The 14 Best Snow Boots for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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We tested the best snow boots for every occasion, from waterproof and insulated styles to those with great traction.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Sabrina Weiss

Winter weather demands sturdy snow boots that can take on all sorts of conditions, from icy sidewalks to snowy commutes. But not all boots are designed equally: some have outstanding traction, while others are insulated for extended wear in the cold. A boot that’s meant for winter hiking will offer different benefits than one designed to stand out at a sleek après-ski chalet. Regardless of where you’re wearing them, the essential requirements for the best snow boots are that they keep your feet warm and that they’re water-resistant, if not entirely waterproof.

To help you find the best pair to suit your needs, we tested 27 pairs of snow boots for women for five months in the real world, taking careful note of their fit, support, durability, performance across various elements and terrains, waterproofing capabilities, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for a pair of comfortable boots with just enough traction and warmth for you to walk your dog on an icy morning or for an insulated and waterproof pair to get you through long days on the slopes, there’s a style for you on this list. Read on for our go-to picks for every sort of outdoor excursion.

These durable boots keep feet warm and dry regardless of the weather, they’re comfortable from the very first wear, and we love the stylish faux-fur lining.

While this weight is great for everyday errands, these may be too heavy for hikers.

These everyday snow boots from The North Face check all our boxes: they’re fully waterproof, ultra-comfortable, insulated with recycled materials, and boast rubber outsoles with excellent traction. Plus, they don’t sacrifice style for comfort — we love the look and feel of the soft faux-fur top collars, which never matted or lost their fluff during our testing period. We found that these boots were comfortable enough to wear for hours right out of the box and that our feet never felt cramped. Throughout five months of tests, we wore these boots through an entire Colorado winter and into spring, which involved a lot of ice, snow, slush, and rain. No matter the weather condition, the boots add a ton of traction control.

The boots are equipped with padded ripstop tongues, which provide additional warmth and comfort. They also boast excellent arch support as the waterproof rubber shells are specifically molded for women’s feet and layered with molded OrthoLite sock liners and lightweight EVA midsoles. These mid-calf boots are perfect for daily wear in cold or snowy conditions thanks to their waterproof exterior, grippy rubber outsoles, and 200 grams of insulation crafted from 85 percent post consumer recycled polyester. We didn’t have any problems pairing them with all sorts of socks, from hiking socks to fuzzy ones. Given the approachable price point, we think these are an excellent value purchase for their next-level quality and versatility.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | 5 pounds per pair | Leather, nylon, recycled polyester insulation

These warm and ultra-breathable boots are moisture-wicking, waterproof, and wind-resistant with a stylish faux-fur upper.

Baffin’s proprietary multi-layer insulation system molds to your foot over time, so these may take a few wears to break in.

Designed with style and superior comfort, these faux-fur trimmed boots from Baffin feature exceptional multi-layer insulation technology that allows you to customize their warmth and fit. While they’re fashion-forward on the outside, you’ll find removable layers on the inside, including a moisture-wicking one to keep feet feeling fresh, a B-tek foam lining for boosted comfort, plus B-tek heat insulation that’s designed for maximal breathability in a range of temperatures. Other layers include a polyester and wool blend for more breathable warmth and layered insulation to seal out wind, water, and slush. While we didn’t have any trouble breaking these in, the layers are designed to mold to your feet after wear, so note that they can feel tight at first. Still, after five months of tests, these boots keep our feet warm and dry in all weather.

These tall boots are meant to hit at mid-calf, providing ample protection from the elements thanks to their waterproof construction. They stayed perfectly dry when we ran them under the faucet during testing and when we wore them out in the rain. While these are a bit too heavy for activities like hiking — they weigh in at over four pounds — they’re well suited to keeping your feet snug and stylish on an everyday basis.

The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | 4.6 pounds per pair | Suede leather upper, faux fur trim, rubber shell, EVA midsole, rubber outsole, polyester-wool blend insulation

The stylish lace-to-toe lacing helps ensure a perfect fit, while the lightweight construction makes them a breeze for everyday errands.

After five months of tests, we don't recommend wearing in deep snow as the cuff is quite short.

Imagine wrapping your feet in your coziest quilted winter jacket — that’s how comfortable these padded ankle boots are. We love that they’re almost cloud-comfy while still offering solid arch support and the brand’s signature thick rubber outsole, which kept our feet warm and dry even in wet and slushy conditions during our five-month testing period. While their cropped height means that these won’t keep snow or slush out in heavy conditions, their flexibility and breathability make them ideal for daily wear in cold or rainy weather. We loved that there’s ample room in the wide and rounded footbed, which made it easy to pair these with thick socks on colder days.

