Whether shuffling from car to chairlift or slogging in the frozen woods, a good pair of boots is requisite footwear for surviving winter and fall. Here we outline the best winter boots for men.
To give you a jump start on the season, we’ve kicked the rubber on a lot of soles to find the best winter boots for men. Because winter varies so much around the country — from slush and mud to deep powder — we included a variety of boots from puddle-stomping to hell-freezing over.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, as well as our comparison chart. And if you have some questions, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions.
We’ve tested all the boots we could get our hands on and used them through rain, snow, mud, and sun on countless adventures around the world. And we’ve whittled it down to our favorites here. These are the boots we recommend to family and friends — the boots we get excited to wear all winter long.
The Best Winter Boots for Men of 2023
Best Overall Men’s Winter Boot: KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar Boot
Immediately out of the box, the Revel IV ($190) feels amazing. The padding is generous, and the volume is ample. The boots have extra volume over the top of the foot and in the toebox, which is critical for keeping the toes warm. This also makes it a good fit for a variety of foot widths.
Beefed up with waterproof, salt-resistant leather and rubber rands, the Revels resist wear and tear and ice-melting chemicals that can be hard on boots.
The boot rides over sharp-edged 5mm lugs that really bite into the crust. And like the Vibram’s Arctic Grip (used in Danner’s Mountain 600), KEEN has its own slip-reducing rubber pads. They give you noticeably better traction on slick, wet ice.
With so many good attributes, we awarded the Revel IV as our favorite boot this winter. It’s warm, comfortable, and secure around the foot.
Our only criticism is that we wish the Revel was a little stiffer, and hence more predictable and stable when hiking across pockmarked snow trails.
Still, the Revel IV is a very capable winter boot. It is offered in both an 8-inch version and a tall one. If you’re really stepping out into deep powder — like elk hunts in winter — we’d recommend investing in the high-collar boot. It’s also rated down to -40 degrees, which makes it a true polar boot.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 4 oz. (pair)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather and mesh
- Width: Slightly wider than standard
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Very warm
- Good value
Cons:
- Not quite supportive enough for hiking with exceptionally heavy loads
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Best Budget Winter Boot for Men: Quechua Snow Hiker
If you’ve traveled to Europe, you’re probably familiar with Quechua. The outdoor megastore is like our REI in the States. Hugely popular, Quechua only sells its own brand and is primarily appreciated for its budget-friendly pricing. It’s the go-to brand for first-time hikers dabbling with the sport or who don’t want to break the bank.
The rub? It wasn’t available in the States. Until now.
The Snow Hiker ($90) is the first product from Quechua available in the U.S. And at $90, it’s a very attractive price point for hikers looking to broaden their trail season.
These insulated boots provided out-of-the-box comfort, and they have all the essential features you want in a winter hiker. The ankles ride high on the sides, providing support and keeping hard snow from bashing the ankle bones. The cuff dips behind the Achilles for forward and backward mobility.
They’re both waterproof and breathable, and the insulation is comfortable down into the low digits. A solid toe bumper deflects sharps hidden under the white stuff. And we found the 5mm lugs insanely grippy on snow and sloppy trail.
Impressively, it does all this in a lightweight boot. Our demos weighed in just over 2 pounds — for the pair!
We found the Snow Hiker runs narrow, so you’ll want to size up or try before you buy. And we ideally want to see a D-ring up front to clip a gaiter.
At $90, there are going to be some compromises. But we’re happy to see this brand finally available in the States, and we expect it will match the growing outdoor interest shown in 2023.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 1 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Polyester and polyurethane
- Width: Slightly narrow
Pros:
- Affordable
- Minimal break-in time
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Lacks a D-ring for clipping on a gaiter
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Best Men’s Snow Boot: Baffin Control Max Heavy-Duty
If your winter starts in October and ends sometime before the summer solstice, then you’re looking for a workhorse that can lift the soles and spirits.
