I Tried 26 Pairs of Winter Boots: These Are The Best

Gang! I have been doing some serious winter prep in glorious anticipation of…snow. I’m such a cold-weather girl – give me all the skiing and sledding and winter hiking and hot chocolate…I honestly look forward to this season all year long!

That said, the right gear matters—it’s the difference between loving every second outside and counting down the minutes until you can escape the cold. I cannot handle being cold, so bundling up is non-negotiable. And when it comes to winter boots?

I don’t mess.

Hi! We’ve updated our research & try-ons for 2025. Read our latest post, I Tried On 28 Pairs Of Winter Boots – These Are The Best here.

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On that note, I ordered twenty-six freaking pairs of winter boots from Sorel, UGG, The North Face, Pajar, and Hunter, hoping to find the one. Instead, I found 8 pairs with impressive performance, yet are cute enough to get excited about (or gift, perhaps?).

Top 8 Winter Boots (And The Jackets To Wear With Them)

I wear winter boots so freaking often that my requirements sometimes change with the activity. Which means that some of these boots are waterproof, some are not. Some you can just slip on, others have to be tied. But what all of these boots do have in common is that they’re warm, cozy, and look cute with jeans (they’ll work with snow pants, too).

My Favorite Boots + Jacket Combo

jacket (s) | jeans (27) or similar | boots – or similar

As I discussed in My Winter Capsule article, the biggest hurdle for me, when trying to pull together an easy winter uniform, is figuring out which boots will look good with my existing winter jackets. So. To try and help make your choice easier, I’m showing each of the featured boots with a few winter jackets I thought looked “best”.

Are they the only jackets that will work with these boots? Nah. But seeing these boots paired with different jackets will hopefully give you guys some idea of the boots’ styling range, so you can see which might integrate best into your own closet.

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1. Sorel ONA Ave Alpine Waterproof Boot

Where To Buy: Sorel | Nordstrom | Zappos

• WATERPROOF: Yes
• INSULATION: 100g (rated to -4F)
• INTERIOR: Fleece, all around the foot, plus faux-fur around collar
• OUTSOLE: Molded EVERTREAD™ rubber
• FIT: Runs 1/2 size small
• PRICE: $150

Best for light winter activities (walking, light hiking) in moderate cold, Sorel’s ONA Ave Alpine Waterproof boots are THE softest, coziest winter boots I’ve ever tried. They’re so soft – the fleece is lined completely throughout, it literally goes all around the foot – that one *could* wear them without socks. They’re cushy under foot and easy to walk in. They’re also not too heavy! These boots almost feel more like a substantial sneaker than a winter boot.

My only hesitation? The side panels have the look of ivory suede. Yet Sorel describes this material as ‘waterproof’, and I have my fingers crossed that they’re easier to clean. I wore these boots in Calgary over Thanksgiving break – think: tons of snow, ice, and bitter, bitter cold – and they were great. Super warm, good traction, and really, really cute.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Blue (s) | Teal Velvet (s) 40% off – also in black | Ice Blue (s) – 30% off

In general, because these boots are so light and pretty, I especially like how they look with lighter jackets. Ivory or white would be an easy win, but I’m really into these various shades of blue. There’s some sort of…oh gosh, frosty elegance to this whole thing.

But note! The mix of textures on these boots does give them some heft – enough heft to pair nicely with even a luxe velvet puffer, done in deep teal. (And they can be worn with the ubiquitous black jacket – black goes with everything.)

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2. Sorel ONA Ave Alpine Waterproof Boot – LUXE

Where To Buy: Sorel | Nordstrom | Zappos

• WATERPROOF: Yes
• INSULATION: 100g (rated to -4F)
• INTERIOR: super soft fleece, all around the foot, including on the toungue
• OUTSOLE: Molded EVERTREAD™ rubber
• FIT: Runs 1/2 size small
• PRICE: $160

These are the *exact* same boot as the Sorel ONA Ave Alpine Boots (mentioned above), but this pair is made with croc-embossed leather (still fully waterproof, tho). They’re just as soft and cushy as the regular pair (the interior is fully lined in fleece), but they *are* missing the faux-fur collar. So. When wearing these boots without socks, I did find that the top of the boot rubs my skin a little bit…but seriously: I would never actually wear winter boots without socks.

