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15 Best Snow Boots For Winter's Slushiest Days
The elements are no match for these guys.
Folks, I'm hearing reports all around that we're in for a snowy winter this year. I know it doesn't seem like that, given that for the end of December, temperatures are currently pretty mild, but in my experience, that just means January through March is going to be rough.
I used to be the kind of person who thought I didn't need special boots specifically for the snow. It only took me slipping and sliding and subsequently falling on my ass exactly one time for me to realize that, yeah, snow boots are a must. Take a tip from me: don't be that guy who takes a very public tumble in Washington Square Park. Be prepared with a sturdy, protective, durable pair of snow boots that you can stomp through town in with ease.
A great snow boot has got to be waterproof, warm, and, of course, comfortable for walking in, because the only thing worse than a damp sock is a damp sock inside of a shoe that's pinching your toes. Below, shop the best 15 snow boots for the season, from Canada Goose and The North Face to Columbia and Sorel.
Pros
- Exceptionally durable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not the highest quality on this list
I was first introduced to Sorel when I lived in Canada, because everybody wore these boots when the snow hit. Even now, Sorel makes trusted, hardy, versatile boots ready for anything. These feature seam-sealed waterproof construction and a removable felt inner boot for all-day warmth and comfort.
| Colors | Black/Dark Stone (Gray), Bruno (Brown), Buff (Tan), Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-17 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
Pros
- One of the more lightweight and flexible styles
- Warm and insulated
Cons
- Tends to run small and narrow
If you're someone who wants all the best features in one shoe, this is a very safe bet. Columbia keeps the cold out and the heat in with Omni-Tech fabric, 200 grams of insulation, a TechLite lightweight midsole, and OmniGrip outsole to prevent slipping.
| Colors | 6 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-17 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
Pros
- High traction outsole, for no slipping
- Waterproof
Cons
- Low shaft height isn't very warm
Light and comfy, these are the snow boots that are here to replace your winter sneakers. The waterproof style has a PU-coated and ballistic-mesh upper for extra durability, while a high-traction outsole means you can wear these on a hike just as easily as you can a cement sidewalk.
| Colors | Black, Red/Black, New Taupe Green/Mineral Gold, Flax/Asphalt Gray |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-14 |
| Materials | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Suede, Rubber |
Pros
- Lined with fleece and 200g Thinsulate insulation
- Waterproof
Cons
- Runs small
I'll say it: snow boots aren't always the most stylish option, being clunky and heavy as they are, but Sperry makes a style that can almost be called...elegant? With a waterproof construction and rubber shell, these are perfect for slipping on every day.
| Colors | 10 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Textiles, Rubber |
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Fun design
Cons
- No lining
- Not the most practical
If you love Crocs for its bold look or incredibly lightweight feel, I have some great news for you. These snow boots have an adjustable puffer shaft, faux-Croc holes, and thick rubber outsole that offers comfort and style in the face of the winter elements.
| Colors | Atmosphere (White), Navy, Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-13 |
| Materials | Fabric, Rubber |
Pros
- Fleece lining is warm and durable
- Quality choice under $200
Cons
- Takes a few wears to break in
Personally, these are my go-to snow boots. With a fleece lining, a protective leather outer, and a rubber sole that I've yet to slip or slide in, these have all the functionality of snow boots without sacrificing any of the cool, chic style of Chelsea boots.
| Colors | Dark Brown, Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6-14 |
| Materials | Leather, Fleece, Rubber |
Ugg Emmett Waterproof Snow Boots
Pros
- Temperature rated to -26°F/-32°C
- No-slip grip on in the soles
Cons
- Runs large
Don't destroy your favorite suede Uggs by bringing them out in the snow, but feel free to get these as snowy and slushy as you want. With insulation and ice-breaking lugs on the sole, these boots were truly made for walking (in the snow).
