The Best Snow-Ready Barefoot Boots: Cozy, Warm & Waterproof

As winter blankets the world in snow, the quest for the perfect snow-ready footwear begins. If you’re a fan of barefoot shoes, look no further – here are our top recommendations for your winter adventures. In this blog post, we unravel the reasons these barefoot winter boots stand out as excellent choices for snowy days, offering a perfect blend of toe space, warmth, and coziness.

If you’re interested in other types of barefoot boots, be sure to explore our other posts too! We’ve made “The Best Everyday Barefoot Boots,” featuring our favorite daily picks, “The Most Complete List of Winter Barefoot Shoes” covering all available barefoot brands, “Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots” and “Best Barefoot Combat Boots” showcasing our preferred Chelsea and combat boots, and “The Ultimate List of Winter Barefoot Shoes for Kids” encompassing all available barefoot winter boots for kids.

Ready to step into a winter wonderland with the perfect pair? Let’s dive in!

How to Keep Your Feet Warm in Barefoot Shoes During Winter Time

By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of barefoot winter boots even in colder temperatures, ensuring both comfort and warmth.

The Best Barefoot Winter Boots For Cold And Slippery Weather

Xero Shoes Alpine

The Xero Shoes Alpine is excellent barefoot snow boot with a more traditional snow boot design, and it’s made from 100% vegan materials. The boot’s height effectively keeps the snow out and offers easy adjustment around the ankles and calves (laces are easy to adjust). While the sole is on the thicker side, providing less ground feel and a firmer, clunkier sensation, it also enhances thermal insulation. It’s worth noting that the fluffy lining is added only at the top of the shoe, while the interior has a thinner lining. You may swap the insole for thicker wool or sheepskin for even more warmth.

Sizing & Fit: Xero Shoes Alpine comes in women’s and men’s sizes, with men’s sizes being slightly wider with more volume. Overall, Alpines are best suited for medium-width feet (men’s medium-wide) and can be adjusted well to different foot volumes. If you have low volume feet with skinny ankles, you may need to tighten the laces more. However, when worn with thicker socks, providing extra bulk around the ankles, they feel secure while walking. They may not work as well for fan-shaped feet but are better suited for straighter feet, where the difference between heel width and toe width is smaller. For reference, I’m wearing size women’s EU41.5 (foot dimensions 26.6/10 cm), providing me with 12 mm extra space in front of my toes. You can size up half a size/full size if you need some extra width.

Explore More: Find out more about Xero Shoes in our review.

Bär Shoes Grace

Use BU15 for 15€ discount

When it comes to warmth, waterproofness, and overall performance in the snow, Bär Shoes Grace emerges as our top pick. While these boots secured the second spot due to a thicker sole with ample cushioning and a small heel rise, their exceptional features make them stand out. If you prioritize spacious toe room, top-notch traction, and warmth in deep snow and harsh winter conditions, these boots are the ideal choice. Crafted from high-quality materials, including a buckskin leather upper and woven lambskin lining, they excel in keeping your calves warm. The robust Vibram® Bubble sole, made from lightweight PU and grippy rubber, ensures durability and excellent traction.

This particular style is exclusively available for women. For men, we recommend checking out their Brehan model.

Sizing & Fit: Bär Grace is best suited for medium-width feet, and its lacing style allows them to adjust to different calf widths. We recommend sizing up to accommodate thicker socks and gain extra width if needed. For reference, I’m wearing size 43 with foot dimensions 26.3/10 cm. My usual size in Bär Shoes is size 42, and 42.5 in their hiking boots.

Koel Shoes Levi Lambswool Tex, Rana, Paul & Porter

Koel is a brand with one of the highest selections of barefoot boots suitable for snow. What sets them apart is the variety they offer, with numerous styles and colors, including several options for men – a rarity in comparison to women’s choices. Many winter styles come with thicker lambswool or thinner felt lining, catering to different winter conditions. For snowy weather, the thicker lambswool lining is recommended for its warmth.

