Best Shoes For Snow And Ice: Men’s And Women’s

Merrell Men's Coldpack Ice+ 8" Zip Polar Waterproof

If you primarily want slip-resistant boots that are extremely stable on icy surfaces, the Merrell Coldpack is a great option for you. They have a Vibram Arctic Grip outsole that is designed for outstanding performance in extreme conditions. It is rated as slip-resistant, so these boots are definitely a good choice if you want something that will make it effortless to walk on icy surfaces.

They also feature lightweight synthetic insulation and fleece lining, so they’re pretty warm as well. But, I wouldn’t say that they’re excellent for snow because of how short they are – these are ankle boots, so they are definitely not designed for treading through deep snow.

The Coldpack boots feature a removable EVA insole, which is very convenient. You can easily swap it out for something more supportive and that’s great for people who have to wear custom insoles in all of their footwear.

However, it’s worth noting that these are very tight – if you plan to put a thicker insole inside it would be best to go at least half a size up, otherwise, you might not be able to get the boots on your feet.

The uppers of these boots are made from waterproof leather and they boast seam-sealed construction, so they’re perfectly fine for wet conditions. They’re also breathable enough that your feet won’t stay sweaty even if they become too warm, but I still wouldn’t recommend them for temperatures higher than 5 degrees Celsius.

The Merrell boots even have a molded nylon shank for extra support and stability, as well as abundant cushioning in the heel for superb shock absorption. They mostly run true to size, but if you have wide feet or need thicker insoles, it would be best to size up.

Salomon Men's Quest GTX Backpacking Boots

Salomon is one of the brands that first comes to mind when you think of gear for rugged weather conditions. They make great shoes and jackets that perform extraordinarily well in the winter, in terms of warmth and water resistance. So, it’s no surprise that they’re also one of the best brands to consider when it comes to rugged outsoles for walking on ice!

The Quest boots by Salomon feature Gore-Tex uppers that are excellent for deep snow – Gore-Tex is completely waterproof, so there’s no way water can seep in through the boots. The uppers are also very breathable, so you can be sure that your feet won’t get too sweaty inside the boots.

The Salomon Quest backpacking boots feature a Contagrip outsole with a deep, multidirectional lug pattern. The aggressive lugs bite into the terrain with ease, ensuring you have plenty of grips regardless of the terrain under your feet.

The outsole is also made from non-slip rubber, so you can expect excellent performance on icy surfaces.

Additionally, these hiking boots boast a 4D Advanced Chassis design for excellent comfort even on longer hikes. It allows for more forefoot flexion which improves stability and reduces fatigue, making these a great option for long adventures.

On top of all that, the Quest boots actually feature the cushioning of running shoes. That should give you a really good idea of how comfortable they are even on the really rough terrain. They are also very supportive, especially in the arch and heel areas.

It’s worth noting that these boots are a bit tight, so they’re not a great option for people with wide feet. Especially since they’re only available in regular sizes.

Merrell Thermo Rogue Tactical Waterproof Ice+

Here’s another excellent option from Merrell – the Thermo Rogue Tactical boots are amazing for both snow and ice. They have a Vibram Arctic Grip outsole with lots of deep and multidirectional lugs, for outstanding performance on different terrain types. Whether you’re trekking through soft snow or climbing icy peaks, these boots will not let you down.

They also feature Merrell M Select Warm insulation that traps and preserves your own body heat, in order to keep your feet warm for prolonged periods of time. Plus the boots are entirely waterproof, meaning you can safely tread through deep snow without your feet getting cold or wet.

Other great features of these boots include a bellowed tongue that keeps debris out, an Aerogel footbed and toe cap for superb protection and comfort, and even a molded Nylon shank.

The Thermo Rogue boots are also equipped with a contoured insole for excellent support, while the dual-directional EVA midsole promises superb stability.

Another thing worth mentioning is that these Merrell boots boast metal hooks and eyelets for secure lacing. There’s no zipper so they are a bit awkward to get on and take off, especially with the lack of an ankle loop.

But that’s the only bad thing I can say about them – considering these are waterproof and insulated boots with a very aggressive outsole, they’re actually my favorite pick out of the bunch. Buy these, and you will soon be walking on ice with ease!

It is worth noting that these boots run a little small, so it’s probably a good idea to go half a size up, especially if you have wide feet.

They are only available in the regular width and they are a bit narrow, so it’s going to take some trial and error to get a pair that fits perfectly. But once you’ve figured that out, I’m pretty sure they’ll become your go-to winter boots.

Danner Men's Lookout 8” 800G

Danner is a great brand when it comes to heavy-duty boots. They actually manufacture footwear for law enforcement, as well as tonnes of amazing work boots. Danner footwear is known for its excellent performance and durability, and they are a great option if you want something reliable that does not disappoint.

