Best Women’s Overall

Keen Revel IV Polar Boot

$175 at Amazon

$190

$143 at Zappos $190 at REI

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men's 7-15 Materials: Waterproof leather, performance mesh upper, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 4 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want versatile, waterproof boots that can be worn for walking or hiking in a variety of climates, including rain and snow.

Why We Love Them

Keen's Revel IV Polar Boots topped our list due to their exceptional quality, durability, versatility, and support, earning a perfect score in all key categories during the testing process. They kept our feet completely dry and warm in wet weather, even after walking through a large puddle, were comfortable, and offered great traction. We even wore them while walking down slick rocks and felt completely stable. 

We love that these boots are comfortable, fit true to size, and actually feel much lighter on our feet than we expected. They’re supportive and keep us stable and grounded when walking. Although they’re designed for outdoor use, they’re also stylish enough for casual wear, making them very versatile. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Keen.com.

Potential Flaws

• All the support and traction come with a bit of stiffness, especially during the first few wears.

• They are a bit bulky, but once you’re used to walking in them, they do feel relatively light compared to some other boots we tested.

Best Men’s Overall

Danner Arctic 600 Side-zip

$290 at Amazon View on Zappos View on Danner.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7-14 (medium, wide), Women's 5-11 Materials: Suede upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 13 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for people in colder climates who want a waterproof walking or hiking boot to keep their feet warm and dry. 

Why We Love Them

Danner's Arctic 600 Side-Zip Boots are sturdy, comfortable, and well-made. They’re also incredibly functional. Upon first wear, we noticed how supportive they felt on our feet and ankles, and the grippy tread on the bottom kept us feeling confident on a variety of surfaces, including slick rock, wet grass, and mud. We also love that they keep our feet warm and dry in wet conditions. 

We’re very surprised at how easy these boots are to put on. While some winter boots can be difficult to slide on and lace up, these go on with ease, and the side zipper means you don’t have to untie or tie complicated laces with every wear. These boots are high-quality, durable, and make for comfortable hiking shoes, but they’re also great for everyday winter activities, such as taking your dog for a walk or going to the grocery store.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Backcountry, and Danner.

Potential Flaws

• These are meant for cold weather. We found them to be too hot for a fall day, but they would be great on a cold winter day, especially in the snow. 

• Because they’re super sturdy and designed for cold weather, these boots are heavier than other options on our list.
  

Best Women’s Budget

Ryka Brae Winter Boot

$100

$75 at Amazon

$100

$74 at Zappos

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide) Materials: Water-repellent puffed fabric upper with microsuede overlay, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 4 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for individuals who want a budget-friendly walking boot for everyday wear in a variety of weather conditions, including rain and snow. 

Why We Love Them

We love how comfortable, soft, and lightweight Ryka's Brae Winter Boots are, and that they require no break-in period. But we were most impressed with how waterproof they are. After running them under water for several minutes, there wasn’t even a bit of dampness left on the boot, and absolutely no water got inside.

Although this pair is more affordable than others on our list, the boots still feel durable, well-made, and look high-quality. They withstood a lot of walking and water exposure during our testing period, showing no signs of wear and tear. We also love that they come in a variety of colors and are more stylish than many traditional walking boots. Additionally, they’re available in both medium and wide widths, allowing you to find the perfect fit.

Potential Flaws

• Because these boots are a little more flexible than traditional walking boots, they don’t provide as much ankle support as other options. 

Best Men's Budget

Nortiv 8 Insulated Snow Boot

$57 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Nortiv8shoes.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 6.5–15 (medium, wide) Materials: Waterproof rubber shell, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 15 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for individuals who want a budget-friendly walking boot for snowy activities like shoveling snow, sledding, or walking on a snowy trail. 

Why We Love Them

For the price, you really can’t get any better than Nortive 8's Insulated Snow Boots. They’re easy to put on and take off, comfortable, warm, and sturdy. From the moment we tried them on, they cushioned both our ankles and feet, while also offering good ankle support and stability. 

They provide good traction, and we never feel unstable while walking on wet surfaces. They also stay dry in wet weather, even when we tested their waterproof abilities under running water. We appreciate that the laces remain tied throughout the day, which isn’t always the case with boots or shoes. 

Potential Flaws

• These are specifically designed for cold weather and snow, and aren’t breathable enough to wear in warmer climates. 

• They lack arch support, which may be a problem for someone with significant overpronation (when the ankle rolls too far downward and inward with each step).

Best for Hiking

Oboz Ousel Mid Boot

$200 at Amazon View on Obozfootwear.com View on Campsaver.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide) Materials: Leather and recycled fabric upper, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 12.2 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want walking boots for hiking in cold weather.

Why We Love Them

Oboz's Ousel Waterproof Boots are warm, well-cushioned, and supportive, making them ideal for cold-weather hiking and snowy conditions. They’re fully waterproof and keep our feet dry when walking through deep puddles and in the rain. We find them comfortable, even after miles of walking and wear, and they perform well on a variety of terrain, including grass, mud, uneven dirt trails, and slick rocks and concrete.

We also love the brand's commitment to the environment. Not only are these boots made from partially recycled materials, but the company also plants a tree for every pair sold. Plus, they're super high-quality, durable, and built to last.

