The 12 Best Winter Boots for Women
The warmest and most waterproof options for inclement weather.
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Now that the colder months have set in, a faithful pair of boots (alongside a snug set ofslippersand some thickwool socks) can help make life far more bearable. Here, I’ve rounded up the bestwinter bootsfor women, from comfy UGGs to ski-bunny Sorels. To hone this list, I tried out several pairs of women’s winter boots myself, while consulting with fellowStrategist staffersand stylish folks who live in chilly climes about their favorite women’s winter boots. Additionally, I spoke with a couple of technical-footwear designers, who advised on the best features to look for and avoid to keep your feet as warm and dry as possible. As a starting point, you should look for boots that are “waterproof, insulated, and have a good, aggressive sole,” says Marty Molitoris, founder and director ofAlpine Endeavors. “And you should consider the fit: A slip-on boot is going to be sloppier, whereas laces will fit you better.”
Below, you’ll find recommendations for puddleproof winter boots that can be worn every day as well as insulated snow boots that can hold their own against more extreme weather conditions. I’ve also included a pair of insulated rain boots approved by an Alaska park ranger, as well as winter hiking boots for hitting the trails off-season. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the bestwinter parkasandglovesfor women.
Updated on January 27, 2026
Our favorite women’s winter boots have been updated with the latest pricing and availability. And we added two new picks: theQuince Australian Shearling BootsandSorel Callsign Horizon Sneakers.
Our top picks
Whatwe’relookingfor
Waterproofing
The gold standard for waterproof shoes and clothing is Gore-Tex, a finely woven waterproof membrane that locks out moisture while remaining breathable. But the majority of winter boots are simply treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, which can be perfectly adequate for milder climates. “If you live in Portland and it’s pouring 200 days a year, DWR is going to do nothing,” explains footwear designer and lecturer Igor Burt. “But if you live in California, you shouldn’t be buying Gore-Tex shoes.” For extra puddle protection, Burt also suggests looking for boots made from leather (a material that is “a breathable natural protectant from water”) with minimal seams and stitching. “The more stitches on the outside of the boot, the less waterproof it is,” he advises. A vulcanized-rubber outsole will give an additionalrain-boot-likeeffect. If you’re concerned about weight, Molitoris advises that synthetic boots will be lighter than leather ones, at the expense of durability.
Insulation
“If you have multiple boots, and you’re only going to use one boot when temperatures are below freezing, look for insulation,” advises Burt. “You should be able to feel it with your fingers on the inside of the boot. If it’s the same material inside and outside, you know there’s no insulation.” He points out that if you’re spending less time in extreme conditions, there’s an easy hack for warming up a winter boot — and preventing blisters in the process. “Build insulation yourself, in the form ofmoisture-wicking wool socks. You can choose when you want to use it, and customize according to conditions.”
Traction
When encountering ice and snow, traction is even more important than waterproofing. “The reason you slip is because the top layer of ice melts and you have a layer of water between your shoe and the ice,” explains footwear and product designer Mark Britton. In order to increase flexibility and control in such conditions, he recommends laced boots, which will have a tighter, more customized fit. Grip is also key, Burt says. “Walking on ice, you can’t get a shoe that has no studs or no lugs on the bottom. You’re going to be slipping all over the place.”
Best winter boots for women overall
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Waterproofing:Waterproof leather| Insulation:Synthetic and wool shearling lining| Traction:Laces, lugged rubber sole
Two years ago, I decided to test out UGG’s best-selling winter boot, the Adirondack, after it was recommended to me by several technical-footwear designers who have worked with a range of brands. I’ve found the style to be cozy and comfortable, performing well in snow yet not so heavy-duty that it can’t be worn on above-freezing days.The fit is what impresses me most: While they look big and bulky in the product photos, these boots are actually rather slim line, fitting close to the foot and thereby allowing for a lot of traction and control. Their upper outsoles are made fromwaterproofedleather rather than rubber, which makes them more flexible on the foot than a pair of clompy winterpacboots and therefore more ideal for everyday wear. They feature a high shaft that’ll keep the snow out but can also be cuffed down to reveal an inch of shearling lining with tight lacing for maximum traction and rubber lugs for gripping on to snow and ice. Instead of Gore-Tex, they use a similar technology developed by UGG called DryTech, which creates a highly effective waterproof-bootie effect. These boots have a snug fit and a very fluffy interior, so go at least half a size up if your feet are on the wider side. The brand hasjustupdated the style for winter 2025 with more insulation and a higher tongue height to keep even more snow out. I’ve ordered a pair for testing and will update this guide soon with my notes.
