How to Choose the Right Winter Boots

Style

How to Choose the Right Winter Boots

The three proven styles that tackle climate, comfort and traction

The best winter boots, like the Morjas hiker ($500) have been reworked with mudguards, lug soles and water-repellent, coated leather patches.

By

Valet. Staff

@valetmag

Published

December 15, 2025

Published

December 15, 2025

Photography

Courtesy

Note

Items featured in this story are independently selected by the editorial team. Purchasing via our links may earn Valet. a portion of the sale, which helps fund our editorial mission.

Having cold, wet feet is a drag and the quickest way to feel miserable this time of year (and maybe even catch a cold). The right winter boots will prevent that from ever happening, but unlike sneakers, picking the perfect pair isn’t just about looks. The climate you live in, the activities you plan to do, and how warm your feet naturally run all factor into the kind of boot you should buy.

There’s plenty to choose from, but we’ve narrowed down your choices to three styles that are the go-to move as we head into the wintery months of 2026. From insulated slip-ons that dress up or down with ease to fresh takes on classic hikers and ruggedly technical boots built for serious conditions—these are the picks our team stands behind. Any one of them will be able to take on winter’s wrath while keeping your feet warm and dry when it matters most.

Hikers

Astorflex Alvaflex boot,

$275

at

Huckberry

These heritage-inspired hikers blend handcrafted leather with beefy commando lug soles, and classic lace-up styling, into boots that look equally at home on a trail or at a dinner table. It’s proof that the hiking boot has evolved from pure utility into a versatile style staple.

◤

Astorflex Alvaflex boot,

$275

at

Huckberry

Burnished leather alpine boot,

$260

at

Banana Republic

Paraboot Avoriaz mountain boot,

$705

at

Todd Snyder

Mr P. Suede lace-up boot,

$525

at

MR PORTER

Suede hiker,

$500

at

Morjas

Daystorm boot,

$250

at

Sorel

Slip-Ons

Mr P. Ollie suede Chelsea boot,

$500

at

MR PORTER

From insulated leather Chelseas built for serious cold and refined suede versions that work in the boardroom to sleek rubber options that can take on any slushy sidewalk, the modern slip-on has evolved into the most versatile winter boot category, combining genuine weather protection with effortless, pull-on-and-go convenience.

◤

Mr P. Ollie suede Chelsea boot,

$500

at

MR PORTER

Blundstone Thermal boot,

$234.95

at

Amazon.com

Danner Bull Run Chelsea boot,

$239.95

at

REI

Polo Ralph Lauren Bryson lug sole boot,

$198

at

Ralph Lauren

Rugged Chelsea boot,

$225

at

Tecovas

Bolinas rubber boot,

$100

at

SeaVees

Modern Athletic

Danner Mountain 600 boot,

$240

at

Huckberry

Blending trail-runner agility with hiking-boot support, these performance-focused boots combine advanced cushioning systems, grippy Vibram outsoles, and waterproof membranes in surprisingly lightweight packages. You no longer have to choose between speed and protection on winter trails.

◤

Danner Mountain 600 boot,

$240

at

Huckberry

Timberland Waterproof field boot,

$160

at

Nordstrom

LEMS Outlander waterproof boot,

$195

at

Bespoke Post

Tracker winter boot,

$280

at

Vivobarefoot

Merrell Moab Speed 2 waterproof boot,

$190

at

REI

Snowclog Mid boot,

$130

at

Salomon

What Makes
a Boot a
Winter Boot?

Sure, waterproofing comes in handy, but insulation is key. This is no time for flimsy leather or thin soles, so the best winter boots are beefy and come with some form of extra lining—anything from Thinsulate and Primaloft to natural wool insoles or a modular system that includes a removable liner.