The Best Down Booties of 2026

t

How We Tested Down Booties

The GearJunkie squad uses down and synthetic-fill booties and socks on outdoor adventures year-round. We use them camping and backpacking, on ski hut trips, ski resort commutes, and for everyday use in our chilly — sometimes freezing — mountain-based offices and homes.

Our Expert Testers

Leading the testing squad for down booties is GearJunkie contributor Meghan LaHatte. On average, LaHatte wore each pair of down booties for at least 20 hours, including 1.5-mile daily outdoor walks to examine the tread. During testing, temperatures ranged from 15 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While she mostly walked on pavement, she also tested the more rugged designs on snow, ice, and the occasional patch of mud to check their waterproofness. For example, in the L.L.Bean Women’s Mountain Classic Quilted Booties, LaHatte walked nearly two miles in powdery snow. She found herself in a mixed bag of snow, wind, rain, and sleet — you name it!

Other testers include Senior Editor Morgan Tilton and editor, Chris Kassar.

Our Testing Grounds

Having lived in one of the coldest regions of Colorado for the past 5 years, LaHatte is no stranger to cold feet. After suffering from a chronic foot injury due to a nasty case of frostnip, she understands the importance of keeping her feet well-insulated both indoors and out. LaHatte tested these down booties on frigid dog walks, working in her home office, camping in the desert, and transitioning into her ski boots before and after deep powder days.

Our Testing Process

Our team tested down and down-alternative booties and socks from the early fall to late winter in temps from -10 to 40 degrees. We also used them for fall and winter camping, après skiing, around the house, and more.

Throughout our field tests and personal experience, we determined the best down booties and down socks based on a variety of metrics including insulation, value, warmth, durability, comfort, overall fit, cuff height, cuff closure, adjustability, traction, tread and outsole, midsole support, anti-odor treatment, heel tab, style, and quality.

Beyond our tests, we also considered the most popular, award-worthy, innovative, sustainable, and legacy designs. These down booties serve a range of feet, applications, and budgets.

How We Rated Down Booties

Overall
The overall score is not a simple average of the individual ratings. Instead, it reflects how well each bootie performs for its intended purpose, weighing warmth, comfort, traction, and packability based on how and where the bootie is meant to be used.

Warmth
Higher-rated booties provide serious insulation suitable for sleeping in freezing temperatures, such as Western Mountaineering booties. Mid-range scores reflect casual warmth for short trips outside, cool camps, or mild indoor drafts.

Traction
Booties that score higher feature full rubber outsoles that feel secure on asphalt, gravel, and around camp, similar to models from Teva or Oboz. Lower-rated options use delicate fabric soles intended for sleeping bags, huts, or clean tents only, like GooseFeet Gear.

Packability
Highly packable booties compress down to about the size of an apple and disappear into a pack. Lower-scoring booties are bulkier and take up roughly the same space as a standard pair of shoes.

Comfort
Higher-rated booties offer a true “walking on a cloud” feel with soft materials and minimal pressure points. Lower-rated models tend to feel more structured and shoe-like, with firmer materials and less give.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Down Booties

Down Booties vs. Down Socks

Differences

There are only a few slight differences between down booties and down socks. Down booties are a type of shoe with an insulated body, insulated sole, and some sort of closure at the top to seal in warmth. They can be ankle-height to mid-calf-height to insulate your whole foot.

Fully insulated down socks may or may not have a sole and usually don’t have snaps, closures, or other features. They’re purely for providing warmth. Made of lighter, lower-denier fabrics, down socks are perfect for use inside sleeping bags rather than walking around a house or cabin.

Uses

Down booties are the most common way of insulating your feet in winter and are usually more versatile and durable, though we did include a few down socks on this list as well. If you plan on wearing your down booties outside and adding some mileage to them, we suggest buying a pair like the Western Mountaineering Expedition Booties with a thicker sole and grippy tread for traction.

