- All too often, winter boots put fashion above function and you end up with cold wet feet. We tested dozens of winter boots to find the best ones for warmth, style, and comfort.
- The UGG Adirondack III Boots are our top pick for women because they are stylish enough to wear with any outfit, but warm, waterproof, and tough enough to handle the harshest winter weather.
- If you’re looking for men’s styles, check out our guide to the best winter boots for men.
It may be way too warm to put on winter boots right now, but it’s still a good time to start thinking about your next pair. During the summer, you can often find lots of winter boots (and coats, mittens, and other cold-weather essentials) at even better prices. On top of that, you’ll be prepared for the first unexpected snowstorm of the season.
Winter boots are one of those things that are really hard to shop for, especially if you want a pair of boots that are warm and attractive. We don’t think you should have to choose between fashion and comfort.
In the process of writing this buying guide, we researched winter boots from all the top brands and several lesser-known names to find pairs in a variety of styles that were highly rated. We tested dozens of winter boots to find the best ones for different people’s needs.
After all, we know that not everyone needs heavy-duty boots that can take on sub-zero temperatures and six-foot snowbanks, but we also know that most people who are looking for a great pair of snow boots won’t be satisfied with a cute pair of water-resistant boots that can’t handle more than a light flurry. As such, we’ve included a fair mix of different options here so there will be something for everyone.
Our testing methodology:
To test these boots, we dunked them in a tub filled with icy water and tried to make them slip on patches of ice. We wore them on cold days to see how warm they were and stepped into deep puddles on rainy days to test water resistance. We walked for miles on snowy stretches of sidewalk in New York City and waded through snowbanks in Central Park to vet these boots.
Our opinions are also backed up by expert reviewers and actual buyers, so rest assured - these winter boots are guaranteed to keep your feet warm, dry, and happy all winter long and for many winters to come.
Here are the best winter boots for women:
- Best winter boots overall: UGG Adirondack III Boots
- Best tall winter boots: Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots
- Best tough winter boots: Columbia Bugaboot IV Winter Boots
- Best stylish winter boots: Sorel Slimpack II Lace Boots
- Best winter boots made in America: L.L.Bean Shearling-lined Bean Boots
- Best mid-calf winter boots: Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat Lace-Up Boots
- Best extra warm winter boots: L.L.Bean Wildcat Boots
Prices and links are current as of 7/29/2020.
The best winter boots overall
The UGG Adirondack III Boots are super cute winter boots that can handle extreme cold and deep snow without any problems.
UGG makes super stylish boots, and the Adirondack III boots are made for intense cold and tons of snow. With these boots on your feet, you'll be ready to brave anything winter throws at you.
The boots are made of waterproof leather and they have a super cozy insulating wool lining that's as fuzzy as it is warm. You can roll the tops down to expose the wool for style, or flip them back up to keep more of your ankle and lower calf warm.
The Vibram outsole is strong and provides great traction on icy surfaces, plus, these boots can handle extremely cold temperatures as low as -20°C, which is -4°F. You can buy the Adirondack boots in a few different colors, including white, black, and brown.
When I first put an older version of these boots on, I was impressed by how light, warm, and cute they were. By all rights, they should be clunky, but they're not. UGG's boots look cute enough to pair with skinny jeans or leggings all winter long in even the snobbiest of cities.
These boots are tough enough to handle rural areas with tons of snow, too, so you really can't go wrong with them. In my mind, they're the perfect boots for just about everyone. The only downside is the high price, but they'll last you for years. After a full winter of use, mine are still going strong.
Pros: Waterproof, pure wool lining, made for very cold temperatures, good traction, Vibram sole
Cons: Expensive
The best tall winter boots
The Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots are absolutely perfect for stomping through snowbanks and tackling intense winter conditions in style.
When the winter winds blow up a crazy snowstorm and you have 6 feet of snow to contend with in sub-zero temperatures, you need some serious winter boots that will keep more than just your feet warm. Sorel's Joan of Arctic Boots are just the ticket.
These boots are nearly a foot tall, so they'll keep your entire calf warm and dry even in deep snow. The suede leather shaft is fully waterproof and a faux fur cuff finishes the boots off in style. They lace up from a sturdy vulcanized rubber section that covers your toes and keeps them dry.
Sorel says these boots can handle temperatures as low as -25°F or -32°C. The tread on the bottom is grippy and good for ice and snow. You can even get them in a number of different colors and styles if faux fur isn't your thing or you don't want leather.
When I first took them out of the box, I thought these boots would be super clunky and bulky, but looks are deceiving. Once they were on my feet, they looked great. I can easily see these boots being perfect for both the city and the country because they are super stylish yet rugged enough to take on serious snow.