We tested the women’s style Levi Lambswool Tex and the higher unisex boot Rana, also available for kids. Levi Tex is a versatile everyday style that doubles as snow boots. The only drawback is its non-gusseted tongue, which may allow water penetration in wet snow conditions. Rana, on the other hand, is a much taller model, reaching high up the calves for extra warmth. For winter, choosing Rana with lambskin lining is advisable, although regular felt lining can work in less frigid climates.

Regarding waterproofness, experiences with Koel models vary. While some Rana pairs performed well even in deep water, others required a shoe dryer after exposure to extremely wet conditions. For regular play in the snow, they consistently kept feet dry.

My husband tested their Paul model, available with two different linings (felt or lambswool). Another great Koel barefoot boot for winter is the Porter model, highly recommended for consideration.

All winter styles from Koel have thicker soles compared to their sneakers, offering less ground feel but good protection and traction in winter conditions. They are still one of the thinnest soles on this list, and it’s important to note that they do soften with wear, providing increased comfort over time.

Sizing & Fit: Koel shoes are the best choice for narrow and medium-width feet with a low to average instep, not ideal for high-volume feet. Sizing up in all winter boots from Koel is recommended for enough width and space for thicker socks (unless your feet are very narrow). They fit well with low-volume feet, skinny ankles, and heels. Both Rana and Levi can work for wider feet if you decide to size up.

Saguaro Rise

Use BU15 for extra 15% discount

The Saguaro Rise boots are a budget-friendly option for exploring the world of barefoot footwear. Available in several colors, these boots are incredibly lightweight and crafted from vegan materials. Their soles offer good traction in snow, though they can be a bit slippery on ice. Overall, they are commendable winter boots for those preferring a barefoot experience.

Sizing & Fit: The Saguaro Rise model is best suited for medium and medium-wide feet. The toe box slightly narrows towards the end, so it is highly recommended to size up one size from the size suggested in the size chart, as some width is lost due to this design feature. The overall design allows for a good fit across different foot volumes. For reference, I wear a size EU 43 with foot dimensions of 26.3/10 cm.

Explore More: Find out more about Saguaro in our review.

VIVOBAREFOOT Tracker Winter SG

Use BUVIVO20 for 20% discount

VIVOBAREFOOT Tracker Winter is the winterized version of their popular Tracker models, crafted from high-quality materials and featuring a stylish and versatile design. The upper is made from leather with added toe protection, and sealed seams improve waterproofness. The boots are lined with felt around the ankles, with the rest of the boot lined with textile. While suitable for milder winter conditions, they may not provide enough warmth in harsh winter conditions (swapping the insole for sheepskin can enhance warmth). The overall height of the boot is not substantial, making walking in deep snow more challenging, especially as the back part of the boot is even lower. The sole offers decent flexibility in the middle part but can feel firmer around the heel and ankles.

Sizing & Fit: Tracker Winter SG is best suited for narrow and medium-width feet, average ankles and heels, with toes featuring a stronger slope towards the pinky toe. Men’s models are slightly wider and can work for medium-wide feet as well. They can be adjusted well to different foot volumes but are relatively shallow above the toes, which may be uncomfortable for some individuals. For reference, I’m wearing size 42, opting for the men’s model to provide more width for my toes (foot dimensions: 26.3/10 cm).

Explore More: Find out more about VIVOBAREFOOT in our review.

Feelgrounds Patrol Winter

Feelgrounds offers unisex vegan winter boots, surprising us with outstanding traction, ranking among the best on this list. The thicker sole, while reducing ground feel, makes them an excellent choice for those transitioning to barefoot shoes or seeking more cushioning. The upper is crafted from vegan leather, fully waterproof, and lined with vegan fur. While performing well in snow, they may not be as warm as some other boots on this list. The additional fabric layer reinforces the heel, providing a slightly stiffer feel during walking. Nevertheless, they remain highly practical boots suitable for both everyday use and snowy conditions.

Sizing & Fit: Feelgrounds Patrol is best suited for medium-width feet. Although typically wearing size 42 in all Feelgrounds models, for this winter model, sizing up is preferable, as they feel slightly narrower than their sneakers. The toe box’s slight curve at the big toe influences the feeling of available width. They are ideal for average and high-volume feet, but individuals with low-volume feet and skinny ankles may find it challenging to secure the heel properly.

