These Women's Winter Boots Keep You Cozy and Cute

If you live in an area that regularly experiences winter weather, then insulated, waterproof boots are a must-have. Whether you're only outside for your commute or to shovel a bit of snow or you're hiking every weekend, everyone needs at least one pair of sturdy, insulated winter boots that they can throw on when the weather is less than pleasant.

If you've ever found yourself trekking through inches of snow with bad-quality winter boots, then you know the value of having a nice pair. Not only do they make your activities more comfortable, but wearing boots that aren't waterproof and well-insulated is dangerous.

So, which boot is best for winter? We consulted with Emma Seymour, Senior Textiles Product Analyst at The Good Housekeeping Institute, and Kate Shevack, the Head of U.S. Marketing for Blundstone, to get their input. But, first, here's a peek at what made our list:

Elements of a High-Quality Winter Boot

There are three parts to a winter boot: the outsole, outer, and lining. Each serves a different purpose from protection to comfort, and, therefore, should be constructed using different materials.

Outsole

"A high quality, well-insulated boot should first and foremost have premium materials and design to ensure it withstands over time, starting with the sole," Shevack says. The outsole is the bottom of the boot, the part that makes direct contact with the ground. When looking for a good outsole for winter weather, you'll want an outsole that has good traction, durability, and waterproofing. Winter boots will typically have a fairly thick outsole to elevate users away from snow and slush as much as possible. Most also feature a midsole that acts almost as an extension of the outsole. The midsole is usually made from the same material as the outsole and can cover the entire toe cup to provide ultimate waterproof protection.

Traction is essential when walking in winter weather to prevent slips and falls. "A rugged rubber outsole is a must in slippery conditions," Seymour shares. You'll also want to look for a deep tread, similar to what you'd find on a hiking boot, that will maximize traction. Vibram® is the gold-standard of outsoles when it comes to traction. Invented in the 1930s and worn by hikers and climbers across the world, Virbram® outsoles look almost like a tractor tire. In fact, the design is called carrarmato, Italian for tank.

Outer

The rest of the outward-facing part of the boot (if no midsole is present) is called the outer and contains both an upper shaft and lower portion. "Generally, leather is a popular material for winter boot upper as it is durable and stays in great shape even in tough winter conditions," Seymour says. Waterproofing and durability are top priority for the outer portion of the boot. While not exposed directly to the ground, the outer part still comes in contact with winter weather and is your main line of defense against cold. It should be able to stand up to the worst of the elements: rain, sleet, and snow, in addition to general wear and tear, depending on intended use.

While most of the outer will be made from an ultra-durable material like waterproofed leather, it also contains a bit of flexibility for ease of movement. This is usually some form of elastic along the sides or laces and a tongue on the front. Even these materials need to be waterproofed to make sure that no liquid is able to seep in. In addition, Shevack notes that any and all seams in the boot should be waterproofed, as this is another small section where water can find its way inside your boot.

Inner

The inner lining of a winter boot is where insulation and comfort come into play. Oftentimes high-quality winter boots will be made with an inner lining of both an engineered insulator, like Thinsulate®, that acts to trap body heat and adds a layer of additional protection, plus a fur lining for comfort and warmth. "Insulation in boots is often referred to with grams, such as 100g or 400g" Seymour explains. "This doesn’t mean the physical weight but actually grams per square meter. The larger the number, the warmer the boot will be. Look for temperature rating if you are planning on entering extremely cold environments to ensure the boots will keep you properly protected."