The Best Down Booties of 2023-2024 – GWC Mag

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 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.

Leading the testing squad for down booties is GearJunkie contributor Meghan LaHatte. Having lived in one of the coldest regions of Colorado for the past five 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 on deep powder days. She can assure you that all of these down booties were put to the truest test in varying climates and elements.

Throughout our field tests and personal experience, we determined the best down booties and socks based on a variety of metrics including insulation value, warmth, durability, comfort, support, fit, cuff height, adjustability, traction, and quality.

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

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Down Booties

Down Booties versus Down Socks

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 in order to insulate your whole foot.

Down socks are also fully insulated but may or may not have a sole and usually don’t have snaps, closures, or other features. They’re purely for providing warmth. Down socks also tend to be made of lighter, lower-denier fabrics, as they’re used more inside sleeping bags rather than walking around a house or cabin.

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 with a thicker sole and 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?

Do you want a taller-height bootie or more of a slipper style? This last one is preference. Down booties can be worn with or without socks, but we suggest a thinner and breathable sock if you go with. The booties themselves are 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. With so many different types of booties on the market, it can be hard to differentiate between what styles are meant to be worn inside, out, in a sleeping bag, as socks, etc. It really all boils down to what kind of materials the down booties are made of, and their intended use. 

To help guide your process in finding that perfect bootie type for you, we’ve outlined the various materials and their purposes below. 

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 synthetic material made to be tear and water resistant. It is typically lightweight, and breathable depending on the stitching. Nylon is used because it is versatile and can help the down booties maintain their best insulation abilities, thus keeping your feet toasty warm. The Baffin CUSH Booty utilizes a reinforced Nylon, making it both durable and water resistant. 

You will also see down booties designed with a quilted upper, like the Teva ReEMBER. 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 that lack tread should be worn indoors like 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. Our choice for the best tread-less option? The Montane Icarus Hut Boot Style Slippers perform super well for indoor use. 

Some down booties are built for exploring, like the North Face Thermoball Traction 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 probably wouldn’t be ideal 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 works to insulate through the clumps of 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 the exposure to water causing 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 Western Mountaineering Standard Down Booties were some 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 Trax Booties. Made with 85% recycled materials, 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 insulative abilities.

Waterproofness Versus 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 and 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. 

Cuff Height

A down bootie’s cuff height refers to the height or length of the upper portion of the booties that covers 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. 

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 Down Hut Slipper.

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 some of our favorites were the Outdoor Research Tundra Trax Booties — Men’s & Women’s.

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 more mild 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. Most commonly this drawstring closure is found in mid-calf styles like the Baffin CUSH Booties, but the above-the-ankle Big Agnes Full Moon Camp Booties utilize this engineering as well. 

Elastic Closures

Some down booties are designed with an elastic cuff closure that fits snug around the ankle or lower leg. The elasticity stretches and conforms to the wearer’s leg, thus providing 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. Our choice for a down bootie with an elastic closure? The Montane Icarus Hut Boot Style Slippers.

If you can’t decide between an elastic or drawstring closure, consider how you’ll use your down booties and how much added security you prefer. If you are looking for something to wear casually or just around camp, you’d probably be satisfied with an elastic band closure. But if you’re going to be using your down booties while trudging through snow or exclusively outside, the added adjustability from a drawstring closure will be your best bet. 

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 affects 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, the Rab Hot Socks are efficiently compressible and lightweight. 

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 2 oz. up to 17 oz.

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 were the uses of tractioned soles. For example, the North Face Thermoball Traction Booties have a thick rubber sole with added tread, causing these booties to come in at 17 oz. 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 or The North Face Summit Series Sleeping Socks are the way to go. 

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

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, 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.

Our choice for sustainably made down booties are the Montane Icarus Hut Boot Style Slippers which are manufactured with 100% recycled materials. 

Responsibly Sourced Down and 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. Synthetic booties are a good choice if you are looking for vegan options, but if you still want natural down booties the North Face Summit Series Sleeping Socks are a top sustainable choice. 

Finding Your Size

Unlike shoes, down bootie sizes tend to fall on a scale, usually between XS-XL. A letter size will then coordinate to certain U.S./U.K. men’s shoe sizes. Most booties are measured in unisex or men’s sizes, but some will 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

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 $70 and $100 for a high-quality, warm pair of booties. 

