The sandpaper-like grip of the Vibram ArcticGrip outsoles was just one of the reasons why we gave the Danner Cloud Cap the best all-around award. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
As bonafide lovers of winter and everything that comes with it, we here at The Inertia know our way around a good pair of winter boots. We even have a couple of Canadians on the crew who wouldn’t be able to set foot outside for nearly half the year without proper footwear. For this buyer’s guide, we tapped into our experience and testing to bring you the best winter boots to keep your feet warm, dry, and firmly planted on the ground. Speaking of what’s out there — winter boots are a pretty wide category, and when you break things down, there’s a multitude of use-cases where one pair might shine over another. We’ve tested the range and have recommendations for every category of winter boots, from stylish everyday options to extreme cold options.
Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide | Best Winter Boots for Women
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in November 2024 with a couple of new picks, improved navigation, and refreshed links. We also had to remove picks that were no longer in stock or available, including a former top pick, the Manitobah Mesa.
The Best Winter Boots of 2024/2025
Best All-Around Winter Boots: Danner Cloud Cap
Best Budget Winter Boots: Columbia Fairbanks
Best Heavy-Duty Winter Boots: Baffin Snow Monster
Best Winter Hiking Boots: Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX Boots
Most Stylish Winter Boots: Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal Boot
Best All-Around Winter Boots
Danner Cloud Cap ($210)
Weight: 18.5 oz
Insulation: PrimaLoft 400g
Boot Height: 7″
Closure: Drawstring
Upper Material: Suede/Textile
Lining: DannerDry
Outsole: Vibram ArcticGrip
Pros: Super easy to get on and off, primo comfort and traction
Cons: Some slight heel lift
If your must-haves for winter boots are warmth and breathability with exceptional comfort and the ability to slip on and off easily, then please allow us to introduce you to the Cloud Cap by Danner. It’s one of our favorites for just about anything short of high-performance movement or deep snow. But with a 7-inch cuff, you’ll be fine in most situations. The ability to slip boots on and off is a welcome feature for most, and these boots make that easy. The drawback is a fairly well-lifted heel, so you don’t want to use these for any situation where you’ll need to move fast.
What we loved about these boots is the Vibram ArcticGrip outsole that helps keep you upright on snow and ice. ArcticGrip might seem like another bit of marketing-speak, but these outsoles really are a step above the rest. They are so grippy that there is actually a warning about wearing them indoors. The suede upper only gets better with age, and having a soft textile to complete the upper boot makes for easy movement while keeping the snow out. Danner Cloud Caps are a great option for just about any use case, and we can see them being go-to winter boots for years to come.
Read our full review.
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Best Budget Winter Boots
Columbia Fairbanks ($125)
Weight: 15.5 oz
Insulation: 200g synthetic
Boot Height: 6″
Closure: Lace
Upper Material: Cordura Nylon
Lining: Omni-Heat reflective
Outsole: Omni-Grip Rubber
Pros: Comfortable, decent price, nice and warm
Cons: Nylon uppers aren’t as durable as other materials
Warmth? Check. Comfort? Check. Waterproof? Check. Able to climb a mountain? Check. The Columbia Fairbanks boot is pretty much as good as it gets for just over $100. With Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Heat reflective liner inside, the boots do a fantastic job of keeping feet warm yet retaining breathability.
The grippy outsoles make for stability in unstable conditions, be that snow, mud, or other cold surfaces. We were true fans of these boots, and while they may not be as rugged as some boots listed in this guide, you can’t beat the price. These boots are our option for people who aren’t active outside all day, every day, but still want to have some fun in the colder months. They are nimble enough to wear around town but rigid enough to take out in the snow without much worry.
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Best Heavy Duty Winter Boots
Baffin Snow Monster ($275)
Weight: 3 lbs 1.5 oz
Insulation: Multi-layered removable liner
Boot Height: 11.75″
Closure: Lace and drawstring
Upper Material: Leather and nylon
Lining: Multi-layered
Outsole: Polar rubber
Pros: Built like a tank, will keep you warm at the North Pole
Cons: Heavy and pricey
Sometimes, you need a boot that can take you to really cool places. And by cool, we mean frigid sub-zero Arctic temperatures. Yes, it’s heavy and bulky, but the Baffin Snow Monster will take you places that even sled dogs will whimper at the thought of going. Built tough with a layered lining system, you can customize the insulation level as temperatures fluctuate.
