Many individuals may not pay much attention to their winter boots until they are unexpectedly trudging through a snowstorm with soggy socks and frozen toes.
But you can avoid this scenario with the help of our guide to the best winter boots, ensuring that you stay warm, dry, and steady on your feet as you navigate slippery sidewalks and snowdrifts. In addition to our recommendations, here’s some advice to consider when shopping for winter boots.
Opt for Tall Boots
While a waterproof sole is crucial for keeping your feet dry, the height of your winter boots is equally important. Boots with tall shafts, approximately 8 to 10 inches, prevent snow from entering. Look for a design with a snow collar, such as the Kamik Nation Plus (men’s sizes), to further block out snow. It’s essential to ensure a snug fit to prevent snow from seeping in.
Look for Reflective Layers
Reflective layers, such as Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology, are designed to enhance warmth without adding bulk and reflect body heat back to the wearer. These layers are found in designs from various brands, including Columbia, Baffin, and Kamik.
Avoid Smooth or Wavy Treads
Ensure the bottom of the boot features nubby, widely spaced lugs, which provide the necessary traction for walking on uneven ice and prevent side-to-side sliding. Smooth and wavy treads are often slippery, whereas boots with the right treads, like the Ugg Adirondack III (women’s sizes) and Ugg Butte (men’s sizes), offer better stability.
Ensure Proper Fit for Stability
After conducting extensive winter boot testing, we found that fit significantly impacts traction and stability. Look for a boot that fits snugly around your ankle and foot, providing better traction on slick ice. Lace-up boots offer superior stability compared to slip-ons. Additionally, a boot with a wide surface area on the bottom can enhance stability.
Recommended Winter Boots
The Kamik Nation Plus offers exceptional performance on various cold-weather surfaces, from icy driveways to snow-packed fields.
This modern moccasin-like boot is designed for easy and light walking through snow. However, it may not be as warm as other options.
Despite being a polarizing brand, Ugg’s functional and comfortable winter boot performed exceptionally well in winter weather, although it comes with a higher price tag.
Despite being a polarizing brand, Ugg’s functional and comfortable winter boot performed exceptionally well in winter weather, although it comes with a higher price tag.
Sorel’s original design, the Caribou, is a better snow boot than most, and it excels in wetter, slushier weather.
Sorel’s original design, the Caribou, is a better snow boot than most, and it excels in wetter, slushier weather.