Best (less expensive) winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Water-resistant leather shaft, waterproof rubber outsole| Insulation:Yes| Traction:Laces, lugged rubber sole
I also tested a pair of Sorel Caribous after two of the experts I spoke with praised them as a slightly more affordable yet still very warm and waterproof option. Unlike the UGG Adirondack boots above, these boots have a more traditional “pac” design, which means their outsoles are made from vulcanized rubber, similar to a rainboot. The rubber definitely protects your feet from getting wet, but sacrifices flexibility — Caribous are considerably more stiff and clompy than Adirondacks, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you’re encountering a lot of snow. They have a cozy feltlike lining that’s less fluffy than shearling but still plenty warm, andfaux-fur cuffs to keep snow out. Their deep lugs grip onto snow and ice with a satisfying crunch, helping me tread confidently on slushy streets. The fit is generous, especially if you have narrow feet, in which case I’d advise going at least half a size down.
Best high winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Water-resistant leather shaft, waterproof rubber outsole| Insulation:Yes| Traction:Laces, lugged rubber sole
I also tested Sorel’s Joan of Arctic boot, which is similar in style and fit to the Caribou but with a higher shaft that’ll keep your feet warm and dry in deep powder. I found them to be just as warm but perhaps not as heavy duty: The lugs are still grippy but definitely smaller, which gave me slightly less confidence when walking on ice, although it does mean these boots are more lightweight and less tiring to wear. The fluffyfaux-fur cuffs keep snow out, and all that lacing allows for a lot of traction and control.
Best sneaker winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Gore-tex| Insulation:No| Traction:Laces, lugged rubber sole
My fellow Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen has been testing these chunky lace-up Sorel sneaker boots all winter and says they’re “an incredibly nice walking shoe that’s also ideal for cold-weather terrain.” The waterproof upper is perfect for snow and light rain, and the Vibram outsole offers great traction on icy sidewalks and support on daily walks with her dog. But the real advantage of these shoes is that they’re less clompy than the heavier-duty Sorel boots above, and therefore easier to style and wear. (Goertzen notes that they’re excellent for winter travel, too — she recently wore them on a flight to Minnesota and appreciated how lightweight they were.) And while these heavy-duty sneakers aren’t quite as warm as proper insulated boots, a thick pair ofwool socksfixes that problem.
Best slip-on winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Waterproof membrane| Insulation:Yes| Traction:Ice grip sole, rubber lugs
Baffin sent me a pair of these lightweight, minimalist Chelsea boots five winters ago, and I’ve worn them at the Sundance Film Festival, during an icy November trip to Kings Canyon National Park, and while traipsing through Brooklyn post-snowstorm. Highly waterproof, they’re made from Baffin’s own version of Gore-Tex, B-Tek, as well as durable leather. While Britton advises that lace-up boots are the best choice for icy conditions overall, slip-on Chelsea boots are much more convenient for city dwellers. These look nice, too: like Blundstones, but with cozier lining and way better traction. While they aren’t tall or insulated enough for deep snow, they’re warm and waterproof and can be conveniently taken on and off for trips to the bodega or when taking the dog out. I just inspected the soles of my five-year-old pair for signs of wear and tear in preparation for the new winter season and was pleased to see that they show none.
Best winter rain boots for women
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Waterproofing:Waterproof vulcanized rubber| Insulation:Yes| Traction:Ice-grip, rubber lugs
For advice about rain boots for the cold winter months, I turned to Ben Shryock, chief ranger of the Alaska State Parks Kodiak region. He told me that Xtratufs are his only choice and daily go-to: “They are the most comfortable and durable rubber boots I’ve found. You can find them for sale in almost any coastal Alaskan town.” I’m already a fan of Xtratuf’s non-winterized rainboots, and am in the process of testing out this insulated pair. Check back here in a few months for a more detailed review.
Best shearling winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Non-waterproof| Insulation:Yes| Traction:Non-grip
While they lack the traction and waterproofing of the tougher winter boots on this list, I’ve always got plenty of space in my closet for a warm, utilitarian pair of UGG slipper boots like these. They’re an essential for cozying up indoors on cold days, and you can even wear them outside, if it’s not too wet. If youdowant to wear these in slush and snow, the brand sells a clever rubber boot guard that’ll help keep your feet dry. And while the Classic Short style is probably your best bet for splash protection around the ankles, my fellow Strategist writer Lauren Ro swears by theseUltra Mini UGGsfor slip-on convenience when running errands.
