Cute Snow Boots – 10 Pairs of Insanely Cute Winter Boots for College

It might be hard to believe, but winter is fast approaching! (Seriously though, didn’t fall just start, like, a week ago?) And, with the dropping temperatures and potential for snowfall, it means it’s time to start thinking about transitioning your wardrobe to suit the changing seasons.

Of course, that also means changing your footwear, and swapping out your lightweight sneakers and ankle boots for something a little more substantial — not to mention practical.

Today, we’re sharing our cute snow boots guide, with our favorite cute winter boots for college.

{RELATED POST: Our Favorite Cheap Winter Boots for Women}

And yes, I know that winter boots — especially the more functional snow boots — have a reputation for being clunky and ugly. However, that doesn’t have to be the case!

Below, I’ve rounded up ten pairs of cute winter boots for college that are not only stylish, but will also help you stay warm and dry.

Ready to see them? Just keep scrolling!

Cute Winter Boots for College: For Mild Winters

1. Chooka Fur-Lined Chelsea Booties

If you live in a place that only receives mild snowfall during the winter, you’ll be just fine in these stylish faux-fur–lined Chelsea-style rain boots.

In addition to the stone shade, these boots are available in black and navy. However, I’m partial to the gray shade, as they stand out a little more while still working well with almost any other color.

Personally, I’d suggest wearing them with leggings, a long sleeve tee, an oversized puffer vest or coat, and a beanie for a cute, laid-back look.

2. Steve Madden Bettyy Combat Boots

These chunky platform combat boots are perfect for anyone who wants to keep their feet dry this winter, while remaining on-trend. I’d recommend these to someone who lives in a place where the winter weather doesn’t get too terrible. This is because these boots, although definitely waterproof, aren’t particularly warm unless you layer them with thick socks.

For a fun and trendy look, style these boots with a bodysuit, a pair of cropped mom jeans that hit just above the boots’ opening, and a coordinating puffer coat.

3. Ugg Classic Mini II

You read that right. Uggs are officially back and we’re once again obsessed.

If you’ve never worn Uggs before, you are definitely missing out. They are perhaps the most comfortable boots on the planet, and they’re super cute as well.

While you definitely can wear Uggs in super cold and snowy climates, we recommend them most for places with mild winters. That’s because, while warm, Uggs are not particularly waterproof and aren’t made to withstand slushy or very wet conditions.

Ugg does sell a special protector spray made to extend the life of your boots, but nothing is going to make them fully waterproof. Just something to keep in mind if you’re investing in these cute and cozy classics!

Related reading: Boots Similar to Uggs: 11 Gorgeous Alternatives to UGG Boots for the Winter

Cute Boots For Moderate Winters

4. Sperry Maritime Suede Boots

How insanely cute are these winter boots from Sperry? Not only are they waterproof but they are super warm thanks to a lining that’s a combination of Thinsulate and fleece.

I would style these boots with black leather leggings, an oversized beige sweater, a puffer, and a plaid scarf for a cute apres-ski kind of look.

To be honest, you could probably wear these in severe winter conditions due to their weather-resistant properties, but since they’re on the shorter side, they don’t provide a ton of leg protection compared to the more heavy-duty snow boots below. That’s why they’re in our moderate winter section.

5. Sperry Saltwater Emboss Wool Boots

Calling all prepsters: These quilted duck boots are perfect for you! This is especially true if you live in a place that receives moderate snowfall and gets quite cold in the winter.

These cute snow boots feature a cozy lining made of microfleece. They also have soles with traction to help ensure that you don’t slip on any ice patches you may encounter.

Pair these boots with a sweater vest and collared shirt combo, leggings, a beanie, and a long wool coat for an outfit that’s classy and chic.

6. Sorel Explorer Joan Cozy

I can’t stop staring at these Sorel boots — they’re so unique and cool!

These trendsetting winter boots combine a shearling upper with a sneaker style sole for a thoroughly modern vibe. They’d look cute with everything from leather pants and a blazer to a cream sweatsuit and puffer coat combo.

These are definitely fashion girl boots — the shearling is not the most practical for wet or muddy conditions, but given that these are waterproof, they provide tons of warmth and protection for moderate winters.

7. Sorel Joan of Arctic Puffy Boot

If you enjoy experimenting with new trends, you’ll love these adorable Moon Boot-inspired cute snow boots!

This fleece-lined pair is perfect for moderately snowy and cold winters. Moreover, it’s sure to keep you warm and dry on blustery days.

I’d recommend wearing these boots in a cool and sleek way by styling them with an oversized sweatshirt, leggings, a futuristic hip-length metallic puffer jacket, nylon ski gloves, and a brightly colored beanie.

