The 15 best winter boots to wear in the snow for 2023, according to experts

Pros: Warm, waterproof, comfortable, available in men’s and women’s sizes

Cons: Can be too hot to wear indoors

During a poll of our team’s favorite snow boots, three staff members listed these L.L.Beans as their go-to’s, including myself. Not only are the boots (which come in both men’s and women’s sizes) incredibly warm thanks to their ​​cozy shearling lining, but they are waterproof too, so you can walk through snow and puddles without your feet getting wet. Each pair is hand-sewn in Maine, so they're durable and built to last. Contributing editor Lisa Schweitzer and I have both had a pair for several years and they are still looking good as new. The boots aren’t overly bulky, weighing less than four pounds. And they have a rugged rubber sole that prevents you from slipping and sliding. One caveat? Our managing editor Scott Simone said they can sometimes be too hot for indoors: “Definitely not the type of boot to wear to the office without bringing a change of shoes to avoid your feet sweating all day long.”

Pros: Tundra-rated, good traction, tall silhouette

Cons: No half sizes

These babies are tundra-rated, so you can be sure that your feet will stay nice and warm. That’s probably why Backcountry gearhead Ashleigh McClary said they were one of her top choices for snowshoeing in deep snow. The tall boots are both waterproof and breathable; a thick rubber sole with a honeycomb design offers excellent traction. Laceless, they're easy to get on and off thanks to elastic toggles. Just be aware that there are no half sizes; the brand recommends sizing up to be safe.

Pros: Affordable, cushioned, comfortable, slip-resistant

Cons: Some shoppers noted issues with the zipper

Travel blogger Nadia Podrabinek listed these fashionable yet functional boots as one of her top picks “due to their waterproof design and warmth retention.” Lined with faux rabbit fur for coziness and a slip-resistant rubber sole for stability, they have a zipper plus lace-up closures to prevent the elements from entering. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers are fans of the cushioned insole for all-day comfort. “I bought these boots to wear in Quebec in January for a week,” one customer raved. “They rocked! The fur lining goes to the end of the toes and they are super comfortable. We walked over 10,000 steps a day and my feet never hurt once. I was able to wear just regular socks and my feet stayed extremely warm.”

Pros: Excellent traction, stable on ice

Cons: Expensive

Backcountry's McClary raves about these ultra-rugged Icebug boots that boast tacky traction for very icy terrain. “I can confidently and safely shovel my driveway and sidewalks and walk around icy parking lots knowing that I’ll be safe,” she told us. They zip up the front so they are super easy to take on and off; synthetic fleece and polyester insulation will keep you warm in freezing temperatures. One REI customer raved, “They're comfy, super lightweight and stable on ice and packed snow. I actually took them out to a snowfield in the Rockies to test them out and was really impressed with the performance. The soles have built-in traction so they grip incredibly well, without the bulk and annoyance of external traction.”

Pros: Waterproof, warm, great traction

Cons: Pricey

Canadian sports enthusiast and skating boutique owner Georgy Lowell is a fan of these Columbia boots because they “are waterproof, insulated and offer excellent traction on snow and ice.” The waterproof wonders keep rain and snow out while letting your feet breathe. They pack in 200 grams of insulation (that's a lot) and the brand’s patented heat-trapping technology. Shared one Zappos reviewer: “I ended up doing 5km of off-trail snowshoeing and was so happy with them. They're supportive and my foot felt 'hugged' the entire time. The boots are light. Nice looking. Oh ya, and they're really waterproof! I went up to my knee in a bog; between these and my gaiters my feet were bone dry.” 

Pros: Super warm, comfortable, feet stay dry, good traction

Cons: Outside of shoe can get damp

Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini bought these boots for a month-long trip to Iceland in 2021 and loved how they held up. “I needed something warm and rugged for wet, high-windchill winter hikes and these were ideal. They come up high, which means you can walk in serious snow, but the best part of them is the stability — the sole is super sturdy on slippery surfaces.” Perhaps most notable was how toasty they kept her feet, thanks to 100 grams of insulation. “These are SUPER warm and sometimes a little too warm,” she said. “They could be more stylish, but when you're desperate for warmth in a snowpocalypse, you don't really care.” While the boots are waterproof enough that her feet never get wet, she said over time the suede on the outside can become soaked in snowy/rainy conditions.

Pros: Celeb-approved, fashionable, waterproof, warm

Cons: Expensive, on the heavy side

These Sorels are so cute even Jennifer Aniston has been spotted in them. That’s why McClary said the popular boots are her most stylish pick: “For winter fashion, you can’t go wrong with the classic Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots. They are incredibly warm and look so cool! I have sold more of these than any other boots while working at Backcountry.” The faux-fur trimmed winners are waterproof, seam-sealed and comfort-rated to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning they will keep your feet completely dry and seriously warm in even the most frigid conditions. Executive editor Nicole Sforza is also a fan. She’s owned them for 10+ years and said: “These are the quintessential snow boots — they're durable, lace up like an ice skate so feel really secure and they have fun faux fur peeking out from the top. They'll actually improve a winter outfit, not take away from it! Very grippy at the bottom for when streets are slick.” She added that they're not the lightest option, however — they do add weight to your steps (maybe that's a good thing?!).

