The 11 Best Cold-Weather Boots of 2024 (2024)

Updated on 09/29/23

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The hands-down best boot will depend on several factors, many of which are personal preference: Do you like tall boots or short boots? Do you value the convenience of a pull-on or appreciate the style of a full-lace leather boot? But taking into account the variety of winter boots available, the Sorel Caribou Wool Boot stands at the top of our list. It has features such as a cushy inner liner, a grippy rubber outsole for winter traction, and a seam-sealed waterproof leather outer. It packs a tough punch and looks like a duck boot, but with a bit more muscle. The men's version is available here.

Weight: Approximately 2 pounds per shoe | Insulation: Removable 9-millimeter washable recycled felt inner with Sherpa pile snow cuff.

The Dream Pairs winter snow boots are affordable and highly rated. Like, really highly rated. Buyers also get 200 grams of insulation, waterproof construction (though it's likely more water resistant near the top cuff), and a faux-fur liner. They have a similar look to any pricier offering from brands like Kamik or Helly Hansen but are far easier on the wallet.

Weight: 1 pound, 4 ounces per shoe | Insulation: 200 grams of Thermolite

Another non-name-brand option, these boots are also highly rated by online shoppers. That’s probably because they offer 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, a faux-fur lining for extra comfort, and mostly waterproof construction. They may not be the best buy for men who work outdoors in the winter or plan on wearing boots most days between December and March, but they’re a good buy if you need a boot for occasional wear in cold, snowy, and wet conditions. Depending on your color preference, the boots come with a zipper or lace-up closure.

Weight: 1 pound, 8 ounces per shoe | Insulation: 200 grams of Thinsulate

Vasque may not be as well-known in the world of outdoor brands as The North Face or Patagonia, but they make some truly excellent winter hiking boots. The Breeze GTX hiking boots cut no corners when it comes to winter preparedness, with an over-the-ankle shaft, completely waterproof GORE-TEX construction, 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, and a Vibram "mega grip" outsole so you can confidently move across snowy surfaces. The women's version is available here.

Weight: 1 pound, 7 ounces each| Insulation: 200 grams of Thinsulate

Walk through any mountain town this winter and you'll see Blundstones—or shoes designed to look like Blundstones—on the feet of stylish winter wanderers. The no-frills winter boots are low-key cool and, far more importantly, capable of weathering extreme winter elements year after year. The Chelsea Thermal is a unisex pull-on boot with a removable sheepskin liner and Thinsulate lining on the elastic panels to keep ankles warm. They're cushy and grippy, and they're made to last through heavy use, helping justify the admittedly high price tag. A men's version is available here.

Weight: 1 pound, 1 ounce each | Insulation: Natural sheepskin liner

Kids grow pretty darn fast, and it's not just their height—they can go up two shoe sizes in a season. So why buy an expensive boot when it may not even fit in three months? Northside's Frosty Boot is a great budget pick for kids. It comes in various colors and patterns; the boot itself is unisex and sizing is by age. The waterproof boots have 200 grams of insulation and a fleece liner to keep little feet cozy, while a drawstring cuff helps keep snow and cold air out. The boots are secured with a simple Velcro strap, so kids can pull them on and off by themselves even if they haven't yet mastered shoelaces.

Weight: About 1 pound | Insulation: 200 grams of Thinsulate

There's a reason why you'll see Baffin on nearly every list of the best cold-weather boots: They're made for seriously subzero temperatures. In fact, Baffin's cold-weather boots have not one but four levels of rating: northern rated, Arctic rated, tundra rated, or polar rated. Polar-rated boots are tested in the poles and will keep your feet warm to about 50 below zero—which makes them a little overkill for the average buyer. But their Tundra collection hits the sweet spot for anyone who spends days outside in cold, snowy conditions (they're tested in "high-altitude Canadian winters.") The Escalante comes in both men's and women's versions and has a grippy outsole for icy terrain, waterproof materials, and multiple insulation systems to keep feet toasty. The full-shin coverage on the women's is especially well-suited for deep snow. A men's version is available here.