Baffin’s Control Max ($260) has a whopping bottom end, dipping all the way to -94 degrees F. We’re going to throw our hands up in mercy at that spec. We haven’t tested them to that level and, hopefully, you won’t have to either. But we have worn these for a few winters and have really come to appreciate the warmth-to-weight ratio of this deep winter boot.
The boot is methodically constructed around thermoregulation. Outside, a waterproof leather exterior is triple-stitched to the rubber rand. Inside, a series of heat-reflecting aluminum membranes, foams, and moisture reservoirs move moisture away from the foot and trap the heat.
Underfoot, a waffle-comb footbed traps additional heat in honeycomb-like air pockets. And the entire boot rides over an aggressively lugged “arctic rubber” that’s tacky on ice.
The boot laces shut with four pairs of giant D-rings. The fit can be a touch sloppy, so they’re not our first choice for hiking, where we want a precise fit. But the rings and laces are easy to manipulate with heavy gloves. All in all, the double boot construction does a wonderful job of trapping heat and insulating you from the cold ground.
If your activity level is high, you’ll want something more nimble. If you live in a milder climate, these will be overkill. Our coldest days in these boots were in the low double digits and they didn’t feel overly hot, but we reached for the Bogs on days in the 20s.
The profile is massive underfoot, but the 3.5-pound boot doesn’t collect crud and feels lighter than it looks. If you’re looking for the ultimate cold-winter snow boot, or a boot that works during long periods of inactivity in the cold, the Baffin Control Max will keep you warm and cozy through it all.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs., 7 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather upper with sealed seams
- Width: A bit wider than average
Pros:
- Ideal for very cold weather and deep snow
- Good grip on ice
- Durable
Cons:
- Bulky
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Best Men’s Winter Rain Boot: Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot (AWD)
While we love the classic look of the traditional duck boot, they come up short in several mandatory requirements. The sizing runs large, the traction is sloppy, the midsole lacks support, and they aren’t all that warm. Huckberry tackles all these issues and brings a better duck boot with its All-Weather Duckboot ($188).
Sure, the AWD could appropriately imply “All-Wheel Drive.” A modern take on the classic duck boot, Huckberry’s All-Weather Duckboot is capable of tackling light hikes, trips to the ski hill, and around-town errands in inclement weather. And it does it better than the duck boots of yesterday.
The full-grain leather upper is welted to the rubberized leather rand. It’s 100% waterproof (up to the gusseted tongue) and breathable. A light inner liner doesn’t sport any fancy insulation. But we found it keeps the feet warm and the padded ankle collar traps warm air inside the boot, covering a wide range of winter activities.
What steals the ride, though, is the plush EVA midsole. It’s soft and cushiony and feels like you’re wearing your favorite sneaker rather than a fat, clunky, winter boot. The midsole is bonded to a Vibram outsole. It won’t be quite stiff enough for workwear or long hikes, but for clomping around town it’s the ticket.
Rather than featuring overly aggressive traction (or barely any at all), the lugs are generously siped, allowing plenty of ports for underlying water to siphon out from under each step.
Clean styling and functional, the AWD is a refined interpretation of the classic duck boot, better in nearly every way.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs., 3 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Versatile Vibram outsole offers traction on a wide variety of surfaces
- Rubberized rand and toe caps improve waterproofing
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not quite stiff enough for use as a workboot or rugged hiker
Most Stylish Men’s Winter Boot: Allen Edmonds Park City Lace-Up Weatherproof Boot
Allen Edmonds was likely your grandfather’s favorite shoe. The U.S.-made quality has always been stellar, but the brand has fallen out of favor with younger buyers over the years. The brand has revitalized its look to appeal to a new generation of customers. One of our favorite formal winter boots for fall is the Park City boot ($475).
Made in the brand’s Wisconsin factory, the boots feature a waterproof membrane between the Horween leathers. The upper is stitched down to a soft, air-blown Vibram Gloxi outsole. It’s comfortable and has fantastic wet-surface traction.
Wearing more like a foul-weather Chukka, the boot doesn’t have a lot of ankle support and is slightly oversized to accommodate a thicker sock for insulation. (If you want a more secure fit, size down half a size.) This is entirely forgivable for an office boot.
