7 Grippy Boots That’ll Help Prevent Slips and Slides This Winter

Best Grip Boots for Snowy Adventures

This boot from Baffin is lightweight and wearable, yet ideal for deeper snow drifts and blizzardy days, with two drawstring toggles to keep out the elements and tall nylon uppers that are waterproof yet breathable. Baffin’s proprietary anti-slip technology includes a Polar Rubber® heel and forefoot that won’t wear down too quickly, plus IceBite® grip. 

Baffin Cloud Women’s Boot, $200, baffin.com

(Related: The Health Benefits of Skiing, Skating, and Playing in the Snow)

 

Best Grip Boots for City Life

The Joan boot is a great everyday option that comes in plenty of colourways and works for city streets, dog walks, errands and almost any outfit. It feels like a lightweight sneaker but offers the waterproofing, insulation and grip of a boot—check out the high-traction EVA outsole. 

 Sorel Women’s Explorer Next Joan Boot,  $195, sorelfootwear.ca

 

Best Grip Boots for Winter Walks

All of the ICEFX boots from WindRiver, a Mark’s brand, are tested at a bunch of different sloped angles, and on actual ice, at UHN’s KITE Winter Lab. (Check out their winter boot “snowflake” ratings at RateMyTreads.com.) We tried the IceQueens in taupe, which are toasty warm and super lightweight to wear. The non-slip technology—a sole with“Green Diamond Grip,” which is synthetic bits of quartz embedded into the rubber—really does work to keep you from sliding. 

Ice Queen IceFX T-Max Insulated Waterproof Leather Winter Boots, $189, marks.com

(Related: 9 Things Doctors Wish You Knew About Shovelling Snow)

Best Grip Boots for Icy Sidewalks 

 This Montreal-based company has been making boots for Canadian winters since 1963. The Huila might look like a fashion boot, but the puffy nylon upper is comfort-rated for minus-30 weather. Plus, the retractable ice grips—teeny metal cleats—on the soles can be folded in or out, whether you’re stepping onto slick city streets or heading inside a store. (Trust us: This is way easier—and more stylish—than adding Yaktrax to your old winter boots!).

Pajar Huila Women’s Boot W/ Ice Grippers, $300, pajar.com

Best Grip Boots for Winter Hiking 

Yes, classic suede and leather mountaineering boots can still be waterproof for your winter trail expeditions! Lace up these hiking boots for proper ankle support over gravel, roots and rocks while the Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber soles prevent you from taking any tumbles.  

Women’s Newton Ridge™ Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot, $160, columbiasportswear.ca

Best Grip Boots for Stylish Days 

While you can easily stuff your old skinny jeans inside bulkier winter boots, this ankle-height, lug-tread boot is better for pairing with stovepipe pants or more updated denim options such as wide-leg or bootcut jeans. A wool lining keeps you warm even at minus 30, and the soles have retractable, crampon-like metal cleats you can deploy in icy weather.

Olang Metric Winter Boots, $299, olangcanada.com 

Best Grip Boots for Cabin Weekends 

Part slipper, part boot, these insulated ThermoBall booties work whether you’re just grabbing the newspaper from a snowy porch or quickly shuffling outside for an armload of wood during a cozy cabin escape. The puffy, pillowy comfort is a treat on cold mornings or aprés-ski, but the high-traction rubber soles will still keep you safe.

The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Traction Booties, $95, thenorthface.com 

Next: 8 Essentials to Keep You Warm and Dry This Winter