When you’re out on the ice, there are a few things that are absolutely essential. You need a good pair of boots—and not just any kind of boots. The best boots for ice fishing will give you traction in all kinds of conditions, keep your feet warm and dry, and last long enough to make it through a day or two out on the lake.
If you’re not sure what kind of boots are best for ice fishing, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done all the research, so all you have to do is sit back and read our easy guide to choosing the perfect pair of ice fishing boots for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or looking for a new hobby, ice fishing is a great way to get outside during the cold months.
Before we delve into the details of each boot, let me first summarize the boots chosen per category!
- Best Overall: KEEN Women’s Greta Tall Snow Boot
- Runner-up: Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Tall Rubber Winter Boot
- Most Comfortable: Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II
- Most Lightweight: The North Face Women’s Shellista IV Mid-Insulated Snow Boot
- Alternative: Polar Women’s Nylon Tall Winter Snow Boot
That said, let’s dive into the details!
Overall Best Women’s Boots for Ice Fishing
KEEN Women’s Greta Tall Snow Boot
When you’re out in the middle of nowhere, you want to be sure your feet are safe, warm, and dry. That’s why we love KEEN Women’s Greta Tall Snow Boot. This boot will keep you warm and dry no matter how cold it gets.
The leather upper is waterproof and oiled nubuck, so it will last you a long time without showing signs of wear and tear. It’s environmentally preferred premium leather supplied from certified tanneries, which means it will age nicely with time! The removable dual-density EVA insole with arch support provides a cushion for all-day comfort no matter how long you spend on the ice.
The compression-molded EVA midsole provides extra support for those long days out on the ice. The boot opening measures approximately 5″ around, so it’ll be easy to get your foot in and out of the shoe. The shaft measures approximately calf high from the arch, so you can wear them with just about anything.
The KEEN.FREEZE rubber outsole provides traction on slippery surfaces, as well as non-marking properties, so your feet won’t leave marks on your floors or carpets when walking around in these boots. Plus, the Eco Anti-Odor technology breaks down odor in sweat generated by wearing these shoes all day long—which means no more smelly socks!
Runner-up Women’s Boots for Ice Fishing
Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Tall Rubber Winter Boot
Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Tall Rubber Winter Boot is the best for ice fishing because it has everything you need in a boot and then some.
The 8 mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene is 100% waterproof, so your feet will stay dry even when they’re in water up to 18 inches deep. The neoprene also adjusts to your foot’s contours to resist chafing, so you can wear these boots all day long without having to worry about soreness or blisters. Plus, the extended soft rubber coverage protects your feet from cold air and snow, keeping them warm even when you’re standing around for hours at a time.
The tough Spandura adds protection against wear on top of that protection from cold air and snow—and it’s also flexible enough that it won’t rub against any hard spots on your feet. The improved midsole provides better support for all-day comfort as well as long treks through the ice and snow.
But what really makes this boot stand out is its Vibram Arctic Grip outsole, which gives you traction on dry ice so you can move freely without slipping or sliding around. It also comes in two colors: black/gray and khaki/black, so they’ll match any outdoor attire you already own!
Most Comfortable Women’s Boots for Ice Fishing
Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II
The Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Boots are also great boots for ice fishing because they offer the perfect combination of warmth, comfort, and traction.
They’re made with a waterproof leather upper that features seam-sealed membrane bootie construction so you can stay dry even when the temperature starts to drop. The Omni-GRIP outsole provides excellent traction in icy conditions and keeps you safe while walking on slippery surfaces.
The lace-up design allows you to customize your fit, while the non-marking Omni-grip outsole gives you excellent traction on slippery surfaces like snow or ice. The Techlite midsole adds comfort and cushioning to these boots so you can walk around without feeling like you’re wearing blocks on your feet (which would be miserable).
In addition to keeping your feet warm and dry, these boots also feature 200g of insulation that allows you to stay out longer without worrying about frostbite or hypothermia. These boots have been rated -25F/-32C for cold, heavy snow days; however, if it’s particularly cold outside, we recommend wearing a pair of thick socks underneath them for added warmth—just make sure not to overheat!
Most Lightweight Women’s Boots for Ice Fishing
The North Face Women’s Shellista IV Mid-Insulated Snow Boot
The North Face Women’s Shellista IV Mid Insulated Snow Boot is the ideal option for those who love to spend time outdoors in cold temperatures. These boots are waterproof and insulated to keep your feet warm, even when they’re submerged in snow. But they’re also lightweight, which means you don’t have to worry about being weighed down by heavy boots on your next fishing trip.
