Style Bee - Winter Boots

WINTER BOOTS *updated

11.26.18

It’s usually at about this time of year when my interest in wearing cute shoes starts to wane and my desire for comfort and warmth takes over. The tricky part is to find winter boots that do the job and still align with my personal style. Being the stubborn Taurus that I am, I’m just not willing to sacrifice all form for functionality and according to what I’ve gathered from messages and emails from many of you, it’s clear that you’ve had the same struggle.

Over the last several years I’ve been testing out boot options for a wide range of weather because in southern Ontario we see it all! From bitter cold to fresh powder to sloppy slush to slick ice to salty streets and just about everything in between. This means that one pair of boots usually can’t handle everything so having a couple of options depending on the conditions has been my approach.

Today I’m sharing those options along with a comprehensive list of 18+ boot brands that I’ve bookmarked for the next time I’m ready to solve a weather related footwear dilemma.

So let’s have a look at:

  • My Favourite Winter Boots 
  • The List of 20+ Boots Brands Worth Checking Out

Style Bee - Winter Boots

MY WINTER BOOT COLLECTION


My boot collection has amassed over many winters and although it’s more shoes than one person might need, part of my job is to test out options and help you decide on the best option for you!

That being so, I’ve included the basic information about each boot below including: the brand, specific style, price, size/fit, weather conditions they are suitable for and how long they’ve been in my closet. I’ve also included where they were produced and a link to the company’s manufacturing information.

FOR SIZE REFERENCE: I wear size 7/7.5 and have a narrow foot with a high arch.



BLUNDSTONE – RUSTIC BLACK CHISEL TOE – $260 CAD

  • Fit – TTS (I have a size AU4 = US 7) The fit is roomy but comfortable with a range of sock thicknesses. Shearling and leather insoles are removable.
  • Suitable weather – These are waterproof and great for any weather except deep snow and extreme cold. I have the winterized version with a removable shearling insole. Regular version here for less.
  • In my closet since Fall 2018 – Dave (my husband) has had a pair in rotation for years and swears by them. He even bought the steel toe work boot version and wears them on site daily (he’s a builder/renovator).
  • Made in Vietnam – See Blundstone’s Company Values here.

AIGLE – AIGLETINE RUBBER BOOT – $199 CAD

  • Fit – TTS – I have a 38 and the fit is roomy but comfortable with a range of sock thicknesses. Insoles are not removable.
  • Suitable weather – These are the quintessential rain boot. The rubber is softer than Hunter boots so it’s more flexible and less inclined to crack but they’re not intended for extreme cold. Winter version available here.
  • In my closet since 2017 – I bought these to replace my beat up Hunter boots and while they’ve been pretty good overall I will note that the insole started to curl, which was uncomfortable so I had to pull them out.
  • Made in France – Learn about AIGLE’s heritage & craftsmanship here

AQUATALIA – CARIE IN WEATHERPROOF SUEDE – $290 CAD (50% OFF)

  • Fit – TTS (I have a size 7) The fit is snug but comfortable with a cotton dress sock. Size up 1/2 size if you want to wear a thicker sock.
  • Suitable weather – These are weatherproof suede, however, I’m not planning to wear them is very wet, slushy, salty or extreme conditions. They’re great because I don’t have to worry if they do get wet or I get caught in an unexpected flurry. With a regular sock they’re quite warm down to about -10ºC.
  • In my closet since 2018 and still a favourite – I bought these earlier last fall and I’m so glad I did! They’re so comfy to walk in and they have revolutionized how I wear cropped pants in cold weather.
  • Made in Italy – See Aquatalia’s Company Values here.

MAGUIRE – RACHEL LEATHER BOOT WITH SHEARLING LINING – $345 CAD – Suede & Leather combo also available.

  • Fit – Runs slightly small (I have an 8 but tried the 7 first, which was too tight/short) The fit is snug but as the shearling liner packs down they get roomier.
  • Suitable weather – Aside from really deep snow I think these will be ready for any weather this winter wants to throw at me. They are very warm so no need to wear thick socks inside.
  • In my closet since 2018 – After missing out on a pair last winter, I bought these earlier this fall and I’m obsessed with them! They’re SO comfy, cozy, easy to put on and very walkable. The tread is great for snow and slippery surfaces too. I have a feeling these are going to be closet game-changers this winter.
  • Made in Montreal, Canada – See Maguire’s manufacturing practices here.



ALICE & WHITTLES – MINIMALIST RAIN BOOT – $120 USD – Free US + CA shipping plus a 1 year warranty.

