If you’re preparing for winter, one of the essential items you’ll need is a quality pair of winter boots. They keep you warm, comfortable, and protected from freezing temperatures while offering great durability throughout the season.
When you consider all the styles available for women’s boots, choosing a pair with a proper fit, weight, warmth, and waterproofing is also essential. You’ll also want to find the best winter boots that complement your style and include your favorite designs.
We assessed a wide range of winter boots for women and chose the best footwear based on everything you’ll need to stay comfortable, with excellent traction and insulation on snow and icy surfaces.
Read on to see our top picks below, whether you’re looking for a durable winter hiking boot, an Arctic boot, or a specific design or style for everyday wear.
How We Tested and Compared Women’s Winter Boots
We tried a number of footwear brands to assess how well they handled cold temperatures, snow and icy surfaces, as well as their comfort level and material durability. While some boots are best suited for rugged outdoor adventures, other footwear is ideal for everyday wear throughout the winter.
Our top choices include consideration for how long the boots last, the quality of their design, and their overall value.
Best Winter Hiking Boot: Talus WT NTX Women’s Waterproof and Insulated Hiking Boots
Overview:
- Size options: Sizes 6 to 11
- Color options: Black
- Waterproof: Yes
- Style: Hiking/everyday wear
- Other Features: 200g insulation
What We Like About It
It’s a great, wearable boot that’s casual for daily wear and outdoor hiking. We found this waterproof boot stood up well to snowy and slushy conditions. They also remained warm and comfortable for several miles without leaks or issues. It’s a good price that’s not only affordable but durable if you’re looking for a multipurpose boot that’s perfect for winter.
What We Don’t Like
Is there anything to dislike about these Talus boots? If you’re looking for a taller boot or to trek through high snowdrifts, these boots won’t give you the additional support you need.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Talus’ womens boots are ideal for weekend excursions and backpacking trips, especially in colder climates. It’s a great women’s winter boot for trekking through streams, muddy areas, and frozen surfaces.
Best Snow Boots: Vasque Women’s Coldspark Ud Snow Shoe
Overview:
- Size options: Sizes 6 to 11
- Color options: Neutral grey and black
- Waterproof: Yes
- Style: Everyday wear
- Other Features: Lightweight
What We Like About It
Vasque’s women’s winter boots are one of the best boot options for snow and slushy conditions. We liked how well the rubber sole and waterproof, coated leather held up against wet conditions, including ice and snow. It’s a durable, lightweight boot for long walks and daily wear.
What We Don’t Like
We found these boots were great for everyday wear but may not be the best for hiking in rugged areas for a prolonged period.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Many buyers had great experiences with Vasque’s boots, including their ability to handle snow and wet conditions. It’s an excellent option for hiking, depending on the terrain, but the overall response from wearing them through parks and trails is positive.
Best Standard Winter Boot: North Face Women’s Sierra Mid Lace Waterproof Boots
Overview:
- Size options: Sizes 6 to 11
- Color options: Black or brown
- Waterproof: Yes
- Style: Hiking, climbing, sports
- Other Features: Lightweight, synthetic insulation
What We Like About It
This women’s boot offers essential comfort and support for your next winter hike, climb, or outdoor sporting event, with great traction and a cozy lining. We found these boots to be ideal for long-term wear in cold weather, with excellent balance and protection. North Face offers excellent athletic and winter shoes. We found these boots stylish with high-quality rubber, waterproof leather, and faux fur trim.
What We Don’t Like
While these boots are fantastic, you’ll only find them in black or brown, and they tend to sell quickly.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
As a well-established brand, North Face is one of the top choices for winter and sportswear. Their products are durable, providing the best of design and function together. These boots are flexible for a range of outdoor activities and also great for daily wear.
Best Athletic Snow Boot: Tower 2.0 GTX Womens
Overview:
- Size options: Sizes 6 to 11
- Color options: Black or brown
- Waterproof: Yes
- Style: Hiking, climbing, sports
- Other Features: Lightweight, synthetic insulation
What We Like About It
These athletic snow boots are compatible with a wide range of outdoor and winter sports, so you can comfortably hike on challenging trails, climb, or embark on a snowshoeing adventure. We found the materials durable, with sturdy nylon and microfiber and an antimicrobial insole to keep your feet comfortable and warm on the trail.
We found these boots stood up well in deep snow and winter weather and are low maintenance.
What We Don’t Like
The Tower 2.0 women’s boots are fantastic; though they are not tall, you may want more coverage if you’re trekking through higher snow drifts or need additional coverage.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Many people enjoy the versatility of these boots, as they are designed for any type of trail, route, or outdoor adventure. While not typically worn daily, these semi-automatic crampon boots are compatible with different sports, including snowshoeing and climbing. The fabric collar is snug and stretchy, ideal for a perfect fit, especially for added warmth for a long winter hike.
