Best Winter Boots for Travel + Shoes for Europe (2026-2027 Guide)

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Looking for reliable winter boots for your next trip, but not sure where to start? In this guide, you’ll find some of the best winter boots for women, men, and kids – tried, tested, and traveler-approved. I also added a section with recommended shoes for winter travel in Europe.

When it comes to winter travel, having the right clothing and footwear makes all the difference. Whether you’re heading to Canada, Alaska, Iceland, or Scandinavia, your winter packing list will be quite similar – and good boots are one of the most important items you’ll need.

I often get asked about the best winter shoes for travel, and I also keep an eye on what fellow travelers recommend in forums and Facebook groups.

In this guide, I’ve put together a selection of the top-rated winter boots based on real travel experiences. I’ve also included my personal go-to winter boots that I use for European winters. At the end of the post, you’ll also find top picks for extreme cold, budget-friendly options, and the best winter shoes for active kids.

This list is updated for the 2026-2027 winter season. Many of these models are timeless and built to last, even if colors or styles change slightly. The most important thing – especially when you’re traveling – is functionality. Warm, dry feet will make any winter trip far more enjoyable, so choose wisely!

Looking for versatile winter boots that will fit most occasions and different winter trips? I love the Sorel Whitney winter boots. Right now, they are my absolute favorites. They are waterproof and super light, and have served me well on countless winter city trips and Christmas Markets in Europe, outdoor activities on a recent fall visit to Alaska, and many other occasions. That said, they aren’t warm enough in extreme Arctic cold.

My go-to for much colder trips is the UGG Adirondack boots. I’ve worn them on winter trips to Iceland, Northern Norway, Lapland, Svalbard, and many others.

 

What to Look for in Good Winter Travel Shoes

In order to choose the best winter boots for your trip, make sure that you know what kind of functionality you expect. Your choice of winter boots depends on where you are traveling to.

For example, many people ask me what are the best boots for the European winter. But Europe is huge! If you go skiing in Europe or are looking for winter shoes for Scandinavia, you’ll want to get winter boots from our travel winter boots list below. Whereas if you are visiting cities like London, Rome, Paris, or Barcelona, you’ll need very different winter shoes – for that, see our dedicated section below.

It’s the same for the USA – it really depends on where you’ll be using your winter shoes, for how long, what kind of activities, etc.

In my opinion, all winter boots for travel have to be waterproof and keep your feet warm up to at least -10°C (14°F).

A good grip is also important – I once had to throw away a pair of winter boots because I kept slipping in them and fell several times. Little did I know at that time that ice cleats could have been the perfect solution. But in any case, a good anti-slip rubber sole is a must for all winter shoes.

If you plan to go hiking, laced winter shoes with a good grip are a must. Whereas if you only plan snow activities, Moon Boots might be a better choice since they are much warmer.

There is not one perfect winter shoe for every situation, but the winter boots in our selection below should get you covered most of the time. Take a look!

Best Winter Shoes for Travel in Europe

This guide mainly covers the best winter boots for cold destinations like Iceland, Lapland, or Northern Norway (see the list of our recommendations further below). But since I often get questions about what shoes to wear for winter trips in Europe, I’ve added this extra section with some examples.

Not every European winter trip requires heavy-duty snow boots. If you’re heading to city breaks, Christmas markets, or sightseeing in places with milder winters, you’ll want shoes that are warm, waterproof, and comfortable for long walks – without the bulk of Arctic boots.

Here are some of my personal recommendations for women:

• Sorel Whitney. Lightweight, waterproof, and warm enough for most European cities in winter. These are my current go-to winter shoes. I wore them in Venice in December, on a March trip to Lapland, and on many other trips in the winter season.

• Sorel Explorer Joan Boots. Stylish enough for urban travel, but insulated and waterproof for chilly conditions.

• Columbia Minx Shorty Snow Boot. These functional winter boots are warm enough even for northern European destinations and great for city sightseeing as well as nature excursions.

Good to know: Depending on where you’re going, classic UGG boots or ankle boots like these may be all you need. For southern Europe – warm destinations like the Algarve in Portugal or Tenerife in Spain – sneakers are usually enough, and on some days you might even get away with sandals.

Here are some recommendations for men:

• Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat. Waterproof and insulated, with lightweight cushioning for days with lots of walking. A good option for winter city sightseeing and visiting Christmas markets.

• Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. Technically not winter boots, but durable and waterproof – great for city sightseeing and occasional countryside walks. These are also my husband’s go-to shoes for everyday wear in Belgium during winter.

• Columbia Men’s Liftop Snow Boots. Insulated, waterproof, and built with great traction – suitable for cold, wet, or snowy conditions. A good combo option if you are visiting cities and mountains, for example, in Switzerland.

For children, take a look at the Sorel kids’ winter boots collection for warm, practical options for winter sightseeing and playing in the snow.

