Winter conditions are no joke. If you aren’t wearing the proper pair of boots, it’s likely that within minutes of stepping outside your socks will be soaking and feet freezing. Plus, if you’re out walking in extreme cold conditions with cheap boots, you could slip on ice and seriously hurt yourself. So, we’ve got the best women’s winter boots below – so you can stay warm and have great traction this winter season!
Or, read Best Winter Sweaters for 2023 here.
Best Overall: The Ugg Adirondack iii Waterproof Bootie
Best for Warmth: Sorel Caribou Boot
Most Comfortable: The North Face Shellista IV Mid Waterproof Boots
Best for Ice: Blundstone Stout Water Resistant Chelsea Boot
For Hiking: Salomon Quest 4D Gore-Tex Waterproof Boot
Best Budget Boot: Columbia Ice Maiden II
Best Rubber Winter Boot: Bean Boots
For Everyday Wear: Sorel Joan of Arctic
What are some features of a winter boot?
There are a few different features you want your boot to have for cold weather.
Firstly, you want to make sure you have waterproof boots. Not water-resistant, no – strictly waterproof. It’s a real bummer when you’re shoveling the driveway and pretty soon you’re up to your knees in slush with cold feet. Unfortunately, rubber boots or rain boots aren’t going to do the trick (unless you want to go splash in puddles).
Secondly, you want boots that keep your feet warm (but are still breathable). Personally, I like fleece lining, sheepskin, or shearling lining in my winter boots. I find that these type of boots are typically high-quality and keep my feet warm in deep snow.
Thirdly, you want to make sure your boots have great traction. Winter weather is no joke – whether you’re out in the backcountry or simply running errands – it can get slippery out there .
Fourthly, you want the boots to be easy to pull-on. I hate taking my dogs out for a walk, only to spend a solid 10 minutes putting on and taking off gear. If you have lace-up boots, chances are it’s going to take you a while to tie-them up (and untie when your hands are freezing).
Lastly, know what type of winter boot you’re looking for. Do you want pure snow boots that will keep your feet the warmest or do you want a fashion bootie that does well in snow? Or, are you a hiker that’s going to need versatile boots for any terrain and climate? There are a few different types of winter boots – so make sure you solidify what you’ll be using them for before you go out and buy a pair.
What are some of the best brands of womens winter boots?
Personally, I think splurging on winter boots is honestly necessary. If you cheap out, you may end up with semi water repellent boots that do alright in the snow, but they certainly won’t keep you warm. It’s like buying muck boots as winter boots – you wouldn’t do that, right?
So, some of the top winter boot brands out there are Merrell, Sorel, Salomon, Blundstone, Bogs, The North Face, or even L.L. Bean boots. We’ll go over them more in depth below! If you want to find some at a large store – try REI, Zappos (online), or Nordstrom. They always seem to have the best winter boot options!
What are the best women’s winter boots?
Forget Keens, we want the real deal to keep your feetsies warm this winter! Take a look below for the best women’s winter boots – from waterpoof suede to thermo lining and everything in between.
Best Overall: The Ugg Adirondack iii Waterproof Bootie
These boots are a great all-around, versatile choice (although they are lace-up, so keep that in mind). They have a temperature rating of -32 degrees Fahrenheit, a removable insole, leather upper UGGpure wool textile and faux fur lining, and a rubber sole. The inside is 100% leather while the outsole is 100% rubber.
Best for Warmth: Sorel Caribou Boot
This is Sorel’s original waterproof boot designed for everyday wear. It features a seam-sealed upper with a vulcanized rubber shell that increases durability. Plus, it has a removable wool blend liner that ensures warmth in extra cold climates. I definitely think this is one of the best women’s snow boots out there.
Most Comfortable: The North Face Shellista IV Mid Waterproof Boots
The Shellista IV Mid Waterproof Boots feature premium full-grain leather, ultra-durable nylon, and a padded ripstop tongues for extra comfort and additional warmth. I love how simple the design is, and ultimately, these boots really will your feet warm.
Best for Ice: Blundstone Stout Water Resistant Chelsea Boot
This Chelsea boot features Poron XRD impact-protection technology – allowing amazing shock absorption and a breathable, cushioned footbed. Best part – the footbed can be removed and is machine-washable when you feel it’s started to smell. The stable heel does provide decent traction on wet and icy surfaces, and the thick sole adds insulated protection in really extreme weather conditions.
For Hiking: Salomon Quest 4D Gore-Tex Waterproof Boot
Definitely the best winter hiking boots out there. This boot is built for th emost rugged terrain, but also allows you the flexibility to bend over, sprint, hike, whatever. It features a grippy, puncture resistant sole, textile lining to keep your toes toasty, and waterproof leather on the upper for all-condition dryness.
Best Budget Boot: Columbia Ice Maiden II
Versatile, comfy, budget-friendly – what more could you want in a pair of women’s snow boots? These feature faux-fur trim, Omni-grip non-marking traction rubber, and a TechLite lightweight midsole for long-lasting comfort. I love using these boots for both city life and in the mountains – they can seriously handle any type of weather!
Best Rubber Winter Boot: Bean Boots
Coined “duck boots” these signature full-grain leather boots are great for rain (and some light snow). They feature a waterproof rubber bottom that keeps your feet dry and a legendary chain-tread outsole that gives reliable traction. Everyone loves L.L. Bean – these babies were made in Maine!
traction. Everyone loves L.L. Bean – these babies were made in Maine!
For Everyday Wear: Sorel Joan of Arctic
This warm, waterproof boot is perfect for everyday wear – whether you’re taking the dogs for a walk or hitting the grocery store. They feature a cozy faux-fur trim and a lace-up panel that adjusts for a perfect fit. With a 12” shaft height and a removable insole, these are some of the best winter boots out there (trust me, they’re not too clunky). And they last a long time – I’ve had multiple pairs that have lasted me for years!
Other Best Winter Boots for Women:
Sorel Explorer II
Sorel Kinetic Sneaker
Dixie Waterproof Lug Boots
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