Best Stylish Women’s Boot: Pajar Anora-ECO – Women’s
Overview:
- Size options: Sizes 5.5 to 11
- Color options: Brown, white, and black
- Waterproof: Yes
- Style: Everyday wear
- Other Features: Lightweight, synthetic insulation
What We Like About It
If you’re looking to add boldness to your wardrobe, these boots are stellar. They are well-designed and ideal for autumn and winter. At first glance, we liked the design. Pajar reinforces the warmth of this boot with a leather heel, high-quality cow suede, and a faux fur shell. We found these boots cozy in below-freezing temperatures, and the insulation is breathable and minimizes odor.
What We Don’t Like
If you’re looking for a sporty boot, this isn’t the best option, as it’s best suited for everyday wear.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Pajar offers premium quality, and the lightweight thermal materials are a win for buyers who find these boots ideal for daily wear. While some people enjoy these boots on trails and light hiking, they are perfect for city or street wear and offer great traction on icy surfaces and sidewalks. Overall, these women’s boots are fantastic in style and function, with a cozy wool lining, which is a great choice for winter.
How to Choose the Best Women’s Winter Boots: Buying Guide
You may find the process of shopping for a new pair of winter boots time-consuming, as there are many attributes to consider when you choose the right pair for the coldest season. You’ll want to consider the purpose of the boots, the materials, comfort level, and durability. It’s also important to review all the options available, their price range, and how well boots accommodate your lifestyle.
The Level of Warmth During the Fall and Winter Seasons
A good quality winter boot should be consistently warm, so you can quickly wear them in temperatures below freezing. If you live in a moderate climate where the winter season is mild, you may not prioritize your shopping efforts on a boot that’s designed for the Arctic ice or heavy snow.
On the other hand, if you regularly head outdoors for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and climbing, a more athletic, protective boot is essential, as you’ll have greater support as temperatures plummet and conditions change. A waterproof boot is crucial for fall and early spring, especially in muddy and wet terrain, with melting snow or slush.
If you plan on ice fishing, backpacking, or spending long periods outdoors, you’ll want a boot that provides superior insulation and excellent traction on snow and icy surfaces.
Casual or Sports Boots?
What are your plans for the winter season? Do you plan on staying in the city and need a casual boot for comfort and style or a pair of well-supported hiking boots with exceptional traction, insulation, and warmth? It’s important to consider what type of footwear you’ll need, as this should be considered when choosing the right product.
There are significant differences in how casual walking boots are designed versus backcountry climbing and hiking boots, which you’ll want to keep in mind when you make your purchase.
Boot Height
How high do you want your boots? A high boot is ideal for additional support if you’re walking through deep snow and don’t typically wear snow pants outdoors. Sorel Caribou and Mukluks are great for heavy snow and ice in more extreme weather conditions.
While a tall boot may seem ideal for hiking, a short boot is more flexible and can provide adequate warmth with snow pants and thermal socks. Shorter boots also offer greater movement, especially if you plan hiking or climbing through various terrain.
If your main objective in selecting winter boots is style, provided you’re wearing them in the city or where there’s minimal snow, height is more of an aesthetic preference based on your style.
Material Choices and Budget
Do you prefer genuine leather or more eco-friendly materials in your winter boot? Many varieties of winter boots focus on different materials based on how much insulation, warmth, and waterproofing you’ll need.
You’ll typically have more choices for boots designed for streetwear. In contrast, athletic winter boots or hiking shoes are specially designed to maximize your comfort and protection in rugged areas and various types of terrain.
The quality of materials is crucial, though you’ll also want to ensure that the type of boot you need also fits well within your budget while providing the warmth and comfort you need.
Final Thoughts
When selecting the proper winter boots for the season, comfort and quality are priorities. You can always narrow your search to choose a more stylish design or brand with the colors or trims you prefer.
Our top picks include well-established brands with an excellent reputation for quality and durability. Ideally, the best pair of winter boots should give you the best fit, comfort, and protection throughout the season, whether you choose an athletic boot or a more stylish pair of winter shoes.
Related Reading: Once you find the right winter boots, pair them with the best ski socks for cold weather.
FAQs
Should I choose a lightweight boot?
A lightweight winter boot is ideal for long-distance walking and hiking. While many older styles of boots were heavy, there are fantastic options that provide the light materials you need to stay warm without feeling weighed down.
How vital is traction?
Traction is essential, especially if you live or venture into areas with many icy surfaces. Snow and slushy conditions can quickly become slippery, even with minimal ice. Choosing boots with excellent traction will reduce your chances of slipping, which is safer and ideal for hiking.
Is it necessary to have waterproof boots?
Ideally, especially if you walk through wet terrain or snow-heavy areas, which can quickly melt when the temperature rises. While not every winter boot is waterproof, it’s a reasonable consideration, as you’ll find the experience more comfortable, and your feet will stay dry.