Travel Products Style Shoes Boots The 12 Best Snow Boots of 2023 We love the Sorel Joan of Arctic Snow Boot for its toasty insulation and strong traction. By Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Instagram Sophie Dodd is a travel, wine and lifestyle writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 10, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Winter weather demands sturdy snow boots that can take on all sorts of conditions, from icy sidewalks to snowy commutes. But not all boots are designed equally: Some have outstanding traction, while others are insulated for extended wear in the cold. A boot that’s meant for winter hiking will offer different benefits than one designed to stand out at a sleek après-ski chalet. Regardless of where you’re wearing them, the essential requirements for the best snow boots are that they keep your feet warm and that they’re water-resistant, if not entirely waterproof. Our best overall snow boot, the Sorel Joan of Arctic Snow Boot, stands out among the rest of the options on our list thanks to its thick insulation, excellent traction, and extensive temperature resistance. If you’re looking for a shorter style or a more budget-friendly pick, read on for more of our go-to options for every sort of outdoor excursion. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Hunter Insulated Tall Snow Boots at Amazon Jump to Review Best Short: Sorel Women's Whitney Short Lace Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Designer: Prada Gabardine Boots at Farfetch.com Jump to Review Best Tall: Polar Women's Nylon Tall Winter Snow Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Dream Pairs Faux-fur Lined Mid-calf Winter Snow Boots at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: & Other Stories Lace-Up Snow Boots at Stories.com Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Sorel Women's Explorer II Joan Cozy Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Insulation: UGG Adirondack III Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Traction: The North Face Shellista II Mid Snow Boot at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Sorel Joan of Arctic Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It These waterproof boots offer strong traction and exceptional fashion and function thanks to faux-fur trim and a cushioned footbed. What to Consider You’ll want to size up, as they tend to run small. At the very least, a good snow boot should offer strong traction, insulation, and water resistance. The Sorel Joan of Arctic provides that and more, thanks to a sealed suede upper, a vulcanized rubber shell, and the Herringbone rubber outsole. Designed to hit mid-calf, these tall boots offer ample protection from the elements and extra warmth thanks to their faux-fur lining. They’re also waterproof, so your feet will stay toasty and dry even in the slushiest conditions — plus, they are temperature-resistant to minus 25 degrees. Scoop them up in 12 different colors, from camel brown to snowy taupe. Our favorite part is the added layer of removable insulation made from recycled felt, which provides extra warmth and is easily machine-washable. From slushy sidewalks to steep hills at the ski resort, these boots will have you breezing through terrain in style. Price at time of publish: $158 The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather and suede exterior, recycled felt interior, faux-fur trim Best Sustainable Hunter Women's Intrepid Insulated Tall Snow Boots Hunter View On Amazon View On Hunterboots.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It They’re certified vegan and constructed primarily from recycled materials. What to Consider They’re not the warmest option on the market. Hunter may be famous for their trendy minimalist rain boots, but once you slip on a pair of their calf-height snow boots, you’ll realize that their stylish legacy extends to winter fashion as well. These are some of the chicest snow boots on the market, with a puffer-coat-like material that keeps you warm thanks to a recycled fleece lining (but note that these don’t offer quite as much warmth as a wool or sheepskin option). You’ll feel as good as you look in them, knowing that they’re certified vegan and made almost entirely of recycled materials, from the nylon exterior to the fleece interior. The unique Ortholite footbed is flexible and lightweight, making these an ideal choice for navigating slushy city sidewalks. We love the no-lace design — which, beyond its minimalist aesthetic, is particularly handy for pregnant women and those who prefer to slip their shoes on and go. There’s also a toggle at the top to keep snow and rain out while ensuring a secure fit. Price at time of publish: $195 The Details: 