It is important to note that the Lookout boots are not insulated at all, so they’re not really a great option for really cold weather. Their uppers are waterproof and breathable so your feet and legs won’t get wet if you walk through deep snow, but they’re not going to stay toasty warm either.

These boots feature a Danner Lookout non-slip outsole that is designed to provide you with lots of grip and exceptional traction for walking on ice or wet surfaces. If you are primarily looking for slip-resistant shoes, these are definitely worth considering.

Their uppers are made from full-grain leather and ballistic nylon – the nylon helps reduce the weight of the shoes and increase their breathability.

The interior of the boots has a Danner Dry waterproof barrier that helps keep the boots breathable. It allows moisture inside the shoes to evaporate, so your feet won’t get too sweaty in these boots.

One thing that makes the Lookout boots stand out is how comfortable they are. Bear in mind that a lot of shoes from Danner are designed for people who spend 8+ hours a day on their feet – comfort is a bit selling point of their footwear.

They feature a plush dual-density footbed with excellent cushioning, as well as an Airthotic heel clip for great support.

On top of that, these boots have a wide toe box, which helps distribute your weight better. That improves both stability and comfort when walking around on uneven terrain.

Oboz Men's Bridger BDRY Hiking boot

The Oboz Bridger boots are great for men who want excellent hiking boots which happen to perform really well on snow and ice. These aren’t specifically designed as winter boots, but their rugged outsole is more than suitable for wet and icy terrain.

Even though they’re not exactly a great option for deep snow, they are entirely waterproof. You will have no issues keeping your feet dry in rainy weather or when there are just a couple of inches of snow on the ground. But because they are not insulated, they’re definitely not suitable for really tall snow or extreme colds.

These boots feature a very aggressive Granite Peak outsole that is excellent for any terrain.

The deep and multidirectional lugs bite into the ground and snow with ease, ensuring you have plenty of grips regardless of what exactly is under your feet.

On top of that, the outsole is very sticky, which means improved traction for walking on ice. It’s also important to know that, because the lugs are so deep, you will barely even feel the terrain you’re walking on, making these boots perfect for rocky areas.

Additionally, they are also really comfortable on long hikes. They have an EVA insole and an EVA midsole, for excellent support and stability. Plus, the top layer of the insole is actually moisture-wicking for improved breathability.

It is also important to mention that the midsole provides very balanced cushioning. There’s also a Nylon shank for improved stability and support – if you want boots that allow you to be 100% confident in every single step you take, the Bridger really is a great option. Just not if you also want to be warm in sub-zero temperatures.

Sperry Women's Powder Valley Snow Boot

The Powder Valley boots are great for women who want shoes that are equally good for deep snow and icy surfaces. They feature waterproof suede uppers with seam-sealed construction, which means they will keep your legs and feet dry and warm even in knee-deep snow.

On top of that, this boot is also equipped with Vibram Polar Ice outsoles that are specifically designed for superb traction on icy surfaces. They don’t have particularly deep lugs so you won’t have the best grip on soft terrain, but you definitely won’t slip around on frozen pavements either.

And they just get better. The boots also have Thinsulate synthetic insulation that is known for being very warm and breathable, as well as faux fur lining. They do a great job at keeping you warm even in extremely cold weather, and they’re breathable enough that your feet won’t get sweaty or clammy.

Something else worth noting about the Sperry boots is that they are very easy to put on and take off, which can be a problem with taller boots. These have a toggle clasp for laces, which makes it effortless to get in and out of the boots.

The pricing of this snow boot is a bit inconsistent as it really depends on the exact size and color combo you go for. I’d recommend you check the price of every color in your size since you could actually end up saving a couple of hundred dollars.

And they run true to size so you can get them in the size that you normally wear. They’re roomy enough that you can wear thicker socks without the boots feeling tight or uncomfortable.

UGG Women’s Adirondack Boot

The Adirondack boots from UGG are a great pair if you want something exceptionally warm. With leather uppers, synthetic insulation, and wool lining, these boots are designed to keep you warm even in extreme colds. They have a temperature rating of -32 degrees Celsius, which actually makes them an excellent option for snow.

Also, the lining is not there just to look cute on your calves. Even the toe box is thoroughly lined, so they really are as warm as they are supposed to be. The temperature rating is likely a bit exaggerated, but they’re definitely good enough for sub-zero temperatures.

Their uppers are completely waterproof so you can safely tread through deep snow without your feet getting wet.

