The 7 Best Winter Snow Boots of 2025: Staff Picks

The Chilkat V 400 from The North Face checks the major boxes: warm and cozy, plenty of ankle support and a fun style that fits in on those après days. These boots feature a proprietary insulation that’s both warm and lightweight, so they don’t feel like clunkers on your feet when tromping on the trails. “If I had to walk miles in the snow, I’m glad I have these boots on my feet,” said one REI customer-reviewer. “I want more snow!”

Rubber outsoles and moderate tread depth mean you’ll get where you need to go without slipping on slick terrain. “The grip is 100,” said a customer-reviewer. Unlike other boots constructed with synthetic materials, the entire upper is made from full-grain waterproof leather and suede—both materials that boast natural water resistance before treatment. And, with a cuff that rises about 5 inches above your ankle, protection against the elements is practically guaranteed. Fit note: The Chilkats run small; consider buying a full size up. Also available in women’s. Buy here.

The Tivoli V is the latest iteration of a time-tested Sorel boot that’s been around since 2011. The updated V (or fifth) Tivoli offers even more warmth than the last, thanks to an additional 100 grams of polyester insulation. The microfleece lining and faux-fur ankle collar add bonus heat and coziness with a bit of flair, ensuring these kicks will look good while grocery shopping or grabbing a post-ski snack. Thankfully, all that comfort doesn’t come with a weight penalty. The Tivolis aren’t bulky or cumbersome—you get a cozy fit with a streamlined design. (Though many suggest sizing up a full size to accommodate heavier socks.) 

Of course, warmth and comfort won’t get you anywhere if the boots don’t stand the test of time. Thankfully, the Tivoli V are built like tanks with plenty of durability for the long haul. The waterproof suede uppers combine with leather mudguards and heel overlays to provide extra longevity when you’re bashing around on the trails. The rubber outsoles stick to the iciest of terrain, so you can focus on your priority: adventuring. Buy here.

Children have two switches: on and off. Flip that power on with the Bugaboot Celcius boots from Columbia, cold-weather-ready kicks that boast 400 grams of insulation—tied for the most in any boot on this list. Combined with proprietary Columbia Sportswear Omni-Heat™ reflective lining—an interior metallic layer that bounces your body heat back at you—these boots will keep kids moving all day long. 

Columbia thought through the details and created a boot that works for our littlest adventurers—and that they actually want to wear. First, they ditched the laces in favor of a bungee-enclosure system that even the youngest can manage while wearing mittens. The over-the-ankle height reaches far enough up the leg so even the deepest snow won’t creep in and ruin a perfectly good powder day. And, of course, they’re waterproof (but breathable) thanks to Columbia’s Omni-Tech™ technology. With all of that sorted, parents can focus on finding the fastest sled. Buy here.

Entry-level adventurers looking for moderate warmth at an affordable price will appreciate the Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid waterproof boots’ out-of-the-box comfort. Thanks to 200 grams of proprietary synthetic insulation, these over-ankle kicks keep toes toasty in temps above freezing or when you’re busting your rump during a high-cardio day outdoors. Fleece collars and 100% fleece lining are like a warm hug around hardworking feet, and provide padding and structure for longer or tougher treks. A combined leather-and-mesh upper offers fantastic durability and easily molds to the foot, and toe caps offer extra protection on rocky or scrappy surfaces, and the PFAS-free waterproof membrane keeps snowmelt and rain out while letting sweat evaporate for all-day adventures.

Note that while the EVA midsole feels plush, it won't support heavier backpacking loads. If you’re hauling gear, opt for the Oboz Bridger or Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot instead. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

The workhorse Niseko 3.0 boots from FUBUKI keep feet dry, warm and ready for whatever winter throws your way, from gnarly and bitterly cold conditions to snowy sidewalks or slushy parking lots. Inspired by the boots worn by northern Japanese fishers and road workers in some of the harshest winter conditions, the Niseko 3.0 features a tough, lightweight and water-resistant EVA outer shell, plus a half wool, half polyester lining that retains warmth in temps down to -5°F. They are available in higher-cut and lower-cut versions; opt for the taller boot if you live or adventure in snowy environs.

Slip them on, cinch them up and go, it’s as easy as that. The boots’ 2-layer removable insoles let you fine-tune comfort, while synthetic rubber soles block splashes, salt and slush. Available in ankle and knee-high versions, they blend function with style. One Wisconsin customer-reviewer says their Niseko 3.0 are “the warmest boots ever” along with being lightweight, comfortable and easy to clean with a magic eraser. A customer-reviewer in Alaska says that the boots are a perfect match for his wide feet, “fitting closely but not having any pressure points for my large bunions,” and while he finds it easy to get in and out of them with a single sock layer, it can be hard to get out of the boot if you double up. Consider sizing up slightly for the higher-cut version. Buy women’s high version. Buy women’s low version. Buy men’s high version. Buy men’s low version.

For the backpack-haulers, sled-pullers, snow-trudgers and child-toters among us: Direct your attention to the X Ultra Snowpilot from Salomon. While still burly and rugged enough to tackle the worst winter terrain, the Snowpilot is a comparative featherweight against beefier boots like the Oboz Bridger. That’s because Salomon uses a PU-coated leather and textile upper (much lighter than leather or suede) along with the brand’s proprietary 70% recycled polyester insulation. The Snowpilots won’t be as warm as the Bridgers, but you won’t need the extra heat when you’re hauling loads. Three-layer, nonfluorinated adv.DRY waterproof laminate keeps the wet stuff on the outside.

Highly aggressive lugs grip into icy and wet terrain, virtually ensuring you stay upright and mobile. And, Salomon’s “Advanced Chassis”—a structural frame embedded in the outsole—protects your foot while also providing lateral stability on uneven ground. Bottom line: You’ll practically be running up those snowy trails. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

There’s a lot to love with these ThermoBall Lace Up Waterproof boots from The North Face. Smartly cut just above the ankle, the recycled PET (recycled plastic bottles and other postconsumer plastic packaging) upper is rugged but the fleece collar linings make them fit like a cozy pillow. And, they’re packed with the brand’s proprietary ThermoBall™ Eco insulation, so you’ll be plenty warm. “I ordered a pair of these in December, right before the Christmas Freeze hit the Midwest,” said one customer-reviewer in Wisconsin. “They were perfect; they kept my feet toasty warm on a walk with temps in the single digits.”

The ankle bungee prevents moisture from sneaking inside, and the two webbing loops (one on each side of the collar) make it surprisingly easy to pull these boots onto your feet. Traction won’t be a problem either thanks to the rubber outsole, but these lugs are designed for trips to town, not the trailhead. Reviewers suggest going up a half size. Buy here.