My picks for the best winter boots for college students have good insulation, waterproofing, and sturdy outsole, among other important factors. Below, I will discuss my top picks based on these features. Keep reading to learn why they are important.
I have tried a lot of stylish boots for school over the years, and one thing that really bothers me is when they do not provide optimal comfort and support. And since I’m at a university in an area with snowy climates, a pair of quality winter boots are a must.
Fortunately, there are several winter boots on the market that offer warmth without compromising style. Below, I will discuss the best winter boots for college students. Each one includes a detailed review as well as a list of their pros and cons, so you can easily compare them with one another.
There will also be a helpful buying guide below. In this section, I will walk you through the factors you need to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision.
And to sum things up, I will answer some of the frequently asked questions about winter boots in general.
So, without further ado, let us get on with the article!
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Top 7 Best Winter Boots for College Students
Below are my top picks for the best winter boots for college students. Each one offers a durable upper material and thick insulated material that can keep your feet dry and warm on snowy days. Plus, these boots have a trendy design that can fit your everyday style.
1. Sperry Women’s Saltwater Snow Boot – Editor’s Pick
The first product on this list of the best winter boots for college students is the Sperry Women’s Saltwater Snow Boot.
It features a nylon upper with a waterproof rubber exterior around the foot area. These materials can keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Additionally, these winter weather boots include a micro-fleece lining and cushioned insole. They can provide both warmth and comfort on cold, winter days.
Furthermore, the side zipper and rawhide lacing closure with rustproof eyelets can guarantee a secure fit for long periods.
There is even a non-marking rubber outsole with Wave-Siping technology. It provides strong traction on various terrains.
On top of all these benefits, these warm winter boots have a feminine and stylish outlook, owing to the duck-inspired silhouette and one-inch heel. These mid-ankle boots are not only ideal for snowy weather but also for everyday wear.
Most reviews for this pair of snow boots were also positive. If there is any critique, it would be the fact that some users had difficulty putting on the shoes due to the relatively small boot opening. A few users also noticed that the material in the laces started to peel off after a couple of months of use.
The pros far outweigh the cons, though. For this reason, I deemed the Sperry Women’s Saltwater Snow Boot as the best winter boots for college life.
Pros:
- Nylon upper with a rubber exterior ensures durability and waterproofing
- Micro-fleece lining and cushioned insole for warmth and comfort
- Non-marking rubber outsoles provide excellent traction on wet and dry ground
- Trendy design can fit your everyday fashion
Cons:
- The boot opening is not that large, which makes it harder to put on thecute winter boots
- Some customers said that the material around the lace area started to peel off
2. UGG Men’s Neumel Boot – Runner-Up
The UGG Men’s Neumel Boot is another excellent choice for college students.
These boots use synthetic materials with a suede upper and dyed sheep fur. They can provide elasticity that does not wrinkle easily to ensure proper boot shape even in extreme weather conditions.
This winter boot also includes a 17mm UGGpure wool lining. The insulating material can keep your feet warm and comfortable during freezing conditions.
Plus, the foam footbed can prevent you from getting tired easily. It also provides sufficient arch and heel support when walking in cold weather and wet conditions.
There is even a wide range of color combinations available. Feel free to choose one that best suits your personal style.
Finally, these winter boots have a synthetic sole. It can give you much-needed stability and traction on various terrains, including heavy snow and ice.
Despite these benefits, there are still a few downsides to consider. First, the sizing tends to run small, so it is best to choose a pair that is one size bigger than your usual. Second, a few users said that boots are relatively difficult to maintain.
Nevertheless, the UGG Men’s Neumel Boot is still among my top picks for the best winter boots.
Pros:
- Suede upper with dyed sheep fur for durability, flexibility, and a sleek appearance
- 17mm wool lining can keep your feet warm
- A foam footbed to prevent you from getting tired easily
- Synthetic outsole provides strong traction on different surfaces
Cons:
- The sizing tends to run small, so it is best to get one size bigger than your usual
- It requires regular maintenance to keep the boots in optimal condition
3. Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot
If you want a lightweight pair of cute winter boots, consider getting the Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot.
These high boots use genuine leather and textile. The materials offer excellent durability and flexibility. Together with the seam-sealed bootie construction, the boots provide excellent waterproofing.
Additionally, the included 200g insulation is more than enough to keep you warm on cold days.
Furthermore, these waterproof leather boots include a Techtite lightweight midsole. It provides superior cushioning and a high-energy return to guarantee long-lasting comfort.
Plus, the Omni-Grip advanced traction rubber sole can prevent you from slipping on wet surfaces. That is because it can ensure a strong grip on various terrains.
Finally, these boots deliver a feminine and stylish look that can complement your everyday outfit.
But before buying these winter boots, it is essential to consider their downsides. First, some users said that the boots are not waterproof, but simply water-resistant. Second, a few customers were disappointed with the insulation because it is not warm enough for subfreezing conditions.
