Skip to Content

The 17 Best Snow Boots for Braving the Elements

Water, wind, and ice don’t stand a chance

By
collection of winter footwear and outdoor apparel against a mountainous backdroppinterest
courtesy of brands

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

No matter what weather conditions you might face this winter season—whether it’s impromptu snow showers, slush-filled sidewalks, or icy alpine terrain—you'll need a good pair of winter shoes. The best snow boots for women will protect you from the elements for years to come. If you don't yet own a pair, consider this story your sign to invest now.

Since practicality is the first and foremost requirement for a good snow boot, it's important to consider design details and construction. “The first thing I look for on a snow boot, even before seeing if it’s waterproof, is the sole,” personal stylist Amy Field tells Bazaar. “I look to see that it has a treaded sole so that I—or my customer—won’t slip on ice.” Next, linings should be examined. “I make sure they are waterproof, and then I look in the interior to see that they will be warm. Hopefully they are lined with some kind of shearling or a soft, cozy fleece.”

Although functionality is a prerequisite, that doesn’t mean snow boots can’t be stylish too. Our roundup includes editor-approved styles from Sorel, Proenza Schouler, and Loeffler Randall, all of which possess the qualities you need to keep warm and dry while keeping your style on point. (Think colorblocked construction, faux-fur and shearling trims, and standout quilting.) We’ve scoured reviews and tapped a few experts to make your shopping experience as seamless as possible. Below, find 17 of the best snow boots for women that are guaranteed to keep your feet cozy for the entire winter season.

Best Overall

Ugg Adirondack III Waterproof Boot

Adirondack III Waterproof Boot

Pros

  • Temperature rated to -25ºF
  • Lined with a moisture-wicking textile made from a wool-rich blend
  • Removable insole for extra comfort
  • Water-resistant DryTech finish

Cons

  • There are some sizing inconsistencies in reviews
  • The lining is not real shearling

Snowstorms and polar-vortex temperatures don’t stand a chance. The Adirondack boot retains body heat with the brand’s signature textile lining, all while keeping water out with the Dry Tech finish.

Size Range: 5–12

Colors: chestnut, black

Materials: leather upper, wool, faux-fur lining, rubber sole

What customers are saying: “This is my first season with these, the best snow boots ever! I wore them in Chicago during the Polar Vortex, -20 below temps, -35 with wind chill, 2 feet of snow, my feet were NEVER cold or wet. Incredible boots, worth the $, they look good with skinny pants, easy to get on and off, love them!”

Best Sole

Sorel Tivoli V Waterproof Boot

Tivoli V Waterproof Boot

Pros

  • Grippy sole for traction
  • Waterproof exterior
  • Faux-fur lining for warmth
  • Lightweight feel

Cons

  • There are some sizing discrepancies in reviews

“Sorel is a trusted brand that has been around for decades,” says personal stylist Amy Field. “This pair has a classic aesthetic, along with all the practical features: a sole with grip so you won’t slip, a pre-waterproofed exterior, and a warm, cozy interior!” She also emphasizes the one-year warranty the brand offers on its items, which is a standout feature, in her opinion, when investing in footwear.

Size Range: 5–12

Colors: velvet tan, black, quarry, curry, honey white

Materials: leather and textile upper, polyester faux-fur lining, synthetic and rubber sole

What customers are saying: “I get compliments on these boots all the time. They’re easily the most comfortable shoes I own (after Crocs) and they go with every outfit. They keep your feet warm and dry, that’s for sure.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Designer Collab

Proenza Schouler x Sorel Edition Caribou Chelsea Boots

x Sorel Edition Caribou Chelsea Boots

Pros

  • Chic, classic design
  • Cushioned soles for comfort
  • Evertread outsoles for the ultimate in grip
  • Waterproof due to vulcanized-rubber shell

Cons

  • No fur lining
  • Heavier than usual
  • Difficult to slip on quickly

Proenza Schouler’s hottest collab are these stylish city-slicker snow boots. They’re durable and versatile, and they successfully merge the iconic Chelsea boots style in the form of a durable, all-weather boot,” says Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead at Bazaar.

Size Range: 5–12

Colors: black, ecru, yellow

Materials: cow leather and rubber

Best Lace-Up

J.Crew Perfect Winter Boots

Perfect Winter Boots

Pros

  • Waterproof design
  • Fashionable look
  • Cozy faux-shearling lining for warmth
  • Rubber sole with grip and traction

Cons

  • Runs slightly small based on customer reviews

Take on any inclement weather all season long with a boot that is both waterproof and warm. Customers love how comfortable they are, as well as the versatility they add to their closets. The retro look only adds to their appeal.

Size Range: 5–12

Colors: caravan brown, roasted chestnut

Materials: leather, thermoplastic rubber, polyester upper with metal hardware, fleece lining, thermoplastic rubber outsole

What customers are saying: “Perfect balance of style and function. These boots combine function with fashion. They offer all the practical benefits of a winter boot—warmth, water resistance, and traction—while looking stylish with anything I wear.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Waterproof Suede

La Canadienne Powder Shearling-Lined Duck Boot

Powder Shearling-Lined Duck Boot

Pros

  • Made with waterproof Italian suede
  • Real shearling lining for warmth
  • Cushioned memory-foam insole for comfort

Cons

  • Pull-on design may be finicky to put on

We love a textural moment when it comes to fashion detailing, and this duck boot from La Canadienne is practical too. Featuring the brand’s City Dry technology, both the Italian suede and rubber sole have been weatherproofed for supremely practical wear.

Size Range: 35–42 EU

Colors: brunette

Materials: leather upper, genuine-shearing lining, rubber sole

Best Sustainable

The North Face Thermoball Lace-Up Boots

Thermoball Lace-Up Boots

Pros

  • Made from sustainable materials
  • Lightweight feel
  • Bungee-cord closure for security

Cons

  • Runs small, according to reviews

The North Face took extreme care in the construction of this snow boot, using ecofriendly materials that also protect against the elements. Snow, rain, and sleet don’t stand a chance against the recycled ripstop upper, complete with a bungee-tie closure to prevent snow from entering the boot.

Size Range: 5–11

Colors: gardenia white, black, almond butter, taupe green

Materials: recycled P.E.T. ripstop upper, recycled polyester insulation, rubber outsole

What customers are saying: “The North Face Thermoball is warm, waterproof, and incredibly comfortable. Perfect for snowy adventures or daily commutes. Highly recommend!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Classic

L.L.Bean 8-Inch Shearling-Lined Bean Boots

8-Inch Shearling-Lined Bean Boots

Pros

  • Comes in medium and wide shoe widths
  • Lining is made from lamb fur
  • Waterproof rubber boot bottom is lined with insulation
  • Shapes to wearer’s unique foot shape with time

Cons

  • There are some sizing discrepancies in reviews

Who out there doesn’t recognize the iconic Bean boot? Now, this heritage snow-boot style comes with a 100 percent shearling lining, for the ultimate warmth and comfort, whether you’re simply facing a mountain of snow outside your doorstep or you have a ski getaway on the horizon.

Size Range: 5–11 in medium and wide

Colors: tan/brown

Materials: leather upper, shearling lining, waterproof rubber boot bottom

What customers are saying: “The shearling lining makes this a super warm winter boot. They didn’t disappoint me while dog walking or shoveling and kept my feet warm and dry.”

Best Slip-On

Dr. Martens Faux Shearling Chelsea Boot

Faux Shearling Chelsea Boot

Pros

  • Faux-fur lining for warmth
  • Grippy lug sole for stability
  • Cushioned insole for longer wear

Cons

  • There is sizing discrepancy among reviewers

“I have owned these Dr. Martens for years and regularly use them for snowy days in New York City,” says writer Kristina Rutkowski. “I am a big fan of the brand’s Chelsea boots, so I was even more pleased to see they also come with a fur lining, for even more warmth. They also have plenty of grip for icy sidewalks. I find they are easy to pair with everything from trouser pants to sweater dresses on a commute, without looking too out of place when I get to my destination.”

Size Range: 5–11

Colors: black Wyoming, dark khaki

Materials: leather and textile upper, acrylic and polyester faux-fur lining, synthetic sole

What customers are saying: “Shockingly, I bought these for camping because I was sick of having cold feet. Rainy beach weather had nothing on these. Feet stayed warm and dry & the boots came out clean in the end even with all the mud.”

Best Waterproof

Hunter Sussex Waterproof Rain Boot

Sussex Waterproof Rain Boot

Pros

  • One hundred percent waterproof
  • Lightweight feel to not weigh down feet
  • Cushioned insole for comfort

Cons

  • Reviewers mentioned they run small

You already count on Hunter for rain gear, so you can rely on the brand for snow boots too. We love the lace-up look of the Sussex boot, which is 100 percent waterproof, with added insulation inside (all the way up to the toes!) for ultimate winter warmth. They’re cute enough to be styled with jeans and sweaters for a snowy weekend brunch.

Size Range: 5–11

Colors: black, ivory, green

Materials: leather and rubber upper

What customers are saying: “The boot seems very sturdy and it has a cushion at the bottom that is very soft. They aren’t too heavy either, like some other snow boots I’ve had. Overall, feels like great quality.”

Best Colorblocked

Dorothee Schumacher Sporty Shearling Leather Lace-Up Boots

Sporty Shearling Leather Lace-Up Boots

Pros

  • Fashion-forward design
  • Real wool-shearling lining for warmth
  • Rubber sole for grip and traction

Cons

  • Chunky sole might become a little heavy

Blending aspects of both sport and style gives this lace-up boot extra edge. Not only is this boot trend-forward, it also has a wool and shearling lining for extra warmth. No cold toes here!

