Cold weather creates an opportunity to experiment with layers and unique fashion pieces, and it gives us a chance to dust off our winter boots from our closets. While many people lean toward aesthetic footwear like high-heeled boots around wintertime, many options tend to lack the fabrics and materials needed to keep your toes free of frostiness.
Just like cold weather-specific clothing and gear, winter footwear should have a combination of comfort, style, support and insulation — all of which help your feet withstand snow and slippery surfaces. Unlike your fall footwear, winter calls for sturdier and more supportive styles. Before you select your perfect pair of kicks for the chilly season, there are some crucial tips you should keep in mind.
How to shop for women's winter boots
The first thing to consider when buying a pair of winter-approved boots is the material. According to footwear designer Damion Le Cappelain, start by searching for boots made with GORE-TEX.
"This is a tried and tested material that makes the boots both waterproof and breathable," he says. Shoes made with this durable material have to meet rigorous waterproof performance standards and tests to ensure they can withstand extreme temperatures and precipitation.
Winter boots should also be comfortable instead of constricting. According to sixth-generation master shoemaker Marcell Mrsan, "When you expect to wear footwear in extreme cold, the last thing you need is tight footwear, which restricts blood flow. Blood flowing is what will keep your foot warm."
Mrsan also advises trying your boots with socks, which, he says, "can take away a mentionable amount of girth from the inside." Before committing to a purchase, try wearing your desired boots with thermal socks to gauge the amount of room your feet will need.
While leather boots look fashionable and seem ideal for the winter, their maintenance can be difficult. Instead, footwear designer Carla Lopez recommends finding a pair that's made with "waterproof synthetic leather for people who like the look of leather but don’t like the upkeep to make it waterproof."
The best stylish winter boots, according to editors
Don't compromise comfort for style with these boots that associate editor Allie Wise recommends. "They are super stylish, well-made and true to size," she says about the boots that have gotten her many compliments over the past couple of weeks.
This boot can take you from fall to the end of winter with ease and style. They are made with a sturdy lace and loop design. Plus, the lug sole makes them great for wearing on rough terrain. Editorial assistant Annie Shigo has tried many pairs of Sperry's winter boots and loves how great they are on ice and snow.
For the woman who wants comfort but doesn’t want to give up her stylish choices, this pair is a great option. This PETA-approved vegan boot has that distinctive chunky aesthetic and a discreet zipper with a chic design. This is the kind of boot you would wear on cold days while the snow is melting. The rubber sole and thick heel will keep you safe and elegantly elevated during the holiday.
I [Espinal] own these boots and they have become an everyday essential for my winter activities. For extra comfort, I added a pair of Fulton insoles, which are designed for those who experience arch pain.
Production associate Audrey Ekman just acquired these knee-high heeled boots in a dark brown shade and says they've been a great compliment to her sweater dresses, suede skirts and trousers this winter.
"During the week, I'm usually out and about for at least 12 hours at a time, so I need my shoes to be versatile and comfortable," Ekman says. "These check both boxes, because they're dressy enough to wear around the office or out to dinner, and the block heel is just short and supportive enough to remain comfortable until the end of the day."
I [Espinal] also own these boots and love them because they offer a much more elegant look thanks to their block heel. I like to wear these with slacks, jeans or dresses for a more elevated look. While the toe box is a bit narrower for wider feet, I’m able to expand the laces to create extra room in the upper area. I also appreciate the footbed for its cushioned construction and arch support. Additionally, you can remove the footbed and add orthotics for a more comfortable fit.
Add some edge to your winter outfit with these iconic boots from Dr. Martens. Choose from a matte or patented finish, depending on your style. The best thing about these boots, though, is that they are a timeless staple and go well with almost anything you wear.
While some customers said the boots take a while to break in, they will protect you around slippery sidewalks. Former holiday editor Nina Bradley is a fan of this iteration and said, "They pair well with just about everything. I can wear them with jeans, leggings, skirts and even dresses. They instantly add a cool vibe to any outfit and make me feel like an 'it girl' without trying too hard."
While these boots are an investment piece, they receive my seal of approval for two main features — their removable footbed and snug fit around my calves. These are the most sleek knee-high boots I [Espinal] have ever worn and the short heels are perfect for my commute. Ekman also owns and swears by her pair.
These were designed by a podiatrist, plus they offer a full-length Sole Hero Support Footbed that is perfect if you have plantar fasciitis. As someone constantly on the go, the trusted pair keeps my feet comfortable and pain-free for about eight hours. I've worn it during New Year's Eve parties, at work, at the airport and more places where dressing up is required. The heel cup support aids in providing lower limb alignment and posture. Recently, I took them to the cobbler to renew the heels and plan on getting a second hue.
The best winter boots for everyday wear, according to editors
If you're a classy girl who needs extra comfort, then look no further and add this pair to your collection. Editorial director Adrianna Brach knows how to keep it chic and this boot is part of her shoe repertoire.
"They’re not 'rain boots' but they’re waterproof. You get a stylish Chelsea style that’s built for rain and snow. They’re so comfortable and I can wear thick socks with them too," she adds.
Associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson is a fan of these hiking-style boots, which she claims are the only reason she didn't break an ankle on a recent, icy winter hiking getaway to the Catskills.
