Let it snow! Walking in a winter wonderland isn’t a problem when you’ve got a pair of sturdy snow boots on your feet. Snow boots come in various designs, but are essentially warm, waterproof hiking boots with grippy soles, often lined with cosy fleece or faux-fur. They’re great for walking on snow and ice, and their warm linings will keep your tootsies comfortable in the cold.
Well-made snow boots don’t come cheap, however – after all, they have to stand up to harsh environments – so it’s worth doing your research and making sure you get the right ones. That said, there are bargains out there to be had. Read on to find out how to choose the perfect snow boots, and to discover our top picks.
How to buy the right snow boots for you
Any boots designed to tackle snow should have a waterproof – or at least water-resistant – outer layer. Boots described as waterproof can usually deal with deep snow and rain, and are suitable for winter hiking and working in the snow. “Snowproof” boots will only repel light snowfall, and are better suited to après-ski activities in mountain resorts, or walking around cities in light snow.
Whatever boots you go for, make sure they have tough, chunky soles made of rubber, with deep lugs to give you ensure you have a good grip on ice. High-performing snow boots often feature the same technology found in hiking boots, such as Gore-Tex waterproofing and tough, bouncy Vibram soles.
The final element to a good snow boot is warmth. Some boots come with a temperature rating (such as -10°C), which means they’ve been tested and proved to perform at low temperatures. We also like to look for padded insoles and a lining of faux sheepskin, fleece or faux fur, for comfort and extra warmth. Some brands, such as Sorel, make boots which have entire removable booties inside, which you can keep on your feet like slippers when you’re indoors.
How do I get the right fit?
Just like hiking boots, snow boots should feel comfortable and roomy, with plenty of space to move your toes and no tightness anywhere. The difference is that you don’t need to break in snow boots – they should feel deliciously comfy from the get-go. You’ll want to wear thick socks (ski socks are ideal) inside your snow boots, so take some with you when you’re testing pairs out. If the boots you’re trying out lace up, check that they feel snug and secure once done up. Soles should feel cushiony and grippy, but not too heavy and clunky. Ideally there won’t be much room between the opening of the boot and your leg, to avoid snow getting in.
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Sorel Cozy Joan boots for women from Ellis Brigham: Best all-rounder
Price: around £129.99 - Buy now from Ellis Brigham
Sorel’s much-loved snow boots are a safe bet for any winter adventures. Designed in Canada, they’re built to deal with big dumps of snow, and are uniformly warm and waterproof. We tested out the new Cozy Joan boot, which aims to feel as comfy and lightweight as your favourite trainers. The soft faux-fur lining is very warm, and the smart suede and leather uppers are fully waterproof (and tougher than they look). A great all-rounder, the Cozy Joan can go from off-piste hiking to après bars without blinking, and is breathable enough to wear in autumn and spring, too. You can’t go wrong.
Key specs: Material: Waterproof leather and suede; Lining: Microfleece; Sole: Rubber; Weight: 341g per boot
Keen Elsa snow boot for women: Best for après ski
Price: around £62.99 - Buy now from Cotswold Outdoor
The Elsa is far more light and comfortable than your average winter boot, with a fleecy inside and rubber soles that stay put on the slippiest surfaces. They’re quick to pop on, and they feel very flexible – a good choice if clunkier snow boots usually make you feel a bit foot-heavy. They look fantastic, too, and come in a range of bright colours and patterns. They aren’t the warmest pair we tried, though, and we wouldn’t recommend them for bad conditions, as they’re water-resistant, rather than fully waterproof. For light snow though they’re a fantastic choice.
Key specs: Material: Water-resistant PU leather and textile; Lining: Fleece; Sole: Rubber; Weight: 452.5g per shoe
LL Bean Duck boots for men and women: Best for the style-conscious
Price: around £119.37 - Buy now from LL Bean
So popular there was a waiting list when they were first sold in Britain, the iconic duck boots from LL Bean are a magical combination of beautiful looks and excellent performance. Designed in 1912 and still hand-made in Maine, the rubber, wellie-style toes of the Bean boot (as it’s affectionately known) will keep you dry whilst leather uppers mould to your feet for serious comfort. Be warned, though, these are seriously smart, luxe boots and are priced accordingly. Sizing can be a bit tricky, too – if you want to wear your boots with thin socks, order a size smaller than your usual.
Key specs: Material: Leather; Lining: Fabric; Sole: Rubber
Merrell Polar Coldpack for men: Best for working in the snow
Price: around £160 - Buy now from Merrell
The Polar Coldpack is for when you really mean snow business. These slick boots look like something James Bond would wear with an all-black ensemble in a ski pursuit scene, and they pack in enough technology to impress even Q, including high-quality Vibram soles, a posh nubuck leather lining and seriously warm insulation. The insoles are as supportive as you’d find in high-end hiking boots, and panels on the soles change colour when they detect icy conditions. The Polar Coldpack’s incredible grip and warmth makes it perfect for anyone working outdoors in the snow; well worth splashing out on for a winter season in the mountains.
Key specs: Material: Nubuck leather and mesh; Lining: M Select WARM insulation; Sole: Vibram Arctic Grip; Weight: 992g per shoe
Karrimor Snow Casual snow boots for men: Best budget snow boots
Price: around £37.99 - Buy now from Sports Direct
The Snow Casual is amazingly affordable, yet boasts a list of its good qualities, including durable soles with great traction, a waterproof upper, a soft faux fleece lining and a comfortable, generous fit that’s good for those with wider feet. If you’re searching for a decent snow boot for occasional wear, or to take on a week’s ski holiday there’s no reason to pay more – the Snow Casual is great for cash-strapped seasonnaires or as a warmer alternative to a wellington boot.
Key specs: Material: Weathertite; Lining: Faux fleece; Sole: Rubber
Hanwag Aotea for women: Best for hiking
Price: around £191.96 - Buy now from Cotswold Outdoor
It may be priced just shy of £200, but Hanwag’s Aotea is a snow boot worth splurging on. It’s carefully crafted with nothing but the best materials, including nubuck leather, a Gore-Tex waterproof lining and Michelin rubber soles – yep, like the tyres. We especially rate the Aoteas because they’re so versatile; thanks to their warm yet very breathable design, they work equally well in deep snow or on long-distance hikes. They feel fantastic to wear, too – tough as nails, yet light and flexible. And they’re ideal if you suffer from bunions, as they include more room for the big toe to sit straight in the boot without getting bunched up. A smart choice in every sense.
Key specs: Material: Nubuck leather; Lining: GORE-TEX® Sierra; Sole: MICHELIN® V-ROUGH PU and rubber; Weight: 480g per shoe
