Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT - Women's Review

The Arctic Ice Tall AG is an all-around favorite for serious protection. It is the tallest boot in our lineup, combining all the capabilities of a rain boot with the warmth of winterized footwear. It stands out as the most protective and driest option in our lineup, with the drawback of being the heaviest. The price tag is high, but the functionality and versatility of this boot are unmatched by cheaper options. If you need durable construction that'll last throughout the years, be sure to look into this beast of a boot.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Arctic Ice Tall stands out as one of the warmest in our review. The Muck Boot Company constructed the ultimate storm boot with fleece-lined and water-resistant insulation backed by 5mm of neoprene. The boot is designed to keep you warm in arctic-like temperatures — hence the name. We found that even with just a thin wool sock, it kept us warm when temperatures dipped well into the negatives.

The hefty rubber outsole measures nearly 2 inches at the heel and 1 inch beneath the toe, minimizing your foot's exposure to cold conditions. If you work as a lift operator or are planning an ice fishing trip --activities that require more standing around than moving-- these boots will keep your feet well insulated from the elements.

We measured the boot's internal temperature change in an ice bucket test and found the temperature dropped 9.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This rating fell in the middle of the pack, meaning it wasn't the best or the worst regarding heat retention. Despite the average results, we felt the overall coverage of the boot contributed to the Arctic Ice Tall keeping our feet warm over a long period in the outdoors.

Weather Protection

Hands down, these are the most protective winter boots in our review. Built like a rain boot, the Arctic Ice Tall provides 16 inches of coverage from the sole. The boot's collar came up to roughly 2 inches below our main tester's knee. There is no fur or other fancy features on this boot, just straight business. The calf circumference measures 15 inches around, meaning lots of extra space to stuff leggings, Carhartts, or winter pants. The upper is quite stiff, so if you're not interested in the stuff-in method, you may prefer a lower boot that allows you to stretch winter pants over.

This boot feels like the snowplow of footwear. Burly materials and a thick construction repel water and snow no matter what winter activity you enjoy. We reached for this boot during big rain days and larger snow dumps. When we couldn't get our truck up the driveway because the snow was too deep, these boots were our first choice to pair with the snowblower and get to work.

The boot's shaft is double-down 5mm neoprene and rubber construction. This boot offered some of the best protection during our water tests, staying dry on the inside even when marching for two minutes in a river. If you live in an area that gets lots of snow or you want a boot that'll protect you as you tromp through wet fields or rivers, this is a great option.

Comfort and Fit

The trade-off with this high-performing boot is in this category. Don't get us wrong, the Arctic Ice Tall isn't uncomfortable, but it is bulky, heavy, and hard to use for long periods without minor discomfort. Since the heel and outsole are so thick, it can feel like you're dragging an extra weight beneath your feet. As a result, if worn for an extended period, it can cause some fatigue in the ankles, knees, or quads. For this reason, we would not recommend the Arctic Ice for recreational hiking or activities that require a flexible and lightweight construction. That said, if you get used to it, this renowned work boot can be worn throughout the day in poor weather.

The Arctic Ice interior is comfortable with a soft liner that makes it easy to slip in and out of. There are no fuzzy or furry components in this boot. Fortunately, the absence of fur does not equate to a lack of warmth. The fleece lining feels softer than felt and equally as warm. The fit is on the larger side compared to other boots we've tested, often requiring a thicker pair of socks — though we wouldn't necessarily suggest sizing up or down. At well over 2 pounds per boot, the weight is definitely something to keep in mind.

An interesting observation is how difficult it is to drive in this boot. It got caught under the pedals when driving a manual transmission truck. Even in an automatic vehicle, the sole is so thick it felt like driving in a ski boot. You have to lift your entire leg to transfer from one pedal to another.

Traction

If you plan on encountering icy terrain or slippery surfaces, you'll appreciate the aggressive traction of the Arctic Ice Tall. The lugs are thick and deep with an evenly dispersed pattern. Speckled lugs in the center channel have a slightly softer rubber compound which provides greater grip beneath the heel and the ball of the foot. This boot earns top marks in this category because it bites down on icy and hard-packed trails like a pro.

The Arctic Ice Tall has one of the best traction capabilities across various surfaces. This boot out-performed the soft and fluffy snow boots while boasting a comparable grip to the hiking boots. Several of the boots in our lineup use the Vibram Arctic Grip rubber compound, which is best for wet and icy conditions, though we feel the deep lug pattern on the Arctic Ice is the best.

Durability

One of the main reasons we recommend the Arctic Ice Tall as a work boot is its durability. Neoprene is highly resistant to abrasions and is known to have a long lifespan, even in wet climates.

Neoprene and rubber are generally quite flexible and resistant to fading and deterioration from exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and more. The outsole of this boot is so thick that it can naturally withstand heavy use under extreme conditions with no problems.

Should You Buy the Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall?

This winter beast is built to withstand severe weather without blinking an eye. The tall neoprene and rubber construction looks more like a rain boot than a traditional winter boot, but don't be fooled. The Arctic Ice Tall AGAT is warm, completely waterproof, and super easy to kick on and off. It is a lot heavier and bulkier than most, but if you're seeking a boot that's durable and will work alongside you during the winter months, this protective winner is our best recommendation. If you're searching for a winter boot that is a protective warrior, you'll consider the investment of the Arctic Ice Tall worth it. While the price tag is high, you will undoubtedly get your money's worth thanks to the high quality and versatile design. The materials and craftsmanship are solid and should last you through many winter seasons. If you're traveling or working on cold or icy surfaces, the value is enhanced even further, and we think it's worth the price for its function.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?