Walking to and from the city subway station or waiting for a city bus can be an enjoyable experience during the spring, summer, and fall, especially with an iced coffee in hand while listening to your favorite podcast. However, commuting during the cold, snowy winter months can be absolute torture without the proper footwear. Below are ten fashionable yet practical snowshoe and winter boot choices to consider adding to your closet. At the very end, I’ve included some shopping tips on what to look for in a quality snowshoe to keep your feet warm and cozy all winter. But first, let’s answer this perplexing question: Snowshoes vs. winter boots–is there a difference between the two?
The 10 Best Snowshoes and Winter Boots
- Classic Winter Boots for Everyday: Women’s Lennox Shearling Booties (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
Look so chic walking around the city in these classic winter boots! Made from real sheepskin and lined in microfleece. These boots pair well with a black leather wrap coat and Spanx leggings. Add a soft cashmere hat and fingerless gloves for a catch-up coffee with your bestie or brunch with your boo.
The rounded toe and rubber sole will protect your toes from the outdoor elements. Our toes require that daily protection from the cold–as they are prone to frostbite.
TIP: When fitting snowshoes and boots, you’ll want to leave toe wiggle room for thick socks. They should also fit snugly around your ankles for optimal ankle stability.
Dr. Glass Slipper
2. Snowshoes to Pair with Leggings: Sperry Women’s Maritime Repel Suede Boots (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
Crafted by the popular brand Sperry, these women’s boots are comfortable, cute, and useful during the cold winter months. Put together with a combination of suede and soft shearling, these boots are waterproof with exceptional traction coming from the rubber soles.
This boot would look perfect with a pair of black jeans or leggings and a cream turtleneck. Boots are available in grey and sand and come in women’s US sizes 5-1.
Waterproof Snowshoes 
All Terrain Winter Boots
Snowshoes vs: Winter Boots–what’s the difference?
I always thought Snow Boots and Winter Boots are the same, but guess what?! There is a slight difference between the two. Snowshoes are waterproof and water-resistant, made for trekking through snow. Conversely, winter boots are not necessarily waterproof. We wear winter boots inside a home, a restaurant, the office, etc., for style and warmth. However, snowshoes should be removed before entering a home–mostly when covered in snow or ice. In short, winter boots replace snow-covered snowshoes. Contrary to popular belief, style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for functionality during cold city weather months. Next up are the best snowshoes and winter boots for city commutes. This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. See Terms.
Après-ski Snowshoes
3. City Chic to Après-ski Showshoes: Columbia Heavenly Slip II Omni-Heat Boot (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
Skiing is a fantastic sport, but let’s be real. The best part about skiing is the Après-ski. So why not wear the perfect snowshoes for the occasion? Look fabulous while sipping on a spiked hot chocolate in these snow boots. The boots contain additional insulation that will keep your feet so warm! The shoes are available in US sizes 5-12. There’s also three different color options, including sea salt, black, and graphite.
Can’t you picture yourself wearing these beauties sitting by the fire pit overlooking the ski resort? Pair with your favorite ski pants or metallic leggings, and of course, don’t forget those cute fur-lined mittens. Skipping the slopes for a city weekend? Pair them with a long puffer jacket and your favorite cashmere sweater.
4. Winter Boots Closet Staple: The North Face Women’s Ballard Lace II Boots (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
This classic lace-up boot with rubber soles consists of unique “IcePick” technology that changes with the outside temperature change. You can wear these extra functional boots in any condition, from snow to ice.
The choices of color combinations range from light to medium and dark brown. Both colors pair perfectly with any neutral color on top. The range of brown tones provides the versatility that every wardrobe needs. Available in US sizes 5-11.
5. Snowshoes for the Eco-conscious: TOMS Waterproof Women’s Mojave Boots (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
These heather leather and nylon boots are a perfect basic piece to add to any wardrobe. The OrthoLite foam insole technology provides comfort with wear while the durable rubber outsoles will give you the grip that you need to walk through the snow all winter.
