Best Winter Boots For Women 2023

With winter weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, the best winter boots for women ensure you’ll be ready for whatever is in store. Whether shoveling the driveway, commuting on slushy streets or partaking in an outdoor activity, having a comfortable pair of winter boots with sufficient warmth and great traction is a must. After interviewing multiple experts and testing 10 pairs of winter boots through an entire winter season, the UGG Adirondack III Boot emerged as the best women’s winter boot overall, and the Sorel Tivoli IV Parc Boot as the most stylish to handle any wintry weather, keeping your feet toasty and dry.

The best winter boots for women ensure you’ll be ready for whatever weather comes your way. Warm Cozy Slippers Quotes

Best Winter Boots For Women 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Finding the perfect pair largely depends on the activities you do and the conditions you’ll face, so I picked a range of other options to suit every lifestyle, too. The following is a list of all the winners from my testing process:

The UGG Adirondack III Boot is an impressively well-made boot with exceptional performance across the board. The durable construction is bolstered by high-end materials like leather, suede and natural wool, along with detailed stitching that gives it a premium feel. In addition to being one of the warmest boots I wore, they were comfortable right out of the box and have stayed looking fresh after an entire season of testing. One of the best parts of this boot is that you get the versatility of choosing between wearing them with the cuff rolled up or down, allowing them to best suit the activity you’re doing and giving you two style options to pair with your outfits.

The Adirondack III boots are capable of handling anything winter can throw at them. They’re tall enough (and sit tight enough to the leg) to keep deeper snow out, and they’re not too stiff, providing a relaxed and comfortable feel when walking city streets and snow-covered trails. With the cuff rolled down, you do give up some heat retention, but you gain more freedom of movement for activities like show shoveling or dog walking.

The UGG Adirondack III are tall enough to keep deeper snow out, while providing a relaxed and ... [+] comfortable feel when walking city streets and snow-covered trails.

UGG gives the Adirondack III a temperature rating of -25.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and while I wouldn’t recommend taking them on a polar expedition, they’re plenty warm for most activities. Among the boots I tested, they kept my feet the toastiest in winter temps down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit (if your winter isn’t that cold, they might even be too warm). They handle slush and wet snow without issue, with the insulation keeping your feet dry and warm even when conditions outdoors are wet, and while not as grippy as The Original Muck Boot Arctic Ice Muck Boots, the sole on the Adirondack III was grippy enough to prevent slipping on ice.

They do take a little more care to clean because of the suede (which may also be prone to salt staining if you’re walking city blocks), but after a winter of wear, the boots have held up incredibly well, with the treads still looking well defined, the stitching intact and no shedding of the wool lining.

Manitobah Mukluks was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which is known for its incredibly cold and harsh winters, and if the Pacific Half Winter Boots can keep feet warm there, they can keep them warm just about anywhere. They merge traditional mukluk style with contemporary materials, and while not the most agile boots in this lineup, they have the slipper-like comfort the brand’s moccasins are known for, and they can be worn all day, whether you’re standing, walking or playing outdoors.

Much like the UGG Adirondack III boots, the heavy leather and shearling lining worked well to trap heat inside the boot and kept me comfortable even when standing around in frigid weather. The temperature inside my boot never dipped down, even after a 2-hour walk. And because sheepskin shearling does an exceptional job of temperature regulation, my feet didn’t overheat, either. They’re rated by the brand to -1 degree Fahrenheit, but they kept my feet warmer than some boots with a much lower temperature rating.

They’ve also got a handful of details that make them more unique than other boots I wore, like the rubber and EVA sole designed by Haida artist John Brent Bennett that leaves gorgeous footprints in the snow. The thick leather laces aren’t as easy to tie or get tight as standard laces, but when left a bit loose, I was able to slip them on and off hands-free (but that does leave potential for snow to fall in through the top).

