The best snow boots are a must when it comes to tackling icy temperatures. The perfect footwear choice for crunching in the fluffy stuff, they're also a non negotiable for navigating the days that follow when snow turns to ice and it becomes a little more treacherous under foot.
While you might think the best snow boots are only for those hitting the slopes, the truth is, if you live somewhere that's likely to get covered with the white stuff, this is one pair of shoes - as well as the best wellies - that you'll want to have in your winter capsule wardrobe. Designed to be both cosy and practical - with a tread that will help you avoid stacking it on the ground. Snow boots keep you dry, warm and make navigating icy or wet snowy terrain a little easier and are perfect for pairing with the best thermals.
"When you're looking for a new pair of snow boots", explains fashion editor and stylist, Antonia Kraskowski, "there are various factors to consider. Three important ones are sole grip, warmth and waterproofing. A good tractor tread sole will create grip in slippy situations, stopping you from falling over on patches of ice. If you are going to encounter lengthy times of snow and ice, it’s worth investing in a specialist snow or active footwear brand such as Sorel."
Best snow boots: Our 9 top picks
Depending on the level of technicality you need from your footwear, you can opt for more fashion-led styles, but the sole and waterproofing will always remain paramount and should be key factor at the top of your list. "If you’re hitting the slopes, and looking for what to wear skiing" Antonia continues, "you'll want a cool pair of boots that will keep your feet warm for apres ski activity, Moon Boots super padded styles will keep your toes cosy no matter how deep the snow fall is".
RRP: £195 | Known for its high tech footwear with weatherproofing capabilities, Sorel make some of the best snow boots. This pair states it is ideal for use in heavy snow, so you can rest assured you have good grip and a great level of warmth and support. It also features a removable 6mm felt inner boot lining and Sherpa pile cuff for added cosy points. While the boot itself is waterproof, it is important to note that the laces are not waterproof - so if you have a day out in the snow you may want some spares. Available right up to a size 10, these are super versatile and accessible.
RRP: £170 | The Moon Boot is a classic when it comes to what to wear in the snow. The padded outer offers great warmth, while the chunky style boot has faded in and out of the latest boot trends, it is currently a firm favourite amongst cold-weather loving fashionistas. The black and white version is of course, the most classic and versatile of all. Available in three neutral colourways, the Moonboot is designed to keep your tootsies cosy to -31degrees. While the soles are specifically crafted with icy terrain in mind. Ideal for those who love both style and practicality, the faux leather is smart too.
RRP: £120 | New to the market, activewear brand Merrell have paired up with sports brand Sweaty Betty to bring style to the slopes. The puffy quilted shoe with toggle detailing has a water repellent treatment, as well as odor control built into the shoe. woman&home fashion editor Rivkie Baum had this to say about them: "I'm actually kind of obsessed with just how cosy and comfy these boots are that I've started wearing them just to tackle the chilly temperatures rather than specifically waiting for a snowy day. I got the UK5.5 and I'm pleased I did - although I'm normally a size 5, I would suggest upping by a half size to make them easier to get on and off."
RRP: £110 | One of the best brands for ski clothes, it's no surprise they do excellent snow boots. "As with other snow boots I've tried" Rivkie explains, "I've sized up by half a size, although if you want thicker socks for particularly cold weather, I'd consider upping by a full size as the fit is precise. I really like these boots, the upper fleece lining traps in heat and feels comfortable and cozy and the rubberised foot of the shoe is waterproof and helps with insulation. They're not ideal for wider feet, as they feel slightly slim fitting on the foot but the solid tread and hiking style make them ideal for snowy weather."
RRP: £165 | Known for crafting some of the best snow boots, the Caribou comes highly rated by woman&home deputy food editor, Rose Fooks, "they are hard wearing and well made. The deep grip on the sole means they are great for walking on snow and the removable inner felt lining keeps your feet toasty even in the coldest weather." Made for heavy snow use they're great for packing for a ski holiday or navigating local terrain.
RRP: £155 | If you're into the latest trainer trends 2024, or just prefer a more sporty aesthetic, then you'll love these Sorel snow boots. With a puffy quilted top and sneaker inspired sole, you get the best of both with these. "Waterproof and cosy, I sized up by half a size in this design, although in hindsight I think I would size up a whole size as they were quite hard to get on and for thicker winter socks you'd want more room," Rivkie explains. "Having said that they're very comfortable and surprisingly light, to the point I forgot I was wearing them. I absolutely love the aesthetics of them too, they definitely have a more fashion-forward approach."
RRP: £170 | For serious style, lean into one of the hottest fashion colour trends of 2024 and embrace metallics. These luxe silver boots feature a cute faux fur trim at the top for added wow factor. The grip heavy rubberised sole is ideal.
RRP: £295 | "For every day wear in the city, Grenson boots are a good buy," explains Antonia. "Not only are they super stylish but the thick sole and chunky tread will make even the iciest commute a stroll in the park. A good idea is to size up slightly, adding sheepskin liners inside to add an extra element of warmth".
RRP: £104.99 | Available in three colourways, Crocs aren't our immediate go to for snow boots. With an exaggerated lug sole, for added grip, this boot moves classic Uggs on to a winter market. With comfortable and firm supportive upper, thanks to the toggle design, pair with your warmest leggings for a sleek look.
What are the best boots to wear in the snow
The best boots to wear in the snow need to have certain properties, as these will help them withstand the weather conditions. Firstly you'll want boots that are waterproof. While it might look pretty, snow turns wet ever so quickly and the last thing you want is to feel freezing and wet right through to your socks. Secondly you want a strong sole with an excellent tread, with good grip. While the first flurries and fresh settled snow isn't particularly slippery and is lovely and crunchy under foot, as soon as the snow is disturbed it can very quickly turn to ice which can be dangerous. While no footwear is guaranteed to keep you upright. The stronger and more solid the tread is on your boots, the better your grip will be - but still, take it slow. And finally, you'll want your boots to be warm. Although you can layer up with extra cosy socks, or slip on a pair of the best cashmere socks for extra snugness, padded, quilted or faux fur or fleece lined snow boots will certainly add an extra cosy feeling when tackling snowy days and while this can be substituted with socks and tights, if you can get lined boots, you won't regret it.
Are Dr Martens good for the snow?
While not billed as snow boots, there are some boots within the range that are suitable for wearing in the snow. Generally speaking the best Dr Martens boots do have excellent tread soles, with lots of grip making them good for days that are more slippery. But if you're looking for a great pair for snowy weather (and the rest of winter), try the classic 2976 Chelsea boots with a faux fur lining. They'll keep your feet lovely and warm without compromising on the tough outer and heavy duty sole.
With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.
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