The 12 Best Warm Winter Boots to Keep You Toasty in Extreme Cold, Vetted by Editors and Reviewers

“I still have my Joan of Arctic boots that I bought in 2010 when I first moved to NYC as an intern,” says PureWow Vice President of Editorial Candace Davison. “They've gotten me through many snowstorms, and while the insulated liner can easily pop out when I take off my boots, they're so warm and cozy that I don't care. I tend to only wear them in snow and extreme weather, as they're a bit bulky, but they do an excellent job of keeping my feet warm and dry—something I can't say for other brands I've tried.”

Former PureWow Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak also reports that these boots are great for walking long distances. The soft felt lining is removable so you can wash as needed, and the high shaft will keep your legs warm and dry, too, though Dubyak notes that it can feel stiff.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: 6mm of recycled felt
• Waterproof: yes
• Outsole: rubber shell and herringbone
• Shaft Height: 12 inches

The classic duck boot is an all-time winter favorite. "The L.L.Bean duck boot has classic good looks that I appreciate and the molded vamp makes me feel supported," says Senior Editor Dana Dickey. PureWow Editor, SEO and Audience Development, Marissa Wu, also mentions that they're great for wider calves. "[They're] quite roomy, so it's easy to wear wool socks or multiple layers without feeling like your circulation is going to be cut off, and the shaft of the boot, which comes to my lower mid-shin, is wide, so great if you have wide calves or want to tuck in pants/snow pants." These are fleece-lined and insulated with Prima Loft for optimal warmth no matter the temps.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: 200 grams of Prima Loft
• Waterproof: yes  
• Outsole: rubber
• Shaft Height: 8 inches

These cute puffer boots are completely waterproof, so that gross street slush won’t come near your socks. “They are super comfortable and warm, which is perfect for even the coldest NYC winters," says Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario. "They are also very cute! I was hesitant about getting an all-white pair, but they still look pretty new to me after two years—even [after] slugging through old NYC snow."The inside is insulated with the brand's Thermoball eco insulation, which is made to retain body heat, even when wet. The OrthoLite footbed is very supportive and comfy for walking, too.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: Thermoball
• Waterproof: yes
• Outsole: rubber
• Shaft Height: 5.91 inches

Pair these 100 percent leather, waterproof boots with a toasty pair of socks for ultimate warmth when you're outdoors this winter. I've walked along a ton of slushy sidewalks and snowy ground in these boots and not a drop of moisture seeps through to my feet. The leather is thick and durable, so it also offers some heat retention as well. Oh, and another noteworthy feature? They're constructed with the brand’s 4LR technology, featuring four layers of support to offer stability to your feet and ankles.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: not listed
• Waterproof: yes  
• Outsole: Duratread
• Shaft Height: 6 inches

“While my traditional Bean boots were a recent acquisition, I had a pair of legit Bean snow boots while I was a university student in Boston,” Wu shares. “The brand no longer stocks that style, [but] this shearling-lined pair is similar—mostly in that it’s got that plush lining. They’re iconic and therefore easy to style, can withstand a literal blizzard (I’ve walked through a few) and are also great in snowy mountain climes. Though I don’t wear these on the regular anymore, I still stash them at my parents’ house and pack them every time we’re headed for Tahoe or the Rockies. What I appreciate about this shearling pair is the narrower shaft (my own boots are quite wide), so you can more easily pull your ski jumper down over it.”

Fast Facts

• Insulation: 200 grams of Thinsulate
• Waterproof: yes
• Outsole: rubber
• Height: 10 inches

If you're searching for a winter boot on the more casual side, look no further. Wu regularly wore a similar pair of Margaux boots (which are sadly no longer in stock) over last winter and reports that she was pleasantly surprised. While she notes that these aren't great for hiking or super wet conditions, they're still a great warm option for an everyday, elevated look. She says, "The suede is pretty insulating, and coupled with some medium-thick wool socks, keep my feet pretty warm. [The] 2-inch heel is very walkable and dresses everything up. [I'm] planning to wear mine for many years." Along with being available up to a size US 14, the boots also have a sleek almond-toe shape and fit comfortably around the knee.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: not listed
• Waterproof: no
• Outsole: leather
• Height: roughly 15 inches