The thick rubber outsole features deep, wide-set lugs that provide excellent traction — we felt they were grippy enough to handle snow and ice, and loved that there was a noticeable amount of shock absorption that created a pleasant bounce in our step when we walked. We also appreciate how flexible the nylon quilted fabric is, as we had full range of movement while walking around.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Nylon, PU-coated leather

These waterproof calf-height boots feature a buttery soft lining and an adjustable toggle at the top so you can tuck sweatpants inside or tighten them to keep out snow.

These run large, so consider sizing down if you’re between sizes.

Hunter may be famous for its trendy, minimalist rain boots, but once you slip on a pair of the calf-height snow boots, you’ll realize that its stylish legacy extends to winter fashion as well. These are some of the chicest snow boots on the market, with a puffer coat-like material that keeps you warm thanks to a recycled fleece lining (but note that these don’t offer quite as much warmth as a wool or sheepskin option). We found that these were ultra-comfortable right out of the box and never caused any blisters or pain.

You’ll feel as good as you look knowing that they’re certified vegan and made almost entirely of recycled materials, from the nylon exterior to the fleece interior. The unique ortholite footbed is flexible and lightweight, which makes them easy to navigate city streets, although the height and warmth made us realize after several months of testing that these are most practical when it's extremely cold or snowy out. We love the no-lace design — which, beyond its minimalist aesthetic, is particularly handy for pregnant women and those who prefer to slip their shoes on and go. There’s also a toggle at the top that you can adjust to allow enough room to tuck in sweatpants or tightened to keep snow and rain out. We also appreciate how easy these are to clean: even in the lighter cream shade, we found it easy to wipe off dirt with a wet towel.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Nylon exterior, fleece lining

Nothing beats the coziness and warmth of Ugg’s classic sheepskin lining.

They’re one of the most expensive pairs on this list.

Perhaps no other shoe brand has earned a reputation for being as comfortable as Ugg, thanks to the brand’s famous fuzzy sheepskin lining. These winter-ready Adirondack boots are weather rated to -25.6 degrees Fahrenheit, with a waterproof leather and suede upper and a water repellent tongue to keep out any rain or snow. Our feet remained warm and cozy all day long when we wore them for long walks and while running errands, and we found that they provide excellent grip on wet and slippery ground. We appreciate that these offer excellent ankle support, while still providing plenty of flexibility for walking around. Best of all, the cuffable shaft makes it feel like you’re getting two pairs of boots in one: roll it down to reveal the fuzzy interior, or keep it up for additional height and warmth. While these shoes are a bit more of an investment purchase than others on this list, we found that they’re worth it for their durability, supreme comfort, and the trustworthiness of the Ugg brand. After five months of use, the leather showed a little wear, but we still feel like these will stand up well for years to come.

The Details: 5 to 12 | 2.4 pounds per pair | Leather and suede upper, poly knit fabric lining, rubber outsole

After regularly wearing for five months, we found these to be some of the most comfortable snow boots we've ever worn.

The white faux-fur cuffs may not stand up well to grimy city slush.

These are definitely not your dad’s clunky old snow boots. Helly Hansen has long been a trusted brand in outdoor gear, and these tall, stylish snow boots are a perfect example of why. Ultra-lightweight and flexible, they offer full freedom of movement — we found that they bent readily with our feet while still providing great support in the arch and ankle thanks to their OrthoLite Eco comfort footbed. We’d wear these sledding, wandering around a snowy park, running errands, and maybe even on a low-lift hike. Weighing in at just over one pound, their featherweight construction feels more like wearing comfortable sneakers than traditional chunky and restrictive snow boots, so they feel well-suited to a variety of activities.

Enhanced with 100 grams of PrimaLoft insulation and premium waterproof leather, these kept our feet warm and dry even during a flash flood. While the layers of insulation can feel tight at first, they molded perfectly to our feet within a few hours to feel like a custom fit. While we wish these were a bit more breathable, our feet never overheated. Our only real gripe is the white faux-fur, which isn’t fully waterproof and let in moisture after we accidentally stepped in some puddles during real-world testing.

The Details: Sizes 5.5 to 10 | 2.3 pounds per pair | Upper: PU leather, polyester, leather; Lining: Polyamide, polyester, EVA; Insole: EVA; Outsole: Rubber

These lightweight hiking boots pack in 200 grams of insulation and exceptional traction for snow and ice, making them a great pick for a variety of outdoor adventures.