They passed the ankle-deep water test, but given the leather and suede details, they’re best suited to dry climates where they won’t have to contend with too much sleet and slush. They are prone to staining, especially if you walk salt-covered city streets, so they require a little more care to keep them looking fresh, but it’s worth it for the comfort and warmth they provide.

The North Face Shellista IV excels as a winter boot due to its impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, all-around practicality and stylish design. Priced around $100 lower than my top overall choice, the UGG Adirondack III, the Shellista IVs offer exceptional value while keeping feet warm, dry and comfortable in snowy and slushy conditions. The higher shaft height, coupled with a lacing system that allows for a secure fit at the top, effectively keeps snow out, making them ideal for activities like shoveling driveways or trekking through deep powder. Plus, the boots’ sleek profile allows for easy concealment under pants when in town.

The North Face Shellista IV were some of the lightest boots I tested.

The 200 grams of mostly recycled polyester insulation ensures efficient heat retention, while the padded tongue provides extra warmth and comfort to the top of the foot. They didn’t keep my feet as warm as the Manitobah or UGG winter boots, but they were plenty warm for a 2-hour walk in 25-degree weather. Given how durable and protective they are, I was surprised to find that they were among the lightest boots I tested, which makes them easier to walk in for long periods.

Although the Shellista IVs may not match the Arctic Ice Muck Boots’ performance on slippery ice, they excel at keeping feet dry when standing in ankle-deep running water. The boots shed moisture, thanks to their construction with full-grain leather and nylon, which also allows for easy cleaning. This pair doesn’t have the high-end aesthetic of UGG boots, but North Face’s new Shellista IV Luxe features faux-shearling accents that add a cozy feel and cute factor, making them an excellent choice for winter activities and everyday wear.

The Tivoli IV landed between my top pick, the UGG Adirondack IIIs, and my more affordable pick, The North Face Shellista IV. They cost quite a bit more but perform about the same as The North Face boots, but they do have a more stylish look and a higher-quality feel. For a slight step up in price, the UGGs outperformed the Sorels in comfort and versatility because the cuff on the UGGs rolls down, giving you two styling options. These are great boots (and quite popular among women in my mountain town), so if the style speaks to you, they’re plenty warm, have decent traction and are well constructed.

The Original Muck Boot Company

For cold weather boots that can flex between snow, ice and rain, the Arctic Ice Muck Boots are durable, warm and have the best slip resistance of any boot I tested. The neoprene and rubber construction is fully waterproof, and while they’re not as cozy as the sheepskin-lined UGG or Manitobah boots, especially if you’re standing around, the additional fleece lining is sufficient if you’re being active, making them great for shoveling snow and doing yard work—and they’re fairly lightweight given how rugged they look.

Multiple experts told me that the Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsole would be one of the grippiest out there, and it was. The broad, deep lugs along with the embedded fibers in the rubber allowed them to outshine all other boots in my traction tests, keeping me upright on both cold and wet ice. I was able to confidently walk across a skating rink, and I was able to make it to the top of a slippery wet ramp.

The broad, deep lugs of the Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsole allowed the Arctic Ice Muck Boots ... [+] to outshine all other boots in my traction tests, keeping me upright on both cold and wet ice.

These mid-calf boots were the tallest I tested (the shaft height is 12 inches), covering more of the leg and providing better protection in deep snow. They lack built-in handles like those found in the similarly designed Bogs, which is better for keeping snow out. However, there was a slight gap between my leg and the stretchy neoprene top, which did allow some snow to fall in when shoveling. They do have pull tabs, but I found getting them on and off to be hands-free, which is extra convenient if your arms are full and you need to remove them.

The Arctic Ice Muck Boots are also incredibly durable, and after one winter of testing, they appear almost new. (I owned a pair of Muck Boots that withstood over a decade of heavy use before the neoprene separated from the rubber.) They do lack the stylish factor and don’t pair as well with everyday outfits, and I think they could do without the small hits of bright pink that signify they’re the women’s model, which may not appeal to everyone.

