Winter is officially here, which means snow, ice and other treacherous conditions that are likely to have you slipping and sliding — especially if you don't have the right shoes on. Contrary to popular belief, it takes more than just a rubber outsole for shoes to actually be snow- and ice-friendly.
To help guide your search for proper shoes for slippery conditions, Shop TODAY spoke to Maryland-based podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy for tips to keep in mind when shoe shopping, along with a few recommendations for snow trekking and hiking to get you started on the right foot.
Shopping tips | Podiatrist picks | Shoes for snow trekking | Meet the expert
How to choose shoes for walking on snow and ice
Parthasarathy starts off with a few key features to search for when shopping for shoes to walk in slippery conditions. "A textured sole is important for traction, especially during inclement weather. And it’s also really important to look at the stitching to make sure it’s tight if you’re looking for a waterproof boot," she advises. If you're specifically looking for ankle boots, she also recommends choosing a pair with walls that sit slightly above ankle height for additional stability.
When searching for a proper winter boot, Parthasarathy suggests keeping two general guidelines in mind:
Make sure you cannot bend the shoe itself in half. The toe box can have some flexibility, but you shouldn't be able to fold the shoe like a sandwich.
Make sure the back of the heel is firm. You don't want a heel that's too soft or squishy because it won't provide adequate support. "All of these things will prevent slipping and falling," she tells us.
Parthasarathy notes that while most winter boots are made with a sturdy bottom, these are good tips to keep in mind if you're looking for a more fashion-focused shoe for colder weather. Other features she says to look out for are lace-up styles to provide additional stability; a removable insole if you require a more supportive shoe insert; and shorter, chunkier heels in lieu of taller, narrower ones. "A slight heel is also better because it elevates the foot out of the snow itself," she explains.
Best shoes for walking on snow and ice, according to a podiatrist
JBU by Jambu Ella Tall Duck Boots
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: Two
Recommended as a more affordable option, Parthasarathy likes this option from JBU. The water-resistant boots have a memory foam footbed to ensure comfort and stand just over 11 inches tall.
Timberland Courmayeur Valley Chelsea Boot
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: One
Parthasarathy regards these Timberland boots as a little more fashionable. The brand describes these Chelsea boots as being "as comfy as a pair of yoga pants." Aside from being made with premium leather upper, they feature cushioned and odor-blocking OrthoLite footbeds for long-lasting comfort.
Sorel Tofino II Boot
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: Three
Parthasarathy says these Sorel boots are one of her favorites. "[These] are intense 'I’m going hiking or I’m going to be out in really cold weather' boots, but they’re cute," she says.
Ugg Adirondack III Tall Boot
Sizes: 5-12 | Colorse: Two
"Another, more classic winter boot is the Ugg Adirondack III Tall Boot," she tells us. These waterproof leather and suede boots feature a removable insole and wool lining at the top.
Best shoes for snow trekking, according to shoppers
Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Winter Snow Boots
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 12
The rubber outsole on these snow boots features a tread design that will provide the traction Parthasarathy recommends having in a boot to be worn in slippery conditions. They come in a dozen different colors and the brand recommends ordering a half size larger if you usually wear wide width shoes. One Amazon reviewer loved them so much, they bought two pairs!
Columbia Ice Maiden II Snow Boot
Sizes: 5-12; standard and wide widths | Colors: Nine
For more intense snow and ice, you'll want a boot that will keep as much of your leg insulated as possible. It has a textured sole for traction like Parthasarathy recommended and, according to the brand, can keep your feet feeling warm and comfortable in temperatures as low as -25°F. Plus, it's a bestseller on Amazon and has over 28,000 verified five-star ratings.
Cliffs by White Mountain Pathfield Boots
Sizes: 6-11; standard and wide widths | Colors: Three
These ankle boots have a sweater trim at the top, a cushioned insole and a lug outsole for traction. One Kohl’s reviewer said they didn’t require “breaking in” because they were immediately comfortable.
Clarks Orianna 2 Top Boot
Sizes: 6-10 | Colors: Three
Editorial assistant Annie Shigo has been eyeing these boots to upgrade her winter shoe collection. "It has been snowing a lot in NYC and I have been looking for the perfect pair of boots that can get me through my icy morning commute without slipping but also be cute enough to keep on at the office. I immediately added this pair to my cart!" she raves.
Storm by Cougar Creek Snow Boot
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: Five
Former Shop TODAY associate editor Fran Sales says these "heavy-duty" Cougar snow boots are "perfect for super snowy days." Aside from being designed to withstand chilly temperatures down to -11°F with features like a sherpa pile lining and Thermolite insulation, its duck boot style and waterproof upper can handle any slushy puddles you may come across.
Cougar Ignite Snow Boot
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: Two
Shigo calls out these boots, describing them as "cross-functional boots that you won’t have to swap out when you get to the office when it’s snowing." Not only are they stylish, they boast a tough exterior that's suitable for harsh conditions contrasted by a warm and cozy shear lining inside.
Palladium Pallabase Nubuck Zip WL Boots
Sizes: 6.5-11 | Colors: Four
These boots have become a personal favorite of mine for the winter time. The textured sole makes it easy for trudging through snow on my commute to work and I love that the zipper eliminates the need for fidgeting with laces. The fur lining also keeps my feet warm regardless of what socks I have on, which is perfect since my feet are always cold.
L.L. Bean Rangely Pac Boot
Sizes: 6-10 | Colors: Six
While it's important to have a winter boot that'll keep you from slipping, there's nothing worse than having cold feet on the inside. When temperatures are at their lowest, it'll take more than warm socks to keep your little piggies from feeling like they're freezing off. That's when you'll want to look for fleece-lined boots like this one. According to the brand, they have a waterproof upper and waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry.
Sorel Caribou Boots
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: Three
These boots from Sorel have everything you need in a quality boot for walking in snow and ice. They feature seam-sealed waterproof leather, a removable and washable (nothing is worse than when the material inside gets all gross and doesn't come out) felt inner boot with a Sherpa snow cuff and a rubber outsole with "never-slip" traction. It even comes in three colors. What more could you ask for?!
Keen Revel IV Polar Boot
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: Three
“Perfect for winter walkers,” according to one verified reviewer based in Central Minnesota, these Keen snow boots were literally made to take on anything winter throws your way. They were tested at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s WinterLab, which is renowned for their rigorous research on how snowy, icy conditions affect overall mobility. Fortunately enough, the pair’s grippy Polar Traction outsole passed their tests with flying colors, according to the brand, even when challenged with steep inclines.
Meet the expert
- Dr. Priya Parthasarathy is a board-certified podiatrist in Silver Spring, MD. She is a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and also serves on the board of directors for the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