The single-density, molded-EVA midsole is lightweight but still provides support while walking around on slippery surfaces like ice or snow; meanwhile, the high traction outsole optimizes grip, so you don’t slip while walking indoors or out in cold weather conditions (like fishing). These boots have modern design elements so that you’ll look good while staying warm and dry out in the cold weather.
The rubber sole is an important part of keeping your feet dry because it prevents water from seeping into the boot from below; it also provides traction on slippery surfaces so that you can stay upright whether you’re walking through deep snow or standing still in shallow puddles of water.
Finally, the interior has 200 grams of Heatseeker Eco Pro insulation and a padded ripstop tongue, which provides superior warmth and makes these boots ideal for winter conditions.
Alternative Women’s Boots for Ice Fishing
Polar Women’s Nylon Tall Winter Snow Boot
Polar Women’s Nylon Tall Winter Snow Boot is 100% synthetic and features a sole rubber unit with a fully fur-lined interior that ensures your feet stay warm and dry. The mid-calf lace-up design allows you to adjust the fit of the boot as needed while also adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
The calendered rubber sole unit is waterproof, so if you step in any puddles or snowdrifts, your feet will stay dry—even if it’s snowing! And we all know that it’s not fun when your foot gets wet from snow or water. This boot has been designed with women who love winter sports in mind: whether it’s ice fishing or just walking through a park on a snowy day, this boot will keep your feet comfortable and protected from the elements.
The Polar Women’s Nylon Tall Winter Snow Boot comes in a palette of fashionable shades, including black, brown, blue, and tan—so there is sure to be one that suits your style!
Factors To Consider When Buying Best Boots for Ice Fishing
Comfort
Comfort is king when it comes to choosing the best boots for ice fishing. If you’re going to be out in the cold for hours on end, you want to make sure that your feet are as warm and cozy as possible so that you don’t get frostbite or other problems. The best boots will also be waterproof so that if you step in water or slush, your feet won’t get soaked through.
Weight
Ice fishing can be physically demanding, so it’s important that your boots are lightweight enough for you to wear all day comfortably long without causing too much strain on your body or back muscles. When choosing between two pairs of boots with similar features and price tags, choose the one that weighs less than the other because it will be easier to carry around while walking on slippery surfaces such as snow-covered ice or water-soaked wood planks.
Durability
You’re going to be spending a lot of time on the ice, so it’s important that your boots are durable and able to withstand being outside in all kinds of weather conditions. You don’t want them falling apart while you’re trying to enjoy yourself!
Waterproofing
You don’t want your feet getting wet when they step into any kind of standing water or slushy puddles—that means not only does your boot need to be waterproofed but also insulated enough so that the moisture doesn’t seep through the seams and into your socks (which could lead to blisters).
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance is another factor to consider because it helps prevent wear and tear on the boot’s exterior materials—especially if you’re going to be walking on slippery surfaces like rocks or snow banks a lot during your fishing trip.
Support
When you’re out on the ice, you need your boots to provide solid support. This is especially true if you’re going to be walking on slippery surfaces like snow or ice. You want to make sure that your boots are sturdy and will stay in place as you walk so that you don’t end up falling through thin ice and becoming trapped under water.
Warmth
You want boots that are going to keep your toes warm while you’re out on the ice, and a boot’s ability to do that depends on several factors. One of the most important considerations is whether or not your boots have insulated soles. If they do, look for a material that offers good insulation without making your feet feel too hot or sweaty, like fleece or wool.
Price
The price of your boots is the first thing to consider when shopping for ice fishing boots. The price ranges from about $35 for the cheapest pairs to nearly $200 for the most expensive pairs. It’s important to remember that you get what you pay for in terms of quality, but also that sometimes it’s worth buying a cheaper pair if they will meet all of your needs.
Best Women’s Boots for Ice Fishing, Final Verdict…
All in all, Keen Women’s Greta Tall Snow Boot is one of the best choices for ice fishing—it’s comfy and cozy enough to wear all day long but also rugged enough to handle everything from shoveling snow off the driveway to fishing through slush puddles with your bare hands. This boot is designed specifically with ice fishing in mind, and it has plenty of features to make sure your feet have all the protection they need.
In the end, the best boots for ice fishing are the ones that are comfortable and warm. While there are many other factors to consider when choosing boots, these two are the most important. If you have a pair of warm, comfortable boots that fit well, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on the ice.
Before you go, let me once again summarize the boots we have on the list!
- Best Overall: KEEN Women’s Greta Tall Snow Boot
- Runner-up: Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Tall Rubber Winter Boot
- Most Comfortable: Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II
- Most Lightweight: The North Face Women’s Shellista IV Mid-Insulated Snow Boot
- Alternative: Polar Women’s Nylon Tall Winter Snow Boot
Thanks, and have fun!