"We were staying at a cabin and the area around the parking spot was almost totally iced over, so when I first got out of the car with my Hokas, I was slipping and sliding everywhere," Stewart-Jackson recalls. "When I walked there with these boots, I felt very secure. On the hike itself, it kept me stable going uphill and navigating hard and soft snow ... my feet were extremely warm the entire time. I ended up hiking just about 3.3 miles and I felt comfortable enough to go for another 3.3 in them by the end!"
Editor Vivien Moon has had this pair for several years and continues to turn to them when the weather gets cold. Not only are they comfortable for all-day wear, but they are also able to withstand New York winters, she notes. She says she alternates between this style and her Merrell Junger Moc Cozy Luxe shoes for walking her dog.
Back when winters were a little chillier and had a bit more snow, Shigo says she wore these every day in the winter and continued to wear them around the city in the cold. “They might not be waterproof, but they get the job done when it comes to keeping your feet warm.”
Looking for a pair of sturdy, life-long boots? Look no further than Blundstone. Ekman and Shigo both swear by them for inclement weather, and they're not alone. Shop TODAY writer Danielle Murphy also loves the brand.
“They are way comfier than I was expecting, especially for my wide feet," Murphy reports. "I love that I can wear a thick sock with them and have peace of mind walking in more treacherous weather conditions. My toes are dry and warm, and they actually look great with my jeans or leggings.”
The best waterproof winter boots, according to editors
Shigo loves wearing these boots for their comfort and easy-to-don experience. "These are great for the colder months when it can be rainy and wet, they keep your feet cozy and dry. They have double gore, so no water is getting inside and they are easy to slip off," she says.
Timberland has been a household boot name for years, and they recently came out with this platform waterproof boot that is made with an ortholite insole to provide you with the ultimate comfort as you endure the cold. Ekman has these and raves that “they’ve got a chunky platform sole that gives me a bit of height, which I always appreciate as a petite girl, and can be customized with shoe charms and fun laces in a variety of colors to suit your style.”
If you are outdoorsy or love to go on an occasional hike, you need a winter boot that is not only warm, but able to safely get you up the mountain. One of our resident outdoorsy editors Camryn Privette has been testing these boots for a month. “They’ve gone on hikes, beach walks, city errands and everything in between. They took little to no time to break in and the footbed is comfortable for long days on my feet. Plus, they’re lined with Gore-Tex, which makes me feel like they’re unstoppable and I can wear them in any climate,” she says.
If you want something waterproof, durable and ideal for the snow, I recommend you invest in these leather boots, and they are worth every dollar. According to the brand, the shoe is made from an AuthenTEC Waterproof System that repels snow and rain. Also, they’re very practical for slippery terrain as the outsole is made of a sturdy rubber.
The best winter boots with extra insulation, according to editors and an expert
Shigo has been on the hunt for an affordable winter boot that was both waterproof and fuzzy, and she found it on Amazon with this pair that had great reviews. One reviewer notes, " I really put them to the test the first weekend I wore them, tons of walking in very cold and rainy conditions in rainforests and coastal areas. My feet stayed completely dry and warm, and looked cute as well!"
Lopez recommends these Sorel boots for their durability and comfort. Aside from their sporty style, these boots feature 200 grams of insulation and are lined in warm microfleece for extra warmth. Also, they have an EVA footbed for heavy walkers and provide ample ankle support.
For something a little taller, social video producer Anita Chomenko also recommends Sorel boots. While the exact pair Chomenko owns is sold out, she says this option is nearly identical. She praises the brand's boots for their great grip, performance in slush, warmth, weight and comfort.
"I just bought these since my neighborhood gets colder and icier compared to the rest of Manhattan," says deputy managing editor Jess Bender of these cozy, ankle-height booties, which she's eager to try out. "I’ve been needing extra traction and warmth to get through my daily errands and commute."
What to look for in women’s winter boots
Finding the right boot can be hard to navigate, so consider these key features when sleet and snow try to get in the way of your fashion choices:
- Rubber boots: According to Lopez, “Rubber boots with non-skid soles will keep you safe from slipping in inclement weather.”
- Comfort: Boots made of most synthetic materials, such as polyester, are unable to take your foot’s shape, said Mrsan. He suggests trying the boots on several times before leaving the house. “Badly fitting footwear is only going to lose the counter stiffener shape [the thermoplastic material between the shoe’s lining and upper meant to give it shape].”
- Waterproof: During extremely cold weather, Lopez advises choosing boots with non-wicking properties on the upper materials.
How we chose
Shop TODAY asked a group of experts for tips on finding the best winter boots to keep your feet warm. We also rounded up some stellar kicks currently on the market based on customer reviews and recommendations.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Damion Le Cappelain is a footwear and accessory designer based in San Francisco.
- Marcell Mrsan is a sixth-generation master shoemaker, footwear educator and pattern consultant.
- Carla Lopez is a footwear designer and business development consultant based in California.
- Dr. Najwa Javed is a foot surgeon and podiatrist based in California.
- Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park Sole in New York City.
- Dr. Buck Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who focuses on minimally invasive treatments, joint replacements and joint arthroscopy. He has also worked with professional athletes.
- Our top picks
- How to shop for women's winter boots
- The best stylish winter boots, according to editors
- The best winter boots for everyday wear, according to editors
- The best waterproof winter boots, according to editors
- The best winter boots with extra insulation, according to editors and an expert
- What to look for in women’s winter boots
- Frequently asked questions about winter boots
- How we chose
- Meet the experts