5 to 11 | Nylon exterior, fleece lining Best Short Sorel Women's Whitney II Short Lace Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It Their sporty design stands out from other short snow boots. What to Consider There’s no protective cuff to keep stray snowflakes out. These short, sporty booties are a great choice for light snow. With 200 grams of insulation, they’ll keep your toes toasty on even the coldest days, but since there’s no faux-fur or sheepskin cuff at the top, there’s less protection against the elements entering in — not to mention they’re ankle-height, so they won’t stand up well to heavy snow conditions. But the waterproof nylon and polyurethane coating keeps your feet dry while walking through shallow snow, plus the microfleece lining is ultra soft, and the molded EVA footbed is cushy enough to walk around in all day. The heel pull tab makes them easy to take on and off in a jiff as well. Price at time of publish: $89 The Details: 5 to 12 (regular and wide) | Nylon exterior, microfleece lining The 13 Most Comfortable Women's Boots of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Designer Prada Gabardine Boots Farfetch View On Farfetch.com Why We Love It They’re a sleek spin on classic snowboarding boots with a stylish twist. What to Consider The brand doesn’t offer information about the insulation or fabric lining. These may not be the warmest or most waterproof option on our list, but they’re surely the chicest. Prada’s Padded Gabardine Boots are surprisingly durable and cozy, thanks to their cushioned interior and the brand’s superior craftsmanship. A removable sock and toggle drawstring allow you to adjust the amount of warmth you’re trapping in: Throw on a pair of thick socks for added coziness, or remove the interior sock if you’re wearing them for fashion. The rubber sole is designed to raise you above the slush, but note that there’s no technical information on the traction or the insulation. They’re definitely an investment purchase, but if you’re in the market to splash out, consider these a stylish splurge sure to turn heads at après-ski drinks or on the sidewalk on lightly snowy days. Price at time of publish: $1,650 The Details: 4 to 13 | Leather and nylon exterior, fabric interior, rubber sole Best Tall Polar Women's Nylon Tall Winter Snow Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Super.com Why We Love It These sleek and stylish boots add extra protection from the elements thanks to an 11-inch shaft and faux-fur lining. What to Consider There’s not a lot of insulation beyond the faux fur. These are some of the most stylish and smart snow boots out there, especially given the affordable price point. Hitting at mid-calf, they feature a textile pattern and lace-up design that keeps your feet secure in the 11-inch shaft, which is lined with a soft faux fur that pulls double duty by keeping you warm while keeping snow out of the boots. The waterproof upper is made of durable synthetic material, and the heeled rubber sole provides enough traction for slippery sidewalks. Price at time of publish: $30 The Details: 5 to 11 | Synthetic fabric exterior, faux-fur lining, rubber sole Best Budget Dream Pairs Women's Warm Faux-fur Lined Mid-calf Winter Snow Boots Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It The zipper closure and tie-up laces work together to ensure a snug fit. What to Consider The material feels slightly thin. These Dream Pairs snow boots are a top-rated option that boasts 200 grams of Thermolite insulation to keep you warm in the coldest climates. They’re ranked to withstand up to minus 25 degrees in temperature, so feel free to wear them out during the next blizzard. The cushy faux-fur lining offers protection from the elements and extra warmth, as does the removable faux-fur insole. The seam-sealed waterproof upper might not hold up to extended periods of use, but they’ll carry you through briefer outings with ease. Up close, the material doesn’t look quite as well constructed as some of the other top picks on this list, but for the price, these boots definitely deliver warmth and comfort. Price at time of publish: $34 The Details: 5 to 12 | Exterior not listed, faux-fur lining The 15 Best Waterproof Boots for Women of 2023 Best Style & Other Stories Lace-Up Snow Boots & Other Stories View On Stories.com Why We Love It The lace-up construction and wide sole offer surprisingly decent traction for use in mild conditions. What to Consider You’ll have to clean them thoroughly and often to keep them in good condition due to the light coloring. Cuter and cozier than many of the other options on the market, & Other Stories’ ankle boots are ideal for throwing on during a light snowstorm or a chilly winter day. While these