Snow boots are specially designed to keep your feet warm and dry. Additionally, they also need to strike a great balance between flexibility and protection. Your best snow boots need to make it easy to navigate deep snow without you ending up with blisters or other injuries.
When buying your boots, you may get confused by simple terminology and end up buying winter boots instead. Winter boots, unlike snow boots, are designed to keep your feet warm during cold winters and may not be waterproof.
The best boots for snow need to be waterproof so you can expose them to deep snow without moisture seeping in. However, you can also find the best winter boots to be waterproof or have a water-repelling upper material, and these would be great for walking on snow.
If you need to get yourself a good pair of boots to tackle the snow, the following are five options you can choose from. The boots are waterproof or water-repellent, have a taller shaft, come with excellent insulation, and are flexible enough so you can easily navigate snow-covered surfaces.
1. Best Snow Boots: Sorel Caribou
For men:
- Waterproof
- Removable ThermoPlus inner boot
- Rated to -40 degrees F
- Faux Fur
- Features seam sealed waterproof construction and 0.098 inch bonded felt frost plug midsole
For women:
- SOREL Women's Boots: Take on freezing weather in style with a fully seam-sealed snow boot for women that is ideal for everything from relaxing apres ski to running errands in the snow
- Waterproof Boots for Women: Classic design with waterproof nubuck leather upper and seam-sealed construction to keep your feet dry in heavy snow
- Rubber Sole: Walk securely with handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell with SOREL aero-trac non-loading outsole securing your traction
- Modern Design: This timeless snow boot for women with heel height of 1 1/6" with 5/7" platform will give you all-day comfort, while 2.5mm bonded felt frost plug warns off the cold and the snow
While you need many protective features from your snow boot, one very important feature is good traction. It would be best to have your boots to keep you planted firmly on a wet, slippery surface, especially with heaps of snow.
These Sorel Caribou snow boots for men and women come with rubber soles and a wide underfoot to provide the best grip on snowy surfaces. The rubber sole also adds to your height off the ground, lifting you about 1.5 inches off the ground, so you don't get stuck in the snow.
The now boots, which can also double as great winter boots, guarantee warmth and comfort. They come with a lace-up design for an upper that covers you up to the mid-calf. The boots allow speed lacing with D-rings in place of regular small eyelets.
The upper also boasts a gusseted tongue to keep all elements; water, snow, dirt, and debris, away. Additionally, the collar is surrounded by faux fur for warmth and also to prevent flakes from entering inside the shoe.
These snow boots guarantee enough warmth for walking around snow and cold winters. They come with removable, synthetic liners, which you can easily replace with better wool liners to keep sweat and odor away.
The boots have temperature ratings of -40 °F/-40 °C, and you can choose from a few available color options and sizes.
2. Best Winter Boots to Walk on Snow: UGG Men's Butte and UGG Women's Adirondack III
For men:
- Vibram outsole with lug tread
- Waterproof construction
- Cold weather rated to -20 degrees celsius
- Foam moulded for shaping. Waterproof breathable bootie construction
- 8mm sherpa lining on vamp, 8mm sherpa lining on quarter, 17mm UGGpure wool lining
For women:
- Premium leather uppers with 17MM wool lining and insoles
- -32 degree weather rating
- Spider rubber outsole.Waterproof Designed to help protect against heavy weather conditions, including water, rain, and snow. If present, zippers and tongues are gusseted and treated with...
- Features non-wicking nylon lace and 7 inch shaft height
- Now on a womans specific last
These are the best winter boots you can wear for snow as they fit easily like ordinary leather shoes but offer better traction, stability, and flexibility for snow. You will find it easier to drive in them and walk around without the boots weighing your feet down.
The boots come with synthetic soles with aggressive tread patterns to hold on to snow and slippery surfaces when you walk. However, the women's Adirondack III comes with deeper lugs, thus offering a better grip compared to the Butte.
The uppers are made with leather, thus guaranteeing waterproof properties. The uppers cover your feet up to the mid-calf and feature a high tongue with metal eyelets for sturdy fastening. Like the Sorel Caribou boots, these Ugg winter boots also come with faux fur lining the collar to keep snow and other elements away.
