'WH' Editors Say These Are The Best Winter Boots For Keeping Cute And Dry

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Finding the perfect pair of winter boots for women isn't a walk in the park. Unlike slides or the best slippers for women, there's a lot to consider when it comes to boots that can handle snow, ice, water, and more.

"The features you'll want in footwear can vary depending on the region and season," notes Zappos senior buyer, Julie Hardy. She takes us through everything, from insulation ratings to shaft height (more on this below), explaining why these specs matter in finding the best option for you.

Given the diverse preferences and geographical locations of us Women's Health editors, we put a range of winter boots to the test—from chic leather choices to lugged, insulated styles. The result? A concise, curated list of the absolute best options to suit different preferences and weather conditions.

The lineup includes popular brands, like L.L. Bean, and numerous Sorel options for those facing harsher weather conditions. There are also versatile picks, such as a sturdy leather choice from Kizik and a hiking boot option from Lowa Boots. The best part—everything on this list is stylish enough to pair with your warmest winter coat.

Eager to spot the winners? Keep scrolling to discover the best winter boots for women, per fashion editors and reviews.

Bean Boots

WH contributor Naydeline Mejia says these boots got her through the harsh Vermont winter, and that's saying a lot. They get their high marks in multiple different categories: warmth level, breathability, traction, and insulation. "These are the warmest winter boots I've ever worn," says Mejia. "They helped me survive the freezing, below zero winter temperatures in Vermont back in my undergraduate days."

Although they may not match with every single outfit (and may not be necessary for city winters where it's not as treacherous), Meija says they're an absolute must if you live somewhere that gets super cold like the pacific northwest, midwest, or east coast. "They're super insulated with a GORE-TEX lining, totally waterproof, breathable, and they're also ideal for trudging through the snow and sleet," she notes.

Tivoli IV Boot

WH fitness editor Jennifer Nied spends most of her time in New York City, but she goes out to Colorado a few months a year to get outdoors. No matter if she's on the east or west coast, these boots are always with her if she's bearing the colder months. "They're my all-around winter faves," she tells us. "They're warm enough for frigid city days and waterproof to the ankles to endure more intense snowstorms out west."

Another pro about these boots? They're not super bulky like other heavy-duty snow boots, so she can easily pack them for her mountain trips or weekend excursions. "That way I can wear them around the base area and cute ski towns around the mountain without worrying about slipping and sliding," she says. That's all thanks to the boot's flexible rubber outsole, which provides traction on any terrain.

One thing to keep in mind while shopping: Reviewers of this boot note that they run a size too small and they're made for a more narrow foot.

Winter Carnival Boot

If you're looking for the most heavy-duty option on this list, look no further than the Sorel Winter Carnival Boots. They have the highest shaft height out of any boot on this list, which means snow and water have almost no chance of getting into the boot. As an added bonus, they're totally waterproof, so you never have to worry about them getting damaged in harsh winter conditions.

WH managing editor Laura McLaughlin is a huge fan of the OG version of these shoes, the Sorel Cumberland, but she says the design of these is close to the originals. "Sorel boots are so long-lasting and reliable—I wore them for years and years and they stayed waterproof the whole time," she says. Despite their bulky appearance, they're also super lightweight, so they don't feel heavy when you're trudging through snow or ice.

According to McLaughlin, they're even warm enough to wear without socks, and they slip on and off without having to tug. "For boots that go over the ankle, this is truly amazing," she notes. "I never want to wear socks, I never want to touch laces caked with dirty, wet snow, and I never want my feet to feel too heavy or cold. Sorel checks all of those boxes and more."

Renegade Warm GTX Mid Ws

Recommended for cold weather hiking or just walking on ice or snow, Nied saves this pair of winter boots for "winter wilderness outings off the slopes." She loves that they're not your typical bulky winter boots, but they still keep your feet toasty and have a solid grip on any terrain, thanks to the super grippy Vibram outsole. "This helps me trudge through deep snow and stay stable on ice," she notes.

Another pro? She can wear any socks with these boots. "The insulated lining is so warm, I can wear any type of socks and my feet still stay toasty and dry all day long." No wonder these shoes are her absolute go-to for snowshoeing and hiking in the Colorado winter.

