7 Best Winter Boots for Women, Tested and Reviewed by Fashion Editors

Credit: Eli Schmidt for Women's HealthProsSecure fit Textured non-slip outsoles Available in three colors, including a fun orangeWe were first drawn to the Sorel Caribou boot because its laces and colorways look more stylish than most other winter boots. But after testing it for over two years, we found it’s also warm enough to handle super-cold temps and repels water like a pro.Starting with style, the quilted padding, metal hardware, and lace-up front closure add a nice design touch that separates this from other serious winter boots. It pairs well with jeans, leggings, or even a cool maxi skirt or dress. We love the orange color, but if that shade is a little too much for you, the brand also makes beige and black styles that pair well with any outfit.These boots also have lugged soles for excellent traction and are insulated and waterproof to keep you warm and dry in serious weather conditions. The upper is made from high-quality leather with a seam-sealed construction to keep moisture out. Plus, they have a rubber mudguard at the toes for extra warmth and protection, and a removable synthetic liner so you can customize your level of insulation.“The fit is secure, so nothing is getting through these babies,” says Saladino, who wears this for snowy weekdays in New York City and ski weekends. “They’re perfect for après-skiing, shoveling the driveway, or anytime you need complete and total protection from the elements,” she says.Her only complaint? They are a little on the heavier side, weighing in at two pounds and one ounce.Features at a GlanceSizes5—12Weight2 lbs 1 ozMaterialsWaterproof nubuck leather upper; synthetic felt insole; molded rubber outsoleInsulationRemovable linerShaft Height 9 in.Credit: Eli Schmidt for Women's HealthProsEasy to put on and offSticky rubber outsole for tractionAvailable in standard and wide sizesConsToo short for deep snowThis cozy boot is the perfect pull-on style for casual snowy days and quick outings, Saladino says. Case in point: it's ideal when you need to take the dog out or you’re jetting out the door for school drop-off. There’s also extra room inside the boot, which Saladino loves when she needs to slip it on and go.Despite the short style, the weatherproof suede boot is plenty warm. The faux-fur lining adds a cozy layer of insulation. We also like how light it is, even though it has a thick rubber outsole that’s super grippy on slippery surfaces.Plus, it has a clean, simple design and cozy-chic look that you’ll actually want to wear all winter long. We love the contrast between the suede upper and the lighter-colored outsole, and think this pair looks adorable styled with a pair of wool socks and leggings.Our only word of warning is that because the shaft height on this boot is on the shorter side, it may not be ideal for extra snowy days. If you need a boot to handle more intense winter weather, we recommend opting for The North Face Shellista IV Mid WP.Sizes5—11Weight1 lb .39 ozMaterialsWaterproof suede leather upper; sticky rubber outsoleInsulationFaux furShaft Height Not listedAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsExcellent traction Lightweight and warm100% water-repellentConsShort shaft height is less ideal for deep snowWhen I started crafting my packing list for a recent trip to Northern Finland, a cute but waterproof winter boot was at the top of my list. After lots of research, I landed on the Columbia Minx Shorty IV Boot—a perfect blend of style, traction, water resistance, and warmth.The moment I slipped this boot on, I loved the cozy, faux-fur insulation that kept my feet warm even on frigid mornings and evenings. And the waterproof nylon outer meant I didn’t have to worry about slushy streets or fresh snow seeping through. The traction is also super impressive, and I felt comfortable walking over icy sidewalks, a frozen lake, and snowy trails.The shaft height hits about two inches above the ankle, offering just the right amount of coverage for typical city snow or moderate winter adventures. While deeper snow might call for a taller boot, this pair provides the ideal balance between protection and mobility.The cherry on top? It’s genuinely so stylish. The sleek design, color selection, and faux-fur collar mean you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function. I’ve paired them with everything from fleece-lined leggings and Fair Isle sweaters, snow pants and a winter coat, and even jeans—and they always look great. It was my go-to boot for the whole trip, and I know I’ll get just as much use out of it this winter in New York.Features at a GlanceSizes5—12Weight12.5 ozMaterialsOmni-Tech nylon upper; Adapt Trax rubber outsoleInsulation200-grams faux furShaft Height Not listedProsFaux fur for extra warmthTreated with a water-resistant coatingAvailable in five colorsConsMay not be as durable as other optionsWhile it costs a fraction of the price of other winter boots, Dream Pairs makes a solid winter shoe that keeps cold and wet weather out. In addition to a water-resistant faux leather, the shoe has a plush faux-fur interior that’s super insulating. It also has a 1.37-inch rubber anti-slip sole for better traction in slippery conditions. The sole has 2mm of plush memory foam for added comfort and shock absorption. We also appreciate the pull tab on the back of the boot, which makes them easier to slip on and off.Like our top overall pick, we like that this winter boot comes in a variety of colors: beige, nude, light gray, chestnut, and black. The cozy faux-fur lining, monochromatic laces, side panel stitching, and sturdy sole make it super stylish and practical. It easily slips under snow and ski pants, and