In fact, our only gripe might be the braided gold laces borrowed from a traditional workbook. If you’re already in for $475, we’d recommend upgrading to a nicer lace. (Check out Pisgah Range’s assortment of handcrafted lace upgrades.)
Needless to say, $475 is a steep price. But if you’ve gotta suit up, the stylish Park City boots carry well from the office to the weekends.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs., 1 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Good wet surface traction
- High-quality materials
- Nice blend of style and utility
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not much ankle support
Best of the Rest
Blundstone 566 (Thermal)
Blundstone’s sleek silhouette has earned the Aussie Chelsea iconoclast status. The brand’s Thermal Boots have a touch of Thinsulate under the leather vamp that stretches their utility beyond the Australian outback.
The Blundstone 566 ($250) is deceivingly slim — so slim, in fact, that when we unboxed the boot, we weren’t sure we received the right model. But don’t let its svelte lines keep you inside.
The Thinsulate liner punches above its weight, is fully waterproof, and is warm enough to wear to work on frigid days. What seals the deal, though, is the fat shearling footbed that feels like you’re walking on plush carpeting. Two generous pull tabs and elastic stretch panels make it easy to pull the boot on and off.
The boot feels a little stiff, and the low cut won’t keep deep snow from funneling in. But for hikers looking to kick the classic styling well into the cooler months, the Thermals are a solid bet.
The fit is true, but keep in mind that Australian sizes run one full size smaller. (For example, a U.S. 10 is an Australian/U.K 9.)
Read our full review of the Blundstone 566 (Thermal).
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 2 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Durable
Cons:
- Requires a short break-in period
- Not ideal for technical hiking
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XTRATUF 6″ Deck Ankle Boot
We’ve worn our XTRATUF 6-Inch Deck ankle boots ($115) nearly year-round. They’re easy to slip into, and they have a little tab in the back that helps get them off the heels.
They don’t have a lot of support, so don’t expect to do heavy work in them. And the neoprene starts to lose its insulation value at around 40 degrees F. But we always keep our pair by the back door. They’re great for quick errands and running trash outback, and they’re just about perfect for gardening.
The highest accolades we could probably give them don’t actually come from us. It comes from my sprinkler guy. All he wears are low-cut rubber boots; he saw our boots and asked where we got them. He now lives in his 6-inch XTRATUF Deck Boots.
At the risk of likening these to Crocs, these boots are quickly becoming the hottest shoe for winter, and XTRATUF seems to be aware of it. You can choose from 10 colors to match your mood.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 11 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Rubberized neoprene
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Reliable waterproofing
- Good value
- Ideal for errands and wearing around the house
Cons:
- Not the warmest
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Bogs Bozeman Tall
When the mercury drops but winter chores pile up, it’s time for a full-on snow boot. Whether chopping wood or walking the dog, the neoprene Bogs Bozeman boots ($160) are rated to -72 degrees F and will keep your feet warm and dry through the sloppiest of conditions. The cushioned sole offers excellent rebound and makes for a comfortable all-day boot.
And one of the standout features is the weight, or lack thereof. Each boot weighs just over 2.5 pounds, and the seamless construction reduces extra materials, keeping these boots 30% lighter than comparable boots. They look burly and are built to last, but we were pleasantly surprised that they don’t feel cumbersome.
In use, our only issue was that folks with fairly wide feet just couldn’t get these boots to be comfortable. Hopefully, Bogs makes a wider last version in the future for our bigfoot friends.
Don’t need this much coverage? The Bozeman’s are also available in a mid version ($155).
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 9 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Rubberized synthetic material
- Width: Slightly narrow fit
Pros:
- Truly waterproof
- Lightweight
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons:
- Not ideal for folks with very wide feet
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Kamik Nation Plus
Kamik just can’t be beaten when it comes to budget boots, and the Nation Plus boots ($100) are a fan favorite. They’re waterproof, warm, and impressively durable for the price.
