Best Women’s Winter Boots of 2023

Best Women’s Winter Boots of 2023

Author: Heather Eldridge | Editor: Dave Collins
Last updated: September 29, 2023

Most of us hate saying goodbye to our sandals and shorts for the winter season, but there’s something alluring about donning a pair of winter boots and layering up to face the weather.

Footwear that keeps you warm and dry will make it much easier to go outside and enjoy some exercise, sunlight, and fresh air when the temperature drops. We put dozens of winter boots to the test on icy streets, snow dusted trails, and powder covered mountains to bring you this list of the very best.

Related:Best Winter Boots for Men

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite winter boots, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• Best winter hiking boots:Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter
• Best snow boots: Sorel Caribou
• Best winter rain boots: Bogs Neo-Classic Tall
• Best town-to-trail winter boots: Columbia Minx Shorty III
• Stylish winter boots for around town: Sorel Slimpack III Lace
• Great winter boots for a day hike after work: KEEN Terradora
• Supportive winter boots with excellent traction: Merrell Thermo Chill Mid
• Comfy winter boots with removable liners: Sorel Joan of Arctic
• Great winter boots for snowshoeing: Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated
• Affordable snow boots with a relaxed fit: Columbia Ice Maiden II
• Durable & stylish boots for wet winters: Blundstone Classic 550
• Ultralight winter trail running boots: Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2

What’s Most Important to You in a Winter Boot?

PRICE – You don’t have to break the bank to get a pair of top-quality winter boots, but we find that spending a little extra is often worth the boost in insulation, traction, and durability.

• Best value winter boots: Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter, Sorel Caribou, Sorel Slimpack III Lace & KEEN Terradora
• Best budget winter boots:Columbia Minx Shorty III & Columbia Ice Maiden II
• Best high-end winter boots: Sorel Joan of Arctic & Blundstone Classic 550

ACTIVITY LEVEL – What will you primarily be using your boots for? Hiking? Working outside? Everyday wear around town? Figuring out what you’ll use your boots for most will help determine how warm they should be. The use will also help you decide how much coverage is ideal and what materials are likely to suit your needs best.

• Best winter boots for snowshoeing & hiking:Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter, Columbia Minx Shorty III, KEEN Terradora & Merrell Thermo Chill Mid
• Best winter boots for around town:Sorel Caribou, Columbia Minx Shorty III, Sorel Slimpack III Lace, Sorel Joan of Arctic & Blundstone Classic 550

INSULATION – You’ll likely want a lighter, more breathable boot for high-output activities, but your feet should never get really cold in a good pair of winter boots. All boots meant for winter should be at least minimally insulated with materials like fleece, wool, or synthetic fibers to help retain body heat. Uninsulated waterproof boots can also work as long as there’s ample room to wear thick wool socks. For extremely cold weather or low activity levels, medium-heavy insulation may be required to keep your feet warm.

• Top lightly-insulated winter boot pick:Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter, Columbia Minx Shorty III, Sorel Slimpack III Lace & KEEN Terradora
• Best heavily-insulated winter boots:Sorel Caribou, Bogs Neo-Classic Tall & Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated

BOOT HEIGHT & GAITERS – Taller boots are best for extreme cold and deep snow, though lower-cut ankle boots allow greater movement and are generally more comfortable to walk or hike in. Snow gaiters can be added to any height boot to increase weather protection and keep snow from getting into the top cuff. Some boots have built-in gaiter loops near the toe that you can connect gaiters to increase their effectiveness.

• Best tall winter boots:Sorel Caribou, Bogs Neo-Classic Tall & Sorel Joan of Arctic
• Best ankle-height winter boots:Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter, Columbia Minx Shorty III, Sorel Slimpack III Lace & KEEN Terradora

TRACTION – The more intense your activity will be and the more extreme the conditions (ice), the more traction you’ll need to keep from slipping, sliding, and potentially falling. For activities like hiking, a boot with aggressive traction is recommended. To increase traction on any boot, traction systems like Kahtoola MICROspikes (for backcountry hiking) or NANOspikes (for use around town) are available.

