Quick answer: For walking on snow and ice, look for a winter shoe or boot with a soft, flexible rubber outsole, deep multi-directional lugs, a sole that stays grippy in the cold, a warm lining, and a snug heel so your foot doesn't slide inside the shoe. Pick a higher shaft if you walk through deep or slushy snow, and a lower, lighter shoe if you mostly walk on plowed, salted sidewalks. No shoe makes ice completely safe, so footwear and walking technique work together.
Winter walking puts very different demands on a shoe than a dry summer sidewalk. Fresh snow is loose and deep, packed snow turns slick, slush soaks through thin materials, and black ice offers almost no grip at all. The right pair for you depends on which of these you actually face most days. This guide breaks down the features that matter, how to match them to your routine, and the small habits that make winter walks more comfortable.
Know your winter surface first
Before comparing shoes, think about where you walk most:
- Plowed and salted sidewalks: Mostly wet pavement, slush at the curbs, and occasional icy patches. A warm, lined walking shoe or ankle shoe with a grippy sole is often enough.
- Packed snow on paths and parking lots: Needs deeper lugs that bite into the surface and a sole that doesn't harden in the cold.
- Fresh or deep snow: A higher shaft keeps snow out of the collar. Laces or a secure closure help keep the boot on your foot when you step deep.
- Mixed commute: Snowy sidewalks, then indoors for hours. A lighter ankle-height boot or lined casual shoe is easier to wear all day than a heavy high-top.
What to look for in the outsole
The outsole is the single most important feature for snow and ice. Look at it closely, ideally in the product photos showing the bottom of the shoe.
Lug depth and pattern
Lugs are the raised blocks on the bottom of the sole. Deeper lugs grip loose and packed snow better than a flat sneaker-style sole. A multi-directional pattern (lugs facing different angles) helps when you're walking forward, stepping sideways off a curb, or braking on a slope. Wide gaps between lugs also help the sole shed packed snow instead of clogging into a smooth, slick surface.
Rubber that stays flexible
Some rubber compounds get hard in cold temperatures, and hard rubber grips less. A quick at-home check: press your thumbnail into the sole and bend the shoe at the forefoot. A sole that flexes easily and feels slightly soft tends to stay more grippy than one that feels stiff and plastic-like.
A flat, wide contact area
A sole with a broad base, especially at the heel, gives a more stable footprint than a narrow or sharply rounded one. Very thick, high platform soles can feel less stable on uneven, frozen ground.
Upper, lining and height
- Lining: Fleece or plush linings add warmth for cold-weather walks. If you're unsure which lining type suits you, see our guide on how to choose fleece-lined winter boots for men.
- Upper material: Check the product page for what the upper is made of and whether it lists any water resistance. Mesh uppers breathe well but let in slush; leather, suede and synthetic uppers usually handle wet snow better, though suede needs more care after salty days.
- Shaft height: Ankle height works for sidewalks and light snow. High-top boots keep more snow out when you walk through drifts or unshoveled paths.
- Collar and tongue: A padded collar and a gusseted (attached) tongue help block snow from getting in around the ankle.
Fit matters more on slippery ground
A shoe that's too loose lets your foot slide forward and side to side, which makes every step feel less controlled. On snow and ice you want:
- A heel that stays put when you walk, without rubbing.
- Room to wiggle your toes, especially if you wear thicker winter socks.
- A closure you can tighten: laces, quick-laces, or a secure elastic slip-on design.
Our sizing runs on EU sizes (for example, EU 42 = US 8.5 and EU 44 = US 10 for men). Check the size chart and the men's shoe size guide: US vs EU before ordering.
Slip-on or lace-up for snow?
Slip-on winter shoes are convenient for quick errands, dog walks and commutes where you take shoes on and off often. Lace-up boots let you fine-tune the fit and usually hold the foot more securely in deeper snow. If you're torn, our comparison of slip-on winter shoes vs lace-up winter boots walks through the trade-offs.
Checklist: what to look for
- Deep, multi-directional lugs with gaps that shed snow
- Rubber outsole that bends easily and doesn't feel rock-hard
- Broad, stable heel
- Warm lining suited to your typical temperatures
- Shaft height that matches your snow depth
- Gusseted tongue or padded collar to keep snow out
- Secure heel fit with room for winter socks
- Upper material you're willing to clean after salty days
Walking habits that help on snow and ice
Even the grippiest sole has limits on smooth ice. A few habits help:
- Take shorter steps and keep your weight over your feet rather than leaning forward.
- Walk a little flat-footed instead of striking hard on your heel.
- Keep your hands free (use a backpack instead of carrying bags) so your arms can help with balance.
- Watch for shiny, dark patches on pavement, which often mean ice.
- Step carefully getting in and out of cars and at building entrances, where melted snow refreezes.
For staying warm on longer outings, see how to keep your feet warm in winter. And if your shoes get soaked, our guide on how to dry wet shoes fast explains how to do it without damaging them.
Where to start shopping
Browse our winter boots if you deal with deeper snow, or our men's winter casual shoes for lined walking shoes and slip-ons suited to sidewalks and commutes. For a taller option, the CANEMON Men's Fleece-Lined High-Top Winter Boots QZ2658 is one example of a high-top, fleece-lined style. Always check each product page for the specific materials and features of that model. Orders of $79.99 or more ship free within the contiguous U.S., and returns are accepted within 30 days (see our refund policy).
FAQ
Are winter boots or winter shoes better for walking on ice?
Height doesn't change grip; the outsole does. A boot keeps snow out and adds ankle coverage, while a lined winter shoe is lighter for everyday sidewalks. Choose based on snow depth, then compare soles.
How can I tell if a sole will grip on snow?
Look for deep lugs facing several directions, open channels between them, and rubber that flexes easily when you bend the shoe. Smooth, flat or very stiff soles tend to grip less on packed snow.
Should I size up for winter walking shoes?
Not automatically. If you plan to wear thick winter socks, make sure there's room for them, but your heel should still feel secure. A shoe that's too big can make slippery surfaces feel less stable.
Do I need a special shoe for black ice?
Black ice is slippery for almost any everyday footwear. A grippy sole helps, but slowing down, taking short steps and avoiding icy patches when possible matter just as much.
Note: This article is general footwear guidance, not medical advice. If you have persistent foot pain or balance concerns, please talk to a doctor.