I Tried On 28 Pairs Of Winter Boots – These Are The Best

Hi, it’s me, your friendly neighborhood Snow Queen. 😉 I’m such a winter girl – give me all of the skiing and the sledding and the snowshoeing and the hot chocolate and omg can we just cozy up by a fire already???!!! There’s nothing better than the cold and the snow. Says me.

Truthfully, it’s easy to be a cold-weather girl if you’ve got the right gear – it’s the difference between head-clearing, crisp winter walks under a blue sky and pine trees dusted in white…or one miserably shivering, shoulders hunched, face tucked into your coat. And when it comes to winter boots in particular? Warm, waterproof, winter boots?

I get…very serious.

How I Tested (Weather, Warmth, Traction, Fit)

After trying on more than two dozen pairs of winter boots for women from brands like Sorel, UGG, The North Face, Pajar, Hunter, Inuikii, Merrell, Laidback London and Mou (and, yes, clomping around my house for days in each), these are the boots I can wholeheartedly recommend. I’ve included technical specs for every pair – waterproofing, insulation, fit – plus a quick summary of which scenario (city walking, snowshoeing, winter dog walking, etc) I think each boot is best suited.

The 8 Best Winter Boots of 2026

I wear winter boots so freaking often that my requirements sometimes change with the activity. Which means that most of these boots are waterproof, but some are not. Some of these boots will be great in deep snowdrifts, others are best on slick city streets. Some boots 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 (and they’ll work with snow pants, too).

My Favorite Winter Boots + Jacket Combo

jacket similar in plaid (s) | jeans (similar) (27) | boots | boots (luxe version) | ring

Sometimes the biggest sticking point for me, when trying to pull together an easy winter uniform, is figuring out which boots look good with my existing winter jackets. I don’t want to buy a winter boot only to find that the colors and/or style look ‘off’ with the winter coats I love to wear.

So. To try and help make your choice of boots easier, I’m showing each of the featured boots with a few winter jackets in various colors and styles. Hopefully this helps make your decisions easier!

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1. SOREL ONA Ave™ Alpine Waterproof Boot

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Zappos (different color) | Dick’s Sporting Goods | Sorel | Sorel (luxe version)

WATERPROOF: Yes (upper waterproof materials), except laces + zippers
INSULATION: 100g  (rated to -4F)
INTERIOR: Fleece lining + faux-fur trimmed collar
OUTSOLE: Molded EVERTREAD™ rubber
FIT: Runs small
PRICE: $150

Best all-around winter boot: Perfect for city strolls, but warm enough for actual cold-weather activities.

These boots won the top spot in last year’s Winter Boot Guide, and so I was thrilled Sorel not only brought them back, but expanded the color selection. These are, once again, my favorites. Best for walking around snowy sidewalks (rather than tromping through the backwoods), Sorel’s ONA Ave Alpine Waterproof boots are THE softest, coziest winter boots. The inside is completely lined in fleece throughout – it literally goes all around the foot – I *have* stuck my barefoot in them to quickly take out the dog. They’re cushy under foot, easy to walk in, and not too heavy. They feel more like a substantial sneaker than a winter boot.

These are also really, really cute winter boots. I wore them last February on a little trip to Montreal (think: absolutely freezing, completely snow-covered sidewalks) and they looked so cute with all of my jeans & coats. If you are looking for a REAL winter boot that can still be worn in a city environment…these are hard to beat.

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid) | Wine Halfdays Puffer (s) | Quince Jacket (s)

Because this boot is so light and pretty, I tend to wear it with jackets and coats in lighter colors. That said…don’t count out colorful coats. The boot’s cute gingham laces are just enough to balance those deeper shades, and these boots are chic enough to pair with wool coats as well, which is rare – most winter boots do NOT.

If tend to prefer darker colors, these winter boots also come in a black-and-white colorway that’ seriously cute, too.

Featured Jackets: Black Halfdays Puffer (s) | Wine Halfdays Puffer (s) | Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid)

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2. Laidback London Setsu Platform Floral-Stitched Boots

Where To Buy: Free People (exact pair) | Nordstrom (similar, but without platform or floral)

WATERPROOF: Not waterproof — soft goat suede upper (treat with protectant)
INSULATION: Fully lined with shearling + shearling insole
INTERIOR: Shearling lining and insole
OUTSOLE: Lightweight rubber with tread (~1.4″ heel)
FIT: True to size (EU sizing)
PRICE: $278

Most stylish winter boot – Great for walking around the city, but a truly warm boot.

While this winter boot may not have, say, full mountaineering performance…I sometimes just need something warm and cute. What this boot DOES have, however, is an incredibly warm shearling lining – we’re talking a cozier fluff than today’s UGGs – above, below and allllllll around the foot and ankle, plus decent traction. These handmade boots read more fashion boot than winter boot, but are so warm that they’re a pretty decent hybrid of both. Easy to walk in, and comes in a few cute colors. I am 100% keeping this one.

