Winter is here – but if you’ve got great snow boots on your feet, you’ll never fear the cold or the ice, whether you’re jetting off on a ski holiday in the Alps or just battling the elements during a local walk.
A good snow boot should be three things: warm, waterproof and grippy on ice. Waterproofing is key if you’re going to be stomping about in snow. Look for boots that are labelled as fully waterproof, which means they’ll repel snow and rain – boots labelled “snow proof” or “water resistant” may only be able to deal with light snowfall.
Next, you need a good grip on ice – choose tough, chunky soles made of rubber, with deep lugs (the grooves or indentations in the sole) to help stop you slipping. As with hiking boots, good snow boots often use branded technology such as Gore-Tex waterproofing and vibram or michelin soles, and these are reliable choices.
Warmth is just as important as waterproofing when winter temperatures dip below zero. Snow boots sometimes come with a temperature rating, such as -10C, which indicates the minimum temperatures in which they will perform well. Otherwise, look for boots with built-in insulation, such as PrimaLoft, or textiles such as sheepskin, fleece or felt.
Snow boots should feel comfortable and roomy, with plenty of space for thick socks and no rubbing or tightness, especially at the heel or toes. Take ski socks with you when trying on winter boots and look for boots that ideally lace up tightly at the ankle, to stop falling snow getting at your socks.
Well-made snow boots can often cost upwards of £100 but, if you’re working outside or spending a lot of time in the snow this winter, it’ll be worth spending as much as you can afford on good boots that will last. That said, we’ve included some great winter boot options that cost less and are perfect for wearing as casual snow boots.
How we tested women’s snow boots
We tried out each pair of boots in cold and wet conditions and wore each model for a hike that was at least five miles long. We looked for instant warmth, good grip on slippery surfaces, and full waterproofing, as well as a snug, adjustable fit.
Danner cloud cap boot
- Best: Women’s snow boots overall
- Main material: Water-repellent PU
- Size range: UK 3.5-8
- Colourways: Black, tan, cream, red
- Why we love it
- Instant comfort and warmth
- The best grip of all we tested
- Take note
- Run small
- On the pricier side
Meet a boot that means business. Lined with a generous 400g of Primaloft synthetic insulation, Danner’s cloud cap provides instant welcome warmth even on bitterly cold days, and feels as soft as wearing a down jacket wrapped around your feet. Vibram Arctic grip rubber outsoles provided the best grip of any boot on test, holding fast on the slickest ice, so you can stride about confidently in the cold. A waterproof membrane stops snow seeping inside, and we also liked the quick drawstring closure and the smart suede looks of the cloud cap. Note these boots run small, so we’d advise ordering a size up from your usual.
Damart thermolactyl boot
- Best: Budget snow boots for women
- Main material: Polyester
- Size range: UK 3-7
- Colourways: Black
- Why we love it
- Faux-fur lining
- Take note
- Not thick or hardy enough for deep snowfall
Keep it simple, with Damart’s cosy padded thermolactyl boot. Popping your feet inside these soft boots is a real treat, thanks to a lovely faux-fur lining, and the padded outer is warm and water-resistant enough to deal with light snow and milder winter conditions. These get top marks for comfort, too – it is like wearing your favourite slippers outdoors. These boots aren’t thick or hardy enough for striding through deep snowfall, though, so save them for casual winter walks and use in the city. You may also need to size up if you plan to wear this design with thick woolly socks.
Sorel explorer II Joan boot
- Best: Casual boots
- Main material: Waterproof suede
- Size range: UK 4-9
- Colourways: Tan
- Why we love it
- Like wearing sneakers
- Sub-zero protection
- Take note
- Limited grip
Sneaker meets snow boot in this super-comfy pair from Sorel. The boots are perfect if you want a waterproof option that isn’t too chunky to wear day to day. There’s 100g of insulation and a soft microfleece lining, to add instant warmth and keep toes toasty even in sub-zero temperatures.
Where the explorer II is less intrepid is on rocky terrain – the grip is limited and better suited to groomed snow and city streets. The soft faux-fur lining is very warm, and the smart suede upper is tougher than it looks, as well as being fully waterproof.
