A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Jun. 14, 2023
Whether you're heading out into a snowstorm or simply going to the office, we’ve got the best warm boots for every activity, style, and budget.
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A sturdy pair of boots is a winter essential. Not only can they keep your feet warm and cozy, but they can also give you a tactical advantage that makes even the snowiest, chilliest days feel like a walk in the park. When looking for new men’s boots for the winter, there are a few things to consider—namely, shaft height, warmth, traction, weight, and whether or not the shoe is waterproof. Determining the “best” winter boots for men depends on how you plan to use them. If you need a boot for deep snow, you’ll want to choose a waterproof pair with a high shaft and good traction. Conversely, if you’re looking for a boot to complement your office attire, you can forego those features and choose a pair that’s more stylish and streamlined. Whatever you need, the picks on this list are as comfy as the best walking shoes or even the most highly rated slippers.
We scoured online customer reviews to find the season’s best boots—no matter what you need them for. Each of the options on this list has an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon, as well as more than 500 reviews. Non-Amazon boots come highly recommended from a range of sources, and several have reached icon status due to their classic styles, craftsmanship, and durability. Now all you need is a pair of warm socks—including the best wool socks for those really cold days—and you’ll be ready to go!
Pros:
Behold, one of the highest-rated winter boots for men on Amazon. Muck Boot’s shoe gets an almost perfect 4.8-star average score from more than 1,000 shoppers. This rubber boot features a sturdy 1.25-inch heel, 0.75-inch platform, and a soft fleece lining, and reviewers applaud its warmth and waterproofing. “I have bought so many different pairs of boots trying to find the right balance of waterproof plus comfort plus ease of getting on and off plus total height,” writes verified amazon reviewer Curtis Knight, adding that the Muck Boot hits every mark. “I will never buy another type of boot again. EVER.” If you’re looking for the best winter boots for women, we’ve got plenty of ideas in that category, too.
Pros:
A quality winter boot for men that’s under $60? You got it. Nortiv’s vegan boots are fully waterproof and provide enough traction to keep you grounded in both snowy and icy conditions. With 200 grams of insulation, they will keep your feet warm to around -25 degrees Fahrenheit as long as you’re staying active. Reviewers agree they’re a steal. “These are some of the best boots I have ever worn,” writes one happy customer. “The price does not compare to the quality.” Here are more Amazon best sellers you absolutely need in your life.
Pros:
If you’re looking to sink some cash into your next pair of boots, Red Wing’s Iron Ranger Cap Toe Boot is the way to go. Worn by U.S. soldiers during World War I, the Red Wing brand is recognized around the world for its craftsmanship, durability, and comfortability. The Iron Range Cap Toe Boot—which was developed for iron miners in the 1930s—features a tough leather upper, leather lining, and non-slip rubber sole. The shoes are crafted using a Goodyear welt, so you can re-sole them for a lifetime of wear. (One reviewer even notes that he bought a pair at 15 and still owns them 57 years later!) Plus, they’re stylish enough to wear to the office or out for drinks with friends.
Pros:
Warm winter boots for men are occasionally heavy, bulky, and cumbersome. However, they don’t have to be that way. This Timberland boot allows for a full range of motion at the ankle and fits more like a sneaker than a snow boot. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable, and ideal for any cold-weather hike or slushy commute. It’s no wonder these Timberlands received a 4.5-star average rating from more than 37,000 reviewers on Amazon. Several have commented on the shoe’s durability. “It’s been over a year and I probably have another year left on my first pair of Timberlands,” says verified Amazon reviewer Ronald N., who notes that he works in wet and muddy conditions every day. “If I had started off with Timberlands, I most definitely would have saved hundreds of dollars over the past 20 years.” FYI, here’s how to make your shoes last longer, in general.
Pros:
This sneaker-boot style from Forsake is another lightweight option. It features waterproof leather on the outside and breathable, quick-drying mesh on the inside. And the outsole is up for anything you are—from a hike on the trail to a walk through the neighborhood. Reviewers say these casual boots are truly the best of both worlds: part sneaker and part tactical shoe. “They are super comfy for some light winter walking around town and also kept my feet dry during a late-night snowshoe in some deeper snow,” writes one customer, noting that his Phil Mids lasted more than three years.
Pros:
Whether you’re trekking through deep snow (or simply want to keep your legs warm), sometimes you need a tall winter boot. These waterproof boots from Nortiv fit the bill. They have 200 grams of insulation, a protective toe cap, a reflective patch for safety, a non-slip outsole, a drawstring, and an ankle hook and loop. Needless to say, they’re up for anything—and have an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon to prove it. “I’ve worn these boots out in near-zero weather for extended periods and my feet stay comfy warm,” writes Amazon reviewer Neal Roll. “Bottom line: Great boots!” How should you store your boots? Check out these smart shoe storage ideas to maximize your space and keep your boots in tip-top shape.
