Winter weather will be here before you know it and if you plan to enjoy any time out in the cold, you'll need to ensure you have seasonally appropriate footwear. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has put together a list of the best winter boots, including work boots, hiking boots, stylish options, and ultra-warm options. We’re here to help you find whatever you're looking for in your winter boots.
Use our roundup of the best winter boots to maximize your comfort and safety throughout all of your favorite cold-weather activities, whether that’s trekking the trails or simply enjoying a snowy walk through your neighborhood.
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The Best Winter Boots - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Winter Boots: Sorel Caribou Winter Boots - Men's | Women's
- Best Budget Winter Boots: Kamik Nationplus Boots - Mens | Kamik Mcgrath - Womens
- Best Winter Hiking Boots: KEEN Targhee High Lace Waterproof Boots
- Best Stylish Winter Boots: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots - Men's | Women's
- Best Winter Work Boots: Carhartt Men's 10" Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
- Best Winter Walking Boots: Columbia Women's Bugaboot III 200g Waterproof Winter Boots - Womens
- Best Waterproof Winter Boots: KEEN Greta Waterproof Boots
- Best Winter Boots for Kids: Merrell Snow Crush 2.0
- Best Warm Winter Boots: Baffin Impact Winter Boots - Mens | Womens
- Best Winter Hunting Boots: Rocky Men's Deerstalker Waterproof 800G Insulated Outdoor Boot
Best Overall - Sorel Caribou Winter Boots
SPECS
- Height: 10"
- Material: Leather, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
For a good all-around winter boot, consider the Sorel Caribou Winter Boots. Made with a stylish Nubuck leather shell, the interior offers multiple layers of insulation, ensuring your toes will be nice and warm even when you traipse through snow. A wide rubber sole offers both waterproofing and traction, while the mid-calf fit helps you feel secure in your boot. Also note the lugged rubber outsoles, offering a little extra grip as you navigate snow and ice.
What We Like
- Outsole designed to help navigate snow and ice
- Ample insulation
- Excellent waterproofing
- Stylish design
- Durable and built to last
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for longer hikes
- Higher price point
BUY: Sorel Caribou Winter Boots - Men's | Women's
Best Budget Winter Boots - Kamik Nationplus & Mcgrath Boots
SPECS
- Height: 11.22"
- Material: Leather, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Looking for winter boots that fit a tight budget? Kamik offers a couple of cost-effective options—Nationplus for men, Mcgrath for women. Made with 100% leather and rubber, these boots offer seam-sealed waterproofing, a nice high fit, and an inner lining designed to wick away moisture. A speed-lacing system enhances convenience, while 200B Thinsulate offers the warmth you'll need any time you head out into the snow.
What We Like
- Ample, moisture-wicking insulation
- Seam-sealed waterproofing
- Modest price point
What We Don't Like
- Traction is just so-so
- Style is purely functional
BUY: Kamik Nationplus Boots - Mens | Kamik Mcgrath - Womens
Best Winter Hiking Boots - KEEN Targhee High Lace Waterproof Boots
SPECS
- Height: Over-the-ankle
- Material: Leather, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
With the KEEN Targhee High Lace Waterproof Boots, you'll be ready to hit the trails. The over-the-ankle fit makes this a good option for long days of physical activity, while the waterproof materials and rugged rubber outsole promote your comfort and stability. Note that the leather materials are salt-resistant as well as weather-ready. Speed-hooks help you lace up quickly and a comfy EVA-molded insole offers your feet ample support—ideal for all those hours you'll spend blazing trails.
What We Like
- Ample support for long days on the trail
- Waterproof and salt-resistant
- Quick and easy to lace up
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you prefer a mid-calf fit
- Higher end of the pricing scale
BUY: KEEN Targhee High Lace Waterproof Boots
Best Stylish Winter Boots - Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
SPECS
- Height: Over-the-ankle
- Material: Leather, textile, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
When it comes to winter footwear, it's easy to prioritize functionality over form. But it's very possible to get a pair of snug winter boots that look stylish, as is evidenced by the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots. Available in both men's and women's variants, these boots offer the best of GORE-TEX waterproofing. Breathable and lightweight, they'll serve you well on hikes or long, wintry walks. And the durable outsoles will provide you plenty of traction across all types of surfaces.
What We Like
- Ample support for long days on the trail
- Lightweight and breathable
- Stylish design
- Excellent traction
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you prefer a mid-calf fit
- Not the best option for warmth and insulation
BUY: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots - Men's | Women's
Best Winter Work Boots - Carhartt Men's 10" Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
SPECS
- Height: 10"
- Material: Leather, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
If your job requires you to be up on your feet in the midst of cold weather and harsh elements, you'd do well to invest in the Carhartt Men's 10" Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boots. Made with Carhartt's typically high standards of excellence and durability, this rough and rugged boot is toasty-warm, thoroughly waterproof, and made to fit securely. A breathable membrane keeps your toes dry while also allowing some airflow. A safety toe will help you avoid potential injury, even when working in treacherous environments.