Cute Snow Boots: For Severe Winters

8. Sorel Joan of Arctic™ Boot

As a lifelong Canadian, I like to think that I have a pretty good grasp on dressing for severe winters. However, I’ve come to terms with the fact that if you want to keep your feet warm during the winter, it’s unfortunately likely that you’ll have to spend a little extra on high-quality boots.

The Joan of Arctic Boot, made by popular Canadian brand Sorel, is great for heavy snow, thanks to its waterproof construction and recycled felt inner boot insulation.

I also really love the gray faux-suede on these. It not only goes with everything, but also won’t show salt stains as badly as a darker color (e.g. black) would.

Try wearing these boots with a chunky cable-knit sweater, jeans, a beret, knit mittens, and a warm faux-fur jacket for an ensemble that is both comfortable and fashion-forward.

Also, be sure to see our post on what to wear in freezing temperatures for full outfit ideas to go with these cute snow boots.

9. Columbia Ice Maiden II Boots

For a more affordable cold weather boot for severe winters, the Columbia Ice Maiden II is the best of the best. It comes highly rated, with thousands of positive reviews, and is miraculously under $100!

Granted, this boot doesn’t have as many frills as the other options on this list; they’re not ultra-fashionable or trendy and they aren’t made of tons of high-tech materials. That said, they’re super warm and waterproof, while still being cute.

If you want a great, functional winter boot for freezing weather without spending over $100, these are THE ones to get, no question.

10. UGG Adirondack Tall Boot III

If you’re really looking to splurge on a pair of winter boots, I’d highly recommend looking into the Adirondack Tall Boot III by UGG.

This pair of boots features the same ridiculously soft and warm lining as the Classic UGGs we’re used to seeing. However, they’re a little more streamlined, for those seeking a sleeker look.

Not to mention, unlike the Classic styles, these are actually meant for snow, slush, and ice. This means that you won’t find yourself walking around with soaked-through and salt-stained boots all season long. (Which, let’s face it, is not a fun time for anyone!)

For a look that’s both timeless and cozy, wear these boots with an oversized cardigan worn over a turtleneck top and leggings (don’t be afraid to go for a pair made especially for cold weather, like these), wooly socks, a knee-length puffer jacket, and whichever hat/scarf/gloves will keep you the warmest.

Things to Consider When Choosing The Right Winter Boots

Finally, I’ll leave you with some general tips to make your search for the best winter boots a little bit easier. Keep these in mind when you’re shopping and you won’t go wrong, winter after winter!

Here are some thing to consider when choosing winter boots:

1. Warmth: The warmth of a boot can vary a lot depending on the material. Lining materials such as shearling, fur, and wool provide varying degrees of comfort and they’ll all keep you warm. A recent trend is cruelty-free faux fur, and the technology is getting better every year — these faux materials can still keep you warm!
2. Size and comfort: The perfect pair of winter boots should always be high enough to cover your ankles — from there, it’s weather-dependent. If you live in an area that frequently experiences heavy snow, high boots are a must to keep the snow out of your boots. But if you live somewhere that experiences more rain or slush, then you can get away with a shorter boot.
3. Waterproofing and breathability: It’s important to find the best balance of water-resistance and breathability. Think about a rubber rain boot — it’s totally waterproof but not breathable at all. Not the most comfortable for long periods! For a winter boot, you ideally want both. (Most of the boots on this list have a mix of materials for this reason.) Your boot should let your foot breathe without letting in water or cold.
4. Grip: This is non-negotiable! If you’re walking on an icy or snowy surface, it’s important to wear boots with good traction. A zigzag patterned rubber sole is our pick to keep you stable while providing enough grip for safe passage through slippery terrain.
5. Quality and durability: A high-quality boot is one that can withstand all of the harsh conditions you’re likely to come across. This is why we recommend spending as much as you can reasonably afford — you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to winter boots! Ideally, you want to get boots that you can wear for years and years to come.

What do you think of these cute snow boots?

For more cute winter footwear options, be sure to see these related posts:

• The Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Winter Shoes
• How to Wear Cowboy Boots
• How to Wear Rain Boots
• Class to Night Out: Sweater Dress & Boots
• Showstopping Winter Formal Outfit Inspiration
• 5 Clothing Items I Can’t Live Without In Winter

What are the winters like where you live? Which of these cute winter boots for college resemble the ones that you typically wear during the winter? Do you have any other recommendations for cute winter boots for college?

Let me know in the comments!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2019; it was completely updated and revamped in 2021 with new photos and information.