Pros:
No one does rain boots better than Hunter. These iconic wellies have a tall shaft, as well as rubber soles and rubber exteriors to keep the wetness out. Our favorite feature? A cushioned footbed that makes the somewhat clunky silhouette as comfortable as possible. Wear these shoes on a rainy day or through muddy or wet conditions, and in winter, pair them with warm socks, even if you’re just throwing them on with your pajamas to walk the dog. “I like my boots a lot and can’t wait for the winter so I can jump in puddles,” writes one five-star reviewer.
Pros:
These boots take insulation to the next level. While winter boots for men typically have around 200g of insulation, these have 1000g. However, that insulation isn’t overly bulky, thanks to an aluminum-based material called LiteFire that reflects body heat to create warmth without weight. The waterproof boots have a 10-inch shaft, a heel guard, and a safety toe that protects against contact with electrical circuits under 18,000 volts. It’s got everything you could need in a work boot—plus an average 4.5-star rating from more than 1,000 reviewers. Don’t forget to get a pair of heated gloves to keep your hands warm, too.
Pros:
One of the first things you probably think of when you think about winter boots is fur. Natural fur can have many benefits, including warmth and moisture-wicking qualities. However, more manufacturers are turning to faux fur these days for ethical reasons and technical advantages—and these Columbia snow boots are proof that it’s just as good. They’re made of waterproof leather and feature a faux-fur-lined collar and tongue to keep water and snow from seeping into the boot. Reviewers rave about their excellent traction in snow and ice, as well as their streamlined shape that’s less bulky than other snow boots.
Pros:
There’s one winter boot brand that’s practically synonymous with snow: Sorel. The Caribou Snow Boot has a 10.75-inch shaft and lace-up design to keep snow out. It’s also waterproof and has a faux-fur cuff and a stylish silhouette. Our favorite feature is the removable felt inner that’s machine washable so you never have to tolerate that wet-boot smell. The shoe has more than 800 five-star ratings, with reviewers touting its warm liner, traction, and durability. “If you had silk socks and then covered them with wool socks, your feet would stay toasty in sub-zero weather for a good while in these boots,” notes verified Amazon reviewer Paul Fucich. Here are the best snow boots for women if you’re looking for a pair of those, too.
Pros:
If you’re heading into the wilderness, you’re going to need a boot that’s flexible, waterproof, and slip-proof. That’s where this Salomon shoe comes in. The boot delivers on all the above characteristics—plus, it features “descent control technology” for easier walks downhill. (Essentially, this means extra traction even in slippery or wet conditions.) Its review section is populated by dozens of repeat customers who are impressed by the boot’s lightweight, minimal break-in period, and durability. Plus: Check out the best hiking boots for women, too.
Pros:
The best winter boots for men aren’t always tactical. Sometimes, they’re just the shoes that look the sharpest with your cold-weather outfit. Enter: Thursday Boot Company’s lace-up boot. This stylish shoe features a six-inch shaft that will look great with every pair of office slacks, as well as a shiny leather that gives them a refined appeal. Wear them as an alternative to dress shoes on chilly days. Or, wear them on more rugged terrains. “I plan to wear these boots year-round while hiking in the mountains, valleys, riverbanks, and doing yard work around the house,” says one reviewer.
Pros:
Don’t want to let the cold in? Don’t worry—Baffin’s best snow boot for men allows you to withstand temperatures as chilly as -94 degrees Fahrenheit. The waterproof shoe has three inner layers for maximum insulation, including an aluminum membrane for heat regulation and a waffle-comb footbed to trap warm air. Its base is just as technical: The boot is snowshoe compatible and is designed to grip the ice. “I stood in the cold for 30 min at -10 degrees Fahrenheit and I could feel the temps in my toes after 20 minutes,” writes one reviewer. Sounds pretty good if you ask us!
Pros:
One of the most important features of an everyday boot is easy maneuverability. Rockport’s Elkhart is just that shoe. The leather boot features a non-slip rubber sole that will stand up to the elements, and a padded collar and foam-like midsole for maximum comfort. No bulky or cumbersome soles here! Wear them with dark jeans for a dressed-up look or with warm pants for colder weather. Reviewers rave about their, style, comfort, and durability, with one customer commenting that he “beat the heck out of them,” but they still looked great and kept his feet dry. What more could anyone want in an everyday shoe?
Pros:
L.L. Bean’s Bean Boot has been a tried-and-true best seller for more than a century. (Yes, really.) The shoe has a classic design and features waterproof rubber on the bottom and full-grain leather on top. Plus, it’s built to last. Each shoe is hand-sewn in Maine by expert craftspeople. On top of all that, the Bean boot has more than 500 five-star ratings on the brand’s website, and 93 percent of reviewers would recommend the product to a friend. “Very comfortable after long days of walking behind a bird dog or just walking down Main Street,” notes one. “Buy a pair—you won’t be disappointed.” Helpful tip: All of these boots make an excellent and incredibly useful gift for the men in your life!
