Going ice fishing soon? Well, of course! Make sure you’ve got a high-quality pair of ice fishing boots in tow – not just any boots will do. If you want to know more, you’re in the right place. We’ve scoured the internet for the best ice fishing boots and will share our top picks with you in this article.
The best ice fishing generally includes the following qualities:
- Quality workmanship
- Warm insulation
- Grips to prevent slips
- Durability to help them last
- Comfort
Not all boots meet these criteria, but the highest quality boots come close.
The wrong fishing boots can leave you with wet, cold feet, a higher chance of injury from a slip and fall, and a ruined fishing day. So, you need nothing less than the best quality boots out there. Read on to find out what makes a good pair of ice fishing boots and which boots are the absolute best.
What Makes a Good Pair of Ice Fishing Boots?
Before you begin the shopping process, it’s time to get to the bottom of what makes a pair of boots good for ice fishing. You may have a general idea of what to look for, but this section will ensure you fully understand the basics, good-to-have features, and more.
Insulation to Keep Your Feet Warm
Near the top of the list of ice fishing boot necessities is insulation. You’re going to be out in very frigid weather for hours on end. That cold air, snow, and sleet can make your feet ice cold. And if you’re not wearing the right shoes, you’re in trouble.
Ice fishing boots have lots of insulation to trap the heat from your feet and keep it from escaping. The best ones will have a balanced construction that doesn’t add too much bulk or weight to the shoe.
Waterproofing to Repel Water
On ice fishing day, you’ll be walking on ice and probably stomping through slush from time to time. To keep the moisture outside instead of collecting inside your shoe, you should definitely opt for a show that has waterproofing.
Some boots have special waterproofing material, while others have sealed seams. Others have both. Rubber is widely used for these boots to keep the moisture out.
Traction to Prevent Slipping
Walking on ice is no easy feat – there’s a very real risk of injury. And your footwear plays a big role in just how big that risk is. The best ice fishing boots have incredible traction to grip that ice instead of slipping and sliding on it. Some of the highest quality ones have very cleats or very aggressive treads to prevent slipping.
This is a feature you never want to sacrifice – you don’t want to end up flat on your back on the ice.
Durability for Long-Lasting Wear
In addition to the above, high-quality ice fishing boots are built to last. Everyday shoes wouldn’t stand a chance on the ice. You’re going to be walking a lot on very hard – and sometimes uneven – surfaces. Not to mention the fact that you’ll be out in extreme temperatures, which can do a number on weak materials.
You need boots that are constructed from the sturdiest materials, so they’ll stand up to rigorous use and problematic weather.
Comfortable Design
If you’ve ever spent hours walking on the ice or hiking through rough terrain to get to your lake of choice, you know how much of a toll it can take on your feet. To combat that, you need boots that have a protective and comfortable design.
The best ice fishing boots make you feel like you’re walking on air while giving you the support you need for proper foot positioning and stride.
Slim Profile and Lightweight Design
Imagine walking and kneeling around in boots that are clunky and heavy. Chances are you won’t get too far. You need boots that are relatively lightweight and slim enough not to be annoying to you. You should be thinking about how you’re going to catch some fish, not when you can finally take your boots off for the day.
Size
No matter how well a specific boot is made, you won’t get the most out of it if it doesn’t fit you properly. The best boots for you will fit your foot like a glove. Your foot’s arch should be supported, and you should be able to move however you want with ease.
Height
Ice fishing boots usually have quite a bit of height to them, and this is for a couple of reasons. The top part of the boots helps to keep snow and slush from getting into your boots. Then, there’s the fact that higher boots (when well-made) can help to keep your lower leg warmer. It blocks out the elements and can trap your body heat.
This depends on the specific boots you have, but height tends to be a good thing, and you should look for it in your ice fishing boots. This doesn’t mean that your ice fishing boots have to come past your knee- that’s not the case. But a little extra height usually does a whole lot of good.
