4 Best North Face Snow Boots for Cold Winter Days (2026)

Updated November 2026

Finding the right north face snow boots comes down to matching warmth, waterproofing, traction and fit to how you actually spend your winter days, whether that means a shoveled driveway, a commute through slush or a snowy trail. This list compares four North Face options across the criteria that matter most: insulation rating as stated by the manufacturer, waterproof construction, sole grip, fit range and the kind of wear each boot is designed for. Where a detail is not clearly specified on the listing, we leave it out rather than guess.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best for	Key feature
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Chilkat V 400 WP Snow Boot	Men who need serious warmth on cold, snowy days	400-gram insulation and snowshoe and gaiter compatibility
THE NORTH FACE Women’s Shellista V Shorty WP Snow Boot	Women who want a shorter, easier-to-wear winter boot	200-gram synthetic insulation with an IcePick lug rubber sole
The North Face Teen Alpenglow V Waterproof Boot	Teens facing deep cold and wet snow	Thermafelt liner rated for cold down to -25F
The North Face Toddler Alpenglow II Insulated Snow Boot	Toddlers in snow play and short outdoor trips	Waterproof construction with a durable rubber outsole

THE NORTH FACE Men’s Chilkat V 400 WP Snow Boot

Best for: Men who need serious warmth on cold, snowy days

This is the heaviest-duty option in the group and suits men who spend long stretches outdoors in winter, such as shoveling, walking the dog in deep snow or hiking on packed trails. The boot is built for cold rather than mild slush, so it fits best in regions with reliable sub-freezing weather.

Key specs

• 400-gram insulation, per the product name
• Durable leather upper
• Waterproof (WP) construction
• Compatible with snowshoes and gaiters
• High-traction sole for hiking

Pros

• Strong warmth rating for very cold conditions
• Leather upper tends to hold up well to abrasion and repeated wet-dry cycles
• Traction sole suits both trails and icy sidewalks

Cons

• Heavier than casual winter boots, which can tire you on long walks
• Leather needs periodic conditioning to stay water-resistant

Bottom line: The best fit for men who want the most warmth from a North Face boot and plan to use it for outdoor work or winter hiking.

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THE NORTH FACE Women’s Shellista V Shorty WP Snow Boot

Best for: Women who want warmth with a shorter, easier-to-wear winter boot

The shorty cut makes this boot a practical choice for everyday wear, such as errands, school runs and city commutes, where a tall shaft can feel bulky. It is a good match for people who want a stylish profile without giving up waterproofing.

Key specs

• 200-gram synthetic insulation, per the product name
• Cozy fleece lining
• Waterproof (WP) construction
• Rubber sole with IcePick lugs for grip

Pros

• Shorter shaft is easier to walk in and to pair with everyday pants
• IcePick lugs help with traction on packed snow and ice
• Fleece lining adds comfort in moderate cold

Cons

• Lighter insulation than the heavy-duty options, so it suits moderate rather than extreme cold
• Shorter shaft offers less protection when wading through deep snow

Bottom line: A strong everyday winter boot for women in cities and suburbs where snow is common but deep cold is not constant.

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The North Face Teen Alpenglow V Waterproof Boot

Best for: Teens who need warmth in deep cold and wet snow

This boot is sized for teens and is designed for school days, sports practice and weekend snow outings. The Thermafelt liner is the main selling point, since it is intended to keep feet warm in severe cold.

Key specs

• Insulating Thermafelt liner, rated for warmth at -25F per the product name
• Waterproof construction
• Colorway: TNF Black/Vanadis Grey

Pros

• Insulation is designed for very low temperatures
• Waterproof build handles slush and wet snow
• Sturdy, classic profile that suits daily wear

Cons

• Sizing runs by youth scale, so parents should check the chart carefully
• Less flexible than lighter sneaker-style boots for fast-moving activity

Bottom line: Ideal for teens in cold climates who need a durable, warm, waterproof boot for daily winter use.

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The North Face Toddler Alpenglow II Insulated Snow Boot

Best for: Toddlers in snow play and short outdoor trips

Young children lose body heat quickly and often want to stomp through every puddle, so a waterproof, insulated boot with a grippy outsole is a practical pick. This model is aimed at toddlers who spend time outside in cold weather but are not doing extended hikes.

Key specs

• Insulated construction
• Waterproof construction
• Durable rubber outsole
• Colorway: Toasted Brown/Toasted Brown

Pros

• Waterproof build keeps small feet drier during snow play
• Rubber outsole is well suited to rough, wet surfaces
• Insulated design is aimed at everyday cold weather

Cons

• Not intended for prolonged hiking or extreme cold
• Toddler sizing varies, so measuring foot length before ordering is important

Bottom line: A sensible choice for parents who want a waterproof, insulated boot for toddlers during snow play and school-run weather.