• Winter boots with the best traction:Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter, Sorel Caribou, KEEN Terradora & Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated

Best Women’s Winter Boots of 2023

Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter

BEST WINTER HIKING BOOTS

MSRP: $175

TEMP RATING: Not rated

INSULATION: 200 g. Synthetic fibers

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 11.1 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN:X Ultra Mid 2 W Spikes GTX (carbide-tipped spikes in lugs for extra traction)

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Excellent value, lightweight, excellent traction, warm, comfortable, durable, gaiter hooks, snowshoe compatible

CONS: Need gaiters to keep deep snow out

BOTTOM LINE:Salomon’s X Ultra Mid Winter Boots are a fantastic addition to their popular X Ultra line, which we already trust for great 3-season shoes and boots. The X Ultra Winters are well-suited for fun winter adventures like hiking and snowshoeing. With rugged good looks and aggressive tread, these boots make you feel invincible on snow and ice. The X Ultras are definitely hiking boots, but the ankle-height cut and sleek style also make them ideal for everyday wear under pants for the sporty type.

Sorel Caribou

BEST SNOW BOOTS

MSRP: $200

TEMP RATING: Not rated

INSULATION:9 mm. recycled felt

WEIGHT (PAIR): 4 lbs. 1.6 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Great value, warm, comfortable, durable, excellent traction, removable liner (quick-drying, washable & replaceable)

CONS: Heavy/bulky, loose-fitting (clunky for long walks)

BOTTOM LINE:Sorel’s Caribou Snow Boots are perfect for winter activities like shoveling the driveway or walking around town in snowy conditions. The current model of the Caribous has the same thick felt liners they’ve had for years, but the rubber lug outsoles have been updated to offer more traction than ever before. The Caribous are legendary for their durability too. It’s common for a pair to last for 10 years or more, which makes them an excellent value. You can extend the life of your ‘bous even further by replacing the liners as they get worn as well.

Bogs Neo-Classic Tall

BEST WINTER RAIN BOOTS

MSRP: $140

TEMP RATING: -58°F

INSULATION: Neoprene

WEIGHT (PAIR): 2 lb. 15.7 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Mid & Wide Calf

SIZING: Runs large, we recommend sizing down ½ size if you’re on the edge

PROS: Warm, comfortable, durable, slip-on, easy to clean

CONS: Expensive, heavy, loose-fitting (clunky for long walks)

BOTTOM LINE:Bogs Neo-Classic Tall Boots are our absolute favorites for mucking around in chilly, wet conditions. They’re easy to step into, incredibly warm, and super comfy for outdoor chores. Like most rubber boots, the Neos are a bit clunky for lengthy walks and they lack breathability. Here in the PNW, we wear them all through the cooler weather of fall, winter, and spring then stash them away for summer. We prefer the Neo-Classics over the regular Classic High Boots because they’re seamless for greater durability and they’re lighter. That said, we’re big fans of both models and in our experience, they’ll last for many seasons of hard use.

Columbia Minx Shorty III

BEST TOWN-TO-TRAIL WINTER BOOTS

MSRP: $110

TEMP RATING: -25°F

INSULATION: 200 g. Synthetic fibers

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 5.9 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN:Mid III

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Affordable, comfortable, warm, lightweight, not bulky, breathable, stylish, versatile

CONS: Need gaiters to keep deep snow out

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a cute and comfy boot you can use for multiple purposes this winter, the Columbia Minx Shorty III are an excellent choice. They’re plenty insulated and have a soft interior to keep your toes toasty when you’re playing in the snow. They also allow your feet to breathe, so you won’t overheat when you’re on the move. We love how lightweight the Minx are and that the fit is relaxed, which makes them inviting to wear all day. To top it all off, the Minx are some of the most affordable winter boots we’ve found.

Sorel Slimpack III Lace

STYLISH WINTER BOOTS FOR AROUND TOWN

MSRP: $150

TEMP RATING: 0°F

INSULATION: 100 g. Synthetic fibers + micro-fleece lining

WEIGHT (PAIR): 2 lb. 9.6 oz.

