Top Winter Boots to Keep Your Feet Warm and Stylish
Winter boots are great for day hikes on snow, but they don't always grip ice well. For icy conditions, you'll want to use a separate traction device like the chain-style Yaktrax or Kahtoola Microspikes.
Our gear editor threw these boots into a blizzard and onto some rocky trails, and they held up. They're super comfortable, too.
Caribou
The Sorel Caribou is a classic winter boot with a lot of warmth and durability to keep you out and about in cold weather. The boot features a seam-sealed waterproof construction and a durable vulcanized rubber bottom. It also includes metal shanks across the heel and ball of the foot to provide sturdy footing over uneven terrain. Premium shearling lines the sides and tongue of the boot, while 200-gram PrimaLoft insulation keeps your feet warm and comfortable.
These boots come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your style. Some versions even feature a convertible coat to transform the boots into a vest. The Caribou is also available in a non-cozy version with a more minimal fur trim for those who are not as cold-sensitive.
Another great feature of the Caribou is that it comes in a variety of sizes to ensure a proper fit. While it isn’t the most form-fitting boot for high-output activities, such as winter hiking or snowshoeing, it is a great option for casual walking or running errands.
The only drawback to the Caribou is that it is fairly heavy for a winter boot. It weighs in at over 4 pounds 10 ounces, which is far above the average for winter boots in our review. In comparison, The North Face’s Chilkat V 400 and Columbia’s Bugaboot Celsius Plus are much lighter and have a less bulky feel to them.
Another important consideration with any winter boot is that it can be easy to overheat in them. The thick insulation and waterproof constructions used to create these boots help to trap heat and prevent water from leaking inside, but they can also make it hard for your feet to breathe. If you plan on wearing your winter boots for prolonged periods, it’s best to choose a pair that is slightly more balanced and lighter in construction to allow your feet to breathe.
Buxton Lace
This men’s winter boot combines warmth and waterproofing in a sleek, snow-taming package that’s equally at home in the city as it is in the great outdoors. 200 grams of insulation rest inside a seam-sealed, waterproof suede upper that’s reinforced with an injection thermal rubber shell outsole for complete protection from snow and ice. The lugged rubber sole adds powerful traction that’s ideal for keeping you upright when traversing slippery surfaces. A removable EVA footbed and 2.5mm bonded frost plug midsole add comfort to this durable cold-weather boot. Traditional lace-ups enhance the classic, mid-cut style.
These 7-inch boots, ideal for temperatures as low as -25F, offer substantial protection against snow and ice. Featuring a woven textile top cover and waterproof suede leather wrapping the upper, these boots are insulated with 200g of Sorel's most efficient synthetic insulation. To make this reliable footwear even more budget-friendly, consider using Columbia Coupons. Inside, enjoy the comfort provided by a removable EVA footbed and a 2.5mm molded frost plug midsole. The injection-molded, thermal-rubber shell outsole ensures that snow and ice are kept at bay, while the hiker-inspired laces can be tightened for a secure fit, instilling confidence as you navigate through challenging weather conditions.
Ugg Butte
The Ugg Butte is a stylish winter boot that’s perfect for everyday use. It provides good protection against rain, slush, and snow with a waterproof membrane, plush wool lining, and solid traction from the Vibram sole. If a little moisture does get inside, the wool lining is great at catching it and keeping your feet warm. It also dries very quickly and retains its warmth even when wet. It’s a bit heavier than our top pick, but still a solid choice for everyday wear.
Most winter boots put a big emphasis on warmth, and their substantial constructions often sacrifice breathability. They’re fine for quick trips outside or if you live in a place with frigid winters and deep snow, but if you’ll be hiking or spending significant amounts of time outdoors, you’ll need something that breathes a little better.
If you want a lightweight, warm-weather option with a little more flexibility, check out the Merrell Thermo Chill. These boots are a good match with snowshoes and have a much lighter feel than many winter boots. They’re also water-resistant and provide decent traction on slippery surfaces, but you’ll need to wear them with winter ice cleats for true hiking protection.
There are plenty of winter boots that specialize in one aspect or another, but The North Face’s Chilkat 400 V offers a lot of cold-weather technology for a very reasonable price. Its molded TPU shell and waterproof membrane seal out moisture, the plush wool lining keeps your feet warm and dry, and the proprietary Surface Control sole delivers amazing traction on icy surfaces.
Baffin Chloe
Whether you are heading out to ski, snowshoe, or hike in arctic temperatures, the Baffin Chloe will keep your feet toasty warm while keeping your style intact. This women's insulated winter boot is designed to be worn in cold climates from below zero up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The outer shell is made of waterproof synthetic rubber. It is also resistant to abrasion and has a built-in arch support. Inside, the removable seven-layer liner boot is filled with Thermaplush to keep your feet and calves cozy. The liner leaves room for you to tuck your snow pants into the boots, which will keep the boots extra warm and dry.
When you first wear the Baffin Chloe, it may feel tight. This is because the inner boot system contains layers that form your foot and ankle over time. After you have had the boots on for a while, they will stretch out and become more flexible. However, you should be careful when flexing the boots, as too much bending can damage the interior of the boot.
Baffin, a seasoned manufacturer of snow boots, has mastered the art of creating rugged and durable footwear, as exemplified by the Baffin Chloe. This pac boot showcases a chic leather upper, faux fur collars, and a resilient rubber base ensuring waterproof protection in cold conditions. To make this quality product even more affordable, consider utilizing Apparel & Clothing Coupons. The insulated liners not only keep your feet warm but also effectively prevent moisture buildup, averting issues like sweat and maintaining optimal insulation. Perfect for activities like snowshoeing or mountain hiking, these boots are designed to tackle icy terrain and gravel beneath the snow.
Bogs Arcata
The Bogs Arcata is a comfortable winter boot that keeps your feet warm and dry. The boots are constructed of a waterproof shell and include 7mm Neo-Tech insulation. Bogs Max-Wick technology evaporates sweat to keep your feet dry, and the lining is made of plush faux fur for warmth and comfort. The GlacialGrip slip-resistant outsole provides excellent traction on snowy and icy surfaces.
The boots are a good choice for outdoor activities including shoveling, walking the dog, and taking a hike. The boot is light and comfortable, but the soles are a little thin. The boot also does not fit very tightly around the foot, so it can allow some slush in when hiking in deep snow.
These women’s winter boots are a great choice for cold weather conditions and feature 7mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation and a soft knit upper with plush faux fur lining. The boots are rated to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and provide warmth and protection against rain, slush, and snow. Bogs’ DuraFresh anti-odor technology and a Max-Wick moisture management system help to keep your feet dry, while the Bloom algae-based EVA footbed helps clean polluted water habitats.
The women’s insulated boots are ideal for cold and wet winter environments and offer complete waterproof protection with GlacialGrip slip-resistant outsoles. The boots are a great choice for outdoor activities including shoveling, walking, and snowshoeing. The boots are lightweight and comfortable, but the soles are surprisingly thin for such a sturdy and durable boot. The boot also does not fit very tightly over the foot, so it can allow some mud or slush in when hiking in deep rain or snow. The boot also does not have a lot of arch support.
Conclusion
Keeping your feet warm and stylish during winter can be achieved with the right pair of boots. From classic leather designs to trendy and comfortable options, there are plenty of winter boots to choose from. Consider factors such as insulation, waterproofing, and traction when making your selection. With top winter boots like Sorel Joan of Arctic, UGG Classic Short II, and Columbia Minx Mid III, you can stay warm and fashionable all season long.