Baffin boots are made in Canada, and the brand has extensive experience in winter boots. They’re the choice for workers, expedition teams, and anyone who wants to survive a harsh winter in comfort. The boots are also snowshoe-compatible if trudging through a foot of deep snow isn’t your jam. But if it is, then know that these boots will take you there and back and do so for many years to come.
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Best Winter Hiking Boots
Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX Boots ($280)
Weight: 20.3 oz
Insulation: 400 g (200 PrimaLoft Gold, 200 synthetic)
Boot Height: Over ankle
Closure: Lace
Upper Material: 91% Recycled polyester
Lining: Reflective insulation
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
Pros: Extremely grippy, comfortable out of the box, plenty of insulation
Cons: Can be warm on hard hikes
The versatility and sheer capability of the Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX Boots just about knocked our socks off (pun very much intended). Based on the well-loved Kaha 2 hiking boot, the Frost GTX version is a well-insulated hiking boot (200 grams of PrimaLoft Gold and 200 grams of synthetic) with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides loads of traction. The midsole foam is plush but supportive out of the box, and the fit of the upper is excellent. We love taking on winter hikes in the Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX, but we’d just as readily wear them around town too.
Our team has tested the Hoka Kaha 2 and loved that hiking boot, so we were stoked to get our feet in the Frost GTX version. We have yet to find anything that we don’t like about this awesome winter hiking boot, except that it can be a bit overkill for strenuous winter hiking. That aside, the combination of out-of-box comfort, excellent outsole, and warm insulation tackle snowy trails with ease. We found the underfoot feel to be planted, with the dual-density foam in the midsole providing both good cushioning and firm stability. The waterproofing is totally up to the task, and we found slush and water to run off these boots readily (though, the black colorway we tested does show a little sidewalk salt residue).
Overall, this narrowly edged out our now runner-up winter hiking boot pick, the Oboz Bangtail Mid, because it’s a little more accommodating, comfortable, and ready to go out of the box.
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Most Stylish Winter Boots
Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal ($265)
Weight: 18 oz
Insulation: Thinsulate, Sheepskin
Boot Height: 6″
Closure: Slip-on
Upper Material: Leather/textile
Lining: Thinsulate and leather
Outsole: Vibram rubber
Pros: Classy style, waterproof, warmer than expected
Cons: Not well-suited for frigid temperatures
We love Blundstones—one of our editors has a pair with a three-inch hole along the toe, and he still wears them almost every day. The classic bootmaker makes Chelsea boots that look great with pretty much everything, plus, they’re well-made, comfortable, and easy to pull on. The Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal is no exception, and this is a top choice for a more casual, stylish, or versatile winter boot.
The All-Terrain Blundstones feature an upgraded Vibram outsole with the brand’s classic PU midsole. Speaking of the midsole: These things last forever if you wear them; be sure to throw on your Blundstones every once and a while otherwise the midsoles might go through hydrolysis and break down prematurely. And don’t be scared off by the sizing for the Thermal version: We went with our normal sizing for Blundstones (AU sizing is one men’s size smaller than US) and they fit great, even with the shearling insole and Thinsulate liner. We’re guessing that the brand designs these boots a touch bigger than standard Blundstones to accommodate the insulation and liner.
While the Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal isn’t going to be the warmest or most resilient winter boot, the quality is top-notch, and if you don’t need the boots for deep snow or sub-zero temperatures, you can’t go wrong with this winter version of a classic brand and model. Plus, they look amazing with anything from a formal outfit to a full snowsuit.
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More Winter Boots We Recommend
The five above represent our favorite winter boots, but here are some classic styles and high-performing picks that we also recommend. With more time testing, some of our picks have shifted around, but we still think the boots below are great choices this winter.