Weight: About 3 pounds per pair | Insulation:Thermaplush inner layer, B-Tek foam liner, B-Tek Heat fiber insulation

This wedge boot looks effortlessly cool with ankle-length jeans and an oversized sweater but also works if you're rocking a more haute-couture sweater dress, a la Rihanna at NYC Fashion Week. The chunky outsole adds both edgy style and extra grip, and the waterproof coating makes rainy days and parking lot puddles no problem. If the price is too high, check out the Joan of Arctic II boot. It's technically an older style, but they're very similar in design. Pay close attention when ordering as both zipper and pull-on versions are available.

Weight: 13 ounces per shoe | Insulation: Synthetic liner

True, UGG's introduction to the US market was with a boot not exactly known for being stylish. But the brand has come a long way since the days of only selling solid-color sheepskin boots, and the Kirkson Boot for men proves it. It's equal parts turn-of-the-century vintage and modern outdoorsman, making it a versatile boot for men who want to look stylish without having a dozen pairs of shoes on rotation. They're rated to 25 below zero, have a grippy outsole for ice and snow, and cradle your feet with a plush wool lining and moldable foam footbed.

Weight: 13 ounces per shoe | Insulation: 10 millimeters of upcycled wool, lyocell lining, and a 10-millimeter sock liner

If it's good enough for boaters and watermen in the coldest and rainiest of Maine winters, it's probably good enough for your outdoor wear, too. The Tumbled Leather boots from L.L.Bean are a footwear classic, with a waterproof duck boot-style lower and totally waterproof leather upper. They've been in the L.L.Bean catalog for more than 100 years and have probably never gone out of style. While men will have to settle for just one option, women can choose from two styles: a shorter 6-inch boot with a leather cuff, or an 8-inch boot with an extra warm fleece lining. Opt for the fleece liner for winter wear. A men's version is available here.

Weight: 1.5 pounds per shoe | Insulation: Fleece (optional)

Columbia Sportswear has been making outdoor gear for over 80 years, and they strive to reflect their Pacific Northwest heritage in all their products. And, we'd say they are doing a pretty good job as the brand is known for producing performance-quality items at reasonable prices. Take their Bugaboot Celsius Plus Snow Boot. They are purpose-built to take on the cold and snow with features like an Omni-Heat Infinity liner, 400 grams of insulation, and an Adapt Trax outsole for superior traction in wet and dry conditions. This is a revamped version of a classic model that looks to prioritize all-day comfort and performance. It also boasts a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep snow out and allow ventilation. Here is the women's version.

Weight: 1.5 pounds per shoe | Insulation: 400 grams

Frequently Asked Questions

• How should you clean your boots?

  Most winter boots are built to withstand harsh treatment, so you should be able to use a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove dirt from their uppers without issue. Consult the manufacturer's instructions, of course, especially when caring for liners.

• Do you need an additional traction system?

  It depends on where you’re located and what you’re using the boots for. If you get infrequent snow, the majority of well-made cold weather boots will do the job just fine for running errands and shoveling the walk. If you’re working in more precarious conditions or tend to get a lot of ice, then an additional traction system (crampons or cleats) might not be a bad idea.

• What makes something a cold-weather boot?

  Cold-weather boots are made for subzero temperatures with ample insulation and waterproofing (although you might be able to get away with water-resistant boots depending on your intended use and climate). Their outsoles are designed to provide added traction in wet and slippery conditions, and they typically leave room for thicker-than-average socks.

  Remember that getting a boot with too much insulation or one rated for conditions far colder than your typical environment can be a bad thing. If your feet sweat, moisture can gather and make you feel uncomfortable—especially when it ultimately cools down. That's why a breathable boot is a good thing, though it may sound counter-intuitive for winter wear.

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