Explore More: Find out more about Feelgrounds in our review.

Wildling Shoes Crow & North Wolf

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You might be surprised to find Wildling Shoes on this list, but we genuinely love these shoes and have spent several hours in the snow with them already. Particularly recommended for snowy conditions are the North Wolf and Crow models, both entirely made from wool and sufficiently high to keep calves warm in the snow (note that Crow is slightly higher than North Wolf). Although they may take more time to put on, the comfort experienced while wearing them justifies the effort.

Featuring a built-in waterproof membrane, we tested them multiple times in the snow, and without additional waterproofing, they kept our feet dry for approximately one hour before water penetrated at the heel. For enhanced water resistance, we recommend using impregnation, focusing on the microfiber edging (don’t use it on the wool upper!). Adding their wool insoles is also advisable for winter use.

Notably, they are easy to clean (just brush away the dirt), and after four years of daily wear, they still maintain a good appearance.

Sizing & Fit: Wildling Shoes are best suited for narrow and medium-width feet, with winter models usually feeling even narrower than their spring and summer counterparts due to the thicker lining. For winter models, we highly recommend sizing up by one size, especially if you plan to add wool insoles or if your feet are not on the narrow side. For reference, I’m wearing size 43 with foot dimensions 26.3/10 cm.

Explore More: Find out more about Wildling Shoes in our review.

Softstar Shoes Phoenix

The Softstar Shoes Phoenix are exceptional sheepskin boots known for their high-quality craftsmanship. They feature thick, warm fur, providing a cozy and comfortable experience, perfect for cold winter days. The softness of the boots is remarkable, especially when worn without socks, ensuring a plush feel against the feet.

One aspect to note is that while these boots are ideal for dry snow, they are not inherently waterproof. To enhance their durability in wet conditions, consider applying a waterproofing treatment. This extra step can protect them from moisture, though they performed excellently in dry snow.

Sizing & Fit: The Phoenix boots don’t incorporate Softstar’s ‘Primal’ shape, which is recognized for its foot-shaped, wide toe box contour. Although recent updates have made the boots wider, the toe box still slightly curves inward at the end, reducing some of the available width. They are optimally suited for individuals with medium-width feet and low foot volume. In my experience, the boots initially felt snug over the instep but were somewhat looser around the ankle, prompting me to add leg warmers for a more secure fit. While the boots do stretch over time, they may not be the best choice for those with high-volume feet. Sizing up is recommended to ensure ample toe space, especially considering the space taken up by the lining. For context, I wear a size 10U with foot dimensions of 26.3/10 cm, but I believe sizing up further could provide additional width for my toes.

Be Lenka Snowfox

Use BU5 for 5% off

The Be Lenka Snowfox is an ideal choice for those seeking a barefoot snow boot that perfectly balances barefoot functionality with the features of a traditional snow boot. The sole isn’t overly thin but remains flexible, allowing you to feel the crunchy snow under your feet. This year, the upper received a stylish upgrade with glossy inserts in three fashionable colors, enhancing their overall appeal. Fully lined with soft Merino wool, these boots offer exceptional comfort. The wool is not scratchy; I’ve even worn them on bare feet a few times. The only downside is their availability exclusively in women’s sizes. For men, we recommend checking out their York (lined with wool) or Ranger (lined with felt) models, slightly lower but still suitable as winter boots.

Sizing & Fit: Like most Be Lenka winter boots with thicker wool lining, we suggest sizing up, especially if you plan to wear them with thicker socks. For reference, I wear size 43 with foot dimensions 26.3/10 cm (16 mm extra space according to their size chart). Best suited wide feet (but work for narrower feet too) with low to average instep height, they can be adjusted for a higher instep too, though the fabric may feel a tad snug. The laces allow for easy adjustment and fixation, and they no longer untie as was the case with the older model.

Explore More: Find out more about Be Lenka in our review.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our barefoot winter boots journey, we trust you’ve discovered the perfect companion for your snowy adventures. From wide toe box to warmth and coziness, these waterproof barefoot boots strike the ideal balance. As you step into the winter wonderland, let your boots speak to comfort, warmth, and your unique style.

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