12 Best Warm Winter Boots to Keep You Toasty in Extreme Cold

Winter footwear is definitely not as convenient as slipping on a pair of flip flops to take the dog out. In order to avoid the cold and keep yourself nice and cozy (and dry), you need to invest in some of the best winter boots that will keep your feet toasty, dry and protected.

Winter shoes should check a few boxes across the board: They should have good sole traction, feature waterproof or water-resistant materials and be insulated for warmth. It's important that the winter clothing you choose aligns with your lifestyle. Stylist Ashlyn Greer says your situation and where you'll be wearing your boots will help you decide the best ones for you. "If you'll be trudging through snow for most of the winter months, a water-resistant boot is not going to hold up over time. Opt for a full waterproof option that's made to withstand almost any amount of rain, snow and slush," she says. However, if you just pop these on to take the dog into your backyard without doing much walking, water-resistant options will suffice. Whether you prefer pull-on Chelsea booties or lace up mid-calf boots, we’ve researched and tested some of the best warm winter boots to consider this season.

• Ashlyn Greer is a professional fashion stylist and the co-owner and co-founder of Fashivly, a personal styling site.
• Riley Goldman is the senior product merchandiser, English footwear and accessories, at Ariat.

From traveling through NYC during its brutal winter to bearing the cold winds and blizzards in downtown Chicago, several of our editors have a few pairs of boots we stand by for staying warm in the winter. We tested for durability, moisture protection, style and comfort. We also checked in with reviewers at some of our favorite brands to scope out which styles had the highest customer ratings. Without further ado, here are the 12 best winter boots to keep your tootsies warm and dry.

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Keeping your feet warm and protected in winter climates isn't quite as simple as popping the cutest pair of boots into your cart—a little extra research is necessary to ensure you're getting the best boots for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind, according to our experts.

• Consider your climate: "It really comes down to the climate that you'll be wearing them in, and whether you experience mild winters with some low temperatures and sporadic snow or if you'll be battling heavy snow and frigid temps for months," says Greer.
• Moisture protection is key: "One of the most important features is having some level of water/moisture protection so that your feet stay warm and dry," Greer mentions. Riley Goldman says that "non-waterproof styles should be avoided when living in colder, wet climates."
• How's the insulation? "Insulation and shearling linings are great to add another level of warmth," Goldman says.

The materials that will keep your feet the warmest come down to the construction of the boots. One material isn't going to be the tell-tale textile that has your feet going from cold to toasty, the combination of materials and the build of the boot is more important. "Look at the details of the boot...see if the whole boot is made from one material or if there are areas like the zipper and stitching that leave spaces for water and cold temps to get into," says Greer. A combination of a durable outsole with deep traction, a waterproof upper to protect from moisture and an insulated interior lined with fleece, fur, Prima Loft or another warm material is a great trio for keeping your feet plenty warm and protected. As for what to avoid as a general rule, suede is a no-go, according to Greer. "Suede should usually be avoided for a pair of winter boots that you'll be wearing outdoors frequently. It's much harder to prep and treat, and any sort of wetness can ruin it quickly," she says.

Nope, water-resistant and waterproof are not the same thing. Waterproof indicates that the materials of the boots are not going to allow water to seep in and wet your feet. Water-resistant boots will help your feet avoid getting wet, but there's only so much it can do, as slush or water sitting atop your feet will likely eventually sink in through your socks. "Most non-rain boot options are water resistant, meaning they have been treated with a water-resistant protectant and can withstand some wet conditions but are not completely unaffected by moisture like a waterproof boot," says Greer. "Water resistant is only giving you protection from water from the treatment on the leather of the boot," adds Goldman. If you're constantly on the go or walk to work, a fully waterproof boot is a must-have for you. However, if you plan to only pop these boots on to run a few errands via car, water-resistant boots will hold up just fine.

Some boots have been tested to tell customers what temperatures they'll will be able to withstand. If you find a pair of boots that have -25 degrees listed as a temperature rating, that means those boots are built to be able to keep your feet warm down to that temperature. While not all boots are listed with a temperature rating, the ones that are are great for those planning to brave extreme temperatures for longer periods of time.

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