The snow boots also feature 100% wool lining, so you are sure to use them for years without any odors. The lining adds warmth and comfort, making the boots your best bet when you need to walk on snow without getting your toes frozen.
The only slight deal-breaker for these boots is the price, as it is higher than most options on this list. Other than that, they are some of the best snow boots you can get for the features and temperature ratings of -32°C.
3. Best Slip-on Snow and Winter Boot: Muck Boot Arctic Ice Mid Snow Boots:
For men:
- 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility, along with excellent waterproofing, shock absorption and heat retention properties; adjusts to your foot shape to resist blisters and chafing
- Extended, soft rubber coverage; tough, flexible Spandura adds protection against wear; improved midsole for better support
- Soft fleece lining enhances comfort, provides superior warmth, and is durable for long cold treks; comfort rated from -40 °F to 40 °F (-40 °C to 4 °C)
- Vibram Arctic Grip outsole pods deliver the most advanced traction on wet ice; Vibram Icetrek full base layer provides the highest level of traction on dry ice
- 100% waterproof winter boots; multi-directional outsole lug design offers excellent traction on multi-surface terrain; rear pull loop for easy on/off
For women:
- 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility, along with excellent waterproofing, shock absorption and heat retention properties; adjusts to your foot shape to resist blisters and chafing
- Extended, soft rubber coverage; tough, flexible Spandura adds protection against wear; women's last matches the contours of the female foot; comfort insole for strong support
- Soft fleece lining enhances comfort, provides superior warmth, and is durable for long cold treks; comfort rated from -40 °F to 40 °F (-40 °C to 4 °C)
- Vibram Arctic Grip outsole pods deliver the most advanced traction on wet ice; Vibram Icetrek full base layer provides the highest level of traction on dry ice
- 100% waterproof winter boots; multi-directional outsole lug design offers excellent traction on multi-surface terrain; rear pull loop for easy on/off
You need the best and easy-to-wear winter and snow boots if you are always on the move. These muck boot pairs are best for you if you prefer to spend some time shoveling the driveway.
Unlike other snow boots in this list, these do not come with wool or synthetic wool lining. Instead, these Muck Boots feature a layer of neoprene. Neoprene does all the insulation, and working in tandem with a waterproof outer shell and a thin layer of fleece lining, the boots will keep your feet dry and warm. However, you will need to be careful when walking in deep snow as the boots come with an open collar that could let in heaps of snow.
The boots come with rubber soles that also feature Vibram Arctic Grip lugs for shock absorption and traction. The soles make the shoe easier to walk in, and considering you can't adjust the fit with laces, you will instantly notice the stability on snow.
The knee-length, waterproof snow boot comes in different color combinations and different sizes for both men and women.
4. Best Winter Hiking Boots: Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni Heat
For men:
- OMNI-TECH: Our proprietary technology provides air-permeable protection that's waterproof and breathable, keeping mother nature's elements out, at the same time allowing the inside to breathe, keeping...
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Built to be waterproof the leather upper is designed with seam-sealed construction in an Injection molded shell, and kept warm with 200g insulation. Your feet are sure to stay...
- URBAN STYLE MEETS SNOW BOOT: The perfect combination of a snow boot with added modern style and function. Its full length lace up support makes this boot perfect in rocky terrain, deep in the snow, or...
- TRACTION AND COMFORT: Featuring our indoor-friendly Omni-GRIP, a non-marking outsole, this boot provides sure-footed traction in the wild. The lightweight TECHLITE midsole makes every trek worthwhile...
- TEMPERATURE RATINGS: Rated -25F/-32C for cold, heavy snow days.
For women:
- OMNI-HEAT: Our patented Heat Reflective garments are the ultimate body heat management system for outdoor performance. The interior lining consists of our metallic dot pattern designed to retain heat,...
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The PU coated leather and textile upper features waterproof and seam-sealed construction, along with rich 200g insulation to keep feet warm in harsh frozen terrain.
- URBAN STYLE MEETS SNOW BOOT: The perfect combination of a full height snow boot with tough style and function. Its full length lace up support makes this boot perfect in any wintry mix.
- ALL WEATHER TRACTION: Sure in your step, the Injection molded rubber shell and a Michelin winter compound outsole offers deep tread for all winter weather conditions.