This is a fully waterproof lace-style leather boot bonded to a rubber sole. The removable liner traps heat using 200g 3M 200B Thinsulate and gives them a whopping rating of 40 below. We did find the rating plenty warm when hanging around town doing errands or stationary activities, like watching a winter carnival parade.
The Nation Plus soles have a lot of traction for a snow boot — much more than Sorel’s venerable Pac Boot. Paired with its flex and snug lacing system, we found the boot helps you navigate ice and deep snow more easily than Sorels, too.
These are big, burly snow boots. What you gain in warmth and height, you sacrifice in mobility and weight. For more active adventures, we recommend a winter hiking boot. If you are looking for a sturdy, cold-weather boot for occasional use, this one is a no-brainer.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs., 10 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Suede with sealed seams
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Reliable traction on ice and snow
- Warm and cozy removable liner
- Affordable
Cons:
- Heavy
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Crispi Briksdal GTX
The Crispi Briksdal GTX ($410) is a stiff model on a board last. It has a GORE-TEX insulated lining, and a protective rubber rand that guards toes against bashing rocks. Its heavy Nubuck leather upper provides durability against abrasive contact, and the Vibram sole will grab earth, rock, and snow for traction.
Yes, Crispi boots are expensive. But for those who do big miles off-trail in rough terrain in the winter, they’re worth the investment. Crispi is an Italian manufacturer that focuses on hunting boots. For those who haven’t chased elk through the mountains, know there’s nothing outside of full-on mountaineering that tests footwear like hunting.
And Crispis have proven themselves in the roughest terrain and cold weather. Meant for mountain exploration in winter, those who want a pair of boots that will stand up to cold, wet, off-trail terrain should start their search with these boots.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs., 10 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Nubuck leather
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Great for long hikes in rugged terrain
- Warm without excess bulk
- Stiff and supportive
Cons:
- Expensive
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Danner Recurve 400G
The Danner Recurve 400G ($250) is a wonderfully versatile winter boot. It hits a great compromise of lightweight and durability with a fairly soft, flexible sole. While Danner designed this as a hunting boot, the Recurve can handle winter mountain hiking and shoulder season trails with aplomb.
One of our editors tested it while elk hunting in the Rocky Mountains. They held up great even after 48 miles of continuous hiking to haul out an elk — half of that with a 100-pound pack on his back. The 400 g Thinsulate insulation kept his feet warm in the mornings down to about 15 degrees F, while the Danner Dry membrane kept out water even when slogging through streams.
The Vibram outsole, while relatively soft and pliable, held up to steep climbs off trails. It’s worth noting that for super-steep terrain, the sole might be a tad on the soft side, especially if you plan to kick steps. But in rough conditions, it did suffice.
These weigh in at 48 ounces a pair. For an insulated, 7-inch boot that can withstand the rigors of elk hunting, that’s pretty light indeed.
Read our in-depth full review of the Danner Recurve 400G.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 14 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather and suede
- Width: Standard with a roomy toebox
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Fully capable on rough and rocky terrain
Cons:
- Requires a few wears to break in
Danner Mountain 600 Insulated
With handsome looks built from a rugged history, Danner has been making quality boots out of Portland, Oregon, for nearly 90 years now. We’ve been wearing the brand’s boots for about 30 of those years.
Danner recently fell back on its classic laurels, ushering in a new category, “performance heritage.” The Insulated Mountain 600 ($230) is a fully waterproof boot that has a classic mountain look that will appeal to a lot of buyers.
The Mountain carries over a lot of what we liked in the Danner Arctic: 200 g PrimaLoft insulation, a soft, felt liner, and Danner’s super-grippy Vibram slick-resistant rubber lugs. (The Arctic Grip pads on the sole feel like sandpaper to the touch.) Outside of full-on spikes or Yaktrax, these sticky lugs offer the best anti-slip traction on ice.