While they’re ultra-lightweight, their chunky design will still take up a fair amount of room in a suitcase — but given their versatility, we think they’re worth packing for any cold-weather trip.

These waterproof boots are perfect for everything from cold-weather hiking to running errands on rainy days or tackling muddy yard work. Their sporty style feels versatile enough to pair with activewear and athleisure — we wore them for everything from outdoor excursions to trips to our local brewery. We found that these didn’t require any time to break in and felt comfortable from the first wear, thanks to a roomy toe-box and ample arch and ankle support. If you prefer additional support, there’s enough room to easily slide in an orthotic. We like that the shoe has an ideal amount of give, allowing for freedom of movement while still keeping the foot secure. We do recommend tying them tightly on longer walks, as they did chafe a bit when tied too loose.

Hikers will appreciate that these weigh in at just over a pound and boast a stability shank for lightweight support, as well as an anti-odor lining. Perhaps the best part is the superior traction, which remained ultra-grippy even going down slick rock. They also boast 200 grams of insulation and three layers of heat-trapping materials underfoot to keep you warm in extreme conditions; even when we stepped in a deep puddle during testing, our feet remained perfectly dry and warm. And, after regularly wearing these boots for five months, they still look good as new.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | 2.4 pounds per pair | Waterproof leather and performance mesh upper, textile lining, recycled PET insulation, rubber outsole

Each shoe weighs just 12.4 ounces, while still providing 100 grams of low-bulk insulation to keep you warm and dry in chilly conditions.

They take several wears to break in, and they run narrow.

Anyone hitting the trails in cold weather or looking for a pair of lightweight shoes to commute in will appreciate these breathable, comfortable lace-ups from Merrell. At just 12.4 ounces per shoe, these waterproof boots offer all-day comfort without weighing you down. We love how they fit like a sneaker while offering extra support and insulation around the ankle, thanks to the easily adjustable laces, recycled fleece lining, and 100 grams of low-bulk insulation for added warmth. Whether driving to work or walking the dog, our arches felt supported by the removable EVA foam footbed and the shock absorption built into the midsole. We also loved that these are treated with natural odor protection.

After breaking these in over a few wears — they run slightly narrow — they were quite comfortable, and we found that the Merrell Quantum Grip outsole provided excellent traction in snow, slush, and on the trail. Throughout our five months of tests, we were even able to shovel snow while wearing these boots and they kept our feet warm and dry.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | 1.5 pounds per pair | Waterproof nubuck and nylon upper, recycled fleece lining, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole

Beyond their warmth and fully waterproof construction, these boots boast a strong grip in slippery conditions.

After five months of tests, we find these to be lacking in insulation and are best for rainy conditions.

If you live in an area that sees heavy rainfall, these knee-high rubber boots are a must. They boast great traction on slick grates and sidewalks, and the thick rubber exterior combined with the soft neoprene lining locks warmth in and the elements out. While their height already helps keep feet warm and dry in snow and slush, it’s the stretchy top-line binding that ensures a snug fit around your leg, preventing any moisture from getting in. During our tests, we stomped around in deep puddles for over an hour — these boots kept our feet and legs entirely dry up to our knees, and there was no seeping-cold feeling, either. After several months of use in the real world, these continued to keep our feet warm and dry.

While their height is a boon for keeping out rain and cold wind, it does limit mobility, even on those with longer legs: the thickness of the rubber can make it difficult to bend your knee when climbing up steps. However, we still found that these are warm and comfortable boots. Plus, they’re equipped with Vibram lugs for top-notch traction on all surfaces, from slippery roads to icy driveways. These are great to keep you dry through a few seasons of regular wear and tear in wet or muddy conditions, but note that the thick rubber exterior is prone to cracking over time.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | 2.75 pounds per pair | Rubber outsole, fleece lining, EVA midsole

The thermal insole provides arch support and comfort on long walks, while 200 grams of insulation keep feet cozy and warm.

These aren’t the most breathable pair on our list.

Planning to hit the trails in cold or snowy weather or looking for the right snow boots to pack for a winter camping trip? These insulated waterproof boots from Oboz boast thermal insoles and a high-lined cuff to keep your feet dry, toasty, and supported on long hikes. Available in regular, wide, and half sizes, the nubuck leather boots feature a specially molded insole that’s designed for maximum comfort and thermo-regulation to help you go the distance. After hours of walking through the rain and splashing in deep puddles over the course of five months, our feet were still perfectly dry — even after standing in a creek. Plus, there was no break-in period. We found that these are ideal for winter weather and rainy or snowy days thanks to their excellent traction and 200 grams of Freeze Guard Insulation, but they’re less well suited to shoulder seasons, given they’re not the most breathable pair on this list. As a feel-good bonus, we love that Oboz plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | 2.4 pounds per pair | Nubuck leather upper, Freeze Guard 200g insulation, recycled polyester lining

Stylish and functional, these boots feel just as comfortable as wearing Uggs for a fraction of the price.

