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best ice fishing boots

Best Ice Fishing Boots Reviewed – Cost Vs. Quality!

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Fishing in winter can be extremely challenging, especially when the temperatures become too cold to bear. And I think for most fishing enthusiasts (including myself), the first thing that pops up on our mind while planning an ice fishing trip is – how to combat the cold. Thus, as ice fishing enthusiasts, we are always on the hunt for the best ice fishing suits or the best ice fishing boots.

Without the proper gear, you won’t enjoy your ice fishing as much. This is why you must dress accordingly.

Best Ice Fishing Boots

One of the most important things when dressing up for your ice fishing trip is your BOOTS! Most beginners don’t really know how big of a part your boot plays. It will decide how much you enjoy your fishing trip because when you have a terrible boot on and your feet cold, the only thing you’ll be thinking about is going back home.

I’ve been ice fishing for as long as I can remember, and over those years, I’ve put on a lot of different boots, and I know how important they are. I’ll admit, I’ve owned a fair share of poorly made shoes, and all they’ve done is given me cold wet feet and a bad ice fishing experience. Trust me; you do not want that same thing to happen to you when you’re ice fishing.

To help you pick the best Ice fishing boot, I’ve compiled a list of 8 products that you should buy for your ice fishing trip. All the boots that I’ve included on this list come with important features like insulation, grip, and waterproof. These are essential if you want to have a comfortable hassle-free ice fishing experience.

In a hurry? Here’s a Quick Overview:

Top 8 Boots for Ice Fishing

US Military Mickey Mouse Cold Weather Boots


The first product on this list is the US Military Mickey Mouse Cold Weather Boot. Yes! This is an authentic military boot that you can for yourself for your next ice fishing trip. They are made in the US, and you can trust these boots for extremely cold weather conditions.

The Mickey Mouse boot has multiple layers of the best wool felt to keep your feet warm and well insulated when you’re on an ice fishing trip. They are able to keep your feet warm even when the temperature falls to -20 degrees. You won’t be having any issues with the cold temperature with this shoe.

This ice fishing boot also comes with a rubber exterior that is durable and completely waterproof. You will find that the added valve proves to be very useful in high altitudes.

If you are looking for a durable ice fishing boot, the US Military Mickey Mouse should be pretty satisfactory for you. Since they are military-grade shoes, they have certain durability to them, which is unmatched by some commercial boots. They are a little heavy, but besides that, these shoes can be your go-to shoe whether you’re fishing on the ice, hunting, hiking, or even snowmobiling.

You might find that these shoes might run a little large, but it’s purposely designed that way for you to accommodate the thick socks which are worn in winter.

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Pros

  • Comes with a valve for higher altitudes
  • Does a great job in keeping your feet warm
  • Quite comfortable to wear
  • Amazing traction
  • Outstanding waterproofing material
  • For both men and women

Cons

  • Laces are quite short
  • A bit on the heavier side

What other anglers have to say?

“The Mickey Mouse Boot has amazing insulation that will keep your feet warm even if the shoe is filled with cold water.”

To buy this boot, click here.

Muck Boot Arctic Sport Winter Boot


The Muck Boot Arctic Sports Winter Boot is a favorite among most ice anglers. This boot comes in different sizes for both men and women. Though it is quite heavy at 5.74 lbs, these boots are great for strenuous activities and offer exceptional warmth.

The collar shaft is up to 17.6 inches and completely waterproof. The top part includes an elastic fabric which constricts on the leg. Thus, this boot conveniently keeps snow and water from entering the shoes.

In a nutshell, the Arctic Sport Winter Boot is a fleece-lined, heavy-duty boot with great traction, which makes walking on ice and snow a breeze. These are nothing like your regular winter boots. But if you are someone who loves adventurous ice fishing trips and often experience bad weather, these are the boots for you.

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Pros:

  • Long collar shaft for extra protection
  • Waterproof
  • Excellent traction
  • Neoprene Insulation, thermal inner layer and fleece lining provide sufficient warmth.

Cons:

  • It is a little expensive as compared to other similar products in the market.
  • Quite heavy and clunky

What other anglers have to say?

“I love using these boots while going out for hunting, ice fishing. Everything adventurous with sub-zero temperatures calls for this pair of boots. I can freely walk on snow and ice on these bad boys without worrying about slipping.”

Buy it here.

Columbia Bugaboot III Mid Calf Boot

Columbia has been around for more than 80 years and is a veteran in boot manufacturing. Their fishing boots comes with tons of features and tech but has a very reasonable price compared to other boots. One of the best examples is the Columbia Bugaboot III, which I’ve picked as the best budget-friendly boot on this list.

The Bugaboot III from Columbia is one of the most durable and comfortable ice fishing shoes you will find at its price range. It has a good rubber sole that provides amazing grip when you’re on the ice. It also comes with a waterproof material for its upper, which does a great job of keeping your feet dry and warm during the cold weather.

