14 highly rated boots everyone is buying for this winter
The right footwear will keep your feet warm and dry all season long.
Credit:
L. L. Bean / Columbia
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There are a lot of things you need to get through winter—a great coat, some warm socks and, possibly, your streaming service of choice for all the days and nights you cannot fathom leaving your home.
But perhaps most important of all, especially when you have to leave the house: A good pair of boots to keep your feet protected against sleet, ice, snow, and any other water-based unpleasantries you encounter. Whether your typical winters involve rain, several feet of snow, or something in between, we found some great boots for you.
Men’s and women’s sizes: Bean boots for quintessential winter protection
L.L. Bean's classic boots will be your go-to for rain, snow, and everything in between.
L. L. Bean’s classic winter boots sell out every year for good reason. They're made of full-grain leather that keeps feet dry, whether in rain or snow, and have chain-tread soles that help prevent slipping on ice. The lining is thin, so they go well with thick wool socks but can also be worn with thinner socks on warmer days. "I got my first pair a few years ago and I cannot express how much I love them," writes a reviewer. "They survived trudging through floods of hurricanes, through snow, and all weather. I recommend them to all of my friends and are a fabulous investment."
These boots will last you for several years—so make sure you snag your size before it’s gone.
Women’s Bean Boots come in women’s sizes 5 to 11 and men’s sizes 7 to 14 and run large.
Get Women’s Bean Boots from L. L. Bean for $139
Get Men’s Bean Boots from L.L. Bean for $139
Men’s and women’s sizes: Timberland boots for extreme durability
Timberlands are sturdy and waterproof, so they come in handy throughout winter.
People love wearing Timberland boots throughout fall, winter, and early spring, and it’s not hard to see why. The waterproof buffed-leather uppers provide protection and keep feet cozy—but not sweaty—in any kind of damp weather, whether you’re going on a walk in the woods or a city stroll. "Using these as winter boots in Chicago, they are perfect," writes a reviewer. "They are heavy but my feet stay warm and dry."
Timberlands come in women’s sizes 5 to 11 and men’s sizes 7 to 18 and run a half-size large.
Get Timberland Men’s 6’’ Premium Waterproof Boots from Zappos for $197
Get Timberland Women’s 6'' Premium Waterproof Boots from Zappos for $169.95
Men’s and women’s sizes: Classic Uggs for a slipper-like feel
Uggs feel like slippers but are more than capable at protecting your feet against the elements.
People make their jokes about Uggs, but the hard-core fans—who know there’s nothing like slipping into these sheepskin booties on a cold winter day—have the last laugh. They are just so cozy and comfy, whether relaxing after a long day on the ski slopes, walking the dog in the early morning, or heading to a dinner with friends. "I absolutely love and live by Uggs," writes a reviewer. "All winter and fall as far out as I can stretch wearing them, you will catch me with these cozy feet huggers on. If you want to be stylish, cozy, warm, and comfy, there is no other way to go."
Ugg boots come in women’s sizes 5 to 12 and men’s sizes 7 to 18 and are true to size.
Get the Women’s Classic II Shearling Lined Short Boot from Nordstrom for $159
Get the Ugg Men’s Classic Short Boot from Nordstrom for $169.95
Men's and women's sizes: Blundstones for leather shoes that stand up to winter
Blundstones provide a rugged-yet-fashionable look that lasts all season.
These Chelsea boots, from Tasmanian footwear company Blundstone, are built to to last. They have rugged, supportive soles, front and back pull-on tabs, and leather exteriors that reviewers say are waterproof (though it can't hurt to give them some extra weather protection). This, plus the shoes' unfussy, sophisticated look—which pair well with leggings or cuffed jeans and wool socks—make them a winter shoe standby for sensible-but-trendy people everywhere from Brooklyn to Australia. "After spending most of the winter walking around in slippery, leaky shoes, I was truly delighted to receive this boot," writes a reviewer. "It keeps my normally cold feet warm, and is a lot more comfortable than it looks. It's all I want to wear these days."
