The North Face Shellista VI - Women's Review

We strolled around town in the Shellista VI and we sure footed and warm the entire time. These shoes are durable, waterproof, and ready to tackle the winter.

Warmth

Constructed with 200 grams of PrimaLoft HeatSeeker Eco Pro insulation—85% of which comes from post-consumer recycled materials—the Shellista VI delivers reliable warmth in cold conditions. Its 11.5-inch height offers substantial lower-leg coverage, while the 2-inch outsole adds an extra layer of insulation from the frozen ground, effectively trapping warmth generated during movement.

The full-grain leather upper strikes a smart balance between durability and breathability, being thick enough to retain heat while remaining naturally porous to allow for ventilation. Because full-grain leather is sourced from the outermost layer of the hide, it retains the dense fiber structure that provides both insulation and airflow.

We took these on a 5-mile hike following the season's first snowstorm, and we were warm from start to finish. Much of this is thanks to the plush insulation, thick tongue, and weather-resistant materials. The booths feel more like a supportive, shin-high slipper than a rugged winter boot, keeping our feet happy for long days in cold conditions.

Weather Protection

The rubber outsole of the Shellista VI features a waterproof membrane, allowing it to withstand submersion in shallow puddles without water rushing in. The upper part of the boot also benefits from waterproofing. However, while the seams are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof.

During our immersion tests, water did seep in around the lower lacing area. When we ventured deeper into moving water, moisture entered through the tongue and lacing seam at the front. While the leakage wasn't as severe as what we experienced with previous models, our socks still ended up damp after extended exposure.

The North Face's lightweight Surface Control rubber outsole—measuring roughly 2 inches thick—creates a reliable barrier between your feet and the snow, enhancing both insulation and traction. The Shellista IV performs well in deep snow, shielding against snowdrifts up to 11 inches high. The lacing system provides a tight fit around the calf, so we had no concerns about snow intrusion when wading through deeper snow. The result is dependable protection in snowy or moderately wet conditions, though prolonged exposure to heavy rain or slush may eventually lead to seepage.

Overall, this boot does a fine job protecting against snow, slush, and shallow puddles, but it's not built for full submersion or prolonged wet conditions. Think of it as a winter-ready boot with solid cold-weather protection rather than a true waterproof rain boot. For most snowy or moderately wet adventures, it will keep you warm and dry—but in more extreme conditions, its limits start to show.

Comfort and Fit

The Shellista VI Mid continues to impress with its exceptional comfort and reliable fit year after year. If you're looking for a boot with a cushioned midsole and a plush, cozy lining, this one's a standout.

The upper offers just the right balance of flexibility and support, moving naturally with your stride while providing more structure than many other casual winter boots we tested.

The midsole delivers solid underfoot support, complemented by a standard-width toe box that offers just about enough room for average foot shapes. Fit runs a bit tight; for those who prefer thicker winter socks or sit between sizes, we suggest going up a half size for the best fit. Comfortable from dawn to dusk, the Shellista VI Mid is the kind of boot you can slip into in the morning and forget you're wearing until the day is done.

Traction

The Shellista VI provides adequate traction for most winter outings and everyday use, performing reliably on pavement, light trails, and freshly fallen snow. However, it doesn't quite measure up to the aggressive lug designs found on more rugged, all-terrain winter boots.

The tread pattern is relatively mild, making it great for smooth walking and casual wear, but less effective when the terrain becomes icy or uneven. During our tests on compacted snow and irregular surfaces, we observed some slipping, particularly when descending or traversing sloped terrain.

The Surface Control rubber outsole delivers decent grip overall, but we'd love to see deeper, more pronounced lugs and a slightly broader edge profile for added stability on rough terrain. Because of this, we'd recommend opting for a more technical model if winter hiking or backcountry treks are your priority. That said, for daily use—commuting, running errands, or casual winter strolls—the Shellista VI provides dependable traction and comfort without the bulk of a heavy-duty snow boot.

Quality of Construction

The Shellista VI is built from a combination of full-grain leather and ballistic nylon—two premium materials renowned for their strength and longevity.

Full-grain leather is sourced from the most durable section of the hide, offering exceptional fiber density and natural breathability. It's considered the gold standard for quality leather, prized for its ability to withstand years of wear while maintaining structure and style. So, we were pleased to see it used on the Shellista. Complementing it is DuPont-engineered ballistic nylon, a tightly woven, ultra-tough textile exceeding 1000 denier. Originally developed for military use, this material brings serious abrasion resistance to an otherwise fashion-forward winter boot.

We found the Shellista VI to be one of the most impressively lightweight yet durable boots in our lineup—striking a rare balance between rugged performance and refined construction..

Should You Buy The North Face Shellista VI Mid?

The Shellista VI Mid continues to earn its place as a comfort-driven classic, bridging the gap between urban wear and casual winter hikes. Its outer construction is both stylish and practical, delivering dependable warmth when temperatures dip below freezing. While it's not the most waterproof option available and its traction could be better on icy terrain, it more than holds its own for everyday winter adventures—from morning coffee runs to après-ski strolls. Easy to slip on and off, it provides plush, all-day comfort that's hard to beat.

Over the past four years, we've tested several iterations of this boot, and it has consistently impressed with its reliable warmth, comfort, and durability. Versatile and protective, it's a winter staple built to last season after season.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?

If you're looking for a boot with superior weatherproofing, the UGG Adirondack III is a similarly styled all-around performer that outshone the Shellista VI Mid in both warmth and weather protection during our tests. Its foldable cuff adds versatility, and the outsole provides dependable traction across most hiking terrain. For more rugged, task-oriented use, the Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT is another excellent choice. With its tall, protective build and refined design, this warm, durable boot can handle muddy chores and winter work alike—without sacrificing comfort or style.