Overall this boot is made with some of the best materials like leather, nylon, metal hardware, and webbing, which are a must in every ice fishing boot. The 200gms of insulation will also provide you with much needed warmth in weathers as cold as -30 degrees. Like almost every other boot from Columbia, the Bugaboot III also comes with the Tech Lite EVA midsole, which provides amazing cushioning for comfort.

If you are looking for a great boot at an affordable price, you should definitely get this boot.

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Pros:

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Designed for warmth
  • Waterproof upper
  • Amazing grip

Cons:

  • Narrow design not suitable for people with wide feet
  • Inaccurate sizing chart

What other ice anglers have to say?

“Definitely the best boot in its price point. I highly recommend it for its great design, comfort, and insulation.”

Click here to get this boot.

Baffin Impact Boot

The Baffin Impact Boot is one of the warmest boots out there. Of course, it does have other features and benefits that you’ll appreciate! But for me, the warmth factor of this boot is what got my attention.

It has an excellent comfort rating of up to -148° F. The Baffin Impact is one of the warmest ice fishing boots you will find in the market. With its double B-Tek insulation properties, ice fishing in even the coldest temperatures wouldn’t seem like a challenge anymore. The Baffin Impact Boot is entirely waterproof and comes in different colors. So, you have a wide variety to choose from.

The boot includes the company’s classic foam-based insulated inner layer, which is easily removable. Along with this, it comes with two large buckles on the outside to firmly secure the foot, and the bungee ball-ties collar keeps snow from getting inside the shoe.

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Pros:

  • Suitable for extremely cold temperatures
  • Entirely Waterproof
  • Removable inner layer

Cons:

  • The weight of the boot can be an issue for some.
  • You may have some problems getting the right size. If you order it online, I suggest you get a size bigger than what you normally order.

What other ice anglers have to say?

“I have used these boots down to temperature approaching -20°f. The only time my feet were cold in them was in the morning while putting them on. These boots are super easy to get on and off. Plus, it comes with no laces, which is a bonus for me.”

Want this awesome boot? You can get it right here.

Lacrosse Hunt Pac Extreme 10” Boot

The next boot on this list is the Lacrosse Hunt Pac Extreme. If you’re into any outdoor activities besides ice fishing like hunting and hiking, then you’ve probably heard about Lacrosse. They make one of the best footwear on the planet. And the Hunt Pac Extreme is one of my favorite.

This boot offers amazing traction, which is essential for ice fishing. With the ice grip feature on its outer sole coupled with the lugs, you won’t see yourself slipping on ice ever. Besides the traction, the Hunt Pac extreme also comes with 2000 grams of insulation, which will provide your feet with the warmth it needs on ice.

The removable EVA insole that comes with this shoe ensures comfort as well as insulation for your feet. Also, this shoe does not miss out on the extra waterproof protection, which is essential for ice fishing. It does allow moisture to escape to keep your feet dry but also keeps water out.

One other thing that I really liked about this shoe is the toe and heel cap, which is reinforced to protect your feet from any kind of injuries. This shoe provides you with everything your feet need for your next ice fishing trip.

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Pros 

  • One of the best grips in an ice fishing boot
  • Extraordinary support and safety
  • Great insulation
  • Waterproof
  • Comfortable footbed
  • 10 inches tall

Cons

  • Might be a little bulky for some people
  • One of the most common issue with the buyers was the size

What do other anglers have to say?

“Keeps your feet toasty warm and dry even under 2 feet of snow. Also, the grip provided is praiseworthy.”

To get this shoe, click here.

Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme Snow Boot

One of the biggest concerns for any ice fishing enthusiast regarding their boot is, “will it keep my feet dry?” and you probably have that same question too. Well, if you get yourself the Men’s Bear Extreme boot from Sorel, then it will definitely keep your feet warm and dry. It is currently one of the best waterproof ice fishing boots in the market.

The boot features a polyurethane-coating on its upper to prevent water from seeping inside the shoe. This coating does one hell of a job since there is zero chance for your feet to ever getting wet while you’re fishing on the ice.

The inner part of the boot is a 9mm recycled felt. Combine that with the Omni-heat lining and what you have an extremely warm boot. It prevents your feet from developing frostbite, which is a huge relief for many anglers. The boot is designed to keep your feet warm even.

The rubber shell with Sorel’s very own aero-Trac outsole provides an amazing grip for fishing on the ice.

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Pros:

  • Keeps your feet warm and dry
  • One of the best waterproof boots in the market
  • Comes with a special Omni-heat lining

Cons:

  • The drawstring laces might not be favorable for all.

What do other anglers have to say?

“One of the most satisfying boots I’ve bought at such an affordable price. I will recommend to all my fishing buddies.”

To try this boot, click here.

