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Now that the winter season is in full swing, it’s time to add new winter boots to your wardrobe to protect your feet from water, wind, and snow. “Winter boots are essential for maintaining foot health during the colder months,” says Suzanne C. Fuchs, a board-certified Florida-based podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry. “They also provide support and stability to the feet, reducing the risk of foot and ankle injuries.”
Just because winter boots are functional, though, it doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. In addition to Fuchs, we spoke with Leena Alsulaiman, a fashion stylist, about what to consider when shopping for winter boots for women, including warmth and insulation, traction, and waterproof features. We also talked about their winter boot recommendations.
If you’re required to withstand cold weather for work (literally), the Timberland Women's 6" Premium Boots, recommended by Fuchs, have got you and your feet covered. “These boots are durable, waterproof, and have a rubber lug outsole for excellent traction,” says Fuchs. “They're insulated for warmth and have a padded collar for comfort, making them ideal for outdoor work in cold conditions.” Plus, they’re made with heavy-duty laces that keep your feet supported and comfortable throughout your work day.
Since these boots have a padded collar and a rubber lug outsole, they’re for women who spend lots of time outside for work.
If you’re looking for a pair of winter boots you can wear while traveling in areas with temperatures between -40°F and 40°F, the Muck Boot Company Women’s Arctic Ice Vibram Arctic Grip All-Terrain Mid Boots are a solid choice. They’re completely waterproof and will keep your feet warm thanks to their 5mm neoprene and fleece lining. They’re also lightweight so you won’t feel bogged down.
These lightweight yet insulating winter boots are perfect for traveling women and don’t require a great deal of effort to take on and off.
Fuchs recommends the Columbia Women's Ice Maiden II Boot. “These boots have a lace-up design for an adjustable fit, providing good ankle support,” says Fuchs. “They also have a contoured footbed for arch support.” Although you’re unable to slip on these waterproof boots, the laces allow for a more personalized fit. And even though these shoes are functional, they’re stylish thanks to their faux fur collar. Shopping tip: Columbia is a great brand for quality outdoor gear—they also made our list of the best fleece jackets for women.
These winter boots are available in many colors and offer ankle and arch support for comfortable wear.
This boot delivers on style and comfort. Made of waterproof leather and suede, they’re equipped with 200g of insulation via DryTech technology. They’re shorter than some of our other picks, with an eight-inch shaft, but offer a one-and-a-half-inch heel for added elevation. With available colors from burnt cedar to chestnut, you’ll easily find a pair that will match your winter outfits.
Despite the investment, they’re a solid pick for those looking for stylish and waterproof options.
Whether you’re looking for snow boots to go sledding or go sightseeing in a snowy city, the Sorel Joan of Arctic Snow Boots are designed with protection in mind. These leather and suede boots have a seam-sealed design, so no water or snow will trickle into your boots or over their 12-inch shaft. They provide thorough traction as their outside is made out of herringbone rubber, so you can say goodbye to unwanted sliding.
These are one of the best pairs of snow boots for women thanks to their good traction and taller shaft.
Being Chelsea boots, these Blundstone Thermal-High Top Boots are easy to wear. They’re on the expensive side, but they can easily be slipped on so you can get straight to your activities. They’re lightweight and made with sealed seams so your feet stay dry and water-free, while your feet will be kept warm due to their Thinsulate insulation and a sheepskin footbed that can be removed if needed. (And if you liked these, take a minute to look at our guide to the best Chelsea boots for women, too).
Those looking for a simple wearing experience will appreciate these slip-on boots.
Boot wearers who spend a lot of time in wet conditions should add The North Face Shellista IV Boots to their cart. These seam-sealed boots have an EVA midsole and are made with full-grain leather and a rubber shell designed to keep water away. We also like how these boots extend up to the mid-calf for added coverage.
Those who spend time in watery conditions may benefit from these boots with a rubber shell and mid-calf coverage.
City women will appreciate the Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Booties, recommended by Fuchs. “These boots are stylish, waterproof, and have a rubber sole for good traction, " says Fuchs. “They're perfect for city walking because they're comfortable for long periods of wear and match well with a variety of outfits. Even though they only extend up to one’s ankles, they provide sound support.”
These stylish winter boots are perfect for city walkers as they can be paired with a plethora of outfits and are made with a rubber sole.