boots — which are a great dupe for a similar style by Chloe — aren’t hardy enough to withstand extreme winter conditions or icy patches, the wide surface area of their platform bottom offers solid enough traction for lesser snow days. Note that they are only water-resistant, rather than waterproof, so after extended time in rain or snow, they will start to soak through. But for shorter jaunts — like a walk to the bodega for some snow-day snacks — water will roll off the fuzzy faux-shearling exterior, and your feet will stay warm and dry. Price at time of publish: $130 The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather and polyester exterior and interior Best Waterproof Sorel Women's Explorer II Joan Cozy Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It The faux shearling is vegan-friendly and will keep your feet nice and warm. What to Consider You’ll want to size up, especially if you plan to pair them with thick socks. Yes, another Sorel pick! The brand is famous for the high quality of its snow boots, and these are yet another case in point. In addition to their cuteness factor, these boots are designed to keep your feet warm thanks to their cozy faux-shearling and microfleece lining, which offer 100 grams of insulation. The best part? They’re fully waterproof, which means you don’t need to worry about trekking through snow or slush on your winter getaways. If you opt for the white pair, just take care to clean them after use to preserve the color. Price at time of publish: $120 The Details: 5 to 12 | Faux shearling with waterproof PU leather or faux shearling with waterproof suede exterior, microfleece lining, rubber sole Best Insulation UGG Adirondack III Boot 4.8 Macy's View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Love It They’re made to stand the test of time and fit like your favorite worn-in shoe. What to Consider Made of real wool and boasting durable waterproofing, they’re one of the priciest picks on this list. The Ugg Adirondack III Boot is raved about by just about anyone who’s ever worn it. Durable, ultra-cozy, and fully waterproof, this boot’s primary drawback is the price tag. But if you’re willing to make an investment purchase, these will last you for the long run — especially given their non-synthetic lining, which means they’re less prone to odor than other boots. They’re also particularly great for winter driving, given how lightweight and flexible they are. Thick, widely spaced lugs on the bottom offer a solid grip on icy patches, while the fleece lining rolls up to create an 11-inch shaft for added protection and warmth. These are designed for wear in up to minus 25 degrees. Price at time of publish: $250 The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather exterior, UGGpure Wool lining Best Traction The North Face Shellista II Mid Snow Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It The North Face's patented TNF Winter Grip sole provides incredibly strong traction thanks to temperature-sensitive lugs. What to Consider These are designed for slippery, icy conditions rather than extended wear in the snow or cold. Snow boots with superior traction are non-negotiable for winters in areas that are prone to icy roads. Good traction depends largely on how well your boots fit: This sturdy pair from The North Face lace up for a personalized and snug fit, ensuring good ankle stability (another key requirement to keep you from slipping and sliding all over). The well-spaced, temperature-sensitive lugs on the boots’ patented TNF Winter Grip rubber sole also offer security on even the slipperiest roads. While these are designed primarily to navigate slick terrain, they’re also able to stand up to snowy walks thanks to their 13-inch waterproof shaft and ultra-warm PrimaLoft silver insulation, which thermoregulates your feet and boasts 291 grams of insulation. Price at time of publish: $160 The Details: 5 to 10 | Waterproof suede and nubuck exterior, PrimaLoft Silver Insulation lining, rubber sole The 10 Best Women’s Winter Coats and Jackets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Wide Feet Ryka Women's Aubonne Gore Ankle Boot Amazon View On Amazon View On Kohls.com View On Ryka.com Why We Love It The faux shearling exterior and molded EVA midsole offer excellent warmth and comfort. What to Consider They’re not fully waterproof, only water repellent. If you’re looking for an ankle boot that supports wider shoe sizes and doesn’t need to be entirely waterproof, Ryka’s Aubonne Gore Ankle Boot is an excellent choice. These wear more like a sneaker than a boot, which is great for those who don’t love or require a typical calf-height snow boot. The boots are designed to wick away moisture if there’s light snowfall or