Snow boots are specially designed to keep your feet warm and dry. Additionally, they also need to strike a great balance between flexibility and protection. Your best snow boots need to make it easy to navigate deep snow without you ending up with blisters or other injuries.

When buying your boots, you may get confused by simple terminology and end up buying winter boots instead. Winter boots, unlike snow boots, are designed to keep your feet warm during cold winters and may not be waterproof.

The best boots for snow need to be waterproof so you can expose them to deep snow without moisture seeping in. However, you can also find the best winter boots to be waterproof or have a water-repelling upper material, and these would be great for walking on snow.

If you need to get yourself a good pair of boots to tackle the snow, the following are five options you can choose from. The boots are waterproof or water-repellent, have a taller shaft, come with excellent insulation, and are flexible enough so you can easily navigate snow-covered surfaces.

1. Best Snow Boots: Sorel Caribou

For men:

For women:

Sale
Sorel Women's Caribou NL1005 Boot,Buff,8 M
  • Boots for Women: These seam-sealed winter boots...
  • Winter Boots: Keep your feet warm & comfortable...
  • Ideal Snow Boots: These full-grain suede boots are...
  • Style & Comfort: These snow boots have a heel...
  • Function Meets Fashion: SOREL creates timeless...

While you need many protective features from your snow boot, one very important feature is good traction. It would be best to have your boots to keep you planted firmly on a wet, slippery surface, especially with heaps of snow.

These Sorel Caribou snow boots for men and women come with rubber soles and a wide underfoot to provide the best grip on snowy surfaces. The rubber sole also adds to your height off the ground, lifting you about 1.5 inches off the ground, so you don’t get stuck in the snow.

The now boots, which can also double as great winter boots, guarantee warmth and comfort. They come with a lace-up design for an upper that covers you up to the mid-calf. The boots allow speed lacing with D-rings in place of regular small eyelets.

The upper also boasts a gusseted tongue to keep all elements; water, snow, dirt, and debris, away. Additionally, the collar is surrounded by faux fur for warmth and also to prevent flakes from entering inside the shoe.

These snow boots guarantee enough warmth for walking around snow and cold winters. They come with removable, synthetic liners, which you can easily replace with better wool liners to keep sweat and odor away.

The boots have temperature ratings of -40 °F/-40 °C, and you can choose from a few available color options and sizes.

Pros

  • The boots come with rubber soles with an aggressive lug pattern for traction
  • Leather upper that sports a seam-sealed waterproof construction
  • Best boots for cold weather, snow, and ice
  • Lace-up design with a gusseted tongue for maximum warmth and the best fit
  • Speed lacing system
  • Comes with a removable liner
  • Available at an affordable price and in different colors and sizes for men and women

Cons

  • The chunky sole is hard to drive in
  • You can get the size wrong for narrow feet

2. Best Winter Boots to Walk on Snow: UGG Men’s Butte and UGG Women’s Adirondack III

For men:

UGG Men's Butte Boot, Worchester, 11
  • Vibram outsole with lug tread
  • Waterproof construction
  • Cold weather rated to -20 degrees celsius
  • Foam moulded for shaping. Waterproof breathable...
  • 8mm sherpa lining on vamp, 8mm sherpa lining on...

For women:

UGG Women's Adirondack Boot Iii Boot, Chestnut, 07
  • Premium leather uppers with 17MM wool lining and...
  • -32 degree weather rating
  • Spider rubber outsole.Waterproof Designed to help...
  • Features non-wicking nylon lace and 7 inch shaft...
  • Now on a womans specific last

These are the best winter boots you can wear for snow as they fit easily like ordinary leather shoes but offer better traction, stability, and flexibility for snow. You will find it easier to drive in them and walk around without the boots weighing your feet down.

The boots come with synthetic soles with aggressive tread patterns to hold on to snow and slippery surfaces when you walk. However, the women’s Adirondack III comes with deeper lugs, thus offering a better grip compared to the Butte.

The uppers are made with leather, thus guaranteeing waterproof properties. The uppers cover your feet up to the mid-calf and feature a high tongue with metal eyelets for sturdy fastening. Like the Sorel Caribou boots, these Ugg winter boots also come with faux fur lining the collar to keep snow and other elements away.