looks just as cute styled with a pair of leggings and fuzzy socks.On the downside, our testers said they noticed signs of wear and tear sooner than other pairs, particularly ripping of the faux-fur lining.Sizes6—11WeightNot listedMaterialsVegan leather and faux fur upper; thermoplastic outsoleInsulationFaux furShaft HeightNot listedAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsExtremely warm and comfortable Great traction that withstands ice and snow Easy, quick-fastening toggle lacesConsMay be too narrow for wide feetThis boot scores major style points, whether you’re on the mountain or navigating slushy city streets. We love the nude tone (with a subtle sheen), horizontal stitching, and puffy silhouette. Toggle laces keep the look neat and polished, while branded pull loops on both sides add functional visual interest. Dorenna Newton, executive producer for Men’s Health and Women’s Health, recently wore this boot in St. Moritz while covering Team USA’s bobsled training ahead of the Olympics. She loved that they looked “super chic” for après adventures in the village—earning style points along with practicality.“I’m constantly on the move, so packing light is non-negotiable,” Newton says. “That means every item has to earn its place—including this brand-new pair of The North Face snow boots I decided to test in real time.” She says this boot delivered from the moment she slipped it on, feeling instantly comfortable while providing serious warmth on frigid mountainsides.The shaft hits right above the ankle and delivers impressive warmth thanks to recycled polyester insulation and a cozy fleece lining. A drawcord cinches the boot at the ankle for added protection from cold air, snow, and rain. Paired with a durable, waterproof ripstop upper made from recycled water bottles, the boot fares well under any condition.Like the The North Face Shellista IV, this boot has exceptional traction thanks to a grippy, rubber outsole, which Newton says kept her steady on icy ground. However, like our other pick from The North Face, this boot has a snug, rigid fit—so consider sizing up if you’re between sizes or have a wider foot.Features at a GlanceSizes5—11Weight12.7 ozMaterialsRecycled P.E.T (polyethylene terephthalate) ripstop upper; recycled polyester insulation; fleece collar; rubber outsoleInsulationRecycled polyesterShaft Height Not listedCredit: Eli Schmidt for Women's HealthProsAttractive styling detailsGreat tractionWarm faux fur liningConsNo half sizes can make finding your perfect fit harderWe’re big fans of L.L. Bean’s iconic Duck Boot, and this fleece version is perfect for chilly weather. “I love the rugged weekend styling of this boot,” says Saladino. “It’s super cozy on the inside, and the fleece detailing and contrasting laces on the outside are cool styling touches.” It’s also well-equipped for slushy snow, thanks to a waterproof leather upper to keep moisture out. Plus, it has a rubber outsole with a grooved tread pattern that helps you stay upright and balanced on slick sidewalks. Bonus: The boot is made with 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, an ultra-warm, quick-drying material to keep feet dry and toasty. The brand doesn’t have half sizes, but we found it wise to size down if you’re between sizes. “I am a size 9, and it fits great even with a thick sock,” says Saladino. Overall, we were impressed by both style and function—particularly the traction, which makes it a bit more equipped for heavy winter conditions than other ankle-length styles.Sizes6—11Weight1 lb 2 ozMaterialsWaterproof full-grain leather and polyester fleece Sherpa upper; molded rubber outsoleInsulationFaux furShaft Height 6 in.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSuper warm and cozy insidePlatform adds height and style without affecting performance Plush, cushioned midsoleConsDoesn't come in half sizesThe Ugg Classic Mini Platform is a well-loved classic, and freelance stylist Alexandra Juric says they're constantly in rotation during the fall and winter. It’s stylish, comfortable, and warm. It has that classic Ugg boot shape but with a trendy platform that gives total cool-girl vibes. But you'd better hurry up and *add to cart* if you want this style ahead of the holidays—it’s known to sell out quickly.The inside of the boot is lined with the brand’s signature wool blend, which adds a fluffy layer of insulation and comfort. It also has a heavily cushioned EVA foam midsole that feels super plush under the foot. The suede outer adds to the cozy look and feel, though it’s less water-resistant than other leathers. We recommend snagging the shoe protector spray if you plan to wear them in wet weather. We also love that the added two-inch platform to the classic silhouette gives you height without sacrificing comfort or traction.Associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian says this boot is the perfect addition to her winter wardrobe. "I've worn them on wet, rainy, snowy streets and they've stayed relatively clean, even in a lighter color," she says. "They're insanely comfortable with the plush interior, warm in even the coldest temps, and totally cradle my tired feet—I feel like I could walk miles in them!" She loves that they are super stylish and go with just about any outfit, but she's partial to styling them with a long trouser or flared leggings.The downside? They don’t come in half sizes and tend to run big, so keep that in mind when shopping.Features at a GlanceSizes5—12WeightNot listedMaterialsSuede upper; sugarcane EVA outsoleInsulation17mm UGGplush upcycled wool, TENCEL Lyocell socklinerShaft Height 5 in.Shannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women's Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.