The Best Winter Boots for Men in 2025-2026

Other Great Winter Boots We Tested

The selection of award winners above is our current favorites for winter trekking, commuting, or work, but they aren’t the only worthy cold-weather footwear out there. We’ve compiled a few alternative options that we’ve also used and enjoyed, which might be just what you’re looking for.

Men’s Winter Boot Comparison Chart

How We Tested The Best Men’s Winter Boots

Our winter boot testing at GearJunkie aims to strike a balance between real-world challenges and tailored bench testing to gain a comprehensive understanding of what these boots are capable of. Here’s how we rate these boots before recommending them:

1. Field testing: Our primary testing is all the real deal, and we’re putting in the miles, both outdoors and in the city, during the winter months to test these boots. We aim to challenge them on the most important aspects, which include warmth, traction, and fit.
2. Waterproof submersion testing: Every pair of winter boots we test undergoes our submersion test, where we challenge the waterproofing by immersing it in a tank of water until it leaks. We do the same test with a bank of snow and look for wetting out seams.
3. Our winter boot rating system:
   • Warmth: 25% weighted. Performance below 32 degrees F is the benchmark for a high rating here, with the highest rated boots staying warm at close to 0 degrees.
   • Weather Protection: 25% weighted. Boots should be waterproof in a variety of conditions and throughout an entire day to rank highly.
   • Comfort & Fit: 25% weighted. We look for ample padding and boots that aren’t too washy in the fit for when traction matters. We also consider the height of the shaft, as well as the extent to which the lacing system covers it.
   • Traction: 25% weighted. Tested on frozen mud, snow, and ice.

Our Testing Locations

We test these winter boots in a variety of climates and conditions, ranging from the deep snow of the North Cascades to the biting cold of the Rockies. Last winter, we snowshoed into remote fire lookout towers, made the soggy commute to work, and shoveled a decent amount of snow. We aim to be specific in our testing by going the distance and using these boots as they were designed.

Our Expert Testers

GearJunkie’s Editorial Director Sean McCoy is no stranger to a snow-bound romp in the highlands, and regularly pursues big game in the alpine of Colorado where cold feet are simply not an option. McCoy spearheaded the testing of winter hunting boots for this guide and aimed to balance a test of grizzled durability with the need for undying off-trail traction when testing winter boots.

Contributor Austin Beck-Doss has a front-row seat to the brutality of a Wyoming winter from his station in Lander, where his transition from climbing season to snowboarding can be as short as a 48-hour storm cycle. Beck-Doss has been putting boots on the ground for this guide since 2022, and maintains a broad view over the category from slush-city cruisers to insulated après ski lot slippers.

Finally, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster may have a problem understanding the concept of a “shoulder season” and regularly sets out into the mountains of the North Cascades as the first snows of the season are blowing in. An accomplished backpacker, mountaineer, and splitboarder, Belcaster has also advised and outfitted thousands of mountaineering clients in appropriate cold-weather footwear in his time, and knows that cold toes won’t do when the summit is calling.

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.

For more winter footwear recommendations, check out our guides to the best women’s winter boots, the best winter hiking boots, and the best snowshoes.

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 at 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 Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip. 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 Fubuki Niseko 2.0 is a burly all-EVA boot with a full-foot-tall shaft that refuses to let water in.

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 a 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 Yaktrax 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 them 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.

Price & Value

Budget

Winter boots typically start out at a bottom dollar of $100, and for the budget price, there’ll be some concessions made to hit the price point. This is the realm of casual winter boots, which typically are less insulated, and likely to use suede leather or synthetics in their uppers.

The outsoles are also often molded together with the boot lowers, which is a cheaper manufacturing process but not as durable. For the money, the Kamik Nation Plus ($100) will keep you warm and dry in deep snow, but it isn’t our favorite hiker. If you’re looking to cover more ground, the Columbia Bugaboot III ($120) is lighter and has a much better profile for snow hiking.

Mid-Tier

Mid-range boots typically range from $150 to $250, and this is where most winter hiking and snow boots fall. These boots will often spring for a more top or full-grained leather and may incorporate a proprietary waterproof lining into the build. Vibram soles also make an appearance here, which can greatly enhance the traction on hard-packed snow or ice.

Our favorite boots (The North Face Chilkat V) are pretty affordable at $159. They’re insulated, decent hikers that are waterproof almost up to mid-calf. They also have gator attachment points and pair well with snowshoes.

Premium

Anything north of $250 and you’ll get a pair of boots geared toward maximum warmth and durability, with temperature ratings that may be overkill for a lot of us in the lower 48. The Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip ($250) and Danner Recurve 400G ($260) are two premium boots that give a lot for a moderate amount of money.

The Blundstone All Terrain Thermal Boots ($275) are some of the more expensive boots we tested, and while they’re warm and very comfortable, you pay top dollar for those sheepskin liners and the name.

Frequently Asked Questions