Best Women's Winter
Footwear of 2023
Cold toes are no joke! With winter fast approaching and temperatures plummeting, we riders need footwear that will keep us cozy at the barn, at home, and out on the town. It is of utmost importance for your winter boots to offer comfort both in and out of the saddle, with safety features like good traction, toe and heel support for protection, and water resistance or waterproofing. No one wants to walk around with chilled, wet feet! Our goal in this guide is to help keep your toes warm and dry, so you can be ready for whatever weather the winter months bring.
Below, we have laid out some of our favorite boots to help get you through the frosty season. We know how important it is to have footwear that cushions and stabilizes your feet while maintaining breathability and flexibility. From muck boots to snow boots to pretty lifestyle boots, you will be sure to find something that's perfect for all your winter activities! If not, we have plenty of other winter riding boots to choose from. The decision all comes down to your needs and preferences!
Our Favorite Winter Riding Boots
Boot Type | Our Pick |
Best Boots for Extreme Cold | Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Lace Paddock Boots |
Best Casual Winter Shoe | LeMieux Trax Waterproof Sneaker |
Best Winter Tall Boots | Mountain Horse Veganza Winter Tall Field Boots |
Best Barn Boots | Kerrits Woodstock Waterproof Barn Boots |
Best Country Boots | Moretta Pamina Country Tall Boots |
Best Work Boots | Ariat Anthem H2O Lacer Boots |
Best Barn to Town Boots | Dublin Venturer III Pull-On Riding Boots |
Best Schooling Boots | Ovation Cyclone All Season Thinsulate Tall Riding Boots |
Best Lifestyle Boots | Ariat Women's Wexford Waterproof Boot |
Best Boots for Extreme Cold
Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Lace Paddock Boots
Walk through mud, puddles, and snow confident that your toes will stay dry, courtesy of the waterproof full-grain leather in the Mountain Horse Snowy River Paddock Boots. The 200G Thinsulate technology does not add any extra weight, but this thin layer of insulation will provide enough warmth for your feet to handle temperatures down to around 0°F! The ShockX insoles offer support by absorbing shock from the impact of hard surfaces like ice. The rugged outsole will help prevent any slips or falls, especially in snow. If you are a diehard winter wonderland horseback rider, take these lace-up boots out for a ride!
Key Features: |
Waterproof Full-Grain Leather Construction Fleece Lining and 200G Thinsulate for Warmth Ergonomic Designed ShockX Insoles Rugged Outsole for Traction |
Shop the Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Lace Paddock Boots |
Best Casual Winter Shoe
LeMieux Trax Waterproof Sneakers
Horse girls need their footwear to go beyond the barn. That's why LeMieux made the Trax Waterproof Sneaker to take you from the saddle to the street with style. This all-weather, all-terrain, waterproof sneaker can really do it all with a super sturdy Michelin rubber sole and a unique tread pattern that keeps you stable on slippery surfaces. A fully waterproof lining and water-resistant upper fabric guarantees water stays out and your toes stay warm as you do chores around the barn or handwalk your favorite pony!
Key Features: |
Waterproof Lining Water-Resistant Upper Fabric Michelin Rubber Soles Ergonomic Insoles |
Shop LeMieux Waterproof Sneakers- Ecru |
Shop LeMieux Waterproof Sneakers- Black |
Shop LeMieux Waterproof Sneakers- Khaki Green |
Best Winter Tall Boot
Mountain Horse Ladies Veganza Winter Tall Boot
Keep warm and feel good about what's on your feet with the Mountain Horse Veganza Winter Tall Boots! Made with a snuggly warm fleece interior, these animal-friendly boots are crafted with soft imitation leather that has the look and feel of real leather. A Vertycore Sole System keeps these boots comfortable for hours of wear in the saddle or on the ground. The completely waterproof design makes the Veganza boots perfect for rain, snow, or sleet!
Key Features: |
Warm Fleece Interior Soft Vegan-Friendly Imitation Leather Completely Waterproof Exterior Comfortable Vertycore Sole System |
Shop the Mountain Horse Veganza Winter Tall Boots |
Best Barn Boots
Kerrits Woodstock Waterproof Barn Boots
The Woodstock boots are ideal for the rough life of the barn, with a pebbled leather design that is both 100% waterproof and resists scuffs. No need to worry about scratching up your new boots! Keep your toes protected with the rubber toe bumper, and there's plenty of room for fuzzy socks thanks to the roomy toe box. Comfort is guaranteed with a cushioned insole and stabilizing midsole. The outsole is designed for non-slip safety in any kind of terrain. Get your barn work done in all-day comfort, then hop on your horse with the 1" heel height that is recommended for stirrup security!
Key Features: |
Kerrits RideDry Technology Full-Grain Waterproof Upper Pebbled Leather Resists Abrasion Rubber Toe Bumper and Spacious Toe Box OrangeZone ATO All-Terrain Outsole |
Shop the Kerrits Woodstock Waterproof Barn Boots |
Best Country Boots
Moretta Pamina Country Tall Boots
A country boot is the best of both worlds between non-rider shoes and equestrian footwear, designed to be comfy to walk around in while offering durability for the barn. You can easily wear the Pamina boots out, around the stable, and in the saddle! The nubuck leather outer is soft and water-repellent, with a waterproof membrane to help keep your feet dry. But don't worry—breathability is ensured with the moisture-wicking upper lining. The ActiveFlex insole provides impact support and anti-shock cushioning to keep your feet from getting sore. The sturdy outsole was crafted with riders in mind, and the versatility these fashionable boots offer is unbeatable!
