The Best Winter Snow Boots of 2024: 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 Mid waterproof boots’ out-of-the-box comfort. Thanks to 200 grams of proprietary 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. “I had a snowshoeing trip to Maine planned this winter and panic-bought these [boots] the day before,” says one customer-reviewer who suddenly became concerned that their existing pair weren’t warm enough. “They kept my feet dry and warm through five days in the snow. I continued to hike with them through winter and they have held up.” Another customer-reviewer picked up the Thermo Chill Mids at the last minute before a trip to Alaska and reported, “They were my only shoe for a 4-day trip. I walked around in them for hours on end and my flat feet never bothered me.”

A combined leather-and-mesh upper easily molds to the foot that customer-reviewers rave about. One said that they “didn't see a single hot spot, even on my first hike!" The EVA midsole feels plush, adding to the overall comfort, but 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.

If you're looking for a boot to four-wheel drive your way through winter, consider the waterproof Bridger, a bombproof boot and REI bestseller originally launched by Oboz in 2014. Its dual-density foam EVA and TPU midsole is thicker than a typical hiking boot for up-level comfort, but a nylon shank and TPU chassis keep the boot stiff enough for snowshoeing. The traction is also top-notch: The Bridger has a deep-lugged rubber outsole infused with silica—the sandy stuff in quartz—to give it extra friction and keep hikers upright on slick surfaces.

The higher-cut Bridgers will keep your feet dry thanks to a burly nubuck leather upper and an Oboz B-DRY waterproof breathable membrane inside. Meanwhile, 400 grams of 3M™ Thinsulate™ keep toes toasty even in heavy snow. “My last backpacking trip had a couple of stream crossings and the last 1.5 miles of the hike was across snow,” reported one customer-reviewer. “The stream crossings were about 6 inches deep and I only got a little bit of water that splashed up over the top of the boot. Otherwise my feet were dry by the time I made camp.” Fit note: Some reviewers report a high instep. The women's version is 9 inches tall, and the men's extends 10 inches. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.

If you're looking for a street-style boot that will also functionally keep your feet warm, these sneakerlike Explorer III Joan boots from Sorel are a great lightweight option. In addition to looking chic at your favorite snack shack, the waterproof Joan’s suede leather upper and microfleece lining can comfortably handle a mellow trail on a warmer winter day. Plus, the over-the-ankle cuff (a whopping 6.3 inches) should keep snow, slush and water out.

The 100 grams of polyester insulation can take the edge off on brisk outings around town, but this lighter boot isn't intended for severe cold or snowy weather. (Opt for the Oboz Bridger if flurries turn to a blizzard.) The cushioned EVA foam midsoles offer squishy, no-break-in-needed comfort. While the boots will keep you feeling snug and looking snazzy, the shallow lug pattern on the sole won't help you much on steep hiking terrain. Our advice: Stick to nontechnical adventures in these kicks. Buy here.

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.