The 5 Best Winter Boots for Women

Finding the best winter boot for your needs can be tricky. It can be hard to know which boots will give you the best protection for your intended activity and the elements you'll encounter.

We bought 14 of the top winter boots for women and tested each one rigorously across various terrain and winter conditions. From Canada to all across the USA, we tested them in blowing snowstorms, icy walkways, wet spring afternoons, and muddy pre-season puddles, noting which ones excelled. non slip work shoes for women

The Baffin Chloe is our favorite overall boot for most women. Though it is a little heavy, we love the confidence it offers on snow and ice. We also love the protection it gives against the cold and wet of winter. The Kamik Momentum 3 is a great option for casual use on a budget. While not quite as burly as the Chloe, it offers great coverage and warmth at a great price.

If you live in a milder winter climate, see our review of rain boots for women, where we test several insulated and warm rain boots that can perform great in winter and are often faster to get on and off.

Editor's Note: We updated our review February 14, 2025 testing updated versions of the Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT, and Baffin Escalate X.

The Baffin Chloe takes top accolades this year thanks to an all-around impressive performance in each testing category. This sturdy and robust winter boot demonstrates superb warmth, traction, coverage, and waterproofing. Baffin uses several insulating technologies, including a hollow fiber B-Tek Heat insulation and a polyester wool blend for warmth while staying breathable. Our lead tester said, “These boots do a great job keeping your feet both warm and dry!” The 11" shaft and suede upper provide lots of coverage to keep snow and rain out of the interior. This boot took on everything from deep snow to puddles and lakes without crippling under cold, blizzardy conditions. If you're looking for a seriously waterproof pair that has you covered in the deepest puddles and drifts, check out the Muck Boot Arctic Ice. It boasts a 17" shaft, but it is nearly 2 pounds heavier than the Chloe.

We found the Chloe to have a snug, stable fit with great grip, even when navigating slick slopes. The outsole and upper provide solid structure and support around the foot and ankle. “The support of the Chloe provides confidence for outdoor pursuits,” testers said. However, at just over 3 pounds, the design is bulky and heavier than some other models we tested. If a lightweight option would be more realistic for you, our size 9 Baffin Escalate pair weighed in at 1.56 pounds. While it doesn't boast the same intense insulating capabilities as the Chloe, it does offer almost as much traction. If you don't love the look of this boot, the UGG Adirondack III is an ultra-warm boot that's a bit more stylish, though you'll pay more for the UGG branding. Overall, the Chloe impressed us with its versatility and superb performance across the board. It is our top recommendation for those needing ultra-warm, durable, and reliable boots for the coldest climates and deepest of winters.

Read more: Baffin Escalate review

Briana Valorosi has spent countless miles reviewing a range of women's footwear in all seasons and conditions. Born and raised in the Sierra Nevada mountains, she spends extensive time hiking, biking, and pushing gear to the limits. Now located on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, she explores mountains and deserts in pursuit of awe while hiking, biking, skiing, and scrambling.

Winter is a time to finally celebrate and immerse yourself in the cold fronts and deep dive into your favorite snowy activities. We aim to help you find the best boots to enjoy the winter season and brave the cold.

A high-performing women's winter boot doesn't have to be ultra-expensive. We tested products across the entire price range to determine what works best. We do not review prices until after we have tested each boot. At that point, we apply our honest opinion of value based on the price and performance of each product. When considering value, be sure to do your research and find a boot that balances the performance you need with a price you can manage.

Sitting on the lower end for price yet performing well across our tests, the Columbia Minx Shorty III is an excellent option for those focused on comfort and waterproofing. While the Minx Shorty III didn't top the charts in any one category, it performed well across the board and is generally a solid one-quiver boot that won't break the bank. That said, the Kamik Momentum 3 offers superior coverage is hard to beat in terms of value. Excellent warmth, and comfort with one of the lowest prices we've seen for a winter boot? Yes, please.

To objectively measure the insulation of all 50+ boots, we set each model into an ice bath and tracked how much their inside temperature dropped over 10 minutes.

