Snow boots are the waterproof, warm footwear for walking on snow, around the village or at the resort base. They are not for skiing: that is what ski boots are for, which go with the skis and are rented with them. In this guide we tell you which snow boots to bring depending on your plans, what a good boot needs, how to choose the size (for children too) and when you really need ski or snowboard boots.
Snow boots, hiking boots, ski boots and snowboard boots: not the same thing
| Type | What it is for | What it is not for |
|---|---|---|
| Snow boots (après-ski) | Walking on snow and around the village, standing around in the cold, playing with the kids | Long hikes, ice, skiing |
| Waterproof hiking boots | Walks and hikes on snow, snowshoeing | Standing still for long in intense cold if they are not insulated; skiing |
| Ski boots | Skiing: they transmit your movement to the ski through the binding | Walking: they are stiff, heavy and slippery |
| Snowboard boots | Snowboarding with the board's bindings | Skiing; walking for long periods |
In practice: if you are going skiing or snowboarding, you rent the technical boots with the equipment, and your snow boots are what you wear to get to the shop, for après-ski and for the rest of the trip.
What a good snow boot needs
Waterproof membrane
Snow melts with the heat of your foot and the sun, so a boot that is only water-resistant ends up wet. Look for boots with a waterproof, breathable membrane, or a rubber lower, and sealed seams. The membrane lets sweat vapour out but keeps water from getting in; rubber is completely watertight but breathes less.
Insulation
Many boots state the grams of insulating fill (for example, 200 g or 400 g) or a temperature rating. More grams means more warmth for standing still; fewer grams means more comfort for walking without sweating. Manufacturers' temperature ratings do not follow a common standard, so treat them only as a guide.
Sole and grip
The sole should be made of rubber that does not harden in the cold, with deep, widely spaced lugs that do not clog with snow. On icy streets or packed-snow paths, no sole grips well on ice: that is what lightweight crampons or traction chains that fit over the boot are for.
Shaft height
A shaft above the ankle, with a padded collar or adjustable closure, stops snow getting in from the top. For deep snow or for children who go everywhere, the higher the better; with your snow trousers over the boot, the seal is complete.
Removable inner liner
A felt or foam liner that comes out is a big advantage on trips of several days: most of the moisture stays in it and, out of the boot, it dries overnight.
Après-ski and Moon Boot-style boots
Padded, high-shaft boots, like Moon Boot-style ones, are the snow boots you see most at ski resorts. They are warm and comfortable for the village, the terraces and the time after skiing. Before choosing them, check two things: that the lower part is truly waterproof, because in wet snow or sleet some models get soaked, and that the sole grips. For long walks or sloping terrain, a winter hiking boot supports the ankle better.
Are hiking boots good for snow?
Yes, if they are waterproof. A trekking boot with a membrane is a good option for walking on snow and for snowshoeing, because it supports the ankle and has a firmer sole. What it usually lacks is insulation: you are fine while walking, but if you spend a long time standing, watching your kids ski or waiting for the bus, your feet get cold. A thick wool sock and gaiters to keep snow from getting in at the top make a big difference. Trainers, on the other hand, get wet in minutes.
When you need ski boots (and why you do not have to buy them)
Ski boots are part of the ski equipment: the binding holds them and they transmit every movement of your foot to the ski. That is why you cannot ski in snow boots, and why ski boots are no good for walking. When you rent skis, boots and poles are usually included in the pack; at the shop they check your size and adjust the binding to your weight and level.
- To choose the type of ski: ski guide.
- Spain: ski rental in Sierra Nevada.
- Chile: ski rental in Santiago, for going up to Valle Nevado, La Parva or El Colorado.
- Argentina: ski rental at Cerro Catedral.
The same goes for snowboarding: snowboard boots are softer than ski boots, are used with the board's bindings and are rented together with it. A practical tip for both: arrive at the shop in your snow boots with your ski socks already on, because those are the socks you will try the technical boot on with.
Snowshoes: which boot to wear
Snowshoes strap onto your own footwear, so here the boot is yours. Ideally, wear a waterproof hiking boot or a snow boot with a firm sole and a high shaft; very soft boots get squashed by the straps and hold less well. If you want to try it, you can rent snowshoes in Formigal or in Baqueira Beret.
How to get the size right
- Try them on with the sock you will wear, which in the snow will be thicker than your everyday one.
- Leave a finger's width of room at the front: your toes should not touch the toe cap when going downhill.
- Make sure they are not tight: a snug boot cuts off circulation and your foot gets cold sooner. For the same reason, one thick sock works better than two thin ones layered.
Snow boots for children
Children (los chicos, in Argentina) do not mind the cold until their feet get wet; then the day is over. For them:
- High shaft and closed collar, because they wade into snow up to their knees.
- Velcro or quick-lace closure they can open and close themselves.
- Removable liner, so it can dry overnight.
- At most, one size of margin: if their foot moves around, they get tired and trip.
- Spare socks in the backpack.
If they are going skiing, their ski boots are also rented with the equipment.
Women's and men's snow boots
The difference lies mainly in the fit: women's boots usually have a narrower heel and instep. Otherwise, you choose them the same way. Choose by how the boot holds your foot, not by the section of the shop.
What to wear for a day in the snow without skiing
If you are spending the day in the snow without skiing, boots are half the problem; the other half is not getting wet from the waist down. What works:
- Waterproof snow boots and a wool or synthetic sock.
- Waterproof snow trousers over the boot; in jeans you will be wet as soon as you sit down.
- On top, layers: thermal base layer, fleece and waterproof jacket.
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: sun reflected off the snow burns even when it is cold.
Snow clothing can also be rented by the day: snow clothing rental in Santiago if you are going up to Farellones or Valle Nevado (with a transfer to Valle Nevado if you do not want to drive), snow clothing at Cerro Catedral, in Bariloche, or in Sierra Nevada. You will find all the options in snow clothing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best boot for snow?
One that is waterproof (with a membrane or a rubber lower), has insulation suited to the cold and to how long you will be standing still, has a rubber sole with deep lugs and a shaft above the ankle. For a lot of walking, a winter hiking boot; for the village and après-ski, a padded snow boot.
What are the ideal boots for snow?
It depends on your plans. For skiing or snowboarding, the technical boots that come with your equipment rental. For snowshoeing and hikes, waterproof hiking boots. For walking around, playing with the kids or spending time at the resort without skiing, waterproof, warm snow boots in a size that leaves room for a thick sock.
What is the best footwear for the snow?
A waterproof, high-shaft boot with a sole that grips. Avoid trainers and fashion boots without a membrane: they get wet straight away, and a wet foot gets cold very quickly. Even if you are going skiing, bring snow boots for the rest of the day; the ski boots are provided by the rental shop.
Can you ski in snow boots?
No. Ski bindings only hold ski boots, which are stiff and have a sole with a standardised shape to fit into them. Snowboarding is similar: you need snowboard boots, which give the support and control the board needs.
