Once the reserve of luxury ski resorts, the best women’s snow boots are now considered winter essentials. Keeping feet warm and dry in mountainous conditions, the shoes can also prevent tumbles on snow, ice and rain-slicked streets at home.
In recent years, the humble snow boot has transformed beyond all recognition, with the use of sustainable materials, precision-engineered footbeds and mesh-lined fleece layers. This means that staying damp-free no longer has to involve sacrificing comfort.
A favourite of A-listers and influencers, Moon Boots have been a stylish choice since their debut in the 1960s, while brands such as affordable Oysho, Swiss Inuikii and The North Face combine fashion with functionality. Elsewhere, the likes of Columbia, Mountain Warehouse and Hunter have long been go-tos for practical and top-quality boots.
When it comes to shopping for snow boots, you need a pair with decent traction, courtesy of deep, well-placed lugs on the soles. Meanwhile, bellows-style tongues keep out snow, ice and dirt, and materials such as 3M Thinsulate help feet stay warm and dry.
It’s now easier than ever to lock in heat with the help of various hi-tech materials, so you don’t need to rely on thick insulation. However, if you’re in the market for insulated boots, I’d recommend looking for a minimum of 100g of insulation.
After putting a variety of styles to the test, my favourite women’s snow boots for winter are the Columbia snowtrot peak ODX (£145, Columbiasportswear.co.uk), but the wider IndyBest team have also tested other styles in snowy conditions, from Austria to the Dolomites.
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The best women’s snow boots for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Columbia women's snowtrot peak ODX winter boot: £145, Columbiasportswear.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Mountain Warehouse ice crystal women’s waterproof snow boots: £80, Next.co.uk
- Best stylish design – Moon Boot classic snow boots: £135, Ladetoute.co.uk
- Best for comfort – Hunter women's intrepid insulated short snow boots: £112, Hunterboots.co.uk
How we tested
Having spent several winters living in ski resorts, I’ve lost count of the snow boots I’ve splurged on over the years, which means I’ve become somewhat of an expert when it comes to knowing which features are worth their weight in gold, and which are merely gimmicks. When it came to putting women’s snow boots through their paces for this article, I considered everything from the laces to the lining. I also put each boot’s tread to the test by sliding each design across a block of ice, to see exactly how much grip and traction is offered. You can find out more about the full testing criteria at the end of this article.
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Columbia women's snowtrot peak ODX winter boot
Best: Womens' snow boots overall
Sizes: UK 3-10
Colourways: Black, white
Why we love it
- Incredibly comfortable
- Fantastic traction
Take note
- Would have loved to see more colourways
It’s not all about looks but these boots are things of beauty. Available in black or white, they feature a generous 400g of insulation and Columbia’s ‘outdry extreme’ waterproof, breathable upper, which will ensure your feet stay dry no matter how many snowdrifts you stomp through. The boots also come with the brand’s legendary Omni-Heat Infinity thermal-reflective technology – I’ve got several jackets with this tech, and it’s fantastic.
The ultra-chunky sole did a great job of keeping me stable on slippery footpaths, and the cushioned, single density foam midsole provided next-level cosiness without adding unnecessary weight. An easily grippable side zip and a pull tab on the rear meant these boots were a breeze to slip on and off, even with gloved hands. They may be a little more expensive than some other options on this list, but I think these boots are worth the splurge.
Buy now £145, Columbiasportswear.co.uk
Mountain Warehouse ice crystal women’s waterproof snow boots
Best: Budget snow boots for women
Sizes: UK 4-8
Colourways: Khaki, brown
Why we love it
- On-trend design
- Kept feet incredibly warm during testing
Take note
- Limited size range
When you’re waging war on snow, ice and slick pavements, these relatively budget-friendly boots are sturdy, weatherproof and up to the task. Complete with a furry interior, slipping on these boots felt dreamy.
I was worried I’d feel weighed down and clumsy when wearing these boots, given their thicker soles and the abundance of tech packed in (including an IsoDry waterproof membrane, a Thinsulate lining and EVA cushioning), but my fears were unfounded, as this style felt much more breathable than I’d expected, despite the fact it’s been lab tested in conditions as cold as -20C, according to the brand.