The Adirondack boots also feature a spider rubber outsole that has excellent traction, so they’re really good for walking on icy surfaces. The deep lugs on the outsoles easily bite into soft terrain, so you should have lots of grip and traction in these UGGs.

The main downside of a spider rubber outsole is that they get worn out quicker than Vibram outsoles – keep that in mind if you want to buy boots that you plan to wear very often.

And most rubber outsoles are not actually slip-resistant, so they are not the best option if you are primarily looking for a snow boot that is excellent for icy surfaces.

It’s also worth mentioning that these have a pretty wide sole, which really helps with stability. Your weight is better distributed and it’s easier to walk on soft and uneven terrain, particularly through the snow.

The Adirondack boots are available in half sizes and mostly run true to size, so you should have no problems getting a pair that fits well. They can be a bit tight out of the box, especially with all that lining, but they will loosen up a bit over time.

Columbia Women's Ice Maiden II Boot

The Ice Maiden boots from Columbia are great for ladies who want something very warm but affordable. Columbia makes some really good gear and they normally use proprietary technology in their products, which allows them to offer really good prices. It’s the same with these boots – they are insulated and waterproof, but they are under $100.

These are rated for -32 degrees Celsius and they feature seam-sealed construction, so you should be able to walk through some deep snow without your feet getting wet.

I honestly think that the temperature rating is a bit exaggerated because the warmth of the boots only comes from the insulation. There is some lining around the collar and tongue, but there’s not any inside the actual shoe.

The boots feature an Omni-Grip outsole that is made from non-marking rubber for excellent grip and traction. But, even though the outsole does offer excellent grip thanks to the deep lugs, it is not rated as slip-resistant.

Because of that, I wouldn’t recommend these Columbia boots if you are specifically looking for something that is great for ice but don’t hesitate if you just want something warm for deep snow.

Another great thing about the Ice Maiden boots is the Techlite midsole. It provides excellent cushioning as well as high energy return, so your feet don’t get too tired even after you’ve spent several hours walking.

These Columbia boots run true to size so it should be pretty easy to get the perfect fit. They are available in both half and full sizes, as well as both wide and regular options.

Salomon Women's Toundra Pro CSWP

The Toundra Pro is Salomon’s warmest boots out of the bunch, with a temperature rating of up to -40 degrees Celsius. That’s thanks to the combination of Aerogel insulation and faux fur lining, which do an excellent job at retaining warmth in extreme colds.

The best thing about these boots is that they manage to be so warm without any extra bulk or weight. They won’t weigh you down, which makes them great for all sorts of different outdoor adventures. Especially because the Toundra also boasts breathable mesh lining and a water repellent exterior.

On top of that, these women’s boots actually have EVA sock liners, for improved comfort and cushioning. The foam also increases shock absorption of the boots, so they are overall very comfortable for longer expeditions.

In addition to that, the Toundra boots also have a toe cap that protects your feet from any debris on the trails. The gusseted tongue stays centered and it prevents any debris from getting inside the shoe, for ultimate protection on the trail.

And then there’s the outsole. These boots come equipped with the Contagrip rubber outsole with deep and multidirectional lugs. The rubber sole offers excellent grip and traction on both snow and ice, so they are an excellent option for winter hikes.

The Toundra boots run true to size so it shouldn’t be too hard to get a pair that fits well. However, they are not available in a wide option, so you should consider going at least half a size up if you have wide feet. Especially if you want to put a different insole in the boots or wear them with really thick socks.

Muck Boot Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions

The Muck Arctic Ice boots are a great option if you prefer the aesthetic of rubber boots. But they are not even remotely close to the basic rubber boots you can pick up at any store, apart from the fact that they are perfectly fine for wet weather.

These boots feature a Vibram Arctic Grip outsole that is excellent for icy pavements. It provides you with all the grip and traction you need and it is slip-resistant. On top of that, these boots feature a 5mm neoprene inner bootie for superb warmth – a feature that you rarely see on traditional rubber boots.

There is also fleece lining inside, so you can actually be warm in the Muck boots. In fact, their temperature rating is 40 °C to 4 °C, so they’re more than great for average winter weather.

The neoprene lining is great not just because of the warmth, but also because it makes the boots much more comfortable to wear.

It is very soft so it feels great when you’re on your feet for hours at a time, and it also increases the level of cushioning the boots provide. Especially when you pair that soft lining with the comfortable EVA midsole that also improves the stability and support you get from these snow boots.

The Muck boots for women are only available in full sizes, so you might not be able to get a size that fits perfectly.

But remember – these are rubber boots and you have to pull them on; if you have wide feet or high arches, chances are you’re going to struggle with getting these on your feet. And if you want to wear thick socks with these boots, you should definitely go at least half a size up.