Pajar galaxy high snow boot
- Best: Lightweight snow boots for women
- Main material: Nylon
- Size range: UK 4-8
- Colourways: Black
- Why we love it
- Retro style
- Lightweight
We love the retro look of these airy boots, which are pleasingly lightweight and cloudlike to wear – ideal if you don’t want to be weighed down by clunky designs. Puffy, waterproof nylon traps in body heat well – Pajar reckons these boots are good to go in temperatures as low as -30C. While we haven’t been able to test this claim, the boots are definitely warm enough if temperatures slip below 0C. Decent grip keeps you confident on ice, and we liked the high arches of the galaxy – great for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis. The removable wool insoles are pleasingly breathable, too.
Crocs echo boot
- Best: Snow boots for a springy sole
- Main material: Nylon
- Size range: UK 4-10
- Colourways: Black, cream, olive
- Why we love it
- Springy sole
- Cosy
- Take note
- The look may not be for everyone
Who knew Crocs could look this cool? New for this winter, the Marmite brand of the sandal world has taken their popular echo clog and given it a winter makeover. The result is a cosy, puffy ankle boot with a very thick and springy rubber sole that might make you feel a bit like a cartoon character as you move, and which gives great traction on slick surfaces. A soft fuzzy lining feels like a hug for feet on the coldest days. A nice combination of style and substance that might just convert you to Crocs.
Dryrobe eco thermal boot
- Best: Sustainable snow boots for women
- Main material: Recycled polyester
- Size range: UK 4-8
- Colourways: Black
- Why we love it
- Versatile uses
- Eco-friendly brand
- Take note
- Not fully waterproof
Dryrobe is best known for its warm changing-robes aimed at surfers and wild swimmers, but the brand is now using its prowess to help keep your feet cosy, with these new thermal boots. These puffy booties feel like wearing slippers and can withstand bitter cold. We like their eco credentials, too – the boots are made from Bloom Rise, which turns harmful sea algae into material. These boots are water-resistant but not fully waterproof, so they’re better kept out of heavy snow and used in cold, dry conditions.
Merry People Bobbi wellington boot
- Best: Wellington boot
- Main material: Rubber
- Size range: UK 3-12
- Colourways: 17
- Why we love it
- Super stylish pop of colour
- Good arch support
- 100% waterproof
The only way to ensure your snow boots are 100 per cent waterproof is to pick a rubber design – and, if you want to stride through slush or jump in icy puddles this winter, we recommend these Bobbi boots. The eye-catching wellies have a neoprene lining that traps in heat and keeps feet super cosy, even in bitter winter weather, so they’re perfect for working outdoors, taking the dog for a walk and general wear on icy days. The soles have good traction and, unlike most rubber boots, there’s decent arch support. These ankle boots are surprisingly stylish, too, and come in myriad bright colours.
Dare2B valdare boot
- Best: Snow boots for women with wider feet
- Main material: PU leather
- Size range: UK 3-8
- Colourways: Black
- Why we love it
- Affordable option
- Take note
- Not for heavy snow
The rather bling-looking valdare boots are perfect if you’re after something affordable and comfortable for winter adventures. A water-repellent outer membrane won’t withstand heavy snow and rain but can cope with lighter showers, while a cushiony microfleece lining feels soft underfoot mile after mile. Grip is limited but these boots are perfectly happy on icy pavements and groomed ski slopes. The valdare is cut wide, so it’s great for anyone with bunions or wider feet. The shiny look and faux-fur trim might not be for everyone, though.
Columbia moritza omni-heat snow boot
- Best: Duck boots for women
- Main material: Suede and rubber
- Size range: UK 3-10
- Colourways: Brown, black, cream
- Why we love it
- Great for all day wear
- Super insulated
- Take note
- Not the most breathable shoe
Columbia’s duck boots may look delightfully retro but, when it comes to dealing with snow and ice, they’re bang up to date. The moritza is half rubber, to keep you dry when you’re stomping through snow or puddles, and half flexible suede leather, which, when matched with cushiony soles, makes the boots comfortable to wear all day. These aren’t the most breathable of boots, due to their thick rubber construction – wear these in proper winter weather, when 200g of insulation and Columbia’s clever omni-heat reflective lining come into their own and keep feet toasty warm.