Classic and Warm
Sorel 1964 Pac Nylon ($180)
Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s (Winter Carnival)
Weight: 26.5 oz
Insulation: 9 mm washable felt liner, Sherpa pile snow cuff
Boot Height: 10.25″
Closure: Lace
Upper Material: Waterproof nylon upper
Lining: Recycled felt
Outsole: Vulcanized rubber shell with herringbone tread
Pros: Warm and waterproof with decent traction
Cons: Felt liner sometimes comes with you when you take the boot off
The Sorel 1964 Pac Nylon might not be the classic Sorel Caribou design (we’re currently testing that model and will update this article when we have a verdict), but for those who shy away from leather or don’t want to shell out the big bucks for such a premium design, the 1964 Pac Nylon is a solid move.
The boot features a waterproof nylon upper, felt lining with a Sherpa cuff at the top to keep snow out, and Sorel’s classic bombproof vulcanized rubber shell that extends from the sole up and over the toes and heel for max protection in less-than-freezing conditions.
In testing, we were impressed with the easy on/off of the boot, although the liner did have a tendency to get yanked out as well when we pulled the boot off. Sometimes, that required the extra step of shoving the liner back in before leaving the mudroom and heading into the warmth of our home or ski cabin.
The only other downside we noticed with this boot is the tread — whereas the Sorel Caribou features a more winter-oriented lug pattern, the Pac Nylon has a herringbone tread that is not quite as good for slippery conditions. The upshot is that while you lose a bit of backcountry traction, it makes the boot better for all-season/city wear. It’s also worth noting that this style of boot, in general, fits fairly loose and doesn’t have a ton of support.
Long story short, the Pac Nylons are best for around-town errands and slipping into after a day of skiing or riding, and not quite as dependable for snowy hikes and extended treks.
Runner-Up Best Hiking Winter Boots
Oboz Bangtail Mid ($230)
Weight: 21 oz
Insulation: 200g PrimaLoft
Boot Height: 8″
Closure: Lace
Upper Material: Nublock Leather
Lining: Wool/Polyester
Outsole: Poly/Silica/Vulcanized compound
Pros: Super comfortable and supportive
Cons: Takes some effort getting on and off
People who love hiking don’t want to let a bit of bad weather slow them down. So, if you desire to keep the good times rocking all year, consider the Oboz Bangtail Mid. These boots make our favorites list for a number of reasons. The first is the sheer comfort right out of the box that only gets better after a few days of breaking in. The next is the warmth, courtesy of the 200g PrimaLoft insulation, which uses recycled compounds for less of an environmental impact. The boots also feature a huge slab of Vibram ArcticGrip rubber underneath, giving superior traction in the cold. The combination of all of these gives you an exceptional boot that works well to keep your feet warm and dry.
We used these in more locations than just the trail and are confident that you’ll be happy with the comfort and support that these offer, while also staying well-protected from the elements. Due to the extensive lacing, you get a good fit, but it does take longer than other winter boots to get on and off. In short, they aren’t something to wear if you just want to step outside to check the mail or take the garbage out. They are made for the long haul, and you’ll be happy you put them on if going the extra mile.
Read our full review.
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Xero Shoes Alpine ($160)
Weight: 14.9 oz
Insulation: 200g liner, 2mm heat-reflective insole (removable)
Boot Height: 6″
Closure: Lace
Upper Material: Synthetic textile (vegan)
Lining: Polyester fleece
Outsole: 5.5mm rubber zero-drop
Pros: Easy to put on and take off, allows for natural movement of the foot
Cons: Breathability, no mention of sustainable materials
Xero Shoes has a well-established foothold in the barefoot shoe trend, and the Alpine is the brand’s nod toward winter wear. While the soles are thin enough to allow natural movement, they are thick enough to insulate. In fact, they are quite toasty, and that might be their biggest weakness. After a few hours in these boots, our feet become a bit sweaty, causing us to rank them lower on our list.
These are great boots for comfortable wear after the slopes, on a dog walk, or for short walks. For all-day use, though, you might want something a bit tougher and more breathable.
