The best winter boots to see you through the colder months
Winter boots are an essential but finding the best winter boots to see you through the colder season and beyond is not always the easiest of feats. There are several features that they must have to pass the test of being a great winter boot, including comfort, durability, and flexibility, as well as style and design.
On one hand you have the more practical options of hiking boots and wellingtons, while on the other there are trend-led designs such as Chelsea and cowboy boots. There's an option out there to suit all kinds of lifestyles, but no matter what style you choose, your boots should see you through a few winters to make them well worth the investment.
There are lots out there on the market, so here at the Mirror, we've compiled a list of recommendations that have seen the team through everything from wet dog walks, to hiking holidays, Christmas markets, blizzard-like conditions and everything in between.
Here are the best boots to buy now that will keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable this winter, including winter boots for women and winter boots for men.
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Best winter boots of 2024
1. UGG Mini Classic II Boots
UGGs come in a variety of colours including black, brown, and grey (UGG)Uggs have made somewhat of a revival over the last few years, with the classic design selling out in stores within minutes. We can't say we're surprised as this style is a winner in our books for its cosiness alone, thanks to the faux fur lined inner material.
Mirror writer Narin Flanders agrees, hailing her Ugg Minis as a brilliant buy for winter. "The Mini Classic II Uggs are the perfect height to sit under a pair of jeans without getting in the way but can also be worn with a dress and leggings without looking odd," she says.
"Classic black is my preferred choice," Narin explains, as "over the years I've also had a dark brown pair but soon found they were less versatile and didn't go with everything. I also once bought a grey pair because I was tempted by a particularly hefty discount but they showed water marks much more noticeably than any other colour so I won't be doing that again."
The suede material might be suited more for crisp, dry days over wet weather, however a quick coating of shoe protector spray should avoid any potential water damage.
Narin goes on to say: "My Uggs are comfortable, cosy and while they are a premium brand I make to shop around so I never pay full price. Black Friday season is when I replace them if needed and can usually find them around the £100 mark and for me they're absolutely worth the money when I wear them most days between about October and April depending on the weather."
At the time of writing, the Ugg Mini Classic II boots are cheapest and in stock in the most sizes on Amazon for £165, but you can shop the UGG Essential Mini Boot on their official website for £127.99 down from £160.
If you find these sold-out, New Look stock an excellent dupe for £40 reduced from £74.99, and River Island have a £35 alternative to the Ugg Ultra Mini Platform boot, £155.
Buy now from Amazon (£165).
2. Marks and Spencer Chelsea Boots
They're a sturdy as well as stylish winter essential (Marks & Spencer)Marks and Spencer are a fashion lovers favourite when it comes to footwear as their designs are as stylish as they are practical. The Chelsea boots in question have been praised by shoppers for their comfortability, with many people saying they don't even have to be worn in, so you won't have to worry about painful blisters or rubbing.
One person said: "Gorgeous boots that look good and really are comfortable. I often have trouble with new footwear, so was unsure, but these boots feel like slippers. Fantastic!"
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The £39.50 pair are "true to size", but according to some customers, if you plan on wearing thick socks or have wide feet, we would recommend sizing up.
If you had your eye on Dr. Marten's £199 Jetta Platform boots but they are out of your price range, these Marks and Spencer shoes are a quarter of the price.
Buy now from Marks & Spencer (£39.50).
3. Hunter Original Tall Wellingtons
Hunter boots are great for dog walks in wet weather (Hunter)Everyone should own a good pair of wellington boots for winter, especially if snow is on the cards, but if you're yet to get some, the Mirror's tech writer Harriet Morphy Morris has a recommendation that she loves to use when taking her parent's dogs out on walks.
"The classic Hunter wellies may not spring first in mind when it comes to a cosy winter boot, but these British weather classics have seen me through years of cold, wet winters. I have the Original Tall style, even though I’m a short 5ft2, so that the boot protects most of my leg when I’m out on a walk," she explains.
Harriet suggests that you also add fleecy Hunter liner socks, or a thick pair of socks, to "transform the boots into a cosy and snug fit." Since picking the inner liner up herself, she's worn them to bonfire nights and even Christmas markets.
She notes that they are quite expensive for a pair of wellies, coming in at £94.97 on Amazon, or £114.75 on John Lewis, but Harriet says that they are very handy and "the rubber material makes it super easy to clean any mud off and with a cable knit boot sock in, plus they look brand new if you wanted to add over a pair of leggings or leather trousers for a more put together, yet practical, fit."
For a cheaper alternative, shoppers are obsessed with the £28 Regatta Lady Harriet II Wellies as they are "great for the school run on a rainy day, stylish and practical."
Buy now from Amazon (£94.97).
4. Karrimor Waterproof Walking Boots
These boots were perfect for a long hike in the Lake District (Karrimor)For Mirror writer Lucy Addicott, the Karrimor waterproof walking boots are a fail-safe option for long hikes, dog walks, and snowy weather.
