Before this winter, I hadn't owned a pair of snow boots for years. I didn't think I really needed them - even though I keep ruining suede trainers by wearing them in the rain...
It was the Sorel Torino boots that really changed my mind, and you'll read a lot more about them in this article, alongside the other top contenders for best snow boots, as reviewed by the fashion team here at woman&home.
But seriously, how did I ever live without them? Let's face it, we've had our fair share of cold weather over these last few months, from actual snow to countless days of freezing cold rain. Because it snows so little here, it's easy to overlook what to wear in the snow, and think that snow boots aren't for you. But really, they're just well-insulated, waterproof boots that work wonders in winter weather. And we all need at least one pair of those! Trust me, your most comfortable trainers will still be there in spring. Of course, if you are lucky enough to be heading off on a skiing holiday, you'll also love the boots on this list.
Best snow boots: our top 3
These are the boots that changed my mind about snow boots. I honestly think I've worn them every day since I got them, and in all those thousands of steps (I have a very active Cocker Spaniel and sometimes 10,000 steps just isn't enough!), I've always found them to be comfortable and perfectly practical. Kate Middleton has an older version of these beauties, and in classic black they work with everything from leggings to barrel leg jeans. If you're a snow boots newbie, I'd start here.
These have all the technology we've come to know and love from FitFlop - they're ergonomically engineered to work with your body's alignment, the pressure-diffusing Microwobbleboard midsole offers superior cushioning, and they offer natural arch support. The grip is most suited to country paths and light trails. If you're looking for support and comfort on long walks, these on-trend shearling boots are for you.
The ultimate in stylish après ski attire, these nylon boots will look just as good back home too, as our reviewer Antonia discovered. They are super lightweight, and the foam padding is great for wide calves. They're available in a rainbow of colours, and they're 100% water-repellent.
Best snow boots for women: tried and tested
Best overall
When it comes to the best snow boots, Sorel is quite simply in a league of its own. The Princess of Wales, Meghan Markle, Scarlett Johansson, Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes are all big fans of their hardy styles, and I confess I fell instantly for the Torino Waterproof boots.
I've never been skiing, so I was dubious that I actually really needed snow boots. But these trusty black boots have become my everyday go-to for dog walks and running errands. The fleecy lining is so cosy, and thus far, no mud, snow or rain has been any kind of obstacle for the deep tread. I think I've worn them every day since I got them.
There are several versions of the Torino boots available, but these are the ones I can personally recommend. Bonus: they're often reduced from the RRP of £150 on Amazon. Known as duck boots, they have a practical, rubber lower shell and a suede upper to make sure your feet are warm and dry.
They're easy to put on, easy to clean, and easy to love. Well worth the price if you ask me.
Best for walking
woman&home's Fashion Writer Molly Smith tested these boots, and she said the cloud soft shearling lining was good enough for her to ditch her trusty UGGs.
Molly lives in the countryside, where daily dog walks in the wintry weather are not for the faint-hearted. She said she could feel the triple-density cushioning from the first step, and they felt supportive and comfortable straight away.
She liked that these boots felt style-led rather than solely practical, which isn't always the case with the best snow boots. Molly suggests they would work for coffee dates with friends or running errands just as well as they do for cold dog walks, and she also loved the criss-cross lace design, which channels the snowboot styles of the 1970s.
The leather panels are easily wipeable, and the soles can easily be eashed too, but Molly recommends a shoe protection spray like this one for the shearling, especially if you're walking in mud.
Best tall boots
Freelance Fashion Editor Antonia Kraskowski says: "For treacherously icy days, there's nothing quite like a good pair of snow boots to keep you upright, and Moon Boot's Icon design offers excellent grip without compromising on style."
Antonia says one of the first factors to consider with Moon Boots is sizing. The brand has its own system that encompasses size ranges rather than individual fits (eg, UK 3-5, 6-8). She took her usual size and found that whilst the wide-fitting foodbed takes some getting used to, she quickly adjusted to the bouncy feeling. She notes that there is no definitive left and right boot as both share the same shape, meaning there’s no cut in at the arch of the foot, which can feel strange.
Antonia describes the padding as a "cosy cocoon" for your feet and legs that keeps you incredibly warm in whatever weather you might be facing. She also points out the grip on the soles is impressive. She says: "Walking on a particularly icy morning, I find that my Moon Boots offer more anchoring than my favourite UGG boots."