In this buyer’s guide we have several different options for pricing. Our most budget friendly options are the Rab Down Hut Slipper ($65) and the Baffin CUSH Booty ($60). Other decently priced down booties on this cost tier include Rab Hot Socks ($65), The North Face Thermoball Traction Booties ($69), and Montane Icarus Hut Boot Style Slippers ($69). 

For our next price tier which includes down booties ranging from $70 to $90, we recommend Sierra Designs Down Booties ($70), Big Agnes Full Moon Camp Booties ($70), Western Mountaineering Flash Down Booties ($77), Teva ReEMBER ($80), and Outdoor Research Tundra Trax Booties ($89).

Some down booties are highly customizable and have a sliding scale of price depending on how you design your pair. For example, GooseFeet Gear Down Socks start at $69 and can go up to $97. Of course this all rides upon your preferences for down, fill, colors, materials, and other add-ons. 

Our higher price tier includes options that are around 100 bucks and up to 400. The less expensive of these down booties are the Western Mountaineering Standard Down Booties ($105). At our highest price point are The North Face Summit Series Sleeping Socks ($400). 

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.

FAQ

Down booties are a type of footwear. To put it simply, their whole job is to provide insulating warmth during the winter months. Just like a down jacket would keep your core warm or puffy pants would keep your legs warm, down booties keep your feet warm.

You’ll commonly see them worn in places like winter huts, inside four-season tents, or on trips for ski mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing and touring, winter camping, and more.

After a lot of wear, your down booties may need to be washed. You can do so by spot cleaning, soaking, or machine washing on a gentle setting. Make sure to use a down-friendly or delicate detergent to keep your booties in their best shape.

To dry, you’ll want to make sure you use a low-heat or no-heat setting and add wool balls to the dryer basin in order to help break up clumps of wet down. We also like to set them out in a sunny place for a few hours to ensure they are fully dry before packing them back up into a stuff sack or storage.

After they are dry, give them a few shakes to fluff them back to their original loftiness. Properly washing and caring for your down booties will help increase their longevity and keep your feet warm on all your upcoming adventures.

Many down booties are designed with a certain degree of water-resistance and soles made for use in harsher elements like snow, ice and puddles. However, some are made to be worn strictly inside or just lightly outdoors. Check to see if your down booties are made with hydrophobic fabrics or finishes before you make snow angels on those wet winter days. 

Before you wear your down booties out in the snow, also make sure they have tractioned soles that are thick enough to keep your feet insulated while you are walking. It is also important to pay attention to the cuff closures on your down booties. If they fit snugly around your legs and ankles to prevent any moisture or snow from entering your shoes, you should be good to go!

Wearing socks with your down booties is totally up to personal preference. Due to their insulation and moisture wicking properties, down booties typically don’t need to be paired with socks. However, if you think it would be more comfortable, we recommend wearing a thinner sock made of wool or breathable synthetic fabrics.

As always, avoid wearing cotton socks with your down booties. They will absorb any sweat or moisture without the ability to dry.

Yes! Many of the down booties listed in this guide were designed to be worn in a sleeping bag. If you tend to get chilly feet while camping, down booties are a comfy solution without taking up too much space or stopping you from getting a good night’s rest in your tent, car, or cabin.
Down booties that are easily paired with a sleeping bag are typically called down “socks.” They typically have no stiff sole or rubber tread so that your feet can move freely without feeling too cumbersome in your sleeping bag. Our picks for these down socks include the GooseFeet Gear Down Socks, Rab Hot Socks, and The North Face Summit Series Sleeping Socks.

Because of their lightweight materials and typical construction of down insulation, down booties are highly packable. This makes them ideal for stashing in your backpack before you hit the trail, skin track, or hop on a plane. Since they are smaller in size, we recommend just sliding them into an open spot in your luggage. However, if you really want to optimize the space in your bag, try putting them in a stuff sack and then compressing out all of the air. This will keep your booties protected, and make them easier to find when you’re ready to transition out of the ski boots. 

Keep in mind that down booties with added soles or tread will be harder to pack. So if you’re planning on strictly using your down booties in the hut or tent, we recommend purchasing a pair that does not have these weighted construction elements.