The UGG Adirondack III women’s winter boots excel in snowy conditions. Photo: Heather Hendricks/The Inertia
Finding the perfect pair of winter boots can sometimes feel as difficult as seeking a proverbial pair of glass slippers. With so many options out there, finding the ones that actually fit your feet and needs is indeed a significant feat. Crushable, cold, and flimsy boots be damned. We need winter boots packed with insulation that boast superior grip and are dependable go-to’s for when winter weather hits.
One pair of boots that hit all of our testing marks and excels for everyday winter use and beyond is the UGG Women’s Adirondack III Boot ($250). This boot reigns supreme as our top selection for Best Women’s Winter Boots. A lofty title to hold, yes, but these leather and sheepskin lace-ups proved their merit time and time again this winter. Dive into how these boots landed at the top of our best-of list, and our thoughts on their performance after a winter of testing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile, foldable shaft | Pricey |
| Stylish leather outer | Traction could use an upgrade |
| Plush sheepskin lining | Shearling can show dirt |
| Cozy warmth and waterproof |
First Impressions of the UGG Women’s Adirondack III Boot
Truthfully, I was initially suspicious of these UGG boots. Would they really hold up to the harsh winter weather I live in? UGG is known for cozy comfort. You’re likely familiar with or maybe even have a pair of their iconic, UGG Classic sheepskin boots. The straightforward design features a tanned outer surface with a relatively grip-less synthetic sole.
Those classic UGGs everyone knows are revered for their comfort – not their technicality. I’ve never owned a pair of classic UGGs, but I have borrowed and worn friends’ pairs enough to understand their basic functions. Classic UGGs are comfortable, but I would never entertain buying them for everyday winter wear. They are simply too slippery and not waterproof enough to endure winter weather in Colorado. So, when I had the chance to test the UGG Women’s Adirondack III Boot, I was initially hesitant. Would this winter style actually hold up to freezing temperatures and the random adventures I’d take them on?
Well, straight out of the box, I was impressed. The sheepskin lining was soft and supple, the leather outer appeared form-fitting, and the lace-up design looked like it would secure quickly and keep things tight. The rubber toe and sole looked durable, but would they be waterproof and slip-proof?
CHECK PRICE ON BACKCOUNTRYNotable Features: UGG Women’s Adirondack III Boot
Weight: 2.6 lbs per boot
Insulation: 80% upcycled wool, 20% Synthetic
Boot Height: 7-inch shaft
Closure: Lace-up
Upper Material: Waterproof leather
Lining: 17mm UGGpure wool lining
Outsole: Molded Spider Rubber
Warm and Versatile Wear
One of the first things I noticed was the mid-calf-height design offers surprising support and coverage. The exterior shaft, which can be worn up or folded over (as pictured above), is made of waterproof leather and lined with luxe upcycled wool. However, it’s not bulky, and I found these boots to be like wearing warm, tall shoes.
The adjustable lacing system further enhances the fit, allowing for quick cinching when the weather turns, and you need to tie these up quickly and tightly. I especially liked how easy these boots were to put on and take off. There’s no removable liner, so you don’t have to worry about a liner coming out when you pull them off. Also, the standard laces are easy to loosen, so you can pull these on without the harsh grunt that sometimes occurs when forcing on a tighter, no-lace winter boot.
Furthermore, the sleek silhouette of these UGGs transitions easily from snowy activities to indoor needs. I chose these boots as my go-to for stomping around snowy (and icy!) downtown Jackson, Wyoming. They kept my feet and toes warm and dry while standing on the snow at an outdoor apres, just as they did when shlepping through icy puddles. I found these to be waterproof, exceptionally breathable (especially for being filled with 200 grams of Primaloft insulation), and stylishly low-profile. They pack a punch for winter adventures without being as bulky as other somewhat similar models like the classic Sorel Caribous or the beastly Baffin Chloe.
Folded up or down, the UGG Adirondack III boots ooze cozy winter-wear style. Photo: Heather Hendricks/The Inertia
Gusseted Tongue With Water-Repellent Coating
A gusseted tongue is attached to the sides of the boot’s upper material. I usually prefer slip-on boots to ones with ties and tongues, so this underestimated feature helps keep these UGGs waterproof. Sometimes called a bellows tongue, the sewn-in tongue provides a continuous waterproof barrier. Gusseted tongues work with other technologies, like waterproof membranes or water-repellant coatings, creating another layer of defense between your feet and cold, wet conditions.
This feature and the easy standard lacing system made these boots my prime pick for snowy jaunts around Aspen and Jackson. We also tested these boots on a snowmobile trip to hot springs in Wyoming. We were in deep snow, but the secure laces and the gusseted tongue kept the elements out while blasting through the snowy trails.
While this boot is certainly a winter warrior, the tread could use a bit of an upgrade. Photo: Heather Hendricks/The Inertia
Drawbacks: UGG Women’s Adirondack III Boot
While the outsoles of these UGGs are designed to stay flexible in freezing temps, which they did, the overall tread could use a serious upgrade. The tread features diamond-sized lugs that are small. Each lug is about the size of a dime in a diamond shape. Height-wise, each lug is about the size of two stacked nickels. I would love these to get an overhaul and become more grippy or bigger for better traction. The “White Spider Rubber” outsole provides enough traction for daily commutes or mellow winter hikes. However, I recommend adding a Yaktrax or similar microspike for ultra-icy conditions to enhance traction further.
For a versatile and stylish winter boot, it doesn’t get much better than the UGG Adirondack III. Photo: Heather Hendricks/The Inertia
Final Thoughts
At $250, the UGG Adirondack III Women’s Boot is pricey. However, this is an investment in a versatile winter boot that feels like wearing a shoe and actually gets more comfortable with wear. The shearling lining tends to mold to feet with each wear, feeling as though the footbeds are heat molded. The overall style of the UGG Women’s Adirondack III Boot is fashion-forward and excels in the elements. Don’t discount these because of their name or association with other UGG boots. The Women’s Adirondack III Boot is a solid winter boot option for discerning women who want a beacon of quality. They are genuine champions of warmth and style for seasons and storms to come.
CHECK PRICE ON BACKCOUNTRY CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONEditor’s Note: If you’d like to see other great winter boots, check out our guides to the Best Winter Boots and Best Women’s Winter Boots. And if you are headed out into the cold, don’t miss Best Winter Jackets, and Best Winter Jackets for Women. For more gear reviews and features at The Inertia, click here.
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