The snow boots also feature 100% wool lining, so you are sure to use them for years without any odors. The lining adds warmth and comfort, making the boots your best bet when you need to walk on snow without getting your toes frozen.

The only slight deal-breaker for these boots is the price, as it is higher than most options on this list. Other than that, they are some of the best snow boots you can get for the features and temperature ratings of -32°C.

Pros

  • Wool lining for hygiene, warmth, and luxurious comfort
  • Leather uppers for waterproof properties
  • Easy to drive or walk in
  • Synthetic rubber soles with deep lugs for traction on slippery snow
  • Mid-calf upper height to keep snowflakes and debris away from your feet
  • Available in different colors and sizes for men and women

Cons

  • Both snow boots are quite costly

3. Best Slip-on Snow and Winter Boot: Muck Boot Arctic Ice Mid Snow Boots:

For men:

Muck Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Mid-Height Rubber Men's Winter Boots with Arctic Grip Outsole
  • 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility,...
  • Extended, soft rubber coverage; tough, flexible...
  • Soft fleece lining enhances comfort, provides...
  • Vibram Arctic Grip outsole pods deliver the most...
  • 100% waterproof winter boots; multi-directional...

For women:

Muck Boot Women's Arctic Ice Mid Rubber Black/Pink Boots, 9 US
  • 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility,...
  • Extended, soft rubber coverage; tough, flexible...
  • Soft fleece lining enhances comfort, provides...
  • Vibram Arctic Grip outsole pods deliver the most...
  • 100% waterproof winter boots; multi-directional...

You need the best and easy-to-wear winter and snow boots if you are always on the move. These muck boot pairs are best for you if you prefer to spend some time shoveling the driveway.

Unlike other snow boots in this list, these do not come with wool or synthetic wool lining. Instead, these Muck Boots feature a layer of neoprene. Neoprene does all the insulation, and working in tandem with a waterproof outer shell and a thin layer of fleece lining, the boots will keep your feet dry and warm. However, you will need to be careful when walking in deep snow as the boots come with an open collar that could let in heaps of snow.

The boots come with rubber soles that also feature Vibram Arctic Grip lugs for shock absorption and traction. The soles make the shoe easier to walk in, and considering you can’t adjust the fit with laces, you will instantly notice the stability on snow.

The knee-length, waterproof snow boot comes in different color combinations and different sizes for both men and women.

Pros

  • Waterproof upper
  • Lightweight boots
  • Uses neoprene for insulation and features a thin layer of fleece lining for warmth and comfort
  • Comes with rubber soles featuring Vibram Arctic Grip lugs for stability and traction
  • Simple slip-on design
  • Knee-length upper to let you walk in deep snow
  • Ideal boot for working outside in the snow

Cons

  • A wide top opening could let in its of snow while working; it is best to wear with thick socks
  • The slip-on design could see the shoes come off if you get stuck on thick snow or mud

4. Best Winter Hiking Boots: Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni Heat

For men:

Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat, Black/Phoenix Blue, 9
  • OMNI-TECH: Our proprietary technology provides...
  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Built to be waterproof the...
  • URBAN STYLE MEETS SNOW BOOT: The perfect...
  • TRACTION AND COMFORT: Featuring our...
  • TEMPERATURE RATINGS: Rated -25F/-32C for cold,...

For women:

Columbia Women's Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat, Black/Sunset Red, 9
  • OMNI-HEAT: Our patented Heat Reflective garments...
  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The PU coated leather and...
  • URBAN STYLE MEETS SNOW BOOT: The perfect...
  • ALL WEATHER TRACTION: Sure in your step, the...
  • TEMPERATURE RATINGS: Rated -25F/-32C for super...

If you like a good pair of winter boots to go hiking in the snow, Columbia offers just the right boot for your needs. The Bugaboot Plus IV is available in sizes for both men and women, and you can also find it in different color combinations.

The winter hiking boot comes with leather uppers and uses a proprietary Omni Heat technology that allows breathability while also being waterproof. The uppers are also constructed using seam-sealing technology and keep warm with 200g of insulation, so your feet are dry and warm as you enjoy the outdoors.

The boots also come with rubber soles and Omni-GRIP outsoles that offer traction on snow in rocky terrain. Additionally, the sole features a lightweight TechLite midsole for extra cushioning and flexibility so you can trek without fear of injury.