Otherwise, these boots are identical to my favorite pair. And, in fact, if you wear a ton of black, these boots might even be a better choice.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Blue (s) | Teal Velvet (s) 40% off – also in black | Ice Blue (s) – 30% off

I like the same set of jackets with this pair, too – frosty elegance and all that. But note: the black soles and black metallic laces has a grounding effect that the all-white boots lack. If you tend to wear mostly black jackets, and/or plan on carrying a black leather bag, this pair might be the better choice.

You can see what I’m talking about when comparing the two boots + black jackets:

Featured Jacket: Black (s) – more sizes here

Black jackets will work with ALL of the boots in this article (I stand by black jackets + winter boots no matter what), BUT…the black soles of the ONA Luxe boots definitely looks better balanced.

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3. UGG Adirondack Meridian Boots

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | UGG

• WATERPROOF: Yes
• INSULATION: rated to -32C
• INTERIOR: Completely lined, all around foot and ankle (except for lower tongue) in 10mm curly UGGplush™. It’s a blend of 60% upcycled wool, 40% TENCEL™ Lyocell that feels like shearling, but thinner.
• OUTSOLE: Vibram® Traction Lug technology
• FIT: Go up 1/2 size
• PRICE: $350

I’ve been stalking these boots for over a year now (they sold out so quickly last year) because if you need seriously waterproof boots for serious cold…these are wildly good. Not nearly as heavy as you’d expect, these boots are basically indestructible, and have amazing traction on ice. I’ve owned UGG’s original Adirondack boots in the past, and they’re some of the warmest boots I’ve ever worn. This newer version is built for walking on ice, so they have a much better sole, and allow for more ankle flection while walking. Besides, they’re CUTE, too. And even mud and dirt will wash right off.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Blue (s) | Red (s) – 30% off | Teal Velvet (s) 40% off – also in black

Because these boots have such a thick sole and so much black to ground them, they will look great with some of the brighter, more heavily textured jackets. But the white also means that the lighter jackets are still in play, too. (And again, black jackets will always work.)

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4. UGG Shasta Gore-Tex Waterproof Boot

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | UGG

• WATERPROOF: Yes
• INSULATION: rated to -32C
• INTERIOR: Completely lined everywhere inside with that faux-shearling UGGPlush, but this lining is 17mm worth and feels much thicker and softer. There’s also an internal drawstring to keep out snow
• OUTSOLE: Vibram Arctic Grip Technology
• FIT: Unisex, mens’ sizing – runs 1/2 size big
• PRICE: $450

Out of the entire bunch, these boots are the warmest, with the best traction – period. These boots are NOT messing around. They are so ridiculously soft inside, and wildly comfortable to wear. They’re also just…really freaking cool on, too.

I also appreciate the inner drawcord, although I have to REALLY pull it tight in order to get it tight enough on my legs to keep out snow.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Yellow (s) – 30% off | Red (s) – 30% off | Black (s) – more sizes here

Tan boots never look that good with my cool-toned blues or pastel jackets, but with blacks, brights, or anything warmer-toned, these boots work great. The one exception is that pastel yellow jacket – for some reason, this shade of tan works!