Overall, though, the Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot is still among the best winter boots for college students.
Pros:
- 100% leather and textile can offer durability, flexibility, and waterproofing
- Lightweight midsole with superior cushioning, high-energy return, and long-lasting comfort
- Lace-up closure for an adjustable yet secure fit
- Omni-Grip advanced traction rubber sole
Cons:
- The boots are not waterproof but simply water-resistant
- Some users said that the insulating material is not warm enough for subfreezing conditions
4. UGG Women’s Mini Bailey Bow II Fashion Boot
The UGG Women’s Mini Bailey Bow II Fashion Boot is among the most stylish winter boots today.
It uses soft sheepskin treated with a water-repellent material to deliver style while keeping your feet dry. Together with the fixed satin bow along the back, this pair of boots has a sweet, feminine silhouette.
Besides an attractive look, these winter boots can also guarantee comfort throughout the day. They include a 17mm sheepskin lining and insole that can provide warmth and soft cushioning.
Plus, the large boot opening allows you to slip on the shoes easily.
Finally, the Treadlite UGG outsole can offer a strong grip on various terrains, including snow and ice.
There are a few downsides to these cute snow boots, though. First, some customers said that the insole is not as plush or soft as it used to be. Second, a few users complained about the boot color fading and staining their socks or feet.
Nevertheless, these Bailey Bow II Fashion Boots is among the most stylish and popular boots for college students.
Pros:
- Soft sheepskin material can resist water to keep your feet dry
- 17mm lining and insole ensure warmth and maximum comfort
- Super-grippy rubber outsoles for good traction
- Cute winter boots with feminine look can complement your everyday outfit
Cons:
- The insole is not as plush or soft as it used to be
- A few users complained about the boot color fading and staining their socks or feet
5. Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Sport II Tall Snow Boot
Do you need a pair of winter boots that can withstand subfreezing conditions? Then, the Muck Boot Women’s Arctic Sport II Tall Snow Boot might be the right product for your needs.
This arctic boot use 5mm neoprene material that can ensure comfort and flexibility. The construction also adjust to the contours of your feet to help resist blisters and chafing.
Meanwhile, the high-grade extended rubber exterior provides extra toughness and reliable protection from the elements.
Additionally, this pair of snow boots also include a fleece lining to keep your toes warm in the harshest conditions. They are comfort-rated from -40 °F to 40 °F (-40°C to 4°C).
Furthermore, the insole effectively supports your feet to prevent getting tired easily when wearing these cute snow boots.
Lastly, the Vibram rubber sole offers a strong grip on various terrains.
Despite these benefits, some users said that the fit was too wide and loose. A few customers also felt uncomfortable with the 16-inch height of the boots.
Regardless of these cons, the Arctic Sport II is still worth considering for its completely waterproof build and comfortable lining materials.
Pros:
- Neoprene upper and high-grade rubber offer durability, flexibility, and waterproofing
- Fleece lining provides much-needed warmth in freezing weather
- Slip-on design with a pull tab for easy on and off
- Vibram outsole for a strong grip on various terrains
Cons:
- The fit of the boots was too wide and loose, which might not give you sufficient support
- Some users felt uncomfortable with the tall height of the boots
6. Cougar Creek Women’s Boot
The Cougar Creek Women’s Boot is another must-have rugged pair of boots ideal for winter.
These winter boots use nylon upper with faux fur collar trim. The former offers durability and waterproofing. Meanwhile, the latter adds a feminine touch to the shoes while keeping debris from entering inside.
Additionally, the memory foam cushioned footbed provides excellent arch and heel support. It can prevent you from getting tired quickly.
Furthermore, this pair of cute boots include Thermolite insulation that can withstand temperatures down to 11°F (-24°C).
Finally, the polyvinyl chloride sole can give you stability on various surfaces. Thus, there is no need to worry about slipping or falling anymore.
But before buying this pair of boots, it is best to consider their cons. First, they are relatively heavy, which might affect your speed. Second, some users noticed that the narrow toe box might not fit those with wider feet.
Overall, though, the Cougar Creek Women’s Boot is among the best winter boots for college students. It is my top pick if you are on a tight budget.
Pros:
- Waterproof nylon upper with faux fur trim
- The fold-over design can keep dirt and debris from entering the boots
- Memory foam cushioned footbed with Thermolite insulation
- Polyvinyl chloride sole can ensure better stability on various surfaces
Cons:
- Relatively heavy boots make it harder to move around quickly
- The narrow toe box might not fit those with wider feet
7. Sorel Men’s Caribou Snow Boot
The Sorel Men’s Caribou Snow Boot is the last product on this list of the best winter boots for college students.
These winter boots feature genuine leather with a handcrafted rubber shell. The materials can ensure durability, flexibility, and waterproofing.
Additionally, the removable felt inner boot can provide substantial warmth during winter days.
Moreover, these Sorel boots come with a lace-up design and faux-shearling snow cuff. These can provide a secure fit while preventing debris from entering the shoes.
