As if we didn’t face enough issues when shopping for shoes (comfort, style, durability), soon we’ll have to factor in warmth and dryness, too. You won’t want to wait until winter’s already begun to find your next pair of boots or waterproof shoes that can handle snow, rain, icy terrain and chilly temperatures.
Below, you’ll find some winter walking shoes that are up for the task, and that can keep you warm and dry all season long. That includes styles for both men and women, whether you’re searching for boots, slip-ons or sneakers.
A cozy pair of women’s slip-on Skechers
Prefer a pair of slip-ons that don’t require tying up laces? While they’re only made in women’s sizes, these Skechers slip-ons couldn’t be easier to slide into, with their built-in heel pillow so you can even do its hands-free. Sink your toes into the delightful faux fur lining and memory foam insole, with a relaxed fit in the toe box so your feet don’t feel too cramped. Oh, and the suede uppers are water-repellent, too. What more could you want? You can get these in four colors and women’s sizes 5-11.
Promising Amazon review: “Love them. Soft and I am comfortable with the arch support. I need arch support and that was important to me. They look stylish and I can go barefoot in them if I want too.” — Kindle Customer
Columbia’s Snowtrot Unwind low-profile women’s winter shoe
If you like lower-profile shoes rather than boots, you might enjoy the Columbia Snowtrot Unwind. The cozy fleece lining and 100 grams of insulation make these winter-ready, especially with the heat-reflective technology that retains heat while remaining breathable. They also feature a puffer-like upper like the Vivaia boots, if you’re into that style. Tighten them to your liking using the toggle on top, and walk confidently over various terrain thanks to the shoe’s notable traction. These are available in four colorways and women’s sizes 5-12.
Promising Amazon review: “I’ve been using these shoes for daily city walks in the rain, and they’ve been excellent. They’re fully waterproof, provide strong grip on wet sidewalks, and feel comfortable even after hours of walking.” — Maya mizrahi
A pair of funky Salomon Gore-Tex sneakers
When it comes to wearing sneakers in the winter, you’ll likely want something made with Gore-Tex, a high-performance waterproof and windproof fabric that’ll keep your feet sheltered from inclement weather. One great option is the Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex, a unisex shoe with over 2,000 5-star ratings. It’s got a much lower profile than a winter boot, but still offers plenty of traction and stability as well as insulation. Reviewers mention wearing them for hours on hikes or walks while remaining comfortable. You can get a pair in a bunch of colorways, in women’s sizes 5-14 or men’s sizes 4-13.
A waterproof version of Hoka’s beloved Clifton 11 sneaker
Many popular sneaker styles also come in versions made with Gore-Tex to waterproof them, if you plan on running during the winter or just know that you like your regular sneakers and want to keep wearing them year-round. For example, instead of the Hoka Clifton 11, you can try the Clifton 11 GTX with its closed-mesh upper and water-repellant coating that’s ready for the weather ahead. Of course, you’ll probably want to pair these with thicker socks, but it’s certainly an upgrade over sneakers not made for cold, wet conditions. These come in several different colors, in women’s sizes 5-12 and men’s sizes 7-15, including wide options.
Some Sorel Caribou winter boots
Sorel’s Caribou boot is a Wirecutter pick from their list of the best snow boots. Given its waterproof construction, insulation for the cold and impressive traction for many different surfaces, it’s not hard to see why. This is a great pick for the wetter days when you’re out and about, and though it’s on the pricier side, the quality makes it worth it. Try out the Caribou in a handful of colorways and women’s sizes 5-12, or men’s sizes 7-17.
Promising REI review: “I cannot express in words how much I love these boots. Not only are they stylish, but comfortable, warm, sturdy, 100% waterproof/sno proof and easily wiped clean. The Caribou is the perfect height; not too short and not too tall. The grips on the bottom make navigating the snowy conditions seamless! They do run very large so I would suggest ordering a size or a half size down from your normal shoe size (dependent on how thick your socks are). I find myself picking outfits that will allow me to wear these boots daily. BEST BUY EVER. Worth every penny and put UGG to shame...” — HGAVLAK
These men’s Chelsea boots by Keen
Keen is known for their comfortable footwear — particularly their sandals, which we’ve covered before. While you’ll have to pack away your sandals for the season, you can still get the supportive benefits of their shoes in this waterproof, insulated men’s Chelsea boot, the Anchorage IV. The soles have contoured arch support for comfort, while the pull tabs make slipping the boots on simple. The recycled insulation and thermal heat shield can keep your feet nice and toasty, but the anti-odor control can simultaneously keep them from getting stinky. Get yourself a pair in black or brown, and men’s sizes 8-14.
Vivaia’s stylish waterproof puffer boots
I’m a fan of Vivaia’s shoes (I own two pairs), which manage to center comfort without sacrificing style. While I haven’t tried the Tyler yet, I’m intrigued by the ankle boot’s PufferTherm insulation that makes it waterproof and warm while avoiding heavy bulkiness (because no walking shoe should feel like you’re lugging bricks around on your feet). You can even add on the brand’s detachable leg warmers, purchasable on the same product page, to keep your legs warm, too. Try these out in five colorways and sizes 5-11 (Vivaia shoes are technically made in EU sizes, so make sure to check their size guide first — and consider sizing up to wear these with thicker socks).
Promising review: “I have pronated feet and bunions. These thermal boots are warm and very comfortable. I have some of your other style boots as well. The arch support and wide toebox are great!!!!” – CJ S.
The ThermoChill 2 Mid waterproof shoes from Merrell
Merrell is a HuffPost reader-favorite brand for their supportive, durable shoes that are great in all outdoor conditions. If you want something specifically engineered for winter, try their ThermoChill 2 Mid boots, which boast 200 grams of insulation, a warm fleece collar and a 10-millimeter drop, which can reduce pressure on your heels and calves. They’re also waterproof, great for snowy and rainy conditions. You can find these in a few different colorways, in women’s sizes 5-11 and men’s sizes 7-15.
Or the waterproof version of the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe
Here’s another noteworthy sneaker style that has a GTX counterpart: the Brooks Ghost 18. As our previous reporting states, the Brooks Ghost is a popular model among older adults. The roomy toe box and firm support of the original is present in this waterproof version, which are still lightweight and sleek with the Invisible Fit waterproof membrane. Get a pair for yourself in several colors, in women’s sizes 5-11 or men’s sizes 8-10.5.