All of these things are crucial to keep in mind if you want to find the right boots for your next ice fishing trip. Just know that not all boots will get a perfect score or fit every single criterion perfectly. The goal is to find the boots with the features that are most important for you at a price point that you find comfortable.
Best Ice Fishing Boots
Your ice fishing boots can make or break your ice fishing trip. And it’s easy to see why; consider how many things your feet, ankles, and lower legs may come up against as you’re ice fishing. With the earlier information covered, it’s time to see what’s out there. What are some of the best ice fishing boots? We’ll share several of our top picks with you below.
StrikerICE Men’s Rubber Boot: Best Overall for Men
Want some extremely high-quality boots you can throw on in a second? These StrikerICE Men’s Rubber Boots are just that. Striker is a well-known brand in outdoor sports and, especially ice fishing. They made these boots specifically for the ice.
Strengths
These rubber boots are highly rated, and it’s because of their ingenious design, top-quality materials, and workmanship. Here are the main strengths associated with these boots:
- Dependable waterproof membrane that keeps water out.
- 1200g of Thinsulate insulation to trap your body heat and keep you warm in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slip-resistant soles to enhance your safety as you navigate the ice, snow, and other winter elements.
- Designed to go up to the mid-calf or higher to protect more of your body from the freezing temps, wind, and moisture.
- Adjustable functionality. Just roll the top part of the boot down to give your feet a little air if they overheat. Keep them all the way up to warm up again.
- Lightweight design so as not to make you tired or slow you down.
- Thick rubber sole for traction.
- Pull tab to make the boots easy to pull on.
- Specifically made for ice fishing but are suited to other winter activities.
Weaknesses
As awesome as these boots are, they aren’t without their faults. Keep reading to learn about the weaknesses of these boots:
- They only come in black.
- Some have trouble with the fit.
- Cannot be laced up.
- No half sizes.
Available Sizes
The StrikerICE men’s rubber boots come in several sizes but aren’t going to help those with very large feet. Here are the available sizes:
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
Kamik Men’s Icebreaker: Best for Budget-Conscious Men
Don’t have a lot of money to spend on ice fishing boots? You can still snag some of the best boots online. Consider these Icebreaker boots by Kamik – they are incredibly high-rated and don’t require you to spend an arm and a leg.
Strengths
The designers at Kamik thought of everything. This boot boasts a lot of strengths that are important to any ice fisher who wants a combination of foot protection, warmth, and movability. Here are all of the main strengths:
- Lightweight design that won’t trip you up or slow you down as you get your fish on.
- 100% waterproof design to keep your feet dry, regardless of how snowy or sleety it gets.
- RubberHE bottoms are meticulously designed to reduce your slip risk while you’re out on the ice. They grip any surface, whether it’s snowy, sludgy, or icy.
- Nylon collar at the top of the boot that you can use to secure it to your calf. This reduces air and moisture infiltration and keeps your feet dry and warm.
- Removable lining. Use it when needed and store it when you don’t.
- Deep lug outsole helps with stability to give you confidence as you’re navigating the ice.
Weaknesses
Though these boots are some of the best, that doesn’t mean that they are perfect. Here are some of the weaknesses you should know about before you spend any money:
- A few people have stated that their boots leaked or became damaged after a few uses.
- Some had difficulty finding the right size for them.
- There are only two color choices.
- No half sizes.
Sizes Available
Do you have your eye on these boots? Here are the sizes they come in:
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
Muck Boot Arctic Sport LL Tall Winter Boot: Best Overall for Women
Women ice fishers should always seek out boots that were made specifically for women. And here’s one of the best – the Muck Boot Arctic Sport LL Tall Winter Women’s Boot. This boot is designed to keep your feet warm, give you grip as you make your way up and down the ice, and accentuate your unique style.
Strengths
This boot stands up to the best ice fishing boots in the industry in its price category. Here are some of the strengths that justify this:
- 16-inch-high boot that comes up to your calf, giving you good protection from the winter elements.
- 100% waterproof material that keeps moisture, water splashes, and slush from getting through to your feet or lower leg.