Maye Palm Black Leather

You may not think of leather when you think about winter boots, but sometimes a chunky snow boot isn't going to cut it on office days or fancier evenings. That's where Clarks Maye Palm Black Leather boots come in. Although they're not waterproof, they're made with a flexible, grippy rubber sole. So, if you're just running to work or heading out for dinner, these will totes suffice without slacking on style.

"When worn with thicker socks, these sleek boots are absolutely perfect for winter," says WH commerce editor Jasmine Gomez. "They pair easily with most winter outfits and are made with Clarks’ signature comfy footbed, making it a shoe you can wear all day without complaints."

Classic Low 2

Moon Boots were all the rage 10 years ago, and like all things from 2013, they're making a serious comeback in 2023. WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture is living proof. While they're super stylish paired with legit anything, they also stand strong against water and snow with a thermoplastic rubber outsole and a bylon and synthetic fabric upper.

Although they also come in a higher shaft, this ankle-length is a bit less clunky. Both styles are super lightweight—you literally forget you're even wearing boots. ICYDK, these boots are inspired by astronaut gear (as if the name doesn't give it away!), so they're meant to withstand all sorts of different weather. Plus, they're ambidextrous, so you can wear them on either foot.

"I love my Moon Boots," says Lauture. "I bought them to take on a ski trip and they did not disappoint." She tells us that these funky boots are super comfortable and surprisingly lightweight given their size. "They are also insulated and waterproof which makes it the perfect boot for those cold and snowy days."

Kinetic Impact Puffy Zip Boot

Our editors are obsessed with Sorel—so yep, here's another pick from them. The Sorel Kinetic Impact Puffy Zip Boot is the perfect combination of a sneaker and a boot, making them one of the most comfortable options on this list. "I love these because they're like a shoe/sneaker, but with all the warm and comfy goodness of a boot," says WH executive editor Abigail Cuffey. "I wear them when temps really drop or if I’m trekking in any kind of snow or muck."

Our fave part about these boots? They're made out of the same material as a puffer jacket and they have an asymmetrical zipper, which makes them a touch funkier. Plus, the rubber outsole provides *just* the right amount of traction on super slippery days. If the green isn't your thing, they also come in black or white for something a bit more toned down.

Toronto

I recently had the opportunity to go on a weekend getaway with Kizik to try out a bunch of their new shoe styles, and let me just say it made me a mega fan of the brand. They offer everything from sneakers to boots, but this style falls right in the middle, and they really impressed me. I'll start off by saying that Kizik is a user-friendly shoe brand. Their footwear incorporates a patented technology known as Cage, which enables you to effortlessly slide your feet in without the need to bend over or fiddle with laces. The ingenious plastic lattice makes slipping into these shoes a breeze—I never want to bend over to tie a shoe again (and I probs won't!).

This style also incorporates the Cage technology, but, unlike a sneaker, it has a lugged sole, so it's perfect for snowy or icy days. Plus, this style is even comfier than the brand's other options, which is hard to believe. They took their proprietary Rabbit Foam and made it softer for this midsole, so you feel a bounce-back with every single stride. You've probs never met a Chelsea boot that doubles as a walking shoe and a winter boot, but here it is.

Snow Boots

These are some of the warmest winter boots that L.L Bean offers, and while they'll def keep your toes warm, they'll also last you years. "I haven't bought new winter boots in years because this pair has lasted through the harshest of Midwestern winters," says WH assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon. "They're heavy duty, march-through-feet-of-snow type shoes, but they're still extremely versatile and lightweight for city walking," she says.

McMahon also offers a pro tip: Pair these with the Removable Snow Boot Liners to keep your feet warm and comfortable all day. "If you're anything like me, you hate taking off snowy boots and soaking your socks in the process, but these shoe liners have solved that problem." They even double up as a cozy pair of house slippers (!!).

Caribou Royal Boot

The Sorel Caribou Royal Boots are made for someone whose looking for a pop of color. If the orange is a little too much for you, the brand also makes a beige style that pairs with any 'fit. The lugged soles, quilted padding, metal hardware, and lace-up front closure also add a nice design touch for the funkier type.

