At the first sign of even the slightest winter chill, I’m already restocking my shoe-drobe. Yes, I live in Los Angeles, but it does still drop into the 40s and 50s—plus, I grew up in the Midwest and spent a fair time in New York City, so I definitely understand what it’s like to need appropriate footwear for winter. Cut to an overflowing closet of boots, clogs, slippers, and sneakers that keep me feeling warm while looking cool. To that end, I—of course—am on the hunt for styles to take me through the season in style, comfort, and utter coziness.

Out of the hundreds of new and classic cold-weather styles to hit shelves season after season, which ones are *actually* worth your coin? Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the best winter shoes by category (boots, sneakers, and slippers), tried and tested by myself and other editors on the W+G team. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a pair for you. Cozy does it!

Best winter shoes, at a glance:

Best overall boot: Sorel Caribou, $200Best for lounging:Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Boot, $150Best water-repellent sneaker:Allbirds Runner Protect Sneaker, $130Best cold-weather sneaker:Hoka Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX, $200Best scuff slipper: Bombas Saturday Slipper, $65

Shop 13 of the best winter shoes

Best winter boots

Best all-around winter boot: Sorel Caribou — $200.00

Colors: 3 | Sizes: 6.5-12 | Material: Leather, acrylic fleece, rubber

The Sorel Caribou™ boots are basically the OG of winter footwear, and for good reason. With waterproof leather, a cozy removable felt liner, and serious traction, these boots are built to handle everything from slushy sidewalks to full-blown snowstorms. They’re warm enough to keep your toes happy in freezing temps and have a timeless, rugged look that works for errands or après-ski.

Sure, they’re a little heavy, but that’s the trade-off for indestructible boots that’ll last you years. Pro tip: they run big, so size down. Trust us, these are the boots you’ll reach for all winter long.

Pros: 

• Incredibly durable
• Sturdy and warm
• Waterproof
• Reliable traction

Cons: 

• Heavier than other styles
• Run large

Best lightweight: Baffin Cloud Low — $180.00

Colors: 4 | Sizes: 6-11 | Material:  B-Tek™ Heat insulation, rubber

If you prefer a lighter option, W+G editor Francesca Krempa recommends Baffin’s Cloud Low boots. “They’re super light and waterproof, like sleeping bags on your feet,” she says. She particularly likes the slip-on design with two adjustable toggles: one around the ankle and one around the calf for a snug fit. Plus, the grippy sole means no more slipping on icy sidewalks.

Pros: 

• Warm yet lightweight
• Waterproof
• Easy to slip on and off
• Great traction

Cons: 

• Only available in whole sizes

Best slip-on: Merrell Marquette Thermo Pull-On — $150.00

Colors: 2 | Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Suede leather, faux fur + fleece lining, Primaloft insulation 

For a more casual slip-on style, Krempa recommends these boots. “My mom and I fight over them,” she says. “They’re so comfortable on your feet—the bouncy outsole is super shock absorbing, so you can wear them for hours on end and not feel a thing.” On top of that, the waterproof suede leather and toasty lining keep your feet dry and warm without sacrificing style. They also come in two other styles, in case you want the same comfort but a different look: a lace-up boot ($150) and a tall zipper style ($118).

Pros: 

• Warm and lightweight
• Easy slip-on design
• Versatile and comes in a variety of styles
• Comfortable enough for all-day wear

Cons: 

• Plush outsole might not be supportive enough for folks with balance issues

Best for lounging: Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Boot — $150.00

Colors: 10 | Sizes: 5112 | Material: Upcycled wool, TENCEL™ Lyocell insole, sheepskin insole

It’s kind of impossible to talk about lounge boots and *not* include Ugg. I’ve been a fan of the brand for decades, thanks to the plush sheepskin lining, a wide variety of styles, and their ability to keep me warm even in supremely frigid temperatures. I’ve trekked around NYC in them, worn them while visiting my mom in wintry Cleveland, and, yes, even sported them during Los Angeles winters.

My newest favorite style is the Classic Ultra Mini—the short silhouette looks good with everything from mini skirts to leggings to wide-leg jeans, and they’re great for days when you need boots but don’t want ones that go all the way up your calves. Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors, including chestnut brown (my favorite), black, red, and mauve. Let’s just say I’m adding at least one pair to my winter wardrobe. (Okay, probably more.)