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5. UGG Breken Lace-Up Boots

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | UGG

• WATERPROOF: Yes
• INSULATION: rated to -32C
• INTERIOR: Faux-shearling (UGGPlush) underfoot and on the back of upper tongue, then something that feels like fleece around top and sides of foot. Around the ankle, however, it just feels like a regular boot (not uncomfortable, just not fleece-y).
• OUTSOLE: Vibram ® outsole with ICETREK rubber compound
• FIT: TTS
• PRICE: $220

Now THIS lil’ cutie is such a charming boot. I adore the cheery laces and round toe detail. I’ve worn similar pairs from UGG in -20F, and were shocked at how warm they are – don’t let the cute looks fool you – this is still a really technical (and waterproof) boot. Not too heavy, and easy to walk in, too. In fact, this boot has some of the comfiest, squishiest cushion underfoot.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Red (s) – 30% off | Wool Scarf Coat (s) | Yellow (s) – 30% off

Because this boot has some ski-lodge nostalgia going for it, it’s one of the few boots I actually liked with a wool coat. And I LOVE that this tan is a slightly cooler-toned tan than most (as well as a cool-toned brown contrast) – makes it so much more versatile.

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6. Sorel ONA Ave Trek Boots

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Zappos | Sorel

• WATERPROOF: Yes
• INSULATION: Warmer than sneakers, but not as warm as other boots on this list
• INTERIOR: Completely fleece-lined, all around foot and ankle, faux-fur at collar
• OUTSOLE: Molded EVERTREAD™ rubber
• FIT: TTS
• PRICE: $140

If you can’t tell, I kinda hate big black snowboots. They just scream so utilitarian and boring. That said, we’re in Vermont all winter, and once the snow starts to melt…it’s mud season. So a black boot that’s also interesting is a useful item, indeed!

These fit and feel more like winter sneakers than snow boots. Are these the boots I’d reach for in -32C? No. But there’s no doubt they’d be perfect for most of the winter (especially running errands, walking the dog, etc), and I love how secure these feel on my feet.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Black (s) – more sizes here | Ice Blue (s) – 30% off | Blue (s)

The color combo on these boots is pretty genius – the hint of tan means that they’ll pair nicely with warm tones, but the ice blue laces and white soles keep them balanced, even if you’re wearing something light on top.

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7. Pajar Galaxy Boots

Where To Buy: Free People | Zappos

• WATERPROOF: Yes
• INSULATION: 400G, rated to -30C
• INTERIOR: Lined in wooly faux-fur above and on side of foot, bottoms are just regular boot bottoms
• OUTSOLE: Toboggan thermal rubber sole
• FIT: TTS, but whole sizes only – round up if 1/2 size
• PRICE: $200

I tried on many pairs of similar boots (Sorel Impacts, Hunter Sport Snow Boots, and The North Face, just to name a few) and these were my favorites, by far. They’re cute, warm, and comfortable. They’re surprisingly good for walking around, and while these types of boots typically run narrow, these aren’t tragically so.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Teal Velvet (s) 40% off – also in black | Wool Scarf Coat (s) | Yellow (s) – 30% off

The rich ‘midnight plum’ color is wildly versatile, especially since there’s a little hint of sheen. It goes with all of the usual suspects, but even works with luxe velvet coats, wool coats, and unexpected colors (like that pastel yellow).

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8. UGG Classic Alpine Boots

Where To Buy: UGG | Zappos | Anthropologie

• WATERPROOF: No
• INSULATION: Similar to UGG boots
• INTERIOR: Completely lined in faux-shearling (17mm UGGPlush), 360 around foot. Suuuper thick, cozy, and soft. The Ankle is lined in actual shearling.
• OUTSOLE: Regular UGG boot bottom
• FIT: TTS
• PRICE: $190

These are a wintery twist on classic UGG boots. Slipping your foot into these boots is heavenly – just like slipping on a pair of UGGs. They’re cute, warm, and easy to walk in.

Best Jackets For Da Boots

Featured Jackets: Yellow (s) – 30% off | Wool Scarf Coat (s) | Black (s) – more sizes here

If you love a vintagey, swiss alps look, these boots are also available in chestnut with red laces – so good. I, however, wanted to see if this ‘hickory’ color was cool enough to work with my beloved pastels (especially blue). Turns out…not quite. But the pale yellow laces do provide some cool jacket pairings, and I did love these with wool coats, too.

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That’s it! Hope this helps narrow down your search. and, as always, if I missed on that you LOVE, let me know in the comments. Sharing is caring where cold weather is concerned.

xo,

S