14 winter boots to keep you toasty — and trendy — this season
Stylish pairs for men and women that'll take you from cold morning commutes to chilly nights out
Whether it's your first Canadian winter or you're a seasoned cold-weather pro, it only takes a few minutes on a -20 C morning to conclude that feet get icy fast and warm boots are a must. What's harder to work out is how to keep feet toasty without totally surrendering to snowman-like style. To help you strike the balance between form and function, we've rounded up warm winter boots for men and women that suit every situation and every aesthetic — be it classic Canadiana, flashy fun or ultra-sleek and professional.
For your daily commute
The pair for her: Whether you're chasing down the bus or brushing snow off your car, this streamlined, made-in-Montreal bootie checks all the boxes: grippy lug soles, memory foam insoles, toasty shearling lining and waterproof leather.
Autumn Shearling-Lined Leather Bootie, $565, La Canadienne
The pair for him: Stay warm and dry on your way to work with wool-lined and waterproof Italian suede. Laces add to the polished look, while an inside zipper makes it easy to slide these off under your desk.
Anders.2, $335, Anfibio
For seriously cold days
The pair for her: Treat your toes to their own parka-esque gear. Since debuting in 1974, the Pillow Boot maintains its iconic status with a temperature rating of up to -30 C, leaving you ready to take on another Canadian legend: that biting windchill.
Original Pillow Boot in White, $240, Cougar
The pair for him: Another wintertime classic, the Caribou boot is completely waterproof, and with its removable nine-millimetre wool inner boot, ready for sub-zero snow dumps.
Caribou Wool Boot, $220, Sorel
For weekend errands
The pair for her: A versatile Chelsea boot works across outfits — from cropped jeans to long dresses. This water-resistant pair features full shearling lining, so it works across temperatures, too. (If you're eyeing a different style, the Montreal brand also sells its sheepskin insoles separately to up the insulation.)
Cortina Black Sheepskin Lining, $310, Maguire
The pair for him: This timeless style gets upgraded for winter with a fleece lining and grooved cleats to help you stay steady on icy days. Bonus: the leather is designed to dodge those stubborn salt stains.
2976 DM's Wintergrip Chelsea Boots in Cocoa Snowplow, $220, Dr. Martens
For a playful style statement
The pair for her: Add a little flash to your outfit with these metallic puffer boots, rated for temperatures as low as -22 C. Pull the drawstring to cinch the top and keep heat in, while the waterproof membrane keeps water out.
Women's Insulated Metallic Short Snow Boots in Dark Silver/Hail Grey, $180, Hunter
The pair for him (or her!): Sneakerheads don't need to abandon their signature style come winter. These unisex boots inspired by Vans' iconic skateboarding high-top actually borrow from the brand's know-how making snowboarding gear: Gore-Tex waterproofing, non-bulky insulation, high-traction treads and a lightweight molded footbed.
Vans Checkerboard Sk8-Hi Gore-Tex MTE-3, $200, Little Burgundy
For a night out
The pair for her: Step out for the evening in a flattering pointed toe and easy-to-walk-in block heel, all wrapped inside a waterproof construction to keep you dry.
Qirarith Chelsea Boot, $150, Aldo
The pair for him: Easy to dress up or down, a sleek leather chukka boot is a dependable closet staple. These ones are ideal for chilly nights thanks to their wool-blend lining and the rubber outsole made with the brand's Tray technology for extra grip.
CityTray Men's Chukka Boot, $260, Ecco
For snowy hikes
The pair for her: Hit the trails in this jewel-toned pair that are insulated with recycled plastic and rated for dips as low as -32 C. You can also count on the five millimetres of multidirectional tread to help you find your footing.
Keen Revel IV Mid Polar Insulated Women's Hiking Boots in Rhubarb - Plaza Taupe, $230, Altitude Sports
The pair for him: For treks from fall through to spring, lace up these waterproof-yet-breathable boots. They use your own body heat to gradually mold to your foot and are totally compatible with snowshoes.
Borealis Men's Boot in Red, $250, Baffin
For total cozy comfort
The pair for her: Max out the comfy vibes with the popular soft-boot style at a budget-friendly price thanks to a polyester lining and faux suede exterior.
Cozy Boots, $39, Joe Fresh
The pair for him: These easy-fit padded boots have a removable insole so you can swap in your own orthotics. And when things get icy, just flip down the steel cleats embedded in the outsole for max grip.
Olang Kiev Black Winter Boot, $250, Walking On A Cloud
Caitlin Kenny is a Toronto-based writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering beauty, style and health across Canada's top media outlets. Follow her on Instagram at @caitlinken_insta.
