The 10 best winter boots for surviving the cold and snow, according to footwear experts

The cold-weather season is officially upon us. Whether you spend a lot of time outdoors, live in a colder climate or both, reliable, high-quality winter boots are the key to making it through winter. Not only do the best winter boots keep your toes toasty and dry, but they'll also provide traction on ice and slippery terrain.

To find the very best snow boots on the market, we consulted a panel of podiatrists, hiking enthusiasts, travel experts, personal stylists and our shopping editors to see which ones actually live up to the hype. With their advice, we conducted our own research, considering factors such as waterproofing and insulation levels, as well as construction and materials that keep feet warm and protected from the elements.

Ultimately, we found that when it comes to functional snow boots, durability and performance are more important than aesthetics (though we'll prove in this list that fashion and function can co-exist). Here are the best winter boots for men and women, from beloved brands like L.L. Bean, Baffin, Columbia and more, including warm and comfortable styles for every need.

The best snow boots of 2026

How we tested

Before recommending any products, we first interviewed a few experts, including professional stylists in colder regions of the country, footwear retail professionals and hiking enthusiasts. We took their personal snow boot recommendations, then took their advice to do our own research (72 hours of it!), browsing reviews across multiple retailers and Reddit forums.

We also leaned on our own expertise. I used my personal experiences with the snow boots I've tested and surveyed multiple fellow staffers as well, some whom have lived in colder climates, some with years of styling experience and all of whom are product reviewers that have been professionally trained to look at products with a discerning eye.

To narrow down a list of just our very top picks, we considered materials for durability, inner materials for comfort, lining and insulation for warmth and sole construction for traction. And because winter boots are usually used in the snow and ice, we checked each boot (and reviewer anecdotes) for any waterproof or water-resistant capabilities.

We also looked at available sizing (e.g. does it come in half or wide sizing to be more accommodating?) as well as closure mechanisms (is it easy to take on and off?). You'll also notice that we've included info on each boot's weight and height. Those measurements tell us a little more about what areas of the foot (and possibly leg) get covered, along with comfort level — because no one likes a clunky boot!

Factors to consider when choosing winter boots

Material

"When shopping for winter boots, materials matter most," said Alyssa Bitterman , personal stylist and founder of Styled by Lyss. She recommends looking for water-resistant exteriors and boots that are lined with something naturally insulating like a sheepskin, wool or hearty leather for warmth.

While the best snow boots varies by the wearer, Anders says that your choice comes down to the one main question: Where will you wear them? "The most stylish fashion boot won't help you when you're shoveling snow, and the warmest, toughest boot might not look right for work," she explained.

Height

"How tall you'll want your winter boots to be is dependent on preference and weather," said Teich. "The harsher the weather, the higher you'll want the shaft (the part of the boot that extends from the arch over the ankle — and sometimes up the calf — to the top of the boot). If you're not up against snow, slush and sleet, a shorter style may suit."

Height is often listed two ways: shaft height or boot height, which is the total height of the boot from the sole of the heel to the top of the boot. 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 an area that doesn't experience much accumulation, you can stick to shorter boots.

Warmth

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 (a branded synthetic insulation that's warm yet lightweight and breathable), PrimaLoft (another branded insulation that's known for its ability to keep you dry in wet conditions) or fleece lining. These provide warmth while ensuring breathability and moisture management.”

Insulation

McClary added that the temperature rating is just as important (if not more) than the brand of insulation. “Any [level of] 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.”

Traction

“For ice, you want the bottom of the shoe to have metal spikes, cleats or studs," said New York and New Jersey-based podiatrist and owner of Dr. Brenner's Rx Foot care products Hillary Brenner, D.P.M. "And for walking in snow, you want the boot to have a non-slip rubber sole.” Bitterman recommends thick rubber soles for traction. "Good grip is key to avoiding slips on icy sidewalks," she said.

Lowell recommends choosing pairs with an outsole that’s “crafted from robust and enduring materials such as Vibram (branded rubber soles known for their durability and traction, as seen on some Sorel boots) or Michelin (yes, the tire company, which uses similar rubber compounds and design to create their grippy soles) as they feature a lug pattern that maximizes traction on icy and snowy surfaces.”

Waterproofness

"If you're looking to stay dry against the elements, you'll need some level of water-resistance or waterproofness," said Teich. "That level depends on the climate you're up against; sometimes water-resistance is enough if you're in a drier winter climate. If you're up against snow, though, you'll want to go fully waterproof."

Each shoe's waterproofness should be indicated right on it. 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 checking the online specs for “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.”

Best winter boot FAQs

What are the most comfortable winter boots?

• Find the right fit.“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," said McClary, who recommends lace-up styles for a secure fit. "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)."

  • Dr. Brenner's 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.

• When in doubt, size up,says travel blogger Nadia Podrabinek. "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 said.

• Look for extra lining on the inside, made from shearling or wool.Faux fur doesn't just look stylish, it also feels soft against your calf.

• Look for boots that promise a cushioned or contoured footbed(Columbia's Minx boots or The North Face's Chilkat are great examples).

• Opt light. Boots tend to be heavy — from this list, about one to two pounds on average. Make sure each boot isn't too weighty for your comfort level.

What are the warmest winter boots?

Our experts stress that warmth depends on material and insulation. If you're specifically looking for warmth, you'll want to check that the boots are lined with extra material on the inside. Bitterman recommends looking for warmer materials, like sheepskin or wool.

Many boots will also highlight their insulation, which is often a type of lining. Lowell says to look out for insulation materials like Thinsulate, PrimaLoft or fleece lining. And what's the deal with the insulation grams? McClary explains that the higher the number over 150 grams, the warmer the boots will be.

What are the most durable winter boots?

While softer boots (those made with synthetic fabrics and faux fur, like the HOBIBEAR and Columbia Minx boots) are more comfortable, boots made with materials like rubber and leather will last longer.The L.L. Bean boots on this list, for example, feature a leather upper, a rubber bottom and triple-needle stitching. While not as pliant as other boots, they're made to withstand wet conditions and are built to last. Additionally, boots featuring waterproof materials will outlive any boots that only highlight water-resistant materials, as waterproof capabilities offer complete protection from wet conditions.

What winter boots have the best traction?

Overall, our experts say you want a non-slip rubber sole, a.k.a look for soles with patterned grooves and designs. Lowell recommends looking for a Vibram or Michelin sole as they maximize traction (these are almost always clearly labeled on the sole itself). For ice specifically, Dr. Brenner suggests looking for boots with metal spikes, cleats or studs at the bottom.

Best snow boots specs comparison chart

Meet our experts

• Yana Anders , Boston-based personal stylist and owner of Style Fix Studio.

• Alyssa Bitterman , Montana-based fashion stylist and founder of Styled by Lyss.

• Hillary Brenner, D.P.M., a New York and New Jersey-based podiatrist and owner of Dr. Brenner's Rx foot care products.

• Georgy Lowell, Canadian sports enthusiast and skating boutique owner

• Ashleigh McClary, Backcountry gearhead.

• Nadia Podrabinek, founder of travel site Why This Place .

Update, Nov. 19, 2025: We added five new pairs of boots to our list from Eddie Bauer, L.L. Bean, HOBIBEAR,The North Face Chilkat and UGG. Baffin's Chloe boots remains our best overall pick.