Pros: Tall boots, extra warm, rated for cold temperatures, good grip, comfortable, many color options
Cons: Expensive
The best light but tough winter boots
The Columbia Bugaboot IV Winter Boots protect your feet from the fierce cold of winter and wet icy slush puddles - plus, they're light on your feet.
When you think about tough gear that'll last you through an epic snowstorm, chances are, Columbia comes to mind. The company's coats, boots, shoes, and other gear are known for being of the highest quality. Columbia's Bugaboot IV Winter Boots are no exception.
I tested an older version of these popular and very highly rated winter boots and came away impressed by how light and toasty warm they were. By the look of them, I expected these boots to be as heavy and awkward to wear as the old winter boots I used to wear to survive the brutal winters in upstate New York (right across from the Canadian border, so we're talking 6 feet of snow and -30 windchills here). Imagine my surprise when they turned out to be light and nimble like a good pair of hiking boots.
The secret is in their design: Columbia used a mix of waterproof leather and textiles on the uppers to keep out all the snow, slush, and wet of winter without adding any unnecessary weight. The 200 grams of insulation inside keep your feet piping hot, too. These boots are so cozy that Columbia says they can handle temperatures as low as -25°F or -32°C.
Of course, it's not just the uppers that keep these boots light, it's also the special Techlite midsole and the Omni-Grip outsole that keep the weight down. Both are lightweight and specially designed for great comfort, stability, and traction on slippery surfaces.
These are the kind of boots I'd want on my feet during the cold nasty winters in snowy climates. They're perfect for walks through the snowy woods, shoveling out your driveway, and heading out to the grocery store. They obviously will not win any beauty contests and those who have more mild winters or live in cities where style is more important than strength won't need tough boots like these.
However, for anyone who needs a super warm, waterproof, stable, and lightweight pair of winter boots that are ready for action, these are the ones I'd recommend.
Pros: Lightweight, very warm, rated for low temperatures, relatively affordable
Cons: A bit bulky, not the most attractive boots you'll ever see
The best stylish winter boots with a small heel
The Sorel Slimpack II Lace Boots are fully waterproof, slim, and cute with a slight heel and fun color options.
If you don't want to wear clunky winter boots all the time, you may want a lighter, slimmer pair for days when there's less snow on the ground. These Slimpack Lace II boots from Sorel deliver. They have the distinctive duck boot design you see on many winter boots and rain boots, but Sorel adds cute little design elements like wool accents and fun laces to make them stand out.
The full-grain leather upper is fully waterproof as is the vulcanized rubber part that wraps around the lower part of your foot. You can splash in the rain or stomp through slush puddles in these boots without getting wet. The wool felt collar around the top of the boot adds warmth and style to the basic boots. Inside the boots, there's a nice microfleece lining that will keep your feet warm but not sweltering.
These are comfortable, breathable boots that Sorel says are best for heavy rain instead of snow. However, if you wear them with a nice thick pair of socks, they are perfect for cold winter days and a few feet of snow. The waterproof construction and the grippy outsole offer good traction on ice.
These boots even have a little heel that's just under two inches, which I appreciate as a 5-foot-2 lady. I love these Sorel boots and I wear them whenever it rains. In the winter, I wear them on days with light snow because they're both nice-looking and practical for the city streets.
If you need heavy-duty winter boots for extreme cold and snow, check out our other more rugged picks.
Pros: Slight heel, good traction, waterproof, slim, comfortable, warm
Cons: Not as rugged or warm as some
The best winter boots made in America
The L.L.Bean Shearling-lined Bean Boots are super cozy, classic looking, and made to last - right in America.
L.L.Bean's boots are quintessential winter gear for a reason: They're extremely high quality. These classic duck-style Bean Boots are lined with real sheepskin shearling to keep your feet extra warm even in the cold winters of Maine where these boots are made.
The uppers are made from full-grain leather that's waterproof, while the rubber covering on the bottom half of the boots keeps your feet totally dry even if you step into a nasty puddle. The boots have a tiny heel and a high-traction rubber chain pattern on the bottom for extra grip on slippery ice.
It's not often you find boots that are made in America, so these Bean Boots are special. They're very high quality and they should last for years before you need a new pair. And longevity is going to be important because these boots cost $229. L.L.Bean does make cheaper versions of its classic Bean Boots without the shearling if you want to save some money.
I tried a pair on a wet rainy day and they handled puddles with aplomb. They handled snow equally well. These boots are very warm, so they're well-suited to cold conditions and a foot or two of snow. Because the design is simple and classic, you could wear the Bean Boots in any situation from a trek in the snowy woods to a jaunt into town for milk.