Blundstone has a big following, and their thermal boot holds true to their versatile Chelsea design that people love, but with Thinsulate insulation and a shearling footbed to make it a worthy boot for moderate winter climates. The classic look makes them suitable for both work and leisure, so you can wear them while commuting to the office, running errands and going out to dinner. Most fans online cite Blundstone’s immediate comfort as a reason for loving them, but I found they needed a few wears before breaking in. Once they mold to your foot, they’re comfortable enough to wear for an entire day on your feet, and they only get better with wear.

The Blundstones are great for daily commutes or running errands where you won’t be out in the cold ... [+] for extended periods, plus they offer a sleek, minimalist look that pairs well with various outfits.

The elastic side panels and pull tabs make slipping them on and off quick and convenient. Even though they have the lowest shaft height of any boots I tested, they offer better protection from the snow than some of the higher options because they suction tight to the ankle (so much so that I had trouble getting them off the first couple of wears). This, combined with the waterproof leather construction and latex sealed seams, makes it difficult for snow or water to find a way in.

The downside to the thermal Blundstone boots is that they have average warmth and traction. I found them to be sufficiently warm when walking, but when standing still, the tops of my feet felt cold on more than one occasion, so I wouldn’t recommend them for really cold temperatures. However, for daily commutes or running errands, where you won’t be out in the cold for extended periods, these boots offer a sleek, minimalist look that pairs well with various outfits. You also get more wear throughout the year, making these a solid three-season choice.

While these winter boots didn’t fare as well for one reason or another, they did make the initial cut to be tested. And because they each shined in their own impressive way, they might still be a solid choice for you depending on your own personal preferences. Here are the rest of the best women’s winter boots I tested:

Columbia Keetley Shorty Boot ($78): The Keetley boots are a cute, low-cut boot that excel in warmth for their weight. They have 200 grams of insulation plus Columbia’s Omni-Heat Infinity technology, which adds a heat-retaining space-blanket type material to the inside of the boot—so the warmth your feet generate is trapped inside, which is especially helpful if you’re standing around for longer periods. They’re ankle height, so not the best for deep snow, and I found the tongue design a little frustrating; rather than lay flat against my leg to block snow, it falls forward, and during one snowfall it acted as a snow catcher, funneling snow down into the top of the shoe.

Hunter Roll Top Shearling Snow Boots ($150): These lightweight winter boots wear like slippers, with a cozy faux-shearling interior, and they’re fine if you’re going to and from the car, but they don’t have the support or traction you should look for in a pair of winter boots you plan to be active in. I found them to be waterproof, but if the interior does get wet, it takes a long time to dry out. Since first testing for this guide, these boots are no longer widely available, but can still be found on some online retailers, often heavily discounted.

Bogs Neo-Classic Mid ($89): The Neo-Classics are much lighter than the similarly designed slip-on Muck Boots, but not as grippy. Because they have integrated handles to pull them on, if trudging through deeper snow, it can make its way into the boot. They’re just as warm as the Arctic Ice Muck Boots and look less clunky, so if you’re in a mild climate that doesn’t see a lot of snow or ice, they’re three-season wearable, from fall through spring.

Xtratuf Insulated Legacy Lace Boot ($185): Xtratuf is known for their storm-proof slip-on rubber boots that cater to blistery, wet coastal winters. These lace-up boots aren’t as waterproof as the Arctic Ice Muck Boots, and on slick wet ice, they’re not great, a test that the Arctic Ice Muck Boots aced. There are better rugged winter boots on my list, and more stylish everyday boots, which is why these didn’t take a top spot.

For this guide, I spent several hours researching the best winter boots for women. I also consulted with a handful of experts, including fall prevention specialist Sophia Li, a staff scientist and manager at University Health Network’s KITE Research Institute—where her team has tested the slip resistance of hundreds of pairs of boots on wet and cold ice (you can see their snowflake rating system at Rate My Treads). I spoke with Annie Aggens, International Polar Guide and Director of Polar Explorers. Aggens is one of the few female guides in the world to have led expeditions to both the north and south poles, making her an expert in knowing how to choose appropriate winter gear. I also interviewed Mimi Nuelle, vice president of merchandising at outdoor retailer Backcountry.com.

