The Best Winter Boots for Women of 2024

20 May.,2024

 

The Best Winter Boots for Women of 2024

From cold-weather hikers to stylish waterproof snow boots, we’ve got your feet covered with our list of the best winter boots for women.

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Winter can mean frigid temps, mud, slush, piles of snow, and everything in between. With that in mind, we’ve tested a wide variety of winter-worthy women’s snow boots and compiled the best options, spanning all types of designs and applications.

Below, you’ll find winter hiking boots, snow boots, extra-warm boots, and stylish designs for snow season. Some boots are versatile for multiple activities while others are more specialized.

We’ve tested all the boots we could get our hands on and then whittling the list down to our favorites here. These are the boots we recommend to family and friends — the boots we get excited to wear all winter.

If you need more help deciding, scope out our buyer’s guide at the end of our review to unravel how to choose the best winter boot. Check out our comparison chart to see how the options compare, and visit our FAQ section for any lingering questions. Or, simply scroll through to see all of our recommended buys for 2024.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Women’s Winter Boots buyer’s guide on November 20, 2023, with freshly tested products.

The Best Women’s Winter Boots of 2024

Best Overall Women's Winter Boots

Sorel Women’s Joan of Arctic Boot

Specs

  • Weight

    3 lbs., 14 oz. per pair

  • Insulation

    Removable 6 mm recycled felt inner boot

  • Waterproofing

    Waterproof suede upper, seam-sealed

  • Outsole

    Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell, herringbone outsole

  • Boot height

    12"

Pros

  • Super tall to protect legs against deep snow

  • So warm and cozy

  • Stylish

Cons

  • Might offer too much coverage and insulation for mild winter weather

  • Takes more time to pull on and off than lower cuts

Morgan Tilton

Best Budget

Columbia Women’s Heavenly Omni-Heat Waterproof Boot

Specs

  • Weight

    13.8 oz. per shoe (size 7.5)

  • Insulation

    Yes, 200 g

  • Waterproofing

    Yes

  • Outsole

    Non-marking rubber

  • Boot height

    8.5″

Pros

  • Good value

  • Stylish

  • Durable

Cons

  • Not the best fit for wider feet

Morgan Tilton

Runner-Up Best Women's Winter Boots

Timberland Authentics Waterproof Roll-Top Boot

Specs

  • Weight

    2 lbs., 12 oz. per pair

  • Insulation

    Teddy fleece liner

  • Waterproofing

    Yes, full-grain leather upper is treated for waterproofness

  • Outsole

    Rubber

  • Booth Height

    7.5”

Pros

  • Supportive and protective while doing work

  • Waterproof

  • Stylish

  • Warm

Cons

  • Can be too toasty for longer durations at bustling indoor settings like concerts

  • Takes a few extra seconds to lace up and down compared to other looser fitting styles

Morgan Tilton

Warmest and Most Durable Women's Winter Boots

Sorel Women’s Caribou Boot

Specs

  • Weight

    3 lbs., 12 oz. per pair

  • Insulation

    Felt and Sherpa pile snow cuff

  • Waterproofing

    Waterproof nubuck upper, seam-sealed

  • Outsole

    Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell

  • Boot height

    8.5"

Pros

  • Workhorse boot

  • Super warm

  • Stout base is great for whatever winter throws at you

  • Roomier toe box allows for movement and extra warmth generation

  • Cuff snags flying snowflakes

Cons

  • Beefier boot isn't the most nimble

  • Might be too overbuilt for some days and plans

  • A tad heavier than other options — a small price paid for a durable snow boot

Morgan Tilton

Best for Freezing Temps

Baffin Icefield Insulated Boot

Specs

  • Weight

    4 lbs.