rain, but a heavy snowstorm may mean water leaking in. The quilted nylon exterior and faux-shearling trim will keep you warm, while the plated rubber sole offers a solid grip on slippery ground. Plan to size up and stick to the wide sizes, as the standard sizes run particularly narrow. Price at time of publish: $72 The Details: 5 to 12 (including wide) | Quilted nylon with gore exterior, faux-shearling liner, rubber sole Best Slip-on Kamik Women's Greenbay 4 Boots Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Kamik.com Why We Love It The drawstring closure keeps snow out while trapping warmth inside. What to Consider They can take a while to break in. If you’re on the hunt for a pair of boots that are easy to slip on and off, look no further than these Kamik Greenbay Boots. Made from vegan and recyclable materials and featuring a removable felt liner, these will keep your feet warm white out and about in up to minus 40 degrees. The drawstring closure at the top allows for a snug fit and helps to protect you from the elements. While they arrive on the stiffer side, they’ll break in with use. Order a size up for a roomy enough fit to layer with wool socks, which we’d recommend wearing with these in chillier temperatures, given they don’t offer strong insulation on the liner. Still, your feet will stay dry thanks to a waterproof sole and a highly water-resistant upper. Price at time of publish: $54 The Details: 6 to 11 | Nylon exterior, Thermal Guard removable liner, rubber sole Tips for Buying the Best Snow Boots Prioritize warmth When investing in a new pair of snow boots, it’s crucial to ensure they are designed to handle whatever conditions you’ll primarily need them for, whether that’s standing still in the snow, trudging through slushy sidewalks, or navigating icy roads. Whatever your intended use, choose a boot that’s well-insulated to keep your feet warm. Basic insulation like shearling or faux fur is a good start, but boots designed for negative temperatures are necessary for more extended excursions in cold weather and extreme climates. Be sure to read the reviews of the temperature ratings, as those are relative to how long you’ll be outside and individual metabolisms, so real feedback may be more useful than a manufacturer’s suggestion. Make sure they’re waterproof Soggy toes defy the entire point of well-constructed snow boots. Look for boots with rubber or waterproof leather bottoms to ensure snow and water can’t seep in. A bit of height also helps keep you removed from the slush. Water-resistant boots are a solid pick if you’re mostly wearing them on brief commutes through cold or lightly snowy areas, but if there’s a chance of heavier snowfall or serious slush where you are, you’ll want to invest in fully waterproof boots. If you opt for a suede boot, be sure to coat it with waterproof spray or check that it’s coated in a layer like polyurethane. Consider sizing up If you intend to layer thick socks underneath your snow boots, you may want to size up to accommodate the added padding. Customer reviews and sizing guides can be helpful benchmarks to see if the boots run true to size and to help you figure out your ideal fit. Frequently Asked Questions How do I clean snow boots? It really depends on the material: Save for suede and leather, most boots can be cleaned with a gentle cloth and soapy water. (For suede, be sure to spray them with waterproofing spray ahead of wearing them outside, and stock up on a suede brush to keep them in good condition; with leather, a vinegar solution should do the trick.) Shoe deodorizers are your best bet for getting any lingering smells out of the interior, and certain shoes have removable layers of insulation that you can toss in the washing machine to extend their lifespan. If you lightly scrub the inside with a damp cloth, be sure to dry the boot out fully before storing it away. What material is the warmest for snow boots? Wool, shearling, and sheepskin will keep your toes toastiest all winter long. For maximum warmth, throw on a pair of thick wool socks and step into a pair of fleece-lined boots with an insulated exterior, which helps to keep in all the heat. Vegan options like faux sheepskin are also a great alternative and often are far more affordable. Why Trust Travel+Leisure For this article, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd researched what qualities make for the optimal snow boots for every weather condition, from tall models with great traction for slippery snow to rubber-bottomed options that are great for slush. She used her expertise as a travel writer to narrow down a list of the best options for every style and budget. The 13 Best Winter Gloves of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit