If you live in an area where the cold winter brings snow, a pair of good snow boots is a must. Not only can they keep your feet warm and toasty, but they’re constructed to help stabilize your feet as you walk across icy terrain. Since you’ll likely spend a good amount of time wearing them, you must buy a well-constructed snow boot. And, according to experts, one of the top things you should look for when you shop is arch support.
“As a podiatrist, I cannot stress enough the importance of choosing the right snow boots for maintaining good foot health and comfort, especially when it comes to arch support,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. To help you find snow boots that will keep your feet warm and supported all winter, we asked podiatrists what to look for when shopping, plus we got their recommendations on boots worth your consideration.
SKIP AHEAD Why is it important to pick snow boots with arch support? | How we picked the best snow boots with arch support | The best snow boots with arch support of 2024 | Why trust NBC Select?
Why is it important to pick snow boots with arch support?
There are multiple reasons why having snow boots with arch support can benefit you. First, it will increase comfort and decrease the risk of body aches. “Proper arch support is critical for maintaining foot alignment and reducing strain, especially when wearing snow boots for prolonged periods of time,” says Cunha. “Snow boots are typically used in cold, wet conditions and on uneven surfaces like snow and ice. Without adequate support, the foot can flatten or overpronate, which may lead to discomfort, pain, or long-term foot issues like plantar fasciitis.”
Beyond pain, when your foot is more supported, you can walk with more stability. “Choosing the right snow boots with good arch support helps distribute weight evenly across your feet, which improves stability,” says Cunha. This is particularly helpful when walking on slick surfaces.
How we picked the best snow boots with arch support
To help you find the best snow boots with arch support, we asked podiatrists what key things to pay attention to while shopping. Here’s what they suggested:
- Built-in arches: When it comes to arch support, you should be able to visibly see it inside your snow boot. “Look for built-in arch support with anatomical contoured footbed to support the natural shape of your foot,” suggests Cunha. “This will help with foot alignment and reduce strain, especially during extended wear.”
- Support: Beyond arch support, look for snow boots that don’t bend easily in the mid-arch. “This will provide more shock absorption, and in turn will result in less foot pain such as arch pain and heel pain,” says Cunha. “Snow boots should also offer strong ankle support to help stabilize your feet and legs, to help prevent injuries on uneven winter terrain like snow and ice.”
- Wide-toe box: In addition to the above, prioritize snow boots with a wide-toe box. It will give the forefoot more wiggle room and will place less aggravation on feet that suffer from bunions and hammertoes, says Cunha.
- Quality materials: Support is important, but so is functionality. Snow boots should keep your feet dry and warm and provide traction to help you walk through ice and snow. “Snow boots made from rubber, latex, and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride- Synthetic plastic) are effective at keeping water out of a boot because these materials are impermeable to molecules of water,” says Cunha, who particularly likes rubber because it’s the most durable. “Snow boots made with thicker rubber will last longer and retain their shape over time,” he says.
The best snow boots with arch support for 2024
To recommend the best snow boots with arch support, we asked podiatrists to share their favorite options. We also rounded up highly rated options that meet our experts’ criteria.
Snow boots with arch support for women
North Face Women’s Shellista V Mid Waterproof Boots
These boots feature a rubber bottom to keep feet dry, lugs carved into the sole for traction and a cozy fleece lining for warmth, according to North Face. “I recommend The North Face Shellista V Mid Boots as a supportive boot for winter conditions,” says Cunha, who notes that the boot offers good arch support and adjustable laces for a more custom fit.
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Medium | Outer material: Leather and rubber
Kamik MOMENTUM 3
A faux fur collar adds style, while seam-sealed construction and insulation keep your feet warm and dry in temperatures up to -40°F, according to Kamik. Cunha likes that they have a moisture-wicking lining to ensure your feet stay comfortable and a bungee lacing system for easy wear. A molded, removable insole is inside for support, and the rubber outsole has deep treads to keep you steady on slippery patches.
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Medium | Outer material: Nylon and rubber
Sorel Women’s Joan of Arctic Waterproof Boot
“Though a pricier option, I recommend the Joan of Arctic Women’s Waterproof Boots for their exceptional arch support, durable design, and superior insulation,” says Cunha. The boot has a handcrafted vulcanized rubber outsole with herringbone tread for grip in icy conditions and a waterproof suede upper for style and comfort, according to the brand. These boots also have a washable felt inner for additional warmth. The footbed has a built-in arch and is lightly cushioned for comfort.
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Medium | Material: Suede and rubber
Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II Snow Boot
These boots have a waterproof leather upper, rubber bottom and extra quilted stitching around the ankle for added support. They also have insoles with built-in arch support and medium cushioning. These snow boots, which have a 4.6-star average rating from over 37,550 reviews on Amazon, have a faux fur collar for added warmth and reinforced toes and heels. They are rated to keep feet warm in weather down to -25°F, according to the brand.
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Medium | Material: Leather and rubber
Snow boots with arch support for men
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III Snow Boot
These boots are made with Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Tech technology, which makes these boots breathable while still keeping out any coldness and wetness, according to the brand. These boots have a waterproof leather upper and rubber sole with deep treads that provide traction wherever you’re walking. The lightweight midsole has a supportive arch and lots of cushioning for comfort. These boots have a 4.5-star average rating from over 7,200 reviews on Amazon.
Sizes: 7-17 | Widths: Medium and wide | Material: Leather and rubber
Sorel Men’s Buxton Lace Waterproof Winter Boots
“Snow boots that have somewhat of a slight heel less than 3/4 inch in relation to the front are actually better for you than shoes that are completely flat because it takes the stress off the Achilles which can help with the alignment of your posture, ankles, knees and spine,” says Cunha. These boots have a slightly elevated heel, along with a waterproof suede upper and rubber shell to keep snow out and keep feet warm down to -25°F.
Sizes: 7-15 | Widths: Medium | Material: Suede and rubber
Kamik Men’s Nationplus Boot
Offering protection in weather down to -40°F, these boots have a removable liner and a cushioned, contoured footbed. According to the brand, these boots have a rustproof speed lacing system, making it easy to get in and out of them. These boots have a 4.4-star average rating from over 5,600 reviews on Amazon.
Sizes: 7-14 | Widths: Medium and wide | Material: Leather and rubber
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
- Dr. Gregory Alvarez is a podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America.
- Dr. Mohammad Rimawi is a board-certified podiatrist in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed three podiatrists on the importance of arch support in snow boots.
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