  • Insulation

    Yes, B-Tek Heat hollow-fiber synthetic insulation

  • Waterproofing

    Yes, B-Tek waterproofing

  • Outsole

    Polar rubber outsole

  • Boot height

    7″

Pros

  • Well-suited for extreme temps

  • Great traction

Cons

  • Heavy

Morgan Tilton

Best Winter Sneakers

Vans Women’s SK8-Hi MTE-1 Shoe

Specs

  • Weight

    Unavailable

  • Insulation

    PrimaLoft

  • Waterproofing

    Water-resistant upper

  • Outsole

    Multi-directional, deeper lugs

  • Boot height

    High-Top (just above the ankle)

Pros

  • Stylish

  • Great hybrid snow shoe for damp, cold conditions

Cons

  • No calf coverage for deep snow

  • MT1 is not fully waterproof (but the water-tight MT2 or MT3 version solves that)

Morgan Tilton

Most Convenient Everyday Women's Winter Boots

Blundstone Women’s All-Terrain Thermal Chelsea Boots

Specs

  • Weight

    2 lbs., 9 oz. per pair

  • Insulation

    Yes, 200 g

  • Waterproofing

    Oboz B-Dry membrane

  • Outsole

    Winterized rubber

  • Boot height

    7"

Pros

  • Convenient and quickly slip on

  • Excellent outsole with ample support and traction

  • Comfortable

  • Stylish work boot that looks good with everything

  • Perfect warmth for yard work and running errands or road trips

Cons

  • Ankle-high means that fluffy deep snow is your worst enemy

  • No faux fur will catch flurries that want to fly over

Morgan Tilton

Best of the Rest

Danner Women’s Inquire Mid Insulated

Specs

  • Weight

    1 lb., 12.8 oz.

  • Insulation

    PrimaLoft AeroGel toe cap, 200G Gold insulation

  • Waterproofing

    Danner Dry waterproof protection

  • Outsole

    Custom Vibram Inquire outsole with multi-directional lugs, adaptive heel and Megagrip technology

  • Boot Height

    5”

Pros

  • Burly bootstrap on heel helps you easily slide your foot in

  • Faux fur liner is cozy

  • Stylish

  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • Not a high-reaching boot for deep or dry snow

  • Suede wets out in wet snow

  • Insulation is not super for sedentary use

Morgan Tilton

Hunter Original Wellington Rain Boots

Specs

  • Weight

    Unknown

    For more PVC Safety Boots for Firefightersinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

  • Insulation

    None

  • Waterproofing

    Fully waterproof vulcanized rubber

  • Outsole

    Original “calendared” high-traction outsole

  • Boot height

    15″

Pros

  • Completely waterproof

  • Tall enough for deep snow

  • Nice styling

Cons

  • Not the grippiest outsole

Morgan Tilton

Oboz Bridger 7″ Insulated Winter Boots

Specs

  • Weight

    2 lbs., 9 oz. per pair

  • Insulation

    Yes, 200 g

  • Waterproofing

    Oboz B-Dry membrane

  • Outsole

    Winterized rubber

  • Boot height

    7"

Pros

  • Well insulated

  • Durable

  • Reliable traction on a variety of surfaces

Cons

  • A bit heavy

Morgan Tilton

Danner Women’s Arctic 600 Side-Zip

Specs

  • Weight

    2 lbs, 4.7 oz

  • Insulation

    200G PrimaLoft Gold insulation

  • Waterproofing

    Danner Dry waterproof protection

  • Outsole

    Vibram Nisqually Arctic Grip outsole with Arctic Grip AT technology

  • Boot Height

    7”

Pros

  • Creative boot entry with laces, speed hooks and a side zipper

  • Great underfoot support with EVA midsole and Ortholite footbed

Cons

  • Athletic fit might be uncomfortable if your feet tend to swell

  • Size zipper isn’t smoothest while opening (but works)

Morgan Tilton

Sperry Maritime Repel Snow Boots

Specs

  • Weight

    Unknown

  • Insulation

    Yes, 200 g

  • Waterproofing

    Rubber, waterproof leather

  • Outsole

    Lugged rubber

  • Boot height

    6″ (1.25″ heel)

Pros

  • Good value

  • Timeless styling

  • Durable outsole

Cons

  • Flimsy laces

Morgan Tilton

Oboz Sphinx 9-Inch Insulated Boot

Specs

  • Weight

    2 lbs., 2 oz.

