are ankle protector plates and impact plates. For advanced level riders and racers, they’ll most likely need or want the added protection in a worst-case scenario. Most recreational users won’t truly need these, but it’s never a bad idea to have them just in case.

Conclusion

It may seem like just any old boot will work fine and, you might be right. For new snowmobilers, mild temperatures, or just the “once per year” rider, this may be true. Those of us looking to ride more frequently and get out exploring the harsher climates will seek a truly dedicated snowmobile boot, and that’s why we’ve outlined exactly what you should be looking for. Among the most important factors are ease of use, comfortability and temperature rating. For those of you snowmobiling in wet conditions, be sure to look for a boot with uncompromising waterproof protection. There’s something on our list for everyone, and we’re sure you’ll make a better choice after reading through our guide!

FAQs

Are snowmobile boots worth it?

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on your snowmobile each year, buying boots specifically for snowmobiling will be a worthwhile investment. Just make sure that the boots you’re considering meet your basic criteria, which may include having waterproof properties, great durability and an insulation rating to suit your needs.

Can I wear snowboard or ski boots for snowmobiling?

While you can get away with wearing snowboard or ski boots when snowmobiling, it’s not recommended (as this isn’t the activity they’re designed for). Boarding boots are made to be more stiff and restrictive than snowmobiling boots, so you may get some bruising on your calves if you wear them on your snowmobile, particularly for a long period of time.

What does the temperature rating mean?

The temperature rating tells you what the lowest temperature can be to ensure your feet are comfortable and warm. For example, a -40 F rating means that if temperatures are at this level, the boots are designed to keep you warm.

How many grams of insulation do I need for snowmobile boots?

I would start with a boot of 600 grams or more insulation – or the equivalent value – when choosing a snowmobiling boot. If you’re concerned that your feet get especially cold, consider wearing heated socks to keep them extra warm.

Which brands make the best snowmobile boots?

We’d always recommend going for well-known, trusted brands when purchasing snowmobile boots, so our picks include brands like Baffin, Klim and Sorel to name a few.

Recent Updates

December 7, 2022: Added additional places to find products, verified availability of all products. Awards have been assigned to each and a series of FAQs have also been included to address common customer queries.