  • Fit – Runs Small (I tried the 7 but sized up to an 8) Fit is roomy but comfortable with a range of sock thicknesses. I do find that my heel slips up often when I walk in them so the fit isn’t perfect.
  • Suitable weather – Waterproof but not warm. You will need a thick sock if you wear these in the winter below 0ºC.
  • In my closet since 2016 – I bought these a couple of springs back after hunting for a truly minimal, low cut rain boot that was made ethically. These fit those requirements perfectly.
  • Made in Sri Lanka from sustainably sourced rubber. Learn about A+ W ethics here.

ACNE STUDIOS – PISTOL BOOT – $570 USD $285 On Sale! (Get on the wish list for a restock or check eBay for a deal.)

  • Fit – TTS (I have a 7) Fit is slightly roomy but very comfortable.
  • Suitable weather – Warm and totally wearable in some snow and rain but not crazy cozy. You’ll want to wear a wool sock if you’re wearing them in temps as low as -10ºC.
  • In my closet since 2014 – These are probably my most worn ankle boots to date. They’re very well made and the style is timeless. Without fail I reach for them every fall and winter season.
  • Made in Italy. See Acne Studios corporate responsibility here.

EVERLANE – BOSS BOOT – gifted – $295 CAD

  • Fit – TTS (I have a 7) Fit is snug but leather gives to fit as needed. I wear them with a cotton dress sock.
  • Suitable weather – Fairly warm and wearable in light snow and rain but I don’t let them get soaked. Good down to about -5ºC. Perfect for an office. These are also very comfortable.
  • In my closet since 2017 – I personally think these are probably the best value black ankle boot on the market. They’re very well made and the style is sleek and timeless.
  • Made in Lastra a Signa, Italy. – Learn about the factory here

SPERRY x J.CREW – SHEARWATER BUCKLE BOOT – $228 CAD

  • Fit – Slightly Small (I have an 8) Fit starts snug but loosens as the shearling lining packs down.
  • Suitable weather – Warm, waterproof and great for any winter weather. I love how easy they are to zip on. Non-slip tread is great but will wear down over time (especially when worn on gritty pavement for a long time). Good down to about -20ºC but as the shearling gets older it looses its warmth.
  • In my closet since 2013 – These have been my go-to winter boot for many years and I have found the quality to be excellent although some wear and tear is expected with time and use. They are probably on their last winter.
  • Made in China. – Learn about J.Crew’s social responsibility here 

SOREL – CARIBOU BOOT – $160 CAD (on sale)

  • Fit – TTS (I have a women’s size 7).
  • Suitable weather – Very warm and heavy-duty for any major winter weather you may encounter. The weight of these is significant and probably the main reason I don’t wear them except during extreme weather conditions, as in -40ºC.
  • In my closet over 10 years – I’ve had these for over a decade now and don’t foresee needing to replace them for many years yet.
  • Made in China. Learn about Sorel’s social responsibility here.

MAGUIRE – RIMA BOOT IN NUBUCK WITH SHEARLING LINING – $265 CAD

  • Fit – Runs TTS – I have the 37 and the fit was snug to start but as the shearling liner packs down they get roomier. I wear them with a regular sock or thin wool sock. I could have probably been okay with a 38 and thicker socks.
  • Suitable weather – I think these are ready for snow and rain and temps down to about -25ºC. They are almost as warm as the Rachel (they are shearling lined as well) but lighter in weight and a bit more streamlined on the foot.
  • In my closet since the start of 2019 – I tried these in-store during a trip to Montréal this year and couldn’t leave without them. They’ve been so great and I’ve already been wearing them lots this fall on cold, rainy dog walks and hikes.
  • Made in Verona, Italy – See Maguire’s manufacturing practices here.



MORE WINTER BOOT BRANDS TO EXPLORE

(Includes 8 Canadian Brands)



  • ABLE (DRESSY, FAIR WEATHER OPTIONS)
  • AIGLE (RAINBOOTS) 
  • ALICE & WHITTLES (RAINBOOTS) 
  • ANFIBIO (*CANADIAN MADE – HIGHLY PRACTICAL RANGE OF WINTER OPTIONS)
  • AQUATALIA (GORGEOUS, UNDERSTATED DESIGN WITH PATENTED WEATHERPROOF)
  • BEYOND SKIN (VEGAN WITH A WIDE RANGE OF STYLES)
  • BLUNDSTONE (CLASSIC DESIGN, HIGHLY PRACTICAL)