We combined these measurements with a shaded snow bank test to expand the metrics of heat loss further. This helped us compare the relative amount of thermal insulation. We hiked in each pair and stood around in snowfields and snowbanks while sipping hot chocolate on cold nights, taking note of which boots kept our feet the warmest. We walked around town in frigid temperatures. We even stomped around in river water. Using a culmination of the test results, we determined which boots were constructed for arctic conditions and which should probably stick to the streets.

The warmest boots we tested offer serious insulation underfoot and up the leg. The Baffin Chloe takes the top spot for this metric. This boot has a multi-layered insulation system with a Polywool blend that insulates internal temperatures and adds breathability and wind protection to the liner. The Chloe demonstrated the smallest internal temperature change after our snow bank and ice bath tests. Just behind the Chloe, the UGG Adirondackk III and Sorel Caribou offered an impressive amount of warmth, tying for second in our testing. The Caribou has the thickest sole of all our tested models and is one of the warmest boots for standing around in the cold or enjoying activities like snowmobiling. It's packed with 9mm of felt lining that doesn't seem to compact or lose warmth, even after months of wear. This was one of our favorite boots when shoveling the driveway on cold mornings.

The Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall is another prime example of a warm and protective boot. With the tallest height of any boot in our review, the protective shaft insulates throughout and offers superior insulation on the sole, keeping our feet warm in single digits while supplying unbeatable protection. When we stood in icy waters, we could not feel the cold on our feet or calves. Despite its incredibly lightweight design, the Baffin Escalate also performed very well in this metric. Baffin's proprietary heating technologies deliver on their “tundra-rating” temperature claims. However, the Arctic Ice Tall is more protective when the snow is really deep, thanks to a tall shaft height that insulates the calf.

Despite our praise for thick soles, many boots in the lineup have a thinner construction and still provide quality insulation. For example, the 10-inch shaft of the UGG Adirondack III is filled with lofty, warm sheep's wool — an organic, natural fiber that offers fantastic breathability and overall warmth. The Kamik Momentum 3 has a pronounced faux fur lining and collar that adds warmth and weather protection, keeping snow from entering the inside of the boot. The sole isn't as thick as the Sorel Caribou or Baffin Chloe, but but this boot still does well keeping your feet nice and toasty.

Cold weather can be brutal. Trying to warm your feet back up after a cold day is a difficult task. We all need a boot that will facilitate good thermoregulation throughout the coldest days of winter. For this reason, warmth is one of this review's most highly weighted evaluation criteria. Ideally, a winter boot should keep your feet warm, whether standing around in the cold or actively hiking, snowshoeing, or traveling. A few key factors contribute to the overall warmth and highest ratings: the warmest options have thicker outsoles, taller shafts, and high-quality insulation. Your boot should also provide excellent breathability to vent moisture while you're in motion; dry feet are warm feet. Another important piece of gear is a solid pair of winter socks that can insulate even if your feet get wet. Lean towards wool or synthetic fibers for the best warmth and moisture-wicking capabilities.

We found that the most weatherproof boots are constructed of rubber, neoprene, and/or leather. Look for boots with taped seams that are double-stitched and reinforced to keep water out. Keep in mind that most products have a distinct flood level. Sometimes, a poorly sealed seam or the joint where the tongue meets the shaft. We tested and noted the flood level for each boot.

If water and snow protection is your priority, the Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall is a clear favorite. Whether blowing snow off your driveway, trudging through wet and soggy fields, or tackling tall snowbanks, this 17-inch boot is your best bet. It is the tallest and burliest option out there, backing its protection with 5mm of scuba-grade neoprene and rubber. It's our favorite for protection because it's warm and easy to slip on, and its flood level extends to the top of the boot thanks to no seams or laces. The Baffin Chloe has a notably tall shaft at just a handful of inches shorter than the Arctic Ice and is waterproof up to around 9.5 inches. This boot performed like a rain boot when dunked into lake water and shed snow just as easily.

The Sorel Caribou features a removable liner and beefy insulation to keep your toes toasty in cold weather. The Caribou's overlays ensure that it is waterproof nearly all the way to the boot's collar, at about 10 inches.