Here are some of the best winter boots for travel (cold-weather destinations in general):

Sorel Winter Boots

Sorel Caribou for snowy destinations; lighter styles for winter city trips.

Sorel is a well-known winter boot brand, with a wide range of styles for men and women at different price points. For trips to really cold destinations, the classic Sorel Caribou waterproof boots are worth considering, especially if you’ll be spending lots of time outdoors in the snow.

On my trips to Tromsø in winter and Svalbard in winter, virtually all our local guides wore Sorel Caribou boots. I noticed the same on a recent winter trip to Rovaniemi in Lapland. Seeing so many people who spend their winters outdoors wearing the same boots says a lot. Once you start looking, you spot them everywhere!

The classic Sorel Caribou boots are sturdy, waterproof, and very warm. They have various models for women, men, and children. The main drawback is their weight. They’re a good option for snowy trips to very cold destinations with extreme winter temperatures, but for European city sightseeing with lots of walking, I’d choose something lighter.

I bought these Sorel winter boots because I wanted something dressier than my UGG Adirondacks and lighter than the classic Caribou boots to wear on city trips, European Christmas Markets, and my son’s football matches.

If you ever stood by the soccer field in the winter for 2-3 hours, you know what it means to have really cold feet. These boots are incredibly warm and have kept my feet nice and toasty even on the coldest days. I can only recommend them! The model I bought now is also perfect for winter city trips. I recently also wore these boots in Venice in December, and they were just perfect.

Here is what other people say about Sorel winter boots:

• I am from Canada and my Sorels keep my feet toasty warm every winter.
• They have lasted me through four New England winters and still look great!
• I bought Sorel Caribou boots for several Antarctica And Falklands trips where we needed waterproof boots for wet landings and walking in the snow. Love them.

Columbia Omni-Heat Winter Boots

Versatile options for winter sightseeing and outdoor walks.

Columbia Omni-Heat snow boots are worth considering for active winter travel, with styles ranging from lighter boots for city sightseeing to sturdier options for snowy outdoor trips. Their Omni-Heat lining reflects body heat to help keep your feet warm without adding much bulk.

Choose the model based on your trip. For Christmas markets and city sightseeing, look for lightweight cushioning and a comfortable fit, like the men’s Fairbanks Omni-Heat mentioned above. For winter hiking or snowshoeing, choose a model designed for those activities, with suitable support and traction. Check waterproofing and insulation separately: the Omni-Heat label alone doesn’t tell you how warm or waterproof a boot is.

Here is what travelers say about Columbia winter boots:

• I live in Minnesota and my favorite boots are Columbia. They have this silver material inside that reflects your own heat back. So warm! 
• We wanted good snow boots for snowshoeing and each got a pair of the Columbia omni-heat boots and we love them. They keep our feet very warm and dry.

UGG Waterproof Winter Boots

My personal favorites for cold-weather travel: the UGG Adirondacks.

A bit on the expensive side, UGG Adirondack waterproof winter boots have been my personal favorites for years. I also have a pair of classic short UGG boots, which I wear almost daily in cold, dry winter weather at home in Belgium. But for snowy trips and much colder conditions, I always reach for my Adirondacks.

I’ve worn them on countless trips, including ski vacations, Iceland in winter, Northern Norway, and Svalbard in February, as well as winter visits to Jungfraujoch and Mt. Titlis in Switzerland. On some of these trips, temperatures dropped to -25 to -30°C (-13 to -22°F), not to mention the wind chill factor.

They’re warm, waterproof, and don’t feel overly heavy on my feet. My pair has lasted through 9 years of winter travel and still has plenty of life left. For me, they’ve been well worth the investment.

When choosing UGG boots for winter travel, check that the specific model is waterproof. The classic suede styles and waterproof winter boots serve very different purposes, even if they look equally warm.

Merrell Winter Boots

A good choice for winter hiking and trips with lots of walking.

Merrell’s insulated waterproof boots are worth considering for active winter trips, especially if you plan to combine sightseeing with outdoor walks. Choose a winter-specific model, since regular waterproof hiking boots don’t necessarily have insulation for cold weather.

Here are two of the best winter options for women:

• Merrell Siren. With 200g insulation, waterproof protection, and a Vibram Icetrek outsole designed for cold conditions, these are worth considering for winter hikes and snowy trips where warmth is a priority.
• Merrell Antora. A sportier option with 100g insulation, cushioning, and waterproof protection. I’d consider these for trips with lots of walking in chilly weather, particularly if you prefer less insulation than the Siren offers.

Here’s what travelers say about Merrell winter shoes:

• My feet have never ever been cold in my Merrells. I went to Iceland in February, walked on a glacier in them and they were completely awesome.
• I live in an area where it snows and gets under -20 fairly often, and these boots kept my feet dry walking through the deep snow.

BOGS Winter Boots

Practical for short wet or snowy walks, sledding, and shoveling snow.

BOGS is another brand to consider for sturdy winter boots that help keep your feet warm and dry.