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid)| Blue Halfdays Puffer (s)

For the coats that “work”, I’m mostly playing around with color (above). These boots are so warm-toned and my wardrobe is mostly cool-toned, but I think these looks are good enough – I’d happily wear any of these. I’m sticking with sportier puffer coats, but fancier wool coats will also work with these boots. Here’s an example (I don’t love the dark gray coat with these boots – the color overwhelms the tan – but the styles in general are solid):

Featured Coats: Quince Jacket (s) | Gray Coat (similar)

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3. UGG® MetroPeak Waterproof Insulated Boot

Where To Buy: Nordstrom Rack

WATERPROOF: Yes — water-repellent leather upper + GORE-TEX membrane
INSULATION: Rated to -25 °F (-32 °C) with 3M™ Thinsulate™
INTERIOR: Recycled textile lining + 10 mm UGGplush™ sockliner
OUTSOLE: Vibram® ICETREK rubber with Traction Lug technology
FIT: True to size
PRICE: $280

This boot is perfect for serious winter weather adventures.

Now, for serious mountaineering performance…UGG’s Metropeak Boot is my top choice. This boot is freaking amazing. There’s a liner inside the boot that’s pretty plush – it feels a little like sherpa, even though it’s a wool & tencel blend – and this is another pair of boots comfortable enough to wear without socks. Some reviewers complained that the liner bunches up when they put their foot in the boot, but if you untie the laces, it’s easy to grab the back of the liner to slip your foot in.

These boots are flexible and much lighter than they look, making them great for snowshoeing or tromping around in the snow, but they’re warm enough for standing around in the freezing cold.

I’m really impressed with the thoughtful design of these boots, too. They can be worn slouched down, or high and cinched to keep the snow out. The laces wrap around the boot, but UGG designed some clips on the back to prevent the laces from just slipping down the boot and becoming loose.

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Wine Halfdays Puffer (s) | Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid) | Blue Halfdays Puffer (s)

While these boots also come in tan and black, this icy blue is my hands-down favorite. And I love these boots with all of my usual winter colors: gray, navy (the blue-on-blue is SO good) and even merlot!! Obvi these boots will look good with a black coat – I didn’t even need to show that one. 🙂

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4. UGG® Adirondack XXV Boot

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Bloomingdale’s (in chocolate brown) | Macy’s | UGG

WATERPROOF: Yes — waterproof full-grain leather + suede upper with seam-sealed construction
INSULATION: 3M™ Xerogel Insulation, DryTech™ Technology; rated to -25 °F (-32 °C)
INTERIOR: 17 mm UGGplush™ wool blend lining + insole
OUTSOLE: Vibram® outsole with ICETREK rubber compound
FIT: True to size; cuffable shaft
PRICE: $250

This boot is perfect for all-day wear in true winter weather.

These have been one of my longtime favorite winter boots, simply because they perform. Lined in fluffy UGGplush wool blend lining, I appreciate how these can be worn cuffed (as shown), or uncuffed if you need the boots to come higher up on your leg. The interior is COMPLETELY lined, and – yup – you can easily wear these without socks. Great for winter walks in the cold, snowshoeing, sledding or just walking around. These boots are as warm as UGG’s Metropeak, but with a more classic, LL Bean-esque vibe. (And I LOVE the new red laces.)

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid) | Black Mid Puffer (similar) (m) | Black Halfdays Puffer (s)

Because these boot already have such a strong, preppy, outdoorsy-girl vibe (think: LL Bean, Ralph Lauren) I really only like these boots with coordinating neutrals – black, ivory, tan, or red. (I just gave my mom my old little red puffer, otherwise I would’ve shown you how cute it looks with these boots – similar one, here.)

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5. SOREL Out N About IV Chillz Waterproof Duck Boot

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Zappos

WATERPROOF: Yes — leather upper with waterproof vulcanized rubber shell; Laces not waterproof
INSULATION: 100g
INTERIOR: Faux-shearling and micro-fleece lining
OUTSOLE: Molded PU midsole + EVERTREAD™ rubber outsole
FIT: True to size
PRICE: $140

This boot is perfect for a city commuter who needs something that can handle slush, rain, and snow-covered sidewalks.

These boots are basically Sorel’s Out & About rainboots, but with added winter insulation and a faux-shearling lining around the ankle. There’s something really cheerful about these boots (and they seem to make my feet look really small, if you care about that). These won’t be the warmest winter boot you’ll ever own, but they’re warm enough, waterproof, easy to walk in, and pretty darn cute.

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid) | Wine Halfdays Puffer (s) | similar red puffer

The tan of these boots veers orange, yet I really do love them with the gray coat (do with that what you will!). My favorite coat pairing, however, is the bright red. BUT: I hate that particular red coat – I’m literally just using it to show the color pairing. It has such a strange fit and I do not recommend. I keep looking for a cute red puffer in a good, not-shiny red, and I’m down to this one (if you care, haha – back to boots!!).

