The Best Women's Winter Boots for Snow Days and Ski Trips
Growing up in New England, I’ve learned a few things about surviving grueling winters. One, a sun lamp is a great investment. And two, functional boots are a necessity, not a luxury. A functional winter boot should provide warmth and structure without feeling overly bulky—and ideally, without sacrificing style.
Personal preference plays a big role in deciding which pair of boots you want to invest in. While it may be tempting to shop strictly based on fashion, that won't do you any favors when you wake up to a slushy wet ground at the ski resort or step outside your front door to a slippery sheet of ice. Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish yet practical options that will keep your feet warm and dry on the go.
Depending on your specific need—whether that be galavanting around the city or exploring snowy slopes—there are a wide range of winter shoes to choose from. Ahead, the best women’s winter boots for wherever the season takes you. But first, a few questions to consider before you start shopping.
Which kinds of boots are best for winter?
When looking for winter boots, you want to make sure to find a shoe that is waterproof and well insulated with good tread. A rubber sole is great for traction and will keep your feet warm and dry even in the harshest conditions.
What brands of boots are good for snow?
Designed in Canada, Cougar footwear focuses on shoes that are as fashionable as they are functional. The brand's “Always Waterproof” line of boots guarantees to keep feet dry in wet weather. Many Cougar boots also have a waterproof membrane under the lining, which acts as a waterproof sock for an added layer of protection.
Ugg boots are made to keep your feet cozy and warm. The Adirondack III Boot is a cult favorite snow shoe with sheepskin lining and white spider rubber for enhanced traction. Look for waterproof leather and suede to keep your feet dry in any condition.
Founded in 1952, Moncler specializes in haute couture outerwear that offers protection against the harshest climates in the world. The brand offers a vast collection of snow boots to fit any style preference.
Other great brands for winter boots include Sorel, Columbia, Canada Goose, The North Face, and Moon Boot.
What snow boots are in style in 2022?
- Chelsea boots
- Lace-up boots (especially combat and biker-style boots), both with and without a heel or platform
- Puffer boots
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Moncler Tailgrip quilted snow boots
Moncler’s Trailgrip Après snow boots are sturdy: They're crafted from a waterproof Gore-Tex material with Vibram Megagrip treaded soles to withstand any terrain. Pair them with fleece-lined leggings for extra warmth.
Sizes available: 35-39, including half sizes
Features: Waterproof Gore-Tex material, drawstring fastening, non-slip sole
Canada Goose Alliston boots
This versatile boot was built for everyday wear in the coldest of cities. Falling on Canada Goose’s Thermal Experience Index at a TEI³, this shoe can withstand extreme cold—temperatures between -4°F and 14°F, to be exact—making it a solid shoe to wear while exploring Iceland’s glaciers or skiing in Vermont’s famous mountain ranges.
Sizes available: 5-11, excluding half sizes
Features: Waterproof construction, reflective laces included, grippy outsole
Sorel Snow Angel boots
Sorel Snow Angel boots have everything you want in a winter boot: a waterproof thermal rubber shell with 200g of Thinsulate (a lightweight insulating material) and a faux fur lining for added warmth. Additionally, an EVA comfort footbed with removable liner allows you to customize your underfoot support.
Sizes available: 5-11, excluding half sizes
Features: Waterproof suede upper, waterproof thermal rubber shell, lug non-slip sole
Stuart Weitzman Noho Hiker Chill bootie
Give your feet the gift of comfort and style with these luxe shearing accent hiking boots. A shearling lining and collar will keep your feet warm while a 60-mm lug sole is durable and supportive.
Sizes available: 4-11.5, including half sizes
Features: Shearling lining, lace-up boot, rubber outsole, flat block heel
Ugg Classic Tall Chunky Knit Boot
Ugg’s iconic tall boot just got a face lift thanks to its chunky cable knit exterior. Pair these stylish knee-high boots with your favorite wool sweater for an on-trend winter look to wear around the ski lodge or in your cozy rental cabin. The boot comes in three classic colors: chestnut, black, or natural.
Sizes available: 5-12, excluding half sizes
Features: Sneaker-like EVA outsole, knit upper, 11.75" shaft height
The North Face Vectic Fastpack Insulated FutureLight boots
Designed for adventure, the Vectiv Fastpack Insulated FutureLight boots by The North Face are waterproof and breathable. Featuring a snowshoe knob on the rear heel, you’ll be ready to take on even the slickest ground.
Sizes available: 5-11, including half sizes
Features: Hiking-friendly rubber outsole, waterproof exterior, 200g insulation
Cougar Vigo Leather waterproof winter boot
Cougar designs its boots to withstand harsh weather conditions with unparalleled function and fashionable styles. This stylish leather shoe looks like a classic city boot, but withstands temperatures as low as -11°F thanks to polar plush lining. It’s available in two sleek colorways: cognac and cream or all black.
Sizes available: 6-11, excluding half sizes
Features: Waterproof, removable foam footbed, anti-slip rubber outsole
Everlane Italian Leather Chelsea boot
These classic Chelsea boots are a closet staple you'll wear year-round. Made of napa leather from Florence, they will only get more comfortable with wear. A cushioned insole adds support to tired, travel-weary feet.
Sizes available: 5-11, including half sizes
Features: Italian leather upper, rubber outsole, pull-on back tab
Ilse Jacobsen Hornbaek Rub 47 short waterproof rain boots
These rubber rain boots are handcrafted in Denmark and feature a soft, fleece lining and a thick sole that will keep your feet insulated from the cold. Seen here in dark indigo, the boot is also available in a bright yellow.
