25 Best Winter Boots for Women, According to Online Reviews
Updated: Sep. 08, 2023
Whether you're heading to the office or trekking through the snow, these top-rated boots will keep you warm, dry, and stylish.
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The perfect pair
Searching for a great pair of winter boots can be a time-consuming quest. Unlike shopping for other winter essentials, such as cozy pajamas, loungewear, and slippers, boots must be both stylish and functional. That’s not always easy to accomplish. The most technical winter boots can be cumbersome and uncomfy, and the cutest ones often break down at the slightest touch of rain and snow. But it’s not impossible to find the perfect pair of winter boots for women—as long as you know where to look.
When shopping for winter boots, you’ll want to consider a few things: warmth, traction, weight, design, and whether or not the shoe is waterproof. Depending on where you want to wear your boots—whether that’s a hiking trail or the office—you can choose a style that makes the most sense. Some of them double as the best walking shoes for women, but keep in mind that as the weather gets colder, you’ll want to pair them with warm socks—maybe even wool socks.
How we chose the best winter boots
We scoured online reviews to find the best winter boots for women that will serve their purpose for years. Each of these boots has an average rating of four stars or higher on Amazon, as well as more than 500 reviews. Non-Amazon boots come highly reviewed from a range of sources, and several on this list have reached icon status due to their classic styles, craftsmanship, and durability. You also don’t have to wait until winter to wear them, even if they’re technically snow boots. Most are perfect for your various fall activities—especially when paired with a cute new fall sweater. For more seasonal must-haves, check out the fall nail trends and hair colors everyone will be obsessed with this year.
Dr. Martens Women’s Shriver Hi Fashion Boots
Best for: Everyday comfort
It’s no surprise that one of the top-rated fall and winter boots for women on Amazon is also one of the most popular boots of all time. Dr. Martens’ lace-up combat boots have an average 4.8-star rating from more than 2,000 reviewers. They offer a 1.25-inch platform to separate your feet from the elements and give you extra height. The boots are so comfortable and easy to style that multiple reviewers report wearing them all the time. “I wear these to work every day,” writes Amazon reviewer Danielle. “It’s been six months and they’re still super comfortable. I work in a bakery, so I’m constantly on my feet and covered in flour; these come clean super easy and are holding up great.” FYI, here’s what your favorite shoes say about your personality.
Highlights:
- Durable
- Platform
- Classic silhouette
Dream Pairs Faux Fur Lined Mid-Calf Winter Snow Boots
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers
Yes, it is possible to find a quality winter boot on a budget. This one from Dream Pairs has more than 3,000 glowing five-star reviews on Amazon. It’s got everything you could want in a cold-weather boot: 200 grams of insulation that’s rated for -25 degrees Fahrenheit, a faux-fur lining, a waterproof and wind-resistant exterior, and non-slip outsoles. Reviewers say the boot is not bulky or cumbersome, either. “I wore these boots around the house all day because they are so comfortable!” raves verified Amazon reviewer Victoria K. And another fan writes: “Super comfy, lightweight, and water-resistant. I wore them where it had been snowing but had all melted and it was raining; my feet stayed warm and dry.” Wear them with your favorite fleece-lined leggings and you’ll be all set for winter!
Highlights:
- Rated for -25 degrees
- Non-slip outsoles
- Lightweight
UGG Adirondack Boot III
Best for: Durability
A quality winter boot is an investment that will last for years. UGG’s snow boot—which is waterproof and rated for -35 degrees Fahrenheit—comes highly recommended with a 4.7 average rating from more than 2,000 reviewers. “They are the warmest, softest, most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned,” writes verified reviewer Marina Somers. Plus, they’re incredibly durable. “I buy them every two years because I walk my dogs every day for at least five miles in the snow, ice, rain, and sand,” writes another happy customer. “These boots keep my feet warm and dry and withstand the harsh elements. Good arch support, too! They’re the best!” While you’re thinking about bundling up, make sure to order one of the warmest winter coats and a pair of heated gloves, too.
Highlights:
- Rated for -35 degrees
- Waterproof
- Durable
Aldo Grandmode Boots
Best for: Over-the-knee style
Combine towering over-the-knee style with a chunky rubber lug sole and you’ve got a winning on-trend combo for day and night, rain or shine. With a combined 4.25-inch heel, this tall boot brings the drama to any outfit—but a rounded toe, zipper closure and lightweight cushioned sole keep you comfortable all day. And that’s one of the first fashion rules to follow: Comfort is number one! The Grandmode boot from Aldo, a certified climate-neutral company, comes in black and patent leather khaki, sizes 5 to 11.
