Vasque Laplander UltraDry Snow Boots
We designed the Vasque Laplander UltraDry snow boots for alpine conditions where frozen trails, deep powder, and sub-zero mornings are the norm. The boot combines 400 grams of synthetic insulation with our proprietary UltraDry waterproof membrane—tested on Sierra Nevada peaks and backcountry routes across the Rockies.
The Laplander’s tall 8-inch collar locks out snow while the ColdHold fleece lining wicks moisture and traps warmth around your foot and lower leg. We built the outsole around a winterized Vasque Exclusive rubber compound that stays flexible in temperatures down to -25°F, paired with 5mm directional lugs engineered to bite into icy terrain and shed packed snow.
You’ll find the same ankle support and stability we’ve refined over four decades of mountain footwear—this boot holds your foot securely through uneven snowpack and creek crossings without feeling rigid. Whether you’re breaking trail to a frozen alpine lake or walking the dog through a blizzard, the Laplander keeps your feet warm and stable.
- UltraDry waterproof breathable membrane blocks moisture while releasing heat
- 400g synthetic insulation rated for temperatures down to -25°F
- 8-inch shaft height with internal snow gaiter and padded collar
- ColdHold fleece lining for moisture management and thermal retention
- Winterized Vasque Exclusive rubber outsole with 5mm directional lugs
Waterproof construction and insulation layers
The Laplander’s waterproof protection starts with a full-grain leather and abrasion-resistant nylon upper, sealed with our UltraDry membrane. This two-layer system prevents water intrusion at every seam while allowing perspiration vapor to escape—critical when you’re covering distance in cold weather and your feet generate heat.
Inside, we placed 400 grams of low-bulk Thinsulate insulation around the toe box, sidewalls, and vamp. The insulation compresses minimally over time and maintains loft even when damp. We pair it with a ColdHold fleece bootie that pulls moisture away from your skin and creates dead-air space for warmth retention.
Traction system and outsole design
We molded the Laplander’s outsole from our winter-specific Vasque Exclusive rubber—a compound engineered to resist hardening in sub-zero temperatures. Standard hiking rubber loses flexibility below 20°F and skates over ice; this formulation stays pliable and grips cold surfaces down to -25°F.
The tread pattern features 5mm directional lugs arranged in a chevron layout. These lugs bite into frozen dirt and compacted snow, and the spacing between each lug allows packed snow to release as you walk rather than building up underfoot. We angled the lugs to deliver forward propulsion on ascents and braking traction on descents.
Fit, sizing, and break-in period
The Laplander follows our standard mountain boot last—slightly wider through the forefoot than a running shoe, with a snug heel pocket to prevent lift during steep descents. We recommend ordering your usual hiking boot size; the insulation and fleece lining take up interior volume, but the boot is cut to accommodate a midweight wool sock without cramping your toes.
These boots require minimal break-in. The leather upper softens after two or three wears, and the ankle collar is pre-curved to match your natural flex point. If you’re moving up from an uninsulated hiking boot, expect the Laplander to feel slightly stiffer at first—that’s the insulation layer and the winterized sole working together.
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What to know about Laplander UltraDry snow boots
The Laplander is rated for temperatures down to -25°F with appropriate socks. We test this rating using controlled cold-chamber sessions and field data from winter users in Montana, Minnesota, and Alaska.
Your actual warmth depends on activity level, sock choice, and circulation. For stationary activities like ice fishing or wildlife watching in extreme cold, consider adding a chemical toe warmer. For active winter hiking and snowshoeing, the 400g insulation provides enough warmth without overheating your feet.
The Laplander UltraDry is fully waterproof, not water-resistant. The UltraDry membrane is bonded to the interior of the leather and synthetic upper, creating a continuous barrier that blocks liquid water while allowing water vapor to escape.
We seal every stitch channel and use gusseted tongue construction to prevent water entry. The boot will keep your feet dry when crossing shallow streams, walking through slush, or standing in wet snow for extended periods. The waterproofing is permanent and doesn’t require reapplication, though maintaining the leather with conditioner helps the outer materials shed water.
Yes, the Laplander is designed for winter trail use including snowshoeing and light winter backpacking. The TPU shank and supportive midsole handle moderate pack weight, and the boot’s flex pattern works well with strap-style and frame snowshoe bindings.
For multi-day winter backpacking trips with heavy loads, some users prefer a stiffer mountaineering boot. But for day hikes, overnight trips with moderate pack weight, and snowshoe outings, the Laplander delivers the right balance of warmth, support, and flexibility.
Order your standard athletic shoe size. The Laplander follows our mountain boot last, which runs slightly wider in the forefoot than most running shoes but maintains a snug heel pocket.
The boot is designed to accommodate a midweight wool or synthetic winter sock without cramping your toes. If you typically size up a half size in hiking boots to account for thick socks, you don’t need to do that with the Laplander—the interior volume already factors in insulation space and sock thickness.
UltraDry is our proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane, developed specifically for Vasque footwear. It delivers comparable waterproof protection and breathability to Gore-Tex while allowing us more control over construction methods and repair processes.
Both membranes block liquid water and pass water vapor. The main practical difference is that UltraDry boots can be resoled and repaired by a wider range of cobbler shops, since we don’t require licensed Gore-Tex repair facilities. Performance in the field is equivalent for winter boot applications.
With proper care, expect 4-6 seasons of regular winter use before needing a resole. The UltraDry membrane and upper materials typically outlast the outsole, which wears down naturally from trail contact and de-icing salt exposure.
Many users get 300-500 miles from the original sole depending on terrain. The boot can be resoled at outdoor specialty repair shops or through our authorized service centers. Users who rotate between two pairs of winter boots often see longer overall life since each pair has time to dry fully between uses.
The Laplander works well in wet shoulder-season conditions, but the 400g insulation may be too warm for hiking in temperatures above 40°F. The waterproof construction handles rain and mud effectively, and the aggressive tread clears mud better than many trail runners.
For spring and fall hiking when you need waterproof protection but not heavy insulation, consider our Breeze or Talus series. The Laplander is purpose-built for winter—frozen trails, snow, and cold temps—so you’ll get the most value using it in those conditions rather than as a three-season boot.