Best (less-expensive) shearling winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Non-waterproof| Insulation:Yes| Traction:Non-slip rubber outsole
Quince makes lots of affordable winter clothing that we really like, including a surprisingly warmCanada Goose parka dupeand these cozy slip-on boots that are made from genuine Australian shearling (justdon’tcall them UGGs, as there’s acopyright disputeover the term.) Quince’s shearling boots are less than half the price of our favorite pair above, and they’re very similar in terms of comfort and style. The Quince boots actually have a slightly grippier rubber sole, which might make them a better pick if you’re wearing them out in the snow.
Best lace-up shearling winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Water-resistant leather upper, waterproof rubber outsole| Insulation:Yes| Traction:Rubber tread, no lugs
BothNew Yorkdeputy editor Alexis Swerdloff and former Strategist lead editor Maxine Builder are loyal to L.L.Bean’s duck boot. “Any other winter duck boot is just trying to copy what L.L.Bean perfected more than a century ago, and I do not believe in straying from a classic — especially when it comes to outdoor gear,” Builder says. This shearling-lined pair provides a little extra warmth and insulation for colder days compared to standard duck boots, while retaining the Maine-worthy rainproof qualities that they are known for.
Best winter hiking boots for women
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Danner Women’s 600 Arctic Side-Zip
Waterproofing:Gore-Tex membrane| Insulation:None (Salomon Quest) 200G PrimaLoft (Danner Arctic)| Traction:Lugged rubber sole
Not everyone’s going to need insulated hiking boots in the winter, says Scott Wilkinson, communications director at thePacific Crest Trail Association. “So much of that depends on temperature, weather conditions, whether it’s wet or dry, and the individual: Some people’s feet are always freezing, and they’re going to need more insulation.” For very cold conditions, I really like Danner’s synthetically insulated winter hiking boots, which I wore when trekking in the snow in Nepal last winter. Budgetwise, though, most people will be better off investing in a quality waterproof boot that can be used in all seasons, like theseGore-Tex SalomonsthatWilkinson uses in both winter and summer. Just pair them with a pair of thickwool sockswhen trail temperatures drop.
Best winter riding boots for women
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Waterproofing:Leather and rubber |Insulation:Yes, removable |Traction:Lace-up, deep lugged rubber soles
Montana-based film wrangler Maggie Slepian worked a full season wearing nontechnical winter boots before splurging on this pair from Western Packer. Shesays the difference in warmth“was incredible.” Schnee’s specialized hunting boots have a narrow toe (better for riding in stirrups), stay warm all day, are comfortable for walking, and have a solid grip and traction on slippery snow. “They saved the day on a shoot where I was stomping back and forth through a semi-frozen creek resetting saddles during a camping scene where the actor was pulling saddles on and off for each take,” says Slepian. “They are made in Bozeman, Montana, have a supple waterproof leather upper and multiple layers of insulation, and are rated to -30 degrees.”
Best everyday winter boots for women
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Waterproofing:Water-resistant leather| Insulation:None (501), Thinsulate lining (Thermal) |Traction:Lugged sole (501), Lugged Vibram sole (Thermal)
Blundstone boots are a deservedly popular winter-shoe choice here in New York City, and most Strategist stafferswear them to the office on dreary days. For non-extreme winter conditions — puddly commutes, wet park walks — they’re comfortable, reasonably waterproof (being made of leather, with minimal seams), and neutral enough to style with almost any outfit. They work well develop an attractive patina over time, get comfier with wear, and seem to mold to most people’s feet with ease. “A Chelsea boot is actually difficult to get right,” says Britton. “The fit has to be spot on, because there’s no lacing — so I give Blundstones extra kudos.” For extra waterproofing in snowy and rainy conditions, my fellow Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa swears by coating his Blundstones inthis $2 plumber’s wax. And if you’d like a little more traction on snow and ice, the brand now makes thermal boots with chunky Vibram soles that I’ve started wearing in cold weather. Lined with both shearling and Thinsulate, they look like standard Blundstone 510s but with a bit more bounce and a slightly padded feeling that’s rather cozy.
Some more women’s winter essentials we’ve written about
Ourexperts
• Mark Britton,footwear and product designer
•Maxine Builder, former lead editor, the Strategist
• Igor Burt, footweardesigner, apparel designer, and lecturer
•Camilla Cho, senior vice-president of e-commerce, the Strategist
• Bea Helman,photographer
• Mia Leimkuhler, formersenior manager of audience development, the Strategist
• Marty Molitoris, founder and director,Alpine Endeavors
•Dominique Pariso, writer, the Strategist
• Chelsea Rizzo, co-founder,Hikerkind
•Lauren Ro, writer, the Strategist
• Ben Shryock, chief ranger, Alaska State Parks Kodiak region
•Maggie Slepian, writer and film wrangler
•Alexis Swerdloff, deputy editor,New York
• Scott Wilkinson, communications director,Pacific Crest Trail Association
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