The 30 Best Winter Boots and Shoes for Travel

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. We'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.
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The Warmest Winter Boots
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UGG Men's Butte Snow Boots
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Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac Deluxe Boot
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Columbia Women's Ice Maiden II Snow Boot
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Men’s Kamik Iceland Winter Boot
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Merrell Marquette Thermo Lace Boots
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Lightweight Winter Boots
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Ariat Wexford Waterproof Chelsea Boot
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Women's Saltwater Quilted Duck Boot
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SOREL Explorer III Joan Boot
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Kamik Arie Lo Boot
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Whitin Men's Waterproof Cold-Weather Boots
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Winter Boots That Are Great for Walking
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Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
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Merrell Men's Moab Adventure Chelsea Polar Waterproof Boots
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Skechers Women’s Easy Going Frostline Boots
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Kamik Rogue Hike 3
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Baffin Zone Boots
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Packable Winter Boots
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Felicitas Sabrina 31 Bootie
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Sorel Buxton Lite Waterproof Boots
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Women’s ThermoBall™ Progressive Zip II Waterproof Boots
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Columbia Minx Xtra Shorty Suede
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Comfortable Winter Boots That Look and Feel Like Sneakers
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Keen Men's Brixen Low Waterproof Insulated Shoe
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Ecco Soft 7 Tred
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Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
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Sorel Out N About IV Mid Sneaker
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Men’s Larimer Mid Waterproof Boots
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Winter Shoes That Aren’t Boots
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Rockport Men's Northfield Oxford
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FitKicks Original Women's Foldable Shoes
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Danner Panorama Waterproof Low Hiking Shoes
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Vessi Soho Sneaker
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Dansko Women's Paisley Sneaker
Don't let freezing temperatures, 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.

The UGG Men's Australia 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 features a special pattern on the bottom to enhance traction on icy surfaces.

With 200g ThermaFill insulation, a faux fur collar, and a rubber shell, there's a reason these boots have been successfully protecting wearers from winter weather since the 1950s. With each color option featuring contrasting laces and detailed stitching, the Hunt Pac boots are more fashionable than your typical snow gear.

For a 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.

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.

Available in three neutral colors, you can match the Marquette Thermo Lace Boots from Merrell to any seasonal outfit. Fleece lining, waterproof technology, and 100g of Primaloft Gold Eco Series insulation work together to keep the warmth in and the wet weather out.
Want shoes that won’t weigh down your feet … or your suitcase? Pack these lightweight winter boots.

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.

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.

Coming in at just 13 ounces, you won’t find much winter footwear that weighs less than the SOREL Explorer III Joan 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.

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 Waterproof Cold-Weather Boots are lightweight (about 7 ounces per boot), affordable, waterproof, and available in a variety of colors. If you need comfortable boots for city walking and snowy sightseeing, these are a good bet.
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.

You'll comfortably walk for miles in these waterproof Gore-Tex hiking boots from Salomon, which are well-insulated and feature sturdy rubber soles that keep you stable even in wet weather.

The Moab Adventure 3 Chelsea Boots feel comfy right from the get-go, thanks to a soft fleece lining and EVA foam midsole. The boots are waterproof and well-insulated, providing plenty of cushioning for all-day walking.

These boots from Skechers live up to their easy-going name, with waterproof sealed seams, comfy nylon upper, and Memory Foam insole, making walking in winter a breeze. They zip on and off for easy removal and also feature laces to adjust for a snug fit.

Another SmarterTravel favorite, the 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.

If your idea of a winter walk involves snowshoes, inclines, and trailheads, then these are the heavy-duty boots for you. These “sport-boots” are Tundra Rated, meaning you’ll feel warm and secure even in subzero climates up to -22 degrees Fahrenheit. The 400g of multilayer insulation, waterproofing, and foam lining will keep you sufficiently snug during your winter activities.
These super-packable winter boots for men and women serve a specific cold-weather purpose yet still manage to be lightweight and easy to fit into a suitcase.

With a cozy faux-fur lining and removable footbed, the Felicitas Sabrina 31 booties offer serious warmth and a cool, stylish look. Small enough to squeeze comfortably inside a suitcase, these boots make it easy to add a pop of personality to any travel outfit with their patterned, woven, padded collar and buckle detail.

The men’s Sorel Buxton Lit Waterproof Boots are just 1lb 2oz per boot, and the rubber textile upper offers flexibility without sacrificing durability. Toasty warm insulation lining the waterproof exterior will keep your feet warm and dry.

Bring all the warmth and comfort of a North Face jacket to your feet with these water-repellant booties featuring ThermoBall 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.

At first glance, the Xtra Shorty Suede boots look more like slippers than winter footwear. However, these boots are designed to be lightweight, thanks to their EVA midsole and sneaker-like silhouette, while also insulating your feet from the frost. While we wouldn't recommend the Shorty Suedes for trekking through the snow, they're perfect for an early winter commute or chilly stroll.
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.

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.

The Ecco Soft 7 Tred boots can easily pass as a pair of stylish sneakers, with their leather craftsmanship and sleek sole. The secret? The thin yet ultra-warm and waterproof Gore-Tex lining that protects your feet from the winter weather. Add in a grippy rubber sole and faux-shearling inner collar, and these are bound to be the coziest boots in your closet.

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.

The suede and canvas upper of the Out N About shoes from Sorel gives them the feel of a classic tennis shoe, while the faux-shearling collar and waterproofing materials lend them the practicality of a winter boot.

Another strong candidate from The North Face, there's nothing separating the Men’s Larimer Mid Waterproof boot from a standard sneaker at first glance. Dive deeper into the construction, and you'll find 100g of Heatseeker™ insulation, a padded waterproof suede and nylon upper, and a waterproof membrane to stand up to whatever winter weather comes your way.
Want winter shoes that aren't full-size boots? Try these packable winter shoes with sturdy soles, good treads, and cozy liners.

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.

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.

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.

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 transition easily between seasons. The padded ankle collar ensures comfort, regardless of the walking demands of your itinerary, and water wipes away easily from the vegan leather exterior, so go ahead and jump in those puddles.

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 features built-in moisture and odor control, along with a triple-density footbed for optimal arch support.
Editor's note: Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

