The 30 Best Winter Boots and Shoes for Travel

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Shoes can make or break your vacation, especially in winter when you have to contend with frozen toes and slippery sidewalks. That’s why a pair of warm winter boots can be a traveler’s best friend on cold-weather trips. The following boots are packable, lightweight, and comfortable enough to walk in for miles. I’ve also thrown in a few pairs of winter shoes that aren’t boots but are still worth adding to your cold-weather packing list.

The Warmest Winter Boots

Don’t let freezing temperature, snow, or sleet keep you confined indoors. These warm winter boots will keep your feet toasty and comfortable, no matter how far you’re walking or how low the temperatures drop.

UGG Men’s Butte Snow Boots

The UGG Men’s Butte Snow Boots are highly rated on Amazon, thanks to their stylish yet practical design. These waterproof, leather-lined boots with warm wool protect your feet from dampness and the cold (they’re rated for use in weather as cold as -4 degrees Fahrenheit). The Vibram outsole has a special pattern on the bottom to help with traction on icy surfaces.

Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac Deluxe Boot

With 200g ThermaFill® insulation, faux fur collar, and rubber shell, there’s a reason these boots have been successfully protecting wearers from the winter weather since the 1950s. Available in five colors, including dusty lilac and snow, with contrasting laces and detailed stitching, the Hunt Pac boots are more fashionable than your typical snow gear.

Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot

For an classic snow boot that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and support, try the Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot. With quilted ankle support, seam sealed membrane, and 200g of insulation, you’ll be able to trek through the winter weather without sore feet.

Men’s Kamik Iceland Winter Boot

Cozy and comfortable, the Kamik Iceland Winter Boot is rated for temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The Cleansport NXT footbed helps fight odors, and the waterproofing will keep your feet dry even in snow and slush.

Lightweight Winter Boots

Want shoes that won’t weigh down your feet … or your suitcase? Pack these lightweight winter boots.

Ariat Wexford Waterproof Chelsea Boot

When you need one pair of boots for the whole trip that will look good with anything, pick Ariat’s Wexford Waterproof Chelsea boots. These stylish boots look like regular Chelsea boots, but are completely waterproof, so you can confidently wear them in a rainstorm. A cozy plaid lining helps keep your feet warm, and a lightweight forked shank offers support without weighing you down. The pull-on style is perfect for travel, since you can easily slip them on and off at airport security.

Women’s Saltwater Quilted Duck Boot

The Saltwater Quilted Duck Boot is a favorite on the SmarterTravel team. The water-resistant rubber shell and Molded Wave-Siping™ traction technology makes it a hearty warrior in the battle against slipping and falling in icy winter puddles. The quilted, lace-up design and ankle cut protect you from the elements without sacrificing your style.

SOREL Explorer™ Boot

Coming in at just 1 lb and 1 oz, you won’t find many men’s hiking boots that weigh less than the SOREL Explorer™ Boot. These waterproof boots have up to 100g of insulation, a grooved outsole, and a microfleece footbed cover so you can wear them in comfort and with confidence in snow, ice, or rain.

Blundstone BL1465 Waterproof Winter Lace-Up Boot

Although known for Chelsea Boot style, Blundstone tackled winter weather with these shearling lined, waterproof lace-up boots. Wear it two ways, either laced up to the top for maximum warmth or rolled down to create a wool collar.

Kamik Arie Lo Boot

The Kamik Ariel Lo boots streamline all the function of a hearty snow boot into the perfect winter commuter shoe. The slight wedge heel makes these boots feel dressier without sacrificing any of the weather-resistant features. They pair just as easily with a dress and fleece-lined tights as they do with snow pants.

Whitin Men’s Insulated All-Weather Boots

Whitin’s All-Weather Boots are lightweight, affordable, water-resistant, and available in a variety of colors. If you need comfortable boots for city walking and sightseeing, these are a good bet.

Winter Boots That Are Great for Walking

Strolling through a snow-covered city can be a magical travel experience—unless your feet are freezing or soaking wet. Weather will never be a problem if you’ve packed a pair of these winter walking boots that are perfect for sightseeing or hiking in freezing temperatures.

Northside Men’s Back Country Waterproof Pack Boot

Men headed to cold and snowy environments will appreciate these boots by Northside. Built for outdoor activities, they’re lined with Thermolite insulation for warmth without bulk. A removable felt liner with faux shearling collar can be called in on extra cold days. And with its D-ring lacing system, the Pack Boots are easy to take on and off at airport security.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX

You’ll comfortably walk for miles in these waterproof hiking boots from Salomon, which are well insulated and have sturdy rubber soles that will keep you stable even in wet weather.

Women’s Rangeley Waterproof Pac Boots

These waterproof boots stretch to mid-calf to keep your legs warm and dry. They come in three color options, all featuring a moisture-wicking fleece lining, a cushioned insole, and rubber outsole. The faux fur detail on top and the lace-up front give these heavy-duty boots a fashionable flare.

Merrell Men’s Moab Adventure Chelsea Polar Waterproof Boots

The Moab Adventure Boots feel comfy right from the get-go, thanks to a soft fleece lining and removable contoured insole. The boots are waterproof and well insulated, and provide plenty of cushioning for all-day walking.

Skechers Relaxed Fit Easy Going Moro Street Boots

Skechers’ Moro Street Boots are lightweight, so they won’t weigh you down or make your legs tired. A unique, squishy memory foam insole makes them comfortable to walk in, and the ankle cut makes them smaller than other water-repellent options—perfect for saving on packing space.

