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Looking for the best pair of winter boots for your outdoor adventures? Maybe you just need a solid pair to run errands around town. It can be difficult to know which pair will provide the level of protection you need.
Our gear experts bought and tested the best men's and women's winter boots to put them through our extensive side-by-side testing. We spent hours braving storms and hiking through slush puddles, snow, and mud to help you find the ideal pair of boots.
The best winter boot for most men is The North Face Chilkat V 400. It has great traction on most surfaces and is lightweight and versatile while remaining waterproof and warm. For those looking for a basic boot at a bargain price, the Columbia Bugaboot III is a great option. Our testers found it incredibly comfortable and warm enough for most applications.
Our favorite winter boot for women is the Baffin Chloe. The Polywool and B-Tech lining kept our feet seriously warm and dry, while the construction promoted plenty of breathability to minimize sweating. The robust outsole has great traction when walking across snow and other slippery surfaces. If you'd like a more casual boot with a price tag that will make you smile, the Kamik Momentum offers great coverage, decent warmth, and it is easy to slip on and off.
Who is it best for:The North Face Chilkat V 400 is a great overall option for those who experience cold and snowy climates. Our testers raved over the balance of warmth and ice traction while these boots manage to remain light and comfortable.
Why we love it: These boots have a luxurious feel in cold weather, thanks to their bountiful synthetic insulation, and they offer a great tread pattern that we found effective around town and on slick trails. The Chilkat also provides noteworthy durability and craftsmanship, maintaining top-notch performance throughout our rigorous testing.
Should you buy it? The Chilkat is a great option for those who are looking for warmth and traction in a winter boot. However, if you need a boot that will keep your feet dry in wetter environments, these may not fit the bill.
Who is it best for: The Baffin Chloe performed well in all metrics, impressing our testers and proving effective in even the coldest of winter weather. They are perfect for most winter applications, though you may want to keep your activity in them casual.
Why we love it: The quality of this women's boot was very apparent in testing, with Baffin's B-Tek Heat and Polywool insulation keeping our feet warm on those bone-chilling days. Breathability was excellent with the Diamond Net layering; it kept our feet dry from the inside out, and the suede upper coupled with a 10-inch shaft kept the storms at bay.
Should you buy it? If you want great performance, these boots are well worth it. They give exceptional protection against the elements, but they are quite bulky. If you intend to wear them for long distances or in mild climates, you might want to consider something a little less robust.
Who is it best for: Our testers agree that the Columbia Bugaboot III offers great winter performance in most settings without breaking the bank. These boots are perfect for the thrifty shopper looking for a general pair of winter boots that will get them through most cold weather activities.
Why we love it: We noted that the Bugaboot is one of the most comfortable boots we have tested, and it has an almost perfect fit right out of the box. “The first thing you'll notice when putting these boots on is their perfect fit,” one tester said. With fleece-lined insulation that molds to your foot over time, we look forward to putting them on.
Should you buy it? These are great boots for the price, so if it's value you're looking for, these are a great option. Their traction is impressive, unless the trail leads you into deep snow. The shaft height also limits the depth of snow these boots can handle, and they may not last as long as some of their more expensive competitors.
Who is it best for: The Kamik Momentum 3 is best for casual use in cold climates. They will work well for those who prioritize comfort, warmth, and an affordable price tag.
Why we love it: These are a no-brainer as a high-value winter boot and are among the most comfortable options we tested. This Canadian brand uses a plush faux fur interior lining to keep your feet cozy and warm, even in arctic temperatures, and the bungee lacing system gifts an effortless slip-on entry.
Should you buy it? One of our testers said, “At such a reasonable price, this boot is well worth the buy.” That said, these aren't the boots for more adventurous use. The construction isn't as durable as some other options, and they don't offer much support.
Who is it best for: For those who enjoy a crisp winter hike, the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid has great traction to keep you on your feet. They're not tall enough to get you through drifting snow, but they make great trail companions in the winter.
Why we love it: With a stellar footbed and a low weight, this model is a joy to hike in for outings of any length. Our testers came to appreciate the more adventurous tests conducted in the Thermo Chill.
Should you buy it? The Merrell Thermo Chill comes at an approachable price point, and they are comfortable and reliable for the winter hiker. However, those who live in climates that experience deep snow and harsh winters may want to pick something a little more robust.