What We Like
- Breathable membrane promotes air flow
- Safety toe
- Durable, long-lasting material
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Not recommended for athletic activity
BUY: Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
Best Winter Walking Boots - Columbia Women's Bugaboot III 200g Waterproof Winter Boots
SPECS
- Height: Mid-calf
- Material: Leather, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
For a boot that's comfortable to amble around in, consider the Columbia Women's Bugaboot III 200g Waterproof Winter Boots. This women's boot offers ample insulation along with seam-sealed waterproofing. A lightweight midsole provides lasting comfort, while the rubber outsole offers all the traction you'll need for slippery or inclement conditions.
What We Like
- Lightweight, supportive midsole
- Great traction
- Ample insulation
- Reasonable price point
What We Don't Like
- Style is purely functional
- Not quite as tough or trail-ready as other boots
BUY: Columbia Women's Bugaboot III 200g Waterproof Winter Boots
Best Waterproof Winter Boots - KEEN Greta Waterproof Boots
SPECS
- Height: Mid-calf
- Material: Leather, textile, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Winter tends to bring no shortage of sleet, snow, and drizzling rain. You'll want a good pair of waterproof boots, and the KEEN Greta Waterproof Boots are among our favorites. Quilted collars ensure comfort, but the real selling point here is the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, which causes water to bead up on the surface rather than penetrating down to your toes. Add in premium insulation and an odor-reducing lining and you have a stand-out product.
What We Like
- Water-repellent finish
- Odor-reducing, antimicrobial lining
- Lightweight, supportive midsoles
What We Don't Like
- Style is purely functional
- Higher price point
BUY: KEEN Greta Waterproof Boots
Best Winter Boots for Kids - Merrell Snow Crush 2.0
SPECS
- Height: 7"
- Material: Leather, textile, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
Looking for kid-size winter boots? The Merrell Snow Crush 2.0 is your best bet. With a modest price point and a comfortable over-the-ankle fit, this durable, waterproof boot will serve your little one well throughout the winter season. The strap closures are easy to get on and off, while the insulation level creates coziness and warmth.
What We Like
- Ample insulation
- Easy to get on and off
- Reasonable price point
- Fully waterproof
What We Don't Like
- For a kid's boot, we'd love to see more options for color/style
- Sole is a little thin
Best Warm Winter Boots - Baffin Impact Winter Boots
SPECS
- Height: 15"
- Material: Nylon, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
If you're simply looking to maximize warmth, our top choice is the Baffin Impact Winter Boot. An eight-layer insulation system combined with secure buckles and a 15-inch height keep your feet, ankles, and legs toasty even when the temperature plunges. These boots are rated to keep you warm in temperatures way below zero, while an EVA midsole and rubber outsole deliver the ideal balance of comfort and traction.
What We Like
- Exceedingly warm, down to -148 degrees Fahrenheit
- Secure buckle closures
- Snug, high fit
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- A little on the heavy side (over 6 lbs.)
BUY: Best Warm Winter Boots - Baffin Impact Winter Boots - Mens | Womens
Best Winter Hunting Boots - Rocky Men's Deerstalker Waterproof 800G Insulated Outdoor Boot
SPECS
- Height: 8"
- Material: Leather, nylon, rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
The Rocky Men's Deerstalker Waterproof 800G Insulated Outdoor Boot will make a great companion for any cold-weather hunting trip. Available in camo prints, it's a warm, stable, and thoroughly waterproofed boot that's made for comfort and support. A memory foam footbed offers comfort to your feet and the 800 grams of insulative material will keep your toes toasty.
What We Like
- Ample insulation
- Comfortable memory foam footbed
- Snug, secure fit
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Not as good for hiking or athletic activity
BUY: Rocky Men's Deerstalker Waterproof 800G Insulated Outdoor Boot
What To Look For in Winter Boots
When shopping for winter boots, there are a few aspects to consider.
Traction
One of the most important aspects of a winter boot is finding one that will provide traction over snow and ice. Having a wide surface on the bottom of the boot helps. Fit is also important; having space around the toe or a heel that lifts will significantly increase your instability. Rubber tread patterns matter a little bit, but not as much as the first two factors.
Warmth
One of the main roles of a winter boot is to keep your feet warm, even in brisk elements. Insulating materials are obviously crucial here. Reflective elements can also be helpful, sending body heat back to the wearer.
Waterproofing
Winter often brings snow, ice, drizzle, and cold rain. Having waterproof boots is a must. Having a waterproof sole is obviously a plus, but it's also important to have a nice, high boot that fits snugly around the leg.
FAQs About Winter Boots
When should I buy winter boots?
While winter boots are available around the year, there are certain seasons where they may be more modestly priced. Many experienced shoppers say that January and February, right after the Christmas rush, is a good time to seek deals on winter boots.
How long do winter boots last?
On average, winter boots last about three seasons. Obviously, you may get a little more or a little less mileage out of them depending on how often you wear them and what kinds of conditions you wear them in.
How should winter boots fit?
A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit one finger into your boot. If it doesn't fit, that means the boot is too tight. If you have too much extra space, that could compromise the warmth, waterproofing, and stability of the boot. Seek something a little more snug.
About the Author
Josh is a journalist and writer whose work has appeared in magazines and local newspapers such as Christianity Today, IMAGE Journal, Relevant Magazine, FLOOD, The Nashville Scene, True Tunes, Rise Up Daily, and Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet. Josh is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
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