The 12 Best Warm Winter Boots to Keep You Toasty in Extreme Cold, Vetted by Editors and Reviewers

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 warm winter boots that will keep your feet toasty 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 also 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, I’ve researched and tested some of the best warm winter boots (in the coldest and slushiest conditions) to consider this season.

• Ashlyn Greer is a professional fashion stylist and the co-owner and co-founder of Fashivly, a personal styling site. Fashivly provides excellent styling services no matter your budget, body type or style goals.
• Riley Goldman is the senior product merchandiser, English footwear and accessories at Ariat. Ariat provides high-quality products and footwear for all types of outdoor and work environments.

From trekking through NYC in brutal winter weather to bearing 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. Plus, I checked in with reviewers at some of our favorite brands to scope out which styles had the highest customer ratings. Here, the 12 best warm winter boots to keep your tootsies warm and dry throughout the season.

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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 the 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. 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.