Keep your feet warm this winter with our favorite insulated boots.
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Whether you’re planning a getaway to your favorite ski resort or simply need weather protection while working outside this winter, a reliable pair of snow boots is the key to keeping warm in sub-zero conditions. With many different factors at play — from boot height to the level of waterproofing and insulation — it’s important to consider your exact requirements carefully. If you’re spending extended periods standing outside in extreme cold, insulation is likely to be your top priority. If you’re engaging in a high-intensity activity like thru-hiking, breathability may be more important, while style is a factor for everyday use on chilly city streets.
To help you find the right pair of snow boots, we used our own experience combined with insight from Oboz and Merrell experts to select 23 models for real-world testing. Each one was scored for fit, support, durability, performance, waterproofing, and value. We will update the results as testing continues for another six months.
These well-made, attractive boots offer superior comfort and performance at a very reasonable price.
They can get a little too warm when worn in shoulder-season conditions.
The Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Omni-heat Boots scored top marks across the board during our tests, with one of our Travel + Leisure editors labeling them as the most comfortable snow boots he’d ever worn. With a Cordura textile upper and a seam-sealed membrane, they’re both waterproof and breathable for multi-sport use in snow, slush, mud, and rain. After pouring water on them during testing and walking through plenty of puddles, we can confirm that they stay completely dry inside. Meanwhile, the Omni-heat thermal-reflective lining and 200 grams of synthetic insulation are so effective that we were almost too hot (although we began our testing in October and will continue to wear the boots in colder winter temperatures).
We found these boots wildly comfortable right out of the box. The fit was perfect, and we appreciated how light they are compared to traditional snow boots — meaning that even after a full day on our feet, we experienced zero fatigue. The cushioned midsole offers ample energy return while the high-top design laces up around your ankles for complete, reliable support. Finally, we loved the impressive level of traction afforded by the non-marking rubber outsole.
The boots are amazingly well-priced considering their quality construction. We also think that even the most fashion-forward men will be satisfied with the stylish colorways on offer. These range from titanium and warm copper to graphite and dark moss, with two widths and several half sizes available to ensure you get the perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $130
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | 1.96 pounds | Cordura textile upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
High-quality construction, reliable waterproofing, and a clever snow collar make these boots a worthwhile investment for heavy snow or winter yard work.
Due to their height and relative rigidity, the boots are not well suited to long-distance hiking or any other high-intensity activity.
The snowshoe-compatible Baffin Snow Monster Men’s Boots offer quality materials and a construction so robust, they survived our tests without any signs of wear and tear. The upper is made from full-grain leather with a nylon collar that keeps deep snow from coming in over the top. The base is made from waterproof Arctic rubber and the boots are seam-sealed for full waterproofing — a claim we proved by dipping them in a creek. They’re meant for moderate levels of activity in extreme cold, like shoveling snow or ferrying firewood.
We felt that they would be too restrictive for long-distance walking or hiking. Nevertheless, they are comfortable. We appreciated the generous toe box and excellent arch and ankle support, while the EVA midsole offers plenty of insulated cushioning. Much of the boots’ warmth comes from the technologically advanced, multi-layer comfort fit insulation system, which can be removed for increased breathability in warmer weather. Finally, we found that the polar rubber outsole provided reliable traction even in slick mud.
Price at time of publish: $260
The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | 6.3 pounds | Leather and nylon upper, EVA midsole, Arctic rubber shell, polar rubber outsole
These boots are fully waterproof with a cozy wool and fleece lining, and an EVA midsole that provides perfect cushioning for long days outside.
Half sizes are only available up to 11.5, so those who take a larger half size may struggle to find the perfect fit.
Weather-rated to -25.6 degrees Fahrenheit and suitable for everything from light rain to heavy snow, the Ugg Butte boots were some of the comfiest we tried. They’re made from full-grain leather with a waterproof membrane and a cuffable shaft. When we poured a full cup of water on them, the droplets simply beaded and ran right off, while the construction is so durable that the boots looked virtually new during and after testing. We found they fit well and were true to size, offering perfect comfort right out the box.