At just over a pound per boot, the pair feels really light on the feet. It’s way more agile than a traditional boot, and the lacing mechanism only adds to this sense of security. While the Mountain is capable of backpacking and hiking, the boot isn’t really a winter hiker. It’s shorter and more streamlined for streetwear. But it’s easy on the eyes and a great boot for hiking through any frozen urban landscape.
Danner’s Mountain 600 is insanely popular and is offered in more than 10 color schemes, in both suede or full-grain leather. For true winter warmth, we recommend opening the wallet and forking over the extra cash for the 200g PrimaLoft insulated version.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 3 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather and suede
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Nice looking
- Agile
Cons:
- Not the warmest but a highly insulated version is available
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Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus
Columbia has been kicking its Omni-Heat technology for over a decade now. Its patented insulation works by reflecting the wearer’s body heat back to the body.
This year, Columbia released an updated version of its venerable boot line with the Bugaboot Celsius Plus ($170), featuring the latest Omni-Heat Infinity technology. Columbia’s gold-standard 400 g insulation reflects upward of 40% greater than the former technology. The boot is protected with a rubberized Techlite shell, adding durability and weatherproofing.
On the underside, the Bugaboot rides over a generously siped outsole for better traction on slick, wet surfaces.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs., 3 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Grippy on wet surfaces
- Warm
- Good value
Cons:
- Shallow lugs aren’t ideal for snow and mud
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Stio Colter Boot
With the warm liner of slippers and the sleek style of Chelsea boots, Stio’s new Colter marks the brand’s first foray into footwear. We’ve been testing a pair of Colter Boots ($169) since spring 2022, and compliments have been rolling in at a steady clip.
We especially like the boot’s water-resistant leather upper, which beads moisture and keeps our feet dry in light rain. In our initial testing, the Colter’s outsole offers excellent grip on wet and icy surfaces.
This is the ideal footwear for après-ski. After you release your tootsies from their ski boot foot prisons, the Colters offer a welcome reprieve. The wool-blend lining is soft and offers warmth without restricting blood flow or movement.
The outsole tread is pretty shallow, so we don’t recommend riding through deep snow or mud in these boots. The rubber itself is quite sticky on wet pavement and smooth ice. Ultimately, we recommend this boot for casual everyday uses like walking the dog and running errands. Due to the sleek Chelsea-boot styling, the Colter is also a choice for drinks at the bar.
Specs:
- Weight: 2 lbs., 2 oz. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Water resistance suede upper lacks a waterproof membrane
- Upper material: Oiled suede
- Width: Standard yet roomy
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Warm
- Stylish
Cons:
- The shallow tread pattern isn’t ideal for snow and mud
Helly Hansen Garibaldi V3
This handsome boot combines elegant styling and rock-solid materials. Due to their faux fur lining and dressy appearance, most people will prefer to use these boots for urban use. Still, the outsole is fully capable on mild to moderate trails, and the Primaloft insulation is very warm. The Garibaldi V3 boots ($160) can be worn hard, even if they look like formal footwear.
We tested these boots in various mountain towns from the Canadian Rockies to southern Colorado. On icy city streets and muddy urban trails, our feet remained warm and dry. Plus never slipped and fell onto our butts – the tread pattern is confidence-inspiring on various surfaces.
A pair of men’s size 10s weighs three pounds even, which is reasonably light for an insulated ankle-high winter boot. The ankle support is great, but the mid-and-outsoles are quite soft and flexible.
We recommend the Garibaldi V3 for everyday urban use, post-ski comfort, and casual hikes on low-angle trails.
