Baffin IMPACT Winter Boots Review
Insulated, waterproof winter boots for extremely cold temperatures
November 11th, 2026
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Our verdict
Baffin says it tested the IMPACT at both the North and South Poles, and designed it for extended periods outside in extreme conditions, particularly for low- to moderate-energy activities.
These boots are intended to provide comfort during moderate activity for temperatures down to -76°F. The boots have a waterproof base (B-Tek DRY) and feature a removable multi-layer inner boot system. The boot uppers are manufactured with B-Tek Eco materials, and the outsole uses both Baffin’s Arctic and Polar Rubber for optimal grip and longevity in cold temperatures. The removable boot liners are replaceable. They're not light boots, but they're extremely warm.
Through our testing during a cold and snowy Northeast winter, we found these boots excelled at standing around and hanging out in extreme cold or cold and wet conditions. They're very warm and the liners are quite comfortable. They do well on soft surfaces, and have good grip on loose snow. The boots fit well because we sized up. Baffin recommends that customers go up one whole size from their usual, and this worked well for us.
Baffin IMPACT Winter Boots
Men's
Women's
The Baffin IMPACT boots’ downfall is walking on firmer surfaces. The stride is choppy and rough, making walking a lot of work. These boots will do best in cold conditions with limited walking on firm surfaces.
We would recommend these boots for more extreme conditions than our overall favorite winter boots. These boots are a specialist! They are very good at what they’re built for but they're not a generalist, all-around winter boot.
The Baffin IMPACTs would be an excellent choice for ice fishing, low-movement times during hunting (such as in a tree stand or blind, or a winter base camp), snowmobiling, shoveling snow during an arctic blast, as slip-on boots for dead-of-winter car camping, or living in a cold place with long winters, such as Canada or Alaska.
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Baffin IMPACT Winter Boots specifications
Sizes: 7-15 (men’s), 6-11 (women’s)
Weight (Pair): 7.4 lb (men’s), 5.7 lb (women’s)
Height: 15 in (men’s), 12 in (women’s)
Comfort Rating: -49 to -76°F
Insulation: Insulation: Removable Comfort-Fit multi-layer inner boot (Double B-Tek Heat and DiamondNet insulation)
Outsole: Polar Rubber™
Type: Pull-on
Comparison table
Men’s
| MEN'S WINTER BOOT | MSRP* | SIZES | WEIGHT (PAIR) | HEIGHT | COMFORT RATING | INSULATION | OUTSOLE | TYPE | WATERPROOF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baffin IMPACT Boot | $312 | 7-15 | 7.4 lb | 15 in | -49 to -76°F | Removable multi-layer inner boot | Polar Rubber | Pull-on | Lower only |
| SOREL Caribou Winter Boot | $250 | 7-17 | 4.0 lb | 10 in | -40°F | 9 mm ThermoPlus felt bootie | Vulcanized rubber | Lace-up | Yes |
| KEEN Revel IV Polar Waterproof Boot | $200 | 7-15 | 3.0 lb | 4.5 in | -25°F | KEEN.WARM recycled PET | KEEN.Polar Traction rubber | Lace-up | Yes |
| Muck Boot Arctic Sport Tall Boots | $175 | 5-15 | 4.5 lb | 16 in | -40°F | 5 mm neoprene and fleece | MS-1 molded rubber | Pull-on | Yes |
| Kamik Greenbay 4 Winter Boots | $100 | 7-15 | 4.0 lb | 13.8 in | -40°F | 8 mm Thermal Guard liner | PULSE lightweight rubber | Pull-on | Yes |
Women’s
| WOMEN'S WINTER BOOT | MSRP* | SIZES | WEIGHT (PAIR) | HEIGHT | COMFORT RATING | INSULATION | OUTSOLE | TYPE | WATERPROOF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baffin IMPACT Boot | $276 | 6-11 | 5.7 lb | 12 in | -49 to -76°F | Removable multi-layer inner boot | Polar Rubber | Pull-on | Lower only |
| SOREL Caribou Winter Boot | $250 | 5-12 | 3.4 lb | 9 in | -40°F | 9 mm ThermoPlus felt bootie | Vulcanized rubber | Lace-up | Yes |
| KEEN Revel IV Polar Waterproof Boot | $200 | 5-12 | 2.3 lb | 4 in | -25°F | KEEN.WARM recycled PET | KEEN.Polar Traction rubber | Lace-up | Yes |
| Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Tall Boot | $155 | 5-11 | 3.5 lb | 17 in | -40°F | 5 mm neoprene and fleece | MS-1 molded rubber | Pull-on | Yes |
| Kamik Greenbay 4 Winter Boots | $100 | 6-11 | 2.9 lb | 12 in | -40°F | 8 mm Thermal Guard liner | PULSE lightweight rubber | Pull-on | Yes |
What we liked
These are the ideal winter boots for extremely low temperatures (down to -76°F)
Super comfortable and insulating
What could be better
Hard to walk in and barely breathable
Overkill for mild or moderate winters (highly specialized for extreme cold conditions)
Features
B-Tek DRY waterproof base
Baffin uses their proprietary B-Tek DRY waterproof membrane to keep feet dry.
