8 Sensational Snow Boots Surround Feet in Comfort and Warmth
Growing up in Indianapolis in the seventies, we didn’t just get snow, we got blizzards–a few famous ones at that. My best memories include waiting to hear our district mentioned in the long list of school cancellations, then heading out to sled all day, returning at dusk to mom’s hot cocoa. The grand fun of the day overshadowed the snow boots fiasco…thankfully. Those ridiculous over-the-shoe rubber boots with impossible buckles only impeded my carefree spirit and did little to protect my feet from cold and near-frostbite. Snow boots have come a long way baby, and we’re here to share our favorites. We’ve found eight stylish and comfortable winter boots sure to keep your toes warm, dry and comfortable.
If you’re a fan of minimalist “barefoot” footwear, you’ll love the Xero Alpine boot. Featuring a wide foot-shaped toe box, zero drop (non-elevated) sole, and 200g insulation rated to rated to -25°/-32°C. Check out all the specs at XeroShoes.com. Find in whole and half sizes 5-11 for $159.99 from XeroShoes.com and Amazon.
Just because you have big or extra-wide feet or both doesn’t mean you have to wear stodgy snow boots. Look at these cuties by Propet! The Lumi Lace makes our list of best snow boots because it comes in sizes up to 12 and is available in medium, wide and extra-wide widths–how wonderful. A happy Zappos customer endorses the Propet Lumi Lace:
“I’m particular about fit and these are great. I have bunions & so am fussy about boots that don’t pinch across my forefoot and/or will stretch into shape eventually. Plus I wear orthotic inserts and they need to accommodate them. I ordered 8.5W and they are plenty roomy with thick socks.”
Find the Propet Lumi Lace in sizes 6-12, medium to extra-wide widths for $109.95 from Zappos, Propet Amazon, and Walking Co.
We love Bogs customer Katelyn’s review of their popular Whiteout boot:
“I bought these for an engagement trip to Alaska. We live in NC so I have a low cold tolerance and didn’t want cold wet feet to ruin such an important trip! After doing my research, and asking a few Alaskans themselves, I found these and am so glad I did! I paired them with wool socks and my feet stayed warm and dry no matter what conditions I threw at them. The night we got engaged, we went Aurora spotting on a mountaintop outside Fairbanks and didn’t get home until 4am. When we got back into town, the temperature in Fairbanks was -29! The whole time, these boots kept my feet happy. The traction was also fantastic and kept me upright even in the slippery snow and ice. They were the best purchase of this trip!”
Find the Bogs Whiteout boot in sizes 6-12 for $160 from BogsFootwear.com, Zappos and Amazon.
This one’s a winner for hard-to-fit feet. The waterproof Orthofeet Alps comes with an orthotic-quality insole but is removable should you want to add your own. A wide and high toe box accommodates bunions and hammertoes. Side zippers make for easy on and off. Available in whole and half sizes 5-12, medium to extra-wide widths for $119.95 from Orthofeet.com, Zappos and Amazon.
There’s a reason Columbia brings back the lightweight Ice Maiden snow boot year after year–it does what it says it’ll do: keep your feet toasty warm, dry and cushioned. The fit is true and the price is right. We love that it comes in half sizes up to Find the Columbia Ice Maiden II whole and half sizes 5 to 12, medium and wide widths. Available for $79.90 from Zappos, Columbia.com, and Amazon.
This is a limited edition boot by Kizik, the hands-free footwear brand that so far has specialized in comfortable, supportive sneakers. The Juno boot is perfect for people who find laces challenging due to arthritis, back issues, mobility issues, etc. A quilted insulated upper and sherpa-lining keep feet toasty and a lug sole with deep grooves provides stability on slippery surfaces. Find the Kizik Juno in sizes 6-12 for $169.95 from Kizik.
If you’ve ever had a pair of Merrell Encore slip-ons, you understand how wonderfully supportive they are. Did you know that same support and stability comes in a winter boot? The Merrell Encore 4 Bluff is a side-zip ankle boot version of the famous slip-on. It’s waterproof, fleece-lined and insulated with 100 g of low-bulk insulation. The rubber outsole is grippy in slippery surfaces. Find the Merrell Encore 4 Bluff boot in sizes 5-11, medium and wide widths for $71.99-$130 from Merrell and Amazon. If you find your size sold out, take a look at the rest of the Merrell Encore winter boot series–same footbed, just different uppers!
Icebug boots are a must if you spend your winters navigating slippery sidewalks, or if you just can’t risk a fall. They’re pricey, but well-made, warm and functional. The Icebug Metro 2 style in photo above features 16 BUGrip carbide steel studs, roomy toe box, zipper entry and a cushioned Ortholite® footbed. Available in sizes 5.5-10.5 for $199.95 from Icebug.com and Amazon. Read more about Icebug boots in our more in-depth review of the brand.
