We Asked Podiatrists What Their 6 Favorite Walking Boots and Shoes for Winter Are-This Is What They Said

Finding a truly good pair of winter boots or shoes is trickier than it sounds—trust me, I spent more than 15 years braving Northeast winters. The best winter footwear has to check a lot of boxes: it should keep your feet warm and supported, provide solid traction and, ideally, offer waterproof protection for slush, ice and snow.

While I’ve logged plenty of real-world cold-weather miles, I tapped podiatrists to tell us exactly what to look for in winter shoes and boots. They generously shared their best recommendations to get you through winter comfortably, safely and with a touch of fashion.

“When shopping for winter shoes, it is important to consider options that keep your feet and body aligned and provide proper arch support to reduce the strain on both your plantar fascia and heel,” says Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Millburn Podiatry in New Jersey and liaison to Aetrex footwear. Her advice: Look for options that are lightweight with an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole, a lightweight, flexible blend of plastic and rubber. “This provides cushioning and shock relief,” says Ferrigno-Taddeo. Adjustability is also important so you can tailor the boot or shoe to the level of support and security your foot needs.

Best Winter Boot and Shoe Deals

• L.L. Bean Women’s Storm Chaser 6 Lace-Up Boots, $170 at llbean.com
• The North Face Women’s Hedgehog 3 Mid Waterproof Boots, $145 at zappos.com
• Aetrex Juliet Lace-Up Boot, $180 at aetrex.com
• Aetrex Collette Loafer, $90 at zappos.com
• Dr. Martens Church Vintage Monkey Boots, $160 at zappos.com
• Salomon Mens X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, $280 at amazon.com

L.L. Bean Storm Chaser 6 Lace-Up Boots

“A durable rubber outsole with deep tread [like these L.L.Bean boots] provides the traction you need on icy or snowy surfaces,” says Samantha Landau, D.P.M., MPH, professor at Touro New York College of Podiatric Medicine at New York Medical College. Not only do these boots have excellent traction and a deep tread, but the waterproof leather upper and rubberized toe will keep your feet dry. They also have an EVA footbed and Primaloft insulation—aka supportive and warm.

The North Face Hedgehog 3 Mid Waterproof Boots

Another recommendation of Landau’s is that these boots are waterproof, which is key for keeping out snow and slush. They’re breathable thanks to North Face’s Dryvent membrane technology, so when your feet inevitably get sweaty, that sweat shouldn’t build up. We like that these boots are also great for hiking, which extends their use beyond the winter season.

Aetrex Juliet Lace-Up Boot

The Juliet is a lace-up boot, which is important for support, explains Ferrigno-Taddeo. This particular model earns some extra credit with us because it has a side zipper for easy on and off. Ferrigno-Taddeo also likes the complete underfoot support that this boot offers: “The Cobra Orthotic Technology provides a void in the heel area to help alleviate heel pressure and provides metatarsal support.”

Aetrex Collette Loafer

If you’re looking for something beyond a boot, these winter shoes are another one of Ferrigno-Taddeo’s picks. “These loafers feature lightweight EVA foam for comfort and memory foam to help evenly distribute weight when walking.” They’re available in leather and suede, in multiple colors for both materials, so you can easily find a pair that suits your aesthetic.

Dr. Martens Church Vintage Monkey Boots

“These shoes are versatile and durable. The leather keeps your feet warm and dry through the winter months—and offers great structure, promoting foot and ankle stability,” says Adenike Sonaike, D.P.M., a podiatrist and medical director with Baker Street Health in Motion. “They have a superior air-cushioned sole with tread that prevents slipping, and the fact that they are lace-ups makes these a perfect adjustable fit that hugs your feet.” There’s one more perk to these boots: they transition well for different occasions!

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

“These boots are a top overall pick for men thanks to their lightweight build, dependable stability and all‑around versatility on mixed terrain,” says Mikel Daniels, D.P.M., Chief Medical Officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry. The upper has Gore-Tex waterproofing and a rubber toe cap to keep your feet dry. And the added ankle coverage is helpful in colder months.