The 10 Best Winter Shoes for Wet, Cold, and Icy Conditions

Blundstone Originals 500 Chelsea Boots stand out as the best everyday winter walking boots because they deliver on three fronts: They’re comfortable, weather-resistant, and all-day wearable, without looking or feeling like you’re wearing hardcore snow boots.

If you’re looking for boots that can go from quick dog walks and grocery runs to hikes or long walks around the city, these are your go-to — and once you start paying attention, it seems like everyone is wearing Blundstones. These are made with water-resistant leather and a rubber thermoplastic polyurethane sole that’s both flexible and strong. The elastic side panels make them easy to pull on and off, and they’re made to last. Editor Lili Ladaga has been wearing the same pair of 500s for over five years, and nothing has worn out.

“I like that Blundstones don't look like activewear boots. They transition seamlessly from a hike to lunch with friends,” she says. “I can wear them with my everyday clothes and not look like I'm about to go camping. They're pricey, but they're made to last, and you can tell when you're wearing them.” The 500 Chelsea boots are also available in men’s sizes.

Kizik boots look sporty and stylish, and pair easily with leggings and jeans. The lugged outsoles help prevent slipping on slick sidewalks, and the lightweight ethylene vinyl acetate foam midsoles provide all-day comfort. We like the small touches that elevate these, like the padded collars, leather uppers, and unique laces.

Winter walks, runs, and hikes require durable, waterproof sneakers like the Altra Lone Peak 9. These shoes are lightweight and flexible for all-day wear, with a truly waterproof upper that’s 100 percent PFC-free. These boots are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, which means a panel of podiatrists found that they promote good foot health.

Be sure to buy the waterproof model — it’s easy to be confused by an Altra model of the same name that’s slightly less expensive and not waterproof.

No one wants to bend down on an icy sidewalk to tie a shoe, and these Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX hiking shoes solve that issue with bungee laces that lock in place. These are made with Gore-Tex outers that keep moisture out. The all-terrain Contagrip outsoles are proprietary to Salomon and feature a specialized lug pattern for extra grip and traction on slick or icy surfaces.

These hiking shoes have moderate cushioning but aren’t so soft that they feel unstable, and they are comfortable enough for errands, long walks, or winter hikes. These are also available in men’s sizes.

I tried the Xero Shoes Alpine Pull-Ons on some chilly walks around town, and they are incredibly light and truly waterproof, thanks to the seam‑sealed XeroTex membranes. Synthetic insulation keeps these warm even on very cold days, and the heat-reflective insoles trap body heat.

These are designed with a zero‑drop, barefoot‑style sole, so you can feel the ground beneath you, and they’re very flexible. But that also means they don’t have much traditional arch support. I have flatter feet, and these don’t feel very supportive. While I would skip them for a more rigorous hike, they are extremely comfortable for everyday walks.

The pull-on design is easy to use, and the adjustable toggle makes them easy to put on and take off while helping keep out moisture and snow. The rubber outsoles are grippy against slick pavement, and the boots can be compressed, too, thanks to the nylon material, so they are easier to pack in a bag than more sturdy boots.

If you run regardless of the weather, you need shoes that keep out water. These wet-weather running shoes from Brooks take the Ghost 17's design and add a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane, making them fully waterproof. “I own these shoes, and they’re incredibly comfortable and supportive. I have sciatic pain and plantar fasciitis, and these shoes don’t hurt my feet,” says writer Jacquelyn Smith.

These shoes are also made with a bit more foam cushioning for a more plush, comfortable fit, ideal for long walks or runs, even on rainy or snowy days. They are available in men’s sizes, too.

If you’re looking for understated, comfortable ankle boots for winter, these women’s boots from Oaklee are a great choice. I’ll be honest: I wasn’t particularly excited about these when I first opened the box and saw ankle boots with a vaguely cloglike shape. But something transformed when I put them on. In addition to being incredibly comfortable, these winter ankle boots looked much cuter on my feet than they did in the box.

I appreciate the double zippers, which make them easy to get on and off, and the padded collars, which help alleviate some of the discomfort I usually feel in ankle boots.

These luxe all-gender sneakers are perfect for winter days when you’ll be doing a mix of indoor and outdoor exploring. The Italian craftsmanship shows in the high-end details, such as premium materials like durable rubber and high-density foam for a lightweight, plush fit. These have a cool retro look while offering a modern fit. The Duratech 5000 rubber outsoles offer reliable traction and grip in a variety of conditions, so these will be your go-to shoes year-round.

A bunion is a painful, pointy bump that forms on the joint of the big toe, and if you live with one, you already know they can make it difficult to find a comfortable shoes. The Vivaia Tyler Waterproof PufferTherm Warm Boots are made of a stretchy fabric and have wider toe boxes to accommodate bunions or wider feet. These are made with Vivaia’s PufferTherm technology, which keeps the boots insulated even in wet conditions. They’re fully waterproof and extremely warm (the wool cushion insoles add to the warmth), and the bungee cords allow you to easily loosen or tighten them.

One cool thing about these boots: You can pair them with removable PufferTherm leg warmers ($69), which have a stirrup bottom, so it looks like the boots hit just below the knee – they add a ton of warmth, too.

Pro tip: If you have bunions and are in the market for new shoes, check out our guide to podiatrist-recommended shoes for bunions.

I wear these Dr. Marten Chelsea Boots everywhere — day care pickups, city strolls, long dog walks — and they just keep getting more comfortable. This retro silhouette has been around since the 1970s and remains a timeless style. These have supportive heels and roomier toe boxes, and are comfortable for all-day walks.

I appreciate the elastic panels, which make them easy to slip on and off, even at day care, where I have to take off my shoes (often while holding a baby and a bag) before entering the classroom. The chunky sole and bold yellow stitching gives them an elevated feel. The upper and sole are heat sealed and sewn together, which adds to the comfort and helps keep out water, but they aren’t fully waterproof. The outsole is made of air-cushioned polyvinyl chloride, known as Airwair, which is said to be slip-resistant, even on oil.