If you're searching for a highly weatherproof winter hiking boot, the Keen Revel IV Polar offers bomber weather protection. The Revel IV features leather overlays on the collar with a breathable waterproof membrane and deep tread on the sole. We were pleasantly surprised by the weatherproofing on this hiker Unfortunately, as it is roughly ankle height, the maximum coverage is only about 7 inches before your sock or pants become exposed to the elements. If you think you'll be in water or snow deeper than that, we recommend grabbing some gaiters.

The UGG Adirondack III is another all-around excellent winter boot made entirely from leather and rubber and offers amazing protection from both water and snow. It protects the feet from up to 9 inches of snow and checks all the boxes regarding weatherproofing, comfort, and traction. If your winters are cold and wet, we highly recommend the nylon-based Columbia Minx Shorty III or the Kamik Momentum 3. Each boot has a low to mid-calf collar height with a high-performance DWR finish to wick away snow and water.

Not everyone wants half of their calves wrapped in a burly winter boot every time it snows. If you're looking for a casual-looking skate-style model, the Vans Standard Mid Snow MTE kept our feet perfectly dry and warm in near-freezing water at a depth of 6 inches. These boots might not be cut out for full-blown blizzards, but they're more than sufficient for smaller snowstorms and won't leave you looking like you're dressed for an Arctic expedition when the snow has melted by the end of your workday.

Winter can bring a fast-changing mix of snow, slush, and ice. With the proper footwear, your feet (and pants) can stay protected when you're out in freezing weather. To test this, we hiked through slushy puddles, tall snowbanks, rivers, and streams, evaluating the materials of each boot. Those that scored the highest had the least snow and water intrusion and offered the best protection in adverse conditions.

While we believe comfort and fit go hand in hand, they aren't synonymous. We examined each boot's liner, footbed, flexibility, and weight to evaluate comfort and judge how cozy the interior materials are to wear all day. To judge fit, we made a side-by-side comparison to assess the toe box's size, shape, width, and heel pocket. We took notes as we found out which boots were “true to size” and which boots sat bigger or smaller on the sizing spectrum. Lastly, we considered the stability and support of each boot to offer insights into which boot would be best worn under certain circumstances (i.e., work, fashion, outdoor activities, etc.).

The most comfortable options were light, flexible, and soft with a sturdy, protective fit. Those with plush liners, solid insulation, and cushy footbeds also rose above in this metric. Overall, if you're seeking the perfect balance between fit and comfort, the Baffin Chloe is one of your best bets. The fastening systems allows you to wrap the boot around your feet, ankles, and calves, giving hug-like support that feels super comfortable. The UGG Adirondack III Also offers some of the best in comfort. These boots are built with super soft wool insulation in the liner.

The Danner Inquire Mid is a modest and versatile option that offers a comfortable and snug fit right out of the box. The Inquire Mid could be an everyday work shoe or a simplistic low-top hiking boot. While it provides less coverage and traction than other models, it is a stand-out in all-around style, comfort, and fit. The Baffin Escalate offers lightweight flexibility that resembles a tall winter slipper, supported by a soft fleece lining. While it's not the best for stability and support, it nails the comfort category.

Weight was also a bigger factor than we anticipated in our testing process. Some boots weigh significantly more than others, which became evident when hiking or wearing boots during 8-hour work shifts. The Baffin Escalate and Columbia Minx Shorty III stood out as the lightest boots in our lineup, weighing well under 2 lbs for a pair. This can be an important aspect of comfort if you work on your feet for many hours at a time, travel, or plan to hike long distances.

Those who live and play in the burliest winter conditions know that warmth and comfort are of the utmost importance in winter wear. Comfort and fit are also top priorities for those who spend their winters shoveling or working in wet, snowy, muddy conditions.

Rubber compounds are a huge part of the traction and functionality equation. Over centuries, engineers have fine-tuned rubber compounds to optimize grip, durability, and performance at different temperatures. Like most earth's compounds, rubber acts differently under varying temperatures and climates. While Vibram's Arctic Grip may be great in sub-zero temperatures, it may not act the same in milder spring temperatures. We did our best to test each boot and determine its best arena for use.

