Keep your feet toasty warm this winter in these expert-approved picks.
Don't look now, but we're in the thick of winter's nastiness. And maybe it's occurred to you that a reliable, high-quality pair of snow boots would be just the thing for keeping your toes toasty and dry. The perfect snow boots will protect against harsh conditions with rugged soles to stop you from slipping and sliding on icy sidewalks. Waterproof functionality will also protect your feet from slush.
Instead of wasting time and money buying winter boots that aren’t as durable as they claim, we consulted a team of podiatrists, outdoor enthusiasts, travel experts and our very own shopping editors to see which pairs truly walk the walk. The 15 best winter boots, including beloved best sellers like L.L.Bean, Ugg, North Face and Columbia, below deserve a coveted spot in your cold-weather wardrobe.
PS: If you need to view more winter accessories, consider adding a new coat or touchscreen gloves to your wardrobe.
Update, Dec. 20, 2024: We added three new pairs of boots to our list: Columbia Minx, Sole Bliss and Keen Revel boots. We also chose a new pick for best snow boots overall after testing the Baffin Chloe boots.
Sizes: 6 to 11 | Insulation: B-Tek foam and polywool blend
These tundra-rated boots are the perfect blend of fashion and function. The faux-fur collar adds a stylish touch, while the waterproof base and thick layers of insulation make them ideal for cold and slushy conditions. I loved the toggle system, which allowed me to slip them on and off with ease, and the removable liner is a great feature for when you want to lock in even more warmth. I was really impressed by how well they kept my feet dry in wet conditions, and my feet stayed warm even after walking around in the cold for hours. While they weren't the lightest boots I tested, they were super comfortable and didn't weigh me down at all. Just be aware that there are no half sizes; the brand recommends sizing up to be safe. I'm normally an 8.5 and ordered a 9 and they fit great, especially with thick socks.
Sizes: 6-11 | Insulation: 200 grams of Thinsulate
During a poll of our team’s favorite snow boots, three staff members listed these L.L.Beans as their go-to’s, including myself. Not only are the boots (which come in both men’s and women’s sizes) incredibly warm thanks to their cozy shearling lining, but they are waterproof too, so you can walk through snow and puddles without your feet getting wet. Each pair is hand-sewn in Maine, so they're durable and built to last. Contributing editor Lisa Schweitzer and I have both had a pair for several years and they are still looking good as new. The boots aren’t overly bulky, weighing less than four pounds. And they have a rugged rubber sole that prevents you from slipping and sliding. One caveat? Our managing editor Scott Simone said they can sometimes be too hot for indoors: “Definitely not the type of boot to wear to the office without bringing a change of shoes to avoid your feet sweating all day long.”
Sizes: 6-11 | Insulation: B-Tek Heat lightweight, 4-channel hollow-fibre insulation
These babies are tundra-rated, so you can be sure that your feet will stay nice and warm. That’s probably why Backcountry gearhead Ashleigh McClary said they were one of her top choices for snowshoeing in deep snow. After testing out a pair myself, I was incredibly impressed by how warm they were despite being the lightest pair of snow boots I've tried. The tall boots are both waterproof and breathable; a thick rubber sole with a honeycomb design offers excellent traction. Laceless, they're easy to get on and off thanks to elastic toggles, which I loved because they blocked out the elements from getting in the boot. Like the Baffin Chloes, above these lightweight boots don't come in half sizes but you shouldn't have any issues sizing up.
Sizes: 6-11 | Insulation: Faux fur lining
Travel blogger Nadia Podrabinek listed these fashionable yet functional women's winter boots as one of her top picks “due to their waterproof design and warmth retention.” Lined with faux rabbit fur for coziness and a slip-resistant rubber sole for stability, they have a zipper plus lace-up closures to prevent the elements from entering. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers are fans of the cushioned insole for all-day comfort. “I bought these boots to wear in Quebec in January for a week,” one customer raved. “They rocked! The fur lining goes to the end of the toes and they are super comfortable. We walked over 10,000 steps a day and my feet never hurt once. I was able to wear just regular socks and my feet stayed extremely warm.”
Sizes: 5.5- 10.5 | Insulation: 100% recycled polyester
Backcountry's McClary raves about these ultra-rugged Icebug boots that boast tacky traction for very icy terrain. “I can confidently and safely shovel my driveway and sidewalks and walk around icy parking lots knowing that I’ll be safe,” she told us. They zip up the front so they are super easy to take on and off; synthetic fleece and polyester insulation will keep you warm in freezing temperatures. One REI customer raved, “They're comfy, super lightweight and stable on ice and packed snow. I actually took them out to a snowfield in the Rockies to test them out and was really impressed with the performance. The soles have built-in traction so they grip incredibly well, without the bulk and annoyance of external traction.”