Size Range: 36–42 EU

Colors: hazelnut brown

Materials: calfskin and suede upper, wool-shearling cuff and lining, rubber toe and outsole

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Printed

Loeffler Randall Davey Weather Boots

Davey Weather Boots

Pros

  • Stylish design with custom print
  • Made from water-resistant vinyl
  • Vibram sole with lots of grip for anti-slippage

Cons

  • Only one colorway

“This pair by Loeffler Randall is a fun style if you’re looking for something a bit out of the box,” Field notes. “While you typically see faux-fur-trimmed snow boots, I like that these instead offer a padded, printed, waterproofed nylon exterior.” She likes that they can double as hiking boots, with a Vibram sole, meaning treading that creates traction and prevents slipping.

Size Range: 5–12

Colors: navy/rust plaid/black

Materials: nylon upper, TPU outsole

Best Pull-On

Sorel Caribou Leather Winter Chelsea Booties

Caribou Leather Winter Chelsea Booties

Pros

  • Easy slip-on design
  • Made from waterproof leather
  • Molded Evertread rubber outsole for grip
  • Lightweight foam insole for comfort

Cons

  • No fur lining

This Chelsea boot is another Sorel option that embraces technology within a stylish silhouette. The slip-on design has a cool lug sole and seam detailing for a fashion-forward approach to enduring winter’s ever-changing weather. It’s also completely waterproof. Style it with a blazer and trousers for the office and you won’t have to switch out your shoes upon arrival either.

Size Range: 6–11

Colors: canoe, black, pure silver

Materials: waterproof leather, fleece lining, rubber sole

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Luxe

Bottega Veneta Snap Mini Ankle Boot

Snap Mini Ankle Boot

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Grippy sole for tread

Cons

  • Cleaning may be difficult

A reinterpretation on the brand’s Puddle boot, the Snap has been fashioned with shearling for a winter-appropriate feel. The chunky sole has been designed with tread too, so it can face slick, slippery sidewalks.

Size Range: 35–41 IT

Colors: popcorn/fondant

Materials: shearling, nappa, rubber outsole

Best Fashion-Forward

Jimmy Choo Shea Leather Shearling Ankle Boots

Shea Leather Shearling Ankle Boots

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Extra warm shearling lining
  • Features a rubber lug sole for grip

Cons

  • Not 100 percent waterproof

Bring a little fashionable flair to your winter footwear game this season. These ankle boots from Jimmy Choo are lined completely with cozy shearling, keeping your feet extra toasty with each step.

Size Range: 35–42 EU

Colors: black

Materials: leather and dyed shearling upper, rubber outsole

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Quilted

Moon Boot LTrack Low Nylon Boots

LTrack Low Nylon Boots

Pros

  • Elasticated top fits to ankle perfectly
  • Water-repellent exterior material
  • Chunky rubber sole for traction

Cons

  • Laces may be a hassle to tie

This quilted pair from Moon Boot resembles the puffer coats you will also be bundling up in all season long. With a cozy feel, water-repellent exterior, and sleek street-ready design, you might just look for every opportunity to sport these, not just on snow days.

Size Range: 35–42

Colors: black

Materials: polyester, polyurethane upper and lining, rubber sole

Best Platform

Pajar Galaxy Waterproof Platform Boot

Galaxy Waterproof Platform Boot

Pros

  • Faux-shearling lining for warmth
  • Two-inch platform for extra height
  • Waterproof
  • Temperature rated to -22˚F

Cons

  • Laces may be a hassle to tie

Pajar’s Galaxy boot is made for those who don’t want to sacrifice a little extra height, even when facing the elements. The two-inch sole is at the right level to give you that little extra oomph, plus it offers unparalleled protection with a waterproof exterior and a thermal rubber lug sole for plenty of grip.

Size Range: 5–11

Colors: black, silver, white, midnight plum, orange

Materials: textile upper, faux-shearling lining, synthetic sole

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Pros

  • Easy pull-on design
  • Faux-fur lining for warmth
  • Rubber sole for traction

Cons

  • Lighter-colored sole might get dirty with wear

Slip into something lightweight and comfortable for all those après moments. The combination of Odissì’s technical outer fabric and faux-shearling lining will be your perfect companion once you click out of your skis for lunch in the chalet—or simply on a grocery run back home.

Size Range: 36–42 EU

Colors: military green, natural, black

Materials: quilted technical weave upper, faux-fur lining, rubber sole

Meet the Expert:

a horizontal black line across a white background

Amy Field is a personal stylist based in Seattle specializing in wardrobe curation, closet organization, and seasonal gift shopping. Her passion is helping individuals feel confident in what they’re wearing.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

best eye massagers
Harper's BAZAAR

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Watch Next 
preview for The Good Buy
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below