Two years ago, I searched for the best winter snow boots when I needed a new pair. I’m obsessed with the ones I bought! Here’s my updated review and everyone’s favorites. This post includes affiliate links.
Winter is coming!
We don’t get a lot of snow in Virginia (last year I think it only snowed once for 10 minutes!), but when does snow, I have to keep my feet warm and dry! Most winters we get 5-10″ at least once.
I spent most of my life without good snow boots. For years I wore an old pair of Uggs. But a few years ago I decided to start looking for a really cool pair. As much as I would like some super cute winter boots to wear around town, I don’t really leave the house when it snows! #Southern
Choosing a pair of snow boots was a tough decision! I wish I could have gone to a store and tried them all on to feel comfortable. First, I ditched all lower boots in favor of tall ones to maximize leg warmth and snow falling on the sides. I can see that if you live where it snows most of the winter, you might need five different styles of boots (some of you told me you have many types!), but in the name of minimalism, you probably only need one pair of big boots. and tall. boots and my sturdy waterproof shoes underneath.
Now, two years after I bought my boots, I am happy to report that I LOVE THEM.
Best winter snow boots
I prioritized three things when buying boots:
- Easy to put on and take off (for running out the door after the kids!)
- Light (for sledding, running)
- Comfort (warm, dry, insulated and easy to move)
I ended up buying the Swamp blackouts.
THEY ARE AMAZING!
I liked that the Bogs were laceless and that seam sealing wasn’t an issue with the rubber bottom.
While they may not be the warmest and definitely not the most fashionable, they are the most practical of the bunch!
They are very comfortable too!!
The rubber soles are a little springy and super lightweight, perfect for sledding, running, and general cold weather. They are also completely waterproof boots.
They really are the best winter snow boots!! I really want to put them on and it is a dream to put them on and take them off. Just walk in and go.
I have worn them all over the city and walked several miles.
Snow boot sizes
I bought a size 8, which is my actual shoe size, and they fit perfect. If anything, they’re great – I had no problem wearing thick wool socks AND I even put on my custom braces! And for a girl with big calves, there is a lot of give. The boots are also very easy to put on and take off. They have a small ridge on the heel to help them get started.
The entire foot is a rubber shell, so snow can’t seep through, and the bottom is a durable rubber sole with deep grooves. Look at that footprint!
I am very happy with my purchase!
Winter Snow Boot Recommendations
Before deciding on my purchase, I went to Instagram to answer this question. I knew my friends up north would have lots of great recommendations! Sure enough, there were some big winners. Of all the sticker and DM responses, this may have been the most responses I’ve ever received! You guys love your boots.
The three main brands were:
These were, by far, the most mentioned brands. But there were many others, and a great variety of opinions and styles linked to me. Here are your favorite winter snow boots! Scroll down to see which ones I purchased.
Best winter snow boots
Sorel Tivoli IV Boot
$130 | These were the number one most recommended boots! People said they are super warm, comfortable, and will last “a lifetime.” Many people said that Sorel is the best boot brand out there! They are also super cute.
Buy now
Sorel Caribou Boot
$169 | Another recommendation from Sorel, they are above the calf and are completely waterproof. Again, many people said they would last a lifetime!
Buy now
Sorel Joan of the Arctic
$209 | The third Sorel brand recreated was Joan of Arctics. I found these to have a polarizing response: some people LOVED them and others said the leather upper was stiff and difficult to get on and off.
Buy now
Ugg Adirondack III
$250 | While more expensive than the others, these came highly recommended. One person said she had had hers for over 10 years and another said she hopes it snows so she can use them. They have also been rated “best winter boots” on several lists I saw around the web.
Buy now
Original LL Bean Bean Boot
$249 | Another fan favorite, MANY people simply answered “BEAN BOOTS” when asked what the best boots are. I give these major points for versatility and style, as well as being good in rain or snow. Be sure to look for the shearling-lined lines and not regular rain boots.
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LL Bean Snow Boots
$139 | They are marketed only for snow and have a lower price. I love purple! I went to my local LL Bean to try them on and they didn’t have any in stock 🙁
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White swamp patch
$149 | These have a sleek and simple look and also seem lighter than many of the lace-up options. A person from Massachusetts said that he had Bean Boots and Sorels and that he loved his Bogs the most.
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Knitted Arcata Bogs
$159 | These are shorter than the Whiteout, but prettier in my opinion! They seem very easy to put on and take off.
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Columbia Ice Maiden
$79 | These were recommended by several people who said they were the best balance of warmth and comfort.
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Kamik Snow Gem
$134 | Kamik was another brand that came up several times. These get major points for being cute and tall/functional!
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Baffin Goose
$153 | What a silly name!! But several people recommended them as “the boot of all boots.” They sure look like it!!
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Merrell Antora sports boot
$150 | These are much more of a “shoe” than a “boot,” but I’m including them on the list because one person said he walked 7 miles in the snow and praised the warmth and comfort of them. If you are looking for a more athletic style, these are the ones for you.
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KEEN Terradora II
$135 | Keens also appeared several times to ask for more athletic recommendations. They are shorter, but they sure look cozy. They seem very easy to put on and take off to walk to the trash can.
Buy now
My waterproof hiking shoes
Like I said, we don’t understand that lots of deep snow here. While I would love to have a second pair of boots that are cute and furry (and maybe one day I’ll get some), I have a pair of Merrell MQM Flex Walking shoes that are my “walking around the city” shoes.
They are waterproof and I can use them all year round. I only add Smartwool socks in the winter! I don’t really need hiking boots because we do most of our hiking in the summer.
My closet and shoe storage are very large, so I chose larger boots for snowstorms and will wear them when the snow is melting.
Children’s boots
Mazen has these boots I bought them on Amazon, but I think I’ll soon get him a pair similar to mine since he has adult feet. He loves them and runs for hours with them.
Birch inherited two pairs of Tote boots Of a friend.
The strap that goes over the ankle is key to helping them stay on, although you don’t even need the strap.
You can also wear them on either foot, which, if you know little kids, is common 🙂
And Thomas uses these North Face boots that he loves He keeps the laces loose and takes them on and off. He relies on her warmth and comfort.
Warm winter accessories
Here are some cozy winter accessories to match your warm snow boots!
