The Best Winter Snow Boots: Staff Picks

Snow, ice and downright freezing rain are just a few of the delightful hazards that Mother Nature throws our way during winter. These chilly conditions can make any outdoor adventure a slog—but not if you have the right gear. The winter boots assembled here are proof that proper footwear can transform a frigid arctic day into a delightful romp through Jack Frost’s finest. 

Over the years, footwear technology has evolved so we can have it all: lightweight warmth, waterproofing, traction, style and even—gasp!—reasonable price tags. Choosing the right kicks may feel daunting with all of the available options, so we’ve asked REI staffers, members and customers to share their favorite footwear for facing the frigid weather. Here are their seven top picks for winter footwear currently available at REI Co-op. Whether you’re headed to the grocery store or climbing a local peak, we’ve got something for your feet in the fourth season.

Best Winter Boots: Staff Picks

For quick recommendations, check out the list below—or scroll down for detailed reviews. 

• Best Overall Winter Boots for Men: The North Face Chilkat V 400 Waterproof Boots – Men’s 
• Best Overall Winter Boots for Women: Sorel Tivoli V Waterproof Boots – Women’s 
• Best Winter Boots for Kids: Columbia Bugaboot Celsius – Kids’   
• Best Winter Boots for Mild Winter Weather: Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots 
• Best Winter Boots for Heavy Winter Weather: Oboz Bridger Insulated Waterproof Boots  
• Best Boots for Winter Hiking and Backpacking: Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot Waterproof Hiking Boots 
• Best Ankle Winter Boots: The North Face ThermoBall Lace Up Waterproof Boots – Women’s

Editor's note: We updated this guide on September 23, 2025, to include the newer model of Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. Further updates are coming soon to reflect the latest offerings for winter 2025.

Buying Advice

Warmth

It’s basic math: The more insulation, the warmer the shoe. Boots that boast north of, say, 400 grams of insulation will be warm, warm, warm in subzero temps. But if you plan to wear your boots when you’re moving, you don’t need that kind of a hot box. If you’re hiking, backpacking, mountaineering or even snowshoeing, 200 grams should suffice. (More than that and you’ll start to sweat, and sweat can eventually cool and cause your toes to turn numb when you stop working.) Of course, you’re the only person who knows your toes, so you may prefer more or less insulation based on your own experience. For warmer days when you want the protection of a boot but don't need all that heat, opt for the Sorel Tivoli V or The North Face ThermoBall Lace Up boots. If you plan on working hard while winter hiking or backpacking, the  Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid and Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot have the right level of insulation. The warmest boots on this list, with 400 grams of insulation each, are The North Face Chilkat V 400, Oboz Bridger and Columbia Bugaboot.

Waterproofing

Winter = snow. Snow = wet. A true winter boot needs to be waterproof. Every pick in this lineup is such, so you’re good there, but be sure to read the fine print. Our gear editor once “accidentally” sent a tester up Colorado’s 14,439-foot Mt. Elbert (the tallest mountain in Colorado) in winter to test boots that lacked a waterproof membrane. He returned with frostnipped toes and an attitude. Lesson: Only hike through snow with waterproof boots. It’s also good to keep in mind that certain features—like laces—aren’t waterproof, so there is also a variability of uncertainty. All of the boots on this list are waterproof.

Traction

Whether you’re eager to join the neighborhood broomball game or you simply don’t want to slip when you’ve got to walk your doggo, look for boots that grip icy, snow-covered surfaces.

The lugs, or the bumps on the boots’ rubber outsoles, provide grip, much like an athletic cleat. For maximum traction, invest in boots with deep (more than 4 mm), angular lugs, as these patterns hug the ground while expelling mud and muck. Outsoles infused with fabric, silica or even fiberglass enhance friction on slippery stuff. Shallower lugs work best on large surface areas, like icy sidewalks or driveways.

Activity Level

If you need a practical pair of boots to help you transition from work to adventure, seek out a trail-to-town crossover shoe like the Sorel Tivoli V or The North Face ThermoBall Lace Up boots. If you plan to snowshoe, hike or even backpack in winter, you’re going to need something more technical, like The North Face Chilkat V 400, Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid, Oboz Bridger or Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot boots. These have more supportive midsoles, plus features you’ll appreciate on the trail like tall ankle collars and more aggressive lugs.

At times, winter hiking boots aren’t tall enough for deep snow. In these instances, our Expert Advice team suggests investing in a pair of gaiters.

Related Articles

• How to Break In Your Hiking Boots
• How to Care for Leather Hiking Boots
• How to Choose and Use Gaiters
• Cold Weather Hiking Tips

Methodology

We polled REI staffers for their favorite winter boots sold at REI Co-op, then vetted their nominations against purchase-verified online member reviews. These are their top choices.