Pros: 

• Cozy
• Super versatile
• Treaded outsoles make it easy to trek in winter weather
• Fit true to size
• Wide variety of colors

Cons: 

• Not all colors available in all sizes
• Not available in half sizes

Most classic: L.L.Bean Bean Boot — $139.00

Colors: 1 | Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Leather, rubber

I first discovered L.L.Bean’s Bean boots when I was an editorial assistant at Harper’s Bazaar in the early 2000s, and I immediately fell in love. The legendary, iconic duck boot silhouette is crafted in high-quality supple leather, with triple-needle stitching for durability and long-lasting comfort. They have a customizable fit, thanks to the lace-up design, and comfortable, cushioned insoles. Oh yeah, and they’re waterproof, too. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Pros: 

• Classic duck boot silhouette
• Waterproof
• Customizable lace-up uppers
• Treaded outsoles & cushioned insoles

Cons:

• Only available in one color
• Not insulated—liners sold separately

Best heeled bootie: Aerosoles Garie Molded Block Heel Bootie — $175.00

Colors: 2 | Sizes: 6-11, with half sizes | Material: Leather

Heeled booties you can wear in the winter?! Gasp. But yes, it’s true. These booties are designed in genuine grained leather, with removable Ortholite molded footbeds and block heels that make winter walks a total breeze. They’re finished with gleaming gold side zipper closures. If you need comfortable yet fashionable winter boots that easily transition from work to cocktails, these are definitely your best bet.

Pros: 

• Durable leather upper
• Cushioned footbed
• Comfortable block heel

Cons: 

• Not available in wide widths

Best Chukka boot: Quince Australian Shearling Chukka Bootie — $70.00

Colors: 3 | Sizes: 6-11 | Materials: Suede, Australian shearling

If you’re searching for boots that are equal parts rugged and stylish, look no further—these chukka boots from Quince will be right up your alley. They’re crafted from luxe suede, with genuine Australian shearling lining that’s unbelievably soft and plush. They have a lace-up silhouette with a rounded toe and treaded rubber outsole. And lest you think the fact that they’re suede means you can’t wear them in rain and snow—voilà! They have a water-repellent treatment applied. Chilly days are no match for these. 

Pros: 

• Lace-up silhouette
• Non-slip rubber outsoles
• Plush shearling lining
• Water-repellent suede uppers

Cons: 

• Fairly limited sizing

Best winter sneakers

Best water-repellent sneaker: Allbirds Runner Protect Sneaker — $130.00

Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool

I must admit that I didn’t really think winter sneakers were a thing. Well, guess what? I was wrong. If you don’t want to sacrifice your outdoor runs just because the temps dipped, you’re in luck. These sneakers are designed in a water-repellent wool blend with a rain-resistant shield and water-resistant membrane. They’ve also got reinforced toe and heel overlays to keep you warm and dry, and outsoles with extra traction against rain, sleet, and snow. It’s basically just a plus that they look as good as they’ll make you feel.

Pros: 

• Fabrics are eco-friendly
• Multiple weather-resistant treatments
• Soles provide extra traction against the elements
• Half sizes available

Cons: 

• No wide sizing

Best shearling-lined: Lipari Genuine Shearling Lined Sneaker — $318.00

Colors: 4 | Sizes: 36-42 | Material: Nubuck, leather, natural shearling

The Voile Blanche Lipari Fur Sneakers are what happens when après-ski chic meets everyday practicality. With a luxe mix of nubuck leather and plush shearling, these kicks keep your feet toasty without sacrificing style. The chunky yet streamlined sole gives you just the right amount of lift, while the neutral dust-light brown colorway makes them endlessly wearable. Yes, they’re expensive, but they’re a splurge way worth adding to your cart for comfort alone.

Pros: 

• Comfortable, warm shearling lining
• Versatile style
• Weatherproof

Cons: 

• Expensive

Best for cold weather: Hoka Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX — $201.00

Colors: 3 | Sizes: 5-11|  Material: Waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, PrimaLoft® insulation

If you’re looking for a sneak that can handle ice and snow, add these Hoka kicks to your cart.”I wear them while walking the dog, after skiing at the mountain, to run groceries—basically everywhere,” says Krempa. “The quilted upper adds a stylish touch, while the grippy outsole provides reliable traction on icy surfaces.” Note that they do run a little snug, so size up if you prefer the extra room.

Pros: 

• Waterproof
• Comfy and warm
• Lightweight
• Adjustable laceless toggle for easy, slip-on access
• Sock-collar provides warmth and protection around the ankles

Cons: 

• Runs small

Best low-top sneaker: Sorel Ona Ave Low Waterproof Sneaker — $95.00

Colors: 4 | Sizes: 5-12, with half sizes | Material: Leather, suede

Another Sorel pick, these court sneakers are crafted in waterproof leather with suede overlays, so you can step out in style and stay dry no matter what the weatherman throws your way. That’s made even easier with the molded rubber outsoles, which are designed with an on-trend (and super comfortable) flatform silhouette. 