Finally, the aero-track non-loading outsole can give you a strong grip on various terrains.
However, some users experienced that the D-ring eyelet holding the laces came off after a few months of use. A few customers even said that the boots were too bulky to wear with slim or skinny pants.
Overall, though, the Caribou Snow Boot is still an excellent pair of functional yet fashionable boots.
Pros:
- Leather and rubber shell offers durability, flexibility, and waterproofing
- Removable 9mm felt inner for extra warmth during the winter
- The lace-up design with faux shearling snow cuff can prevent debris from entering the boots
- Rubber outsoles ensure a strong grip on various terrains
Cons:
- The D-ring eyelet (top right) that holds the lace came off after a few months of using the boots
- The boots might be too bulky to wear with slim or skinny pants
How to Choose the Best Winter Boots for College Students
By now, you probably have a basic idea about the best winter boots for college students. But if you are still unsure which one to purchase, do not worry.
Below, I will discuss the factors you need to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision. Hopefully, by the end of this section, you will be more confident with your choice.
Insulation
The first factor you need to consider when choosing the best winter boots is insulation. It determines the degree of warmth you can enjoy while wearing the boots. And it mostly comes down to the lining material, with fur, wool, and shearling being the most common ones. There is also an emerging trend that emphasizes the use of cruelty-free materials, such as faux fur.
Besides the construction, it is also best to look for the insulation markers on the boots. The larger the gram value, the warmer the boots can get. For instance, 200g of insulation might be enough for windy days. But for subfreezing conditions, you might want to get at least 1,000g of Thinsulate.
Waterproofing and Breathability
You are likely to come across different elements during the winter. These include snow, ice, and rain that can make the ground wet.
Hence, it is best to invest in a pair of winter boots that use water-resistant materials. Better yet, go for waterproof winter boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
You might also want to consider the breathability of the boots. No one wants their feet to sweat, which can lead to discomfort and unpleasant odors. Think about rubber boots—they are fully waterproof but lack breathability.
So, it is important to find the right balance of water resistance and breathability to get the most out of both worlds.
Outsole
The outsole of the winter boots is another important consideration before finalizing your purchasing decision. That is because the chances of falling or slipping on snow and ice are higher compared to walking on dry ground.
Look for a pair of boots with slip-resistant or grippy outsoles. These will provide much-needed traction on different types of terrain, including snow and ice. They also make it easier to tread through these slippery surfaces.
You should also consider the outsole of the work boots for landscaping. That is because you will likely encounter uneven ground, muddy gardens, soft sand, and even fallen leaves. All these factors can result in the slippery ground.
Size and Comfort
It is essential to get a pair of winter boots that fit you perfectly to prevent discomfort and fatigue.
Make sure to get the right size by slipping on the boots in-store before finalizing your purchase. But if you are shopping online, you should check the sizing chart of the manufacturer to ensure that the shoes will fit you.
Besides the right size, you should also consider looking into padded insoles, arch support, and strong laces. These features can provide comfort and support to ensure proper fit.
Durability
You will likely come across harsh weather conditions during the winter. Hence, it is best to invest in a pair of high-quality boots. These are characterized by durability and robustness that can survive harsh and difficult use.
I recommend spending as much as you can reasonably afford as you will get what you pay for when it comes to winter boots. They can last you for years and years to come.
Warranty
The last factor to consider when buying winter boots for college students is the warranty. Look for longer warranty coverage because it usually indicates higher quality. It also signifies how much confidence the manufacturer has over their products. Most importantly, it makes it easier to request a refund or return when the boots do not meet your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warmest winter boots?
If you are looking for the warmest winter boots, check their insulation markers. These usually indicate how warm they can be. The higher the insulation level, the warmer your boot will be. So, if you will be exposed to very cold areas, invest in boots with insulation levels of 1,000 or more.
Should I buy snow boots in a bigger size?
Snow boots tend to have a wider and roomier fit than ordinary boots. The reason behind this larger fit is to make room for the fleece lining and any socks that you might want to wear inside the boots.
I do not recommend buying a larger size unless the boots run smaller than usual. That is because too much movement inside the shoes can lead to sores.
Where to shop for winter boots?
You can shop for winter boots in different department stores and shoe stores. You can also find a wide range of winter boots online if you do not have time to visit a physical store. Do note, though, that shopping online also has its drawbacks. These include not being able to try the boots physically and a higher risk of getting knock-offs.
Conclusion
That summarizes this list of the best winter boots for college students! I highly recommend each one as they offer insulation and support without compromising on style.
But if I can only choose one, it would be the Sperry Women’s Saltwater Snow Boot. It has a nylon upper with a waterproof rubber exterior around the foot area. These materials can ensure durability, flexibility, and waterproofing. Additionally, the non-marking rubber outsole offers a strong grip on various terrains. Furthermore, the rawhide lacing closure can offer an adjustable yet secure fit. Finally, these winter boots are available in different colors, so choose one that best suits your needs.