- TEMPERATURE RATINGS: Rated -25F/-32C for super cold, heavy snow days.
If you like a good pair of winter boots to go hiking in the snow, Columbia offers just the right boot for your needs. The Bugaboot Plus IV is available in sizes for both men and women, and you can also find it in different color combinations.
The winter hiking boot comes with leather uppers and uses a proprietary Omni Heat technology that allows breathability while also being waterproof. The uppers are also constructed using seam-sealing technology and keep warm with 200g of insulation, so your feet are dry and warm as you enjoy the outdoors.
The boots also come with rubber soles and Omni-GRIP outsoles that offer traction on snow in rocky terrain. Additionally, the sole features a lightweight TechLite midsole for extra cushioning and flexibility so you can trek without fear of injury.
When hiking in deep snow, you need a better guarantee of warmth, safety, and flexibility. Thus, it would be best to get a boot that fits perfectly. This winter boot comes in a lace-up design that also allows speed lacing with wide eyelets. You can customize your preferred fit while the sole allows flexibility and firm grip.
5. Best Snow Boot for Performance: Kamik Men's Nationplus and Kamik Women's Momentum Boots
For men:
- Keep warm in frosty weather with 200B 3M Thinsulate Insulation, providing 1.5 times the warmth of down.
- Perfect for cool conditions or high activity levels.
- These waterproof seam-sealed boots are made to seal out snow and water. All of the materials and seams are specially treated to block moisture and keep your feet totally dry all day long.
- Waterproof suede upper
- Waterproof and flexible synthetic rubber shell
For women:
- Seam-sealed waterproof snow boot featuring plush faux-fur collar, quick bungee lacing, and grippy PEAK snow and ice traction sole
- Rated to -25F
- 200g Thinsulate insulation
- Removable footbed with anti-odor treatment
- Gusseted tongue to keep snow out
If you need to work in the snow, you also need a pair of boots that will keep your feet warm, dry, and cozy. A pair of Kamik boots wins over many boots because of their traction, snug fit, and low temperature ratings.
Both boots come with 10-inch shafts to keep your feet away from the cold snow, while the sturdy soles are made of rubber. The outsoles feature a nubby lug pattern that firmly grips on snowy or icy surfaces. In addition, the underfoot is wide to provide stability and extra support on any slippery surface.
The men's boot comes with a leather upper that features a lace-up design and speed lacing eyelets for a snug and adjustable fit. The women's boot comes with a synthetic upper material in a lace-up design that is easier to fasten as it features a quick bungee lacing system. Unlike the men's NationPlus, the Women's Momentum boot comes with a faux fur collar that keeps external elements away.
Both boots come with a waterproof upper and cover your feet up to the mid-calf, so you never need to worry about water or snow getting in. In addition, the men's Nationplus boot has a temperature rating of -40°F while the women's Momentum comes with a rating of -25°F.
Factors to Consider as You Buy the Best Snow Boots
When you need a new pair of snow or winter boots, you need to consider the following most essential features.
a) Waterproof properties
It is important to buy waterproof boots for walking on snow. The waterproof properties are best for the sole and the upper as well. For your best snow boots, look for one with an eight to ten-inch shaft, preferably made of rubber or synthetic material to repel water.
The best water-resistant boots also feature a sturdy upper made with materials such as leather to keep water and snow away. In addition, also look for an upper that features a snow collar to ensure snow does not get in.
b) Warmth
Snow makes the external temperatures cold and can leave you with cold feet if you wore the wrong boots. Therefore, look for boots that are well insulated, preferably with 200g of insulation. If the area you live in gets very cold and wet, you can look for warmer boots with thicker insulation made with 400g or 600g synthetic insulation.
It is also best to look for the temperature ratings of your boots. Most brands will indicate the level of low temperatures a boot can withstand for comfortable use. However, please note that this rating is not always factual as it does not account for how long you will wear the boot or how active you will be in it. It does, however, give you an idea of where the boot can survive longer.
c) Best traction
In the real world of snow, the walking surfaces can be slippery and uncertain, thus requiring the best grip to keep you grounded as you walk. When buying your boot, look for rubber or synthetic soles that come with widely-spaced aggressive lug patterns.
