The Best Winter Boots For Men And Women
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Winter Boots For Men And Women
These shoes have a rubber sole, soft nylon upper and waterproof toe vamp keep your feet comfortable and dry. The full fur inner lining provides plenty of warmth and the lace-up design provides a snug, stylish fit. The outsole has a waffle plate for traction. Extra room for thick socks has been built in.
Great for Chilly DaysA fur lining keeps your feet warm and toasty whether you're walking in the rain or trudging through the snow.
These classic-looking boots are made from sustainable artificial leather, with an upper designed to resist water and hold up even in extremely wet conditions. It has faux-fur lining and a soft-knitted topline for comfort. Anti-skid thermoplastic rubber soles help prevent slipping and sliding.
Multiple Color OptionsAvailable in almost 30 different colors, these winter hiking boots offer classic style and functionality.
The surface of these attractive unisex shoes features waterproof artificial leather that feels like suede. They are lightweight sneaker-style boots that offer good ankle support and a soft, furry inner lining for extra comfort. They also come with a slip-resistant rubber sole and a protective toe cap.
Sneaker DesignThese shoes offer the warmth and practicality of a good hiking boot, with firm ankle support and traction.
The unisex design of these tall mid-calf boots makes them a versatile, completely waterproof option. Each boot has a 1.25-inch heel, supportive midsole and a sealed rubber shell, plus neoprene and a fleece lining for flexibility and shock absorption. A pull tab helps you get them on and off easily.
Tall BootProtect your calves and your feet in these tall, unisex hiking boots made from rubber with a fleece lining.
Buying Guide
Keeping your feet warm during the chilliest winter months can be a challenge. You need a shoe that insulates your feet, but some fabrics that are great at retaining heat aren’t very breathable. And if your feet start sweating, the moisture can promote bacteria growth, leading to issues like athlete’s foot.
When buying winter boots, though, warmth is only one consideration. You’ll likely be wearing the boots in wet weather conditions, whether it’s snow, rain, ice or a combination of all three. You’ll need a build that at least repels water even if it’s not waterproof altogether. Also, make sure water can’t slip in through the tongue where your shoes are laced.
You’ll also naturally want to be comfortable while you’re wearing your boots. You can easily find footwear that not only keeps your feet warm and dry, but also prioritizes important features like arch support. Look for plenty of space for your toes to wiggle and a heel that doesn’t rub against you when you walk.
But even with all those considerations, you can’t forget style. How the boot looks matters, especially if you’ll be wearing them to work, school or social events. You can find them in a variety of colors and styles, but it’s important to consider what clothing you’ll typically be wearing with your boots, too.
What to Look For
- As popular and comfortable as genuine leather can be in footwear, winter boots are typically exposed to moisture, which can be a serious problem for this material. If you like the look of leather, consider opting for a pair with artificial leather that looks natural.
- Nylon is a great fabric for keeping water out of your shoes. When used in the upper (the entire part of the shoe that encloses the foot above the sole), it also promotes movement because it is more flexible than other fabrics.
- It’s important to take a look at the bottom of the shoe (outsole). You will be dealing with slippery conditions, so a surface that’s designed to be skid-resistant will be a big help.
- Fur linings are typical in winter boots, providing a level of warmth you might not get otherwise. But make sure the lining won’t restrict airflow and cause your feet to sweat.
- As you’re looking at a boot’s build, also pay attention to the tongue. You’ll want one that insulates your foot from wetness as well as the rest of the upper does.
- You don’t have to settle for neutral tones. Boots are available in a variety of colors that will add a little fun to your winter wardrobe.
- Tall winter boots can help keep more than your feet warm. Some come all the way up to the calf to make sure much of your lower body is protected from the elements.
- Consider sizing up so you can layer thick socks inside your shoes for additional warmth and comfort.
More to Explore
At the turn of the 20th century, winter boots were designed for practicality, not fashion. Women donned their winter boots while they were outside, removing them once they arrived at their destination. In fact, it’s tough to find ads for winter wear featuring women in boots from the early 1900s.
Before about the 1960s, women mostly wore leather lace-up boots, rubber rain boots, rain shoe covers and fur-lined booties. After that, things started to change. Footwear manufacturers found a way to make women’s winter boots more stylish and functional at the same time, and have continued to make improvements with every following decade.
For men, wool felt boots with a leather or rubber sole were popular for winter during much of the 1900s, even though they weren’t particularly good in rain. Men also wore work boots, blizzard shoes, moccasin boots, overshoes, pull-on boots and the duck boots invented by L.L. Bean in 1918. Many of today’s men’s boots borrow these looks but are made with modern materials and standards.
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