Specs:
- Weight: 3 lbs. (pair, men’s size 10)
- Waterproof: Yes, seamed seals and rubberized toe-to-heel rand
- Upper material: Leather
- Width: Standard
Pros:
- Sleek dressy appearance
- Warm
- Grippy outsole
Cons:
- Faux fur lining takes a long time to dry
- Fairly soft mid and outsole
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Winter Boot for Men Comparison Table
| Boot | Price | Weight | Waterproof | Upper Material |
| KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar Boot | $190 | 2 lbs., 4 oz. | Yes, integrated KEEN DRY membrane | Leather and mesh |
| Quecha Snow Hiker | $90 | 2 lbs., 1 oz. | Yes, integrated membrane | Polyester and polyurethane |
| Baffin Control Heavy-Duty | $260 | 3 lbs., 7 oz. | Yes, integrated membrane and sealed seams | Leather |
| Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot | $188 | 3 lbs., 3 oz. | Yes, leather with rubberized rand and toecap | Leather |
| Allen Edmonds Park City Lace-Up | $475 | 3 lbs., 1 oz. | Yes, leather upper with integrated membrane | Leather |
| Blundstone 566 (Thermal) | $250 | 2 lbs., 2 oz. | Yes– not ideal for pouring rain or deep puddles, but resistant to light moisture | Leather |
| XTRATUF 6″ Deck Ankle Boot | $115 | 2 lbs., 11 oz. | Yes, keeps all moisture out | Rubberized neoprene |
| Bogs Bozeman Trail | $160 | 2 lbs., 9 oz. | Yes, rubber shell | Rubber coating |
| Kamik Nation Plus | $100 | 3 lbs., 10 oz. | Yes, rubber shell and sealed seams | Suede |
| Crispi Briksdal GTX | $410 | 3 lbs., 10 oz. | Yes, GORE-TEX membrane | Nubuck leather |
| Danner Recurve 400G | $240 | 2 lbs., 14 oz. | Yes, Danner Dry membrane | Leather and suede |
| Danner Mountain 600 Insulated | $180 | 2 lbs., 3 oz. | Yes, Danner Dry membrane | Leather and suede |
| Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus | $170 | 3 lbs., 3 oz. | Yes, integrated OutDry membrane | Leather |
| Stio Colter Boot | $169 | 2 lbs., 2 oz. | Oiled suede upper is water resistant in light rain | Oiled suede |
| Helly Hansen Garibaldi V3 | $160 | 3 lbs. | Yes, leather upper with sealed seams and rubberized rand | Leather |
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team is stuffed with skiers, hunters, climbers, thru-hikers, and cyclists, and our activity doesn’t stop when winter rolls around. Every year, we field-test dozens of winter-ready boots on the market and compare notes to determine our favorites. We’ve tested boots while trudging through the snow with heavy packs and pursuing elk through frozen mud.
When we test a boot for cold weather performance, we pay extra attention to warmth, ice and snow traction, and durability. Our waterproofing testing involves exposure to rain, snow, puddles, mud, and other elements that you’re likely to encounter between October and May.
Our recommendations are not fixed in time. As new winter boots hit the market, we’ll be waiting to put them to the test. If they’re exceptional, we’ll be sure to add them to this list.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Boots for Men
Winter boots come in all sorts of shapes and styles. As our list of recommendations demonstrates, the winter boot market contains everything from extreme weather work boots to stylish formal footwear. With so many options, it can feel daunting to sift through the pile and select the perfect pair.
When choosing the best boots for you, it’s important to understand some of the key factors that differentiate one pair from the next. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we thoroughly explain each of these factors to help you make a confident and informed choice.
This list doesn’t cover every boot out there, but it’s quite comprehensive. We have a separate article if you’re looking for the best winter boots for women.
Temperature Ratings
Any winter footwear worth its weight will offer plentiful warmth. Many winter boots come with a specific temperature rating. While these ratings can be helpful guidelines, the actual feel of a pair of boots will always be a better indicator of warmth than a manufacturer’s rating.
Often, boots claim to have very impressive temperature ratings well below zero. Because there is no standardized test for boot temperature ratings, always take these numbers with a grain of salt. The warmth of a boot comes from various factors, including sock thickness, activity level, personal cold tolerance, and much more.
A winter boot rated to -10 degrees F will likely feel warmer than a boot rated to zero made by the same manufacturer. Using temperature ratings to compare boots from different manufacturers is a less reliable practice. We certainly recommend trying boots on to get a real impression of their warmth and comfort.