Aside from the stylish details, WH executive fashion director Kristen Saladino gives these boots high marks for keeping her feet extra cozy and dry in the winter. "They're awesome for both snowy and wet city streets or if you're heading out to the slopes," she says. "The color pop makes me happy to lace them up for a potentially slopping weather day."

How we chose the best winter boots for women

For months, Women’s Health editors, including associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated winter boots for women. Our team consulted Zappos senior buyer, Julie Hardy, for the story. Additionally, Lily reached out to the entire WH editorial team to see which winter boots editors actually wear in the winter. She examined their picks in comparison to the best customer reviews to narrow down a list of the absolute best winter boots for women with a wide range of needs and preferences.

How to choose the best winter boots for women

According to Zappos senior buyer Julie Hardy, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for winter boot shopping. "It all depends on the environment that the shopper will be in and what they need out of the product," she says. But, there are specifics to look out for in winter boots depending on what you need.

"Shopping for winter boots can feel like a task for Goldilocks; it may take a few tries to find a style that is just right," Hardy says. "As the definition of winter may change in a shopper’s region from season to season, so do the features they’ll want to look for in footwear." She points out a bunch of tips to keep in mind while shopping:

Spend time reading product descriptions.
Start by figuring out what you're shopping for—ask yourself, "What do I need?" The type of boot you'd want for everyday city commuting is way different from what you'd need for winter hiking or snowshoeing in seriously cold weather, explains Hardy. She points out that products are designed based on the user's intent.

Next up, consider how much warmth your surroundings demand. Hardy suggests that the level of snow and rain will determine factors like boot shaft height, traction, lining, and waterproofing.

Be cognizant of the type of surfaces you walk on.
"You want to consider what pavements you’ll walk on (wet vs dry), snow type (packed vs fluffy), and ice type (black vs wet), or if you’re lucky, all of the above," Hardy notes. "If you encounter a lot of ice, you’ll want to narrow your search criteria to styles with ice traction and/or cleats."

She also notes that many brands have their own proprietary slip-resistant technology. "When shopping for a product, read the description and look for terminology describing the outsole and the grip it provides. Some examples of this are keywords like 'Omni-Grip' from Columbia, 'Evertread' from Sorel, or 'Vibram Megagrip' and 'Arctic Grip' for many other retailers." If you're constantly dealing with ice, look for a pair of boots with lugs (those rubber bumps at the bottom of the outsole), which can help with slip and act as a cleat to rid the shoe of snow/debris."

Look at the waterproof/insulation rating.
If you're going to be spending a good amount of time in the snow or rain, Hardy suggests keeping an eye out for seam-sealed and waterproof features—essential for keeping your feet dry and protected. She also advises considering how long you'll be out in the snow and if you need a lot of insulation. While temperature ratings provide a useful starting point, there's no one-size-fits-all rule.

For most outdoor activities like snowshoeing, hiking, or backpacking, around 200 grams of insulation should suffice, though it ultimately depends on the user. Hardy also says that liners can boost the product's warmth. To identify insulation and waterproofing features, she recommends looking for terms like "Thinsulate" and "GORE-TEX" that describe these properties.

Take note of shaft height.
"How much snow you’ll encounter shapes the decision for shaft height (aka the height of your boot)," says Hardy. "We’ve seen customers opt for shorter shaft heights, voting for mid-heights (6.5 inches) over traditional tall heights (12 inches), due to more recent conditions." However, if you will be deep in the elements, you’ll want to find a taller shaft or product compatible with gaiters, she notes.

How do you find the best winter boots for snow and ice?

Keep in mind the parameters for shopping for the best winter boots, as outlined by Hardy above. Look out for shaft height (the more snow you encounter, the higher the shaft height should be), make sure you have enough insulation in your boot to handle the temps in your area if you're somewhere super cold, ensure your boots are waterproof, and find the right outsole and grip for the conditions you're in.

Dealing with ice? Hardy recommends finding a boot with lugged soles (peep the Sorel Caribou Royal Boot) as they have the most grip.

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