Vasque Pow Pow UltraDry Winter Boots
We built the Vasque Pow Pow UltraDry winter boots for hikers, backcountry enthusiasts, and anyone who refuses to stay inside when the snow piles up. This boot combines waterproof UltraDry membrane protection with 200 grams of insulation to keep your feet warm and dry through deep powder, icy trails, and unpredictable winter conditions.
The aggressive Vibram Arctic Grip outsole delivers confident traction on wet ice and packed snow, while the mid-height collar seals out drifts without restricting ankle movement. Whether you’re trekking through a winter forest or shoveling the driveway before sunrise, the Pow Pow UltraDry handles cold-weather demands without compromise.
- UltraDry waterproof membrane — breathable protection against snow melt and slush
- 200g PrimaLoft insulation rated for sub-zero temperatures
- Vibram Arctic Grip outsole engineered for traction on wet ice
- Nubuck leather and textile upper with gusseted tongue to block snow entry
- Mid-height 7-inch collar for deeper snow coverage
UltraDry membrane and insulation technology
Our UltraDry waterproof membrane forms a barrier between your foot and the elements while allowing sweat vapor to escape. The membrane is bonded directly to the leather and textile upper, creating a single integrated layer that stops water at the surface rather than letting it soak into the boot wall.
Inside, we packed 200 grams of PrimaLoft synthetic insulation around the foot and ankle. Synthetic insulation continues to trap warm air even when damp, which matters during multi-hour outings where perspiration or minor moisture intrusion can compromise natural down. The insulation layer wraps the foot without adding bulk that restricts circulation or creates pressure points against the boot shell.
Vibram Arctic Grip outsole for ice traction
The Vibram Arctic Grip compound on the Pow Pow UltraDry uses a proprietary rubber formulation that stays pliable in freezing temperatures. Unlike standard rubber that hardens and loses grip below 32°F, Arctic Grip maintains flexibility and surface contact on wet ice, black ice, and frozen slush.
We molded the outsole with deep, multi-directional lugs spaced to shed snow and mud rather than packing tight. The lug pattern includes angled sipes—thin cuts in the rubber—that create additional biting edges on smooth ice. Heel braking zones add extra traction when descending steep or icy slopes.
Construction, materials, and water resistance
Upper and collar design
The Pow Pow UltraDry upper combines 2.0mm nubuck leather panels across high-wear zones with abrasion-resistant textile sections that reduce weight and improve breathability. We reinforced the toe box and heel counter with molded rubber guards that deflect rocks, ice chunks, and trail debris.
The gusseted tongue is stitched to the boot sidewalls from the instep to the collar, creating a sealed channel that blocks snow from entering through the laces. The 7-inch mid-height collar extends above the ankle to accommodate deep snow without forcing you into a taller, stiffer boot that limits mobility. Our insulated liner paired with a mid-height build offers warmth comparable to what you’d expect from the Laplander UltraDry boots, which feature an 8-inch shaft and heavier insulation for extreme-cold expeditions.
More Vasque winter boots for deep snow
What people are saying
Common questions about the Pow Pow UltraDry
The 200-gram PrimaLoft insulation in the Pow Pow UltraDry keeps most wearers comfortable down to approximately 0°F to 10°F when paired with midweight or heavyweight winter socks. Your personal cold tolerance, activity level, and circulation all influence warmth—people who run cold may want thicker socks or a boot with heavier insulation for extended stationary periods in sub-zero temperatures.
For extreme-cold expeditions or all-day stationary use in Arctic conditions, consider our 400-gram insulated models designed for temperatures well below zero.
The UltraDry membrane in the Pow Pow is fully waterproof, not merely water-resistant. The membrane blocks liquid water from entering the boot while allowing water vapor from perspiration to escape outward. This construction keeps feet dry during stream crossings, deep snow, and prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
Water-resistant treatments on the leather upper add an extra layer of protection by causing water to bead and roll off the surface rather than soaking into the nubuck, but the UltraDry membrane itself is the primary waterproof barrier.
Most wearers find their standard hiking boot size works well with midweight winter socks. If you plan to wear heavyweight expedition socks or have wide feet, going up a half size provides extra room without creating excess volume that causes heel slippage.
We built additional toe-box space into the Pow Pow specifically for winter sock layering, so the fit accommodates thicker socks better than our standard three-season hiking boots. Try the boots with the exact sock thickness you intend to wear before committing to a size.
Yes, the Pow Pow UltraDry works well with recreational and backcountry snowshoes. The mid-height collar and aggressive outsole provide the support and traction needed for variable snow conditions, and the insulation keeps feet warm during slower-paced snowshoe travel.
Make sure your snowshoe bindings accommodate the boot’s dimensions—the Pow Pow has a standard hiking boot profile that fits most strap and ratchet binding systems. The Vibram Arctic Grip outsole grips the snowshoe platform securely even on icy ascents.
Wipe road salt residue off the boots as soon as possible after exposure. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water, dampen a cloth with the mixture, and gently wipe down the leather and textile panels. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe again to remove vinegar residue.
Salt left on the boot surface can dry out leather and corrode metal eyelets over time. If salt stains have already formed, apply a leather cleaner formulated for nubuck, then treat the panels with a water-repellent spray once the leather is completely dry.
The Pow Pow UltraDry sits in the middle of our winter boot lineup in terms of insulation weight and collar height. It offers more warmth than our low-cut Snowburban model but less bulk than the 8-inch Laplander, which carries 400 grams of insulation for extreme-cold conditions.
The Pow Pow is built for active winter use—hiking, snowshoeing, and general cold-weather outdoor activities—rather than stationary work or expedition travel. If you need a boot for standing on ice while ice fishing or working outdoors in sub-zero temps, the Laplander’s heavier insulation is a better match.
With proper care and seasonal rotation, most wearers get three to five winters of regular use from the Pow Pow UltraDry. Heavy daily use, rough terrain, and exposure to road salt can reduce lifespan, while occasional recreational wear extends it.
The Vibram outsole wears gradually and remains effective even after the aggressive lugs show some smoothing. The UltraDry membrane maintains waterproof integrity for the life of the boot as long as the upper leather stays intact and you avoid punctures or tears. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the nubuck leather panels significantly extends overall boot durability.