  • Insulation

    200 g, PrimaLoft Bio with recycled fibers

  • Waterproofing

    Oboz B-Dry membrane

  • Outsole

    Vibram Arctic grip rubber

  • Boot height

    4-5″

Pros

  • Durable upper

  • Sleep styling

  • Effective lacing system

Cons

  • Shorter cut isn’t ideal for deep snow

Morgan Tilton

KEEN Women’s Revel IV Mid Polar Boots

Specs

  • Weight

    2 lbs., 4 oz. per pair

  • Insulation

    KEEN.WARM PET fibers, rated to -25 F

  • Waterproofing

    KEEN.Dry membrane

  • Outsole

    KEEN Polar Traction rubber

  • Boot height

    6″

Pros

  • Ideal for wider feet

  • Warm

  • Durable soles

Cons

  • Toebox shape isn’t for everyone

Morgan Tilton

A leather upper with ripstop textile upper on the tongue insert on the Oboz Sphinx boot; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Women’s Winter Boots Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Insulation, Waterproofing, Outsole, Height.

GearJunkie contributor Morgan Tilton testing women’s winter boots; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How We Tested Women’s Winter Boots

The GearJunkie team includes many editors and gear testers who live in cold winter climates, so we put these boots to the test in an array of snowy, icy, and wintry conditions over several seasons — everything from light snow to heavy blizzards. We also tested them during a variety of activities — walking, snowshoeing, hiking, shoveling snow, and more.

One of our lead testers put in over 500 testing hours to find the best winter boots for women. The top picks are a culmination of the best boots in terms of quality, traction, warmth, and durability. We made sure to include a variety of boot heights and styles to ensure that everyone can find what suits their needs (and winter climate) best.

First, decide what you’ll be using your winter boots to do: working around the house, everyday errands, or winter hiking; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Winter Boot

Winter boots come in all sorts of shapes and styles. As our list of recommendations demonstrates, the winter boot market contains everything from extreme weather work boots to stylish formal footwear. With so many options, it can feel daunting to sift through the pile and select the perfect pair.

When choosing the best winter boots for you, it’s important to understand some of the key factors that differentiate one pair from the next. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we thoroughly explain each of these factors to help you make a confident and informed choice.

Temperature Ratings

Any winter footwear worth its weight will offer plentiful warmth. Many winter boots come with a specific temperature rating. While these ratings can be helpful guidelines, the actual feel of a pair of boots will always be a better indicator of warmth than a manufacturer’s rating.

Often, boots claim to have very impressive temperature ratings well below zero. Because there is no standardized test for boot temperature ratings, always take these numbers with a grain of salt. The warmth of a boot comes from various factors, including sock thickness, activity level, personal cold tolerance, and much more.

A winter boot rated to -10 will likely feel warmer than a boot rated to zero made by the same manufacturer. Using temperature ratings to compare boots from different manufacturers is a less reliable practice. We certainly recommend trying boots on to get a real impression of their warmth and comfort.

While brands often label their winter boots with a temperature ceiling, there is no standardized rating system; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Insulation Type

Winter boots utilize a variety of different insulation types to achieve the desired combination of warmth and comfort. The most common types of insulation are synthetic, felt, and sheepskin.

Synthetic

Most modern winter boots are equipped with synthetic insulation. Between the outer shell and the inner lining of the boot, synthetic materials provide lightweight and durable warmth. Perhaps the most important benefit of synthetic material is that it can insulate even when wet.

Popular name-brand synthetic insulation options include Thinsulate and PrimaLoft, though many other quality options are available. No matter the name brand, the total weight of synthetic insulation will always be a better indicator of warmth than the name brand.

Many manufacturers include the insulation weight in their boot specifications. Lightweight to midweight boots will usually have a fill rating between 200 and 400 g. If you are seeking heavy-duty boots for extreme cold, look for a fill rating of at least 300 g.

