Let’s talk winter boots. No, not ski boots or snowboard boots. I’m talking good, all-around snow boots for everything winter can throw at you.

From shoveling the driveway to walking in and out of the resort, having the best women’s winter boots are critical to enjoying the season without fighting it.

We’ll learn what separates good boots from bad and suggest a handful of the top women’s snow boots for you to pick from!

Best Women’s Winter Boots

	Sorel Joan Of Arctic Boot	DADAWEN Frosty Snow Boot	DREAM PAIRS Snow Boot
Upper:	Leather	Synthetic	Synthetic
Waterproof:	Yes	No	Yes
Colors:	33	10	6
Insulation:	6 mm recycled felt	Plush faux fur	200g Thermolite

The Best Winter Boots For Women

1. Sorel Women’s Joan Of Arctic Boot
2. DADAWEN Women’s Waterproof Frosty Snow Boot
3. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Faux Fur Lined Mid Calf
4. Baffin Women’s Escalate Snow Boot
5. Weatherproof Womens Miranda Cold Weather Boot

Women’s Winter Boots Reviews

#1 Editor’s Choice – Sorel Women’s Joan Of Arctic Boot

Sorel is famous for their rubberized waterproof winter boots. Fortunately, they’ve taken strides toward good-looking functional boots.

These faux fur lined winter boots feature 100% leather uppers and the iconic Sorel lowers.

One major benefit of these boots is that the waterproof, reliable snow-conquering design is available in so many color combinations that I could hardly even count them all.

No matter which color you want to choose, they all feature seam sealed construction to keep out water. The rubber lowers are almost indestructible but the suede uppers may need some attention.

Suede has a tendency to absorb salt from roads, snow, and sidewalks. When that water dries up a white salt ring gets left behind sometimes. Just something to be aware of.

There’s a statement to be made with the large D-rings and crossed laces. They’re reminiscent of something rugged and woodsy.

Our Editor’s Choice as the best winter boots for women for winter activities like sledding, snowmobiling, and other versatile tasks.

#2 Runner Up – DADAWEN Women’s Waterproof Frosty Snow Boot

If the Sorel boots feel woods, these waterproof Frosty boots feel like something an astronaut or arctic explorer might be fond of.

Insulation and warmth paired with modern fashion are the names of the game for these boots.

Underfoot you’ll find grippy rubber soles with aggressive angled tread that helps add traction and stopping power. Immediately the boot transitions to a puffy inspired textile fabric that you can choose from the 10 available colors.

Even if you choose from one of the quieter colors, the boots themselves make a loud statement. This might be great if you like that style, but for some these boots might feel a little too “moon boot”.

Worth noting is that these boots use a velcro closure instead of lacing. This makes them easier to throw on and off when you’re running in and out to take care of errands.

if you are looking for the best snow boots for women with the quilted puffy jacket look these are for you!

#3 DREAM PAIRS Women’s Faux Fur Lined Mid Calf

Whether you like the look of the Sorels but they were a bit too expensive or maybe you like a little of the combat boot style there’s something here for you.

With these boots, you can pick from a range of looks that fit your mood.

There’s no doubt that the large crossed lacing style and faux fur boot is “in”. But, who wants to fumble with all those laces every time you go in and out of the house? Not me.

We’re all lazy sometimes and I think most of us will appreciate fast ways to do things. In this case, there are side zippers that you can use to slip in and out of these boots quickly.

At the bottom of these boots are thick rubber soles and rubber lowers. As the boot moves up it takes on a quilted and leather upper combination style. I personally really like the forest green and gray color combination!

One thing I want to mention, however, is that despite clarifying that the boots are seam sealed they still call them water “resistant”. How water resistant they truly are, I can’t say.

Our top pick for the best women’s winter boots that are inexpensive with great color combinations.

#4 Baffin Women’s Escalate Snow Boot

Baffin brings us what is probably the most technical winter snow boot on the list so far. While fashion is always important, not freezing your toes off might be a little more so.

Of course, let’s see if we can strike a balance here. There’s no guessing with these boots, they are officially waterproof.

Baffin put a little higher price tag on these than some others on our list, but I feel the reliable moisture management and high loft insulation are worth paying for if you’re going out in the elements.

On the front is a series of about half a dozen crossed laces that cinch tight up top with a toggle.

Perhaps the only drawback of this speed lacing system is that I find they’re usually hard to really tighten up all the way. As long as you don’t mind a bit of a loose fit, they’ll be fine.

There is zero faux fur going on here so if that fashion trend bothers you, look no further! These boots are a little more practical and a little less fashionable than many.

If you want the best waterproof winter boots for women that are stylish as well, look no further!

#5 Weatherproof Womens Miranda Cold Weather Boot

I’d be slightly negligent if I didn’t mention up front that Weatherproof, in this case, is the brand and not a descriptor.

That said, these boots have a few features going in their favor that I feel make them a worth choice for consideration.

I’m always reluctant to give out a waterproof rating unless it’s explicitly stated and details are given to back it up. In this case, waterproofness is alluded to but never explicitly stated nor is the type of waterproofing given.

So, why did they even make the list?

Not all boots have to be able to wade through a puddle. Users rave that these boots are plenty waterproof to make it through some snow without trouble.

On top of that, they’re one of the most stylishly appealing designs we’ve recommended in my view (if that counts for much).

Available in just one color, the faux fur lined brown boots have a soft leather look. This is complemented by the full zipper closure method and simple elastic buttons for accent.

Our top pick if you want the best stylish winter boots that are perfect for around the house or in town.