Highlights:
- Platform
- Comfortable
- On-trend style
Zodiac Tavi Booties
Best for: Ankle-boot style
Comfort and style come together in this short ankle bootie. The Chelsea boot-inspired silhouette has a unique platform that keeps you lifted from the elements and offers supportive cushioning. Our favorite feature? The shoe has flexible elastic panels and a tab at the heel, so you can pull them on and off in seconds. Style them with your favorite jeans or leggings for an instant outfit.
Highlights:
- Platform
- Easy to pull on and off
- Cushioned footbed
Bogs Classic High Waterproof Snow Boots
Best for: Subzero temperatures
Oregon-based brand Bogs designs its nearly indestructible footwear to withstand all types of weather. These high-shaft boots will keep your toes and legs warm and dry, no matter how deep the snow or rain puddles are. And we love how technical these warm winter boots for women are. They’ve got Neo-Tech insulation that keeps them cozy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, a contoured insole that supports feet and arches, a moisture-wicking material that keeps feet dry and manages odors, and a non-slip outsole that offers exceptional traction. Nordstrom reviewers call these out as the best winter boots for women because of the flexible shaft that makes them comfortable for walking, as well as their notable warmth. Speaking of which, here are more shoes we’re buying from Nordstrom right now.
Highlights:
- Waterproof
- Rated for -40 degrees
- Non-slip outsole
Franco Sarto Franco Janna Tall Boots
Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers
Knee-high, utilitarian boots have been hot on the runway for the past several seasons. Give the trend a try with these faux leather boots from sustainable brand Franco Sarto. The stylish shoe features a side zip, a round toe, a two-inch platform, and a functional lug sole. You’ll applaud the brand’s ethos, too. Each of its items is designed with timelessness and longevity in mind. Plus, the shoe boxes are made of recycled materials and soy-based inks to decrease their environmental impact. You may also want to check out these winter boots from Zappos you’ll want in your closet immediately.
Highlights:
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable brand
- Non-slip lug sole
- Accessible side zipper
Forester Western Boots
Best for: Western style
This sleek, sculptural take on a traditional Western boot from LA-based brand Chinese Laundry will elevate all the season’s top best jeans for women as well as classic dresses. Western styling details—including a curved topline and bold embossing, are framed by a pointed toe and shaved block heel. Comes in two on-trend colors, brown and cream.
Highlights:
- On-trend Western style
- Comfortable 2-inch block heel
- Accessible side zipper
Aldo Upside Boots
Best for: High-fashion ankle boots
Cut a chic, bold silhouette in these sky-high platform ankle boots. In pebble leather with a 4.5-inch block heel, the boots are daring but also classic, and versatile enough for almost any outfit. They’re comfortable, too, with a lightweight cushioned sole and rounded toe—one of the style secrets of women who always look put together. The Upside boot from Aldo, a certified climate-neutral company, comes in black and dark gray suede, sizes 5 to 11.
Highlights:
- Platform
- Comfortable
- Eco-friendly company
Nortiv8 Women’s Lightweight Snow Winter Boots
Best for: Slip-on snow boots
It doesn’t get any simpler—or cozier—than this lightweight snow winter boot from Nortiv8. The mid-height calf boots slips on and off effortlessly and has an insulation system that feels like a down jacket for your feet. The faux-fur-lined boots have a lightweight non-slip URE outsole that’s water resistant for staying dry in snow or rain on any terrain. Essentially, they’re like your favorite pair of slippers, but you can wear them outdoors.
Highlights:
- No zippers
- Non-slip outsole
- Warm and comfy
UGG Women’s Classic Short Fashion Boots
Best for: Cozy comfort
It wouldn’t be a boots roundup with the classic short UGGs. No matter your opinion on these shoes’ sophistication, you’ve got to admit that they’re comfy. Lined with cozy sheepskin, this boot’s goal is simple: to keep the feet as coddled as a warm throw blanket, sans frills. Pair them with jeans or leggings for walks or errand runs on chilly days. “I get very cold feet in the winter, and UGGs are the only thing that keep my feet warm,” notes verified Amazon reviewer Shari Lutz. Just keep in mind that these boots aren’t meant for snow or ice. You may also want to check out these winter scarves that will also keep you warm and cozy.