Best to style as more of a casual piece, these boots can be worn with a hoodie or jacket and a beanie on the top, paired with a cozy pair of jeans or leggings. Since this is a waterproof boot, you will be able to freely enjoy outdoor activities without damaging your shoes.
6. Affordable Amazon Snowshoes: Amazon Dream Pairs Women’s Mid Calf Winter Boots (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
Ultra-affordable, these snow boots have a rubberized sole and a reinforced toe. Your feet will feel so cozy and protected in the cold ice. Faux fur lines the inside soles and shafts for added comfort. The faux fur trim and lace up style add cute details.
They are not only stylish and versatile but also waterproof and ideal for walking through the snow.
7. On Trend City Winter Boots: Target Women’s Kira Hiking Style Boots (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW
So chic and classic, these winter boots are everything you’re needing this season. They are lace up combat boots with a lugged sole. What is special about these boots is they contain a memory foam lightweight insole cushion for the foot. This helps aid support to the foot arch. They also run true to size.
Over jeans, these boots will look super cute! For the extra cold days, you can layer your outfit with an open leather or bubble jacket on top. I wore mine with faux suede black leggings.
Ultra Luxe Snowboots
8. Ultra Luxe Winter Boots: Genuine AQUAZZURA Shearling Lace-up Boot (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
What’s not to love about these luxe A winter boots? Made in Italy, the lace-up boots will be surely turn heads as you stroll along the cold winter city streets. They are not only stylish and versatile, they also have genuine shearling lining for keeping your feet warm and cozy. The boots also have a lug sole and a rounded toe for comfort.
Lace up boots pair perfectly with jeans and an over-sized chunky sweater. For extra cold days, layer your outfit with a favorite faux fur trim hooded parka.
Best Deal Shoeshoes
9. Best Deal Snowshoes: Imree Koolaburra by Ugg (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
Obsessed with this pair of chestnut Ugg snow boots! Perfect for light snow and rain, the lining is faux fur with a real fur insole. Layer them with Spanx leggings and a flannel button down top.
The added buckle strap helps with additional ankle support for trekking though snow and rain. Size up for added comfort with thick socks.
10. Winter Adventure Snowshoes: Merrell Womens Tremblant Ezra Lace Waterproof Ice+ (CLICK TO SHOP OR SELECT IMAGE BELOW)
Planning a fun winter adventure? Then think about adding these to your on-line cart. They are the ideal winter boot to keep you comfortable even in cold, wet conditions. The boots are waterproof with salt resistant full grain leather. A bonus– they contain dry technology to seal out water but still allowing sweat and moisture to escape. Your feet should stay nice and fresh after your hike in these!
Pair boots with warm fleece-leggings and your cozy North Face Jacket, you’ll be sure to enjoy your outdoor adventure that much more!
Six Snowshoe Shopping Tips
Firstly, snowshoes should have ankle flexibility and ankle stability. The right snowshoe allows for some movement at our ankles for trekking through piles of snow. Simultaneously, our ankles need to feel stable for walking on irregular surfaces. Secondly, good traction is a necessity. Snowshoes contain grooves on the bottom to help avoid slipping on ice and snow. Thirdly–warmth. Our toes and fingers are the body parts most prone to frostbite; therefore, snowshoes have to keep our feet and toes warm to prevent frostbite.
Next, snowshoes need to be waterproof to keep our feet dry in the snow.The fifth quality to look for is protection. Look to see if there is reinforcement on the toe-box portion of the snow boots. This reinforcement helps protect our toes when wading through deep snow. We also need extra bottom protection on our snowshoes because our feet contain thousands of nerve endings. These nerve endings are incredibly sensitive to temperatures. A rubber sole will protect the sensitive bottoms of our feet from snow and ice.
Lastly, why not look cute in the snow? Snow boots should be functional, but extra details like shearling trim or a wedge heel can elevate a basic snowshoe into a stylish chic snow bunny look!
What’s your favorite snowshoe or winter boot for commuting?
