Unearth The Voyage
Packing the right footwear can make or break your winter adventure. Whether you’re exploring snowy cities, hiking frozen trails, or braving Arctic conditions, having boots that keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable is essential. We’ve gathered expert-tested recommendations for the best winter travel shoes of 2025/26, so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about cold toes or slippery sidewalks.
1. The North Face Chilkat V 400
OutdoorGearLab crowned this boot the champion of winter footwear for men in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Warmth, traction, and comfort come together beautifully without weighing you down like a traditional snow boot.
Perfect for travelers who plan to walk extensively through cold cities or tackle light winter hikes. The grippy outsole grabs onto slick streets and packed snow with confidence.
While it won’t hold up to constant slush as well as some waterproof champions, it handles typical snowy winters beautifully. Your feet stay cozy during long sightseeing days, and you won’t feel like you’re wearing concrete blocks.
2. Baffin Chloe
When OutdoorGearLab names something the best overall women’s winter boot, you know it means business. The Chloe delivers serious warmth with a removable liner and traction that won’t quit, even in brutal conditions.
Built for sub-zero adventures where you’ll spend long hours outdoors. Think Lapland reindeer tours, Icelandic glacier hikes, or Canadian wilderness explorations.
These boots prioritize function over fashion, so they’re bulkier and heavier than your typical city boots. But when temperatures plummet and you’re outside for hours, you’ll be grateful for every ounce of insulation. Worth the luggage space for extreme cold destinations.
3. Columbia Bugaboot III
Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on winter boots, especially if you only travel to cold places occasionally. OutdoorGearLab calls the Bugaboot III a fantastic value pick that delivers real winter performance without emptying your wallet.
Comfort and warmth shine through at a price point that makes sense for most travelers. Great for city trips with occasional snow days or light outdoor excursions.
The style won’t win fashion awards, but this reliable workhorse gets the job done trip after trip. You’ll appreciate the savings when you’re warm and comfortable exploring snowy streets or winter markets.
4. Columbia Minx Shorty IV (Women’s)
OutdoorGearLab’s best value winner for women combines cozy warmth with a secure fit and urban-friendly style that works beautifully for travel. The shorter ankle height means these boots won’t dominate your luggage like tall snow boots do.
Ideal for walking around European cities, browsing Christmas markets, or light sightseeing in cold but not extreme conditions. They pair especially well with skinny jeans or leggings for a casual, put-together travel look.
You get solid winter protection without sacrificing style or packing space. Perfect for travelers who want one versatile boot that handles both chilly city streets and light snowy conditions with equal grace.
5. Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid
For travelers whose winter adventures mix city exploration with proper trail time, OutdoorGearLab highlights this boot as the best men’s option for winter hiking in 2025. It feels more like a hiking boot with bonus insulation than a clunky snow boot.
The secure laced design lets you fine-tune the fit for those long days when you’re constantly on your feet. Perfect for trips that include both urban sightseeing and winter trail adventures.
You won’t need to pack separate boots for different activities. Whether you’re walking cobblestone streets in the morning or hiking snowy trails in the afternoon, these boots adapt beautifully to whatever your winter trip throws at them.
6. Keen Revel IV Polar (Women’s)
Active travelers who refuse to slow down in winter will love this boot. OutdoorGearLab’s top pick for women’s winter hiking boots delivers impressive warmth, reliable waterproofing, and traction that grips snowy trails confidently.
Excellent choice for trips involving snowshoeing, winter hiking, or spending time on mixed terrain. The technical look won’t blend in at fancy city restaurants, but that’s not what these boots are designed for.
Many travelers appreciate the generous toe box, which accommodates thick winter socks without pinching. If your winter trip leans more adventurous than leisurely, these boots will become your trusted companion through every snowy challenge you encounter.
7. Baffin Impact
Planning an Arctic expedition or polar adventure? OutdoorGearLab names the Baffin Impact their best men’s boot for frigid conditions, and FullSuitcase highlights Baffin’s expedition-grade models for extreme cold weather travel, noting they’re built for temperatures down to negative 70 degrees Celsius.
These boots mean serious business. They’re heavy, bulky, and definitely overkill for mild winters, but perfect for Lapland, polar expeditions, or deep Arctic travel.
Not ideal for carry-on-only travelers unless absolutely necessary, but when you need protection from truly brutal cold, nothing else compares. Your feet will stay warm even when the thermometer reads temperatures most people can’t imagine surviving.
8. Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT (Women’s)
OutdoorGearLab calls this their best women’s waterproof boot in 2025, praising its excellent storm-worthy waterproofing and strong traction. If your winter destination involves wet snow, slush, and frequent thaw-freeze cycles, these boots are your answer.
The tall shaft keeps snow and splashes off your legs beautifully. Perfect for people who don’t want to worry about puddles, slushy curbs, or muddy parking lots.
These boots excel in messy winter conditions where other boots fail. You can walk through slush puddles without a second thought, knowing your feet will stay completely dry. Ideal for destinations where winter weather can’t make up its mind between snow and rain.
9. UGG Butte (Men’s)
Style meets function in OutdoorGearLab’s favorite men’s winter boot for around town. The Butte strikes a beautiful balance between warmth, waterproofing, and a refined look that works perfectly for mountain towns and snowy cities.
Perfect for trips to places like Aspen, Banff, or Alpine resorts where you want both warmth and style. The sheepskin-style lining adds comfort and coziness that makes every step feel luxurious.
Less aggressive tread than hardcore hiking boots makes these nicer for restaurants and shops. You won’t feel out of place anywhere, whether you’re grabbing coffee, browsing boutiques, or strolling through snowy streets after dinner.