While all the boots tested provide a level of traction, some are better than others. If you plan on being out in deep snow throughout the winter, a sole with a lot of surface area is your best option, like the Baffin Chloe or Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall. The Arctic Ice is less reliable on icy inclines, while the Baffin Chloe has a sort of blended lug pattern that feels grippy to the touch and performs well across all types of terrain.

The Keen Revel IV Polar has exceptional traction on snow for hiking-focused boots. They also have a nice snug fit around the heel pocket, which is key to avoiding blisters and keeping a firm grip. We highly recommend these boots if you plan to get on steep trails this winter. A hiking boot design will have great traction, weatherproofing, and durability for active winter use.

The Sorel Caribou and Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall have some of the deepest lugs in the group. The UGG Adirondack II and Danner Inquire Mid have shallower lugs, but they provide great traction on snowy hikes.

The wavy sole patterns on the Sorel Winter Carnival and Blundstone Thermal proved to have unreliable traction on uneven snowy surfaces. Still, they maintained a solid grip for everyday errands and activities. These would be best for warm indoor workwear, casual streetwear, and everyday winter comfort.

A bomber outsole is key to staying on your feet through winter. The last thing you want is to slip on ice or down a slope, so we tested each boot for its ability to keep you on your feet through inclement weather. We studied each model's outsole by measuring the depth of the lugs and assessing the tread pattern. We skated around on ice patches, hiked on trails near town, and got out on the hills of our favorite ski resorts. We even used a natural ice ramp at the end of our neighborhood cul-de-sac to test traction going uphill and downhill. In the end, we learned that those with the largest lugs and surface area did best on technical terrain and inclines, while flatter soles and wave patterns work best on pavement or in wet conditions (rain or puddles).

The fit of an active winter hiking boot is important for those who want to take on the winter's iciest trails. Hiking boots often have a more snug and shapely design with a low collar to offer stability, security, and a comfortable range of motion. Everything from the outsole to the laces is chosen and constructed with active use on varying terrain in mind.

Our testers with wide or high-volume feet, or those looking for more wiggle room, opted for the Keen Revel IV Polar, or Sorel Caribou which have more space in the forefoot and below the arch. These options offer excellent traction on inclines, with slightly different levels of ankle coverage depending on the shaft height. If you opt for a comfort-focused snow boot with good traction, you may find that the fit around the foot is a bit wider or looser, which can cause discomfort over 5+ miles of hiking.

Neoprene, leather, suede, nylon, and mesh are the most frequently used textiles in this footwear category, and each excels in different environments. For example, rubber and neoprene can withstand extended exposure to wet conditions, while suede and leather will wear down more quickly in wet environments.

To test quality of construction, we left our test boots out in the snow for multiple hours at a time, soaked them in the local river, and soaked them in ice baths. We used before and after photo evidence to capture fading, curling of the tongue or upper collar, and ripping or fraying of laces and seams, though most boots held up quite well for months of wear and tear. We tested outsole durability by actively rubbing and scrubbing boot soles on the pavement. We checked for evidence of rounding of the lugs and scuffing on the sole's outer edge. To make the durability testing more systematic, we also smashed the boots against rocks, trees, ice, and pavement to really challenge the integrity of the exterior.

Leather and suede are two of the most frequently used winter boot materials that are known to have the longest lifespans if cared for properly. These textiles require care and maintenance throughout the season as they are particularly prone to scuffing, weathering, and fading. Hence, cleaning and conditioning treatments are a great way to keep your boots looking fresh. Waterproofing treatments are also a great idea if you plan to use your leather boots as everyday winter wear for multiple seasons. Brands like Blundstone and Danner sell their own waterproofing treatments; otherwise, you can find a variety of treatments through aftermarket brands like Nikwax.

