I’ve been an unabashed fan of Vibram’s Arctic Grip soles since they debuted two years ago. A unique compound provides solid grip on wet ice, while other parts of the sole cling to drier snow and ice. It’s changed my view of walking along town’s snow-covered sidewalks from trepidatious to confident.

This winter, several new boots and shoes feature the sole, including Merrell’s Tremblant series, leather Insulated Comfort Mocs from L.L. Bean, and the Furoshiki Oslo wrap-around boot from Vibram itself.

One top pick: Ugg’s insulated Avalanche Neumel boot ($275) for men, which has a waterproof leather upper and wool lining—and, of course, that no-slip sole for safe strolling.