The 12 Best Winter Boots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall Winter Boots

Baffin Chloe Boot

$133 at Amazon $185 at Zappos $195 at REI

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

When choosing footwear for snow, you need something to keep your feet warm and dry without risking freezing toes. The Baffin Chloe Boots are made for trudging through snow drifts, shoveling the driveway, or adventuring in wintery mountain landscapes. The boots are breathable, heat-regulating, waterproof, and wind-resistant, and despite the somewhat bulky appearance, they’re lightweight to walk in. 

We wore these with regular ankle socks and felt perfectly comfortable. There’s enough room for a thicker wool sock, but the boots are super warm, so heavier socks might get too hot. They fit true to size with extra space around the calves (this is easily adjustable with the string toggle that can make it as tight or loose as you want). We loved the cushioning/padding on the soles and around the foot, and the toe box is spacious, too. While they take time to put on and strap up, once they're on, your feet will be secure even in knee-deep snow.

These boots have ample arch and ankle support, and we didn’t feel like we were sliding around in them. We also found them durable and high-quality, albeit a little heavy and cumbersome to walk in for long stretches of time. The boots tend to feel tight when you first put them on due to the removable insulating inner boot system that conforms to your foot as you wear them, so there was a little bit of a breaking-in period as the inner boot adapts to the foot.

Size Range: 6–11 | Material: Leather | Shaft Height: 11 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Budget Winter Boots

Ryka Brae Winter Boot

$74 at Zappos View on Ryka.com $20 at Macy's

Our Ratings

• Support
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  4.9/5

If you want a pair of comfortable go-to boots for snowy environments, look no further than the Ryka Brae Winter Boot. These boots are affordable, cozy, and warm, and they have plenty of room for thick socks on particularly chilly days and nights. They look and feel chic, are high quality, and come in four colorways.

The boots are unbelievably lightweight and need zero breaking-in. They were so comfortable that we felt like we were wearing slippers the whole time. The boots keep the foot nicely snug, although they don't have a lot of ankle support—the fabric is too soft for that. While these aren’t ideal for rigorous hiking on rough terrain, they’re perfect for relaxed outdoor activities, like city walks in snowy weather. 

We also love that these boots are completely waterproof. During testing, we held them under running water in a sink for a good few minutes, and not only was the paper towel we placed on the inside completely dry, the outer fabric never felt wet, and any droplets disappeared within seconds. All in all, these boots offer excellent value for money and look stylish, too.

Size Range: 5-12 | Material: Nylon and microsuede | Shaft Height: 5.25 inches | Waterproof: Water repellant

Best Everyday Winter Boots

Dr. Martens Combs Padded Casual Boots

$94 at Amazon View on Dsw.com View on Lyst.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

For an everyday winter boot that’s comfortable, warm, and water-resistant, opt for the Dr. Martens Combs Padded Casual Boots. These boots are made from high-quality materials, look and feel good, and have impressive waterproofing to keep your feet dry and warm in winter conditions.

These roomy boots are flexible, with plenty of space in the toe box. They are breathable, padded, and have a supportive sole that makes walking easy, even though they’re chunkier than your average boot. There was no breaking-in period, and they were comfortable right when we put them on. Although the shoes are soft and not meant to be incredibly supportive, we didn’t feel particularly unsupported in them either. While the material is softer than your average hiking or snow boots, its softness and flexibility add to the boot’s comfort. 

The boots don't feel too heavy or chunky on your feet, which is great since they have the standard thick Dr. Marten sole. We liked the impressive traction, which gripped the ground beneath us. They are ankle height, so they are not for trudging through deep snow or drifts, but they make for excellent everyday casual winter shoes. They only come in khaki or black, but these two shades are universal and pair well with most winter outfits.

Size Range: 5–11 | Material: PU-coated leather and nylon | Shaft Height: 4 inches   Waterproof: Not listed

Warmest Winter Boots

Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP Boots

$140 at Zappos $200 at Salomon.com $140 at Backcountry.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

Say goodbye to frosty toes for good—with the Salomon Toundra Pro Waterproof Boots, your feet will be safe, dry, and warm all winter. These boots have leather construction with Aerogel insulation, providing optimal protection and warmth in brutal temperatures down to -40°F, according to the brand. These sturdy and supportive boots didn’t take too long to break in and kept us totally upright and safe when walking on wet, slippery terrain.

We also found these boots to be exceptionally warm, true to size, spacious, and supportive with plenty of padding. They’re fully waterproof and did a great job keeping moisture at bay. These boots are hardy and durable, with a rugged sole that has deep lugs/rivets for extra grip and traction. There’s even waterproof rubber padding all around for added protection.

The stiff build isn't as cozy as other winter footwear options, but if you’re walking in snow, sleet, ice, and puddles, your feet will stay safe and warm. The lace-up design can be time-consuming, so they’re not ideal for quick everyday errands, but if you want supported, warm, and dry feet for those winter walks, this boot is a stellar option. 

