Orthotic-Friendly Women’s Winter Boot Style Guide

To stay dry and comfortable all winter, every woman needs to have a proper fitting boot that supports her feet. Many manufacturers produce comfy boots for women with care, so they don’t aggravate any underlying conditions.

Winter is hard enough – just making it from the car into your home can feel like a herculean task. It gets even harder when you realize that many of the best boots for women made by popular retailers don’t provide proper support. Even if a boot is warm and keeps the feet dry, that doesn’t mean it can support your overall foot health.

Let’s take some time to explore the best and most comfortable boots for women. We’ll show you which orthotic boots we’d recommend and what makes them so great.

How to Find Comfortable Boots for Women

Shoes that don’t have proper arch support or enough space through the toes can be detrimental to our feet. Without adequate support, our feet are vulnerable to painful stress and overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

Since women have more instances of lower back pain (30% of women compared to 26% of men in the United States alone) and are more likely to develop conditions like heel spurs, all women need to take better care of their feet: it all starts with the shoes that you wear.

Instead of wearing stylish shoes made without any supportive features, opt for women’s winter boots that offer the maximum support and comfort without neglecting style.

When you’re shopping, take note of the following features every right winter boot should have:

Wide Toe Box

The toe box is where your toes sit in the shoe. It should be wide enough to accommodate your feet in a thick winter sock without making your toes feel compressed. If you want to use an orthotic device in your winter boots, the toe box of the shoe must be wide enough so that it fits inside securely.

Deep Heel Cup

When you walk in boots that don’t have enough heel support, it’s much easier for your heel to shift around. A deep heel cup helps support and stabilize your foot, which is especially beneficial on slick surfaces.

Low Heel for Traction

The most supportive winter boots have a low heel of no more than 1 inch. This low heel helps put the foot in a flexed position that reduces the muscles’ strain. This feature also helps elevate the heel out of the snow and ice, keeping the whole foot warmer.

Our Favorite Winter Waterproof Boots for Women

Many fashion boots designed for women simply won’t accommodate custom orthotics, which is why we specifically bundle orthotics cut to fit all our winter boots.

Here are some of our favourite comfortable winter boots for women that we stock in our online shop.

Sorel Tofino II

Sorel’s Tofino II boot is available in various colours, including neutrals, grey, black, and white, as well as a striking cherry red. The boot’s tall height and the laces that stretch from the ankle to the top of the boot give plenty of support, keeping the ankle and leg stable. Plus, the removable EVA footbed allows you to insert your orthotic device for custom support.

Sorel is a stylish and supportive shoe option that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable all winter long.

Timberland Courmayeur 6”

Looking for a women’s winter ankle boot that’s stylish enough to go from day to night? The Timberland Courmayeur 6” boot shows a waterproof leather upper, with plenty of support throughout the interior. The two-part flex insoles offer cushion where you need it most, and the rubber lug outsole helps keep you safe from slips and falls in icy weather.

Columbia Ice Maiden Shorty

If you need a boot that’s easy to put on and won’t make your feet overheat in mild weather, the Ice Maiden Shorty from Columbia is a great choice. The Techlite lightweight midsole cushions without compressing the foot, and there are 200g of insulation spread throughout the boot to keep you warm. In wet weather, the seam-sealed exterior membrane ensures your feet stay dry all day.

UGG Adirondack Boot III

Our favourite UGG Adirondack boots aren’t only comfortable – their faux fur collar and white exterior look incredible with any winter outfit.

These stylish boots are entirely waterproof and designed to keep your feet protected even in sub-zero weather. In addition to being full of the comfortable Ugg insulation you love, UGG makes these boots with plenty of support throughout the dual-density removable insole.

Keen Canby

If you’re active all winter long, you’ll need a women’s winter ankle boot that can protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable on the go. Our favourite option for a hiking-style winter ankle boot is the Canby boot, made by Keen.

The protective aluminum toe box and PU midsole provide lots of support inside the shoe, while the oil and slip-resistant traction outer sole keep you safe in even the slickest conditions.

Kodiak Surrey II

Staying warm and being stylish doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Kodiak Surrey II boot is available in three unique styles and colours, waterproof leather uppers and Thinsulate insulation inside the boot that keeps the feet warm without adding bulk. Despite the boot’s stylish look, the rubber treads and memory foam insole will keep you safe and comfortable all winter long.

Pair Your Winter Boots with Custom Orthotics

Want to ensure that your feet get the custom support they need? Purchase a package deal with a pair of our custom orthotics, bundled with your favourite winter boots. Our skilled technicians make your custom orthotic to order using your precise measurements, then fit them into your chosen pair of boots before they leave our facility. That way, you can skip the tricky fitting process, and your new boots will arrive ready to wear.

Don’t let the snow and ice of the winter months get you down. Protecting your feet with orthotic-friendly boots will keep you safe and warm all winter long.