Insulation Type
Winter boots utilize a variety of different insulation types to achieve the desired combination of warmth and comfort. The most common types of insulation are synthetic, felt, and sheepskin.
Synthetic
Most modern winter boots are equipped with synthetic insulation. Between the outer shell and the inner lining of the boot, synthetic materials provide lightweight and durable warmth. Perhaps the most important benefit of synthetic material is that it can insulate even when wet.
Popular name-brand synthetic insulation options include Thinsulate and PrimaLoft, though many other quality options are available. No matter the name brand, the total weight of synthetic insulation will always be a better indicator of warmth than the name brand.
Many manufacturers include the insulation weight in their boot specifications. Lightweight to midweight boots will usually have a fill rating of 200-400 g. If you are seeking heavy-duty boots for extreme cold, look for a fill rating of at least 300 g.
Felt and Sheepskin
Felt and sheepskin are materials that have long been used to insulate winter footwear. While synthetic insulation is by far the current norm, some manufacturers opt for classic and traditional materials.
The downside of felt and sheepskin insulation is they tend to be heavy and bulky. Still, these materials can be warm and comfortable. Usually, felt and sheepskin is utilized in a boot’s lining where they can be in direct contact with the foot. While these materials provide warmth even when wet, they may become extra heavy when saturated and require lots of time to dry.
Weight
As you might expect, heavier boots are usually built for the worst conditions, while lightweight winter boots are better for moderate temperatures and less demanding uses. As the thickness of the outsoles and the fill rating of insulation increases, the overall weight goes up. Lightweight winter boots are great for active use, but they often sacrifice some stability, grip, and warmth.
Boot Height
Almost all winter boots are ankle-high or higher. Boot height is a major factor that determines the intended function of the boot.
On the low end of the boot height spectrum are lightweight hiking-style boots such as the Quechua Snow Hiker. Lower-cut boots typically measure around 7 inches from the footbed to the top of the boot. Lower-cut boots are ideal for hiking, as they tend to be relatively light and flexible.
The downside of lower-cut boots is they allow snow to seep in, especially when post-holing through a deep snowpack. If you find yourself in bottomless snow with a pair of ankle-high boots, a pair of gaiters may offer a simple solution.
If you plan to use your boots in regions with lots of snow accumulation, you’ll probably want to pick boots at least 8 inches tall. Work boots and boots for extreme weather are designed to sit higher on the leg, keeping the elements out and the warmth in. On this list, the Baffin Control Max is a high-cut and extremely warm boot ideal for the coldest, snowiest conditions.
Waterproofing
Nothing beats a reliable pair of boots that keep your feet warm and dry no matter how bad the weather gets. Waterproofing is the difference between blissful comfort and soggy misery.
Waterproofing is ultimately a product of the materials incorporated into a boot’s design. Features such as rubber outer layers and an exterior water-resistant treatment are standards of the most waterproof boots.
All of the boots we’ve selected are designed to keep water out as much as possible. Some of the more robust included models feature a two-piece system that includes an outer waterproof barrier and an inner removable liner. On this list, the Kamik Nation Plus is a great and affordable two-piece boot that successfully keeps moisture out.
One-piece boots typically feature a waterproof membrane sandwiched in between the outer material and the lining. While one-piece boots usually don’t have the failproof waterproofing of many two-piece styles, they tend to be lighter and more flexible.
On this list, the KEEN Revel IV is a burly one-piece boot that refuses to let the weather in. Plus, it comes in two different heights.
Breathability
The downside of built-in insulation and waterproof membranes is decreased breathability. While boots that trap heat are certainly desirable, overheating can be a real concern, even in extremely cold weather. For this reason, a reasonable degree of breathability is an asset in winter boots.
Generally, lightweight hiking-style winter boots are more breathable than gravy-duty work boots or two-piece models that thrive in extreme cold. While hiking or performing other strenuous activities, breathability can help to prevent sweating and blisters.
Ultimately, breathability is a trade-off. Winter boots simply cannot be completely waterproof and extreme weather-ready and fully breathable at the same time.