Pros: 

• Waterproof leather
• Stylish court sneaker silhouette
• Comfortable flatform soles

Cons: 

• No wide sizing

Best sneaker-boot hybrid: Ryka Noelle Next Sneaker Boot — $77.00

Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Water-repellent microfiber, EVA midsole & outsole

Sneakers or boots. Why decide? This hybrid has it all, thanks to a Chelsea boot-like silhouette and a sneaker-like fit. They have molded EVA sockliners with arch support, removable footbeds, and water-repellent uppers. The elastic side gores and side zips make them easy to get on and off, which is no small feat when it comes to winter shoes. Not to mention they come in a variety of pretty colors so you can complement all of your winter outfits, too. 

Pros: 

• Versatile
• Crafted with arch support
• Elastic side gores for easy on/off

Cons: 

• Not for running

Best winter slippers

Best indoor/outdoor clog: Fireside by Dearfoams Greta Shearling Clog — $60.00

Colors: 17 | Sizes: 6-11 | Material: Genuine shearling, suede

Clogs + slippers = total win. That’s definitely the case with this cozy pair, which is crafted with 100 percent genuine Australian shearling with heel collars that help keep your feet in place while you’re on the go. As someone who loves wearing closed-toed slippers in and out of the house (in a fashionable way, obviously), these are perfect, since they have treaded outsoles that help keep you from slipping. They come in a whopping 17 colors, but my favorite is the chestnut with whipstitched taping around the foot opening—it just adds such a fun touch.

Pros: 

• Super cozy
• Can be worn indoors and out
• Clog silhouette helps them stay on
• Wide range of colors

Cons: 

• Can be a little hard to slip on

Best shearling slipper: OluKai Ku’i Slipper — $140.00

Colors: 8 | Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather, shearling

I’ve amassed quite the collection of cozy slippers in the last few years, but these OluKai scuffs remain among my favorites. (True story: I’m wearing them while I type this.) The plush shearling lining makes them feel like you’re being surrounded by a warm, cozy hug. I also love the slightly higher soles and rounded toes. For days when you want to laze around the house in a loungewear set, these are the perfect fashion partner. 

Pros: 

• Super comfortable and fit true to size
• Long-lasting
• Crafted with genuine shearling
• Can be worn indoors and outdoors

Cons: 

• No half sizes or wide widths
• Need to treat suede before stepping out in the elements

Best shearling moccasin: Minnetonka Cally Slipper — $50.00

Colors: 1 | Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Suede, faux fur 

I still remember my first pair of Minnetonka moccasins, which I got over 20 years ago. And they certainly weren’t my last! I love the Cally moccasins for winter as much for their classic, whipstitched Minnetonka moccasin silhouette as for the plush faux fur lining. They’re a classic for a reason, too—they last for years without any scuffs or wear and tear.

Pros: 

• Comfortable, plush faux fur lining
• Classic Minnetonka moccasin silhouette that stays on feet

Cons: 

• Limited sizing

Best scuff slipper: Bombas Saturday Slipper — $65.00

Colors: 4 | Sizes: 5-11 | Material: 100% polyester

Scuff slippers are one of my go-to styles throughout the winter months. I’m in love with these ones from Bombas, which are designed in fluffy faux fur with cushy memory foam footbeds. They even have rubber outsoles, so you won’t skid across wood floors or icy sidewalks. (Yes, I plan on wearing these ev-ery-where.) They come in four colors, including a bright tomato red that I’m envisioning with everything from skinny jeans to slipdresses.

Pros: 

• Fashionable scuff silhouette
• Plush faux fur
• Non-slip rubber outsoles
• Bold color choices

Cons: 

• Not all colors available in all sizes

Best mule slipper: White Mountain Bundle Up Mule — $79.00

Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5-12 | Material: Faux shearling, cork 

If you love mule slippers, you’ll definitely want to sink your feet into these. They’re designed with a combination of soft fleece uppers, cozy faux shearling lining, and cushioned insoles to keep you warm, comfy, and toasty all winter long. I also love the contoured footbeds and cork bottoms, which are crafted for supreme comfort, and the decorative trim.

Pros: 

• Comfortable mule silhouette
• Cozy faux shearling lining
• Cushioned insoles and contoured cork footbed

Cons: 

• Not available in half sizes or wide widths