We tested ours with standard tube socks but felt there would be plenty of room for thicker ones. The soft, upcycled wool and fleece lining was a particular highlight, while the EVA midsole offers great support for extended periods of standing or walking. We’d recommend the boots for everything from short dog walks to lengthy snowmobiling trips. Choose yours in black, tan, or gray, and appreciate the superior traction offered by Vibram outsoles that remain flexible even in freezing temperatures.
Price at time of publish: $240
The Details: Sizes 7 to 18 | Leather upper, fleece and wool lining, EVA midsole, Vibram outsole
Special Winter Contagrip outsoles provide exceptional flexibility and traction even in freezing temperatures, making these an ideal hiking boot/snow boot hybrid.
The rugged styling may be a little too much for those that want a standard snow boot for winter chores.
If traction is a top priority, it’s hard to beat the gaiter- and snowshoe-compatible Salomon Quest Winter Thinsulate Climasalomon Boots. Their rubber outsoles feature Winter Contagrip, a special compound that maintains its grippiness even in freezing temperatures. We felt that the aggressive ridges on the bottom of the boots worked in much the same way as snow tires to channel slush away from the sole toward the back of the shoe. The boots are also waterproof, as proven by dangling them in our swimming pool during testing.
We found that they fit true to size with a pleasantly roomy toe-box. The hefty Thinsulate insulation can make the boots feel a little tight around the sides, but this is a small price to pay for unbeatable warmth (and you can always size up if needed). We like that the high profile keeps water and snow from entering over the top of the boots and that you can adjust the level of ankle support depending on how high and how tightly you lace them up.
Price at time of publish: $190
The Details: Sizes 4 to 14 | 1.3 pounds | Leather and synthetic upper, polyester lining, Thinsulate insulation, rubber outsole
These boots are super comfortable, warm, and well-made, yet practical for everyday use with a low profile and zippered entry.
We found that the way the sole curves slightly at the front resulted in added pressure on our big toe when walking long distances on hard ground.
The Danner Arctic 600 Side-zip snow boots define everyday convenience with a rugged, double-layered zip that makes them as easy to get on as your regular tennis shoes. These are high-quality boots designed with great attention to detail, with either full-grain leather or suede uppers and full waterproof protection. We found that they were sturdy, warm, and consistently dry throughout our test periods and would recommend them for everything from hiking to standing on the sidelines — just be aware that the 200-gram PrimaLoft insulation can get warm on milder days.
We like that they’re relatively low profile and not too heavy, while the removable Ortholite footbed offers just the right amount of cushioning. The boots are supportive and comfy right out of the box although we did feel that they became even more comfortable after a week of wear. The Vibram outsole promises great traction, and colorways are designed to go with everything whether you choose roasted pecan/fired brick or jet black/mojave.
Price at time of publish: $240-280
The Details: Sizes 8 to 14 | 2.8 pounds | Leather upper, Primaloft insulation, Vibram midsole and outsole
Nine layers of specialized insulation technology make these polar-approved boots the best pick for extreme cold.
Mobility is affected by the boots’ height and rigid construction, so they should be reserved for situations where they’re actually needed.
If you’re headed to one of the world’s coldest places, the Baffin Impact Men’s Boots are for you. They offer the highest level of cold weather comfort in the Baffin range and have been real-world tested at both the South and North Poles. They’re snowshoe compatible, with a tall profile that hits somewhere between mid-calf and just under the knee depending on your height and a locking collar to keep deep snow out. We found them super supportive — although anything other than slow, careful walking is cumbersome.
Despite their rigidity, the boots were super comfortable from the first wear, with a soft, fleecy, cushioned interior. Insulation is provided by a removable comfort-fit system with no fewer than nine layers of technical materials designed to provide next-level warmth, wind resistance, heat regulation, moisture control, and breathability. Of course, all of this means they quickly get too hot if you’re wearing them on an average fall day in your backyard. We recommend choosing a full size up for the best fit.
