We updated this article in November 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
On the surface, the road leading out from your house or apartment may look like a pristine winter wonderland. But if you decide to traipse through the winter landscape in boots not built for the task? You’re bound to end up with wet, cold feet... or worse—you could end up slipping and falling in the snow.
Rather than risk it, it’s best to invest in a good pair of winter boots. Strong, solid, warm, and grippy, winter boots are the real MVPs of your cold-weather wardrobe. But grabbing just any ol’ pair of winter boots isn’t advisable. It’s important to think about what you’ll be using your boots for, and whether they need to double as work-appropriate footwear, casual but trend-forward shoes, or more athletic boots up to the task of winter hiking.
Once you know what type of boot you’re looking for, you need to make sure they fit well. While you want them to be snug, it’s important that they’re not too tight. "Your toes should be able to wiggle," says Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, MD and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which is why you should look for boots with a rounded toe and a wider toe box.
It’s also important to consider the boot’s stability. "A style that crosses the ankle can provide extra stability, which can be helpful on uneven or slippery surfaces. Knee-high boots may be necessary for anyone trudging through very deep snow," says Jane Andersen, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Chapel Hill, NC, and the chair of the APMA communications committee.
Meet the Experts: Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., is a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, MD and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Jane Andersen, D.P.M., is a podiatrist based in Chapel Hill, NC, and the chair of the APMA communications committee.
Our top picks
Now that you know what to look in the best winter boots, it’s time to shop! We did the work for you and rounded up the most supportive and warm options out there.