A few years ago, I crowd-sourced the best winter snow boots when I needed a new pair. I am obsessed with the ones I bought! Here is my updated review and everyone’s favorites. This post includes affiliate links.
Winter is coming!
We don’t get a ton of snow in Virginia (last year I think it only snowed once for 10 minutes!) But when it does snow, I’ve gotta have warm and dry feet! Most winters we get 5-10″ at least once.
I went through most of my life without great snow boots. For years I wore an old pair of Uggs. But a few years ago, I decided to start looking for a really great pair. As much as I wanted some super cute winter boots to wear around town, I actually don’t leave my house when it snows! #Southerner
Choosing a pair of snow boots was a hard decision! I wish I could have gone to a store and tried them all on for comfort. First, I ruled out all of the lower boots in favor of tall ones to maximize leg warmth and snow falling in the sides. I can see 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, I probably only need one pair of big, tall boots and my water resistant rugged shoes below.
Now two years after I bought my boots, I am happy to report that I LOVE THEM.
The Best Winter Snow Boots
I prioritized three things when shopping for boots:
- Easy on and off (for running out the door after the kids!)
- Lightweight (for sledding, running)
- Comfort (warm, stay dry, insulated, and easy to move in)
I ended up buying the Bogs Whiteouts.
THEY ARE AMAZING!
I liked that the Bogs didn’t have laces and seam sealing wasn’t a concern with the rubber bottoms.
While they might not be the warmest, and they’re definitely not the most fashionable, they are the more practical of the group!
They are so comfortable too!!
The rubber soles are a little springy, and they’re super lightweight – perfect for sledding and running and cold weather in general. Also they’re totally waterproof boots.
They really are the best winter snow boots!! I look forward to putting them on, and they are a dream to get on and off. Just slip in and go.
I’ve worn them all over town, and walked several miles.
Snow Boot Sizing
I bought a size 8, which is my actual shoe size, and they fit perfectly. If anything they’re on the big side – I had no trouble wearing wool thick socks AND even put in my custom orthotics! And for a girl with large calves, there is plenty of stretch. The boots are also very easy to get on and off. They have a little toe edge on the heel to help get them started.
The whole foot is a rubber shell, so snow can’t leak in, and the bottom is a sturdy rubber outsole with deep grooves. Look at that tread!
I’m very very happy with my purchase!
Winter Snow Boot Recommendations
Before deciding on my purchase, I went to Instagram to crowd-source this question. I knew my northern friends would have lots of great recommendations! Sure enough, there were some top winners. Of all the sticker responses and DMs, this may have been my highest number of responses EVER! You guys love your boots.
The top three brands were:
- Sorel
- LL Bean
- Bogs
These were by far the most frequently mentioned brands. But there were many, many others, and a wide variety of opinions and styles linked to me. Here are your favorite winter snow boots!
The Best Winter Snow Boots
Sorel Tivoli V Boot
These were the number one most recommended boot! People said they are super warm, comfortable, and will last “a lifetime.” So many people said Sorel is the best boot brand out there! They are also super cute.
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Sorel Caribou Boot
Another Sorel recommendation, these are higher up the calf and are totally waterproof. Again, many people said they would last a lifetime!
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Sorel Joan of Arctic
The third Sorel brand rec were the Joan of Arctics. I found these to have a polarizing response, with some people LOVING them and others saying the leather upper were stiff and hard to get on and off.
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Ugg Adirondack III
While more expensive than the others, these came highly recommended. One person said she’d had hers for 10+ years and another said she looks forward to snow just so she can wear them. They’ve also been rated “best winter boot” on several lists I saw across the web.
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LL Bean Original Bean Boot
Another fan favorite, SO many people simply replied “BEAN BOOTS” when asked what the best boots are. I give these major points for versatility and style as well as being good for rain or snow. Make sure you look for the shearling lined lines and not the regular rain boots.
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Bogs Whiteout Fleck
These have a sleek simple look, and also look lighter weight than many of the lace up options. One person from Massachusetts said she had Bean Boots and Sorels and she loved her Bogs most of all.
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Bogs Arcata Trek
These are lower than the Whiteout, but they are cuter in my opinion! They look very easy to get on and off.
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Columbia Minx
These look cozy and tall, and came highly recommended. One person said they were the easiest high boots to walk in.
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Kamik SnowGem
Kamik was another brand that came up several times. These get major points for being cute and tall/functional!
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Kamik Abigail
Another recommendation from Kamik! These are so pretty and dressy for more formal occasions.
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Baffin Snogoose
What a silly name!! But these were recommended by several people as being the “boot of all boots.” They sure look it!! They are quite pricy too.
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Merrell Antora
These are much more of a “shoe” than a “boot” but I’m including them in the list because one person said she walked 7 miles in the snow and raved about their warmth and comfort! If you’re looking for more of an athletic style, these are the ones.
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My Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Like I said, we don’t get that much deep snow here. While I would love a second pair of boots that are cute and furry (and I might get some one day), I have a pair of waterproof Merrell hiking shoes that are my “around town” shoes.
They’re waterproof, and I can wear them year-round. I just 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 is only so big, so I went for the bigger boots for snowstorms and will use these when the snow is melting.
Kids Boots
Mazen wore these boots I bought on Amazon for years, but last year I got him a this new pair that are great!
Birch inherited two still-in-the-box pairs of Totes boots from a friend. The strap that goes across the ankle is key to helping them stay on, although he doesn’t even really need the strap.