- Fleece inner lining for insulation. It traps your body heat to keep you warmer. You can expect your feet to feel nice and toasty in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Designed to fit the contours of a woman’s foot.
- Cushy insole that softens your steps to reduce foot fatigue and pain during your ice fishing trips.
- Heavy treads to keep you from sliding on the ice or sludge.
- Comes in various color options for personalization.
Weaknesses
These boots are a cut above the rest. But they do have a few weaknesses you should know about before moving forward with them:
- Some women, specifically those with larger calves, may have trouble with the fit.
- A few reviewers noticed leakage after wearing the boots a few times.
- Some people wished the boots were warmer.
- No half sizes.
- Cannot be tightened around the leg.
Sizes Available
These boots come in a standard range of women’s sizes. They include:
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
ALEADER Men’s Outdoor Boots: Best for Comfort for Men
If you like the idea of warm, fuzzy boots, the ALEADER Men’s Outdoor Boots are a serious pick to consider. They check all the basic boxes and deliver so much more. Keep reading to find out if these are the ice fishing boots you need in your life.
Strengths
To some, these boots might seem like your run-of-the-mill winter boots. But they aren’t your ordinary slip-ons. Here are the main strengths that differentiate these boots from the rest:
- Uppers made of durable material – PU coated synthetic textile.
- 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drawstring closure for a snug yet comfortable fit.
- Lace-up design for another layer of security.
- Waterproof design to keep moisture out, keeping you dry and warm.
- Seams that are sealed to keep the winter elements out.
- Ankle Velcro strap for even more security.
- Easy pull-on design.
- Foot bed cushion to enhance comfort.
- Five different color options
Weaknesses
To give you a better overall picture of these boots and whether they’re the right fit for you, we’ll go over the weaknesses here:
- Not all sizes are available in each color option.
- Sizing can be difficult to decipher for customers.
- Some find that the boots aren’t as warm as expected.
- No half sizes.
- Cannot be cinched around the leg.
Sizes Available
You can get these boots in the following general sizes, though availability will vary based on the color option you choose:
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
Muck Boots Men’s Arctic Sport Boot – Runner Up for Best Overall for Men
Here’s yet another great men’s ice fishing boot – the highly-rated and well-loved Muck Boots Men’s Arctic Sport Boot. It’s a rubber boot that goes up to the calf and works overtime to keep you warm and cozy every moment of your ice fishing trip.
Strengths
The strengths of these boots are unbelievable, considering their price. Take a look below to learn more:
- 2mm of thermal foam underlay on the instep area (on top of the foot). It insulates the shoe and keeps your feet warmer.
- Rugged outsole that enhances your stability and protects your foot from hard and pointy objects.
- EVA molded insole for comfort and shock absorption.
- Warmth and comfort guaranteed in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rubber material is low maintenance – just wipe it down to clean it.
- Style is very minimal, great for those who want a versatile boot.
- Pull on design to help you get out of the door quickly.
- Rubber tread on the bottom of the boot is thick and should reduce slippage on ice.
- The price is affordable on most budgets.
Weaknesses
- The boots have a large logo and some text on the outer part of the upper. Some may find this to be too much for their taste.
- The boots are only available in two sizes.
- No half sizes.
- A few unsatisfied customers state that their boots leaked or started to fall apart.
- Cannot be tightened around the leg.
Sizes Available
These boots are only available in a size 11 or 12 on Amazon. If these sizes don’t work, try looking for your size directly from the manufacturer. On their site, you’ll find the following sizes in this particular boot:
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
Baffin Snow Monster Men’s Boots – Best in Durability for Men
Some ice fishing boots have a sleeker look, while others are rugged. Baffin Snow Monster Boots are the latter. With just one look at these, you can tell they’re built for high-octane arctic adventures. Anyone who wants extreme durability is sure to love these boots.
Strengths
The strengths of these boots are many. Let’s get into them below:
- Highly durable leather uppers that trap heat to keep you feeling comfortable, even in extreme temperatures. It’s a strong barrier that you can count on.
