Two years ago, I bought the best winter snow boots when I needed a new pair. I’m obsessed with what I bought! Here is my updated review and everyone’s favorites. This post contains 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 does snow, I must have warm and dry feet! Most winters we get 5-10″ at least once.
I’ve spent 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 don’t actually leave my house when it’s snowing! #Southerner
Choosing a pair of snow boots was a tough decision! I wish I could have gone to a store and tried them all on for comfort. First, I ditched all the lower boots in favor of tall ones to maximize leg warmth and snow falling on 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 have told me you have many types!), but in the name of minimalism, I probably only need one pair of big, tall boots and my waterproof sturdy shoes underneath.
Now two years after purchasing my boots, I am happy to report that I LOVE THEM.
The best winter snow boots
I prioritized three things when buying boots:
- Easy on and off (to get out the door after the kids!)
- Lightweight (for sledding, running)
- Comfort (warm, dry, insulated and easy to move)
I ended up buying it Bogs Whiteouts.
THEY ARE AWESOME!
I liked that the Bogs didn’t have laces and seam sealing wasn’t a concern with the rubber sole.
While they may not be the warmest and certainly not the most fashionable, they are the most practical of the bunch!
They are so comfortable too!!
The rubber soles are a little stretchy and super light – perfect for sledding and running and general cold weather. Also, they are completely waterproof boots.
They really are the best winter snow boots!! I can’t wait to put them on, and they are a dream to ride. Just slide in and away you 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, it’s a big deal – I had no problem wearing thick wool socks AND even putting on my custom orthotics! And for a girl with big calves, there’s quite a bit of stretch. The boots are also very easy to get on and off. They have a small tip of the foot in the heel to help them start.
The entire foot is a rubber so the snow can’t seep through and the bottom is a solid rubber outsole with deep grooves. Look at that tread!
I am very very happy with my purchase!
Suggestions for winter snow boots
Before deciding on my purchase, I took to Instagram to collect this question. I knew my northern friends would have lots of great recommendations! Sure, there have been some top winners. Out of all the sticker replies and DMs, this might have been my most replies EVER! Love your boots.
The top three brands were:
These were by far the most frequently mentioned brands. But there were many, many more, and a wide variety of opinions and styles associated with me. Here are your favorite winter snow boots! Scroll down to see which ones I bought.
The 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.” So many people have said that Sorel is the best boot brand out there! They are also super cute.
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Sorel Caribou Boot
$169 | Another Sorel recommendation, these are higher than the calf and are completely waterproof. Again, many people said they would last a lifetime!
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Sorel Joan of the Arctic
$209 | The third Sorel rec brand was Joan of Arctics. I found these to have a polarizing response, with some people loving them and others saying the leather upper was stiff and difficult to get on and off.
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Ugg Adirondack III
$250 | Although more expensive than the others, these are highly recommended. One person said she’s had hers for 10+ years and another said she can’t wait for it to snow so she can wear them. They have also been rated “best winter boot” in several lists I saw on the web.
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LL Bean Original Bean Boot
$249 | Another fan favorite, SO many people just answered “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 padded lines and not the regular rain boots.
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LL Bean Snow Boots
$139 | These are marketed for snow only and come at a lower price. I love purple! I went to my local LL Bean to try and try them and they were out of stock 🙁
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Bogs Whiteout Fleck
$149 | These have a sleek simple look and also seem lighter than many of the lace-up options. One person from Massachusetts said she had Bean Boots and Sorels and loved her Bogs more than anything.
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Bogs Arcata Knit
$159 | These are lower than Whiteout, but cuter in my opinion! They seem very easy to get on and off.
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Columbia Ice Maiden
$79 | These were recommended by many people who said they were the best balance of warmth and comfort.
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Kamik SnowGem
$134 | Kamik was another brand that appeared several times. These get major points for being cute and tall/functional!
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Baffin Snogoose
$153 | What a silly name!! But these are recommended by many people as “the boot of all boots”. They sure look like it!!
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Merrell Antora Sneaker
$150 | These are much more of a “shoe” than a “boot” but I’m including them on the list because one person said they walked 7 miles in the snow and raved about how warm and comfortable they were! If you’re looking for more of a sporty style, these are the ones.
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KEEN Terradora II
$135 | Keens also came several times for more sports recommendations. These are lower, but they sure look comfortable. They seem super easy to slip on and off to walk to the trash can.
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My waterproof hiking shoes
Like I said, we don’t understand that very deep snow here. While I would love a second pair of boots that are cute and furry (and may get some one day), I have a pair of Merrell MQM Flex hiking shoes that are my “around town” shoes.
They are waterproof and I can wear them all 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 so big, so I went for the bigger boots for the blizzards and will use them when the snow melts.
Children’s Boots
Mazen has these boots I bought on Amazon but I think I will get him a similar pair to mine soon as he has adult feet. He loves these and runs for hours in them.
Birch inherited two more pairs in the box Boots Totes from a friend.
The ankle strap is key to helping them stay on, although you don’t even need the harness.
He can also wear them on both feet, which if you know toddlers is common 🙂
And Thomas wears these north face boots who loves Keeps laces loose and slides in and out of them. He swears by their warmth and comfort.
Warm winter accessories
Here are some warm winter accessories to pair with your warm snow boots!