Potential Flaws

• They’re very warm, which is great for cold-weather hikes, but they’re not as breathable as other options, so we wouldn’t recommend them for warmer conditions.

Best for Casual Walks

OrthoFeet Florence Boots

View on Amazon View on Zappos View on Orthofeet.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide, extra extra-wide) Materials: Leather upper, orthotic insole, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 6 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone who wants extra support, warmth, and comfort on casual walks in cold weather. 

Why We Love Them

From the moment we put on OrthoFeet's Florence Boots, they felt like a warm hug for our feet. The faux fur lining is super cozy, while the waterproof leather keeps our feet dry and warm. For a boot, they’re very lightweight yet still offer good support thanks to the orthotic insole, designed specifically to provide arch support and reduce heel pain while walking. 

The tread on these boots is strong enough to keep us steady on slightly wet roads and light trails. We love how easy they are to put on, as the two Velcro straps are simple to secure and stay tight during walks. Additionally, they're extremely stylish and available in several neutral color options.

Potential Flaws

• These hit just above the ankle, which is great for casual walks in mild cold weather, but may not be protective enough for deep snow.

Best Waterproof

Sorel Caribou Boot

$160

$143 at Amazon $225 at Zappos $225 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5.5–10, Men's 7-17 Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): Roughly 4 pounds Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone living in a snowy, cold climate who wants warm, waterproof boots for walking their dog, commuting to work, or running errands.

Why We Love Them

Sorel’s Caribou Waterproof Boot offers comfort, warmth, and style. We particularly love the cozy fuzzy top for both its warmth and appearance. They’re also incredibly durable. We compared a pair of boots from decades ago with a new pair, and they look practically identical. 

We wore these boots on light hikes, as well as on gravel, grass, concrete, and dirt, and loved the comfortable support and excellent traction they provided. These boots are completely waterproof—the water rolls right off of them, and they keep our feet and ankles dry in inclement weather.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Sorel.

Potential Flaws

• The boots felt a little bulky and heavy, especially when worn inside, but that also makes them ideal for the harshest weather conditions.

Best Splurge

UGG Adirondack III Boot

$250

$213 at Amazon View on Kickscrew.com $130 at Nordstromrack.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 2 pounds, 6 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for individuals who want to invest in a high-quality, exceptionally comfortable, and durable waterproof boot for all-day wear in very cold weather.

Why We Love Them

Ugg's Adirondack III Boots are worth every penny. They’re made with high-quality, durable leather, and the construction of the boot is clearly top-notch. We love how cozy and warm our feet feel as soon as we put them on. We also appreciate how flexible they are, making them easy to walk in all day while still offering support so our feet don’t feel achy or tired. We previously broke our ankle, and prioritize walking boots with excellent ankle support, and these didn't disappoint.

They’re very versatile—you can wear them with the top rolled down and the fuzzy lining as an accent, or if you need a taller boot, you can lace them up higher. Because they’re so warm, they’re ideal for cold, snowy weather. We like wearing ours for long, chilly walks in the park and while running errands, since they keep us incredibly comfortable, warm, and provide excellent support.

Potential Flaws

• At nearly two and a half pounds, the pair of boots are on the heavy side, but we didn’t feel like they were too heavy to walk in or too bulky to wear all day.

Best for Warm Weather

Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots

View on Amazon $170 at Zappos $150 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5–12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7–16 (medium, wide) Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 1 pound, 11.5 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for walking or hiking in warmer climates, especially if you’re on rugged terrain.

Why We Love Them

We love how Merrell's Moab 3 Hiking Boots feel on our feet and the support they offer us on even the most challenging, uneven terrain. We feel completely stable and safe climbing up rocks and walking through mud, water, and over roots. They also keep our feet dry, even after completely submerging them in streams, and we were amazed to see the water simply roll off of them.

They’re also incredibly lightweight and can double as supportive walking boots on flat ground if that’s what you’re in the market for. They offer good arch and ankle support without being too heavy or bulky, and the laces stay securely tied. Plus, we wore them in both warm and cooler temperatures, and our feet stayed dry and comfortable, never feeling chilly or sweaty.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Merrell.

Potential Flaws

• There’s not much we would change about this boot other than making it available in more colors.

Best for Cold Weather

Baffin Chloe Boot

$185 at Amazon $235 at Zappos $234 at REI

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6–11 Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Weight (Pair): 4 pounds, 9.6 ounces Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for winter walking and commuting to and from a ski mountain or other winter activities.

Why We Love Them

Baffin's Chloe Boots are warm, comfortable, and well-cushioned. Despite their warmth, we love that we never overheat when wearing them, even in more fall-like weather. They offer not only good arch support but also great ankle support. They provide excellent traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping in water, ice, or snow. They feel sturdy under our feet, even in slippery, rainy conditions.

They’re fully waterproof, and water repels right off of them, even when we ran them under water as a test. The faux fur collar is super stylish, and we felt comfortable wearing these boots while running errands and when out to dinner on a snowy day. We also love the wide, adjustable calf, which allows for a customized fit.

Potential Flaws

• As with many tall snow boots, these are heavier than other options.