Buy now £80, Next.co.uk
DC Shoes crisis 2 hi wnt high-top winterised shoes
Best: Stylish snow boots
Sizes: UK 5-13
Colourways: Black, charcoal, tan, olive, wheat
Why we love it
- Bags of street style
Take note
- Technically designed for men
Full disclosure: these are technically men’s boots, but as a lifelong (female) DC fan who has always worn the brand’s men’s shoes and boots (if only for their wider fit), I think this style is absolutely worthy of a spot on this list.
The grip on the boots’ recessed-tread soles was far superior to many other popular snow boots, and the generous amount of fleece lining was an absolute joy. While this low-rise style might not be as tough as some others, I’m seriously impressed by DC’s ability to create a sturdy, water-resistant shoe that is still lightweight and good-looking.
Buy now £80, Dcshoes.co.uk
The North Face women’s thermoball traction winter booties
Best: Low-rise snow boots for women
Sizes: UK 3-9
Colourways: Black, white, mushroom
Why we love it
- Incredibly comfortable
- Sizing is spot on
Take note
- Would have loved to see larger range of sizes
Thes boots are incredibly comfortable and come packed with technical features, ranging from a recycled PET ripstop upper and PFC-free durable water-repellent design to the brand’s brilliant Thermoball insulation.
The tread provided brilliant grip on slick surfaces, and I was impressed by how quickly the booties dried after I was caught in an unexpected rain shower. While I found the sizing of this style to be spot on, I would love to see a larger range of sizes.
Buy now £70, Jdsports.co.uk
Fitflop neo-D-hyker waterproof zip-front padded sub-zero walking boots
Best: Technical snow boots for women
Sizes: UK 3-9
Colourways: Brown, black, grey, olive
Why we love it
- Like a hug for your feet
Take note
- Would have loved to see more half sizes
Another pair of snow boots packed with tech, this style ensured I stayed warm, thanks to 400g of 3M Thinsulate insulation and mesh-lined fleece. The boots were a breeze to slip on and off, while FitFlop’s carbon-plate neodynamic midsole ramped up the comfort without adding weight.
These boots are also incredibly practical – the designers have clearly taken the time to think about aspects that make the wearer’s life easier, with the tactile, oversized zipper being a case in point. Bonus points for the reflective TPU strip on the heel, too.
Buy now £109, Fitflop.com
Moon Boots classic
Best: Stylish snow boots
Sizes: EU 33-50
Colourways: 12
Why we love it
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Stylish
Take note
- Expensive
Designed by Giancarlo Zanatta in 1969, the original Moon Boot was inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing – and quickly became a staple of apres ski style in the Seventies and Eighties. The original design remains mostly unchanged, characterised by its distinctive, bulky, rounded, laced and colourful look. Thanks to TikTok and A-lister approval from the likes of Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber, the Moon Boot is having another revival. But are the shoes worth it?
At £135, they’re definitely pricey – but the quality and style they offer is unrivalled. I wore mine non-stop on my ski trip, from boot room visits and walks into town, to dinner and breakfast. The shoes are constructed with water-repellent nylon to keep feet dry and are designed to fit both your left and right feet (try and be consistent, as the foam soon moulds to each foot). Super lightweight and comfortable, they boasted a surprising level of support during a long walk in the snow, too.
– Tested by Daisy Lester
Buy now £135, Laredoute.co.uk
Hunter women's intrepid insulated short snow boots
Best: Women's snow boots for comfort
Sizes: 3-9
Colourways: White, black
Why we love it
- Great arch support
Take note
- No half sizes
Another pair of fabulously comfortable snow boots, Hunter’s style is a dream to wear. The ergonomic fit did a great job of keeping my feet warm without impeding movement, and the extra-large toggle, with its generous length of elastic, made it a breeze to tighten the fit (while wearing gloves) during a particularly chilly walk.
I was also pleased to see the rubber outer curls up over the toecap, as well as extra reinforcement in the areas – such as the heel – most prone to wear and tear. Dampness, do your worst.
Buy now £112, Hunterboots.co.uk
Inuikii mountain boot, red
Best: Retro snow boots
Sizes: EU 35-42
Colourways: Five
Why we love it
- Retro look
- Comfortable
- Durable
After the chalet I stayed at got caught in non-stop snowfall, I felt as though I’d made the right decision in giving these boots a try. I ended up wearing them in all of my outdoor, in-between-skiing moments and was grateful for them every step of the way (pun intended).