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6. Pajar Galaxy Waterproof Platform Boots

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Zappos | Free People (in gray)

WATERPROOF: Yes — seam-sealed nylon upper + vegan nubuck mudguard
INSULATION: Comfort rated to -22 °F (-30 °C)
INTERIOR: faux shearling-lined; Wool-blend lamination
OUTSOLE: Thermal rubber traction lug sole with 2″/5 cm platform
FIT: Runs small; size up
PRICE: $200

This boot is perfect for sneaker-lovers who need something warmer than a sneaker.

These Pajar Galaxy boots are lightweight and sneaker-like – I feel like I could literally run a mile in them. They have a bit of a platform lift, which is great if your ski pants run a lil long. 🙂 I’ve tried on a bunch of similar styles (Sorel Whitney, The North Face) and these are my favorites.

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Wine Halfdays Puffer (s) | Ivory Puffer (similar, in plaid) | Blue Halfdays Puffer (s)

While these light-colored boots will go with basically anything, I especially loved matching the puffer colors to the flecks of color in the laces. There’s some seriously cute winter outfit possibilities here.

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7. SOREL Kinetic Impact Conquest Plus Waterproof Sneaker Boot

Where To Buy: Nordstrom | Amazon | Zappos (similar)

WATERPROOF: Yes — waterproof suede upper with rubber rand
INSULATION: 100g
INTERIOR: Microfleece lining on removable EVA footbed
OUTSOLE: Molded EVERTREAD™ dual-rubber outsole
FIT: True to size
PRICE: $175

This boot is perfect for winter hikes and dog walking.

When I walk the dog by the river all winter…I’m usually wearing these boots. Sorel first came out with these boots 5-6 years ago, and have been making small changes ever since. If you bought them during the years they were one of Oprah’s Favorite Things (haha no but seriously) the new ones are MUCH improved. The current version has seriously good treads, performs better on ice than previous versions, and aren’t as narrow through the footbed, either. These boots feel like wearing lightweight, comfortable hiking boots…but warm ones.

Last year’s color selections were pretty boring – I didn’t bother including them in last year’s winter boots guide – but this year there are two colors (in addition to all-black) that I would happily wear.

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid) | similar black puffer | similar red puffer

The gold details (shown above) really take these in a very chic direction (even if I’m just going to be walking the dog in some icy, muddy snow, haha), and I like how they look with everything: soft neutrals, black, brights – it all works. From a styling/color perspective, these are a no brainer.

That said, if these boots are too light for you, the ‘velvet tan/tobacco’ is also pretty great:

Featured Jackets: Wine Halfdays Puffer (s) | Gray Puffer (similar, in plaid) | Gray Coat (similar)

This pair of Sorel Kinetic Conquests are darker, more grounding, and can balance out even the longer, textured wool coat. Additionally, I love that they’re a mix of warm and cool tones, making these also really versatile.

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8. Moon Boot Icon Low Nylon Boot

Where To Buy: Urban Outfitters (in black) | Zappos | Farfetch

WATERPROOF: 100% water-repellent nylon upper + PVC trim
INSULATION: Foam lining with drawstring closure
INTERIOR: Multisize foam lining molds to foot
OUTSOLE: Thermoplastic midsole + rubber tread
FIT: Size up (runs small)
PRICE: $195

This boot is perfect for anyone who needs to stand around in the cold – playground hangs, slopeside comps, etc.

This might be a controversial choice…but I LOVE Moonboots. Admittedly, they’re a little ridiculous – there’s no initial left or right foot, they’ll mold that way as you wear them – but I’ve yet to find a warmer winter boot. I grew up in the wilds of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the south shore of Lake Superior (most people just think it’s Canada), and I’m deeply familiar with -40 weather. My sister, who lived there until very recently, agrees: Moonboots are the warmest.

These big, silly boots aren’t necessarily great for, say, hiking. But honestly? On a flat-ish trail, they’re not bad, either! The bottoms have much better grip than you’d expect, and the platform keeps your foot elevated off of the cold, snowy ground. If my kids have some sort of competition that requires me to stand for hours on end outside in the winter…these boots are my top choice. (I once wore them to walk up an icy ski hill – they weren’t perfect – they’re not flexible – but that traction was MUCH better than they look.)

OK, BUT LET’S SEE IT WITH COATS

Featured Jackets: Wine Halfdays Puffer (s) | Ivory Puffer (similar, in plaid) | Quince Jacket (s)

Guys…Moonboots definitely have some sort of fashion-girl thing going on. The upside is that you can wear them with any coat (even faux-fur, haha). I’m a huge fan.

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That’s it! Hope this helps narrow down your quest for the best, warmest, cutest winter boots, and as always, if I missed any that you LOVE, let me know in the comments.

Stay warm out there!!

xo,

S