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As winter approaches, it’s time to stock up on all the cold weather essentials — the best winter coat, warm fleece-lined leggings, dependable heated gloves and, of course, warm, snow-proof, well-insulated boots. Whether you need a good pair of waterproof rain boots or a pair that will keep you upright when you step on black ice during your commute, winter boots are a necessity during colder weather, especially for protecting your feet from icy puddles and snow storms until spring.
You can find more information about how we test winter boots — plus tips on how to shop for the best ones for you — at the end of this guide. Make sure to pair your winter boots with a pair of warm socks to keep your feet from freezing in cold weather.
BEST OVERALL WINTER BOOTS
PROS
- Over 31,000 Amazon reviews
- Available in several colors
- Offers wide and standard sizing
CONS
- Some reviewers recommend going up half a size
These winter boots by Columbia are both best sellers on Amazon and a favorite among product experts at GH for their wide, roomy toe box and thoughtful design. Featuring a leather upper and a rubber sole designed for excellent traction, they have a 9-inch shaft for a mid-calf height for ample protection. The brand’s Techlite midsole is also a favorite among our consumer testers for its lightweight quality combined with generous cushioning and support. One GH analyst who has used this pair for several winters particularly likes how her feet stay warm without overheating in these snow boots compared to others she’s tried. Another tester gave this pair high scores for comfort and fit, commenting that she “didn’t have to break them in at all.”
We also appreciate how easy these boots are to adjust to ensure a good fit. And we like the gusseted tongue, which means the tongue is attached to the sides of the boot to prevent any snow or rain from getting in your shoes. While we found this shoe runs true to size in our evaluations, take note that some Amazon reviewers recommended going up half a size.
BEST VALUE WINTER BOOTS
GLOBALWIN Women’s Waterproof Winter Boots Snow Boots For Women
PROS
- Average 4.4-star rating
- Fleece-lined interior
- Stylish knit detailing
CONS
- Not as cushioned as other picks
Winter boots can be quite the pricey purchase, but you don’t need to break the bank to get a great-fitting pair! They’re made with waterproof-treated faux leather and a fleece-lined interior, so you can trust they’ll keep your toes warm without letting in snow or rain. With knit and shearling detailing at the top of each shoe, this pair looks similar to designer boots at a fraction of the cost. Plus, they’re got over 5,700 Amazon reviews with an average 4.4-star rating. Our analysts appreciate the traction provided by the rubber outsole — which the brand calls “slip-resistant” — on snowy terrain. Just take note that some reviewers found the footbed of the boot to be too hard, offering less cushioning than other boots they’ve tried, so be sure to pair these shoes with cushioned socks, such as hiking socks.
WARMEST WINTER BOOTS
Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden Ii Snow Boot
PROS
- Popular brand
- Gusseted tongue
- Plush, cozy insulated interior
CONS
- Heavier
If you’re heading out to play in the snow all day, you need the warmest pair of winter boots you can find. This classic boot features a waterproof nubuck leather upper, rubber sole and gusseted tongue with 9 millimeters of felt insulation to keep your feet thoroughly protected from the elements. Sorel is a popular brand among GH analysts and product experts for its long-lasting and durable qualities, with many users calling them their “go-to boots for staying warm in cold weather.” Just note that in our evaluations, this pair felt heavier than other contenders, so they may not be the best choice if you’re walking long distances in the snow. Testers also noted that these ran half a size small, so be sure to size up for a more comfortable fit. These boots have an 8.5-inch shaft, hitting at a mid-calf height so they’re great for everyday wear, but if you’re looking for a taller boot, consider the brand’s Joan of Arctic Boots, or for a shorter option, the brand’s Tivoli IV Boots are a great choice.
BEST WINTER CHELSEA BOOTS
Dr. Martens Women’s 2976 Leonore Chelsea Boot
PROS
- On-trend ankle boots
- Long-lasting waterproof treated leather
- Lined with faux fur
CONS
- Some reviewers recommend going up a half size
Don’t forgo fashion as the temperature drops: These stylish booties feature waterproofed leather and a rubber sole designed for high traction. Known for its high-quality boots that last for years, this pair from Dr. Martens is lined with faux fur for extra warmth. Testers were blown away by the comfortable, fluffy interior and gave these boots high points for appearance. Heads up: Some reviewers commented that these run a bit small, but we found them true-to-size for average-width feet. One tester even noted that the toebox was higher than other boots she’s worn.
BEST WINTER BOOTS FOR SNOW
Kamik Women’s Momentum Snow Boot
PROS
- Bungee lacing system is easy to adjust
- High traction outsole for snow
- Specialized brand
CONS
- Not as lightweight as some picks
Kamik is a seasoned Canadian footwear brand that’s known for its winter boots and rain boots. This pair stands out for its easily adjustable bungee lacing system that makes getting the right fit and slipping them on and off a breeze. Featuring a waterproof, seam-sealed nylon upper, great thermal insulation and a high-traction outsole, these boots are a great pick for heavy snow. In the Lab, we were impressed by the thoughtful construction and versatility of these boots and appreciated the removable EVA footbed that allows you to insert a different insole for customized support. The caveat is that in our evaluations, these boots felt a heavier than others we tested, so we recommend these for more intense weather or when traveling shorter distances.
BEST SLIP-ON WINTER BOOTS
The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Traction Bootie
PROS
- ThermoBall insulation for warmth
- Easy on and off design
- Very lightweight
CONS
- Hand wash only
- Not ideal for harsher winter weather
When quickly stepping outside to grab the mail or let the dog out, you don’t want to struggle with bulky boots. These slip-on shoes from The North Face are easy to put on and take off. Designed with winter in mind, these booties feature a synthetic upper with a water-repellent finish and the brand’s popular ThermoBall technology that traps heat in small pockets within the shoe for extra warmth and insulation. Testers gave this pair high scores for comfort and warmth, with one commenting that the lightweight feel and stylish puffer-like look is a welcome change from heavier, conventional winter boots. Our experts also appreciate that this style uses recycled material for the upper, insulation and part of the rubber outsole. Just note that these shoes are hand wash only, and not meant for serious snow.
BEST PLUS-SIZE WINTER BOOTS
Tecnica Unisex Moon Nylon Fashion Boot
- 14-inch tall boots, ideal for deep snow
- Tons of color options
- Futuristic design
CONS
- Bulkier and harder to maneuver
BOGS Women’s Whiteout Adjustable Calf Snow Boot
- Cushioning insole
- Adjustable calf strap for fit
- Durafresh technology to prevent smelly shoes
CONS
- Only available in one print