| Colors | Chestnut, Stout Leather, Black Leather |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-14 |
| Materials | Leather, Textiles, Rubber |
Pros
- Stay warm in up to -40°F
- Sleek look for high-warmth design
Cons
- Some buyers report they aren't 100% waterproof
You can certainly wear these in the city, but with all their features and warmth, these snow boots are best suited for a mountainous terrain. With aerogel tech, these are warm in up to -40°F, and the grippy soles and high shaft aren't too shabby in terms of navigating thick snow and keeping warm, either.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8.5-12 |
| Materials | Textiles, Rubber |
Pros
- Great for wet or dry conditions
- Waterproof
Cons
- Low shaft height isn't very warm
While maintaining a lightweight feel, these boots are sturdy and protective, with Gore-Tex that's meant to last. With a grippy outsole and breathable yet waterproof upper, these really do have it all.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Gore-Tex, Rubber |
Pros
- Designed for hiking
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not the chicest look
Face the snow without fear in these mid-calf boots, which are packed with 400 grams of insulation, a waterproof membrane, and warm nubuck leather uppers. With deep lugs for traction and specialized winter soles for a no-slip tread, you walk in these with your head held high.
| Colors | Midnight Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 9-14 |
| Materials | Waterproof Nubuck Leather, Textiles, Rubber |
Pros
- Wearable in down to -22°F
- Sneaker-like design better for some
Cons
- Might be too warm for indoors
Look like a sneaker, perform like a snow boot. Kamik's sporty design is perfect for the season, with a non-bulky leather exterior that packs waterproof DriDefense membranes, fleece linings, and insulation in the interior.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-11 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
Pros
- Designed for hiking
- Protective rubber toe caps
Cons
- Narrow fit in the toes
With waterproof leather and mesh uppers, these insulated, non-bulky boots are an infallible pick. They feature 200 grams of insulation, protective rubber toe caps, and a molded nylon arch shank for extra support.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7.5-14 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
Pros
- Neo-Tech waterproof insulation
- Comfortable flexible shaft
Cons
- Not the warmest option
You can leave those tall socks at home, because with these, your calves will be perfectly toasty. Bogs' winter boots have a plush lining, flexible shaft, and thick, durable toe for even the heaviest of snowfalls.
| Colors | Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-13 |
| Materials | Textiles, Rubber |
Pros
- Insulated midsole and cushioned outsole
- Adjustable shaft for comfort
Cons
- Pricey
It wouldn't be a complete list without giving a nod to Canada Goose, the purveyors of all things wintery. These luxe boots are foolproof, with a waterproof interior, added pair of reflective laces, adjustable shaft, and scratch-resistant rubber bumper.
| Colors | Black, Military Green/Black, Tundra Clay/Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Textiles, Rubber |
Pros
- Precision hiking fit
- Protective toe cap
Cons
- Runs narrow
If you love On's sneakers, its boots will only add to your enthusiasm for the brand. Made for all terrains, these supportive, lightweight, cushiony shoes have an improved rubber grip and heel stability, plus a protective TPU toe cap and 20 percent recycled waterproof membrane.
| Colors | Black/Eclipse, Reseda/Aloe (Green), Almond/Dune (Brown), Alloy/Eclipse (Gray) |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6.5-13.5 |
| Materials | Polyester, Rubber |
Tips for Buying Snow Boots
Unlike other boots, snow boots are a style you're probably only going to buy one pair of—so you better make damn sure they're the right ones.
When it comes to finding the perfect pair, consider A) how much snow you're anticipating, and B) how much walking you're anticipating. City-slickers just trying to commute to the office probably won't need a pair as hardy and durable as those who have to trek or hike outside in thick snow for long hours, and vice versa.
As with everything you buy, also consider how it will fit in with everything else in your wardrobe. If you're a slim-fit chinos kind of guy, maybe don't reach for the boots with the knee-high shaft.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We don't write about how great things are if they aren’t actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups are carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to something like snow boots, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with pants that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their winter wear. And, hey—we live in NYC, which means we have to walk through the snow a lot.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two pairs of feet are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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