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Buying Guide

Insulation and Warmth

Insulation is usually expressed in grams per boot, and higher numbers generally mean more warmth in cold weather. Keep in mind that insulation alone does not guarantee warm feet, since moisture, socks and fit all affect comfort. For sub-freezing days spent standing still, such as watching sports or waiting at a bus stop, heavier insulation makes a clear difference.

Good picks for this: THE NORTH FACE Men’s Chilkat V 400 WP Snow Boot, The North Face Teen Alpenglow V Waterproof Boot

Waterproofing and Construction

Look for a fully waterproof membrane or a clearly labeled “WP” construction. Waterproof boots keep snowmelt and slush from soaking through, which is the main cause of cold feet on winter walks. Check whether the seams and the upper material are described as waterproof, not just the outsole.

Good picks for this: THE NORTH FACE Women’s Shellista V Shorty WP Snow Boot, The North Face Toddler Alpenglow II Insulated Snow Boot

Traction and Outsole

Snow and ice demand a sole with deep, multidirectional lugs. Lugs with a sharp edge, sometimes called IcePick-style lugs, grip better on packed snow. Rubber compounds generally hold up better in cold than harder plastics, which can stiffen and lose grip.

Good picks for this: THE NORTH FACE Women’s Shellista V Shorty WP Snow Boot, THE NORTH FACE Men’s Chilkat V 400 WP Snow Boot

Size and Fit

Measure both feet in the afternoon, when they are slightly larger, and compare against the brand’s size chart rather than your usual shoe size. Leave room for a medium-weight sock, and make sure the heel does not lift when you walk. Youth and toddler sizes differ from adult scales, so always check the chart for the specific model.

Good picks for this: The North Face Teen Alpenglow V Waterproof Boot, The North Face Toddler Alpenglow II Insulated Snow Boot

Intended Use Case

Decide whether you need a boot for daily city wear, shoveling, trail hiking or outdoor play. A heavier boot with a leather upper suits hiking and snowshoeing, while a shorter, lighter boot is easier for everyday walking. Matching the boot to the activity usually matters more than chasing the highest rating.

Good picks for this: THE NORTH FACE Men’s Chilkat V 400 WP Snow Boot, THE NORTH FACE Women’s Shellista V Shorty WP Snow Boot

Durability and Materials

Leather uppers tend to resist abrasion and can last several seasons with proper care. Synthetic uppers are lighter and dry faster but may show wear sooner on rough surfaces. Check whether the outsole is rubber, since rubber generally wears more evenly and grips better in low temperatures.

Good picks for this: THE NORTH FACE Men’s Chilkat V 400 WP Snow Boot, The North Face Teen Alpenglow V Waterproof Boot

Care and Maintenance

Dry boots at room temperature, never on a heater, and stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture. Remove salt and grime with a damp cloth after wearing them on treated roads. Apply a leather conditioner or waterproofing spray according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the upper performing well over time.

Good picks for this: THE NORTH FACE Men’s Chilkat V 400 WP Snow Boot, THE NORTH FACE Women’s Shellista V Shorty WP Snow Boot

FAQ

Are North Face snow boots waterproof?

Several North Face snow boot models are listed as waterproof, including the Chilkat, Shellista and Alpenglow lines. Always confirm the waterproof claim on the specific product listing before buying.

How warm are North Face snow boots?

Warmth depends on the insulation weight and the model. Heavier insulation, such as the 400-gram rating on the Chilkat, is designed for colder conditions than lighter synthetic insulation. Pair any boot with a suitable wool or synthetic sock for best results.

Should I size up in snow boots?

Many people choose a half size up to allow room for thicker socks, but this depends on the model and your foot shape. Compare your measurements against the brand’s size chart and check that your heel does not lift.

Can I wear North Face snow boots for hiking?

Boots with high-traction soles and a sturdy upper, such as the Chilkat, are better suited to hiking than casual snow boots. Check whether the model is compatible with snowshoes or gaiters if you plan to use them on trails.

How do I clean North Face snow boots?

Wipe off salt and dirt with a damp cloth, let the boots air dry away from direct heat, and use a leather conditioner on leather uppers. Follow the care label for any specific instructions on the model you own.

Do toddler and teen North Face boots run small?

Youth and toddler sizing scales differ from adult sizes, so measuring the child’s foot and checking the brand’s youth size chart is the safest approach. Allow room for a sock if the child will wear one.

Conclusion

For heavy cold and outdoor work, the Chilkat V 400 WP is the strongest choice for men. Women who want a shorter, everyday boot with good traction will find the Shellista V Shorty a practical match. For teens facing deep cold, the Alpenglow V Waterproof offers a warm, durable option, while the Toddler Alpenglow II suits small children in snow play. Match the boot to your climate, activity and fit, and you will get the most out of any of these north face snow boots.

Sources

• Consumer product safety guidance on footwear and cold-weather injury prevention (cpsc.gov)
• Information on cold-related illness, frostbite and keeping feet dry in winter (cdc.gov)
• Workplace guidance on cold-weather protective footwear (osha.gov)

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