Highlights:
- Warm and cuddly
- Pull on and off
- Sheepskin interior
The Original L.L. Bean Boot
Best for: A timeless look
These iconic duck boots have been best sellers since they were created in 1912. Handcrafted for durability—no matter the weather or circumstances—one pair just might last you a lifetime. The shoes are made from full-grain leather that sheds rain and snow, so the elements never get to you. They’re also water-resistant and feature a rubber-chain-tread outsole for grip in slippery conditions. The classic style will complete any fall or winter outfit with a touch of timelessness. Reviewers tell stories of them lasting for upwards of 10 years—and keeping their feet dry the entire time. Wondering how to store your boots so they stay in tip-top shape? Try these shoe storage ideas that will also maximize your space.
Highlights:
- Classic silhouette
- Water-resistant
- Wear like new for 10-plus years
La Canadienne GALE Leather Bootie
Best for: High fashion
The chunky lug sole reigns supreme on high-end lines this season, and this leather Gale bootie from Montreal-based La Canadienne captures the best of the trend, from the just-right 1.5-inch platform height to the tricky rounded point toe shape. Plus it has an edgy zipper that makes the boots easy to take on and off. Besides making a style statement, the Gale boots are waterproof, with a breathable, microfiber and memory foam insole. We can’t wait to wear them with this season’s most flattering denim.
Highlights:
- On-trend lug sole
- Waterproof
- Memory foam insole
Clarks Women’s Linvale Sea Fashion Boots
Best for: Wearing to the office
Clarks is best known for its comfortable shoes that promote foot health without sacrificing style. With a 2.2-inch kitten heel and chic pointed toe, the Linvale Sea Boot is particularly well suited for the office and pairs nicely with both slacks and dresses. Of course, they’re just as comfortable as the rest of Clarks’ shoes and feature an orthopedic footpad with soft padding. That means you’ll be pain-free all day—no matter how long your shift lasts.
Highlights:
- Cushioned footbed
- On-trend pointed toe and kitten heel
- Versatile style
Vionic Kamryn Waterproof Boots
Best for: Walking
If you’re looking for everyday shoes you can throw on every day that will look polished and stand up to the elements, try the Kamryn from Vionic. The shoe has a simple design that makes it easy to wear with jeans, slacks, leggings, and dresses. Plus, it’s waterproof and has an orthotic insole with arch support and a cushioned heel. That way, you can maximize your mileage without fatiguing your feet.
Highlights:
- Cushioned footbed and heel
- Arch support
- Waterproof
Sam Edelman Laguna Boots
Best for: Wearing everywhere
A Chelsea boot is the ideal go-anywhere, do-anything shoe. These come highly reviewed with five-star reviews from more than 95 customers on Nordstrom. The pull-on style is trendy at the moment, but you can rest assured that Chelsea boots will remain a classic forever. Reviewers compliment the quality craftsmanship. “Easy to clean, high-quality material,” writes one buyer. “I walk around in them all day with no recognition of even having them on.” Add them to your wardrobe ASAP. And make sure you know these tricks for making your boots and other shoes last longer.
Highlights:
- Classic silhouette
- Waterproof
- Pull on and off
Dream Pairs Thigh-High Fashion Boots
Best for: Thigh-high style
With the help of an over-the-knee boot, you can wear skirts and dresses straight through winter, as well as elevate any ensemble. This pair has a 22-inch shaft and a 3.5-inch block heel. What, exactly, makes them rank among the best winter boots for women? Well, along with an average 4.6-star rating from more than 2,800 reviewers on Amazon, they’ve also got a stretch calf and a tie at the top, so they can fit a variety of leg sizes perfectly. They also have a faux-fur lining for warmth. Your hardest decision will be choosing which of the nine colors to order!
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly
- Adjustable, stretchy calf
- Multi-wear design
Naturalizer Reed Riding Boots
Best for: Wearing right away
A quality riding boot is a necessity in any cool-weather shoe collection. Naturalizer’s has a chic one-inch heel, a side zipper, and a classic silhouette that will match every equestrian-inspired outfit. What sets this pair apart from the crowd is that it’s comfy from the first wear—no break-in period required. “The boots are extremely comfortable straight from the box to your feet,” writes one customer. “I wore them eight hours straight at work (and I do a lot of walking), and by the end of the day, my feet were not sore at all. There’s a bit of a cushion in the sole, which is an excellent touch.”
Highlights:
- Classic silhouette
- Side zipper
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Sorel Glacy Explorer Shortie Snow Boots
Best for: Warmth
With an average 4.8-star rating on Amazon from more than 1,200 reviewers, these Sorel snow boots will keep your toes toasty. They have a waterproof construction and a non-slip rubber sole like your favorite sneakers, but our favorite feature is the interior—a faux-fur fleece lining and fleece around the top to keep the elements out. “I am a Minnesota realtor and a hockey mom, so my winter boots have to stand up to the cold and wet winter elements and the freezing arenas, but they also have to be comfy enough to wear them all day,” writes one verified Amazon reviewer, who notes they’ve more than lived up to her expectations. “These boots are lightweight with a nice squishy sole. They have a nice bounce to them, plus they are super cute! I get compliments on them all the time.”
