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

It may be cold, but our feet are warm

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McKenzie Cordell for PureWow

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.

The Best Warm Winter Boots at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Sorel Joan of Arctic Waterproof Boots

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2

Best Winter Boots for Hiking

Keen Terradora Explorer Mid Boots

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3

Best Chelsea Boots

Sorel Hi-Line Chelsea Boots

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4

Best Ankle Boots

LL.Bean Bean Boots

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5

Best Low Boots

The North Face Thermoball Boots

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Meet the Experts

  • 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.

How We Chose The Best Warm Winter Boots

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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Best Overall

1. Sorel Joan of Arctic Waterproof Boots

What We Like

  • high shaft
  • faux-fur collar

What We Don't Like

  • can feel a little stiff

Sorel

Commerce editor Olivia Dubyak says these are the best winter boots she’s tested so far. “I’ve lived in snowy Chicago and now am always outdoors in Colorado, so a quality winter boot has always been a priority for me. These are incredibly warm and comfortable when walking long distances,” she says. They’re made of leather and the soft felt inner liner is removable, so you can wash when needed. She also notes that the high shaft is nice for deep snow, but can feel a little stiff due to the thick material.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: recycled felt
  • Height: 12 inches

Best Winter Boots for Hiking

2. Keen Terradora Explorer Mid Boots

What We Like

  • speed hooks
  • waterproof

What We Don't Like

  • not the prettiest shoe

Keen

When it comes to hiking, you want a durable pair of boots that can withstand harsh weather and tough terrains. Super thick hiking boots packed with insulation and layers will be less comfortable and safe, which is why you need a warm pair of merino wool socks to seal in the heat. These boots have speed hooks which make lacing them up a breeze. The contoured insole is made with ample arch support and the outsole has significant traction to really grip down in any muddy or icy areas.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: synthetic
  • Height: 3 inches

Best Chelsea Boots

3. Sorel Hi-Line Chelsea Boots

What We Like

  • pull-on tabs
  • rubber soles

What We Don't Like

  • some reviewers note the traction isn't that great

Sorel

Lace-up, thick winter boots aren't super practical for those of us who aren't out in brisk weather that often. Opting for a pair of slip-on Chelsea boots that also offer warmth and waterproof leather is a quick and easy pick for on-the go, whether you're taking the dog out or running out to the car to go to the store. The sole is made of a lightweight EVA compound so not only does it keep your feet comfortable and supported, they're not as heavy as other winter boot options.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: synthetic
  • Height: 5.5 inches
Screen Shot 2022 12 12 at 11.37.15 AM
L.L.Bean

Best Ankle Boots

4. L.L.Bean Bean Boots

What We Like

  • durable
  • zip-up upper

What We Don't Like

  • run big

L.L.Bean

The classic duck boot is an all-time winter favorite. This version has a zip-closure instead of laces, and the rubber upper is waterproof, too. "The L.L.Bean duck boot has classic good looks that I appreciate and the molded vamp makes me feel supported, all without having to deal with laces thanks to this zippered version," says senior editor Dana Dickey. PureWow associate editor, SEO, Marissa Wu also mentions that they're great for wider calves, too. "[They're] quite roomy, so it's easy to wear wool socks or multiple layers without feeling like your circulation is going to be cut off, and the shaft of the boot, which comes to my lower mid shin, is wide, so great if you have wide calves or want to tuck in pants/snow pants." These are fleece-lined and insulated with Prima Loft for optimal warmth no matter the temps.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: 200 grams of Prima Loft
  • Height: 7 inches

Best Low Boots

5. The North Face Thermoball Boots

What We Like

  • lightweight insulation
  • waterproof

What We Don't Like

  • hard to clean

The North Face

These cute puffer boots are completely waterproof, so that gross street slush won’t even come near your socks. "They are super comfortable and warm, which is perfect for even the coldest NYC winters. They are also very cute! I was hesitant about getting an all-white pair, but they still look pretty new to me after two years—even [after] slugging through old NYC snow," says associate editor Chelsea Candelario. The inside is insulated with the brand's Thermoball eco insulation, which is made to retain your body heat, even when wet. The ortholite footbed is very supportive and comfy for walking, too.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: Thermoball
  • Height: not listed

Best Waterproof Boots

6. Ariat Harper Waterproof Boots

What We Like

  • fully leather
  • padded collar

What We Don't Like

  • heavy

Ariat

Pair these 100 percent leather, waterproof boots with a toasty pair of socks for ultimate warmth when you're outdoors this winter. "Ive walked along a ton of slushy sidewalks and snowy ground in these boots and not a drop of moisture seeps through to my feet," Dubyak raves. "The leather is thick and durable so it also offers some heat retention for my feet, too." They're also built with 4LR technology to offer stability to your feet and ankles.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: not listed
  • Height: 6 inches