Pros: Made in America, real shearling is warm, durable, great traction, waterproof
Cons: Expensive
The best mid-calf winter boots
The Columbia Heavenly Omni-Heat Boots are super cozy and fully waterproof mid-calf winter boots that feel like light slippers on your feet.
If the other Columbia boots in our guide are just too clunky and rugged for your tastes, you'll love these Heavenly Omni-Heat boots. First things first: These boots look way cuter in person than they do online. When I put an older version of these boots on the first time, I knew I could easily wear them with skinny jeans or a dress and tights in the city without shame. Columbia has a bunch of fun colors, too, so you can buy the pair that'll look best with your style.
Believe it or not, these boots are just as warm, waterproof, and comfortable as the chunkier Bugaboots. The waterproof woven textile uppers hit your leg mid-calf and boast a cute faux fur lining that peeks out at the top and along the sides where you lace the boots up. They'll keep your feet and legs warm even in a foot or two of snow.
Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproof seam-sealed membrane keeps water, slush, and snow out of your boots while the 200 grams of insulation inside keep your feet and legs super warm. Just like the Bugaboots, these can withstand temperatures as cold as -25°F or -32°C, thanks to the Omni-Heat reflective lining.
These boots will fare just as well on the snowy city streets as they will in the driveway shoveling snow or out walking on snowy paths. I consider these boots to be the perfect stylish alternative for colder climates where you still need serious boots.
Pros: Warm, comfortable, good traction, rated for very cold temperatures, higher rise
Cons: A bit expensive
The best extra warm winter boots
The L.L.Bean Wildcat Boots are heavy duty boots that are made for intense cold and lots of snow.
When you live in a very cold place with tons of snow and you need a serious pair of boots, the L.L.Bean Wildcat Boots are a good pick. These boots are rated to keep your feet warm during light activity in temperatures of 30°F or during more intense activity in temperatures as low as -20°F.
The waterproof leather upper and L.L.Bean's TEK2.5 waterproof technology make these boots all-but impermeable. You can dunk your feet in a huge icy slush puddle without fear - These boots will keep your feet totally dry and warm. There's even a toe bumper in the front to protect you from stubbing your toe on a fallen log or what have you.
The PrimaLoft insulation inside the boots wicks away moisture while also keeping your feet comfortably warm. On the bottom of the boots, you have a very good grip and traction even on slippery ice and snow, thanks to the Vertigrip outsole. The way it's designed prevents snow from getting trapped in the treads and messing up the traction.
Although these boots are a bit bulky, they're quite light on your feet. I tried a pair and I was surprised by how comfortable they were to walk in. Most heavy-duty winter boots make you feel like a giant stomping around, but these Wildcat Boots felt more like a tough pair of hiking or work boots.
Obviously, L.L.Bean's Wildcat boots aren't ones you'd choose if you live in a mild climate or a city where you have to look your best, but out in rural areas where you need a pair of hardcore boots, these are perfect. They're also great for outdoorsy people who love to snowshoe and walk in the wintry woods.
Pros: Warm, made for tough winters, waterproof, leather and fabric design is breathable
Cons: Not so fashionable
Check out our other winter gear guides
The best winter coats for women
A good winter coat should keep you warm in cold weather without weighing you down. Even better if it looks nice too. We rounded up a range of coats, with fashionable and very functional options. Here are the best winter coats for women.
The best winter coats for men
A good winter coat will keep you warm and dry even when the snow is falling and the wind is howling. A great winter coat will keep you warm, dry, and looking good, too. Here are the best winter coats for men.
The best places to buy scarves online
Your choice of scarf can make or break your comfort level in the wintertime. Opt for one that's wooly and warm and you'll be toasty. Choose a too-thin fabric and you, well, won't. These five brands are your best bet for warm, attractive options that will keep you cozy all winter long. Here are the best places to buy scarves online.
The best thermal gloves
A good pair of thermal gloves can make all the difference on a cold winter day. We did the research to find the best thermal gloves you can buy to keep your hands nice and toasty for the rest of this winter and for many more winters to come. Here are the best thermal gloves you can buy.
The best mittens
Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves, so if it's cold where you live, work, or play, slip a pair on and keep the chill out. Today we've lined up some of the best mittens on the market, including mittens for babies, kids, adults, and some specialty pairs, too. Here are the best mittens.
The best snow pants
Make the most of that winter wonderland this year by keeping yourself warm and dry with well-made snow pants when you're skiing, sledding, or generally romping about in the snow. Here are the best snow pants.
