Nothing ruins a vacation faster than numb toes and soggy socks, which is precisely the reason travelers should get serious about making extra room in their suitcases for the perfect pair of cold weather boots.
Because winter boots come in so many shapes and styles — and because winter weather can mean everything from cool temperatures to full-on blizzard conditions — we road-tested some of the hottest boots on the market to help you find the best style for your cold weather travels.
After all, winter might be winding down in some regions, but in others, it's just getting started.
From fashionable, fur-lined styles with block heels to rugged hiking shoes designed to grip icy trails, these are nine of our favorite cold weather boots. And best of all? Many of them are on sale right now.
Ecco Noyce Boot: Best for Low-key Snow Days
The winter boot equivalent of a slipper, Ecco's Noyce Snow Boot is extremely cozy, thanks to the nubuck leather exterior and faux-fur lining. Slip into these on a dreary winter day, and you won’t mind slogging through the snow (or lounging around the hotel lobby sipping hot cocoa). Travelers should note that these are a bit heavy, and not entirely waterproof — so if you’re preparing for a downpour or a Nor’Easter, you might want a different boot.
To buy: zappos.com, $170
The North Face Cryos Hiker: Best for Indoor and Outdoor Wear
Travel + Leisure gave these The North Face boots a test run during a winter weekend in Portland, Maine. While you won’t feel as sturdy on ice as dry land, the Vibram outsole definitely provides added grip (and confidence) walking to the car when the parking lot is a sheet of ice. They’re super-warm, but also remarkably breathable — wearing them indoors won’t turn your feet into glowing hot coals. There’s also a ton of arch support and plenty of room in the toe box, too.
To buy: zappos.com, $225
Merrell Chateau Mid-lace Polar Waterproof Boots: Best for Winter Business Trips
Waterproof, warm, and undeniably cute, these boots easily transition from snowy strolls to après ski — perfect for a winter business trip where you need to look put together even when the weather is not cooperating. The cushy contoured footbed and two-inch heel provide both style and support, and the lace closure means they can accommodate calves of all shapes and sizes. Just note that you may also want to pack a lint roller, as the faux-fur collar tends to shed.
To buy: amazon.com, from $125
Ugg Viki Waterproof: Best for Arctic Adventures
Road-tested in Canada at the height of winter, these Ugg boots demonstrated excellent traction on the icy cobblestone streets of Petit Champlain — even after a few glasses of ice wine were involved. Snow didn’t spill into the boot during a dog sledding expedition, and the thick shearling provided serious warmth. Just be sure to double knot the laces, as they’re prone to coming undone.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $220
Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot: Best for Heavy Snowfall
A favorite every winter season, Sorel’s waterproof boot is rated for -25 degrees Fahrenheit and is one of the tallest styles on the list, making it ideal for extremely snowy conditions (no spillover with these on). The mix of faux fur around the cuff and full-grain leather and suede in rich hues like dark redwood and quarry gray make these snow boots as fashion-forward as they are warm.
To buy: sorel.com, $135 (originally $180)
L.L.Bean Storm Chasers: Best for Serious Winter Hikes
If your next trip involves hiking across snow-covered mountain passes, pack L.L.Bean’s waterproof, lace-up Storm Chasers. We tested these boots on ice-covered trails in upstate New York, and they delivered on all fronts. PrimaLoft insulation and a waterproof membrane kept feet warm and dry even while crossing shallow rivers, while the Arctic Grip sole helped with stability on frozen ascents (though a pair of Storm Chasers is not a substitute for microspikes or mountaineering crampons).
To buy: llbean.com, from $90
Kamik Sienna Boot: Best for Winter Walks Around London
It should come as no surprise that this Canadian-based brand designed a winter boot that warms feet even on the coldest, grayest days in Great Britain. The Sienna Boot’s lace-up style shaft creates a snug fit that successfully keeps snow from spilling over the top, while the Thinsulate insulation keeps out the cold. And at $120, it’s hard to beat these Meghan Markle–approved winter boots. Travelers should note that this is one of the heavier boots on the list, and T+L editors had some issues with fit. Consider sizing up and wearing thick socks.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $120
Toms Summit Boot: Best for Freezing, Rainy Days
Extremely warm (you’ll definitely want to take them off if you’re planning to stay inside for a while), the Summit Boot by Toms is excellent for a freezing, wet commute. The height is comfortable, though perhaps not ideal for plowing through snow piles, and they passed the waterproof test on a rainy commute. Our one complaint? The white-colored outsole on the pair we tested got dirty with just a few trips outside. The tan-colored one on this pair is probably a better bet for looks.
To buy: zappos.com, $135
Ugg Kesey Combat Boot: Best for Stylish City Trips
Forget everything you thought you knew about Uggs. These are stylish winter boots decidedly more fashionable than standard “snow boots,” thanks to a belted ankle strap and on-trend nods to the combat boot. Overall, these are a smart option for winter city trips — though we recommend going up at least one half-size, as they’re a bit tight in the ankle and foot especially when worn with thick wool socks.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $160
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