The Best Women’s Winter Shoes

Buying Guide

Winter weather can make roads hazardous, especially if ice accumulates on surfaces. But vehicular accidents aren’t the only risk you face when you leave the house during a snowstorm. Simply walking outdoors can put you at risk of a slip-and-fall accident, which can be even more serious if you’re over the age of 65.

A good pair of winter shoes can help you navigate those slippery surfaces. Available in varying heights from knee-high to ankle-high, winter shoes are designed both to keep you warm and to give you a little traction on snow and ice. Obviously, no amount of traction will help if you’re trying to navigate a complete sheet of ice, but you do stand a better chance with a shoe that has an antiskid surface than if you wear shoes meant for dry surfaces.

But unless you’re on vacation or working outdoors, chances are, most of your time will be spent inside a building. That complicates things a little, since most winter shoes are designed to keep your feet warm. You’ll often see faux fur lining inside these shoes, which can be a problem if your feet tend to sweat. If you’re journeying from home to work in your winter shoes, it might be a good idea to keep a pair of shoes at work that you can change into once you arrive.

Water resistance is another important feature in any winter shoes you pick. Whether you’re trudging through rain, snow or sleet, keeping your feet dry is important. In fact, when your extremities are warm, your body is free to redistribute more blood to your vital organs, helping keep you comfortable and healthy when temperatures drop.

• Keep in mind that when you wear winter shoes, they’ll probably go over a pair of socks. If you tend to don thicker socks in the cooler months, your normal shoe size might not be big enough.
• Your foot length and width aren’t the only considerations with winter shoes. If your boots rise to the ankle or above, the diameter of your ankle and calf will matter, too.
• If you plan to play in the snow for any length of time, or you’re into outdoor activities like sledding, your toes need protection, too. Some winter shoes have reinforcement in the toe area for shock absorption in case your foot comes into sudden contact with a hard object.
• A faux fur interior can be comfortable and insulating when you’re outdoors. However, it can cause your feet to sweat, and the moisture can be bad for your feet. Keep that in mind if you’re wearing well-insulated winter shoes for hours at a time.
• Some winter shoes have adjustability features built in. There are, of course, the shoelaces that always give a little wiggle room with the fit. But some have a drawstring around the collar of the shoe to allow you to tighten it around your calf or ankle. This can help keep snow or rain from seeping into the boot.
• The comfort of the shoe itself is important, too, especially if you’re on your feet throughout the day. Look for a shoe with rubber soles that support the foot without sacrificing the traction you’ll need for slippery surfaces.
• Consider whether you like to wear your boots underneath your pants or to tuck your pants in. If it’s the latter, you’ll need to make sure the boot has enough extra diameter to handle thicker pants or jeans.
• Winter boots come in a variety of colors. Neutrals are likely best, but you can find some in pastels, too. Take a look at your winter wardrobe and note which color will match the best.