B-Tek Heat insulation
Baffin’s proprietary B-Tek Heat is four-channel hollow-fiber insulation. It keeps feet warm down to -76°F.
B-Tek Eco materials
Baffin’s B-Tek Eco materials are low-impact and environmentally sustainable.
Baffin Thermaplush lining
This is the next-to-skin layer in the boot that is soft and moisture-wicking.
Vaporized Aluminum Membrane
This membrane is designed for energy reflection and heat retention.
Waffle-comb footbed
This footbed design helps trap heat and helps with odor control.
Removable Comfort-Fit multilayer inner boot system
This system includes the Thermaplush lining, B-Tek Foam, Double B-Tek Heat, Vaporized Aluminum Membrane, PolyWool polyester-wool blend layer, Hydromax layering for moisture management, DiamondNet insulation for wind resistance, Waffle-comb footbed, and Double Aluminum insole. Replacement liners for these boots are also available.
Arctic Rubber base
This is a shell rubber base to provide flexibility, cold resistance, and durability.
Polar Rubber outsole
The Polar Rubber outsole is grippy and durable for long-term cold-weather use.
Double-buckle fastening
The boots fasten with two secure buckles.
Snowshoe compatible
These boots are compatible with snowshoes. However, if planning to use these with traction devices, know that the soles are much larger than equivalent-sized shoes or hiking boots, due to the thick internal liner. It is possible you may need to buy an additional pair of traction devices in a size larger than you'd usually use for insulated winter boots.
Similar winter boots
SOREL Caribou
MSRP: $250
Weight (per pair): 4.0 lb
Height: 10 in
Comfort rating: -40°F
Type: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
The SOREL Caribou winter boots are soft and super insulating, though not as insulating as the Baffin IMPACTs. They feature a 9 mm ThermoPlus liner with four-layer insulation, keeping feet comfortable down to -20°F (and rated for -40°F). The felt cuff and mid-calf design keep the slush and cold far from your feet.
While they’re not ideal for long winter hikes due to their weight, the Caribous excel at traction on snowy sidewalks and icy streets. They also have a roomy fit, so it’s easy to wear thick socks, though the looseness might feel odd if you prefer snug footwear.
These boots are available in sizes up to 17, ensuring even those with bigger feet can enjoy warm, dry toes. We did find them too big for our snowshoes, unfortunately.
They’re so beloved that they’re our Best Men’s Overall Winter Boots and Best for Extreme Cold winner, and the winner of our Women’s Winter Boot for Extreme Cold.
For even more details, you can read our in-depth review of the SOREL Caribou.