Sizes: 5-12 | Insulation: 100 grams
Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini bought these insulated winter boots for a month-long trip to Iceland in 2021 and loved how they held up. “I needed something warm and rugged for wet, high-windchill winter hikes and these were ideal. They come up high, which means you can walk in serious snow, but the best part of them is the stability — the sole is super sturdy on slippery surfaces.” Perhaps most notable was how toasty they kept her feet, thanks to 100 grams of insulation. “These are SUPER warm and sometimes a little too warm,” she said. “They could be more stylish, but when you're desperate for warmth in a snowpocalypse, you don't really care.” While the boots are waterproof enough that her feet never get wet, she said over time the suede on the outside can become soaked in snowy/rainy conditions.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Insulation: Shearling
These Italian leather booties are so warm, comfortable and stylish they made Oprah's Favorite Things list this year and she's not the only A-list fan of the brand! "Gayle and I love Sole Bliss shoes — and so do Julia Roberts and Viola Davis. These shearling-lined boots are cute and, thanks to their unique pain-free design, sooo comfortable. I would wear them with pants or skirts," said Oprah. I was lucky enough to test a pair out myself and can confirm they are incredibly comfortable, thanks to their podiatrist-approved cushioned insole and wide toe-box. But the thing I loved the most about the boots was the fact that they have retractable stainless-steel studs that I can easily flip down when I need extra traction on slippery surfaces. I will note they are much heavier than other options I tried so I wouldn't recommend them for walking long distances.
Sizes: 5-12 | Insulation: Removable 6 mm washable recycled felt
These Sorels are so cute even Jennifer Aniston has been spotted in them. That’s why McClary said the popular boots are her most stylish pick: “For winter fashion, you can’t go wrong with the classic Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots. They are incredibly warm and look so cool! I have sold more of these than any other boots while working at Backcountry.” The faux-fur trimmed winners are waterproof, seam-sealed and comfort-rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning they will keep your feet completely dry and seriously warm in even the most frigid conditions. Executive editor Nicole Sforza is also a fan. She’s owned them for 10+ years and said: “These are the quintessential snow boots — they're durable, lace up like an ice skate so feel really secure and they have fun faux fur peeking out from the top. They'll actually improve a winter outfit, not take away from it! Very grippy at the bottom for when streets are slick.” She added that they're not the lightest option, however — they do add weight to your steps (maybe that's a good thing?!).
Sizes: 6-11 | Insulation: 400 grams 3M Thinsulate
These Oboz boots are another one of McClary’s picks for wearing in wet snowy conditions and it’s easy to see why. Along with 400 grams of insulation to keep your feet extremely warm in arctic temperatures, the shoes have a thick rubber sole and a liner that makes them fully waterproof and breathable. One Oboz shopper wrote: “This boot outdid itself in performance, quality and durability. I went to Latvia for a month in February and was met with all kinds of winter conditions, from freezing rain to a downpour of snow. This boot continued to perform. I would walk over seven miles and my feet were still warm and dry by the end of the day.”
Sizes: 5-12 | Insulation: 200 grams
For small doses of the outdoors, I recommend these snow boots from Columbia. Despite being a lace-up boot, I found them super easy to slip on and off and think they’re a great option to keep at the door for quick trips outside. They are very lightweight and easy to walk in and I had no issues on slippery surfaces thanks to the rugged rubber soles. The waterproof wonders keep rain and snow out while letting your feet breathe. They also pack in 200 grams of insulation (that's a lot) and the brand’s patented heat-trapping technology, so they keep my feet nice and warm even in super cold temps.
Sizes: 5 to 15 | Insulation: Recycled PET insulation
If you're planning a winter hiking trip or simply enjoy long walks in the snow, make sure to have these waterproof Keen booties. They kept my feet incredibly dry during rainy outings and are temperature-rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that your feet stay warm and cozy. The rugged rubber sole features multi-directional lugs, providing excellent traction. While I found them comfortable for long distances, I did notice that they felt somewhat bulky and stiff at first, requiring some time to break in. I wouldn’t recommend hitting the trails immediately after taking them out of the box. Additionally, I suggest wearing thick, long socks during your initial wears to avoid any unwanted rubbing around the ankles from the collar until the boots are fully broken in.
Sizes: 5-11 | Insulation: 200 grams
This pair by Ugg is one of Amazon’s most popular snow boots with an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 3,900 reviewers. They have the same cozy shearling lining as the classic Ugg boots, with an added rugged outsole and waterproof membrane to make them more effective in the snow. Senior commerce writer Kristin Granero loves them because “the lining is incredibly toasty (like a warmer for your feet), and the design is versatile. A winter staple, don't be surprised to find yourself wearing them everywhere.” There are eight colors to choose from, so you can easily find a style that pairs well with your winter wardrobe.
Sizes: 5-12 | Insulation: None
While these Sperry options are marketed as rain boots, deals writer Britt Ross has worn them for multiple winters with no issues. “They don't come up too high, allowing for more mobility than taller boots, they keep my feet dry, have great traction and I think they look pretty cute with leggings/tights tucked into them,” she said. She does note that since they aren’t insulated like a typical snow boot, you will have to wear thicker socks for warmth. “Also, since they're on the shorter side, I wouldn't try walking through deep snow with them, but they serve my needs (walking on slippery sidewalks) well.”