Their insulated snow boots are especially useful for short walks, playing in the snow, and everyday winter chores like shoveling snow in your backyard or clearing the driveway. For longer hikes or sightseeing with lots of walking, I’d choose a less bulky hiking-style boot.

BOGS offers various models of winter boots for men, women, and children. Check that you’re choosing an insulated winter model, since the brand also makes rain boots.

Here’s what travelers say about BOGS winter shoes:

• We live in the mountains and these great boots keep our feet warm and dry.
•  I’m Canadian, BOGS are my jam.
• I’ve worn these boots for walks in freezing cold weather and to go sledding with my kids and my feet always stay toasty warm and dry. 
• Should have bought these years ago. They are so warm and sturdy.

KEEN Winter Boots

Worth considering for winter hiking and a roomier fit around the toes.

KEEN Revel IV Polar winter boots are insulated and waterproof, with mid- and high-cut styles for men and women. Their roomy toe area makes them worth considering if you find many winter boots too narrow at the front.

Their mid-height boots are an especially good option for trips combining sightseeing with snowy outdoor walks. Their hiking-style design provides support on uneven ground, while insulation and a thermal footbed help keep your feet warm.

Here’s what people say about KEEN winter boots:

• I wore these boots during my trip to Iceland in March, and they were absolutely fantastic. They’re sturdy, fully waterproof, and kept my feet warm through snow, slush, and long days of exploring. I also hiked Angels Landing in these, and the traction was impressive.
• This is my 2nd pair of these boots. They are very much non slip in the winter and have saved me from a fall many times. The comfort and warmth are excellent.

Best Winter Boots for Extreme Cold Weather

If you are looking for the warmest possible winter boots for extreme winter temperatures, consider specialist boots such as Baffin Impact.

They are really warm and heavy and are not really suitable for milder winters. However, if you are visiting the North Pole in winter and need the best and warmest winter shoes available, you cannot go wrong with these boots.

For trips involving prolonged exposure to extreme cold, check the manufacturer’s guidance for the specific model. Also keep in mind your planned activities, since warmth also depends on fit, socks, and how much you’re moving.

According to Baffin, their Selkirk winter boots will keep you warm in the temperature range up to -70°C (-94°F).

Best Budget Winter Boots

For occasional winter trips, compare lower-priced models from brands such as Kamik and Kingshow. These can offer good value for money, especially if you only need snow boots for a few days each year.

Focus on the features you’ll need for your trip. For snowy or slushy conditions, prioritize waterproofing and insulation. If you’ll be walking a lot, pay particular attention to fit, weight, and comfort. Check recent reviews for the specific model, ideally from people who wore the boots in similar conditions to those you expect.

Kamik also has very affordable winter boots for kids. Below, you can find a bit more info specifically for children.

Best Winter Boots for Kids (Boys & Girls)

Our kids often outgrow their winter shoes after just one season, so we look for versatile boots they can wear to school, on trips, and on winter vacations in the snow.

We usually choose sturdy, waterproof boots with good traction that aren’t too heavy, so our boys can run and play comfortably. We live in a relatively mild climate, so we don’t need heavily insulated snow boots for everyday wear.

The best choice for your children will depend on where they’ll wear the boots, how cold it gets, and how much time they’ll spend outdoors.

If you just go on ski holidays for a few days and are looking for good winter boots for kids just for that one vacation, you’ll probably want to look for something not too expensive, yet really warm. Whereas if you are looking for good winter boots for kids for everyday use, you should get higher quality sturdy winter shoes that will definitely last the whole winter.

Below, you can find our hand-picked selection of the best-rated winter boots for children that you can buy on Amazon. All these winter shoes for kids have great customer reviews and a good price-quality ratio.

Here are some of the best-rated kids’s winter shoes on Amazon:

• Kamik Snobuster (heavy-duty waterproof boots).
• HOBIBEAR snow boots (lighter, ‘dressier’ models).
• Columbia Powderbug (very warm and sturdy, yet lightweight).

TIP: For more tips on kids’ shoes, take a look at our selection of the best kids’ shoes for travel (summer, winter, hiking, and much more).

So, this is our guide to buying the best winter boots for women, men, and kids and for every budget. I hope that this hand-picked selection of the very best winter boots will help you choose your own perfect winter shoes for your trip.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter shoes that you absolutely love? Feel free to leave a reply below and share your experience – it will help other readers who are looking for the best winter shoes.

Winter gear & travel inspiration:

• Iceland: What to Pack for Iceland in Winter
• Norway: What to Pack for Norway in Winter
• Switzerland: Jungfrau Region in Winter
• Arctic winter wonderland: Svalbard in Winter
• Northern Lights: How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights & Northern Lights in Iceland & Northern Lights in Tromso (the best place in the world to see them)
• Winter bucket list: Tromso, Norway, in Winter & Amazing Winter Activities in Iceland

TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark this post for later, share it with your friends, and save it to Pinterest to inspire your next trip.