When you’re shopping for down footwear, think about where you’ll be wearing the booties and how much durability you might want. Do you want an insulating slipper with a sturdy sole? Or do you want something with fewer shoe features, maybe to wear inside your sleeping bag? Or, do you want a stylish bootie like the Stio Colter Mountain Slip that will move easily from camp to town.

Do you want a taller-height bootie or more of a slipper style? Wear down booties with or without socks, but we suggest a thinner and breathable sock if you choose to go that route. The booties themselves are typically warm enough that there is no need to pull on a thick or 100% wool sock.

Materials 

Our comprehensive guide includes a wide variety of down bootie styles, ranging from various types of soles, insulation, fits, and materials. There are a variety of styles. Some are meant to be worn inside, while others are best for outdoor use. Consider what kind of materials comprise your booties and their intended use. 

We’ve outlined the various materials and their purposes below to help guide your search for the perfect bootie type. 

Exterior Fabrics

The exterior fabric of down booties is an important component to consider when shopping for a pair. The exterior fabric is what protects the overall shoe from various elements and can help improve the insulation abilities of the interior as well. 

Most down booties are constructed with a nylon exterior. Nylon is a tear and water-resistant synthetic material. It is typically lightweight and breathable, depending on the stitching. Brands use nylon since it is versatile and helps down booties maintain their best insulation abilities, thus keeping your feet toasty warm. The Baffin CUSH Booty utilizes reinforced nylon, making it both durable and water resistant. 

You will also see down booties designed with a quilted upper, like the Teva ReEMBER and Oboz All Gender Whakatā Puffy Mid. Quilted exteriors keep the insulation from shifting around too much, thus allowing the insulation to retain heat even better than before. Think about how warm your childhood quilt was as a kid — basically the same science! 

Most fabric exteriors of down booties have hydrophobic properties making them waterproof or water-resistant. If you want to garner more knowledge about those applications, keep scrolling. 

Tread

If you’ve scrolled through our list of down bootie options, you likely noticed that some of these products have outsole tread while others have little to none. Tread sets the bar on how much mileage you can get out of a pair of down booties. 

Booties with softer soles and light treat work best indoors, like in a cabin or hut. You can treat these shoes like your standard house slippers. Yes, you could probably run out in the driveway to fetch the paper in them, but you wouldn’t want to hit the trails since they lack the arch support or durability to support your feet on varying terrain. One of our favorite tread-less options is the Baffin Cush Booty.

Some down booties crush it at exploring, like the North Face Thermoball Traction Booties and the Outdoor Research Tundra Trax Booties. These puppies have a thick rubber sole with added texture so you can keep your feet warm while stepping over snow, rocks, and in and out of your ski boots. While the extra amount of tread is ideal for outdoor use, they aren’t great for sticking in your sleeping bag or kicking back in your apartment due to the bulkiness. 

Overall, when thinking about tread, it is important to consider how and where you’ll be rocking your down booties. Are you someone looking for a house slipper? Or are you going to hit the town in them for some après fun? 

Insulation

Similar to down jackets, the level of warmth of a down bootie largely depends on its insulation. A down bootie with 800-fill is going to be much warmer than a down bootie with 600-fill. The most common type of fill we see used in down booties is either goose down or a synthetic alternative.

Natural Down Insulation 

Made from goose or duck feathers, natural down insulates by the loft of the feathers creating pockets of hot air. It is highly effective in keeping the user’s feet warm and insulated while still being lightweight and packable.

However, natural down tends to be more pricey and may not be as ethically sourced as one would like. We can assure you that all the down booties listed in this guide come from companies aiming to end abuse in the down supply chain. 

Down also tends to lose its insulation abilities when wet and takes longer to dry. Because it is made with feathers, it can also be a bit harder to wash due to exposure to water, which causes it to lose some loftiness. Be sure to check your down booties’ care tag before washing them to ensure their longevity. 

Made with a natural goose down, the Rab Down Hut Slipper was one of our favorites in this category. Because of the natural down, they are more packable and tend to have a better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic options. 

Synthetic Insulation

Tending to be more accessible in price and availability, synthetic-stuffed booties are also a great option for someone wanting to keep their toes warm without breaking the bank or worrying about animal byproducts. Often, the word “down” is associated with an insulation material, but don’t let that confuse you.