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34 Responses to 8 Sensational Snow Boots Surround Feet in Comfort and Warmth
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I got a pair of the Columbia Omni Heat for a trip this year to Breckenridge and they were perfect. I’m a cold-natured person with RA and they lived up to expectations by keeping me warm and were so comfortable whether I was show shoeing or casually strolling.
Those are the Bogs B-Moc in wool, geometric print 🙂
I’m glad they work for you. Everyone is so over the moon about the Sorel Joan of Arctic (at least around here), but the Columbia’s look so lightweight and easy to walk in.
Can you recommend a waterproof boot that has enough support for snowshoeing? Much of what I’ve tried at places like REI is heavy and uncomfortable on my damaged feet. I called Helly Hansen to ask if the Garibaldi boot you recommended was suitable for showshoeing but the agent didn’t speak much English so I still don’t know. Thanks,
Hi Pam, have you tried Ahnu waterproof boots before? The Montara might be a good choice for you. Sturdy enough for snowshoeing, good support, but surprisingly lightweight (waterproof and warm too). You can search the reviews on Zappos for “snowshoe.” You’ll find 5 reviews stating the boot is good for the sport.
No mention of Fitflop Loaff waterproof winter boots? Ok, I admit, it’s pretty ugly in pics (looks better in person). But Fitflop are the only boots I can wear (that are available in the U.K.) so I think they’re worth a mention.
Oh we love FitFlop, but wanted to give a few other brands a chance to shine! Glad they work for you–that footbed is pretty amazing.
I’m searching for a boot similar to the Merrell with Arctic grip… hiking boot style, warm, especially good gripping sole, but must come in Wide.
Hi K, forget the Twisp for snow. I found out the hard way they aren’t waterproof! Comfortable for kicking leaves or shopping, but only on dry days. The boot shaft can be loosened with the laces accommodating sizes. I think I’ll take your advice above for a more practical boot this winter. ?
I have to mention my all-time favorite rain, snow, slush, sleet, and hail boots — the Merrell Duo Haven. While it’s no longer made, you can still find a pair if you search online. These are flat, flexible, nonslip, with an easy-on zipper, and they’re waterproof yet breathable. In addition, they are so lightweight, it’s like wearing nothing — and they have a slim profile that looks fine w/ anything you’re wearing, including in my case, with a dress or skirt as I walk to work. I change when I get to the office, but on the way, nothing beats these Merrells!
I saw a lot of reviews for the bogs b-moc online saying they didn’t really have any arch support. Fairly flat. I got a chance to try them on in the store today, and I have to agree they are a bit flat on the arches. Nice wide toe box though. I was able to get my orthotic in them fairly comfortably by sizing up though. I didn’t purchase them as their footbed isn’t removable. But if I don’t find something I like more I think I’m going to order them online and just put my orthotic in on top of their footbed. I was surprised by fine my foot was in that arrangement.
Thanks, Amanda. Good input. It does look like a roomy boot that would take an orthotic. One more idea. Last year, Dansko made a winter boot that got great reviews for support. Sadly they’re not making them again this year, but I found a few sizes on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AWVKNg It’s super cute too.
Are there ANY snow boots with a wide toe box for people with bad Morton’s neuroma ? Anyone have any thoughts ?
Just wanted to clue you in on something. A boot like the Ecco Trace will not give much support especially in the hindfoot. Nothing much there to grab onto your orthotic. I should know as I am suffering mightily with heel slippage in mine, so much so that I have torn 2 tendons in my knee. I have the thinnest of custom made orthotics and the boot causing me terrible toe scrunch, not enough height or width. Major bone to pick with whoever decided that a tapered toebox in footwear of any kind was the right thing to inflict on humanity. Good for the orthopaedic surgeons though!
Any suggestions for tall snow boots suitable for walking through deep snow that would also be kind to RA feet? I’ve looked at the Joan of Arctics, Merrell Tremblants talls, and a couple styles of Baffins. I might have to just start ordering and trying, but would love to hear if anyone has opinion or experience to share.
How about the Columbia Ice Maiden? Is it tall enough? Affordable, but great comfort and warm. Room for orthotic if needed.
They claim a 9 inch shaft, which is what my Vasque Pow Pow UltraDrys have, and I’m getting tired of snow creeping in the tops of my boots when doing chores. They are GREAT boots, otherwise though. Warm, light, roomy toes. It’s unfortunate about the Columbias because my daughter has a pair of the omniheats that I’ve been coveting. Thanks, and I’ll let you know if I find a winner.
Thanks! I may look at that. I actually ordered the Ecco Hydromax, walked around the house and liked them, but then saw they were real fur, oh no! I think I’m sending them back. But the toe box is wonderfully wide and squareish.