Price at time of publish: $230
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | 7.4 pounds | Nylon upper, EVA midsole, Arctic rubber shell, polar rubber outsole
These boots offered some of the best arch support of any we tested, with a molded nylon shank, a contoured footbed, and an air cushion heel.
We have some reservations about breathability, and the breaking-in period is longer than that of others on this list.
Available in medium and wide widths, the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof boots were some of the most supportive we tested, with a molded nylon shank; an air cushion heel that absorbs shock and adds stability; and a removable, contoured footbed. And, although we felt that they still had some breaking in to do after several hours of wear, they were nevertheless comfortable from the get-go. We did find that our feet got warm quickly, but this could also be due to the fact that the weather was never truly cold during our initial testing period (we will continue long-term testing them through the winter).
The boots passed our waterproofing test with flying colors, thanks to their coated leather upper and waterproof membrane. We liked the cozy fleece lining, while 200 grams of synthetic insulation offers plenty of protection from ice and snow without being overly bulky. We expect the deeply lugged rubber outsole to perform well on all terrains and in all conditions. Overall, these are quality boots for winter hiking at an extremely fair price point.
Price at time of publish: $130
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | 1.25 pounds | Leather upper, fleece lining, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
The flexible neoprene upper makes these boots lighter, more flexible, and more breathable than comparable styles while also allowing you to pull them on like gumboots.
While we like the boots’ overall aesthetic, we wish they came in colors other than practical, utilitarian black.
Our initial impression on unboxing the Bogs Bozeman Tall Yulex boots was that they would last for years, with durability clearly at the center of the design process. They seamlessly combine a rigid, natural rubber base with a flexible neoprene top section. The latter gives the boots a versatility other calf-height styles cannot offer, making them more flexible, more breathable, and noticeably lighter. It also means you can slip them on and off with virtually no effort with the help of integrated, cut-out handles.
The boots are fully waterproof and comfort rated to -72 degrees Fahrenheit. Four-way stretch inner booties with an effective sweat-wicking lining keep things comfortable, while algae-based EVA footbeds offer eco-friendly support. Our feet felt securely cradled on every wear, never slipping or popping unexpectedly out of the heel cup. Although we weren’t able to test the non-marking, self-cleaning rubber outsoles on ice during our initial testing period, they look like they will provide excellent traction. All in all, we feel these are premium boots with a mid-range price tag.
Price at time of publish: $165
The Details: Sizes 6 to 16 | 2.38 pounds | Yulex natural rubber upper and insulation, EVA footbed, Biogrip rubber outsole
A rocker-shaped midsole gives you extra propulsion, while a deep-lugged outsole provides reliable traction on all terrains.
We found the lace system unnecessarily complicated.
The North Face Men’s Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Futurelight Hiking Boots are made for winter trail adventures, with 200 grams of insulation and a waterproof yet breathable membrane that kept our feet dry even during a creek crossing. They’re gaiter- and snowshoe-compatible, and they fit as expected with plenty of room in the toe box. We loved that they felt more like normal hiking shoes than snow boots and that they were fully broken in within a few hours. They’re also much lighter than we expected.
Unique design features include the rocker-style EVA midsole (for forward propulsion and high energy rebound) and the 3D TPU plate located under the forefoot for enhanced stability. Deep lugs on the rubber outsole suggest that these boots will offer plenty of grip even on snowy or icy surfaces. They come in two colorways: black/grey and olive/black. We tested the olive green version and felt that they were as fashionable as they were practical.
Price at time of publish: $195
The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | 2.1 pounds | Leather upper, polyester insulation, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
Roomy yet supportive and much, much lighter than expected, these are the ideal boots for anyone who’s on their feet for long hours at a time.
We’d like to see a greater choice of colorways.
