During evaluations, we put a range of comfortable boots to the test, including chic leather options for warmer climates, warm hiking boots, and insulated styles for the chilliest locales. We wore them after long skiing days, during chilly wet days… the list goes on. The result? A concise, curated list of the absolute best options to suit different preferences and weather conditions.
Eager to spot the winners? Keep scrolling to discover the best winter boots for women, per fashion editors.
What to consider
Materials
The type of boot you want for everyday city commuting is different from what you’d need for winter hiking or snowshoeing in seriously cold weather, says Julie Hardy, senior buyer at Zappos. While something like leather may be fine for chilly days in the South on dry pavement, a heavy-duty nylon will be better suited for snowy or icy days in cold climates. Also consider outsole materials. Generally, rubber outsoles with deeper grooves, lugs, or specialized designs like hexagonal patterns are more slip-resistant and provide superior grip in snowy, slippery conditions.
Insulation
While a boot’s temperature ratings provide a useful starting point for what to look for when shopping, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule, says Hardy. For most outdoor activities like snowshoeing, hiking, or backpacking, our experts suggest looking for a baseline of about 200 grams of insulation. Liners can also boost the product’s warmth. Seam-sealed and waterproof features are also particularly important if you spend a good amount of time in the snow or rain. Look for terms like “Thinsulate” and “GORE-TEX,” both of which trademarked materials considered superior in terms of insulation.
Shaft Height
Keep in mind that taller boots also help keep more of your leg warm even without the presence of snow. Generally, mid-height boots (about 6.5 inches) strike the perfect balance of coverage and comfort, however tall heights (12 inches or more) are better suited for deep snow. Ultimately shaft height is about personal preference, but make sure your boots go above the hem of your pants to keep snow and cold air out.
How we chose
As a beauty and fashion writer who’s tried countless pairs of shoes throughout the course of 15 years, I know a thing or two about what makes a solid winter boot. I also consulted a senior buyer for Zappos, which is one of the largest footwear retailers out there, on what to consider when shopping for winter boots: materials, insulation, and shaft height. WH executive fashion director Kristin Saladino, assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture, associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner, and freelance stylist Alexandra Juric also weighed in on their favorite options. Collectively, they have over 30 years of experience testing shoes and boots.
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Best Overall
Sorel Caribou Royal WP
Pros
- Secure fit
- Textured non-slip outsoles
- Available in three colors, including a fun orange
Cons
- On the heavier side
We were first drawn to The Sorel Caribou Royal Boots, as they look more stylish than most other winter boots made for cold weather. But, when we got to testing, we discovered that, aside from their looks, they’re also extremely functional.
Starting with style, the orange color is eye-catching and made for someone who’s looking for a pop of color. The quilted padding, metal hardware, and lace-up front closure also add a nice design touch for the funkier type. Pair it with jeans, leggings, or even a cool maxi skirt or dress. But, if the orange is a little too much for you, the brand also makes beige and black styles that pair well with any outfit.
These boots also have lugged soles for excellent traction and are insulated and waterproof to keep you warm and dry in serious weather conditions. “The fit is secure, so nothing is getting through these babies,” says WH executive fashion director Kristin Saladino, who counts on the pair for both snowy and wet city streets, as well as ski weekends. “They’re perfect for apres skiing, shoveling the driveway, or anytime you need complete and total protection from the elements,” she says. Her only complaint? They are a little on the heavier side.
Read more: Most Comfortable Boots For Women
| Materials | Full-grain leather or waterproof nubuck leather upper; molded rubber, modernized Caribou lug outsole |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Removable liner |
| Shaft Height | 8 in |
Best Heavy-Duty
The North Face Shellista IV Mid WP
Now 37% Off
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Highly durable upper
- Attractive and warm faux fur detailing
Cons
- May be too narrow for wide feet
If you live in an area known for harsh winter weather, work outdoors, or regularly spend your time on the ski slopes, you may want an extra hard-working pair like these boots from The North Face. The upper, made from a combination of waterproof leather and nylon, is one of the more durable options we tested. And while the hard-to-stretch leather does make the pair a bit more narrow and rigid than some other styles we evaluated, it helps provide extra support and stability.
The seam-sealed construction helps keep the chill out, too. Not to mention, the padded tongue and faux fur top collar help provide even more warmth. And, as you’d expect from an adventure-forward brand like The North Face, the rubber outsoles are up for just about any weather conditions you put them through. The traction is top-notch.
| Materials | Waterproof full-grain leather and ballistic nylon upper; rubber outsole |
|---|---|
| Insulation | 200 g Heatseeker Eco Pro 85% post-consumer recycled polyester |
| Shaft Height | Not listed |
Best Pull-on
Merrell Winter Pull On Wide Width
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Easy to put on and off
- Sticky rubber outsole for traction
- Available in standard and wide sizes
Cons
- Too short for deep snow
They may be on the shorter side—not ideal for snow more than a few inches—but these boots from Merrell are the perfect pull-on style to throw on and go, says Saladino. Case in point: When you need to take the dog out or you’re jetting out the door for school drop-off. There’s also extra room inside the boot, which Saladino loves when she needs to slip them on and go.