Typically made with polyester or nylon materials, synthetic booties can provide just enough insulation and durability so you can stay comfortable out in the cold. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easily packable for any excursion. 

When synthetic insulation is exposed to moisture, the warmth factor still performs well and dries faster than natural down. However, synthetic fill is inherently less warm than natural down, so it is important to keep that in mind when choosing your down booties and where you’ll wear them. 

Our favorite synthetic-fill options include the Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel Sock. Made with 100% polyester Primaloft, they kept our feet just as warm as some of the other natural down bootie options, and because they are made with synthetic insulation, they are reasonably priced for their durability. 

The type and thickness of the bootie lining, as well as the material and height of the bootie, will also factor into its warmth and insulation abilities.

Warmth 

The warmth of a down bootie is influenced by the type, quality, and quantity of the fill. Other variables play a role, including the height, depth of the outsole, water resistance, liner, and exterior material.

The fill type (down or synthetic) and its amount are typically the most influential factors on a pair of down booties’ warming abilities. Natural down fill is typically more warming than a synthetic alternative, but it can lose its loftiness when wet. A synthetic fill will be less warming but does better if exposed to moisture. However, with major innovations in synthetic insulation, alternative down fills are becoming better.

Another aspect of warmth in a down bootie we want to highlight is its cuff height and sole thickness. We found that the down booties with higher cuffs with added closures were much better at keeping our feet warm than those without. However, if closed too tight or with too much of a slim fit, circulation can be cut off, leading to a loss in insulation. Furthermore, down booties with higher, thicker soles helped keep our toes warmer since they were more elevated above and well insulated from the floor.

Typically, brands assign their products a warmth level or temperature rating, especially for winter wear. Some of these booties have been given these ratings, whereas others we determined ourselves. 

To help you navigate the complexities of warming abilities in down booties, we’ve categorically sorted them into three levels of warmth in order of least warming to greatest warming. 

Waterproofness vs. Water-Resistance

If you’re planning on wearing your down booties in snow, rain, or sleet, you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing a pair that’s waterproof or water-resistant. Many of the options listed in this guide have varying degrees of water protection, some more than others. 

Waterproof booties are made with materials and coatings that prevent any water or moisture from penetrating the fabric’s surface. Think materials like GORE-TEX or eVent that are treated with coatings that are hydrophobic and cause water to bead right off. While we don’t have any waterproof down booties specifically listed in this guide, we would recommend the GooseFeet Gear Down Socks combined with their Waterproof Over Booties if you’ll be in more wet environments while camping.

On the other hand, many down bootie options listed in this guide are water resistant, meaning they can repel water or snow off their surfaces to a certain degree. Materials that are water resistant are not completely impervious to water exposure but should do the trick if you’re walking in light rain or snow. Water-resistant fabrics are typically made with synthetic fibers like nylon and then treated with a liquid-repellent finish, like DWR (durable water-repellent). The Sierra Designs Down Booties are our favorite water-resistant down booties coated with DWR. 

Here are our choice down booties that have been treated for water resistance: 

Cuff Height

A down bootie’s cuff height refers to the height or length of the upper portion of the booties that cover the ankle and lower leg. Different cuff heights in down booties offer varying levels of coverage and functionality. The options listed in this guide have lower ankle and mid-leg coverage options, but there are a few down bootie options on the market that provide protection all the way to the knee. 

We particularly liked the above-ankle cuffs on the L.L.Bean Women’s Mountain Classic Quilted Booties for their coverage without adding any extra bulk. Not to mention, the heels of these booties also have an easy pull tap for quick on and off, so they are perfect tossing on after a long day on the skin track.

Low or Ankle Cuff

Down booties with a low or ankle cuff provide minimal coverage, typically ending just above the ankle bone. These booties tend to be lightweight and offer a greater range of motion. They are suitable for activities where maximum mobility and breathability are desired, such as inside or in warmer climates. However, their exposure provides less warmth and protection to the ankle area. Our choice for an ankle cuff down bootie is the Rab Cirrus Hut Down Slipper, which is rather lightweight or the Xero Pagosa Fireside.

