The 8 Best Shoes for Walking on Ice of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Columbia Women's Ice Maiden II Snow Boot at Amazon

"The boots’ Omni-Grip advanced traction rubber sole offers exceptional grip, so you won’t be wobbling on snow and ice."

Best Budget for Women:

Mishansha Winter Snow Hiking Boots at Amazon

"With similar features to higher-end options, it offers long-lasting warmth with its EVA midsole and thick faux fur lining."

Best Overall for Men:

Salomon Men's X Ultra Winter CS Waterproof 2 Hiking Boot at Amazon

"The non-marking Contagrip outsole features an aggressive lug pattern that offers reliable grip and traction, preventing falls."

Best Budget for Men:

NORTIV 8 Men's Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boots at Amazon

"With a cushioned insole and ergonomic design, they provide excellent support that you might expect only from higher-priced boots."

Best for Snow:

The North Face Shellista II Roll-Down Boots at Zappos

"With a waterproof construction, 200G PrimaLoft Silver Eco insulation, and brushed fleece lining, they’re ready for brutal weather."

Best for Commuting:

Columbia Heavenly Shorty Omni-Heat Boots at Amazon

"Ideal for commuting to work or school, the waterproof, breathable membrane and warmth technology keep your feet dry and toasty."

Best for Wide Feet:

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots at Amazon

"They come in medium or wide, providing extra width and depth if you need it while featuring exceptional comfort from the midsole."

Best for Narrow Feet:

Sorel Whitney II Short Lace Boot at Amazon

"It offers a narrow fit, so your feet will feel snug and stable while its rubber outsole makes it suitable for the outdoors."

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Winter weather doesn’t mean you have to put all your outdoor activities on hold for a season. With the right pair of shoes, you can walk on ice and snow without worrying about slipping and falling. The best shoes for walking on ice have exceptional traction, while also offering protection from wet and cold conditions.

Whatever your style or needs, there's a durable shoe out there that has something to keep you steady and sure-footed all winter long.

Here, the best shoes for walking on ice.

Icy conditions also mean cold winter temperatures, but these warm winter boots from Columbia will protect your feet, while also keeping you safe from slips and falls. While some winter boots are bulky and awkward to walk in, the Ice Maiden boots have a lightweight midsole that provides excellent, long-lasting cushioning and high energy return.

The boots’ Omni-Grip advanced traction rubber sole offers exceptional grip, so you won’t be wobbling on snow and ice. Your feet will stay warm and dry, thanks to the waterproof membrane construction and ample insulation.

Available in women’s sizes 5 through 12 and in wide or medium widths, these stylish boots come in a range of colors, including black, brown, red, and gray.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a pair of shoes that provide exceptional grip and stability on ice. These hiking boots from Mishansha have many of the same features as much more expensive options— but at a very reasonable price.

The boot’s anti-collision toe cap design and anti-slip rubber outsole help keep you safe when walking on icy or snowy surfaces. You also get long-lasting comfort and warmth from the boot’s cushiony EVA midsole and thick faux fur lining.

With a wide range of colors and sizes to choose from, spanning from a women’s 5.5 to 13.5, these boots are an affordable, stylish pick for outdoor activities or casual wear.

These Salomon boots will keep you stable and steady on the ice and snow, while your toes stay toasty and dry. With ClimaSalomon Waterproof protection and Thinsulate insulation, you’ll get protection from the slush, rain, and snow, as well as lightweight warmth.

The non-marking Contagrip outsole features an aggressive lug pattern that offers reliable grip and traction, helping you to avoid slips and falls in wet, snowy, and icy conditions. These durable boots come in men’s sizes 7 through 12 and also feature an EVA footbed and heel cup for superior support and cushioning.

These affordable boots keep your feet warm and dry in frigid conditions, without feeling bulky or heavy. Made with 200G 3M Thinsulate, they also have a waterproof shell on the bottom, which keeps your feet dry in snowy or wet weather.