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Olukai Papaku ‘Ili ($160)
Weight: 18.5 oz
Insulation: Quilted fabric lining
Boot Height: 4″
Closure: Lace
Upper Material: Waterproof leather
Lining: Quilted fabric
Outsole: Rubber
Pros: Comfortable, stylish, waterproof
Cons: Not a tight fit, insulation is minimal
We get it that not everyone needs massive amounts of insulation to stay comfortable in the winter. Sometimes, just a little bit of lining will do. For those who have never put on a 5mm wetsuit, the Papaku ‘Ili from Olukai might be the winter boot of choice. It can withstand some winter weather but is more about style and comfort than frostbite prevention. They weren’t the warmest pair we tried, but they did keep feet dry in a massive rainstorm and were easy to clean.
So, if you’re looking for some footwear that will look good and feel great underfoot but plan on spending more time walking the streets than in the backcountry, these will be a great option. They will still keep you dry in a blizzard, and if you’ve got the right pair of socks, you’ll stay warm enough, too.
Vans MTE Snow Boot ($180)
Weight: 32 oz
Insulation: Removable felt
Boot Height: 10″
Closure: Lace
Upper Material: Leather/Synthetic
Lining: Felt
Outsole: Rubber
Pros: Keeps the snow out
Cons: Laces don’t give a tight fit
For those who love the classic look of Vans but need something to keep the snow out in the winter, the MTE Snow Boots might be the ideal choice. They are the type of boot that looks good anywhere, and you might want winter to stick around just a bit longer for an excuse to pull these out.
They are warm, solid, and dependable boots that feel great when you put them on. They aren’t high-performance boots, meaning we wouldn’t really want to take them on big hikes, but for moderate outdoor missions in the snow, these will treat you well.
We did find that the lacing wasn’t incredibly tight, so make sure you have a good pair of socks on to keep the draft out. Or maybe you have more patience than us and don’t mind lacing them up tight each time. Still, even while cranking on the laces we only achieved a fit somewhere between snug and loose. So, if you want a relaxed fit and comfortable boot for casual wear yet still find yourself trudging through the snow, the MTE Snow Boot is a solid choice. They also have a side zip option to help you get in and out, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
Baffin Copenhagen ($142)
Weight: 34 oz
Insulation: Thermaplush
Boot Height: 7″
Closure: Slip-on
Upper Material: Waterproof leather
Lining: Thermaplush
Outsole: Rubber with Ice Bite compound
Pros: Easy on/off, great comfort
Cons: Marks up easily
The Chelsea-style slip-on boot has become fairly popular over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. They look good and provide ease of use. There are a bunch of companies sporting this style but we really enjoyed the combo of waterproofing, warmth, and comfort featured in the Baffin Copenhagen.
Baffin’s forté is winter boots, and the company has a host of proprietary innovations that allow it to offer quality features without a hefty price tag. Its Ice Bite compound used in the soles rivals the Vibram ArctiGrip when it comes to traction in the cold. The interior foam layer provides excellent cushioning and doesn’t pack down right away, with a decent fit that lasts.
We didn’t find much to complain about with these boots, only that the leather can mark up fairly easily. But that’s the case with any good-quality leather, so you should know what you’re getting into.
DC Reach ($180)
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
Insulation: 200g PrimaLoft
Boot Height: 10″
Closure: Lace with side zipper
Upper Material: Synthetic fabric
Lining: Removable felt
Outsole: Vulcanized rubber
Pros: Cool unique style, great comfort and warmth
Cons: Not fully waterproof, laces don’t give much ankle support
DC’s website calls these a “Water-Resistant Shoe” for some reason, although in our minds, the DC Reach is clearly a winter boot. It did great in the snow and felt warm and flexible, thanks to PrimaLoft insulation.
The boots have a side zipper for easy on/off and while the laces didn’t create the tightest of fits, the boots felt comfortable while romping around in the snow. They aren’t great performance boots, but they sport a classic skate-shoe look that makes for a unique style when compared to the other winter boots on the market.