Kamik Rogue Hike 3

Another SmarterTravel favorite, waterproof Rogue Hike 3 is a sturdy option whether you’re hiking or walking around the city. The high-traction sole helps you keep your footing on slick sidewalks and other slippery terrain while the inner lining is soft and comfortable.

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Packable Winter Boots

These super packable winter boots for men and women, including foldable boots, serve a specific cold-weather purpose yet still manage to be lightweight and easy to fit in a suitcase.

Felicitas 59 Bootie

With a cozy faux-fur lining and removable footbed, the Felicitas 59 Bootie offers serious warmth and cool style. Small enough to squeeze comfortably inside a suitcase, these boots make it easy to add a pop of personality to any travel outfit with the colorful woven shaft and buckle detail.

Sorel Men’s Ankeny II Mid Boot

The men’s Ankeny II Mid Boot from Sorel has a waterproof leather and suede upper, plus seam-sealed waterproof construction, yet it still manages to be lighter than most men’s boots. It’s as at home on city streets as on the trail, and has a deep herringbone tread to prevent slips in snow, ice, and rain.

Women’s ThermoBall™ Progressive Zip II Waterproof Booties

Bring all the warmth and comfort of a North Face jacket to your feet with these water repellant booties featuring ThermoBall™ Eco insulation and an OrthoLite® footbed. The front zipper closure offers a sleek, trendy look while the flexible quilted ankle cut can compress down to fit more easily inside your luggage.

Ugg Hapsburg Hiker

The extra stylish detailing of these boots hides the fact that they are ready to take on the winter weather, made from waterproof leather and suede with sealed seams and a warm lining. Perfect for drizzly days or a dusting of snow, the grippy rubber soles won’t let you slip on your commute.

Comfortable Winter Boots That Look and Feel Like Sneakers

When you travel, you want dry, warm feet, but you also need to be able to walk for miles—comfortably. That’s why boots that feel or even look like sneakers can be a great fit.

Keen Men’s Brixen Low Waterproof Insulated Shoe

Don’t want to pack a big, heavy boot? Take footwear that’s the same size as a shoe but performs like a winter boot: the Keen Brixen is an insulated, waterproof sneaker. It slips on and off (perfect for wearing on the plane) and has a wool felt lining that will keep you warm, plus antimicrobial insulation to keep out odors.

Ecco Women’s Shape 35 Ankle Bootie

Booties are great for travel, since they offer warmth and support without being as hard to pack as a full boot. Ecco’s Shape 35 Ankle Bootie is a classic choice, featuring a side zipper for easy on/off at airport security. This pair is also very lightweight, making them easy to pack and unlikely to tire out your feet and legs.

Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot

These hiking boots from Timberland are as comfortable as sneakers while offering the support and waterproofing of a boot. They are lighter weight than many men’s boots and come in a variety of colors and sizes, including wide sizes.

Eddie Bauer Storm Sneaker

These shoes from Eddie Bauer offer the best of winter boots and sneakers rolled into one. Styled like a traditional tennis shoe, the Storm Sneakers are made from a combination of leather and water repellant fabric. Available in gender-neutral sizing and eight color options.

Men’s Larimer Mid WP

Another strong candidate from The North Face, there’s nothing separating the Men’s Larimer Mid WP boot from a standard sneaker at first glance. Dive deeper into the construction, and you’ll find 100g of Heatseeker™ Eco zonal insulation, a padded waterproof suede and nylon upper, and a waterproof membrane to stand up to whatever winter weather comes your way.

Winter Shoes hat Aren’t Boots

Want winter shoes that aren’t full-size boots? Try these packable winter shoes with sturdy soles, good treads, and cozy liners.

Rockport Men’s Northfield Oxford

Not every winter day calls for a full boot. When you don’t want to have to change your footwear, consider Rockport’s Northfield, which can fit into any environment without sacrificing dryness. These stylish oxfords are fully waterproof (and even have a unique seam-sealant to prevent any rogue leaks), and have a removable interior cushioning system that adds to your comfort.

FitKicks Original Women’s Foldable Shoes

Planning footwear for cold-weather travel isn’t all about protection from the elements. You’ve also got to plan for chilly indoor floors. FitKicks‘ foldable shoes have a rubber sole, so they can be worn outdoors as well—but for winter travel, your best bet is to pack a pair of these fold-and-go shoes as a comfortable slipper alternative.

Danner Panorama Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes

You can hit the trails or explore a new city in these hiking shoes from Danner. These shoes offer the typical specs you’d want in a hiking boot—moisture-wicking, waterproof, high-traction outsoles—with the additional bonuses of abrasion resistant uppers and shock absorption. Designed to look like a sturdy lace-up sneaker, you won’t feel out of place wearing these while just seeing the sights.

Vessi Soho Sneaker

The SoHo Sneakers—like all Vessi shoes—are 100% waterproof. These shoes are great for anyone who mourns putting away their summer wardrobe come September, making the transfer easily between seasons. The padded ankle collar makes them comfortable no matter how much walking your itinerary demands and water wipes away easily from the vegan leather exterior, so go ahead and jump in those puddles.

Dansko Women’s Paisley Sneaker

Dansko lovers, rejoice! The company has the Paisley, a winter shoe that offers its signature comfort in a sporty style that’s winter ready. Waterproof uppers meet rubber outsoles for dependable traction on slippery surfaces. The shoe also has built-in moisture and odor control, plus a triple-density footbed for good arch support.

Caroline Morse Teel never takes a cold-weather trip without warm winter boots. Follow her on Instagram TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editor’s note: Christine Sarkis, Sarah Schlichter, and Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

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