Most Stylish Boots

7. Columbia Ice Maiden Snow Boot

What We Like

  • omni-grip traction
  • techlite midsole

What We Don't Like

  • a little on the bulkier side

Colombia

Not only is the footbed cushioned with the innovative techlite midsole, but the ankle is soft but structured to provide support and allow for flexibility when walking. "These boots are so warm and waterproof. I have worn these all winter and they [still] look [brand] new. I highly recommend them," raves one Columbia customer. They're great for snow sports like skiing or snowmobiling because they're both flexible and durable, while keeping your feet warm in down to -25-degree temperatures. Plus, the omni-grip sole will give you ultimate traction, too, so you can feel secure when walking on icy or wet surfaces.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: 200 grams of insulation for up to -25-degree temperatures
  • Height: 9 inches

Best Mid-Calf Boots

8. Dream Pairs Winter Snow Boots

What We Like

  • mid-calf height
  • quilted upper

What We Don't Like

  • not waterproof

Dream Pairs

These multi-media boots have a classic-yet-trendy look to them. They’re wind-resistant and have a cushioned footbed for a comfortable fit. Better yet, the inside features 200 grams of thermolite insulation to keep feet toasty in as low as -24-degree temps. "[I] purchased these winter boots [and] the fit and quality are great. [They] keep my feet warm while out shoveling snow in the cold NY winter," mentions one reviewer. A few reviewers note that these boots aren't ideal for slushy streets or wet weather, as the outer material isn't totally waterproof so your feet will get wet.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: 200 grams of thermolite
  • Height: 7.5 inches

Best Warm Tall Winter Boots

9. ArcticShield Anna Winter Snow Boots

What We Like

  • fur cuff is unfoldable to add more length
  • memory foam insoles

What We Don't Like

  • not available in half sizes

ArcticShield

If you need a little extra coverage, you can unfold the top faux-fur collar to reach higher on your calves. The insole has a cushioned memory foam support to comfort your feet even with an extra layer or two of socks. These quilted boots have nearly 5,000 five-star ratings that make us confident they’ll keep our feet warm and dry. “These boots are very warm and flexible when walking,” one reviewer says. “I went snowmobiling and my [feet were] dry and toasty the entire time.”

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: ArcticShield Retain Technology
  • Height: 10 inches

Best Wide-Calf Boots

10. Khombu Carly Winter Boots

What We Like

  • double side zipper
  • waterproof

What We Don't Like

  • reviewers note they're a little stiff at first

Khombu

No need to waste time lacing these shoes up, because the double side zippers makes them incredibly easy to put on. They’re made to be breathable while also waterproof, so your feet are protected but not overheated. One happy Amazon customer shares, "They are 100 percent waterproof. I walked through the snow everywhere, sometimes in snow up to the top of the boot, and my feet never got wet! Of course, I didn't try to step into deep water with them, but for snow & slush, they were perfect. When I need more boots, I will go directly to this brand again. Highly recommend them!"

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: fur-fleece
  • Height: 9 inches

Best Waterproof Boots

11. Aleader Snow Boots

What We Like

  • waterproof
  • nonslip

What We Don't Like

  • fit a little tight with socks

Aleader

Insulated with 200 grams of Thinsulate, these boots are sure to keep your feet nice and warm no matter the temperature. And don’t worry, even if the snow is shin-deep, these mid-calf boots will keep your legs protected. "As a home health nurse I needed something that would keep my feet warm from cold weather, which it does. It is waterproof, my feet never got wet and I did not slide on any ice. Worth every penny," reports one customer.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: 200 grams of thinsulate
  • Height: 11.5 inches

Most Lightweight Boots

12. Madewell The Toasty Puffer Boot

What We Like

  • puffer style
  • Cloudlift lite padding

What We Don't Like

  • runs small

Madewell

Why not pair your favorite puffer coat with cozy puffer boots? The nylon is water-resistant and these babies are jersey-lined for a comfy interior. They also have Cloudlift Lite padding that’s ultra-squishy to keep your feet comfortable and supported. "It’s mind blowing to me how these boots keep my feet every bit as warm and dry as my expensive, shearling-lined suede commuter boots from Canada. And they’re comfortable to walk in. [In my opinion,] these are a great value," says a Madewell customer.

Fast Facts

  • Insulation: jersey lining
  • Height: not listed

What to Consider When Shopping for Warm Winter Boots

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.

What Materials Keep Your Feet the Warmest?

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.

What's the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Boots?

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.

What Are the Temperature Ratings on Winter Boots?

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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olivia dubyak headshot

Commerce Editor

  • Covers commerce content, including personal and collaborative reviews and product roundups across beauty, home, fashion and family verticals
  • More than 5 years of professional experience in journalism
  • Studied journalism at Duquesne University

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