Mid-Calf Cuff

Down booties with a mid-calf cuff extend higher up the leg, reaching well above the ankle. This cuff height provides additional coverage and insulation compared to ankle-length booties. Mid-calf booties are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor use, as they strike a balance between insulation, mobility, and versatility. They offer some protection against drafts and are suitable for colder temperatures without being too cumbersome. Most of the booties we’ve listed are mid-calf, but among our favorites were the  North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties and the Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel Sock.

Overall, when considering cuff length in a pair of down booties, think about how and where you’ll be using the shoes the most. If you’re buying down booties for use in milder climates or just to use around the house, a shorter cuff length would suit you just fine. If you live in a place that sees colder, wet winters, you’ll probably want to snag a pair that has more coverage if you’ll be out in the elements more frequently. 

Cuff Closure 

Along with cuff lengths, down booties use various mechanisms to provide your feet and ankles with protection from debris, cold breezes, snow, and other intrusive elements. These cuff closures tend to be elastic bands or adjustable drawstrings. 

Drawstring Closures

Several of the down booties listed in this guide utilize a drawstring and toggle closure. Essentially, an elastic cord is threaded through the cuff and can be tightened or loosened by adjusting the toggle lock. Drawstring closures are adjustable, allowing the user to customize their fit according to preference. This drawstring closure is most commonly found in mid-calf styles like the Baffin CUSH Booties.

Elastic Closures

Some down booties are designed with an elastic cuff closure that fits snugly around the ankle or lower leg. The elasticity stretches and conforms to the wearer’s leg. Thus, it provides a secure closure without any added bulk from toggles or strings. Elastic cuffs are simple and can be comfortable if the fit is just right. However, if they are too loose or tight, you are limited in adjustability.

If you can’t decide between an elastic or drawstring closure, consider how you’ll use your down booties. And, ask how much added security you prefer. If you are looking for something to wear casually or just around camp, an elastic band closure will work. But if you’re going to be using your down booties while trudging through snow, a drawstring closure will be best. 

Convertible Heel  

Because so many down booties are designed to be thrown on in a jiff — especially after ripping off a pair of ski boots or switching out of some hiking shoes — some designs come in convertible fashions that offer a 2-in-1 style. These pairs can switch from a shoe to a slipper by folding the soft heel piece down. This functionality is perfect for folks needing some versatility or needing to quickly enter and exit their shoes.

We’ve tried a few slipper-down bootie hybrids, and we were fans of the Teva ReEMBER and the Xero Shoes Pagosa Fireside for their easy conversion.

Packability

If you are planning on taking your down booties on excursions, road trips, or in your suitcase across the world, you will definitely want to consider the shoe’s packability. A down bootie’s ability to compress in a backpack or duffel depends mostly on its materials and insulation type. 

Down booties made with a natural down instead of synthetic tend to be more compressible than the latter. However, synthetic insulation can be just as lightweight and packable if done correctly. Consider grabbing a stuff sack for your down booties so you can optimize the space in your luggage for other gear and clothing. This will also help protect your other items from any dirt or moisture that may be on the soles of your booties from all the adventuring.

When traveling with down booties, make sure to think about how its sole and traction affect the shoe’s ability to fit inconspicuously in your bag. Down booties with a thicker sole and added traction will be harder to compress than those without.

If you are looking for down booties that are packable and ready for any adventure, several of these pairs are efficiently compressible and lightweight, including the  Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers.

Weight

Along with packability, weight should be taken into consideration before purchasing a pair of down booties. Most down booties are naturally agile, as they are constructed with materials that tend to be almost weightless. Our options in this guide range from as little as 57 grams up to 539 grams.

Ultimately, the deciding factor of a down bootie’s weight is its materials. Down insulation, both synthetic and natural, tends to be pretty lightweight when it’s dry. In terms of exterior fabrics, the nylon and polyester materials these down booties are constructed from are also conveniently lightweight.