Blundstones come in women's sizes 6 to 11 and men's sizes 7 to 14 and are true to size.
Get Blundstones BL558 boots from Zappos for $194.95
Women’s sizes: North Face Shellista II for tromping in deep snow
Want to keep feet dry in deep snow? Get these boots.
If winter means having to walk through serious snow, you want these boots from The North Face. Their mid-calf rise, thick leather upper, and easy-to-tie laces make legs and feet all but impenetrable to deep snow. The also have super-grippy soles and cushy arch support that reviewers rave about. "I live in Michigan where I need boots that will keep my feet dry and warm in the cold, snowy weather and these definitely take care of that," writes one shopper. "As an added bonus, they also look stylish and aren't too 'clunky' like some winter boots can be."
The North Face Shellista II boots come in women’s sizes 6 to 11 and are true to size.
Get the North Face Shellista II from REI for $140
Men’s sizes: Sorel Caribou boots for extra-cold days
For the coldest days, you want Sorel Caribou boots.
Even the most brutal winter temps are no match for these Sorel boots. They’re made of a thick leather lined with fleece and have a 10-inch shaft that keeps feet and calves protected against sub-zero conditions (down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact). Reviewers say the boots keep feet warm without making them feel sweaty and overheated. And these boots can last several decades, so they’re worth the investment. "I've been wearing them in minus double-digit weather with the wind chill much colder here in Minnesota and they are the absolutely warmest boots," writes a reviewer. "I had to replace my 25-year-old pair of Sorels and these are as warm if not warmer and lighter than my old pair."
Sorel Caribou Winter Boots come in men’s sizes 8 to 14 and are true to size.
Get Sorel Caribou Winter Boots from REI for $160
Women’s sizes: Columbia Ice Maiden II for easy on and off
These boots are soft, warm, and protective.
These Columbia boots have thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, due to their warmth, non-slip soles, and extensive color selection, which includes black, gray, red, purple, and more. They’re also pull-on boots, so you don’t have to mess around with tying and untying them at the beginning and end of a tiring snow day. "These boots are awesome," writes a reviewer. "They do not make my calf feel like it’s in a cast like most of the heavy-duty cold weather boots do. They are soft inside and have a great sole. They also have a really good grip on the bottom that does not slip easily; it’s the rubber they used. I really love these boots and they are pretty cute, too."
The Columbia Ice Maiden II boots come in women’s sizes 5 to 11.
Get the Columbia Ice Maiden II boots from Amazon for $74.95
Men’s sizes: Columbia Bugaboot III for ice-resistant style
These boots were made for tromping through deep drifts of snow.
These top-rated Columbia boots have it all: traction, insulation, and cushiony, supportive soles. Reviewers love that the lengthened upper portion of the boot helps support the ankles and gives the shoes a more stylish look than other snow boots. They’re also made of synthetic material, not leather, so they’re a great option for vegans (or anyone else) who prefer their shoe collection to be fur and leather-free. "I bought these cold-weather snow boots for my husband just before the polar vortex hit our area and the temperature plummeted to -40 degrees," writes a reviewer. "They are wonderful boots. They actually kept his feet warm, which is a challenge."
Columbia Bugaboot III Snow Boots come in men’s sizes 8 to 13.
Get the Columbia Bugaboot III Snow Boot from DSW for $99.99
Women’s sizes: Chooka Fremont for puddle and slush
Puddles are no match for these wellies.
People often think of snow when winter hits, but in some areas, it’s the rainy or slushy season. These boots work well in all types of wet weather, thanks to their waterproof rubber mid-calf upper, cushioned footbed, and roomy toe area. Reviewers say they’re comfy enough for all-day wear and pair well with thick socks, which adds some extra insulation if you’re wearing them in colder temperatures. "I bought these for the crazy winter snow, salt, and rain," writes a reviewer. "Perfect for slushy messy sidewalks and easy to clean. Enough room for cute long socks."