Who is it best for: If adventure awaits you in your winter wonderland, the Keen Revel IV Polar may be the boot you need. They're perfect for trudging through the underbrush in the cold and wet of winter. They are also compatible with microspikes, gaiters, and snowshoes.
Why we love it: In testing, the Revel IV Polar offered some of the best-in-class traction and protection when the trail got icy and uneven. The versatility of this option is a favorite aspect of our testers, given that these are equally at home in the snow, rain, or mud as your outing's terrain or season changes. Our testers state, “We couldn't help but gravitate towards this winter boot all over again.”
Should you buy it? These boots may come at a slightly higher price than others in our lineup, but if your goal is winter hiking, the perks may well be worth it. On the other hand, they have a technical aesthetic that some may find less appealing, and the lower shaft height makes them a poor fit for deep snow.
Who is it best for: "If you need the warmest option out there, the Baffin Impact is the boot for you," our testers said. This is the warmest in-class boot we've tested at GearLab.
Why we love it: These massive, heavy-duty boots have a removable synthetic liner and another layer of insulation fixed on the inside of the shell. The thick soles incorporate a honeycomb pattern in the footbed that traps warmth beneath the foot and keeps the cold at bay. Every aspect of this model's design is meant to provide warmth to its wearer, and Baffin has truly excelled at this.
Should you buy it? The Baffin Impact is best for short distances and long days spent in very cold weather due to its substantial weight and bulk. A size 13 pair weighed 6.42 pounds, the heaviest in our testing lineup. These boots also lack significant protection from water, and are some of the most expensive in our lineup. Unless you encounter the worst of winter weather, these may be a little bit much for most uses.
The Baffin Impact is the most rugged option for extreme cold conditions.
Who is it best for: The Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT a great option for cold, wet climates where the priorities are focused more on inclement weatherproofness rather than hiking capability.
Why we love it: The flexible neoprene is 8mm thick and can handle arctic temperatures while offering supreme waterproofing. Our testers said, “These will easily keep you warm and dry, whether standing in an icy stream or dry land.”
Should you buy it? The Arctic Ice lacks the versatility of other options, with the classic trade-off of waterproofness and breathability. You'll likely develop foot sweat quickly on warmer days, making this model more of a cold-weather-only pair. “This is more of a winter than a rain boot,” our tester said. It is unlikely to be the option you choose to stroll into town, especially if you have any fashion goals.
The impenetrable neoprene makes this boot best suited for pursuits in deep snow and water.
Credit: Sara James
How We Tested
Year after year, we set out to find the best winter boots on the market. Our gear experts performed exhaustive testing on every pair of boots in our review, purchasing and testing every single model ourselves to ensure biases didn't influence a product's score.
We deliberately stood in icy rivers, braved snow hikes in record-setting cold temperatures, and quested into winter storms to investigate the merits and setbacks of each pair. Using buckets of icy water, we determined the exact point at which water seeped into each boot, as well as the temperature difference after prolonged submersion. We focused on each boot's warmth, comfort, weather protection, traction, and durability. Our testers kept detailed notes along the way, immediately making notations after each testing session before ultimately creating an informed final score. We tested women's winter boots, winter boots for men, and even investigated the best rain boots and best hiking boots, which can sometimes be used as wintery footwear.
Whether it be a trek in the snow or an ice bucket temperature evaluation, we tested each boot to find the best for your winter needs.
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing teams here at GearLab have put in thousands of hours testing boots across all four seasons for over a decade, from hiking to skiing to climbing footwear. For the winter boots category, we've researched and purchased over 100 pairs of the industry's best options before performing thorough and objective testing to find the best models for your various needs. We're obsessed with gear and have made it our life's work to conduct the highest quality analysis available today.
Leading our incredible review team for women's boots is led by Sara James. With a sharp eye for detail and a tough touch for testing, Sara has over a decade of experience in cold climates—from the damp chill of England to the deep snow of Tahoe—she knows firsthand what it takes to stay warm and dry. A seasoned GearLab tester, she has tested kayaks, paddles, water shoes, and down jackets.