What we found added weight to these various down booties was the use of tractioned soles. For example, the North Face Thermoball Traction Booties have a thick rubber sole with added tread, causing them to weigh in at 17 ounces. They still aren’t any heavier than a regular pair of boots, but would still be pretty noticeable in your backpack on the skin track to the hut. However, with this added weight comes an added element of durability and mileage. 

The down booties without added or thick soles are the lightest on our list. If you are looking for the lightest down booty option that will be hardly noticeable in your pack, the GooseFeet Gear Down Socks are the way to go. 

Most of the down booties on this list are around the same weight and should feel light in your pack, so don’t let this aspect concern you too much in your buying process. 

Here are the weights of all of our choice down booties broken down into lighter, moderate, and heavier weight categories: 

Lightweight (Less than 7 oz.)

Mid-weight (7-12 oz.)

Heavyweight (Over 12 oz.)

Overall, when choosing a down bootie relative to its weight, consider the tread, materials, and packability. Down socks without added tread will always be significantly lighter, whereas down booties with larger soles and greater durability will be heavier. 

Sustainability 

If you care about the planet and where your products come from, then it is important to know how sustainably sourced your down booties are. 

When thinking about sustainability in down booties, it is important to consider their down sourcing, manufacturing processes, and use of environmentally friendly materials. 

Many down booties in this guide incorporate recycled materials in their construction. This can include using recycled fabrics for the outer shell or utilizing recycled down insulation. Choosing booties made from recycled materials helps reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Additionally, you can opt for booties that use eco-friendly dyes and coatings in their production to prevent any harm to the environment.

Responsibly Sourced Down & Traceability

While natural down made from bird feathers is a powerful insulation material, it is easy for abuse to occur in the supply chain. Many outdoor companies are making efforts to source down ethically and provide transparency to consumers. 

If you are interested in learning where and how the down in your booties is sourced, you can! With the Allied Feather & Down’s TrackMyDown program, it is easy to see where the down in your booties came from. 

Winner of a 2019 ISPO Gold Award, the TrackMyDown program provides detailed information on the source of your bootie’s down feathers, including the country of origin, the supplier, and the farms where the birds were raised. Customers can also view information on the quality of their down, including the fill power and the cleanliness of the material. Simply type in your lot number (found on your down bootie’s hang tag) and press enter. 

Without providing such tools for transparency, abuse can become part of the supply chain.

Finding Your Size

Unlike shoes, down bootie sizes tend to fall on a scale, usually between XS and XL. A letter size will then coordinate with certain U.S./U.K. men’s shoe sizes. Most booties are measured in unisex or men’s sizes, but some will also have women’s shoe sizes listed. The sizing and fit will also vary between brands, so we recommend always double-checking before making a purchase.

Price & Value

The price of down booties will vary, but the cost is mainly determined by the type of insulation, level of down fill, and materials used. You can expect to pay somewhere between $60 and $100 for a high-quality, warm pair of booties. 

Budget

In this buyer’s guide, we have several different options for pricing. Our most budget-friendly options are the  Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers ($65), Rab Down Hut Slipper ($70) and the Baffin CUSH Booty ($60). These are very basic, packable, lightweight, and toasty slip-ons. These are made for indoor use and don’t offer foot protection against uneven terrain.

Mid-Tier

For our next price tier which includes down booties ranging from $85 to $110, we recommend The Xero Shoes Pagosa Fireside ($95) and  Stio Colter Mountain Slip ($89) to name a few. These booties have supportive midsoles, outsoles, traction underfoot, and mindful ankle closure systems or additions like anti-odor treatment.

Premium

Our higher price tier includes options that are around $150, and we’ve seen some booties reach up to $400. Some premium down booties are highly customizable and have a sliding scale of price depending on how you design your pair. Other have a specific use like the  Western Mountaineering Expedition Booties ($170), which are ideal for camping.

Whether you are ready to spend a lot or a little on a pair of down booties, just know that all of the booties listed here are high quality and toasty warm.

Frequently Asked Questions