Ecco solice boots
- Best: Insulated boot
- Main material: Nubuck leather, rubber, Gore Tex, PrimaLoft insulation
- Size range: UK 2.5-7.5
- Colourways: Tan
- Why we love it
- Thick yet lightweight soles
- Easy to wear style
Ecco’s classic solice boots are as soft and tactile as they looks. During testing, we loved the thick yet pleasingly lightweight and bouncy rubber soles, which won’t weigh you down on longer walks. Ecco uses a whopping 400g of PrimaLoft bio insulation – which is biodegradable and made from recycled materials – to keep feet toasty warm. Plus, a Gore-Tex waterproof outer membrane stops ice and rain effectively.
A recycled rubber tread should give you good grip, even on ice, and we think these boots are rather stylish, too – they’d go just as well with jeans as they would with ski pants. However, you’ll need to clean these beauties regularly, to stop the tan outer looking grimy.
Helly Hansen montragon HT hiking boot
- Best: Trekking boots
- Main material: Polyester
- Size range: UK 5-11
- Colourways: Black
- Why we love it
- Versatile endurance
- Excellent grip
- Mostly recycled materials
The montragon is a trekking boot designed for long days of hiking that’s also ready to withstand snow and cold. These tough boots offers brilliantly sticky grip, even on black ice and snowy surfaces, and have reinforced heels and toes to keep your feet safe on uneven, rocky ground. We also rated the thick, cushiony insoles, which add warmth and comfort even on all-day hikes in the snow. Great if you like to stay active in the hills in any weather. Most of the montagon’s materials are recycled, too.
Keen Elle winter WP boot
- Best: Lace-up snow boots for women
- Main material: Leather
- Size range: UK 2.5-8.5
- Colourways: Chestnut, black, green
- Why we love it
- Combines toughness with comfort
- Take note
- May not suit narrow feet
Keen is here to prove that tough winter boots can be cute and comfy, too. The brand offers snow-proof boots in lots of shapes and sizes but our pick for this season is the Elle winter ankle boot. A waterproof membrane reliably keeps slush at bay, and a mesh liner makes these boots relatively breathable, so you can also wear the Elle in milder autumn and spring conditions. The boots are on the wide side, so they may not suit those with narrow feet, although laces make it easier to get a snug, stay-put fit. Lovely stuff from this outdoorsy American brand.
Hunter wanderer short boot
- Best: Snow boots for working outdoors
- Main material: Rubber and fleece
- Size range: UK 3-6
- Colourways: Black
- Why we love it
- Well-known and loved brand
- Drawstring closure
Go a-wandering in rain or snow in these cosy boots from the brand best known for their classic wellies. The wanderer short boot has been designed with the essential building blocks of all good snow footwear: a durable waterproof sole; a comfy, insulated upper, and a deliciously soft recycled fleece lining. On test, we liked the drawstring closure, which kept heat in and snow out, and made for a snug fit. Designed to stomp happily about in temperatures as low as -25C, this is a great boot for working outdoors.
Daniel Footwear Molly fleece boot
- Best: Boots for commuting
- Main material: Leather
- Size range: EU 35-41
- Colourways: Black
- Why we love it
- Most stylish and wearable
- Naturally waterproof leather
Style mavens get chilly feet, too. If you want a smart leather number that’ll still keep you cosy during the commute, try the Molly on for size. These chunky boots are super comfortable and smart to wear to work, but they’re also snow-ready, thanks to a thick fleece lining and naturally waterproof leather. On test, we found they kept us cosy, even in minus temperatures, and the (very) cushioned soles mean walking long distances is a comfortable experience.
Napapijri river boot
- Best: For cold, dry weather
- Main material: Fleece
- Size range: UK 3.5-8
- Colourways: Black, grey, cream
- Why we love it
- Great breathable option
- Grippy sole
- Warm cosy fleece lining
While we usually recommend picking a snow boot that’s fully waterproofed, on those crisp, cold, sunny days with no snow forecast, you’ll need less waterproofing and more breathability, so swap to these rather gorgeous river boots from Napapijri. We like the roomy mukluk-style design of these boots, which combine a super-soft fleece upper with a tough, grippy sole with great traction – ideal for walking on ice and packed snow. These boots are also pleasingly lightweight – ideal if you already own a heavy pair of rubber snow boots and want something more freeing to wear in fair conditions.