Weighing in at just 1.18 pounds per pair, the Oboz Andesite Mid Insulated Waterproof boots are surprisingly lightweight and infinitely comfortable. We loved their roomy fit, which took the pressure off our ankles (something our team member who tested these often struggles with in boots) and left plenty of space for our toes while still providing ample support. It took around an hour for the boots to feel fully broken in, while the waterproof oiled Nubuck leather upper and breathable membrane offered just the right blend of breathability and puddle-tested waterproofing.
The boots are beautifully made, still looking brand new after our testing period despite wearing them in poor weather over challenging terrain. With 200 grams of Primaloft Bio insulation, they kept our feet perfectly warm. Meanwhile, the Vibram Arctic grip AT outsoles are made for flexible traction even in freezing temperatures. As a bonus, these boots tick sustainability boxes with recycled plastic laces and webbing, insoles made from algae biomass, and a tree planted for every pair sold.
Price at time of publish: $195
The Details: Sizes 8 to 14 | 1.2 pounds | Nubuck leather and ripstop textile upper, Primaloft Bio insulation, Vibram outsole
These are classically cool, effortlessly stylish boots that fit comfortably out of the box for winters in the city.
While elastic gussets are great for getting the boots on and off, we worry they may let the cold in when temperatures get really low.
For decades, Dr. Martens boots have been the ultimate fashion statement. The Warmwair Leather Chelsea Boots revamp the brand’s classic style for winter, with heavyweight Valor WP leather uppers, a scratch-resistant tumbled finish, and a soft fleece lining. Elastic gussets make it easy to pull the boots on and off, and we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they were right out of the box (unlike regular Dr. Martens, which often require weeks of breaking in.)
There’s plenty of space within the toe box for wearing thick socks, while the water-resistant uppers did a good job of keeping our feet dry even when we wore the boots in the rain. They’re best suited to casual urban wear rather than extreme adventures, though, simply because water is likely to soak through after extended exposure to rain or snow. The heat-sealed, Smoke DMS outsole offers great traction even on slick subway steps, and scores style points with the brand’s iconic yellow welt stitching.
Price at time of publish: $180
The Details: Sizes 6 to 14 | Leather upper, elastic gussets, fleece lining, PVC alloy outsole
Despite their lower price tag, these are well-made, durable, and attractive boots that held up well to full days of outdoor use.
They’re not particularly breathable, and therefore more comfortable in truly cold weather than on milder days.
Retailing for less than half the price of our overall winner (already one of the most budget-friendly on this list), the Nortive 8 Men’s Insulated Snow Boots represent amazing value for money. In fact, we noted during testing that we’d happily pay even more for them. We wore them at least 12 times over the course of the testing period, often for full work days as well as for yard work, dog walks, and family hikes. They fit comfortably from the start with plenty of toe-box room and sturdy ankle support.
Arch support is less noticeable, which is something to bear in mind for those that need it. With faux fur lining and 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, they’re plenty warm but not especially breathable — although the cushioned insole can be removed and washed if it gets sweaty. We appreciated the traction offered by the durable rubber outsole, and would happily wear these boots ice fishing or hiking through unploughed snow. They also stood up to our waterproofing tests perfectly.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: Sizes 6.5 to 15 | Synthetic upper, Thinsulate insulation, rubber outsole
Lightweight yet completely water- and cold-proof, these boots feel as good as they look.
We loved everything about these boots, but they are perhaps a little pricey for those on a budget.
The Sorel Men’s 1964 Pac Nylon Boots offer retro style and complete protection from the elements. They’re designed for heavy snow, with a waterproof nylon upper, sealed seams, and a vulcanized rubber shell. We were thoroughly impressed by the overall quality of their materials and construction, with no signs of wear and tear even after extended use (and no leaking — an impressive feat since we were actively seeking out puddles to stomp through.) Despite their durability, the boots are surprisingly lightweight considering their design and purpose.
We found that they fit as expected and were incredibly comfortable. Although snug, there was still ample room to move our toes about while the arch and ankle support was substantial. The herringbone outsoles provided great traction on slippery surfaces. Finally, we liked that the recycled felt inner is removable and washable in the event that it gets a little sweaty. Colorways are meant to upgrade the aesthetic of your winter outfit with options ranging from India ink/gum to tobacco/black.