  • DR. MARTENS (CLASSIC COMBAT DESIGN, LOTS OF VARIATIONS)
  • ECCO (WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS & GOOD SALE SELECTION)
  • EVERLANE (GOOD OPTIONS FOR LIGHT WINTER WEATHER. GREAT QUALITY FOR THE PRICE)
  • FORTRESS OF INCA (DRESSY + PRACTICAL OPTIONS FOR MORE TEMPERATE CLIMATES)
  • FRĒDA SALVADORE (DRESSIER, UNIQUE STYLES)
  • HUNTER (WIDE RANGE OF RAIN BOOTS WITH A SELECTION OF WINTERIZING ACCESSORIES)
  • KAMIK (*CANADIAN MADE – HIGHLY PRACTICAL RANGE OF WINTER OPTIONS)
  • KODIAK (*CANADIAN MADE – CLASSIC WORK BOOT AESTHETIC, LOTS OF WINTER OPTIONS)
  • LA CANADIENNE (*CANADIAN MADE – RANGE OF MINIMAL CHIC TO HIGHLY PRACTICAL WINTER OPTIONS)


  • L.L. BEAN (CLASSIC DUCK BOOT DESIGN, US MADE, LOTS OF VARIATIONS)
  • MAGUIRE (*CANADIAN + ITALIAN MADE – RANGE OF BOTH DRESSY + SNOW FRIENDLY OPTIONS)
  • MATT & NAT (VEGAN – MOSTLY DRESSY BUT SOME PRACTICAL OPTIONS) 
  • MONTELLIANA (LUXE HIKING BOOTS HANDMADE NORWEGIAN STYLE SINCE 1965)
  • NISOLO (DRESSY + PRACTICAL OPTIONS)
  • PAJAR (*CANADIAN MADE – HIGHLY PRACTICAL RANGE OF WINTER OPTIONS)
  • POPPY BARLEY (*CANADIAN COMPANY, MADE IN MEXICO – PRACTICAL RANGE OF COLD WEATHER OPTIONS IN SLEEK DESIGNS)
  • SAUTE MOUTON (*CANADIAN MADE – HIGHLY PRACTICAL RANGE OF WINTER OPTIONS)
  • SOREL (VAST ARRAY OF WINTER BOOT OPTIONS FOR EVERY WEATHER SCENARIO)
  • SYDNEY BROWN (VEGAN + MOSTLY DRESSY FAIR WEATHER STYLES)
  • THURSDAY BOOT COMPANY (LOTS OF HANDCRAFTED DRESSY + PRACTICAL OPTIONS)


Style Bee - Winter Boots

I hope this post points you in the direction of some good winter boot solutions, wherever you might be located! 


This post is not sponsored but it does contain affiliate links. If you choose to shop through the links above I may make a small commission on a sale. I only share brands and products that I genuinely believe are worth noting and all opinions are, as always, my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee! 

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Madeline says:

    I just want to recommend Will’s Vegan Shoes to anyone looking for a less expensive vegan option. Their vegan leather is plant based, not plastic, and the soles are recycled rubber. I have really been slow to buy vegan shoes but the smart chelsea boots blew me away for only $115 US. I absolutely love them, and as a bonus I’m not afraid to wear them in rain and snow and mud.

  2. Mariana says:

    Great to see Anfibio on your list. I just got a pair of their desert boots. With crepe soles, being waterproof, and super comfy, they’re just right for Victoria winters.

  3. Maria says:

    Hi, I was searching for something for this winter, wish I could get your site early. Already checked ECCO shoes review( https://anacondaleg.com) & outlet and bought a pair. But you have much more to consider. May be next time, following you. Thanks.

  4. Audrey says:

    Thank you for this article! I have my eyes on the Maguire Rachel and was wondering how well they handle a winter ☺️

  5. Jane says:

    Thanks for the recs! Do you find the Maguire Rachel boots to be heavy? Also do you find they run TTS? Thanks!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Jane, The Rachel boot isn’t heavy at all! They’re about the same (if not lighter) than my Blundstones. I’d say they run a bit small. I am a US7/7.5 in boots usually and got the 38 after finding the 37 was too small. They were snug at first but as the shearling packs down from use they loosen up. Hope that helps, they’re honestly the best winter boots I’ve ever had! xo

  6. Gertie says:

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  7. mags says:

    this is so helpful! i would love a post just like this for warm winter coats!

  8. Josie says:

    You did not mentioned the Everlane Day Boot. Have you tried them?