They’re water-repellent rather than fully waterproof, and the flexible fabric doesn’t offer much ankle support.

For a pair of boots that blend comfort, style, and winter-ready performance, look no further than these chic booties from Ryka. While they’re not technically waterproof, we found them to be ultra water-resistant — they readily repelled water during our tests, and they remained totally dry inside even after we ran them under the sink faucet. These are one of the comfiest, most lightwear pairs of snow boots we tried, and the puffed nylon exterior combined with the classic lace-up style makes them versatile enough to wear to après-ski sessions as well as for daily errands. The soft, fluffy nylon offers a cushioned and snug fit, but isn’t sturdy enough to provide much in the way of ankle support — we found these better suited for snowy walks around the neighborhood than for active outings. With four cute colors to choose from and wide sizes available, it’s easy to find your perfect pair. After five months of use, they still look brand-new.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Nylon upper, microsuede, insulation foam, EVA foam midsole, TPR plate outsole

We've worn these durable boots while shoveling in over one foot of snow and our feet remained warm and dry the entire time.

Their rigid, ski-boot-like construction may not appeal to everyone, and the lace-up process is time consuming.

Whether you’re hiking, snow-shoeing, or shoveling the driveway, these waterproof boots from Salomon are up to the task. Crafted from long-lasting leather and Aerogel insulation, their rugged construction fits akin to ski boots at first, with a rigid exterior that limits flexibility but provides excellent ankle support and padding. We felt incredibly secure when hiking in slippery conditions. We found that it took several wears to break them in, but that they felt comfortable from the first wear and never caused any pain or hot spots. Plus, the interior is warm and cozy, thanks to the fuzzy polyester lining.

Between the lining and the insulation, these are designed to keep you warm in winter conditions reaching -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re also enhanced with ultra-grippy lugs on the bottom that can handle snow, ice, and slippery trails with ease. The ice skate-style laces, while a bit time-consuming, are another bonus to anyone who values a supremely secure fit, as they make it easy to tighten these to your desired smugness. After five months of testing, we found the the laces came undone easily if they weren't double-knotted, but the boots thoroughly impressed us otherwise.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | 2.5 pounds per pair | Leather and textile upper, polyester lining, rubber outsole

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate how warm, waterproof, and durable these boots are.

They run large to allow room for thick winter socks, so consider going down a half-size if you plan on wearing them with thinner socks.

For a fashionable and practical duck boot that will last you season after season, look to the Sorel Women’s Caribou Waterproof Boot. The brand is famous for its top-quality outdoor gear, and these sturdy, seam-sealed, waterproof boots are a great example of why. Whether you’re running errands, hanging at the ice rink, or hiking in the snow, they’re designed to keep your feet warm and comfortable in chilly conditions for hours on end. They feature a removable, recycled felt ThermoPlus inner boot that hugs the ankle, offering extra support and warmth. We found that they required no break-in time, and we never experienced any foot, ankle, or calf pain while wearing them for long hikes or full days at the office during five months of testing.

It’s important to consider what kind of socks you’ll primarily wear with these, as they’re designed to accommodate a thicker sock — you may want to go down a half-size if you plan to wear them with thinner socks. We also love that they offer excellent traction on snowy trails or slippery floors, typical of any good duck boot.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | 3.4 pounds per pair | Suede and ballistic nylon upper, removable fleece lining, rubber outsole

We tested so many pairs of boots that we felt there were a few more worth mentioning, although we ran into some small inconveniences.

Kamik Lea Pull Winter Boot: Pull-on winter boots are a huge time-saver, and we loved this cozy, fleece-lined pair. The soft lining is moisture-wicking and helps trap in heat, but ultimately we felt that these boots weren’t snug or supportive enough around the ankle to wear for extended periods of time.

Sorel Women’s Kinetic Impact Nxt Boot: These plush, fashion-forward boots from Sorel are comfortable from the very first wear. We love the top toggle, which allows you to adjust how snug and breathable they are while keeping rain and snow out. Ultimately, the design skews a bit more fashion than function, and we feel these are great for mild winters and city settings rather than heavy-duty winter wear.

The Travel + Leisure team tested 27 pairs of women’s snow boots, evaluating their fit, support, durability, performance, waterproofing, and overall value in real-world circumstances over a five-month period. The products that scored highest and performed the best earned a spot on this list.