Price at time of publish: $180
The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | 4.1 pounds | Nylon upper, recycled felt inner, felt midsole, rubber outsole
Our team member who tested this reckons you could “work outside all day in the depths of a nuclear winter” in these boots and still be perfectly comfortable.
With no half sizes available, some people may find it tricky to get a perfect fit.
The Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Sport Mid Boots may not be the most stylish option on the market. However, they’re superbly well made and unfailingly durable for working outside in extreme weather. Our tests confirmed that they are 100 percent waterproof, even after being submerged for a prolonged period of time. Meanwhile, a 5-millimeter neoprene inner boot combined with a soft fleece lining promises perfect warmth and contoured comfort.
The top of the boots stretches to accommodate larger calves while also retracting to keep cold air and deep snow out. We found them tight to get on and then a little big once we were in (though this just means there’s plenty of space for thick winter socks.) They are relatively heavy, but also instantly comfortable with good arch support and a cushioned EVA midsole. The rugged outsole features a deep tread for uncompromised traction and reinforcement on the instep, heel, and Achilles. We were able to remove all signs of wear with a quick rinse and wipe.
Price at time of publish: $180
The Details: Sizes 5 to 15 | 2.5 pounds | Neoprene and rubber upper, neoprene inner, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
These boots combine hardy quality with just enough style to transition easily from snowy trail to city streets.
We found them a little uncomfortable for the first hour or so until the rigid uppers began to mold to our feet.
The overall impression given by these boots is one of high quality materials and construction. They’re ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities but also stylish in an understated way, whether you opt for all black or utility brown with black accents. We think they’d look just as good for aprés ski as they would shoveling your backyard. The PU-coated leather upper is fully waterproof, although we did find that a few drops seeped in around the tongue during testing.
Thermoball Eco insulation provides plenty of warmth, while the fit is true to size with space in the toe-box for thick winter socks. We did experience some initial discomfort due to the rigidity of the upper; however, this soon disappeared as the boots were broken in. They are thick, sturdy, and fully supportive around the arch and ankle, with a rubber outsole for exaggerated traction on all kinds of surfaces. The price tag is especially reasonable given their versatility.
Price at time of publish: $159
The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | 2.6 pounds | PU-coated leather upper, recycled polyester insulation, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
We tested 23 pairs of snow boots, so they couldn’t all make the cut. However, we think these are fair options as well, despite some small issues revealed during testing.
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III XTM Boot: We found these to be well-made, fully waterproof boots with good support, breathability, and traction. However, sizes run small leading to significant discomfort during testing, so we recommend sizing up or being sure to try them on before purchasing.
Keen Anchorage III Waterproof Boot: We loved these boots for their cradling arch support, quality construction, and impressive traction. The only real downside is that the elastic sections at the ankle are not waterproof, which could be an issue in deeper snow.
L.L. Bean Men’s Storm Chaser Boots 5, Zip: These boots were comfortable and durable, with good traction and reliable water resistance. However, we felt that the texture of the leather upper was thinner than expected.
Kamik The William Winter Boot: These boots took five wears to break in fully and have very little arch or ankle support. Nevertheless, they are well-made, breathable, lightweight despite their sturdy build, and fully waterproof.
For this article, T+L travel experts conducted real-world testing on 23 different snow boot pairs. Each one was tested in the same way over a period of two weeks, and testing is ongoing for a further six months to give the boots the full winter experience. First, we inspected each part of the snow boots to gain an initial impression of overall material and construction quality. We also noted the boots’ weight. We wore them for at least an hour on the first wear to check the fit and how comfortable they were out of the box. We then wore them on at least two additional outings, using them for a number of different activities from hiking to running errands.