Key Features: |
Quick-Dry, Water-Repellent Outer Waterproof Membrane ActiveFlex Insole with Impact Support System All-Terrain Riding Sole |
Shop the Moretta Pamina Country Tall Boots |
Best Work Boots
Ariat Anthem Round Toe H2O Lacer Boots
Are you in a cold or wet climate that requires a boot you can safely do hard work in? Look no further from the Ariat Anthem boots! The waterproof, full-grain leather construction will last you season after season. Mesh lining on the inside and a lightly padded suede collar provide comfort and breathability, so your feet won't overheat too quickly. Traction is guaranteed with Ariat's Duratread outsole, which is both oil- and slip-resistant. Get your work done in these supportive boots that offer maximum wear resistance!
Key Features: |
Full-Grain Leather Foot and Upper Mesh Lining for Comfort Lightly Padded Suede Collar Oil- and Slip-Resistant Duratread Outsole |
Shop the Ariat Anthem Round Toe H2O Lacer Boots |
Best Barn to Town Boots
Dublin Venturer III Pull-On Riding Boots
Tried and true over the years, the Dublin Venturer boots were designed by riders for riders. The waxy leather outsole is tough, and an Italian steel shank protects your toes while securing a stable foundation for your feet. The multilayer footbed provides long-lasting cushioning along with reliable heel and arch support. You can easily do stable chores, wipe off your boots, then go downtown in fashion-forward winter style. Adjusting to customer feedback, Dublin has updated these boots to a slimmer design that can fit into your stirrups, if you want to ride in them as well!
Key Features: |
Full-Grain Leather Upper 100% Waterproof and Breathable Adjustable Lace Calf Panel to Fit Variety of Calf Sizes Rider Comfort System Footbed |
Shop the Dublin Venturer III Pull-On Riding Boots |
Best Cold Weather Schooling Boots
Ovation Cyclone All Season Thinsulate Tall Riding Boots
If you are schooling in milder winter conditions, then the Ovation Cyclone boots are for you! They have a muck boot feel with a tall riding boot style, yet will keep your toes warmer than a typical tall boot because of the 3M Thinsulate lining. The PU/neoprene upper requires no break-in period and is easy to care for. Built-in water resistance helps protect you from water accidents while the grippy rubber sole stabilizes your feet on the ground or in the irons. With this economical option, there is no need to worry about ruining your normal tall boots in the winter weather!
Key Features: |
3M Thinsulate-Lined Footbed for Warmth Comfortable PU/Neoprene Upper Water Resistant Grippy Rubber Sole |
Shop the Ovation Cyclone All Season Thinsulate Tall Riding Boots |
Best Lifestyle Boots
Ariat Women's Wexford Waterproof Boot
Being so cute with the twin gore touch, the Ariat Wexford boots are also perfect for any season and activity. The waterproof leather upper is durable and can stand against sudden showers (or spilled eggnog). They are not too heavy thanks to Ariat's ATS shank, which is ergonomically designed to enhance your rebound and stability, promoting an improved posture and reducing foot fatigue. The Duratread sole is highly resistant to barnyard acids, oils, and slips. And the best part is that these tough boots can go with every outfit, day after day or night after night!
Key Features: |
Waterproof, Breathable Leather Upper ATS Lightweight Forked Shank Non-Marking Duratread Sole Traditional Twin Gore Style |
Shop the Ariat Women's Wexford Waterproof Boot |
How to Care for Your Winter Footwear
Winter riding boots typically require more upkeep than your usual boots; winter footwear faces severe weather conditions that can quickly degrade the materials if not appropriately cleaned and cared for. Leather is like skin, with pores that breathe. Below, see some of our quick tips on how to care for your winter riding boots so you can make your pair last for years to come!
Leather:
- First and foremost, always consult the manufacturer's care instructions for specifics.
- Gently wipe off dirt and debris from your boots, then use leather cleaner. Apply leather conditioner while boots are still damp and allow it to soak in.
- Follow up with a boot polish or dressing. Let dry, then gently buff out with a soft cloth, cleaning pad, or brush.
- Finish with a waterproof protector, preferably in wax form to fully seal the leather. You can continue to keep up the protective aspect of your boots by regularly using a waterproofing spray.
- Wait for your boots to completely dry before wearing them out in the winter weather, and always store them in a cool, dry place after wear.
Suede:
- First and foremost, always consult the manufacturer's care instructions for specifics.
- Suede is technically not designed to be worn in wet weather, as water, oil, and salt can stain it. However, putting a water- and stain-protectant spray on before the first wear as a preventative measure will help prolong the life of your suede boots.
- Keep a suede and nubuck brush or cleaning block on hand for regular maintenance. Suede brushes commonly come with synthetic or natural bristles; we like to improvise with versatile horse supplies!
- If your suede boots get very dirty, wait for them to dry, then remove as much dirt as possible. You can lightly dampen the whole boot to clean off the grime and start anew.
- Brush your boots out after they naturally air dry, then spray with another protectant layer. Keep your suede boots out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
Closing Thoughts:
We know we love our equine friends; we tramp through the mud for them, take their winter blankets on and off for them, and even keep them conditioned in the wet and cold. But that doesn't mean we want wet, cold feet! It is important to find a good pair of winter boots so you can offer your horse your best while looking after your own comfort and well-being. We hope our top picks for winter riding boots will keep your feet dry and toasty warm during the frigid months. However, we invite you to check out our full collection of rain and winter riding boots to view all of your available choices! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team if you have any questions.