From the drawstring to the inner lining to the chunky laces, everything felt well thought out. The soles even had enough traction to make me feel confident speed-walking through the slushy town centre when I was running late to meet the rest of the group for our pick-up after a shopping day out.
– Tested by Niki Cottrell
Buy now £120, Inuikii.com
Fairfax and Favor Aspen ski boots
Best: Premium women's snow boots
Sizes: 3-9
Colourways: Tan, navy
Why we love it
- Ultra-stylish
- Great coverage
Take note
- High price tag
These are the kind of snow boots worthy of donning for catwalks through a Verbier chalet or table-dancing sessions at your favourite apres-ski bar. Yes, they’re expensive but there’s style as well as substance here – I was pleasantly surprised by the reassuring grippiness of the sole.
The wider placement of the D-ring eyelets meant I could quickly tighten the boots in all the right places, without the risk of pinching, and the pull tab at the rear meant this style was incredibly easy to slip on and off. My favourite thing, however, was the incredibly soft shearling lining.
Buy now £185, Fairfaxandfavor.com
Columbia women's snowtrot unwind mules
Best: Women's snow boots for grip
Sizes: UK 3-10
Colourways: Black, stone
Why we love it
- Great range of sizes, including half sizes
Take note
- Less coverage than some other styles
Featuring a super-thick sole, which does a brilliant job of elevating the wearer away from dirt, grime and ice, these ‘mules’ are ideal if you’re looking for a low-rise option. The star of the show is something called a Techlite midsole, which ramps up the comfort and support without adding extra weight.
The quilted upper, which has the perfect amount of insulation, looks gorgeous, and the brand’s Omni-Heat reflective lining did a top-notch job of locking in heat – as did the sturdy toggle on the front of the shoe.
Buy now £70, Amazon.co.uk
Peter Storm women's eyam waterproof snow boots
Best: Women's snow boots for durability
Sizes: UK 4-7
Colourways: Black
Why we love it
- Supportive
- Grippy tread
Take note
- Another small range of sizes
If you’re looking for affordable boots that will keep you warm, dry and stylish, look no further than this pair from Peter Storm. The style features ultra-soft faux fur lining; StormShield technology for unbeatable waterproofing; and manmade, easy-care PU.
I was seriously impressed with the waterproofing and by how easy it was to give the boots a spruce-up without marking the fabric. Additional reinforcement at the toes and heels provided extra reassurance during a trek along rocky, puddle-strewn roads, and although I was concerned the thicker sole might be cumbersome, my fears were unfounded.
Buy now £70, Gooutdoors.co.uk
Damart thermolactyl boots
Best: Tall snow boots for women
Sizes: UK 3-7
Colourways: Black
Why we love it
- Antibacterial treatment
Take note
- Small range of sizes
These boots may not be packed to the rafters with technical features, but they’re incredibly comfortable, stylish and warm (thanks to heat-trapping Thermolactyl fibres). The boots also feature an antibacterial finish to keep feet pong-free.
Despite the small range of sizes, I found the fit (I’m a UK size seven) spot on, with just the right amount of room and support.
Buy now £69, Damart.co.uk
What are the best women’s snow boots?
The top spot goes to Columbia's women's snowtrot peak ODX winter boot on account of the ergonomic design, generous use of insulation and great traction provided by the sole – despite the fact it was by no means one of the chunkiest. Oh, and they look great, too. If you’re looking to spend less, the Mountain Warehouse ice crystal women’s waterproof snow boots and Damart thermolactyl boots performed well, too.
How we tested women’s snow boots
During the testing process, we considered the following criteria.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As The Independent’s reviews section, IndyBest has a team of testers that examine a range of products in an unbiased process to find the very best. IndyBest experts assess whether or not these products actually live up to their marketing.
Tamara Hinson is a journalist who has tried and tested a large variety of products for IndyBest. As a former snowboard instructor and someone who’s worked several seasons as a chalet girl (and who still spends a decent chunk of time in the mountains each winter), Tamara knows exactly what to look for when it comes to finding the best snow boots.
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