Women’s Winter Boots Comparison Table

What to Consider When Choosing a Pair of Women’s Winter Boots

Now we’re going to take a look at what separates the good, bad, and ugly in terms of winter boots. With years spent guiding outdoor expeditions, I know what footwear makes the cut and what needs to be left on the shelf. Of course, we’ll also consider what looks as good as it performs!

Insulation

No matter which boot you’re looking at, you’re likely to find a variation of synthetic manmade insulation inside.

Is there ever a time when you need less insulation, though?

Winter boots need to be warm, right? Sure. But remember that your body puts out a lot of heat on its own. Even when temps drop to below zero outside if you’re putting in a lot of effort (like shoveling snow or playing hard) your body will probably keep itself warm in most boots.

When physical activity levels are high boots that have too much insulation can cause your feet to overheat and sweat. When you cool off and relax that sweat can then make your feet even colder than they otherwise might have been.

Match your insulation to the activity levels you expect to encounter.

Are They Waterproof?

Waterproof boots are great but honestly, they’re really the most important in the late fall and early spring when temps are cold but liquid water is still present.

If you plan to be out with your feet in the snow for long periods of time or in “wet” snow conditions then waterproofness should be considered. However, if you’re unlikely to get your feet wet then you might be able to get away without waterproof snow boots.

For instances when you’re just walking from the house to the car, around the sidewalks in town, or on a date you can probably get away just fine with a non-waterproof boot.

When you do need a waterproof boot, however, look for specific terms and information. Many manufacturers mislead with words like “weatherproof” or “resistant”. On our list, we made it clear when boots are and aren’t waterproof to help you with this research.

Lacing

Boot laces run the gamut from non-existent (velcro or zippers) to full-length traditional laces.

For the best fit and function, you’ll want full laces. This style helps get the boot to fit better and prevent it from being “sucked” off your foot if you step in mud or deep snow. On the downside, however, they take forever to lace up!

The other side of this spectrum is velcro or zipper closures. Both of these are fast but lack good fitment which means you run the risk of blisters, shifting footwear, and other performance problems if you try to do anything strenuous with them.

For relaxed occasions or casual outings, a zipper or velcro system will work just fine and they’re fast to get on and off.

Soles

Unfortunately, there are few soles that can handle all situations. In the winter ice is our worst enemy for traction. To deal with that you’ll need footwear with special studs.

On our list, however, I made sure to mention boots that have particularly outstanding tread, like the Sorel’s. It can help when there’s slush on the sidewalk but don’t expect to magically be able to easily walk up a snowy slope. Nay, think again!

For deep snow you’ll need snowshoes – boots just won’t cut it. As I mentioned earlier, for ice you’ll also need crampons or slip on spikes.

We can only expect even the best rubber boot treads to do so much.

Upper Materials

Uppers usually refer to what is essentially the “cuff” of the boot or the part that rises up the ankle. For women’s snow boots these uppers can be made from any number of things but here are a few popular materials:

• Leather
• Faux leather
• Suede
• Rubber
• Textile

One of the things I always worry about with suede and fancy textiles is salt. In the winter salt gets everywhere and even if you’re careful just rubbing suede against wet salty water on your car can leave a salt stain when the water dries.

Unfortunately, there are few ways around this. Suede and leather both are sensitive materials and often it’s hard to tell exactly what type of leather you have. Leather and suede care products can ruin your boot’s look and feel if you use the wrong product on the wrong type of material.

In general, if you don’t want to have to worry about ruining your boots go with something durable and hassle-free like rubber or textile of some sort that is easily cleaned. Otherwise, beware.

FAQs

What kind of socks should I wear with winter boots?

For the best experience, I recommend a merino wool sock that’s insulated. It’s important that when you fit your boot you do so with the socks you intend to wear. If you fit your boots wearing thin indoor socks and then switch to cozy winter socks you’ll have problems. Wearing too thick of a sock for your boot will leave the boot and sock both crushed against each other with too little room to move. This results in cramped feet and a loss of insulation.

How do you clean winter boots?

Like I mentioned in the article earlier, leather, suede and faux versions of these need special care. For genuine leather products, I would take them to a boot shop for service. If you’re wearing rubber or textile boots you can just spray them off (assuming they’re waterproof). An old toothbrush and some soapy water can work wonders too!

My feet are cold, what can I do?

Here are a few tips.

• Make sure your socks are dry or change socks
• Pull out the insole from your boots overnight and let it dry
• Try thicker (or thinner) socks
• Look for toe warmers often sold in resort shops – like hand warmers for your boots!
• Make sure water isn’t getting into your boots and soaking your socks
• Do something physical for a while

Of course, you could just have too thin of a boot for the temperature. In colder temps or when you’re being more sedentary, it’s necessary to wear a warmer boot. You may also want to consider a pair of heated socks if nothing else helps.

My boots rub my foot and leave hotspots or blisters, what can I do?

There are tons of fixes for this problem but I’d check one thing first. Boots that have a casual lacing system like zippers or loose velcro leave a lot of slop inside for your foot to jostle around. Put your boot on and take a few steps. As you do take mental note of where and how much your foot moves. Chances are good that your hot spots are forming where your foot is shifting inside the boot and rubbing against the boot as it does so.

Try readjusting the boot so that it fits a bit more snug. You want your heel to sit firmly in the heel pocket at the back of the boot and not lift up too much when you take a step. This problem is much easier to fix and adust with boots that use the more adjustable traditional lacing system so if you’re having trouble, try switching.