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Best Winter Boots Comparison Table
| Name | Price | Weight (per boot) | Height | Closure | Insulation | Outsole |
| Danner Cloud Cap | $210 | 18.5 oz | 7″ | Drawstring | 400g PrimaLoft | Vibram ArcticGrip |
| Columbia Fairbanks | $125 | 15.5 oz | 6″ | Lace | 200g synthetic, Omni-Heat | Omni-Grip |
| Baffin Snow Monster | $275 | 3 lbs 1.5 oz | 11.75″ | Lace, Drawstring | Multi-layered | Polar rubber |
| Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX Boots | $280 | 20.3 oz | 6″ | Lace | 400g (200 PrimaLoft, 200 synthetic) | Vibram MegaGrip |
| Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal | $265 | 18 oz | 6″ | Slip-on | Thinsulate/sheepskin | Vibram rubber |
| Sorel 1964 Pac Nylon | $180 | 26.5 oz | 10.25″ | Lace | Felt | Vulcanized rubber |
| Oboz Bangtail Mid | $230 | 21 oz | 8″ | Lace | 200g PrimaLoft | Vibram ArcticGrip |
| Xero Shoes Alpine | $160 | 14.9 oz | 6″ | Lace | 200g liner, 2mm reflective insole (removable) | 5.5mm rubber |
| Olukai Papaku ‘Ili | $160 | 18.5 oz | 4″ | Lace | Quilted textile | Rubber |
| Vans MTE Snow Boot | $220 | 2 lbs | 10″ | Lace | Removable Felt | Rubber |
| Baffin Copenhagen | $142 | 34 oz | 7″ | Slip-on | Baffin B-Tek | Baffin IceBite |
| DC Reach | $180 | 2 lbs 4 oz | 10″ | Lace, side zip | 200g PrimaLoft | Vulcanized Rubber |
Comfortable, stylish, and warm? The Cloud Cap has all the makings of a great winter boot. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
How We Tested Winter Boots
The Where and Who
Our main testing grounds were the chilly north — the coastal mountains of British Columbia. Lead tester Steve Andrews put these boots through the wringer, making sure to test them in a variety of snow, ice, and terrain conditions.
The Inertia editors Nick Bruckbauer, Will Sileo, and Nathan Lemin also contributed to the test, finding the best boots that could handle the legendary snowpack of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California as well as the mountains of Northern Arizona.
We used the same socks to test out all the boots, and while made of merino wool, they were nothing out of the ordinary. Seeing as they did have insulating qualities, though, it was only fair to maintain a constant when adding a layer between the foot and the boot.
We tested these boots all over the West the past few winters. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia
The How
From there, it was all about exploring the snowy highlands of the Coast Mountains, Rockies, and Sierra Nevadas. We walked, hiked, and mosied about, trying to pair each boot with its intended use case. The longer boots made for deep snow were tested in powder. Boots that claimed to be waterproof would get submerged in slush to test just how true those claims were.
Insulation and breathability are two important siblings when it comes to a good pair of winter boots. Too cold, and you get frostbite. Too sweaty, and it’ll be no fun either — especially on extended trips.
The best winter boots were the ones that kept our feet warm but where excess warmth could dissipate. Some were rated for extreme cold, but we tried to find a well-rounded set that was able to withstand average North American winters.
The Columbia Fairbanks did great in the snow, and the omni-heat liner kept toes toasty all day. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Winter Boots Buyer’s Guide
With so many different styles of footwear claiming to be winter boots, finding the right pair can be a bit daunting. The following criteria will help you dial it in a bit more, getting you closer to the ideal pair that can match your desired use(s).
Insulation
The primary function of any winter boot is to keep your feet warm. Insulation is key, and materials can range from synthetic fibers to classic natural options like wool or down. The insulation’s effectiveness is often measured in grams — the higher the number, the warmer the boot.
However, it’s important to choose based on your climate. You don’t need a boot designed for Arctic temperatures if your area’s winters are mild; overheating can be just as uncomfortable. Check out the Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal if style and lightweight insulation are your needs.