10. The North Face Shellista VI (Women’s)
OutdoorGearLab names this their top pick for women’s around-town winter boots, and it’s easy to understand the appeal. Warmth, waterproofing, and urban-ready style combine beautifully for everyday winter travel adventures.
Great for school runs, snow-day commutes, and après-ski strolls in ski villages. Not as technical as dedicated hiking boots, but ideal for most real-world winter travel scenarios you’ll encounter.
The slimmer, more refined look beats chunky snow boots aesthetically, which makes packing outfits easier. You can wear these with jeans, leggings, or casual pants without looking like you’re prepared for an Arctic expedition. Versatility and style wrapped in one practical package.
11. Nortiv 8 Winter Slip On
Airport security just got easier. OutdoorGearLab rates this their best men’s budget slip-on winter boot for 2025, noting its low price and convenient design that makes travel smoother.
Perfect if you want warm, grippy boots you can slide on and off quickly. No more struggling with laces while holding up the security line or trying to balance on one foot.
Not as supportive as full laced boots for long hikes, but solid for casual sightseeing and everyday winter travel. Makes a nice backup or second pair if you’re packing light and watching your budget. Sometimes convenience wins, and these boots deliver exactly that.
12. UGG Adirondack Waterproof Winter Boots (Women’s)
Travel site FullSuitcase strongly recommends UGG’s waterproof insulated boots in their 2025 guide, specifically highlighting the Adirondack as a durable, waterproof option that has held up beautifully over multiple winter trips to the Nordics.
Versatile enough for both city walks and light snowy excursions. Warm, but not as extreme as expedition boots like the Baffin Impact, which makes them more practical for typical winter travel.
Ideal if you want boots you’ll buy once and use for many winters across trips to Iceland, Norway, or snowy European cities. The investment pays off when you have reliable boots that perform season after season without falling apart.
13. Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Waterproof Winter Boots
FullSuitcase calls out the Coldpack 3 Thermo as a highly-rated waterproof winter travel boot, noting that Merrell’s winter models are warm, not too bulky, and offer good grip. They’re well-suited for winter hiking trips where you need performance without excessive weight.
This good hybrid boot looks okay in town and performs well on trails. Well suited to trips with mixed use like walking tours, day hikes, and general winter exploring.
You won’t feel like you’re wearing two different pairs of shoes for different activities. These boots adapt to whatever your day brings, whether that’s urban exploration or trail adventures, making them incredibly practical for varied winter itineraries.
14. BOGS Classic Waterproof Snow Boots
FullSuitcase highlights BOGS as a go-to brand for sturdy, waterproof snow boots that keep feet warm and dry in mountain conditions and deep snow. Their classic waterproof snow boots are cited as great for outdoor winter activities and sledding with kids.
Excellent if you expect lots of snow underfoot at cabins, ski chalets, or rural areas. Less suited to long city walks since they’re more traditional snow boots than everyday shoes.
When snow depth matters and waterproof protection is non-negotiable, BOGS delivers reliably. Perfect for family winter vacations where you’ll be playing in the snow, building snowmen, or enjoying outdoor winter fun without worrying about wet, cold feet.
15. Kamik Canuck Snow Boots
FullSuitcase recommends Kamik as a budget option that still offers solid warmth and waterproofing, with the Canuck snow boots mentioned as warm, sturdy, and good value for winter travelers.
Great if you only occasionally travel to snowy destinations and don’t want to invest heavily in premium brands. Good grip and warmth for winter vacations, though not as refined as higher-priced boots.
Sometimes you just need boots that work without breaking the bank. The Canuck delivers exactly that, providing reliable winter protection at a price that makes sense for occasional cold-weather travelers. Your feet stay warm and dry without requiring a significant investment.
16. STQ Women’s Winter Snow Boots – All-Weather Versatility
In SLO Weather’s Best Winter Boots for Travel 2025 Reviews, the STQ Women’s Winter Snow Boots earned the reviewer’s best choice award for winter travel. They praised the tested waterproof construction, advanced Thermolite insulation, and deep-tread sole for icy surfaces.
Nice option if you want serious winter performance at a mid-range price. The duck-boot style works well in both city and more rural snowy environments.
You get features typically found in expensive boots without the premium price tag. These boots prove that quality winter footwear doesn’t always require a huge investment, making them perfect for travelers seeking value without sacrificing protection or comfort.
17. Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea Boots
In Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 guide to the most comfortable shoes for travel, editors feature the Vagabond Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea boots as one of their go-to travel boots thanks to comfort and chunky sole support.
A chic, fashion-forward boot that still performs well for long city days. Best suited to milder winters and mostly cleared sidewalks, so pair them with warm socks for extra coziness.
Great pick if aesthetics and versatility with outfits matter significantly to you. These boots transition beautifully from daytime sightseeing to evening dinners, making them ideal for travelers who refuse to sacrifice style for practicality. Fashion and function finally meet in perfect harmony.
18. Hoka Clifton 10 Sneakers (for Mild Winter City Trips)
If your winter destination is more chilly than snowy, you might prefer cushioned sneakers and rely on wool socks and weather forecasts. Condé Nast Traveler editors highlight the Hoka Clifton 10 as one of their featured travel sneakers, thanks to plush cushioning and all-day comfort.
Great for airports, train stations, long museum days, and urban sightseeing. Not waterproof or insulated, so only suitable for dry, mild winter days or as your inside travel day shoe.
Perfect complement to heavier boots: wear Hokas for transit and city days, boots for snow. This strategy keeps your feet comfortable during long travel days while still having proper winter boots ready when conditions demand them.