When it comes to hiking, you want a durable pair of boots that can withstand harsh weather and tough terrains. Super thick hiking boots packed with insulation and layers will be less comfortable and safe, which is why you need a warm pair of merino wool socks to seal in the heat. These boots have speed hooks, which make lacing them up a breeze. The contoured insole is made with ample arch support and the outsole has significant traction to really grip down in any muddy or icy areas.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: synthetic
• Waterproof: yes
• Outsole: rubber with 4mm lugs
• Shaft Height: 3 inches

Lace-up, thick winter boots aren't super practical for those of us who aren't out in brisk weather that often. Opting for a pair of slip-on Chelsea boots that also offer warmth and waterproof leather is a quick and easy pick for on-the-go, whether you're taking the dog out or running out to the car to go to the store. The sole is made of a lightweight EVA compound, so not only does it keep your feet comfortable and supported, they're not as heavy as other winter boot options.

They're also extremely comfortable, according to one Amazon reviewer, who writes, "These boots are the most comfortable and required ZERO breaking in. I walk an average of 5-7 miles a day at work and these have saved my feet. I haven’t even had the need to wear my insoles with them like I do for the other boots I own."

Fast Facts

• Insulation: synthetic
• Waterproof: yes  
• Outsole: rubber EVA
• Shaft Height: 5.5 inches

Not only is the footbed cushioned with the brand’s innovative TechLite midsole, but the ankle is soft but structured to provide support and allow for flexibility when walking. "These boots are so warm and waterproof," raves one Columbia customer. "I have worn these all winter and they [still] look [brand] new. I highly recommend them." They're great for snow sports like skiing or snowmobiling because they're both flexible and durable while keeping your feet warm in down to -25-degree temperatures. Plus, the omni-grip sole will give you ultimate traction, too, so you can feel secure when walking on icy or wet surfaces.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: 200 grams of insulation for up to -25 degrees
• Waterproof: yes
• Outsole: Omni-Grip rubber 
• Shaft Height: 9 inches

These mixed-material boots have a classic-yet-trendy look to them. They’re wind-resistant and have a cushioned footbed for a comfortable fit. Better yet, the inside features 200 grams of ThermoLite insulation to keep feet toasty in as low as -24-degree temps. One reviewer mentions, "[I] purchased these winter boots [and] the fit and quality are great. [They] keep my feet warm while out shoveling snow in the cold NY winter." A few reviewers note that these boots aren't ideal for slushy streets or wet weather, as the outer material isn't totally waterproof.

Fast Facts

• Insulation: 200 grams of ThermoLite, protection down to -25 degrees
• Waterproof: no
• Outsole: rubber
• Shaft Height: 7.5 inches

If you need a little extra coverage, you can unfold the top faux-fur collar to reach higher on your calves. The insole has a cushioned memory foam support to comfort your feet even with an extra layer or two of socks. These quilted boots have nearly 5,000 five-star ratings that make me confident they’ll keep my feet warm and dry. “These boots are very warm and flexible when walking,” one reviewer says. “I went snowmobiling, and my [feet were] dry and toasty the entire time.”

Fast Facts

• Insulation: ArcticShield Retain Technology, rated down to -20 degrees
• Waterproof: yes  
• Outsole: rubber
• Shaft Height: 10 inches

No need to waste time lacing these boots up, because the double-side zippers make them incredibly easy to put on. They’re made to be breathable and waterproof, so your feet are protected but not overheated. One Amazon customer shares, "They are 100 percent waterproof. I walked through the snow everywhere, sometimes in snow up to the top of the boot, and my feet never got wet! Of course, I didn't try to step into deep water with them, but for snow & slush, they were perfect. When I need more boots, I will go directly to this brand again. Highly recommend them!"

Fast Facts

• Insulation: fur-fleece
• Waterproof: yes
• Outsole: rubber
• Shaft Height: 9 inches