Size Range: 5-11 | Material: Leather and textile | Shaft Height: 7.5 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Winter Boots for Rain

Muck Boot Company Arctic Ice Tall AGAT Boot

$221 at Amazon View on Muckbootcompany.com View on Muckbootcompany.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

The Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Ice Tall Agat Boot comes up just under the knee, shielding your legs and feet from rain and sleet. The boots are comfortable to walk in, offer superior traction, and have plenty of room for your favorite chunky socks. 

These boots are designed to keep you as dry as possible, which is why they are so tall. While we like this feature for its performance in wet conditions, it also can restrict movement—you won’t want these to be your main winter hiking or everyday boots. But if you regularly go out in wet and muddy conditions and need rain boots, the Agat boots will keep you clean, dry, and warm. Unlike other rain boots, these are insulated and have a cushioned EVA midsole for extra comfort, which offers good arch support and keeps the ankle stable.

We love that these boots don’t have a breaking-in period and are basically good to go straight from the box. During testing, no moisture or cold penetrated these boots, making us confident that they will keep your feet warm and dry all winter long. For those who live in inclement environments, these are the boots to keep your feet dry.

Size Range: 5–11 | Material: Rubber | Shaft Height: 16.9 | Waterproof: Yes

Best Winter Boots for Hiking

Keen Revel IV Polar Boot

$190 at Amazon $190 at Zappos $190 at REI

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

We put the Keen Revel IV Polar Boots to the test, taking them on several hour-long hikes, running errands, and even doing yard work. We’re pleased to report that these boots are surprisingly lightweight, comfortable, and have plenty of room in the toe box. We dunked these high-quality, fully waterproof boots right in a puddle and didn’t feel any difference, not even a change in temperature.

These lightweight boots feel supportive and have just the right amount of give—they're not too flimsy and not too stiff. We were impressed by the traction; they felt grippy going down a slick rock. The boot is well-constructed, with everything mindfully designed down to the placement of the lace eyelets. 

They come in five colorways, and though chunky and rugged, they look good with practically any type of athletic wear. These boots were exceptional for working in the garden because they were comfortable, protected our feet, and could get wet/muddy without any issues. While these boots are bulky and took some getting used to, it didn’t take long to wear them—they felt comfortable on the very first day.

Size Range: 5-12 | Material: Leather and mesh | Shaft Height: 3.94 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Waterproof Winter Boots

Sorel Caribou Boot

View on Amazon $140 at Nordstrom $200 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Support
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

The gorgeous Sorel Caribou Boots pair wonderfully with almost any winter outfit, including jeans, joggers, and leggings. The boots are incredibly insulated thanks to the removable and washable inner felt boot and shearling cuff that keeps your toes warm, cozy, and super comfortable. The boots are also waterproof (apart from the laces), as their upper is made from nubuck leather with a seam-sealed construction that won’t allow a single droplet in. 

We tested these boots on gravel, grass, dirt, and concrete surfaces. They kept our feet cozy, warm, and completely dry. We even poured three glasses of water on them and it slid right off. The boots have a roomy toe box but keep the feet warm for blustery winter evenings and snowy escapades. We also liked the insert, which hugged the calf and kept our ankles warm and sturdy. We can’t say that these boots are breathable, but for what you need them for—keeping warm and dry in wet weather—they do the job wonderfully.

Everything from the packaging to our initial impression of the boots felt high-quality and durable. They were comfortable on day one and didn't need to break in. Overall, these mid-priced boots have a high-quality make and impressive versatility—making them an excellent value pick.

Size Range: 5–12 | Material: Nubuck leather | Shaft Height: 8.5 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Insulated Winter Boots

Helly Hansen Women’s Garibaldi VL Boots

$140 at Amazon $200 at Zappos View on Hellyhansen.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

If cold feet are the bane of your life in the colder months, you’ll love the Helly Hansen Garibaldi VL Insulated Winter Boots. The faux fur lining will keep your toes snug no matter the weather, and absolutely nothing will get in thanks to the protective toe-to-heel band and waterproof nubuck leather construction. They only took a single wear to break them in, after which they were incredibly comfortable and shaped to our feet perfectly. 

We wore these boots in several rainstorms and at the dog park and our feet remained completely dry and warm throughout. The boots are made of waterproof leather and polyester that looks like wool—when wet, you can see that water droplets never penetrate the material. The only part that retains some moisture is the faux fur on top, which doesn't really touch the body.

The thick construction isn't super breathable, but we prefer that in insulated winter boots. Even in warmer weather, our feet didn’t get sweaty or overheated. Overall, these boots have great flexibility and support in the arch and ankle, and they look and feel well-made and durable. The stitching is strong, and we generally think these boots will last a good few years. The soles are very grippy, and the boot feels surprisingly lightweight and flexible considering its warmth and heft. We also love that they’re available in five colors.

