I can confidently say that I am now an expert on snow boots and cold weather gear. For those that don’t know, I grew up in Watertown, New York. Dubbed “Snowtown USA.” After living in Watertown, I spent some time in Syracuse and Rochester… perhaps even colder and snowier climates before moving to Manhattan where believe it or not, I thought it was balmy. 😉
After marrying my husband, Chris, we moved to Texas for 8 years. And several years ago, we moved to Telluride, Colorado where snow and cold are the norm. And, the sidewalks and roads can easily turn into ice rinks!
So… you are getting the point… I know cold. I know how to dress for cold, snowy weather. BUT, as a wardrobe stylist, I also like to look stylish. Even my cold weather gear has to be the perfect mix of fashion and function.
The Best Snow Boots…That Are Actually Functional!
In this post, I want to share my snow boot knowledge, including some city chic weatherproof options to help you keep those tootsies toasty!! If you are like me, as you’ve gotten older, your circulation has gotten worse. Warm shoes and boots are a MUST.
For warm ski gear check out this post.
These Are The Best Snow Boots!
You’ve probably seen women on Instagram wearing rain boots with cute socks peeping out as a cute snow outfit. Here’s the scoop…if you want to truly keep your feet warm and dry, that does not work. Rain boots are NOT snow boots! For real snow boots that actually keep your feet warm, even in extreme cold, go for a stylish waterproof boot with good tread from brands like Sorel, Aquatalia, Columbia, Blondo, La Canadienne, and Ugg.
The things I look for in a great pair of snow boots…1) they have to be waterproof or water-resistant, 2) have great treads (a must-have when walking across snow and ice) 3) be easy to get on and off and 4) bonus if they add some height!
Find my top 10 favorite snow boots and weather-resistant city boots below…
#1) Sorel Joan Of Arctic Women’s Waterproof Boot
Sorel is one of my most favorite brands to shop for winter boots. The quality is ridiculously good, like, buy it for life, good. Their Joan of Arctic boots have been popular for years, and they’ve been routinely updated and improved. The newest waterproof boot, with waterproof suede and a rubber sole, is super cute and stylish. You choose between a faux fur cuff and a faux shearling cuff, both of which are fabulous, and because they’re Sorel, you can look forward to wearing them for many, many winter outings.
#2) Sorel Evie II Zip Waterproof Ankle Boot
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to buy another pair of winter boots, this is it. Even if you’re already sold on the Sorel Joan Of Arctic Women’s Waterproof Boot, the Evie II Zip Waterproof Ankle Boot deserves a spot in your closet too. But first, let me preface this by saying if your plans include a winter walk through deep snow, I wouldn’t recommend wearing ankle boots. But not every winter day calls for snow boots. These boots are better for milder winter days when puddles of melting snow threaten to wet your feet. They’ll keep your feet dry, add chic and edginess to your look, and, with a 1 3/4″ heel and 1/2″ platform, add height. What’s not to love?
#3) Columbia Women’s Minx IV Boot
I know I’m taking a bit of a risk by including these, but their enduring popularity and iconic, timeless design makes them impossible to ignore. Moon Boots were literally a cultural phenomenon in the 70’s and then again in the late 90s and early 2000s. True to fashion trend cycles, Moon Boots once again became the must-have winter footwear beginning in late 2021. I tell you all of this in hopes it will help you see beyond their almost cartoonish appearance, and because, well, it’s cool! Notoriety aside, Moon Boots are actually really good snow boots. They’re water-resistant, insulated, and ridiculously comfortable, and the rubber tread sole has suction pads that really do help keep you steady on slippery surfaces. Love them or hate them, for the last 50+ years, Moon Boots have been the must-have winter boot for men and women, so you should at least give them a chance.
#9) Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip
The Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip boots aren’t super chic and trendy, but when Old Man Winter is angry, you need some seriously good snow boots. The Arctic 600 won’t let you down. These snow boots, or winter hiking boots, check all of the boxes. They have an extra-cushy midsole, impressively grippy outsole, super warm insulation, and waterproof protection. When Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, the Arctic 600 boots from Danner will give you the confidence to face him head on, at least where your feet are concerned.
#10) The North Face ThermoBall Luxe Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boots
The North Face is a brand known for durable, high-quality outdoor clothing and gear. Their ThermoBall Luxe Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boots look more like high-top sneakers, so they’re a great option on casual days or for sportier looks. They’ll keep your feet warm and dry, and help you avoid a disastrous slip on ice. Now, you just have to decide whether to get them in black or tan.
Which winter boots are your favorite for snowy days? Do you prefer more traditional snow boots or chic weather-resistant city boots? PLEASE share in the comments below!! Also, if you already own any of the pairs of boots mentioned in this post, share whether or not you’d recommend them. Hearing from real people about their purchases can make it so much easier to find what you’re looking for!
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Real snow boots for real life! We cold climateers have more than one pair for different purposes and varying degrees of cold. These give a lot of different options. The right boots matter when you spend half the year in them.