Each time we assessed comfort, breathability, arch and ankle support, and traction. We noted how long the breaking-in period was, if relevant, and checked to see whether the boots showed any signs of wear and tear after the test period. Finally, we tested the boots’ water resistance by stuffing them with paper towels, pouring a cup of water over them or holding them under a running water faucet, and leaving them to sit for five minutes. We then checked whether any moisture had leaked through to the towels. Each pair of boots was scored on a scale of one to five for fit, support, durability, performance, waterproofing, and value.
Merrell’s Global Marketing Manager, Devon Vanoostveen, emphasizes how important insulation is when deciding on a good pair of snow boots. Two hundred grams of insulation is the most common for everyday use, ramping up to 400 grams for active use in severe winter conditions. There are even specialist boots out there with up to 2,000 grams of insulation for sedentary activities in extreme cold like hunting or ice fishing.
Synthetic insulation types such as Thinsulate or Primaloft offer the best combination of durability and effectiveness. They work by using microfibers to trap warm air. Boot height also affects overall warmth. Vanoostveen points out that for casual or urban use, an ankle-height boot might be sufficient whereas anyone heading into the unplowed backcountry is likely to need a pair that hits anywhere from mid-calf to just below the knee.
There are certain groups of people who may not need their snow boots to be waterproof. These include city dwellers for whom a warm, water-resistant boot is sufficient for getting quickly from point A to point B, or anyone for whom breathability and lightness is an absolute priority (see below). But for most purposes, full waterproofing is an important part of what makes a snow boot effective, keeping you dry and therefore warm no matter how much precipitation you encounter. Look for boots with a waterproof membrane that allows sweat to escape while simultaneously keeping water out.
Scott Wilfling, Outreach and Education Coordinator for Oboz, says that the most important factor when choosing snow boots is to think about what you plan on using them for. Your answer will affect which features to look out for. If you’re going to be exerting a lot of effort while shoveling snow, for example, then lighter insulation is key for preventing overheating and allowing breathability. But if you’re going to be standing still for hours (while working outside or watching sports from the sidelines), thicker insulation is a must.
Similarly, while most people want waterproof snow boots, those that prioritize breathability and lightness — thru-hikers, for example — may be willing to sacrifice this feature. Higher boots offer more protection from deep snow but limit mobility in a way that may not be necessary if you’re unlikely to be trudging through serious drifts. If you want to wear your boots with snowshoes, look for a built-in heel kick; if you want to pair them with gaiters, look for an integrated D-ring attachment point. For frequent exposure to slippery ice, outsoles with a rugged tread and plenty of grip are essential.
While hiking boots may provide enough traction in light snow, they can’t offer the same kind of grip as snow boots with a deeply lugged outsole made especially for this purpose. Snow boots typically use a proprietary rubber compound designed to withstand freezing temperatures without becoming brittle, while some — like the Vibram Arctic outsole recommended by Wilfling — contain glass shards for unparalleled traction on ice. Standard hiking boots may not be waterproof, which is a problem for obvious reasons. Most lack the necessary insulation to keep your feet warm for more than a few minutes out in the cold. Snow boots are by far the better option if you know you’re going to spend any length of time outside in extreme conditions.
Rain boots work well to keep your feet dry in the snow (as long as it doesn’t get in over their loose tops). However, with zero insulation you will get uncomfortably and potentially even dangerously cold quickly. Snow boots typically offer at least 200 grams of insulation and are specially designed to keep rain and snow out, whether that’s with a gusseted tongue, an elasticated top binding, or a fleecy snow cuff.
Snow boots can be made from many different materials. Some of the warmest materials for the uppers are waterproof leather or neoprene, while internal insulation comes from a synthetic material like Thinsulate, Primaloft, or — less often — natural fleece. Some boots come with a fleece or neoprene inner sock that you can remove when the weather gets warmer.
Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel and adventure gear for more than 10 years. She frequently uses her own snow boots at home in the Scottish Highlands. Products in this article were chosen according to the results of extended real-world testing carried out by the T+L team. We also consulted two industry experts: Scott Wilfling, Oboz Outreach and Education Coordinator, and Devon Vanoostveen, Merrell Global Marketing Manager.
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