Often women’s winter boots have synthetic fill insulation like PrimaLoft or Thinsulate; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Felt and Sheepskin

Felt and sheepskin are materials that have long been used to insulate winter footwear. While synthetic insulation is by far the current norm, some manufacturers opt for classic and traditional materials.

The downside of felt and sheepskin insulation is they tend to be heavy and bulky. Still, these materials can be warm and comfortable.

Usually, felt and sheepskin are utilized in a boot’s lining where they can be in direct contact with the foot. While these materials provide warmth even when wet, they may become extra heavy when saturated and require lots of time to dry.

Weight

As you might expect, heavier boots are usually built for the worst conditions, while lightweight winter boots are better for moderate temperatures and less demanding uses. As the thickness of outsoles and the fill rating of insulation increases, overall weight goes up. Lightweight winter boots are great for active use, but they often sacrifice some stability, grip, and warmth.

Testing a pair of Sorel Joan boots after fresh snowfall; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Boot Height

Almost all winter boots are ankle-high or higher. Boot height is a major factor that determines the intended function of the boot.

Lower-cut boots are typically around 7 inches from the footbed to the top of the boot. Lower-cut boots are ideal for hiking, as they tend to be relatively light and flexible. The downside of lower-cut boots is they allow snow to seep in, especially when post-holing through deep snowpack. If you find yourself in bottomless snow with a pair of ankle-high boots, a pair of gaiters may offer a simple solution.

If you plan to use your boots in regions with lots of snow accumulation, you’ll probably want to pick boots at least 8 inches tall. Work boots and boots for extreme weather are designed to sit higher on the leg, keeping the elements out and the warmth in.

The higher a boot is, the easier that neck can help keep out snow and ice; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Waterproofing

Nothing beats a reliable pair of boots that keep your feet warm and dry no matter how bad the weather gets. Waterproofing is the difference between blissful comfort and soggy misery.

Waterproofing is ultimately a product of the materials incorporated into a boot’s design. Features such as rubber outer layers and an exterior water-resistant treatment are standards of most waterproof boots.

All of the boots we’ve selected are designed to keep water out as much as possible. Some of the more robust included models feature a two-piece system that includes an outer waterproof barrier and an inner removable liner.

One-piece boots typically feature a waterproof membrane sandwiched in between the outer material and the lining. While one-piece boots usually don’t have the fail-proof waterproofing of many two-piece styles, they tend to be lighter and more flexible.

A 6- or 7-inch high winter boot does a fair job of keeping out snow unless it’s super deep, in which case you’ll want a taller boot; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Breathability

The downside of built-in insulation and waterproof membranes is decreased breathability. While boots that trap heat are certainly desirable, overheating can be a real concern, even in extremely cold weather. For this reason, a reasonable degree of breathability is an asset in winter boots.

Generally, lightweight hiking-style winter boots are more breathable than heavy-duty work boots or two-piece models that thrive in extreme cold. While hiking or performing other strenuous activities, breathability can help to prevent sweating and blisters.

Ultimately, breathability is a trade-off. Winter boots simply cannot be completely waterproof and extreme weather-ready and fully breathable at the same time. If you’re simply looking for top-notch warmth or waterproofing, breathability doesn’t need to be a major consideration when selecting boots. If you plan to wear your boots for active use in a wide range of conditions, be sure to select a breathable pair.

Outer Material

A winter boot’s exterior material will significantly affect its waterproofing, breathability, and weight. Rubber and leather are the most common outer materials.

Testing women’s winter boots on packed snow and ice in Western Colorado; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Rubber

The waterproof qualities of rubber boots are unbeatable. For decades, brands including Muck Boot and XTRATUF have been well-regarded for their nearly impenetrable rubber boots. In constantly wet and rainy regions such as the Pacific Northwest, rubber boots are a rightfully popular choice.

The downside of rubber as an outer material is its lack of breathability. In the same way that rubber boots successfully keep moisture out, they also keep moisture in. For long hikes and active use, rubber is not the ideal outer material.