SIZING: These boots run small – we recommend sizing up by ½ size

PROS: Stylish, warm, comfortable, lightweight, not bulky

CONS: Not suited for hiking

BOTTOM LINE:Sorel’s Slimpack III Lace Winter Boots are a perfect example of functionality meeting fashion. The neutral colors and varied textures look great with most outfits including leggings and skinny jeans – both staples of the modern winter wardrobe. As a feminine rendition of old-timey leather hunting boots, the Slimpacks use a combo of rubber and leather to keep feet snug and dry while retaining a classic appeal. The Slimpacks have a small heel (1 ¾ in.), so they’re best for leisurely activities and everyday wear around town in rainy or light snow conditions.

KEEN Terradora

GREAT WINTER BOOTS FOR A DAY HIKE AFTER WORK

MSRP: $150

TEMP RATING: -25°F

INSULATION: 200 g. Synthetic fibers

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 12.4 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN:Mid

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Lightweight, not bulky, comfortable, warm, breathable, excellent traction, gaiter hooks

CONS: Need gaiters to keep deep snow out

BOTTOM LINE: KEEN’s Terradora Ankle Boots are easy on the eyes plus they have a fantastic balance of warmth and breathability for higher activity levels like hiking or brisk walking. They offer light support for your feet and great traction, but they don’t feel overbuilt and stiff like some winter boots. The Terradoras probably aren’t the boots we’d choose for snowshoeing trips or rugged winter backpacking, but they’re a great fit for those who want a single pair of boots they can take both out on the town and on some day hikes.

Merrell Thermo Chill Mid

SUPPORTIVE WINTER BOOTS WITH EXCELLENT TRACTION

MSRP: $130

TEMP RATING: Not rated

INSULATION: 200 g. Synthetic fibers + micro-fleece lining

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 14 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Affordable, warm, comfortable, durable, excellent traction, gaiter hooks, snowshoe compatible

CONS: Need gaiters to keep deep snow out

BOTTOM LINE:Merrell’s Thermo Chill Mid Boots are an excellent choice for cold-weather hikes on muddy or snowy terrain. Firm support in the midsole makes the Thermo Chills sturdy enough to handle a heavy load of winter backpacking gear, but they’re still pretty lightweight, which means less strain on your body. We like the fleece lining because it keeps your feet warm but also helps wick sweat away to keep them dry. Overall, the Thermo Chills are a great value and solid performers.

Sorel Joan of Arctic

COMFY WINTER BOOTS WITH REMOVABLE LINERS

MSRP: $240 (often on sale for less)

TEMP RATING: -25°F

INSULATION: Recycled felt

WEIGHT (PAIR): 4 lb. 0.9 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Stylish, removable liner for quick drying

CONS: Expensive, heavy, loose-fitting (clunky for long walks)

BOTTOM LINE:Sorel’s Joan of Arctics are a lot like the timeless Sorel Caribous above, but they have a more feminine shape and a faux fur trim. They’re a little lighter in the lugs and insulation, which makes them more comfortable/loose-fitting and better for climates with more mild winter temps. The felt liners come out for quick drying and they snap back into place so they won’t come out with your foot when you pull them off. The Joan of Arctics are durable and should last a long time, but replacement liners are available so you can refresh your boots as needed.

Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated

GREAT WINTER BOOTS FOR SNOWSHOEING

MSRP: $210

TEMP RATING: Not rated

INSULATION: 200 g. Synthetic fibers

WEIGHT (PAIR): 2 lbs. 9 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN:9”

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Excellent traction, warm, comfortable, durable, gaiter hooks, snowshoe compatible

CONS: Need gaiters to keep deep snow out

BOTTOM LINE: If you want a tough winter boot that can handle just about anything, the Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated is up for the challenge. The Bridgers feature intensely grippy tread, supportive insoles to keep your arches comfortable, and stout midsoles capable of bracing hefty loads. The Bridgers are also snowshoe compatible – they’re warm, waterproof, stable, accept gaiters, and have a stiff rubberized heel and toe that pair well with bindings. Overall, the Oboz Bridgers are a solid winter boot for all of your winter adventures, especially hiking and snowshoeing.