Highlights:
- Faux-fur fleece interior
- Waterproof
- Removable insole with arch support
Vagabond Shoemakers Brooke Boots
Best for: Adding height comfortably
Is it possible to find heels that you actually enjoy wearing all day? If you get Vagabond’s Brooke boots, the answer is yes! The keys to their comfort are their sizable, sturdy platforms and chunky block heels, as well as their stretchy, snug-fitting shaft material, which is a leather and synthetic blend. They also serve up some serious style, which has not gone unnoticed by shoppers. One five-star reviewer sums it up: “These shoes are so perfect and comfy. I would say it is THE FALL BOOT. I wore these all night long, and I never felt so good.” Important note: These boots have been selling out everywhere from Nordstrom to Urban Outfitters, so you won’t want to wait if you see your size in stock.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots
Best for: Hiking
Winter boots have a reputation for being clunky and cumbersome, but these hiking boots from Columbia are the exact opposite. The shoes fit like sneakers but have all the functionality of boots. They’re waterproof, breathable, and have a non-slip rubber outsole. Wear them on the trail for lightweight, easy maneuvering, or everywhere else for a simple winter shoe. With more than 22,700 five-star ratings on Amazon, they are a definite fan favorite, with reviewers saying they’re “phenomenal” and raving about literally every single thing about them.
Highlights:
- Lightweight
- Non-slip outsole
- Waterproof
ESSEX GLAM Pointy Kitten Heeled Booties
Best for: A night out
These budget-friendly boots make getting dressed up easy. The three-inch kitten heel pairs nicely with everything from dresses and tights to slacks. Our favorite feature is the unbelievable quality for the low price point. (We’re talking under $30.) “So comfortable and pretty, I’m back to order them in other colors,” writes Amazon reviewer Devonia Russell. Several happy customers reported buying the shoes in every color after receiving their first pair.
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly
- On-trend pointed toe & kitten heel
- Five color options
TOMS Esme Bootie
Best for: All-day wear
Sometimes, the shoes with the most basic designs are the ones we wear most—and you’ll certainly find that to be true with these TOMS booties. The Chelsea boot-inspired design pulls on and off easily and has a cushioned insole for all-day comfort. “These boots are amazing! The big block heel makes walking very comfortable,” writes Tess O. “I didn’t need to break these in because the leather is so soft. I would definitely recommend these to anyone.” Plus, the brand donates a pair of shoes to a child in need with every purchase, so you can feel extra good about these boots. If you love this idea, check out these other brands that give back, too.
Highlights:
- Pull on and off
- Comfortable block heel
- Cushioned footbed
Columbia Ice Maiden II Snow Boots
Best for: Snow
Need a shoe that will get you through every snow day? Columbia’s Ice Maiden boots are the ones for you. With more than 18,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, they definitely deserve a spot in your wardrobe. They have a lightweight sole, waterproof construction, and 200 grams of insulation. “As someone who lives in a cold/snowy climate and who participates in a lot of outdoor winter activities, I did a lot of research before buying a pair of winter/snow boots,” writes reviewer Kate Mahoney. “These boots are worth every penny. They keep your feet warm and keep all moisture out. You could trudge around in sleet, snow, puddles, and mud for hours and stay toasty and dry.”
Highlights:
- Waterproof
- Non-slip outsole
- 200 grams of insulation
Timberland 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boots
Best for: Cold climates
Timberland is another classic boot brand—and the 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boot is one of its best sellers of all time. The shoe features a cushioned footbed with anti-fatigue technology and a padded collar, so you can stay on your feet all day. However, it’s the 400 grams of PrimaLoft ECO insulation that separates these boots from the crowd. The special fabric retains its warmth even when wet and will keep feet cozy in all sorts of conditions. “[These are] functional and truly waterproof boots that do the job of rain and snow boots without feeling clunky,” writes one reviewer. They’re also a great investment. Another reviewer notes that she’s been wearing these Timberlands as her main boots for three years and they’re still going strong. Now that you know the companies that offer the best winter boots for women, check out more of the most trusted brands in America, across all categories.
Highlights:
- Waterproof
- Durable
- 400 grams of insulation
Originally Published: December 23, 2021