SOREL Caribou
Men's
Women's
KEEN Revel IV Polar Mid Boots
MSRP: $200
Weight (per pair): 3.0 lb
Height: 4.5 in
Comfort rating: -25°F
Type: Lace-up
Waterproof: Yes
The KEEN Revel IV Polar boots are best for folks with wide feet. They’re a winner for Best Men’s Winter Boot for Wide Feet and Best Women’s Winter Boot for Wide Feet for a reason. If you’ve tried other winter boots and didn’t find they worked for your feet or with your preferred comfy pair of thick socks, these are the boots for you!
Our wide-foot tester was thrilled at the comfort, warmth, and support that they found in these boots. The compression-molded EVA midsole provides shock absorption and cushioning, and the internal shank gives comfortable support for long days of walking around.
Besides their roomy interior, the KEEN Revel IV Polar boots stood the test of time for waterproofness, ankle support, and warmth. These boots are best known for their KEEN.DRY technology: brushed polyester linings wick sweat away and allow for breathability while still keeping water out.
For warmth, they have 200 grams of KEEN.WARM recycled PET breathable polyester insulation that KEEN rates down to -25°F during active use. This is not as insulating as Baffin IMPACT’s -76°F rating, but is still plenty warm for most folks and most conditions.
These are better suited for more active pursuits and less extreme cold conditions, whereas the Baffin IMPACTs are better suited for extreme cold and more moderate activities.
KEEN Revel IV Polar Mid Boots
Men's
Women's
Muck Boot Arctic Sport Boots
MSRP: $175
Weight (per pair): 4.5 lb
Height: 16 in
Comfort rating: -40°F
Type: Pull-on
Waterproof: Yes
The Muck Boot Arctic Sports are warm, waterproof, durable, and a great option for harsh conditions and extreme cold down to -40°F. So while not meant for as extreme cold conditions as the Baffin IMPACTs, they’re still plenty insulating for most people and most conditions and are better suited as a work boot.
While definitely on the heavier side for winter boots, the Arctic Sports are filled with 5 mm of neoprene insulation, lined with fleece, and have 2 mm of thermal foam under the footbed for supreme warmth. They also have a super-comfortable EVA midsole for arch support and aid with traction and grip. (The better connected your foot is to your boot, the easier it is to maintain traction on slippery ground!)
The Arctic Sports are meant for real winter conditions. They’re great with windchill and deep snow and super comfortable when working outside all day in frigid weather. This is why they won Best Men’s Winter Work Boot.
Muck Boot Arctic Sport Boots
Men's
Women's
Should you buy the Baffin IMPACT Boots?
Buy if you want winter boots for extremely cold conditions and long winters, and low-to-moderate activity levels, like ice fishing, low-movement times during hunting (such as in a tree stand or blind, or a winter base camp), snowmobiling, shoveling snow during an arctic blast, or as slip-on boots for dead-of-winter car camping.
Skip if you’ll be doing a lot of walking or fast-paced activity in your winter boots. These boots are for extremely cold temperatures and would be overkill for places with short or more mild winters.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Aubri (“Data”) Drake is a white queer and transgender hiker, backpacker, ultrarunner, writer, and activist passionate about making the world a better place. He discovered long-distance backpacking in 2013 and has been running off to the woods ever since. He’s always looking forward to his next big outdoor adventure, in between working full-time in research administration. He’s hiked the Appalachian Trail, Europe’s Tour du Mont Blanc, Vermont's Long Trail, Nüümü Poyo (twice), Tahoe Rim Trail, New England Trail, New Hampshire's Cohos Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, and Colorado Trail.
Because 75 MPH winds, waist-deep unbroken snow, and ice eyelashes have a strange appeal, Aubri has also completed numerous Northeast peakbagging lists in both winter and summer seasons, including the Northeast 111 4000 Footers and the New England Hundred Highest. For reasons unknown, he’s also started running ultramarathon distances up to 100 miles, and set more than 20 Fastest Known Times. Aubri has logged more than 9,000 miles on his feet in the last three years, and in addition to this publication, his writing has been featured in Trail Runner Magazine, Long Trail News magazine, and five research journals.
Website: https://transcendingmountains.blog/
Find more of Aubri’s work on his Treeline Review author page.