"The key thing for me and walking boots is that they are comfortable and I find I can walk for hours in these without any pain. I wear mine all all year round so they're well worth investing in, but if you are looking to buy a good pair of boots that are suitable for winter, the Karrimor walking boots have never left me with soggy socks - no matter how many streams I've had to step through," Lucy explains.
In general, it's hard to find a 'trendy' pair of winter walking boots but "as far as walking boots go, I think they look quite stylish and I like how they are available in different colourways depending on your taste. I own the blue ones but you can choose from black, pink, or green," she says.
At the time of writing, you can nab these boots for £44.99 down from £99.99 at Sports Direct or there is a similar pair on Amazon for £44.99.
Buy now from Sports Direct (£94.97).
5. Dr. Martens 1460 Greasy
Dr. Martens are an all-year-round staple shoe (Dr. Martens)Mirror fashion and beauty writer Bethan Shufflebotham has been wearing her trusty Dr Martens as winter boots for the last 10 years and not once have they failed her.
"For the past 12 months I have lived in the 1460 Greasy style, which is a matte black take on the classic and goes with every outfit, without compromising on style or function," she says.
Bethan proving Dr Martens are fashionable as well as functional (Bethan Shufflebotham)There are some styles of Dr Martens that you will have to wear in, but Bethan explains this isn't the case for the 1460 style, saying: "The boot sits on top of the iconic AirWair sole, which is oil and fat resistant and anti-slip. I never had to break this particular style in, and they’ve seen me through rain storms, muddy festivals, snowy dog walks and sticky gigs and never disappoint, blending comfort with style and practicality."
Dr Martens are available in varying finishes, but Bethan explains that these boots are ideal for winter as "they have a slightly waxy, oily feel that helps to protect the leather, and like all Dr Marten boots, have been ‘built to last’."
Buy now from eBay (£129.99).
6. Dr. Martens Comb Tech Utility Boots
These boots can withstand deep snow and cold temperatures (Dr. Martens)If you're after a pair of winter boots that will really withstand all temperatures and terrain, Mirror sports writer Chris Burns recommends the Dr Martens Comb Tech Utility boots.
Having always been a fan of the brand, before a trip to Reykjavik, he knew he needed something a bit extra so elected for the Combs Tech utility boot which has a faux fair lining and militaristic feel to its look.
Available on the Dr Martens website or on Foot Asylum for £149.99, Chris said: "I spent a week in Iceland wrestling with blizzard-like conditions, ankle deep snow and -10 temperatures and the Combs Tech really came through. Waterproof, snowproof and a source of consistent warmth, as soon as temperatures really plunge here in the UK I'll be whipping out the Combs Tech once again."
Buy now from Foot Asylum (£149.99).
7. River Island Patent Buckle Boots
The patent material means these River Island boots are perfect for rain (River Island)For a designer look for less, we've spotted this pair of winter boots that look similar to the Prada lace up boots but instead of setting you back £1,100, are £45 at River Island instead.
They don't feature the iconic Prada pouch, but the patent material is easily wipeable from mud, rain, and snow, plus the thick sole has added grip for uneven or slippy terrain on winter walks.
These boots can be paired with all kinds of outfits, from casual leggings and a hoodie, to a dress or skirt, and will also look great worn with tights.
Alternatively, New Look have a £42.99 pair of patent chunky lace up biker boots which shoppers say are "comfortable and stylish."
Buy now from River Island (£45).
8. Fly London Buckle Boots
Buttery soft and completely comfy, Laura loves her buckle boots from Fly London (Laura Udall)Looking for an alternative to her usual Dr Marten boots as they were out of stock, Mirror travel writer Laura Udall came across Fly London and has been in love with the brand ever since.
"Lightweight, practical and with more than a hint of seventies-style retro charm, I’ve had various different styles from ankle boots to knee-highs in black, brown, petrol blue and even a bright red colour that Bowie would be proud of," Laura explains.
Her footwear of choice this year was a pair of Sabe Leather Buckle Boots in black for £112.50 from Amazon. "While the price tag is a little on the high side, it’s the subtly different design, the chunky wedge sole and the buttery soft leather that makes them worth every penny," she says.
Available in sizes 3-8, if you're wondering which size to go for, Laura says that, "size wise they are always spot on and with a soft fabric lining they keep toes warm on chilly days."
They're also a really versatile winter boot, with Laura explaining that they are, "smart enough to be worn with dresses while still looking cool enough to wear with everything else, its the irreverent design paired with good quality construction that keeps me coming back for more."
Buy now from Amazon (£112.50).
9. H&M Lace Padded Boots
These H&M winter boots come in three different colourways (H&M)Reminiscent of Moon Boots but over £100 cheaper costing £39.99, these H&M winter boots are available in black, brown, and cream, in sizes 2-9.
The faux fur inner lining will keep your feet toasty warm, and the trendy lace-up design will keep you looking cool when the temperature drops.
We wouldn't recommend the lighter colourways for a wet winter walk, but they would be a lovely addition to your wardrobe on days when the weather is drier.
Buy now from H&M (£39.99).
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