These boots are made to withstand extremely cold temperatures, with a -58°F rating. They’ll keep your feet warm thanks to their faux fur lining and Neo-Tech insulation. In addition to their several forms of insulation, these boots are moisture-wicking and offer four-way stretch so your toes can move comfortably.
Your feet will stay extremely warm in extremely cold conditions when wearing these winter boots, as they’re insulated with faux fur and 7mm waterproof Neo-Tech.
To compile our list of the best winter boots for women, we spoke with both a fashion stylist and a podiatrist about what to consider when purchasing a new pair of winter boots, as well as getting their winter boot recommendations. We also researched various brands online to find the highest-quality options.
Winter boots can be a big investment and taking care of them is important to maintain their quality for extended periods. Alsulaiman advises removing any dirt and debris from the boots after each wear before storing them. She also recommends applying any products such as conditioners or waterproofing to your boots (manufacturer guidelines permitting) as needed.
Storing them is important, to: “Avoid storing boots in plastic bags, which can trap moisture and promote mold growth,” says Alsulaiman. “Instead, use fabric or breathable shoe bags to protect them from dust while allowing air circulation.” It also can’t hurt to rotate between a couple of pairs of boots each year if you can afford it.
Taking proper care of winter boots is important to ensure their upkeep and high-quality nature. “You should clean them regularly, according to manufacturer instructions and guidelines, and treat them with a waterproofing spray or wax,” advises Fuchs. “Avoid exposing them to extreme heat as it can damage the waterproof membrane and insulation. For boots with removable liners, take them out to dry after each use to prevent moisture buildup.”
When it comes to choosing the best winter boots for women, “they should have adequate insulation to keep the feet warm in cold temperatures,” advises Fuchs. “This can be achieved through materials like wool, shearling, or synthetic insulation.” (On a related shopping note, if you’re also considering maximum warmth this season, take a look at our list of the best winter jackets and coats for women.)
Traction is key–the last thing you want is to slip and slide, potentially subjecting yourself to injury that could have been prevented with boots with a stronger grip. “The boots should have a good grip to prevent slipping on icy or snowy surfaces,” says Fuchs. “Look for boots with non-slip soles, preferably made from rubber.”
“Boots should be waterproof to keep the feet dry in wet conditions,” says Fuchs. “This is especially important if you'll be walking in snow or slush. Look for boots made from waterproof materials or those treated with a waterproofing agent.” Boots with seam-sealed designs and waterproof insulation are especially worth your time.
According to Fuchs, “the warmest boots often have a temperature rating to indicate the lowest temperature they can withstand.” The boots with the lowest temperature rating on our list are the Bogs Arcata Insulated Waterproof Snow Boot and the Muck Boot Company Women’s Arctic Ice Vibram Arctic Grip All-Terrain Mid Boots, at -58°F and -40°F respectively.
The main difference between snow boots and winter boots is how they’re used. “Snow boots are designed specifically for walking in deep snow as they are typically taller, more heavily insulated, and have more aggressive tread for better traction. Winter boots, on the other hand, are designed for general winter wear,” Fuchs says. “They are usually more stylish and less bulky than snow boots, but may not provide as much warmth or traction.”
If you’re looking to buy the warmest winter boots, Alsulaiman recommends looking for those with down, wool, or both. “Down insulation provides the most warmth but can also be bulky and expensive. Wool insulation is a good alternative, as it’s lightweight, warm, and moisture-wicking.” However, if you know you’re going to be wearing your new winter boots for extended periods outdoors and in wet and snowy conditions, note that down may not maintain its quality nor insulating properties.
The type of boots you can wear with jeans in the winter will vary depending on your personal preference. Alsulaiman recommends opting for ankle boots, knee-high boots, combat boots, over-the-knee boots, or Chelsea boots. Take into account the overall style of your outfit, especially your jeans. “ Consider the style of your jeans–whether they're skinny, straight-leg, or wide-leg–when choosing which boots to wear,” shares Alsulaiman. “Remember to play with colors and textures to create a more dynamic and eye-catching ensemble.”
For more casual style advice, take a look at our guide to the best joggers for women.
Although you can wear any socks you please with winter boots, “it's best to wear thick, warm socks,” explains Fuchs. “Wool socks are a great choice as they provide excellent insulation and wick moisture away from the skin, keeping your feet dry and warm.”
The difference between synthetic and leather winter boots is that leather boots tend to be more durable and elevated versus synthetic leather. However, “leather boots require regular conditioning to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking,” adds Alsulaiman. Synthetic leather is typically cheaper and may be more resistant to water.
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