These conversations helped me sift through literally hundreds of options to pick the 10 most promising winter boots to test. I focused on versatile everyday boots that can handle different winter activities, and each had the features most people will need to keep their feet warm, dry and comfortable outdoors. I ordered these boots using the fit guides on each brand’s website and then tested them using the same pair of Darn Tough midweight merino wool hiking socks.

First, I simply tried them on and took notes about fit and comfort. Then, I headed outdoors, wearing them for extended periods during outdoor activities, daily errands and dog walks. I spent a minimum of 2 hours in each pair of boots walking 3 to 5 miles on snow-covered trails. I also wore each pair of boots for multiple days running errands, which included school drop-offs, park adventures and navigating slippery city sidewalks and slushy streets.

At the KITE Research Institute, they rate traction with the Maximum Achievable Angle Test, which sees harnessed participants attempting to walk on a sheet of ice that gradually raises on an incline. KITE tests on both wet and cold ice, and I did my best to replicate these tests by walking on skating-rink ice (wearing a helmet and protective pads), as well as making a slippery incline using a slide, hard-packed snow and water, scoring each pair on grip.

I noted the perceived warmth of the boots, but I also used a digital thermometer with a temperature gauge sensor tucked under my foot. I recorded the temperature of my foot when I stepped outside, after 1 hour and again after 2 hours. I tested the waterproofing of each boot by standing in ankle-deep water for 5 minutes, before removing the boots to check for moisture penetration. I also scored boots on design and practicality, looking at how easy they were to get on and off and lace up, and whether they were able to keep snow out. At the end of the winter season, I evaluated the durability of each boot by scrutinizing the construction, looking for signs of damage and wear.

Winter boots come in many different constructions—short, tall, lightweight, heavy-duty, mildly insulated, extreme warmth and everything in between. Different boot styles will work better for different climates and activities, so start by choosing a winter boot that suits your lifestyle. Do you need a pair for shoveling snow or running daily errands in slushy conditions? Do you need a heavily insulated option for frigid conditions or a more understated boot that can transition between your daily commute and a post-work social event? This will help determine which features to prioritize. When looking at features, the experts I spoke with said to pay close attention to:

Winter boot insulation is key; it creates a barrier, preventing heat loss and keeping feet cozy. But just how much you need depends on individual preferences, the climate you’ll be exposed to and the activities you’ll be undertaking. Around 200 grams of insulation is the standard in casual everyday winter boots. If you have a tendency to get cold, always opt for the warmer option. Look for boots with high-quality heat-retaining materials like Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, wool or felt. Insulated linings, such as fleece, faux fur or shearling can provide extra warmth and comfort, especially if you’re standing or sitting outdoors. Many winter boots will have a temperature rating, which will give you an indication of how cold a temperature you’ll be able to stay comfortable at, but there’s no standardization among brands, and the ratings are not always accurate, so take them as a rough guideline.

All the experts I spoke with stressed the importance of having winter boots with excellent grip (slipping on ice is the number one cause of winter injury). Like with temperature ratings, “There’s no international standard to test winter footwear,” says Li, “and manufacturers are able to label their winter footwear anyway they want, so consumers have no idea which footwear is good for icy surfaces.” (Li and her team have tested the traction on more than 600 types of footwear—and most have failed to score a coveted snowflake rating.)

Choosing safe footwear is a combination of many factors, she says. “It’s not only the material; it’s also the tread pattern and the whole shoe design.” It’s made more complicated because there’s a difference between wet and cold ice. “Melting ice is the most slippery, icy surface,” says Li, and for that she recommends looking for technology that utilizes embedded fibers in the rubber (like the Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsoles on Arctic Ice Muck Boots). For cold ice, a softer rubber that remains soft on ice is a good choice.

