10 brands that consistently make great winter boots

Whether you live in a cold region or are planning a snow-filled vacation, it's essential to have a pair of high-quality winter boots. The top 10 brands that consistently make great winter boots deliver designs made with seam-sealed and waterproof materials. They have thick insulation for warmth with high-traction outsoles that stabilize you on slippery, wet surfaces. It's also a huge bonus if they have shock-absorbent footbeds to keep you comfortable.

In this article: Sorel Women's Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot, Muck Boot The Original Men's Arctic Sport Boot and Ugg Women's Adirondack III Waterproof Winter Boots.

Why do you need special boots for winter?

Winter boots are made to help your feet stay warm and dry in cold, wet climates and improve your ability to navigate slippery, muddy and ice-covered terrain. The top winter boot brands accomplish this by creating durable styles with insulated waterproof leather or fabric upper sections that land at your ankle or higher with thick rubber outsoles that give you traction and support.

Features to look for

There are five features to look for in a solid pair of winter boots that can substantially change the way you experience cold-weather conditions, even on your most rugged adventures. 

• Insulation: Whether it's a removable inner sock or it's attached to the inside of the boot, you need an added material layer that can create a barrier between your feet and the outside of the shoe. Some insulating materials have a temperature rating, which is helpful if you plan to brave icy conditions for a long time. 
• Traction: The more texture, bumps and spikes added to the outsoles of your boots, the more apt they are to stick to the slippery, wet ground and keep you on your feet. 
• Waterproofing: Regardless of the material used to construct your boot — nylon, leather or canvas — it should be waterproof from top to bottom. 
• Seam-sealed: Since winter boots are comprised of different materials sewn together for each section, added sealants act as a barrier to prevent water from seeping through. 
• Insoles: The best winter boots have added foam footbeds to make them more comfortable. They also distribute the impact of your every step to prevent unnecessary joint and ligament strain.

Top 10 brands that make great winter boots

• Sorel: This premium footwear brand was founded in 1962 and crafts high-quality, all-weather shoes and boots that are comfortable and durable.
• Timberland: Timberland has been around since 1952, and its iconic waterproof design made it a household name, especially with outdoor enthusiasts and tradespeople.
• Ugg: Ugg was launched in 1978 by an Australian surfer who moved to Southern California to create the iconic footwear brand dedicated to quality and craftsmanship.
• Keen: This family-owned brand makes hybrid footwear with a focus on tradespeople and adventure seekers.
• Salomon: This French Alps brand launched in 1947 and specializes in top-of-the-line outdoor sports gear.
• Kamik: Kamik is dedicated to keeping your feet warm, dry and comfortable with all-weather designs derived from over 120 years of footwear expertise. 
• Merrell: This brand was launched in 1981 to make high-performance outdoor footwear for all weather conditions.
• The North Face: The North Face was founded in 1966 by two hiking enthusiasts and focuses on technical mountaineering apparel and footwear for climates and conditions of all kinds.
• Muck Boot: This premium boot company makes comfortable all-weather boots that help you combat wet, muddy muck with completely waterproof designs. 
• Columbia: Columbia launched in 1938 to innovate high-quality outdoor apparel and footwear for all seasons, terrains and adventures.

Best winter boots

Sorel Women's Caribou Waterproof Winter Boot

These fully waterproof winter boots have a leather upper that's seam-sealed to the rubber bottom, and they have removable felt inner boots and sherpa snow cuffs for added warmth. They also have enhanced traction outsoles with foam footbeds and a lace-up design. Sold by Amazon

Muck Boot Men’s The Original Arctic Sport Boot

These rubber boots reach your midcalf and have a flexible neoprene design sealed for waterproofing. They come with a soft fleece lining to keep your feet warm in subzero weather, molded lug outsoles for added traction and a thermal foam footbed for comfort. Sold by Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods

Ugg Women's Adirondack III Waterproof Winter Boots

These winter boots reach your midcalf with premium leather uppers, wool lining, a subzero rating and comfortable footbeds for ultimate warmth and comfort. They also have rubber outsoles with a spiderweb design for enhanced traction support. Sold by Amazon

Timberland Men's Chillberg Insulated Snow Boot

These rugged leather winter boots are insulated with a seam-sealed waterproof design to keep your feet warm and dry. They're comfortable enough to use as hiking boots. They lace up and land just above your ankle, and they feature enhanced traction outsoles. Sold by Amazon

Kamik Men's NationPlus Boot

These waterproof winter boots come with a removable Thinsulate insulation liner to keep your feet warm and dry in subzero weather. They're a lace-up design with a genuine leather upper portion that is seam-sealed to rubber bottoms. Additionally, the outsoles have enhanced traction. Sold by Amazon, Backcountry and Kohl's

The North Face Women's Shellista IV Mid-Height Insulated Snow Boot

These durable waterproof winter boots are made from premium full-grain leather with a ripstop nylon tongue for added warmth. They have insulation with molded footbeds and surface control outsoles to keep you comfortable and stable. Sold by Amazon

Salomon Men's X Ultra Winter CS 2 Hiking Boot

These waterproof boots lace up and have a high-traction design with enhanced stability, making them excellent winter hiking footwear. They have Thinsulate insulation and comfortable footbeds. Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

• The Keen Women's Greta Waterproof Snow Boots are made from high-quality leather, feature a high lace-up design, have soft foam footbeds and are excellent for subzero weather.
• If you're looking for an affordable, high-quality design, Columbia Women's Ice Maiden II Snow Boots are waterproof with added ankle support and enhanced traction. 
• Merrell Women's Tremblant Pull-On Polar Snow Boots are a consideration if you need a lower ankle boot that keeps your feet warm and dry in the winter.

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