When hiking in deep snow, you need a better guarantee of warmth, safety, and flexibility. Thus, it would be best to get a boot that fits perfectly. This winter boot comes in a lace-up design that also allows speed lacing with wide eyelets. You can customize your preferred fit while the sole allows flexibility and firm grip.

Pros

  • Lace-up design for the best fit
  • Flexible rubber soles with a lightweight midsole for better traction and cushioning
  • Leather uppers offer waterproof properties
  • Comes with 200g insulation to keep your feet warm and dry in deep snow
  • Best winter boot for hiking
  • Allows speed lacing
  • Temperature ratings of -25F/-32°C
  • Available in different colors and sizes for men and women

Cons

  • The top opening can let water and snow in

5. Best Snow Boot for Performance: Kamik Men’s Nationplus and Kamik Women’s Momentum Boots

For men:

Kamik Men's Nationplus Boot Dark Brown 11.5 M US
  • Keep warm in frosty weather with 200B 3M...
  • Perfect for cool conditions or high activity...
  • These waterproof seam-sealed boots are made to...
  • Waterproof suede upper
  • Waterproof and flexible synthetic rubber shell

For women:

Kamik Women's Momentum Snow Boot,Black,7 M US
  • Seam-sealed waterproof snow boot featuring plush...
  • Rated to -25F
  • 200g Thinsulate insulation
  • Removable footbed with anti-odor treatment
  • Gusseted tongue to keep snow out

If you need to work in the snow, you also need a pair of boots that will keep your feet warm, dry, and cozy. A pair of Kamik boots wins over many boots because of their traction, snug fit, and low temperature ratings.

Both boots come with 10-inch shafts to keep your feet away from the cold snow, while the sturdy soles are made of rubber. The outsoles feature a nubby lug pattern that firmly grips on snowy or icy surfaces. In addition, the underfoot is wide to provide stability and extra support on any slippery surface.

The men’s boot comes with a leather upper that features a lace-up design and speed lacing eyelets for a snug and adjustable fit. The women’s boot comes with a synthetic upper material in a lace-up design that is easier to fasten as it features a quick bungee lacing system. Unlike the men’s NationPlus, the Women’s Momentum boot comes with a faux fur collar that keeps external elements away.

Both boots come with a waterproof upper and cover your feet up to the mid-calf, so you never need to worry about water or snow getting in. In addition, the men’s Nationplus boot has a temperature rating of -40°F while the women’s Momentum comes with a rating of -25°F.

Pros

  • Come with waterproof uppers
  • Lace-up design for a snug fit
  • Rubber outsoles with a lug pattern for traction
  • Features a high shaft for maximum protection from the snow
  • Wide underfoot for stability and support
  • Low-temperature ratings
  • Available in different colors and sizes for men and women

Cons

  • Not the best option for walking long distances n snow
  • You may not find the best sizes if you have small feet

Factors to Consider as You Buy the Best Snow Boots

When you need a new pair of snow or winter boots, you need to consider the following most essential features.

a) Waterproof properties

It is important to buy waterproof boots for walking on snow. The waterproof properties are best for the sole and the upper as well. For your best snow boots, look for one with an eight to ten-inch shaft, preferably made of rubber or synthetic material to repel water.

The best water-resistant boots also feature a sturdy upper made with materials such as leather to keep water and snow away. In addition, also look for an upper that features a snow collar to ensure snow does not get in.

b) Warmth

Snow makes the external temperatures cold and can leave you with cold feet if you wore the wrong boots. Therefore, look for boots that are well insulated, preferably with 200g of insulation. If the area you live in gets very cold and wet, you can look for warmer boots with thicker insulation made with 400g or 600g synthetic insulation.

It is also best to look for the temperature ratings of your boots. Most brands will indicate the level of low temperatures a boot can withstand for comfortable use. However, please note that this rating is not always factual as it does not account for how long you will wear the boot or how active you will be in it. It does, however, give you an idea of where the boot can survive longer.

c) Best traction

In the real world of snow, the walking surfaces can be slippery and uncertain, thus requiring the best grip to keep you grounded as you walk. When buying your boot, look for rubber or synthetic soles that come with widely-spaced aggressive lug patterns.

About the Author Brian

Hello, I'm Cindy. I’m a super duper mega hiking enthusiast, with a love for everything that has to do with outdoors, hiking, gear, footwear and more.

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