Leather

Leather boots have been a popular winter footwear choice for hundreds of years. While leather does not provide the impenetrable qualities of rubber, it is a supple, durable, and relatively water-resistant material.

Compared to rubber boots, leather models tend to breathe slightly better. If you plan to wear your boots in a wide range of weather conditions, leather boots are an excellent versatile choice.

Testing boots in a field of snow outside of Crested Butte, Colo.; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Outsoles and Grip

The outsole is the part of a boot that makes direct contact with the ground underneath. Good grip is essential to a winter boot’s value and performance.

True winter boots come with outsoles designed to provide reliable grip in cold and snowy conditions. To account for subfreezing temps, many winter boot outsoles feature soft rubber compounds that don’t overly harden in the cold. Additionally, thoughtfully designed tread patterns can prevent snow and mud from building up.

Outsole compounds and tread patterns vary wildly across the winter boot market. Generally, models geared toward hiking will have a deep tread and superior grip. Work boots typically come with heavy, bulky outsoles that prioritize durability above grip.

In severe conditions, you may want more winter traction than your boots can offer on their own. No matter how deep and sticky your tread is, chances are it won’t help on solid sheets of ice.

Traction devices such as Yaktrax and MICROspikes can be fixed onto the bottom of winter boots for improved grip on ice and hardpack. These devices have metal components designed to dig into ice and improve traction — just like tire chains on a car.

Fit and Sizing

Properly sizing winter boots can be a tricky process. Unlike with most footwear, you’ll likely wear extra thick socks with your winter boots, and it’s important to consider this when picking a size.

Ideally, your winter boots will be comfortable and free of major air pockets and hot spots. Of course, the best fit for you depends on the type of activity you’re using the boots for.

If you’ll be hiking or working on your feet, we recommend a snug fit for maximum performance. If you plan to use your boots for hanging out casually or simply wearing around town, a looser comfort-first fit is the way to go.

As always, there’s no substitute for trying on boots and shoes, and we highly recommend you do so if possible.

Testing winter boots in town in 10- to 30-degree weather; (photo/Eric Phillips)

FAQ

What are the best winter boots for walking?

There are a few important things to consider. First are the overall weight and fit. A super-heavy boot will quickly become tiresome. And one that’s too loose will rub and cause blisters.

On the other hand, a slightly taller boot may be worth the weight, as it offers extra ankle support. Consider where you’ll be walking and your personal preference for high or low designs.

Second, good traction is a key consideration. Icy, slick conditions are a common winter occurrence. And you don’t want to spend your time outdoors worrying about slipping. The Oboz Bridger and Sphinx are great winter boots for light hiking and walking. The Bridger offers ankle support, excellent traction, and just enough warmth, while the Oboz Sphinx offers more warmth.

What are the best boots for snow and ice?

If you find yourself regularly heading out in icy conditions, we recommend the Baffin Icefield Insulated Boot. The Vibram Arctic Grip outsole is true to its name and delivers excellent traction. And the 15-inch height keeps out snow.

A more budget-friendly option for lots of prolonged use in the snow (think trudging around a ski resort, shoveling snow, hiking, or walking to work) would be the Oboz Sphinx, which is also equipped with the Vibram Arctic Grip rubber if you want a lighter and smaller boot that’s still capable on snow.

Testing the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid on a snowy winter walk; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Who makes the best winter boots?

The best winter boot is subjective and depends on your needs. Sorel, KEEN, and Oboz all make excellent winter hiking boots for women. For a stylish leather option, the Sperry Maritime Repel Snow Boots can’t be beaten.

Which brand of winter boots are the warmest?

For truly frigid conditions, you need a burly, super-warm boot. The Baffin Icefield Insulated Boots have a comfort rating of -100 degrees F. And they’ll keep you cozy down to -148 degrees F. Pair them with some extra-warm winter gloves, and you’ll be ready for whatever winter serves up.

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