- The seams on these boots are sealed to block out water, sleet, and other sources of moisture.
- Rubber shell base allows for relatively free movement, enhancing your comfort and reducing foot fatigue. The rubber is also resistant to the cold.
- EVA midsole adds some extra cushioning and insulation.
- Polar rubber outsole for maximum grip as you make your way across that ice. It also provides enhanced boot durability overall.
- Thermaplush insulation and B-Tek Foam lining sit against your foot to keep you warm and cozy.
- Quick lacing and tightening are possible with the boot’s D-ring lace fastening system.
- Breathability technology so your feet won’t overheat and sweat.
- Can be tightened around the leg.
- There are several color options to choose from.
Weaknesses
Though the strengths of these boots are amazing, there’s no denying that there are a few weaknesses as well:
- Sizing can be confusing.
- A few users have reported that some of their D-rings have popped off.
Sizes Available
The sizing on these boots is a little on the confusing side. There are regular full sizes:
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
In addition to these sizes, there are D US sizes:
- 7 D US
- 10 D US
- 13 D US
This is a Canadian boot manufacturer, which would explain the US sizes being separate from the other sizes. If you have issues figuring out what your boot size is, don’t hesitate to contact the boot maker directly. You can do so here.
Which Ice Fishing Boot Should I Choose?
Wondering which boots are right for you? This fully depends on exactly what you’re looking for, what your budget looks like, and your perception of whether a boot’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Check out the below table, which showcases the most important information for each of the boots on our list. Use it to help you make the best choice.
| Boot Name | Strengths | Weaknesses | Sizes | Who It’s For |
| StrikerICE Men’s Rubber Boot | Dependable waterproof membrane, 1200g of Thinsulate insulation, slip-resistant soles, designed for mid-calf or higher protection | Only available in black, some fit issues reported, cannot be laced | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 | Men who don’t want to compromise and can afford the best. |
| Kamik Men’s Icebreaker | Lightweight design, 100% waterproof, rubberHE bottoms for slip resistance, nylon collar for calf securing, removable lining, deep lug outsole | Reports of leakage & damage, some fit issues reported, limited colors | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 | Men who want quality but need to save money. |
| Muck Boot Arctic Sport LL Tall | 16-inch-high boot, 100% waterproof fleece inner lining, designed for women’s foot contours, cushy insole, heavy treads, various color options | Fit issues and leaks reported, may not be as warm, no half sizes | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 | Women who are looking for a full-coverage boot that stands up to the elements. |
| ALEADER Men’s Outdoor Boots | Durable material, 200g Thinsulate insulation, drawstring closure and lace-up design, waterproof and sealed seams, ankle Velcro strap, footbed cushion, available in 5 colors | Sizing and color availability issues, aren’t warm enough for some, no half sizes, cannot be cinched | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 | Men who prioritize comfort above most else. |
| Muck Boots Men’s Arctic Sport | 2mm thermal foam underlay, rugged outsole, EVA molded insole, comfort and warmth up to -40°F, low maintenance rubber material, minimalist style, affordable, thick rubber tread, pull-on design | Large logo and text on boot, limited size availability, quality issues, no half sizes, cannot be tightened around the leg | 11, 12 | Men who need an ice fishing boot that’s a good value for the price. |
| Baffin Men’s Snow Monster Boots | Highly durable leather uppers, sealed seams, rubber shell base for mobility, EVA midsole for cushioning, polar rubber outsole for grip, insulation and lining for warmth, quick lacing system, breathability technology | Sizing confusion, reports of D-ring issues | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 7 D US, 10 D US, 13 D US | Men who are looking for a highly durable, high-performance boot. |
Conclusion
So, there you have it – what to look for in an ice fishing boot and some of the best ice fishing boots you’ll find online. One or more of the boots on our list is sure to give you the protection, comfort, and warmth you need on your ice fishing trips. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you prepare for your next big fishing adventure.