We evaluated the strength and durability of laces and eyelets to determine if they could undergo long-term use in heavy snow conditions. We rubbed up on trees and rocks to see how scuffed a boot's outsole and upper could get. We also assessed each boot's durability based on the stiffness of the shaft. Most boots have thick stitching from the heel to the boot's collar, often with a stitched-in loop to help pull the boot on. The stiffer the shaft, the more likely the boot will maintain structure over time.

Of the test group, we found the Muck Boot Arctic Ice and Baffin Chloe to be the top-performing boots in terms of durability. These boots' strength is predominantly characterized by tough rubber outsoles and thick uppers that provide insulation and great protection from the elements. We took these boots on walks over long rocky beaches and riverbeds and kept them on for fall wood-splitting sessions. These boots barely showed any wear, even after months of testing.

Blundstone is known for producing high-quality leather footwear, so it's no surprise that the Blundstone Thermal boots did well in this metric. The double stitch seams and water resistance are designed to last, and we saw no obvious break down in these boots over the course of our testing. The Keen Revel IV Polar also proved to be quite durable. While a good leather waterproofing will keep this boot it ship shape over time, we didn't see any sign of breakdown (other than scuff marks) over the course of our testing period.

The UGG Adirondack III and Baffin Escalate also did well in this metric. While both of these options show quite a bit of scuffing and scratching when put through some abrasion tests (bashed and scraped against trees, pavement, rocks, and ice), the damage seemed to remain cosmetic in nature.

Long-time winter veterans know the value of a boot that lasts many seasons without replacement. To assess durability, we look at the quality of the materials used and how the boot is constructed, and then we analyze how those materials hold up under light, medium, and heavy use in winter conditions.

When deciding on the right type of winter boot, there are a few factors to consider.

Does it snow a lot where you live? How cold does it get? Does winter tend to be wet? These factors will have a bearing on the style of the boot. For example, if you use your boots to frequently shovel a foot of snow out of your driveway (like our staff in Tahoe), you'll want a boot with a tall shaft. If you plan to go on winter hikes, you'll want a boot that laces down so your foot doesn't slip around. If it's quite cold in your area, choose a boot with robust insulation for warmth. Wet winter? Make sure the waterproofing is up to snuff.

Whether you want a cute boot to wear around town in winter or need something serious and heavy-duty for blizzards, we all want our winter boots to keep our feet warm. Most boots have some kind of synthetic fill, and many companies use their proprietary insulation technologies. Some companies will list a temperature rating. Although there is no real standardization for this rating, it can help give you a ballpark idea of a boot's intended climate. Beyond insulation, factors like fit, the shape of the toe box, and the seal at the top of the boot will influence warmth. Remember, a too-small boot can lead to poor circulation, making your feet colder. It's best to size boots with enough room for thick winter socks but not so big that your feet slide around inside them.

You'll likely be moving through snow, slush, or rain in the winter, and you want your feet to stay dry. The outer of winter boots are typically made of rubber, nylon, or treated leather and often have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to keep water from soaking through to the insulation. It's also important to pay attention to shaft height. The taller the boot, the more leeway you have in deep snow or puddles. You can also get a boot with a removable liner, which will dry out much more quickly if the boot gets saturated.

The traction of your boot is important if you'll be navigating snow or ice or using your boot for hiking. For slick surfaces, look for deep lug patterns on the outsole, which can help provide grip. (Sometimes, even the grippiest rubber or deepest lugs may not suffice on ice. In this case, we turn to snow grips, which are spikes you attach to the bottom of your footwear.) Quality winter boots have softer rubber compounds that don't harden in low temperatures, which helps them maintain grip. Our traction metric will help you discern which boots can keep you on your feet.

A high-performing winter boot can keep you warm and protected from whatever the seasons may bring. Be sure the boot you settle on is warm, breathable, and offers decent traction and weather protection to get you through the burliest days of winter. While there are many choices on the market, we chose the top players from some of the most renowned brands in the footwear industry. We've assessed the industry's tried and true models and determined the value of each design in our lineup. We've done the hard work, so you don't have to. Enjoy!

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The 5 Best Winter Boots for Women | Tested & Rated