  9. Shelby says:

    I purchased the chocolate Aquatalia boots during the Nordstrom sale, and I’m so glad I did. Spending $200+ on a pair of boots was quite the splurge for me, but they are a great investment. They are beautiful, waterproof, soft, and unbelievably comfortable – even with the heel. I’m very impressed and love that I can wear them with wide leg pants!

  10. Karen says:

    Thank you!! I’ve been scouring the web trying to find northern winter/snow appropriate sock boot (taller bootie) boots for some time now to no avail. This is a great list!

  11. Kelli says:

    Thanks for this Lee! I bought the aquatalia boots because of you this year and they are the best.

  12. Janet says:

    I love this roundup. I am in Montreal for 5 weeks. The Maguire Rachel boots are perfect for me. I will check them out.

  13. Alice says:

    Thursday Boot Company is an ethics-focused company some attractive shoes. I’ve tried on a pair that unfortunately weren’t a good fit for me, but the quality seems good!

  14. Maude Breton-Voyer says:

    My heart almost skipped a beat when I saw the Maguire Rachel boots were in your lineup! I treated myself with a pair of the black suede/leather combo this year and I could not be happier! These are by far the best winter boots I’ve ever owned, stylish yet keeping my toes toasty warm even while waiting for the bus at -25Celsius. Special mention also to La Canadienne, Anfibio and Saute-mouton also made in Canada.

  15. Courtney says:

    Love this post! I live in Wisconsin where we have similarly wild winters that aren’t exactly kind to footwear (or bare ankles). I sometimes get winter ankle boot envy of all those west coast bloggers with temperate climates. 🙂

  16. Susan says:

    https://blondo.ca/pages/history
    Don’t forget Blondo — another great Canadian brand — fashionable but weatherproof for Canadian winters!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for the Blondo suggestion Susan. I couldn’t find any information regarding their manufacturing practices but when I spoke to a rep they said they were currently made in China and I would need to request production info since they don’t share it on the website. Unfortunately, this lack of transparency isn’t a great indicator of ethical practices but we’ll see what my inquiry turns up!

  17. Laura says:

    Love this post, recently moved back to Minnesota after living on the west coast and had a rude awakening last winter! So many variety’s are needed- love your collection.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Laura! I think Minnesota gets similar winter weather to us and yeah, it’s a roller coaster haha. Hope this post will be a good reference for you. xo

  18. Linda M Delsnider says:

    Wow!!! So glad I’m not the only one that requires many options for winter weather. Great info & options to look into. Can hardly wait to show my husband your collection. He was just teasing me the other day about how I decide which ones to wear??

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Haha I’m a shoe girl at heart for sure! No sense pretending otherwise 😛 I’ve found that winter in Ontario is a lot easier to face in a great pair of boots. Thanks for reading!

  19. Sheila Durey says:

    Thank you for this informative and comprehensive post.

  20. Brenda says:

    As a fellow Canadian, I know exactly what you mean about needing a variety of winter boots. (And coats.) One thing I would like to mention about the PAJAR boots that I JUST discovered this year I and I believe will be LIFE CHANGING…! I have two bigger dogs that can tend to pull when I walk them. Summer, no big deal. Winter dog walking on the other hand, is always like playing roulette with these two. Will I break an ankle…? Enter the PAJAR Ice Grippers! These boots, available in both mens and ladies sizes, have built in metal spikes for gripping snow and ice. The system is so neat — you can wear the boots without the spikes, but when you need them, you just flip a built in hinge over and they become spikey. The spikes are super inconspicuous and the boots themselves are great. I wore mine for the first time a few days ago and I just love them. I started off without the spikes, then when I hit an icy patch, I just used their little tool to flip the hinge over in the sole and voila! They grip really well too. And the fact that they are made in Canada is a huge win win for me. Here’s the link if I am allowed to post it: https://en.pajar.com/collections/women-ice-grippers

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much for this great tip Brenda! I’m definitely going to look into those Paja Ice Grippers. I know it can get pretty treacherous. Glad you’ve got a great solution for walks with your big pups! Even my little guy can pull me off balance on the ice.

  21. Alissa Hibst says:

    Do you have any thoughts on Kodiak? I’m not personally familiar with their manufacturing practices but from my understanding, it is an ON made brand??

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Alissa!, I’m so glad you asked this because I knew I was forgetting some good options! It looks like Kodiak does make their boots in Canada, I couldn’t find info confirming Ontario but that’s totally possible. I was on their site this afternoon and it looks like they’ve got some great options at really decent prices. Officially added to the list. Thanks so much!

  22. Sarah Winton says:

    I loved this round up, the Everlane boots are beautiful!