Columbia Ice Maiden II

AFFORDABLE SNOW BOOTS WITH A RELAXED FIT

MSRP: $110

TEMP RATING: -25°F

INSULATION: 200 g. Synthetic fibers

WEIGHT (PAIR): 2 lbs. 1.6 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN:Slip-On, Shorty

SIZING: Fits a bit tight, we recommend ordering up ½ size

PROS: Affordable, lightweight, comfortable, warm, breathable, excellent traction

CONS: Loose-fitting (clunky for long walks)

BOTTOM LINE: If you prefer a lightweight snow boot with a relaxed fit, the Columbia Ice Maiden II is an excellent choice. They’re slim and warm without looking or feeling bulky. And since they’re soft, flexible, and non-restrictive, they’re comfortable to wear all day. The fuzzy faux fur cuff gives the Ice Maidens some wintry flair, but they can also be worn under bootcut jeans for a casual, sneaker-like look. If you plan on wearing thick socks with these boots, you may want to order up a half size.

Blundstone Classic 550

DURABLE & STYLISH BOOTS FOR WET WINTERS

MSRP: $230

TEMP RATING: Not rated

INSULATION: Uninsulated

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 12 oz.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN: High Top Boot, Thermal, Heeled

SIZING: Blundstones come in Australian sizes, make sure to look at a size chart before buying online

PROS: Stylish, lightweight,not bulky,comfortable, durable, slip-on, versatile

CONS: Expensive, need thick socks to be winter-ready, only water-resistant (Thermal style is fully waterproof), need leather treatment periodically

BOTTOM LINE: The Blundstone Classic 550 Boots are stylish and functional year-round. With leather lining, leather uppers, and thick polyurethane outsoles, these boots are built to last for many years. Because they‘re not built with insulation, the Classic 550s are great for around town in spring and summer. In fall and winter, you can pair them with warm socks to protect your feet from the cold and wet (use a leather waterproofer for additional protection). Thanks to the elastic sides, these boots are super easy to slip on for a quick jaunt around the block or a big night on the town. If your winter is as wet as ours here in the Pacific Northwest, the 550s may just be the perfect around-town boot for you.

Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2

ULTRALIGHT WINTER TRAIL RUNNING BOOTS

MSRP: $190

TEMP RATING: Not rated

INSULATION: Uninsulated

WEIGHT (PAIR): 1 lb. 8 oz.

SIZING: True to size

PROS: Lightweight, breathable, comfortable, gaiter hooks

CONS: Need gaiters to keep deep snow out, less durable, not for extreme cold

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re a minimalist and are used to wearing trail runners on your walks, runs, and hikes, you might be lamenting the fact that winter weather is forcing you to consider boots. We’re with you. We like our trail runners too, and fortunately Altra’s Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mids are a great crossover option. They’re still very lightweight and breathable like trail runners,but they offer more coverage and better protection for hiking and backpacking in cold, wet conditions. The Lone Peaks aren’t insulated, so you’ll have to keep moving to keep warm in them, but if you know you’ll be moving fast and carrying a light load, they’re an excellent choice.

Honorable Mentions

The following winter boots didn’t make our final list, but they’re very popular and they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these boots might be your perfect fit:

• L.L. Bean’s Original Bean Boots – stylish duck boots available in many different styles
• Baffin Ice Field – boots for extreme cold
• North Face Shellista II Mid Boots – fashionable and warm boots for town and snow

Critical Winter Boot Considerations

WEIGHT – Winter boots can weigh 4-7 lbs., but we prefer styles that keep bulk and weight to a minimum for hiking or casual use. For those of us that are used to wearing trail runners, lightweight boots will feel more familiar, comfortable, and far less clunky on the feet. Lighter footwear also takes less of a toll on your body, is generally less stiff, and is easier to break-in.

LINERS – Some boots have removable liners (like the Sorel Caribou) which makes it easy to wash them, dry them out quickly, and replace them as needed. But they can also give the boot a looser, less specific fit. A boot dryer can be helpful for quickly drying out wet/sweaty boots with non-removable liners (like the Columbia Ice Maiden). A loose fit isn’t really an issue for snow boots you’ll use primarily for shoveling the walk. For boots you’ll be hiking or walking around town in, more close-fitting liners will feel less cumbersome and floppy to walk in.

