After a day on the hill wether you are at Hotham or Thredbo, the real test is really the walk back to the lodge — icy car parks, slushy village lanes, and that one steep bit outside the pub. A good après boot keeps you warm, upright, and looking like you meant to be there.
At Ski & Board Online we sell three après boot families that actually work for Australian winters: value-packed XTM, rugged Canadian Kamik, and Italian grip-specialist Attiba.
Here's how they compare for 2026.
Quick comparison
| Brand / Model | Max Warmth rating | Key tech | Best for | Price guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTM Hunter | -10°C | Durable nylon upper, TPR sole | Everyday village wear, budget families | $79.00 |
| XTM Georgie Womens | -20°C | Waterproof, soft boa lining, bullet-proof sole | Women who feel the cold | $179.00 |
| XTM Rocket Kids | -10°C | Waterproof nylon, faux fur trim, TPR sole | Kids 2-12, school trips | $69.00 |
| Kamik Ariel F | -20°C | Waterproof genuine leather, HEAT-MIX insulation, D-ring lacing | Style + warmth, wet days | $289.00 |
| Kamik Alborg | -20°C | Nubuck leather, faux shearling collar, thermal barrier footbed | All-day comfort, icy footpaths | $249.00 |
| Attiba Venice | -15°C | Water-resistant faux suede, synthetic wool lining, OC-System anti-slip outsole, internal zip | Fashion-first everyday wear | $359.00 |
| Attiba Eiger / Eiger II | -20°C | OC Grip System flip spikes, Rotor sole, wool lining | Maximum grip, mens heavy duty | $359.00 |
| Attiba New Roma | -15°C | OC Grip rotating flip spikes, membraned, stylish | Style with serious ice grip | $279.00 |
XTM Boots – Australian value that works
XTM designs for our conditions and budgets. The Hunter is the classic nylon après boot rated to -10°C with a durable TPR sole — perfect for walking from the Thredbo shuttle to the lodge.
The women's Georgie steps up to a heavy-duty waterproof build rated to -20°C with a soft boa lining and what XTM calls a bullet-proof sole. At $179 it's the warmest women's boot under $200 we stock.
For kids, the Rocket is both waterproof, rated to -10°C, with faux fur trim and easy pull-ons at $69. Parents buy them for school snow camps because they dry fast and take a beating.
Kamik Apres – Canadian leather, built for wet
Kamik has been making winter boots since 1898, and it shows in the materials. The Ariel F is a women's hiker-style boot in waterproof genuine leather, rated to -20°C, with HEAT-MIX insulation and a moisture-wicking lining. At $289, it's the boot we recommend when someone says "I want leather that won't leak."
The Alborg uses waterproof nubuck leather with a flexible rubber shell, faux shearling snow collar, and a thermal barrier footbed. The deep multi-directional tread grips Buller ice well, and at $249 it's a long-term investment.
The Ariel Low at $279 adds a waterproof inside zipper and plush boa collar for easy on-off at the bar — seam-sealed leather and suede upper, thermal insulation, and a CushyStep EVA footbed for all-day comfort.
Attiba & Navatex – Italian grip for icy villages
Attiba & Navatex boots are markedly different.
Why? Every model uses the OC Grip System — rotating flip-out spikes under the forefoot that you engage with a flick. If you've ever slipped carrying a toddler in Falls Creek, you understand why.
The Venice is the women's fashion favourite: a stylish lace-up water-resistant boot with a faux suede outer and synthetic wool lining that is soft and warm. It features the OC-System anti-slip rubber outsole for steady footing, plus an internal zipper with laces over the top for easy fit. Priced at $359, it's the go-to for looking good from lodge to laneway.
The Eiger II is the men's workhorse. The Eiger II features a Rotor sole system, spike grip system, wind-proof and water-resistant liner, and an internal wool lining that keeps feet toasty. Priced at $359 a truly worthwhile investment.
New Roma at $279 brings Italian style to the spike system — described as "functional, warm, and one of the most stylish-looking membraned snow boots" with the innovative OC Grip rotating flip spikes to increase stability on icy surfaces. Great for people nervous about slipping or carrying children.
Attiba pricing sits between $279.99 and $359.99, reflecting the Italian build and the spike system.
Which apres boot should you buy?
- Choose XTM if: you want the best price, need kids sizes, or just need something warm for the car park. Hunter for men, Georgie for women, Skyler/Rocket for kids.
- Choose Kamik if: you want genuine leather, -20°C warmth, and a boot that looks good in Melbourne winter too. Ariel F for women, Alborg for men and women who walk a lot.
- Choose Attiba if: you worry about ice, carry kids, or want style with grip. Venice for fashion-first women, Eiger for maximum mens grip, New Roma for style plus spikes.
Sizing tips for the perfect boot fit
- Après boots should be roomy - buy half a size up to allow thick socks.
- Try them at the end of the day when feet are swollen.
- For Attiba, check the spike mechanism works with gloves on.
- Kamik leather will stretch slightly; XTM nylon will not.
Care
Rinse off salt and grit after each trip. Air dry, never near a heater. For Kamik leather, use a leather conditioner monthly. For Attiba, check the OC spikes for stones and flip them back after use.
Shop Après Boots: XTM Après Kamik Attiba Navatex
FAQ
Are all après boots waterproof?
XTM Hunter and kids models are water-resistant nylon. Kamik Ariel and Alborg are seam-sealed waterproof leather. Attiba Venice is water-resistant with good waterproofing qualities and OC-System outsole.
Do I need spikes in Australia?
Not always, but Thredbo and Perisher village get black ice in July. Attiba's OC Grip System on Eiger and New Roma is designed exactly for that.
What's warmest for under $200?
XTM Georgie at -20°C for $179.00, or the XTM Hunter -10c $79