If you’re simply looking for top-notch warmth or waterproofing, breathability doesn’t need to be a major consideration when selecting boots. If you plan to wear your boots for active use in a wide range of conditions, be sure to select a breathable pair.
Outer Material
A winter boot’s exterior material will significantly affect its waterproofing, breathability, and weight. Rubber and leather are the most common outer materials.
Rubber
The waterproof qualities of rubber boots are unbeatable. For decades, brands such as Muck Boot and XTRATUF have been well-regarded for their nearly impenetrable rubber boots. In constantly wet and rainy regions such as the Pacific Northwest, rubber boots are a rightfully popular choice.
The downside of rubber as an outer material is its lack of breathability. In the same way that rubber boots successfully keep moisture out, they also keep moisture in. For long hikes and active use, rubber is not the ideal outer material.
Leather
Leather boots have been a popular winter footwear choice for hundreds of years. While leather does not provide the impenetrable qualities of rubber, it is a supple, durable, and relatively water-resistant material.
Compared to rubber boots, leather models tend to breathe slightly better. If you plan to wear your boots in a wide range of weather conditions, leather boots are an excellent and versatile choice.
Outsoles and Grip
The outsole is the part of a boot that makes direct contact with the ground underneath. Good grip is essential to a winter boot’s value and performance.
True winter boots come with outsoles designed to provide reliable grip in cold and snowy conditions. To account for subfreezing temps, many winter boot outsoles feature soft rubber compounds that don’t overly harden in the cold. Additionally, thoughtfully designed tread patterns can prevent snow and mud from building up.
Outsole compounds and tread patterns vary wildly across the winter boot market. Generally, models geared toward hiking will have a deep tread and superior grip. Work boots typically come with heavy, bulky outsoles that prioritize durability above grip.
In severe conditions, you may want more winter traction than your boots can offer on their own. No matter how deep and sticky your tread is, chances are it won’t help on solid sheets of ice.
Traction devices such as Yaktraxband and MICROspikes can be fixed onto the bottom of winter boots for improved grip on ice and hardpack. These devices have metal components designed to dig into ice and improve traction — just like tire chains on a car.
Fit and Sizing
Properly sizing winter boots can be a tricky process. Unlike with most footwear, you’ll likely wear extra thick socks with your winter boots, and it’s important to consider this when picking a size.
Ideally, your winter boots will be comfortable and free of major air pockets and hot spots. Of course, the best fit for you depends on the type of activity you’re using the boots for.
If you’ll be hiking or working on your feet, we recommend a snug fit for maximum performance. If you plan to use your boots for hanging out casually or simply wearing about town, a looser, comfort-first fit is the way to go.
As always, there’s no substitute for trying on shoes, and we highly recommend you do so if possible.
FAQ
Do You Need a Waterproof Boot?
What makes a boot winter-worthy is weather protection. Insulation and waterproofness keep the feet warm and dry. So consider waterproofness a requirement, not a nice-to-have.
Ask yourself if you’ll frequently be in rainy, or wet conditions or if slushy snow is a common occurrence. If so, prioritize waterproofness. Just be aware that it often comes at the cost of breathability and excessive heat retention.
Does Tread Matter?
These days, shoe sole technology is a science all its own and can truly make or break the shoe. If you find yourself walking and hiking in icy conditions, pay special attention to the tread grip and look for one designed for ice.
Vibram makes an arctic-grip lug that has a tackiness on slick, icy surfaces. It’s not as grippy as microspikes, but it adds extra confidence when walking on ice.
What’s Up With Liners?
Many boots have replaced the liner with insulation directly in the boot. The benefit of the liner is you can remove it and set it out to dry between uses. The downside is that liners can sometimes cause extra movement and friction, which can lead to blisters and discomfort.
Which Boot Height Is Best?
The main considerations with height are ankle articulation, keeping snow out, and comfort. If you regularly get out in deep snow and want a lot of support, choose a taller boot.
Be aware that taller boots can have different diameters. If you have larger calf muscles, you may need to try a few pairs on to see if they fit your legs.
