7 Best Winter Boots for Women, Tested and Reviewed by Fashion Editors

When I started crafting my packing list for a recent trip to Northern Finland, a cute but waterproof winter boot was at the top of my list. After lots of research, I landed on the Columbia Minx Shorty IV Boot—a perfect blend of style, traction, water resistance, and warmth.

The moment I slipped this boot on, I loved the cozy, faux-fur insulation that kept my feet warm even on frigid mornings and evenings. And the waterproof nylon outer meant I didn’t have to worry about slushy streets or fresh snow seeping through. The traction is also super impressive, and I felt comfortable walking over icy sidewalks, a frozen lake, and snowy trails.

The shaft height hits about two inches above the ankle, offering just the right amount of coverage for typical city snow or moderate winter adventures. While deeper snow might call for a taller boot, this pair provides the ideal balance between protection and mobility.

The cherry on top? It’s genuinely so stylish. The sleek design, color selection, and faux-fur collar mean you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function. I’ve paired them with everything from fleece-lined leggings and Fair Isle sweaters, snow pants and a winter coat, and even jeans—and they always look great. It was my go-to boot for the whole trip, and I know I’ll get just as much use out of it this winter in New York.

While it costs a fraction of the price of other winter boots, Dream Pairs makes a solid winter shoe that keeps cold and wet weather out. In addition to a water-resistant faux leather, the shoe has a plush faux-fur interior that’s super insulating. It also has a 1.37-inch rubber anti-slip sole for better traction in slippery conditions. The sole has 2mm of plush memory foam for added comfort and shock absorption. We also appreciate the pull tab on the back of the boot, which makes them easier to slip on and off.

Like our top overall pick, we like that this winter boot comes in a variety of colors: beige, nude, light gray, chestnut, and black. The cozy faux-fur lining, monochromatic laces, side panel stitching, and sturdy sole make it super stylish and practical. It easily slips under snow and ski pants, and looks just as cute styled with a pair of leggings and fuzzy socks.

On the downside, our testers said they noticed signs of wear and tear sooner than other pairs, particularly ripping of the faux-fur lining.

This boot scores major style points, whether you’re on the mountain or navigating slushy city streets. We love the nude tone (with a subtle sheen), horizontal stitching, and puffy silhouette. Toggle laces keep the look neat and polished, while branded pull loops on both sides add functional visual interest.

Dorenna Newton, executive producer for Men’s Health and Women’s Health, recently wore this boot in St. Moritz while covering Team USA’s bobsled training ahead of the Olympics. She loved that they looked “super chic” for après adventures in the village—earning style points along with practicality.

“I’m constantly on the move, so packing light is non-negotiable,” Newton says. “That means every item has to earn its place—including this brand-new pair of The North Face snow boots I decided to test in real time.” She says this boot delivered from the moment she slipped it on, feeling instantly comfortable while providing serious warmth on frigid mountainsides.

The shaft hits right above the ankle and delivers impressive warmth thanks to recycled polyester insulation and a cozy fleece lining. A drawcord cinches the boot at the ankle for added protection from cold air, snow, and rain. Paired with a durable, waterproof ripstop upper made from recycled water bottles, the boot fares well under any condition.

Like the The North Face Shellista IV, this boot has exceptional traction thanks to a grippy, rubber outsole, which Newton says kept her steady on icy ground. However, like our other pick from The North Face, this boot has a snug, rigid fit—so consider sizing up if you’re between sizes or have a wider foot.

We’re big fans of L.L. Bean’s iconic Duck Boot, and this fleece version is perfect for chilly weather. “I love the rugged weekend styling of this boot,” says Saladino. “It’s super cozy on the inside, and the fleece detailing and contrasting laces on the outside are cool styling touches.”

It’s also well-equipped for slushy snow, thanks to a waterproof leather upper to keep moisture out. Plus, it has a rubber outsole with a grooved tread pattern that helps you stay upright and balanced on slick sidewalks. Bonus: The boot is made with 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, an ultra-warm, quick-drying material to keep feet dry and toasty.

The brand doesn’t have half sizes, but we found it wise to size down if you’re between sizes. “I am a size 9, and it fits great even with a thick sock,” says Saladino. Overall, we were impressed by both style and function—particularly the traction, which makes it a bit more equipped for heavy winter conditions than other ankle-length styles.

The Ugg Classic Mini Platform is a well-loved classic, and freelance stylist Alexandra Juric says they're constantly in rotation during the fall and winter. It’s stylish, comfortable, and warm. It has that classic Ugg boot shape but with a trendy platform that gives total cool-girl vibes. But you'd better hurry up and *add to cart* if you want this style ahead of the holidays—it’s known to sell out quickly.

The inside of the boot is lined with the brand’s signature wool blend, which adds a fluffy layer of insulation and comfort. It also has a heavily cushioned EVA foam midsole that feels super plush under the foot. The suede outer adds to the cozy look and feel, though it’s less water-resistant than other leathers. We recommend snagging the shoe protector spray if you plan to wear them in wet weather. We also love that the added two-inch platform to the classic silhouette gives you height without sacrificing comfort or traction.

Associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian says this boot is the perfect addition to her winter wardrobe. "I've worn them on wet, rainy, snowy streets and they've stayed relatively clean, even in a lighter color," she says. "They're insanely comfortable with the plush interior, warm in even the coldest temps, and totally cradle my tired feet—I feel like I could walk miles in them!" She loves that they are super stylish and go with just about any outfit, but she's partial to styling them with a long trouser or flared leggings.

The downside? They don’t come in half sizes and tend to run big, so keep that in mind when shopping.