The consensus among our testers is that PrimaLoft is the clear winner for the best combination of warmth, breathability, and weight. Not much comes close to it. Add in the fact that PrimaLoft is moving towards more sustainability every year, and odds are the insulation will be a top choice for the foreseeable future.
Of course, that is only when speaking of synthetic materials. Many have come to know and love the feel of sheepskin liner. While a more expensive option, there’s nothing like the feeling of your foot enveloped in natural warmth. It can be a pain to clean and isn’t the greatest when wet, but it sure feels cozy, especially after a long day skiing or snowboarding.
The sheepskin liner of the Manitobah Mesa helps keep feet warm and toasty while sporting a classic old-timey look. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Closure System
Your use case will determine the best closure system. Plan on being active all day in varied terrain? Laces will probably be the call. Just looking for something warm to put on while taking the garbage out or running some errands in town? Then a slip-on will probably do. Most winter boots these days are lace-up, but with dialed fit comes extra time to put on and take off.
So, if you are the impatient type and aren’t getting up to anything too extreme in your winter boots, you might want something that can slip on and off easily. This is particularly important for children’s boots or for those who may struggle with dexterity in cold temperatures.
Whether you’re trudging through snow or hiking in sub-freezing desert mornings, good traction is crucial. We opt for Vibram outsoles when we can. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Traction
Winter means ice and snow, so having a boot with a good grip is non-negotiable. Look for soles made from rubber compounds that maintain their flexibility in cold temperatures, paired with deep lugs in the tread to grip various terrains. Companies like Vibram have made a name for proprietary compounds such as ArcticGrip, which acts similar to winter tires, giving you extra traction in freezing temps. In extremely icy conditions, consider boots compatible with traction aids like crampons. The Vibram Megagrip traction on the Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX Boots was second to none and therefore made them our favorite winter hiking boots.
Waterproof and stylish, the Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal is an awesome everyday winter boot. Photo: Ella Boyd//The Inertia
Waterproofing
Whether you’re trudging through city slush or country snowdrifts, keeping moisture out is crucial. GORE-TEX is an industry leader in waterproof breathability, but many winter boots offer premium proprietary protection. An overbuilt boot like the Baffin Snow Monster is tough to beat for waterproofing in all winter activities.
Winter boots often have a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment that needs to be reapplied periodically to retain their waterproofing qualities. Additionally, some boots feature a rubber shell around the base, which provides an extra barrier against water ingress.
Boot Height
This will be an important factor when the drifts get deep. If you’re going to be trudging through six inches of fresh on the regular, you’ll want something a bit longer than that to keep your pigies dry. If not, then a high cuff won’t be as much of an issue.
Comfort and Fit
Winter boots should have enough room to wiggle your toes comfortably but also fit snuggly enough to prevent your heel from lifting when you walk. Consider the socks you’ll be wearing; thicker winter socks might necessitate a slightly larger boot. Some individuals might require or prefer specific support features, such as cushioned insoles or orthotic-friendly designs. We can’t say enough good things about the comfort of the Danner Cloud Cap.
Some winter boots are bulky and a tad goofy looking—we choose leather boots when we want to maintain a bit of style in the snow. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Style
Winter boots come in a plethora of styles, from practical and sporty to elegant and trendy. Your choice will depend on the setting in which you’ll be using them (urban environments, rural landscapes, etc.) and your personal fashion preferences. The Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal is easily the sharpest boot we tested. Features like faux-fur linings, leather uppers, and varying heights (ankle, mid-calf, knee-high) all influence a boot’s aesthetics and functionality.
Sustainability
For the environmentally conscious, some winter boots are made with sustainable practices. This can involve recycled materials, ethical sourcing of down (if used), and boots crafted from vegan materials.
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Editor’s Note: For women’s winter boots, check out our guide to The Best Winter Boots for Women. Looking to stay warm this winter? Here are our guides to The Best Puffer Jackets for Men and The Best Puffer Jackets for Women. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
Essential Gear for Staying Warm This Winter
