Winter hiking newb.

So I am looking to get into winter hiking and I have a question.
I am curious as to what I need to look for when I go to buy some decent winter hiking boots? I am not climbing Everest but possibly hiking up Mt. Washington. My questions are.
Should I get a plastic boot, or a softer style boot?
Removable liner?
200 or more grams of thinsulate?
Should I get maybe 1/2 a size or a full size bigger so I can layer socks?
Any information or even a link would e a great help.
Thank you from the winter newb!

What are you doing in them? walking, snowshoeing, skiiing?
sounds like you may be doing some mountains - Are you actually doing any kind of technical mountaineering?

In winter I use either these:



with a decent wool sock, and gaiter, or I use these:



But it really depends on the conditions (snow type, amount of snow, temperature, etc.) that I am facing. I'm often wearing either of those with snowshoes.

I am *not* doing any sort of technical mountaineering, ice climbing, etc..

As Phat says, it really depends what you are doing in those boots, the terrain (technical/non-technical, temperatures etc.

My winter boots that I use for hiking and snowshoeing are Garmont's Momentum. I use them with both a liner and a wool sock, and of course a pair of gaitors. However my wife bought me some 40 Below overboots for Christmas that I am excited to try.

Both of these I will be using with either snowshoes or crampons.

Here is a thread on winter boots from another site based in New England-
http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38148

btw-if you want specific answers, you need to ask a specific question-winter could mean almost anything from moderately cold to -40C. Winter footwear could be anything from an insulated hiking boot, to a Sorel type boot, Eskimo mukluk, bunny boot (military style cold weather boot) or an overboot over a boot or shoe.

For example, many models of overboots such as Chris mentions can only be used with crampons or snowshoes because they do not have a standard sole on them. They aren't really made for hiking.

If you want an overboot, I'd look at those made by Neos, which are a completely different design from the 40 Below overboots and are designed for a different purpose.
www.overshoe.com

Speaking of winter boots, I just managed to score some Keen Summit Winter boots at an REI scratch and dent sale for $35.


They look like typical Keen's-- wide toe box, average constructions but just from the look and feel of them, they may just replace my Garmont boots for winter use.

Are you hiking or climbing? You will want different boots for each. My climbing boots and crampons cost an arm and a leg, but my normal winter shoes are insulated shorty above ankle like a sorel. They are made by Itasca and cost $28 at Bi-Mart. They have good soles and are warmer than most any hiking boot.

You did not fill out your profile. Did you mean Mt Washington in Oregon? Where do you live and what conditions will you use them in?
Jim
Jim

I recently replaced my winter boots with a pair of Sorel Conquest pac boots. I use them for snowshoeing and snow camping. So far they have been great. On my last trip to Twin Lakes, Oregon (near Mt. Hood), it was in the single digits and the boots kept my usually cold feet warm. The provide plenty of support when snowshoeing. They froze solid during the night, but warmed up quickly in the morning after I put them on and walked around a bit.