Our first task was examining the quality of the material and hardware of the boots right out of the box before wearing them for an hour and noting if they required any breaking in. We then wore the boots out on several occasions, paying close attention to how comfortable they felt over several hours and whether they provided sufficient arch and ankle support. We also noted their breathability and their traction on various terrains. In order to test how waterproof they were, we stuffed each pair of shoes with paper towels and poured water over the boots; all of the boots on this list showed superior water-resistance.

We also received expert input from Scott Wilfling, Oboz Outreach and Education Coordinator and Devon Vanoostveen, Merrell Global Marketing Manager, on key details to look for when testing the products.

When investing in a new pair of snow boots, it’s crucial to ensure they are designed to handle whatever conditions you’ll primarily need them for, whether that’s standing still in the snow, trudging through slushy sidewalks, or navigating icy roads. Whatever your intended use, choose a boot that’s well-insulated to keep your feet warm. Basic insulation like shearling or faux fur is a good start, but boots designed for negative temperatures are necessary for more extended excursions in cold weather and extreme climates. Be sure to read the reviews of the temperature ratings, as those are relative to how long you’ll be outside and individual metabolisms, so real feedback may be more useful than a manufacturer’s suggestion.

“Another factor to keep in mind [is], do your feet generally sweat? If they do, then you want to be mindful of the amount of insulation inside your footwear,” Wilfling says.

Soggy toes defy the entire point of well-constructed snow boots. Look for boots with rubber or waterproof leather bottoms to ensure snow and water can’t seep in. A bit of height also helps keep you removed from the slush. Water-resistant boots are a solid pick if you’re mostly wearing them on brief commutes through cold or lightly snowy areas, but if there’s a chance of heavier snowfall or serious slush where you are, you’ll want to invest in fully waterproof boots. If you opt for a suede boot, be sure to coat it with waterproof spray or check that it’s coated in a layer like polyurethane.

The deciding factor when purchasing snow boots is knowing what environment you’ll be wearing them in most frequently. “Take the time to ask the question, ‘Is this going to be at the ski shop? Is it going to be up on the mountain? Is it going to be post-apres ski? Is it going to be shoveling the driveway?’” Wilfling suggests.

Figuring that out will help you decide the amount of insulation and warmth you need, as well as the height and intensity of the traction. “Take into consideration what temperature it will be when you wear the boots and how warm you like your feet to be,” Wilfling adds, noting that if you prefer to wear thick socks, you may want to size up depending on the shoes.

The height of your boots should also take their intended usage into account, says Vanoostveen. For casual wear or city-dwellers who are dealing with just an inch or two of snow, a warm and cozy ankle bootie might do the trick. “I also think looking at the outsole and what kind of traction you're going to need for snow boots is really helpful. If you're going to be snowshoeing or doing something that's mostly in the snow versus walking on a sidewalk that might have ice, you're going to want to look at different levels of traction as well,” Vanoostveen explains.

While most hiking boots feature enhanced traction and some form of lightweight insulation, it’s crucial to pick a winterized pair for use in snowy conditions. That means boots that are waterproof and feature some level of insulation — even more insulation for freezing temperatures — as well as traction that’s designed to keep you secure on slush, ice, and slick snowy ground.

During a snowstorm, rain boots likely won’t cut it in terms of traction or warmth. Rain boots are typically waterproof and feature strong enough tread to provide great traction on wet or slippery ground, but they often aren’t insulated enough to keep you warm in the snow and aren’t equipped with the type of tread that can handle ice and snow. Additionally, most Wellington-style rain boots feature an open, wide top to tuck your pants into that would allow snow or slush to get in easily, either making you cold or eventually melting and causing a big mess.

Wool, shearling, and sheepskin will keep your toes toastiest all winter long. For maximum warmth, throw on a pair of thick wool socks and step into a pair of fleece-lined boots with an insulated exterior, which helps to keep in all the heat. Vegan options like faux sheepskin are also a great alternative and often are far more affordable.

While duck boots are generally waterproof, they're more geared toward everyday wear in moderate winter and light snow conditions. For extreme cold and deep snow, you should invest in a pair of dedicated snow boots.

For this article, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd relied on her own research and the extensive testing insights from our team, who analyzed dozens of women’s snow boots over several months in order to narrow down the 15 best options for every style and occasion. We also consulted two industry experts: Scott Wilfling, Oboz Outreach and Education Coordinator, and Devon Vanoostveen, Merrell Global Marketing Manager.

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