Sizes available: 36-41, excluding half sizes
Features: Rubber upper, slip-resistant rubber outsole
Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea boots
This weighty platform boot from Dr. Martens requires some breaking in, but it's worth the wait. You can wear this boot all year long, though it's particularly apt for winter—pair it with a midi dress and tights, jeans, or leggings.
Sizes available: 5-11, excluding half sizes
Features: Removable insole, pull-on back tab, chunky stacked sole
Ugg Amathea leather waterproof bootie
With 3.25-inch heel, you'll rise above any sidewalk puddles you pass. Not only is this boot made with a waterproof leather exterior and a seam-sealed construction, it also has water repellent tape on the interior closure. No slush is going to get in here, that's for sure.
Sizes available: 7.5-9.5, including half sizes
Features: Foam insole, rubber outsole, neoprene shaft
Blondo Hallie booties
Former Traveler editor Meredith Carey is a big fan of Blondo's weatherproof boots for winter trips. The Hallie's ribbed knit topline give the treaded bootie a little something extra. Shop it in black leather or dark taupe suede.
Sizes available: 4-12, including most half sizes
Features: Treaded outsole, sealed seams, pull-on back tab
Cougar Duffy faux fur waterproof booties
When temperatures drop, trade your slip-ons for these furry booties. They're available in black, ash blue, pewter gray, and olive, all with a faux fur trim to keep ankles warm on the go.
Sizes available: 6-11, excluding half sizes
Features: Contoured foam insole, anti-slip outsole, faux-fur collar
Ugg Lakesider heritage boot
The cozy, plush lining inside this short boot creates a comfortable, snug fit for your feet. But despite feeling more like a slipper, the seam-sealed construction and thick sole will keep feet dry as you dash into the gas station or diner on that holiday road trip. The boot is available in black, tan, or brown.
Sizes available: 5-12, including most half sizes
Features: Waterproof upper, seam-sealed construction, pull-on back tab, removable insole
Everlane The Rain Boot
Puddles are of no concern when you've got this must-have rainy day boot. The boots, which are made with a slip-resistant tread and easy-to-clean rubber, can easily be worn with thick winter socks. If you plan to wear normal socks, order a half-size down. The boot is available in a few neutral colors, like this olive green.
Sizes available: 5-11, excluding half sizes
Features: Rubber upper, cushioned insole, slip-resistant outsole
The North Face Shellista IV Shorty WP boot
Water stays out and warmth stays in with this heavy-duty boot. It's got a rubber outsole, insulated midsole, and waterproof shell. Every aspect of this boot was engineered with winter in mind. We consider this a must-pack, especially since it gives you two shoes in one—an inner bootie pulls out that can be worn as a slipper around the house or hotel.
Sizes available: 5-11, including half sizes
Features: Seam-sealed rubber outsole, insulated midsole, waterproof shell
Sorel Tivoli IV
This sturdy boot has everything you want for winter: a waterproof suede exterior, no-slip sole, and cozy fleece lining. The lace-up short boots are designed by Sorel and sold exclusively at Madewell. Commit to these and you'll be able to pull them out every winter for years to come.
Sizes available: 5-12, including half sizes
Features: Rubber outsole, microfleece lining, waterproof design
Frye Melissa Chelsea boots
These ankle boots, a favorite of Traveler senior editor Megan Spurrell, are a cold weather city staple if ever we saw one. They slip on and off with ease thanks to the pull tabs and gore panels, and are made with Italian pebbled leather. The one-inch heel gives you a subtle (and comfortable) lift, and the versatile six-inch shaft allows you to wear these winter boots with everything from skirts to leggings to jeans (make sure to add a pair of thick socks underneath for those really cold days).
Sizes available: 5.5-11, including most half sizes
Features: Leather outsole, leather lined, pull-on back tab
Rothy's The Merino ankle boots
Rothy's take on the little black boot features a chic square toe, stretch gore panels, a stacked heel, and a merino wool fabric that requires zero break-in period. Best for dry winter days, the sleek and simple boot comes in black, chestnut, or cocoa brown.
Sizes available: 5-13, including half sizes
Features: Padded insoles, pull-on back tab, durable outsoles (but low grip)
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus
This winter hiking boot has everything you want when setting out on a trail, especially on a winter day: It's breathable but warm, durable but lightweight, and waterproof, lest you encounter any snowy paths.
Sizes available: 5-12, including most half sizes
Features: Seam-sealed waterproof construction, grippy rubber outsole
Frye Melissa inside zip tall boots
Leather outsole, leather lined, pull-on back tabHow gorgeous is the rich mahogany hue on these equestrian-inspired boots? Note the details, like pebbled leather and fine stitching. The boot, also suited to drier winter days, features Frye's signature hardware and rubber-infused leather soles.
Sizes available: 5.5-11, including most half sizes
Features: Leather outsole, leather lined, 14.75" shaft height
Columbia Ice Maiden II snow boots
It's no wonder these women's shoes are one of Columbia's best sellers: They've got excellent traction, are insulated with a thick faux fur lining, and are made of 100 percent waterproof leather. In other words, they'll stand up to any climate you jet off to. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, including dark gray, light gray, deep tan, and blush camouflage, and are tall enough to keep you dry even in deep snow.
Sizes available: 5-12, including most half sizes
Features: Seam-sealed waterproof construction, grippy rubber outsole
Bearpaw Drew boots
These chocolate brown boots are perfect for everyday wear. The durable rubber sole keeps you steady on icy or wet ground, and the sheepskin lined interior keeps toes toasty. The short, five-inch profile is still tall enough to tuck a pant or legging into, so you can avoid any breeze hitting your ankles.
Sizes available: 5-12, excluding half sizes
Features: Sheepskin footbed, rubber outsole, 5" shaft height