Sizes: 6-11 | Insulation: Faux fur lining
These adorable snow boots by Totes prove you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a great pair. Branded content and partnerships editor Rory Halperin has rocked them for a few winters now and raved, “They're comfy to wear all day and are pretty light — some other snow boots I've had were way too heavy so I dreaded wearing them. I also like that they're on the taller side — perfect for wading through snowy urban crosswalks. And the price is right.” She did note that while they work with leggings, other kinds of pants won't easily tuck inside.
Sizes: 5-12
Deputy editor Izabella Zaydenberg has sported these Toms ankle boots for two years and likes that “they're not super chunky — they're lightweight, pretty cute and keep my feet warm. I like that there are multiple colorways and the suede is very soft.” While you can’t wear the short boots in areas that get several feet of snow, Zaydenberg says “They work for city winters, though, and are good for that mucky gray slush we get a couple of days after snowfall.” She added, "Though they're technically water-resistant and not fully waterproof, they keep my feet dry even when I accidentally step in a puddle.”
Sizes: 5-11 | Insulation: Fleece lining
“I live in northern Utah and frequently encounter deep snow both at my home and at the ski resorts, so for those days I love a tall pull-on boot like the Muck Boots Arctic Ice Agat,” said McClary. “Ski resort parking lots often have ice, and these are great for that and deep snow. I also love having slip-on boots ready by the door for letting my dogs out.” The 100% waterproof gems have a fleece lining for warmth, a durable Vibram outsole (see FAQs, below) and a thick rubber sole for grip.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
According to Backcountry gearhead Ashleigh McClary, keep in mind how tall your boots need to be. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of snow that builds up fast, opt for a higher silhouette to prevent anything from seeping in; if you’re in a city that gets plowed and shoveled often, you can stick to shorter boots.
She said to also consider how much grip boots have on the bottom, the amount of insulation they have and the temperature they're rated to: "How easy are they to put on/take off? What activities do you plan to do in them? How waterproof are they? And of course, how good do they look?"
When it comes to finding a super cozy pair of snow boots, it’s all about the type of insulation. Canadian sports enthusiast and skating boutique owner Georgy Lowell told us the key is to look for “effective insulation materials such as Thinsulate, PrimaLoft or fleece lining. These provide warmth while ensuring breathability and moisture management.”
McClary added that the temperature rating is just as important (if not more) than the brand of insulation. “Any insulation over 150 grams is a good place to start,” she said. “The higher the number over that 150 grams, the warmer the boots will be.”
When it comes to traction, NYC and NJ-based podiatrist and owner of Dr. Brenner's Rx Foot care products Dr. Hillary Brenner says, “For ice, you want the bottom of the shoe to have metal spikes, cleats or studs. And for walking in snow, you want the boot to have a non-slip rubber sole.”
Lowell recommends choosing pairs with an outsole that’s “crafted from robust and enduring materials such as Vibram or Michelin, as they feature a lug pattern that maximizes traction on icy and snowy surfaces.”
Most winter boots are going to be waterproof, but it is always a good idea to verify. Dr. Brenner suggests “looking at the tongue of the shoe to confirm, though sometimes it will be written on the shoe itself or the sole.” McClary recommends looking for “tech specs and keywords in the product title like GTX (Gore-Tex) or WP (waterproof),” when shopping online. Lowell told us he also likes to read customer reviews as “owner’s experiences with a boot's waterproofing in actual use are frequently instructive.”
Travel blogger Nadia Podrabinek suggests going up a size in boots in case you need to wear thicker socks for added warmth. “This is because thermal socks, typically worn in colder climates, are bulkier than regular socks. Having an extra bit of room in your boots can enhance comfort and circulation, keeping your feet warm and cozy during your winter travels,” she told us.
Just remember to consider the climate when determining if you need thicker socks, McClary told us. Because “if your feet get too hot in the socks and sweat, your feet will actually be colder.” She added: “If you are planning to use the boots for a winter activity like hiking or snowshoeing, you’ll want the boots to fit similarly to your running shoes or hiking boots. But too much room in a boot will cause your foot to slip around, so you want to make sure you just have enough room for your foot to expand but nothing extra from side to side (laterally). If you’re going to be hiking or snowshoeing, you’ll also want to consider lace-up boots that can secure your foot into place vs slip-ons.”
Dr. Brenner shared with us her go-to trick for accurate sizing. “To get the best fit, make sure the tip of your thumb can fit between the end of the shoes and the end of your longest toe. If you're wearing thick socks, the boot should fit a bit tighter and if you're wearing thin socks, the boot should fit a bit looser.”
Ashleigh McClary, Backcountry gearhead
Dr. Hillary Brenner, NYC and NJ-based podiatrist and owner of Dr. Brenner's Rx Foot care products
Georgy Lowell, Canadian sports enthusiast and skating boutique owner
Nadia Podrabinek, travel blogger