Size Range: 5.5–10 | Material: Nubuck leather | Shaft Height: 11 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Tall Winter Boots

Hunter Insulated Tall Snow Boots

$170 at Amazon $210 at Nordstrom View on Hunterboots.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  4/5

The Hunter Intrepid Insulated Tall Snow Boots hug the entirety of the foot, ankle, and calf and can even be secured tightly with a toggle at the top so that no water or snow gets in. The boots have a waterproof internal membrane and a moisture-wicking, warm recycled fleece lining for ultimate comfort.

We wore these boots on several rainy walks and found they were just as cozy as they looked. We didn’t have to worry about any part of our lower leg getting wet, even when we stepped in puddles. Knee-high snow is also a non-issue for these boots. As far as breathability goes, these warm winter boots are decidedly for cold weather, but despite being warm, we didn’t sweat in them. They offer plenty of ankle and arch support, and since the material is soft, they’re easy to pull on and take off.

We also like that they are roomy enough to wear sweats with and that the toggle drawstring means you can secure them snugly. The boots are large and have a standout design, but if warmth is your top priority, it’s a small price to pay. In fact, they’re stylish in their own way. Unfortunately, these boots are only available in whole sizes, but they run slightly large, so it might be best to size them down unless you plan to wear your chunkiest socks.

Size Range: 5–11 | Material: Nylon | Shaft Height: 16.25 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Stylish Winter Boots

Ugg Adirondack III Boot

$250 at Nordstrom $250 at Zappos $250 at Ugg.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

If you're in sub-zero temperatures this winter but still want to look fashionable, you need the UGG Adirondack III Boot in your winter wardrobe. This winter boot looks incredibly stylish and has a cold-weather rating of -25.6°F, according to the brand. It has a waterproof leather, suede upper, pure wool lining, removable wool insole, and an EVA midsole for added support and stability.

We found these boots very comfortable from the first wear, with plenty of space in the toe box. They are supportive and cozy thanks to the classic fuzzy UGG interior, which reminds us of our favorite pair of slippers. The rubber outsole has a molded design for superior traction on any terrain, and nylon laces close the boot tightly to keep out any winter drafts.

These boots have a solid construction with a thick rubber sole, waterproof leather, and plush interior lining. We love that these boots are so flexible, making them comfortable for walking and running errands. During testing, we noticed that they felt very high quality and we expect them to last a long time. They’re available in several colorways, but we recommend sizing up half a size for the best fit.

Size Range: 5-12 | Material: Leather and suede| Shaft Height: 7 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Comfortable Winter Boots

The North Face Shellista IV Boot

$87 at Amazon $64 at Zappos View on Finishline.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5

The North Face Shellista IV Mid WP Boot might look like your average snow boot, but it doesn’t feel like one. These insulated boots kept us warm and comfortable wear after wear, and we didn't want to take them off when we got home after long walks. They fit true to size and were immediately comfy and supportive when we first put them on thanks to the molded sock liners and molded EVA midsoles.

The boots offered excellent arch support and didn’t cramp or crowd our toes. The shoe material is flexible yet sturdy enough to be supportive and the full-grain leather and waterproof seam-sealed construction means they are built to last. We were impressed by the lining, as it didn't become matted or lose its fluff factor after continued wear. 

Although they’re a little heavier than some other options (it felt like we were stomping at first), we found that the extra weight helps with traction, making them optimal for snowy weather. Overall, these boots are comfortable, breathable, warm, and reasonably priced. 

Size Range: 5–11 | Material: Leather and nylon | Shaft Height: 8 inches | Waterproof: Yes

Best Winter Boots With Arch Support

OrthoFeet Florence Boots

View on Amazon $127 at Zappos View on Orthofeet.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  4.5/5
• Fit
  5/5

For everyday winter footwear that’s reasonably priced, waterproof, and supportive, try the Orthofeet Florence Waterproof Boots. We wore these boots on hikes and trails, ran city errands, and even drove in them for several hours, and they were comfortable and supportive the whole time. We love that they have no laces and a wide foot opening so they come on and off easily—you can secure them with the velcro straps once they're on. 

We didn’t need to break them in, and the boots have an additional insole and adjustable arch support. The cloud-like sole isn't too thick so as to throw off the balance, making it sturdy for treacherous winter conditions. They also seem well-made, with secure velcro that stays in place all day once you place it to your desired fit. 

We were also impressed that they provided grip and waterproofing during our testing. They repelled the water, and no droplets seeped inside the boot. We found these boots user-friendly for those with mobility issues because they're so easy to put on and take off. Although a bit plain in design, they are available in four colors to suit most styles, and come in several widths, too. 

Size Range: 5-12 | Material: Leather | Shaft Height: Not stated (boot height 6.75 inches) | Waterproof: Yes