And, despite the short style, the weatherproof suede boots are plenty warm, assuming your pants are long enough. The faux fur lining adds a cozy layer of insulation. We also like how lightweight this style is, even though it has a thick rubber outsole that helps improve traction in unfavorable conditions.
| Materials | Waterproof suede leather upper; sticky rubber outsole |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Faux fur |
| Shaft Height | Not listed |
Best Ankle-Length
L.L.Bean Rangeley Pac Boot
Pros
- Attractive styling details
- Great traction
- Warm faux fur lining
Cons
- No half sizes can make finding your perfect fit harder
We’re big fans of the storied L.L. Bean and its traditional Duck Boots, but this version, complete with snuggly fleece detailing, is better suited for chilly winter weather. “I love the rugged weekend styling of these boots,” says Saladino. “They are cozy on the inside and the fleece detailing and orange laces on the outside are cool styling touches.” They’re well equipped for that wintery mix of rain and snow, too, thanks to a waterproof full-grain leather upper and a molded rubber outsole, which has a grooved tread pattern that helps you stay upright and balanced when the sidewalks are slick.
The brand doesn’t have half sizes, which can make settling on the perfect pair a little trickier, but we found it wise to order down if you’re between. “I am a size 9, and they fit great even with a warm, thick sock,” says Saladino. Overall, we were impressed by both style and function—particularly the traction, which makes them a bit more equipped for true winter conditions than other ankle-length styles.
| Materials | Waterproof full-grain leather and polyester fleece Sherpa upper; molded rubber outsole |
|---|---|
| Insulation | 200-gram PrimaLoft insulation |
| Shaft Height | Not listed |
Most Comfortable
Ugg Classic Mini Platform
Pros
- Super warm and cozy inside
- Platform adds height and style without affecting performance
Cons
- Doesn’t come in half sizes
“The UGG Classic Mini Platform’s have become a well-loved staple, and when I got the chance to test them out I quickly understood why,” says freelance stylist Alexandra Juric. They’re attractive, comfortable, and warm. But you better hurry up and *add to cart* if you want this style ahead of the holidays—they’re known to sell out.
The inside of the boot is lined with the brand’s signature UGGplush blend, a wool blend, which never fails to keep your feet warm. We also love that the added two-inch platform to the classic silhouette gives you height without sacrificing comfort or traction. The downside? They don’t come in half sizes and tend to run big, so keep that in mind when shopping.
| Materials | Suede upper; sugarcane EVA outsole |
|---|---|
| Insulation | 17mm UGGplush upcycled wool, TENCEL Lyocell sockliner |
| Shaft Height | 5 in |
Best Value
Dream Pairs Snow Boots for Women
Pros
- Faux fur for extra warmth
- Treated with a water-resistant coating
- Available in five colors
Cons
- May not be as durable as other options
They may be a fraction of the price of other winter boots, but Dream Pairs makes a solid winter boot that keeps both cold and wet weather out. In addition to a water-resistant faux leather, the shoes have a plush faux fur interior that helps keep your legs warm. They also have a 1.37-inch rubber anti-slip sole to help provide better traction in slippery conditions. For added comfort and shock absorption while walking or hiking, the soles also have 2mm of memory foam.
Like our top overall pick, we like that these winter boots come in a variety of colors: beige, nude, light gray, chestnut, and black. We also appreciate the pull tab on the back of the boot, which makes them easier to slip on and off. On the downside, our testers said they noticed signs of wear and tear faster than other pairs—namely, the faux fur started to rip a bit.
| Materials | Vegan leather and faux fur upper; thermoplastic outsole |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Faux fur |
| Shaft Height | Not listed |
Most Stylish
Moon Boot LTrack Padded Combat Boots
Pros
- More elevated style than the classic Moon Boots
- Lightweight
- 100% water-repellant
Cons
- Runs a bit large
This combat style Moon Boot—a new and updated version of the popular Icon Moot Boot—has proven to be the perfect winter wardrobe upgrade, says assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture. They have all of the characteristics she looks for—they’re lightweight, sleek, and super comfortable.
During testing, we found they performed well in all kinds of cold, wet weather. ICYDK, these boots are inspired by astronaut gear (just take a look at the name!) and are meant to withstand all sorts of conditions. They are made out of thermoplastics and 100-percent water-repellent nylon and cow suede, which helps keep your feet dry and warm. “I got my boots wet during testing and not only did my feet stay dry, the water marks on the boots dried up pretty quickly,” says Lauture. You may want to size down, though—we found the style runs a little big.
| Materials | Nylon and cow suede upper; thermoplastic rubber outsole |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Polyester, nylon lining |
| Shaft Height | Not listed |
Meet The Experts
- Julie Hardy is a senior buyer at Zappos.
- Kristin Saladino is the executive fashion director for the Hearst Fashion Group.
- Lily Wohlner is the associate e-commerce editor for Women’s Health.
- Rose Lauture is the assistant fashion editor for Women’s Health.
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Kristen Saladino is the Executive Fashion Director for the Hearst Fashion Group. She styles covers + fashion stories for various Hearst brands.
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