Joining Sara is Liz Chamberlain. Liz is a self-proclaimed winter enthusiast based in Truckee, CA. Her background in functional design and material sourcing provides her with a keen eye for detail, which is supplemented by many years of using and selling outdoor gear for bike and ski shops around Lake Tahoe. While many of her winter hours are spent in a pair of ski boots, when she's not doing laps on the mountain, she's probably wearing snow boots.
Our team comes far and wide to bring you this extensive review of winter boots.
Heading our top-tier reviewers for the men's category is Travis Reddinger. Living in Minnesota, Travis is no stranger to freezing temperatures. He knows what gear will keep out the elements while hiking, snowboarding, hunting, running errands, or clearing snow. He spent plenty of time wearing these boots out on the frozen trails and lakes or for daily use, including commuting to work.
Joining Travis is Jeff Dobronyi. Rain, snow, or shine, Jeff spends the majority of his days outside. He is an IFMGA Mountain Guide who practically lives in winter boots when he's not skiing or climbing across North America or Europe. Based in Wyoming, he has experienced some of the coldest winters in the continental U.S. and demands the best of the best out of his winter footwear.
Our hands-on testing included trekking through the snow, doing chores around the house, and finding out how waterproof they truly were.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
How to Pick the Best Winter Boots for You
Winter boots are a category that can sometimes feel vast, but rest easy knowing we can help you navigate through the sea of warm boot options. The crucial first step is identifying what you plan to do in your boots, from long hikes to hanging around town to shoveling your driveway. Some may prioritize warmth, others may prefer traction, or some may need a blend of it all, but you'll need to size up your winter ambitions before putting a pair in your cart. After figuring out your footwear demands, it's time to go shopping.
Winter boots serve a variety of different needs from snowshoeing to walking around town, so take time to consider your intended uses.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Men's Winter Boots
After countless hours of testing, we've determined the best winter boots for men. The following chart summarizes the overall scores of the best options available today.
Key Metric Scores - Men's Winter Boots
Product
Warmth
Weather Protection
Comfort and Fit
Traction
Merrell Thermo Chill Mid
7
8
9
10
The North Face Chilkat V 400
8
8
8
9
Columbia Bugaboot III
7.5
8
8.5
8.5
Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip
7.5
7.5
8
8
Kamik Nation Plus
8
8
7
7
UGG Butte
8
8
8
5
Baffin Impact
10
7.5
4
7
Merrell Nova 3 Thermo
6
6
9.5
7
Oboz Bridger 10\" Insulated
8
8
7
5
Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid
7
8
7
5
Bogs Bozeman Tall
7
8
5
7
Sorel Caribou
7.5
8
5
6
Blundstone Thermal
5
6
9
5
Keen Revel IV Polar
6
6.5
7
5.5
Nortiv 8 Insulated
7
6
6
6
Aleader Insualted Shell
6
6
5.5
5.5
Women's Winter Boots
We conducted an exhaustive testing process to find the market's best winter boots for women. Below, you'll find bottom-line scores for the top options available in this category.
Footwear for wintery conditions varies greatly in design depending on the intended use. Manufacturers offer everything from lighter-weight hikers to bulky, warm boots best for standing around in the cold. We've broken down the main categories to aid you in your quest to find the best pair of winter boots.
General Use Boots
Many companies offer options that meet multiple demands, gifting warmth and walkability so you don't have to purchase multiple pairs of boots for cold weather living. This class of footwear generally provides ample warmth for most people and are comfortable enough to enjoy hikes, whether around town or on the trail. If your ambitions involve extreme cold or lengthy distances, we'd steer you toward a more specific category, but many shoppers will be happy with a general-use model. As you navigate through our various reviews, you'll find that some of our award winners excel as a true do-everything boot with hardly any compromises.
Boots like the North Face Chilkat V 400 work well for most winter activities.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Winter Hiking Boots
Many enjoy the serenity of winter hiking and may seek an option that prioritizes comfort and performance over warmth. While many boots in this category will keep your toes happy, the traction and walkability stand out the most. In an effort to keep weight down, this class of boot (similar to general use) typically avoids using extensive rubber or neoprene on the upper, which boasts superior waterproofing but adds weight. We recommend another category if warmth and weather resistance are your top priorities, but in temperate climates, these types of boots are a great choice.