Have you tried snow gaiters to add height to a comfortable, but too short boot? I have had good success with them for the occasional deep snow my area gets every few years. My gaiters come to just below the knee and are waterproof to keep my legs dry. In deep, powdery snow I usually see some snow infiltration at the bottom edge of the gaiter, but I have never had it go higher than the instep.
any suggestions for boots with a wide toe box for my very bad arthritic feet? I have pain on bottom on right foot (metatarsal bone) , pain in heels, sides of feet, toes, plus fibromyalgia. due to wearing wrong boots it made me get a hammertoe which has to eventually be operated on. my right big toe is in pain from having plantar warts years ago. he cut out the warts, when the skin grew back it created a large callus on the big toe. I have never been able to find shoes to fit comfortably. I also have Raynauds in feet & fingers. my toes are very cold, all the time. which boots would be best? columbia Omni Heat? I need a wide toe box. thankyou
Hi Candis, I always love when readers post awesome reviews like this! Thank you.
Any reviews on Duckfeet boots?
I really researched the boots on last month’s list. My decision was to look for a warm pair of neutral boots. They had to be waterproof, zipper or pull on rather than lace for a quick change into my inside shoes, and be warm.
The Propét women’s Lumi Ankle Zip Snow Boot in Gray was what I ordered. I have bunions, narrow heels, I over pronate, and the part of my feet between the ankle and toes is not deep. One leg is 1/2″ shorter than the other – and the knee is a mess on that side. My Treads Labs orthotics fit perfectly in my normal size. (LOVE me some Treads orthotics!! My whole body feels better — thanks for the tip, Kirsten!)
The boots work best for me with medium weight socks. The zipper is in the front and is short, so I don’t expect leaking through the zipper. I wore them outside without socks in the remnants of a small snow event. The faux fur *is* slippery and there is plenty of room in there. I will take the time to put on socks next time. The shaft is soft and flexible with the faux fur and the heavy knitted panel across the back.
One caution: I find the sole to be incredibly stiff. I have been flexing each boot daily trying to break them in before I really have to wear them outside in public. I will be wearing them with those rubber miracle workers with “I will not be moved” spikes (I am a native Floridian, and didn’t experience snow until college).
I found the my best price at Amazon – $84.25 with an extra $21.24 discount at checkout!! This offer seemed to vary with size, color, and availability of the boot.
Hi Kirsten & Company:
I really enjoy your blog and have used many of your recommendations for both shoes and boots. I have recently moved to Central Wisconsin (the frozen tundra) and am looking for a good pair of boots for the ice. The problem is that I have one ankle that is larger than the other due to knee replacement surgery and my calves are plus size along with the rest of me. 🙂 Therefore I can’t wear tall boots or even tight ankle boots. Do you have any suggestions for boots that are great on the ice? Thank you for any help you can provide.
Kate
Hi Kirsten!
Love the boots review but wondering if you or other readers know of a warm SHOE not a boot for winter weather. Some days I don’t want the feel of lugging the UGGS! Waterproof would be a plus but I would likely pull on the boots if the weather was wet and soggy. Just a shoe but something with fur or shearling lining that keep the toes toasty. Socks always help of course but there’s gotta be something out there! Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
I ordered the Columbia Heavenly Omni Heat and was very disappointed. I ordered an 8 and 8.5. They are both very small thru the foot, no wide toe box like I thought. I have boxed them up to send back. I am still without a snow boot and they call for snow on Sunday. I need a wide toe box snow boot. any suggestions? also, what stores physically sell wide toe box boots? I will try Nordstrom but is there anyplace else? I need to try the boots on.
Denise, I’d say your best bet is to find an REI, Dicks or Bass Pro near you and try on boots. IF you go to Nordstrom, see if they have a snow boot by Baffin, Keen, Kamik or even North Face for a wider toe box! Good luck, you must live across the country’s mid-section–I hear the storm is a doozy.
I recently purchased Sienna 2 Kamik size 10 (normally wear 9.5 W in sports shoes) but find that it hurts my little toe after a while. I would like to know more options in comfortable winter boots for real canadian winter. I have greek foot with wide fore foot and believe me, even finding good shoes in general is a pain as eventually after wearing for 20 min or so, my foot starts hurting. Sad thing, most of the stores do not carry wide size or extended sizes.
Careful. Duck boots are extremely slippery on ice.
What are your recommendations for snow & rain boots w/ removable insoles? I just acquired prescription orthotics and my current wonderful snow & rain boots don’t have room for the orthotics.
What are your recommendations for snow & rain boots w/ removable insoles? I just acquired prescription orthotics and my current wonderful snow & rain boots don’t have room for the orthotics.
I’d recommend the Keen Kaci II waterproof boot: It has a removable insole and roomier fit, is waterproof and warm!
I just tried Sorel’s Tivoli IV boot on at DSW and with my orthodics, they felt great. I ordered some online. They do get great reviews at Amazon. What I like about them is that they have GREAT tread (a must as I live in the Midwest with ice and snow) and are warm, too. Here’s hoping!
I was so excited to find the Merrell Snowcreek tall boot on the Merrell website for 1/2 price. But sadly I had to return them. Leather was very stiff and toe box way too narrow to accommodate my bunions. In my opinion the faux fur was unattractive too. The search continues!