The wider silhouette of the boots is flattering, creating the illusion of a slimmer calf. The foam body of the boot means that there is some flexibility for those with wider calves, plus the nylon shell is easy to clean.
Best of the rest
woman&home's Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum has been testing out these boots, and says: "The North Face is known for its cold weather clothing, and these boots will not disappoint. Cosy, with super strong soles, I can tell that the grip is solid, and the drawstring closure makes them easy to slip on and off. While I still prefer a longer boot for all day wear or bigger, wetter, colder journeys, I have found that these have been ideal for slipping on to nip to the shops, head out on the nursery run or quick errands. The drawstring does make them easy to fit, but they do offer lower ankle support as it isn't a full boot shaft. However, in slippery weather, those soles are definitely going to help me stay upright."
At £270, these are the priciest snow boots on our list, but you do get three for the price of one. Allow me to explain. You can wear these with the boots extended to full height, or slouched down, and folded over. There's an interior bootie lined with the sheepskin-like UGGplush, as you'd expect from this iconic brand. The MetroPeak boot is rated to -32ºC, and they are made for heavy snow and rain. One reviewer wrote: "I take my dog out for walks in all kinds of weather, rain, snow, frost, you name it. My feet are finally warm and dry, and I get a good grip when it's muddy and wet!"
Sustainability is something that we're thinking about when buying clothes, and these unisex boots from Allbirds are made from a mix of responsibly-sourced Merino wool and a sugarcane-based sole. These feel like somewhere in between Chelsea boots and trainers, with a grippy sole and water repellent finish. One customer wrote: "These boots are incredibly comfy. I have to be so careful with my footwear as I have arthritis in a big toe joint, but these boots are perfect to walk in, I feel no pain at all. They also look good, and the waterproofing has come into its own with all the recent wet weather."
How we tested the best snow boots
We're in the process of testing six pairs of boots for this piece, all of which have come highly recommended. I asked our experienced fashion team for styles they've genuinely relied on for years, too.
We didn't take to the snowy slopes in these boots; rather, we tested them for everyday use in the cold, wet and snowy weather we've had in the UK over the last few months.
We considered the comfort and support, style and how easy they are to clean, as well as things like the size range, fabrics used and colours available when coming to a verdict on each boot.
How to choose the best snow boots
When shopping for the best snow boots, there are some key elements to think about and look out for:
- Support: consider how far you might be walking in your boots. Are these for hiking or to avoid slipping on ice when popping out to the shops? I find the Sorel boots to be incredibly comfortable, regardless of the number of steps I take in a day, but FitFlop is known for designing footwear that offers all-day support, pressure diffusion and arch support. They're a popular choice with people who suffer from plantar fasciitis or arthritis.
- Waterproofing: Not all snow boots are 100% waterproof. The shearling boots on our list wouldn't be the best in torrential rain, for example, so think about the conditions you'll be facing.
- Sizing: When trying on snow boots, remember that you'll probably want to wear them with some thick socks. You might think about going half a size or even a full size larger.
- Fastenings: Some snow boots have complicated lace-up detailing to keep them secure, whereas others you can easily slip on and slip off. If you want a pair to keep by the front door for quick dashes outside, The North Face booties get our vote.
- Height: Taller boots will be better than ankle boots for deep snow. If you're going skiing, the Moon Boots might be the ones for you.
- Traction: Deeper cleated soles will have more grip when walking on snow and ice.
- Lining: Toasty fleecy linings like those of the UGG and Sorel boots will provide extra warmth for your toes if you're going to be in really cold temperatures.
- Style: Although this might not be the top priority for something as practical as snow boots, you also want to feel good and look good in your boots.
FAQs
Can snow boots be used in rain?
Absolutely! As long as the boots are waterproof, the best snow boots are a great choice for slippery, wet surfaces. Remember to use a suede protector on suede styles, and consider the fact that snow boots are made for cold weather, not warmer rainy weather.
Are wellington boots good for snow?
The best wellies tend to have minimal or no insulation compared to snow boots, and some rain boots may offer less traction on slippery surfaces. The brand Merry People has a great explainer as to the difference between rain boots vs snow boots if you want to know more.