Sorel Women’s Tivoli IV Tall Waterproof Insulated Winter Boot

The Sorel Tivoli IV Tall Winter Boot can be your ideal pick for women who want to ice fish in style without compromising with comfort. In all honesty, I’ve definitely not ice-fished in a woman’s boots. But being in the ice fishing world all my life, I know when a gear is worth it! And the Sorel Tivoli IV Tall Winter Boot is no exception. It is undoubtedly one of the best women’s ice fishing boots out there.

This boot by Sorel comes in a wide range of sizes and three color options. Thus, you don’t have to worry about finding the right fit. Also, the Sorel women’s boots are famous for their durability and sturdy built.

The boot is made of waterproof suede, and PU coated leather. It includes 100 grams of insulation and microfleece lining for providing you with enough warmth. And the elevated chunky rubber outsole provides excellent traction.

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Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • 100 grams of insulation and microfleece lining provides immense warmth
  • Rubber sole for better traction
  • Very durable

Cons:

  • This boot runs smaller than regular shoes. So, you might want to buy a size up.
  • These boots are not available for men.

What do other ice anglers have to say?

“These boots are just what I needed for my ice fishing trip. I am in love with how they look and how they feel – Style meets functionality. Totally impressed with these boots. They are warm and outer soles give great grip on ice.”

Get the Sorel Women’s Tivoli IV Tall Winter Boot here.

Baffin Men’s Snow Monster All-Weather Boot

The Baffin Men’s Snow Monster Boot is for men who want to get away from the generic rubber looks of an ice fishing boot and want some style. It is a high-insulated snow boot with a comfort rating at -70C/ -94F.

Unlike most rubber-based ice fishing boots, the Baffin Men’s Snow Master includes a stylish leather shaft that goes up to 11” and bungee ties. It also has a waterproof synthetic sole. One major thing I love about these boots is its lightweight feature. It only weighs about 2.8 pounds, which is relatively lower as compared to other ice fishing boots.

Also, it comes with a removable inner liner and waffle insole, which promotes comfort and convenience. And not forgetting, it includes Baffin’s classic ice paw outsole and thus has excellent traction.

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Pros:

  • Stylish, 100% leather
  • Waterproof synthetic sole
  • Durable
  • Bungee ties
  • Lightweight than most ice fishing boots
  • Comes in different sizes and colors
  • True to Size

Cons

  • This boot is expensive as compared to other similar ice fishing boots.

What  do other ice anglers have to say?

“Awesome Boots. I used them for ice fishing last winter. They keep my feet warm and dry with just regular socks on. It looks bulky but is light and comfortable to walk around in. The best part about these boots for me if their comfort.”

Click here to get the boots today.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main things that I should look for in a fishing boot?

Buying a new boot for your next fishing trip can be easy if you know exactly what to look for. One of the most important factors is insulation. Fishing on ice for long hours can have a toll on your feet, especially with the cold weather conditions. Therefore it is important that you find a boot that can keep your feet well insulated and warm.

Other factors that you should look for are good traction, waterproof feature, lightweight, good flexibility, and good grip. However, when it comes to the lightweight feature, you need to remember that ice fishing boots are definitely not light like other regular shoes. They are heavy-duty, thus tend to be a little bulky, which is completely fine. But, you might want to check that the size and weight of the boots are in proportion to each other.

You should also make sure that the boots are durable so that you don’t have to keep spending your money on new boots all the time.

What is the best material for ice fishing boots?

Ice fishing boots come in three major materials – synthetic, rubber, and leather. All three materials have their own place. Rubber boots are more flexible and entirely waterproof. Synthetic, on the other hand, is soft and lightweight. And leather boots ace in the durability aspect. So, it all boils down to you and what you need. All three materials are great in their own ways.

However, while opting for synthetic and leather boots, you might want to double-check the insulation and waterproof features on them.

If they are not waterproof, you can always waterproof them by using products like the Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer Spray.

You can click here to check how to waterproof your ice fishing boots.

Can I use regular winter boots for ice fishing?

Yes, you can. But will I recommend it? Definitely no! Ice fishing boots are made precisely to help you withstand freezing temperatures and allow you to comfortably walk on snow or ice. Regular winter boots are undoubtedly warm, but they don’t meet the requirements that you may look for in an ice fishing boot.

How to take care of my ice fishing boots?

The first and foremost thing is – always clean and dry your ice fishing boots after every use before storing them. You can use a brush to rub off any excess moisture and blow dry them from a safe distance. However, make sure not to use any direct heat sources.

Also, use a nice boot conditioner to maintain the health of your ice fishing boots. If you don’t have a boot conditioner, you can check out the Moneysworth & Best Sheepskin Conditioner.

Final Words

Ice fishing is great, but with the proper gear and equipment, it can be even better. The boot you decide to bring with you on your ice fishing trip can have a huge impact on your overall experience. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be very hard to make the decision. The best shoes have been provided for you above. So now, it’s all up to you to make the decision. Consider all your options and choose the one which you think will provide maximum satisfaction for you.