7 Grippy Boots That’ll Help Prevent Slips and Slides This Winter

Best Grip Boots for Snowy Adventures

This boot from Baffin’s Ease collection is lightweight, making it easy to pack, and adds colour to an outfit (it comes in slate, bright red, indigo, an electric blue, or a sangria purple). It’s also ideal for deeper snow drifts and blizzardy days—Baffin’s proprietary anti-slip technology includes a Polar Rubber® heel and forefoot that maximizes grip and won’t wear down too quickly. 

Baffin Light Women’s Boot, $175, baffin.com

Best Grip Boots for City Life

The Joan boot is a great everyday option that works for city streets, dog walks, errands and almost any outfit. Yet, it doesn’t compromise on waterproofing, insulation or grip—check out the outsole, with high-traction rubber (in red) down the centre of the boot. 

 Sorel Explorer II Joan Boot,  $195, sorelfootwear.ca

Best Grip Boots for Winter Walks

All of the ICEFX boots from WindRiver, a Mark’s brand, are tested at a bunch of different sloped angles, and on actual ice, at UHN’s KITE Winter Lab. (Check out their winter boot “snowflake” ratings at RateMyTreads.com.) We tried the IceQueens in taupe, which are toasty warm and super lightweight to wear. The non-slip technology—a sole with“Green Diamond Grip,” which is synthetic bits of quartz embedded into the rubber—really does work to keep you from sliding. 

Ice Queen IceFX T-Max Insulated Waterproof Leather Winter Boots, $190, marks.com

Best Grip Boots for Icy Sidewalks 

 This Montreal-based company has been making boots for Canadian winters since 1963. The Huila might look like a fashion boot, but the puffy nylon upper is comfort-rated for minus-30 weather. Plus, the retractable ice grips—teeny metal cleats—on the soles can be folded in or out, whether you’re stepping onto icy streets or heading inside a store. (Trust us: This is way easier—and more stylish—than adding Yaktrax to your old winter boots!).

Pajar Huila Boot With ice Grippers, $300, pajar.com

Best Grip Boots for Winter Sports 

These durable but lightweight waterproof boots are best for more extreme winter adventures, with T-Max insulation to keep you warm in minus 40 temps, and the same lab-tested ICEFX traction technology other Mark’s products are known for. 

Helly Hansen Bivy II IceFX Waterproof T-Max Heat Winter Boots, $250, marks.com 

Best Grip Boots for Winter Hiking 

While Merrell may be better known for their hiking gear, the soles of this winter boot are designed with what they call Vibram® MegaGrip,® a non-slip technology that comes in handy during Canadian winters, whether you’re commuting to work or going for a hike. 

Merrell Ontario Tall Polar Waterproof, $240, merrell.com 

Best Grip Boots for Weekend Escapes 

Columbia calls this style “city to cabin,” with breathable waterproofing, a fleece collar and Omni-Heat lining to keep your feet warm and protected from rain, sleet or snow. It also boasts Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber on the soles to prevent you from taking any tumbles.  

Columbia Women’s Moritzia Boot, $170, columbiasportswear.ca

Next: 8 Essentials to Keep You Warm and Dry This Winter