Keen's Revel IV Polar offers excellent walkability in more wintry conditions.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Insulated Rain Boots
Rain boots manufacturers often include a model that has insulation underneath the tough, waterproof exterior, which can qualify as a winter boot. Options in this category excel in durability and waterproofness, making for great footwear at work and in wet, muddy environments. While these aren't comfy to walk long distances, they are easy to slip on and off, making them convenient for winter chores around the house for a quick shovel or to take out the trash.
Insulated rain boots can be a convenient option for winter tasks that don't involve too much hiking.
Credit: Sara James
Extreme Cold Boots
In the harshest winter environments, some designs keep your toes happy regardless of the thermometer. These boots are likely to be heavy and clunky, but in that below-zero storm, your feet are bound to be toasty and warm. However, they often don't have the flexibility or responsiveness needed to tackle big day hikes. The most substantial consideration with this category is the lack of versatility, as with more pleasant days, your feet are likely to sweat, so the usefulness of these boots will depend on your local climate.
The Baffin Impact is insanely warm, keeping your toes happy even in the coldest of places.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Stylish Footwear
As the chilly weather descends upon your city or town, warmer clothes are not only for functionality; they can offer some winter fashion. In this category, these boots can still gift warmth and weather protection, but they also provide style. This category might be worth looking into for heavy around-town use if you prioritize aesthetics first in your winter boots shopping. We'd recommend investigating the other categories if you're seeking more performance-focused designs.
Style is subjective, and you should pick a pair of boots that reflect your personal taste.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
Tips for Keeping Your Feet Warm
While tips and tricks for keeping your extremities warm are unique to your needs and locale, there are a few universal recommendations to keep in mind. Keeping your feet dry is among the most crucial components of toasty toes, so consider a fresh pair of socks when transitioning from your home to the outdoors in your winter boots. Many find this tip surprising, but it's common for socks to be slightly damp from foot sweat while hanging around the house, and once that moisture is introduced to your outdoor footwear, it can cause your feet to get chilly. We also recommend taking the time to warm up your boots before wearing them. This one may seem obvious, but if your boots are ice cold (if they were left in the garage, for example), your foot heat now has to warm the entire boot, which can be an impossible task depending on your activity level once outside. Another common mistake is over-tightening the boot laces, which can restrict blood flow to your feet.
Loosening your boots can help avoid restricting blood flow to your feet.
Credit: Sara James
Next, be proactive with your feet if they start to get cold. Rather than waiting until your toes are completely numb, consider shaking, stomping, or swinging your feet the second they start feeling cold. It's a lot easier to get your feet warm again when they're only slightly chilly. If they feel like blocks of wood, it can take substantially longer to bring back the feeling. Lastly, experiment with your sock layering if your feet get cold easily. Try out your full sock quiver from thin to thick and even a layering system of a thin “liner” sock and a larger sock over it. Interested in pairing some socks with your boots? Check out our extensive reviews on the best socks on the market.
Don't settle for cold feet, finding the best sock for you is a crucial part of any winter footwear.
Credit: Amber King
Circulation is also important for retaining warmth to your extremities, so be cautious of over-tightening your boots. If you have wide feet, consider a boot with a roomier toe box or one designed specifically for wide-footed individuals to ensure comfort and proper blood flow.
Boot Features
Although we've done the hard part for you with our exhaustive testing and scoring, we recommend some key features to consider while you're shopping. Firstly, determine whether you prefer laces, velcro straps, a combination of both, or no tightening system. This will significantly impact the walkability of your footwear and may impact the ease of putting on or taking off your boots. Also, the tread of each model is crucial, as it directly impacts the traction you have while on icy, firm surfaces. Next, consider how tall of a boot you need. While you may be able to get away with a low-cut tennis shoe on pleasant days, most winter footwear will go above the ankle for support and to ward off the snow, but boot heights vary wildly and can go all the way up to your knee. Ultimately, each review will unpack these features and more, so be sure to read all the way through the review of your prospective purchase.
Gear is our passion, rest easy knowing we've thoroughly tested every boot in our review to ease your purchase decisions.
Credit: Amber King
Conclusion
Winter boots have come a long way in the modern era. They can be fashionable, functional, warm, waterproof, and comfortable. While compromises may need to be made, these concessions are frequently minor, allowing you to find the exact boot for your needs and budget.
—Sara James, Travis Reddinger, Liz Chamberlain and Jeff Dobronyi