Pros: Very warm, good traction, waterproof

Cons: Expensive

These Oboz boots are another one of McClary’s picks for wearing in deep snow and it’s easy to see why. Along with 400 grams of insulation to keep your feet extremely warm in arctic temperatures, the shoes have a thick rubber sole and a liner that makes them fully waterproof and breathable. One Oboz shopper wrote: “This boot outdid itself in performance, quality and durability. I went to Latvia for a month in February and was met with all kinds of winter conditions, from freezing rain to a downpour of snow. This boot continued to perform. I would walk over seven miles and my feet were still warm and dry by the end of the day.”

Pros: Warm, water-repellent, comfortable

Cons: Not tall enough for deep snow

For small doses of the outdoors, McClary recommends these cuties from The North Face. “They’re a great option to keep at the door for quick trips outside when you don’t want to lace and unlace your boots. For all of the days I’ll be driving up to the ski mountains that aren’t crazy icy, you’ll find me wearing these," she explained. The boots are easy to slip on and off and have a toggle cuff at the top that lets you trap in warmth and find a secure fit. Plus, they have a water-repellent finish to keep your feet dry.

Pros: Comfortable, not bulky, waterproof

Cons: Expensive

This pair by Ugg is one of Amazon’s most popular snow boots with an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 3,500 reviewers. They have the same cozy shearling lining as the classic Ugg boots, with an added rugged outsole and waterproof membrane to make them more effective in the snow. Senior commerce writer Kristin Granero loves them because “the lining is incredibly toasty (like a warmer for your feet), and the design is versatile. A winter staple, don't be surprised to find yourself wearing them everywhere.” There are eight colors to choose from, so you can easily find a style that pairs well with your winter wardrobe.

Pros: Comfortable, waterproof, non-slip

Cons: Not technically snow boots, so could be warmer

While these Sperry options are marketed as rain boots, deals writer Britt Ross has worn them for multiple winters with no issues. “They don't come up too high, allowing for more mobility than taller boots, they keep my feet dry, have great traction and I think they look pretty cute with leggings/tights tucked into them,” she said. She does note that since they aren’t insulated like a typical snow boot, you will have to wear thicker socks for warmth. “Also, since they're on the shorter side, I wouldn't try walking through deep snow with them, but they serve my needs (walking on slippery sidewalks) well.”

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, comfortable

Cons: Only available in black

These adorable snow boots by Totes prove you don’t need to spend a ton of money on a great pair. Branded content and partnerships editor Rory Halperin has rocked them for a few winters now and raved, “They're comfy to wear all day and are pretty light — some other snow boots I've had were way too heavy so I dreaded wearing them. I also like that they're on the taller side — perfect for wading through snowy urban crosswalks. And the price is right.” She did note that while they work with leggings, other kinds of pants won't easily tuck inside.

Pros: Fully waterproof, supportive, warm, great traction

Cons: Expensive, not tall enough for deep snow

If you’re looking to enjoy winter activities like hiking or snowshoeing, McClary recommends investing in these Lowa snow boots. “They are as waterproof as it gets, provide a dialed-in fit and plenty of support, have a grippy sole and lots of insulation,” she said. Along with a waterproof Gore-Tex (see FAQs, below) fleece lining for warmth, the boots boast a wool cuff trim to wick moisture away. The lug sole grips all types of terrain to prevent you from sliding around.

Pros: Comfortable, lightweight, water-resistant

Cons: Not suitable for deep snow

Deputy editor Izabella Zaydenberg has sported these Toms snow boots for two years and likes that “they're not super chunky — they're lightweight, pretty cute and keep my feet warm. I like that there are multiple colorways and the suede is very soft.” While you can’t wear the short boots in areas that get several feet of snow, Zaydenberg says “They work for city winters, though, and are good for that mucky gray slush we get a couple of days after snowfall.” She added, "Though they're technically water-resistant and not fully waterproof, they keep my feet dry even when I accidentally step in a puddle.”

Pros: Tall, waterproof, great traction

Cons: Expensive

“I live in northern Utah and frequently encounter deep snow both at my home and at the ski resorts, so for those days I love a tall pull-on boot like the Muck Boots Arctic Ice Agat,” said McClary. “Ski resort parking lots often have ice, and these are great for that and deep snow. I also love having slip-on boots ready by the door for letting my dogs out.” The 100% waterproof gems have a fleece lining for warmth, a durable Vibram outsole (see FAQs, below) and a thick rubber sole for grip.