Slippery conditions will catch you off guard, says Li, “So the most important thing is to pay attention to your surroundings and walk carefully. There are so many occasions when you get distracted and you don’t pay attention—that’s when injury happens.” If you’re constantly walking on icy ground, you should consider add-on microspikes, says Nuelle.

“Don’t even think about getting a pair of winter boots that aren’t waterproof,” says Nuelle. “It’s nonnegotiable.” A lot of winter boots incorporate rubber around the bottom half of the boot, while others have a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex or a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. Just how waterproof your winter boots need to be depends on the climate you live in, but all the boots on this list have a degree of water resistance to keep your feet dry in wet, slushy conditions.

If you’ll be trekking through deep snow or wet conditions, taller boots that reach at least mid-calf or higher are recommended to keep snow out and provide better insulation. “Even when you’re brushing snow off of your car, you don’t want it getting into your socks and boots and getting your feet wet,” says Nuelle. On the other hand, if you anticipate lighter snowfall or engage in activities requiring more mobility, ankle-height boots can offer flexibility and ease of movement.

Ultimately, finding the right height in winter boots is about striking a balance between functionality, comfort and your specific winter activities.

Well-fitting boots provide stability and reduce the risk of slips and falls, especially on icy surfaces. A snug—but not too snug—fit also helps to maintain insulation and retain warmth, keeping your feet cozy in cold temperatures. Choosing the right size and considering factors like foot width, arch support and lacing systems is essential to finding winter boots that fit well and provide the necessary comfort and functionality for your winter activities.

While not a functional feature, a good pair of winter boots needs to match your personal style and wardrobe. I looked for boots that look good doing it all—commuting to work, running errands, walking the dog, playing in the snow with your kids. I chose a range of styles to suit most people, while making sure that each pair still provides the necessary features for winter conditions (that means no wedge or higher-heeled boots). I also eliminated boots that are too trendy and won’t last many seasons in someone’s wardrobe, looking for more classic and timeless picks.

A warranty provided by the manufacturer indicates their confidence in the product’s quality, protects against defects and offers peace of mind when purchasing winter boots online. It assures you that the boots are built to last and can withstand the demands of winter conditions. A longer warranty period often reflects a higher-quality product. Look for a flexible return policy that allows you to return or exchange the boots if they don’t fit properly or perform as expected.

I’ve been writing about outdoor gear and apparel for nearly a decade, producing multiple product review guides for brands like REI, and as a gear columnist at Outside. In that time, I’ve tested dozens of footwear and spoke with just about as many experts on the topic. From public appearances on podcasts to magazine interviews, I’ve helped folks choose footwear to keep them safe and help them make the most out of their time outdoors.

Best Winter Coats For Women

Best Winter Gloves For Women

Most Comfortable Boots For Women

I cover advanced transportation and climate-oriented technology and co-write the Current Climate newsletter.

Alan Ohnsman covers technology-driven changes reshaping transportation. Follow him on Twitter. Have tips to share with Forbes anonymously? Click here.

I cover advanced transportation and climate-oriented technology and co-write the Current Climate newsletter.

Alan Ohnsman covers technology-driven changes reshaping transportation. Follow him on Twitter. Have tips to share with Forbes anonymously? Click here.

Warm Slippers Uk As the senior home and kitchen editor, I oversee all aspects of home product coverage. I have over a decade of experience as an editor, writer and photographer, and my work has been featured in Food Network Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Food & Wine, Country Living, the Lincoln Center Theater Review and more. When I'm not working, you can find me dreaming up new posts for my Jewish-focused lifestyle blog, RebekahLowin.com, where I share holiday ideas, crafts and recipes. Formerly, I was a professional singer/actress and the inaugural winner of 54 Below's city-wide singing competition as well as a 2015 MAC Award nominee and a BroadwayWorld Award nominee.

Best Winter Boots For Women 2023 - Forbes Vetted