The Chooka Fremont Rain Boots comes in women’s sizes 5 to 11 and are true to size.
Get the Chooka Fremont Rain Boot from DSW for $49.99
Men’s sizes: Kingshow boots for winter adventures
These affordable boots offer up fantastic rain and snow protection.
Amazon reviewers love these hiking-style boots, which deliver solid snow and rain protection at a killer price. They work well for snow days, hiking, fishing, walking to work, and any other activity where you don’t want your feet to get wet during long stints outdoors. "Can't beat the price for these boots," writes a reviewer. "Wore them for my ski trip and they were my go-to shoe. Super warm and cozy, very easy to put on and take off."
The Kingshow boots come in men’s sizes 6 to 13 and are true to size.
Get Kingshow Men’s Boots from Amazon for $22.99-$40.99
Women’s sizes: Sorel Emelie boots for fashionable protection from moisture
These Sorels are great boots for winter weather that's damp, but not quite snowy.
These leather Chelsea-style boots are waterproof without having the slick, shiny look that rain boots sometimes have. They also have rugged soles, which makes them a good option on cold winter days when you need to go somewhere that requires "real" shoes and might encounter some slippery sidewalks on the way. "They keep your feet dry—like super dry," writes a reviewer. "I've worn them so much that I'll likely be getting another pair or two for the coming winter season. Shoot, I'll probably wear them all year. So excited to finally find a boot that keeps my feet dry and I can wear with just about any outfit in my closet. South Dakota winters, you have met your match!"
The Sorel Emelie Chelsea boots come in women’s sizes 5 to 12 and are true to size.
Get the Sorel Emelie Chelsea boots from Zappos for $149.95
Men’s sizes: The North Face Chilkat III for a fuss-free snow guard
These boots slide easily on and off.
For those who can’t be bothered to tie up (and, eventually, untie) snow boots, look to these North Face boots, which are lace-free and have pull tabs on the back to help slide them up your shins. The boots’ convenience doesn’t come at the cost of warmth and comfort. "Got these for my son who works outside in subzero conditions," writes a reviewer. "He says they have saved his life!"
The North Face Chilkat III Pull-On Boots come in men’s sizes 7 to 14 and are true to size.
Get the North Face Chilkat III Pull-On Boots from Zappos for $99.95
Women’s sizes: Franco Sarto Hoda Booties to keep you warm and stylish
These Franco Sarto boots are great to wear on cold-but-not-damp days.
Short, ankle-baring booties tend to be shoved to the back of the closet (or shoe rack, or wardrobe) throughout the chilliest weeks of winter, but you’ll find yourself wearing this pair more than others. That’s because the upper fits close to the ankle, which prevents cold wind from gushing in, but leaves ample room (and looks good) with a sock peeking out. "They are not only so comfortable, but look awesome with jeans, leggings, dresses or skirts," writes a reviewer. "The only issue you will have is which color to get."
The Franco Sarto Hoda Booties comes in women’s sizes 6 to 11 and are true to size.
Get the Franco Sarto Hoda Booties from DSW for $89.99
Men’s sizes: Rockport Storm Surges for water-repelling, office-appropriate kicks
When you're heading to the office on a rainy day, these shoes will be your go-to.
For chilly, rainy, but not-quite-snowy days, you’ll want a pair of these boots. They’ve got a waterproof leather upper and sealed seams around the soles, which prevents moisture from getting inside, and plenty of insulation to keep feet toasty without overheating. Reviewers also like that they look regular, everyday boots—not rubber wellies—so they can be worn to the office. "I just got this but have worn it many times since we have had our wettest winter in years," writes a reviewer. "Love this shoe, I can still wear it to dressy events without feeling like I’m tromping around in heavy rain boots and look stylish at the same time."
The Rockport Storm Surge Boots come in men’s sizes 8 to 13 and are true to size.