Skip to Content

10 Best Women’s Winter Sneakers Built for Cold, Rain, and Sludge

Yes, they're actually stylish!

By
womens best winter sneakers
Design by Mili Patel

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

Something that wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card? All these freaking snowstorms. We’re literally weeks from spring, and somehow there’s still more snow ahead. As a seasoned New Yorker, I own winter boots—I have to! They’re practical, they’re reliable, and they get the job done. But they’re not always the vibe, especially when I live in the city of fashion and not the North Pole. They can be bulky and heavy, making an otherwise chic outfit into something that feels clunky. I wanted something lighter, easy to slip on, but still capable of handling sludge, icy sidewalks, and scary puddles. So I looked into winter sneakers to see what was actually out there.

Turns out, there are plenty of functional and stylish options that are water-resistant/waterproof and have the traction to tread through any icy or slushy chaos, without looking like hardcore hiking gear. So whatever your version of “winter” looks like—whether it’s a mild chill in California or a full blizzard situation in the Northeast—I found everything from cozy shearling-lined pairs to sleeker, more heavy-duty styles that keep your feet warm and dry.

1
most stylish winter sneakers

Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX

XT-6 GORE-TEX
Credit: Salomon

I can confidently say that Salomon sneakers have become fashion’s favorite casual shoe. They have the dad-sneaker look everyone’s obsessed with, mixed with a cool, gorpcore vibe. And the best part? They have a pair that can actually handle harsh climates.

The iconic XT‑6 GORE‑TEX features a unique, top layer that keeps water out completely, while staying breathable so your feet don’t get cold or clammy. Its closed‑mesh design was legit made specifically for winter protection, shielding against snow and slush.

2
this legit snow sneaker

HOKA x Halfdays Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX

HOKA x Halfdays Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX
Credit: Halfdays

The collab we didn’t know we needed: HOKA x Halfdays designing the ultimate snow sneaker. It’s pure genius. These shoes have everything you want in a winter shoe: waterproof protection, cozy PrimaLoft insulation, and a rugged sole built for slogging through thick snow and wet conditions. Plus, the easy slip-on design with a lace toggle closure makes them ridiculously convenient! I especially love the sock-like, stretchy fleece collar, which hugs your foot like a slipper.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Yes, Nike makes sneakers tough enough for winter—and I was pleasantly surprised! These are the “winterized” version of their popular Vomero style, updated with water-repellent materials and a rubber mudguard (basically, a protective layer around the lower part of the shoe that protects your feet and the shoe from elements like mud, snow, water, and debris).

Reviewers love them for how they stick through snow and icy conditions, and they say that the shoes don’t feel heavy at all. I very much appreciate that they were able to still keep the trendy, street style. while still being built for real winter weather.

If you’re looking for something that makes your feet feel like they’re wrapped in blankets, this is it. A reviewer from Nebraska personally sold me on them, saying they’re “perfect for frigid winters” and they “love the thick soles for powering through snow and ice.” Just saying, if they're from Nebraska, you know they know winter.

With its high-top, water-resistant silhouette, cozy shearling interior, and chunky sole, these will keep your feet warm, comfortable, and unstoppable no matter what winter throws your way.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

These Hunter boots are a solid pick if you're on the hunt for something good for hiking or if you work in snowy/wet environments. They’re fully waterproof (!!), have deep grooves on the sole that really grip onto snow and slippery surfaces, and a cushy footbed that gives your feet a soft, supportive foundation. They’re perfect if you're someone who spends long hours on their feet and needs something that'll prevent slipping and sliding!

6
these winter sneakers best for walking

On Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof

Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof
Credit: On

Fact: On has always been a part of sneaker royalty for its ultra-supportive design and sleek silhouette—aka not an easy combo to pull off. And the brand did it again, but with a fully waterproof sneaker. Beyond its strong upper that keeps your feet dry, the reinforced toecap and mudguard sole work together to block your feet from snow and wetness.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
best everyday sneaker

Veja Campo Winter Sneaker

Campo Winter Sneaker
Now 52% Off
Credit: REVOLVE

Whenever I’m out, I often spot 1 in 10 people wearing Vejas—and I completely understand why. They’re a comfortable everyday sneaker that looks put-together without feeling overly athletic. This particular pair is perfect for anyone who loves that classic style but wants extra warmth. Ideal for someone who doesn’t live somewhere with intense winters, its all-around fuzzy interior keeps your feet snug the whole time you’re wearing them.

8
if you love a platform sneaker

Coach Soho Platform Sneaker

Soho Platform Sneaker
Now 30% Off
Credit: Coach

Honestly, bless Coach for making a winter sneaker for the fashion girlies! While it’s not exactly meant for snowstorms and blizzards, it does have a shearling lining that keeps your feet cozy without making them hot or sweaty. Plus, the chunky platform comes in clutch when navigating slushy streets or sidewalks so you can have some extra height and stability!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Women's TimberCush Motion 7 Waterproof Sneaker
Credit: Timberland

New Yorkers know Timberlands have been the go-to winter shoes for decades—and for good reason. My roommate (a born and bred New York man!) has been using his for over 10 years for the snow, and they're indestructible. And the built-in memory foam is what really takes these styles over the top.

Their Ortholite insoles are lightweight and feel like walking on clouds, while the shoes stay waterproof and feature the brand’s durable, classic leather and TimberGrip soles for incredible traction. Honestly, I’d say winter doesn’t stand a chance against these puppies!

10
if you're looking for something that's similiar to a boot

Kizik Women's London AT Mid Waterproof

Women's London AT Mid Waterproof
Credit: Kizik

I get it—there’s just something about a snow boot that feels secure and durable. This sneaker gives you that same sense of protection without the bulk. It has winter boot essentials: a waterproof layer, a high-abrasion, lugged rubber outsole for traction, and a cushy, responsive midsole. But what really makes it stand out is the hands-free technology, meaning you literally don’t have to lift a finger to slip them on.

Headshot of Megan Uy
Megan Uy
Associate Shopping Editor

Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok

Watch Next 
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below