With a cushioned insole and ergonomic design, they provide excellent support and comfort that you might expect only from much higher-priced boots. The durable and stable rubber sole is slip-resistant, even on the ice. Available in men’s sizes 6.5 to 15, these boots are a good, reasonably-priced pick for outdoor work or play in winter weather.

The North Face Shellista II Roll-Down Boots

For high-quality boots that are reliable on snow and ice, check out this pair from The North Face. With a waterproof construction, 200G PrimaLoft Silver Eco insulation, and warm brushed fleece lining, they’re ready for brutal winter weather.

The Winter Grip durable rubber outsole and temperature-sensitive IcePick lugs provide excellent traction in snowy and icy conditions. Available in women’s sizes 5 through 10.5, these boots are a comfy and supportive option for battling cold weather.

If your commute to work or school involves some walking on ice or snow, these boots are a comfy option to keep you from slipping and sliding. The waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry from the elements, while the Omni-Heat Reflective Warmth technology keeps them toasty.

You’ll get additional warmth and protection from the 200G insulation and the waterproof, quilted synthetic textile uppers. The boot’s Omni-Grip outsole delivers exceptional grip and traction.

Choose from three different colors in women’s sizes 5 through 12.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

If you’ve struggled to find boots that accommodate wide feet, check out this high-quality pair from Merrell. They come in medium or wide, providing some extra width and depth if you need it. With reliable Gore-Tex waterproof protection and Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5-millimeter deep lugs, they’re a good choice for walking on snow or ice.

These boots also feature exceptional comfort from the compression-molded EVA midsole, while the Merrell air cushion in the heel delivers shock absorption and stability. Available in women’s sizes 5.5 to 11, they’re versatile enough to wear hiking or when heading out for weekend errands in cold, winter weather.

Anyone with narrow feet knows how annoying it can be when your feet are sliding around and not properly supported in boots. This adorable pair from Sorel offers a narrow fit, so your feet will feel snug and stable inside.

With a durable rubber outsole, they’re ideal for commuting, outdoor winter activities, or just slipping on to walk the dog when it’s icy and snowy out. Available in women’s sizes 5 through 12, they feature a lace-up closure so you can customize the fit even more.

Final Verdict

While all of these picks can keep you safe when walking on ice, we highly recommend the Columbia Ice Maiden II Snow Boot for women and the Salomon X Ultra Winter CS Waterproof 2 Hiking Boot for men. Both boots are durable, versatile, waterproof, and provide exceptional traction and lightweight warmth.

What to Look for in Shoes for Walking on Ice

Grip:

Grip is the most important factor when choosing a shoe that will provide stability and confidence when walking on icy surfaces. Look for shoes with rubber outsoles, large treads, or aggressive lugs that will offer good traction.

Water-resistance and Waterproofing:

If there’s ice, you'll generally also encounter snowy and wet conditions, so you’ll want a shoe that’s waterproof or water-resistant. Shoes that are made of Gore-Tex, neoprene, leather, PU, PVC, or rubber offer the best protection against water.

Insulation:

Proper insulation will help keep your feet warm and toasty. To find a shoe that provides the warmth and protection you need, check the temperature rating and look for materials such as fleece and Thinsulate.

Comfort:

Comfort is an important consideration, especially if you’re using the shoes for commuting or outdoor winter activities such as hiking. A cushioned footbed with good support will improve shock absorption and reduce the risk of pain in your feet and other areas.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

An avid runner, marathon running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff has researched and recommended lots of cold weather outdoor gear, as well as personally tested them in cold, blustery winter weather.

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The 8 Best Shoes for Walking on Ice of 2021

Avoid slips and falls with these picks

Best Overall for Women: Columbia Women's Ice Maiden II Snow Boot

Best Budget for Women: Mishansha Winter Snow Hiking Boots

Best Overall for Men: Salomon Men's X Ultra Winter CS Waterproof 2 Hiking Boot

Best Budget for Men: NORTIV 8 Men's Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boots

Best for Snow: The North Face Shellista II Roll-Down Boots

Best for Commuting: Columbia Heavenly Shorty Omni-Heat Boots

Best for Wide Feet: Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Best for Narrow Feet: Sorel Whitney II Short Lace Boot