KEEN Terradora Winter Lace Boot WP
Women's boot pick
Our take Most snowshoes weigh a couple pounds each, so the last thing you want is to add a heavy boot on top. Happy coincidence: Our female testers’ favorite boot is also the lightest, making it great for snowshoeing. The Terradora Winter Lace’s 200 grams of synthetic insulation provide warmth (though not as much as the Vasque or Danner boots) without a lot of bulk. “This boot felt great on cold—but not frigid—days,” says one Colorado tester. Bonus: The extra-tall cuff (it hits nearly 3 inches above the ankle) keeps snow out on deep days.
The details The rubber outsole, built specifically for cold weather, stays soft as temps drop to preserve grip: “It performed well on mellow inclines and packed snow, but felt slippery on steep descents,” said one Alaska tester after a day on Bird Ridge. Ding: The EVA midsole is squishy, so it’s best for loads under 30 pounds.
Trail cred “The lower portion looks more like a sneaker than a winter boot, but it’s held up to rough trail conditions,” one tester says.
1 lb. 14 oz. (w’s 7); w’s 5-11