INSOLES – Upgrading your insoles to cushier, warmer, or more supportive aftermarket insoles like Superfeet can improve the fit and comfort of most boots. Just remember that you’ll need a little extra room to accommodate thicker insoles.

WEATHERPROOFING – Rubber, treated leather, or vapor barrier membranes (like Gore-Tex), are typical materials used to weatherproof boots. Always take the time to read reviews about boots that claim to be waterproof, and find out if they require any treatments or maintenance (especially leather). A good winter boot should keep your feet dry since moisture leads to heat loss.

BRAND –Sometimes it can pay off to try inexpensive off-brands, but we’ve found that it’s usually worth paying a bit more for the quality and durability of tried and true brands that have been around for a long time. Generally, we find that we’re the most satisfied with the materials and craftsmanship of products from bigger footwear brands that continually take feedback from their customers to improve their products.

Pro Tips

WINTER SOCKS – Breathability is often limited in winter boots since they have to be so water-resistant to deal with wet conditions, so it’s extra important to wear quality socks that wick moisture to keep your feet dry. If your boots themselves are really warm, a thin merino wool liner sock might be your best bet for staying comfortable. To supplement less insulated boots, thick cushioned wool socks are great for adding warmth. To learn more about what goes into a quality sock and to see some of our top picks, check out our Best Hiking Socks List.

WARMING UP – When you first head out the door, it’s important to remember that your boots don’t produce the warmth, your body does. Walking quickly or doing a bit of vigorous exercise to get your blood flowing will help warm up your body and your boots. Good winter boots simply help you retain that heat. You can also support your circulatory system by doing things like getting a good night’s sleep, eating a hearty breakfast, and hydrating to help you stay warm on winter adventures. It also helps a lot to keep your boots inside, so they start out at room temperature instead of cold.

TURN UP THE HEAT – When the weather gets really cold, you can easily boost warmth by adding thick socks or Lambswool insoles to your boots to insulate your feet. Just remember to check the size chart and buy your boots in a size that’s loose enough to accommodate thick socks without restricting your circulation. Boots that are too tight will make your feet cold by inhibiting blood flow.

LEATHER BOOT MAINTENANCE – Most leather boots come pre-treated, but some require an aftermarket spray, wax, or polish to make them water-resistant. Almost all leather boots will eventually require some kind of treatment to maintain their weatherproofing. It’s important to pay attention to the type of leather when choosing a product to avoid negatively affecting the appearance, breathability, or integrity of your boots.

• Natural oil-based products, like NeatsFoot Oil, are good for adding repellency to smooth leather. They’ll also soften the boots up which helps break them in quicker, but it can lessen their durability.
• A wax-based product, like SnoSeal, can easily be applied to specific areas like seams.
• For darker leather, Granger’s Waterproofing Wax is an excellent choice that doesn’t clog the pores of leather or Gore-Tex.
• Aerosol sprays, like Ariat Water and Stain Protectant, are easy to apply but don’t last as long so you’ll need to treat your boots several times per season. Sprays are best for suede, sheepskin, or nubuck (sanded leather).

ARE THESE BOOTS GOOD FOR SNOWSHOEING? – Snowshoeing is an excellent way to have some fun and get a great workout during the winter months. Most winter hiking boots that are warm and waterproof will work fine with snowshoes, but there are a few things that make some boots more compatible with snowshoes than others. Check out our list of the Best Snowshoes to see our favorites.

To work well with snowshoe bindings, look for these features:

• Moderately stiff sole – won’t buckle too much and allow binding to loosen/slip off
• Firm toe – often capped with rubber, should be stiff and hold its shape under pressure
• Ridge at heel – helps keep the binding strap securely in place
• Gaiter hooks/gap under the arch – allows gaiters to be securely attached to boots
• Aggressive traction – keeps the boots more secure in the bindings
• Good fit/secure lacing system – doesn’t allow boots to twist or flop around too much with movement

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

• 10 Best Backpacking Tents
• 10 Best Hiking Shoes
• 10 Best Sleeping Bags
• 10 Best Sleeping Pads
• 10 Best Backpacking Packs
• 10 Best Backpacking Stoves
• CleverHiker Top Gear Picks

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We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

• Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.
• We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.
• We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.
• We constantly update our guides when new products launch.
• We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

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