Walking Gear and Clothing The 11 Best Shoes for Walking on Ice of 2021 Avoid slips and falls with these picks By Christine Luff twitter linkedin Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Christine Luff Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on February 07, 2021 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall Updated on February 07, 2021 Print More in Walking Gear and Clothing Walking for Weight Loss Treadmill Walking Long Distance Walking Beginners Walking Shoes Walking Fast Pedometers and Fitness Bands Injuries and Prevention Clubs, Partners, and Programs Treadmill Workouts View All Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. 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 Hiking: L.L.Bean Women's Snow Sneakers with Arctic Grip at L.L.Bean "With a combination of its grip technology and lugged sole, you get outstanding traction and slip resistance on ice or snow." Best Boots: Icebug Metro2 BUGrip Winter Walking Boot at Amazon "The abrasion-resistant baseline trim helps protect your feet from the elements and adds to the boots’ overall durability." Best for Plantar Fasciitis: KEEN Kaci II Winter Mid Waterproof Boot at Amazon "If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, these all-terrain boots offer the cushioning and stability you need to keep it at bay." 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." In This Article Expand 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. Best Overall for Women: Columbia Women's Ice Maiden II Snow Boot Buy on Amazon Buy on Zappos 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. The Best Cold Weather Walking Gear of 2021 Best Budget for Women: Mishansha Winter Snow Hiking Boots Buy on Amazon 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. Best Overall for Men: Salomon Men's X Ultra Winter CS Waterproof 2 Hiking Boot Buy on Amazon Buy on Zappos 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. The 7 Best Hiking Boots for Men Best Budget for Men: NORTIV 8 Men's Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boots Buy on Amazon 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. Best for Snow: The North Face Shellista II Roll-Down Boots Buy on Zappos Buy on Thenorthface.com 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. The 8 Best Snowshoes Best for Commuting: Columbia Heavenly Shorty Omni-Heat Boots Buy on Amazon Buy on Zappos 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. Best for Hiking: L.L.Bean Women's Snow Sneakers with Arctic Grip Buy on L.L.Bean When you’re hiking in cold weather conditions, you can feel confident and stay safe wearing these snow sneakers from L.L.Bean. With a combination of Vibram’s Arctic Grip technology and IceTrek lugged sole, you get outstanding traction and slip resistance on ice, snow, and other wet surfaces. The breathable but waterproof design keeps out snow, slush, and rain and the shoe’s SolarCore foam underfoot keeps you insulated from cold surfaces. They come in women’s sizes 6 to 11. The 6 Best Walking Poles of 2021 Best Boots: Icebug Metro2 BUGrip Winter Walking Boot Buy on Amazon Known for their grippy, non-slip shoes, Icebug delivers an outstanding winter walking boot with their Metro2. It features a rubber BUGrip outsole with 16 carbide tip studs that provide exceptional traction. The abrasion-resistant baseline trim helps protect your feet from the elements and adds to the boots’ overall durability. These boots also excel on the inside, with a warm and comfy fleece lining. Available in men’s sizes 8 through 13, they're ideal for winter outdoor fun or commuting in slush, snow, and ice. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: KEEN Kaci II Winter Mid Waterproof Boot Buy on Amazon Buy on Zappos Buy on Keenfootwear.com If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, these all-terrain boots from Keen offer the cushioning and stability you need to keep it at bay. The molded EVA midsole provides excellent underfoot support and shock absorption, while the removable EVA insole enhances the overall comfort. Additionally, the rubber outsole comes equipped with exceptional traction, and the water-repellent technology keeps you prepared to handle harsh winter weather. Available in women’s sizes 5 through 11, these boots also come with an anti-odor treatment to keep them feeling and smelling fresh. The 8 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2021 Best for Wide Feet: Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Buy on Amazon Buy on Merrell.com Buy on REI 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. The 7 Best Hiking Boots for Women Best for Narrow Feet: Sorel Whitney II Short Lace Boot Buy on Amazon Buy on Zappos 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start walking off the weight? Our free guide offers tips, workouts, and a printable schedule to help you get on the right track. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit