The Best Men's Winter Boots for 2024

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When temperatures drop, it's time to upgrade your winter boots. When considering a new pair, evaluate your specific needs and the climate where you reside. Are you dealing with heavy snowfall or a drier winter? Do you spend a significant amount of time outdoors, or do you prefer the convenience of slip-on boots for commuting? Perhaps you're in search of a dressier option for upcoming formal events, or maybe you need a seriously insulated boot to combat the cold. 

Perhaps, like me, you require more than one style. Winter boots offer a myriad of options to choose from, so to help streamline your decision-making, we've curated a selection of the best men's winter boots for various needs. However, if we had to pick one favorite, our best overall boot is the winterized L.L.Bean 10" Maine Hunting Shoes with Gore-Tex and Thinsulate.

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In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I have covered menswear, fragrances, watches, grooming, and style for Inside Hook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers.

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What to Look For in a Pair of Winter Boots

1. Traction: Regardless of conditions, prioritize a sole with excellent traction. While I usually lean toward the timeless appeal of leather soles, the winter season warrants a shift toward the practicality of rubber soles. When it comes to boots designed for snow or hiking, seek larger, more robust treads. For lifestyle boots, look for Vibram or chunkier lug soles, which can blend with a formal aesthetic but still provide traction for slippery slopes. Rubber soles include varieties like PVC, which is renowned for its water-resistant properties, and rubberized polyurethane, which boasts durability, flexibility, and are lightweight. While there are many different, proprietary sole materials and styles, the key is making sure the treads are sturdy, deep, and grippy.
2. Insulation: All winter boots should provide a significant level of warmth. Some styles incorporate insulation such as Thinsulate or a removable inner layer, while others use proprietary materials. High-quality insulation effectively traps air, is lightweight, and prevents the loss of radiant heat from your feet and soles. Natural textiles such as shearling and wool are also excellent choices for keeping your feet dry and warm, thanks to their natural heat-trapping and breathable properties. Unlined leather in more lifestyle or dress boots may not offer the same level of insulation, however wearing thicker thermal or merino wool blend socks will help keep your feet snug and dry.
3. Waterproofness: Given that you are likely to experience anything from snow and slush to rain, a good winter boot should provide a degree of water protection. All-rubber boots offer maximum waterproofing, while two-piece boots, such as leather and rubber combinations, can provide waterproofing with more breathability. One-piece leather boots will also be effective; the higher the tongue and overall height of the boot, the drier your feet will likely be. Fully waterproof boots tend to sacrifice a bit of breathability for maximum protection while water-resistant boots allow your feet to breathe more and often provide greater flexibility.
4. Brand Quality: Even if not exclusively focused on footwear, these brands exhibit a meticulous commitment to both the construction and the incorporation of technologies that contribute to making a quality winter boot. Many of the recommendations below feature tried and true styles that men consistently turn to every winter. These boots have repeatedly proven their reliability in challenging conditions, earning them a well-deserved reputation for consistency.

Best All-Around Winter Boots: L.L.Bean Maine Hunting Shoes, 10" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate 

I always keep a pair of these boots ready for inclement weather, as they've proven to be my go-to for navigating through the slushy streets of NYC while keeping my feet completely dry. Whether it's shoveling snow from the driveway, commuting to work, or spending time with friends on a snowy day, these Maine Hunting Shoes effortlessly handle it all. This upgraded version of the classic duck boot (or hunting shoes as L.L.Bean calls them) is specifically designed for cold weather, featuring a waterproof Gore-Tex liner and Thinsulate insulation.

Best Winter Boots Value: Columbia Bugaboot III 

The renowned Columba Bugaboot is consistently mentioned as one of the best winter boots due to its seamless integration of waterproofing, protection, and warmth. While there may be options that surpass the Bugaboot in terms of technical intricacies, it easily meets all criteria for most people looking for an option designed specifically for cold weather, all at a great value. Featuring waterproof leather, omni-tech waterproof seam-sealed construction, 200g insulation, a TechLite lightweight midsole for comfort, and an Omni-Grip traction rubber sole, the Bugaboot boasts a myriad of trademarked and researched technical specifications with a proven track record.

Best Winter Hiking Boots: Huckberry x Diemme Roccia Vet 

Crafted in collaboration with Diemme, (the storied hiking footwear brand) these rugged, waterproof hikers from Huckberry combine great aesthetics with exceptional functionality. Made in Italy, the waterproof suede uppers are seamlessly joined to a robust rubber mudguard, providing reliable protection against whatever challenges the trail may present. With their full-lined leather upper, highly treaded yet lightweight sole, and ankle support design, these boots offer exceptional comfort—a necessary requirement for all-day hikers.

Best Extreme Cold Winter Boots: North Face Chilkat V 400 

When the temperature really drops, the North Face Chilkat rises to the occasion, consistently earning high ratings as one of the warmest winter boots available. Featuring proprietary 400g Heatseeker insulation, a waterproof full-grain and leather suede upper, and a proprietary Surface Control sole, this boot is well-equipped to handle the harshest winter conditions. This updated version is now slightly  lighter, while still maintaining its durability. Although many highly technical winter boots may sacrifice aesthetics, the Chilkat with its tri-tone brown, black, and hunter green, offers a stylish option for those seeking serious winter protection.

Best Snow Boots: Sorel Caribou 

Much like the Bean boot, the Sorel Caribou has solidified its position as an icon in the world of winter footwear. When temperatures drop and snow accumulates, these robust boots are my go-to for trudging through deep banks. Renowned for their exceptional comfort, the Caribou boots also feature seam-sealed waterproof construction and a lug sole design, ensuring superior traction in snow. Moreover, these boots are warm as heck, thanks to a removable and washable felt inner and sherpa lining at the cuff. And, despite their tank-like durability, style is not compromised.

Best Waterproof Winter Boots: Hunter Original Insulated Short Rain Boots

The Hunter Wellington boot is synonymous with rain, and for good reason: They excel at keeping your feet dry! This insulated version of their popular short boot is specifically designed for colder weather, ensuring your feet stay warm even in temperatures as low as 23 degrees. Crafted from all-natural rubber, each boot undergoes vulcanization for superior waterproofing while the treaded sole provides excellent traction, keeping your feet firmly planted wherever sleet may fall.

The renowned Columba Bugaboot is consistently mentioned as one of the best winter boots due to its seamless integration of waterproofing, protection, and warmth. While there may be options that surpass the Bugaboot in terms of technical intricacies, it easily meets all criteria for most people looking for an option designed specifically for cold weather, all at a great value. Featuring waterproof leather, omni-tech waterproof seam-sealed construction, 200g insulation, a TechLite lightweight midsole for comfort, and an Omni-Grip traction rubber sole, the Bugaboot boasts a myriad of trademarked and researched technical specifications with a proven track record.

Best Dress Winter Boots: Thursday Boot Co. Captain Storm King

Thursday Boot Co. is known for their very accessible, no-nonsense, quality boots with timeless aesthetics. The robust and enduring Storm King furthers this reputation with its Goodyear welt construction, fully lined leather interiors, steel shanks, Kevlar laces, and reinforced eyelets, resulting in a remarkably durable pair of boots suitable for both work and weekends. The juxtaposition of the refined upper and the seriously rugged sole makes this an excellent choice for occasions demanding both formal style and resilience in winter weather.

Best Moc Style Winter Boots: Red Wing Storm Welted Classic Moc

The Classic Moc Toe by Red Wing is easily recognizable by its stitched, rounded toe and white crepe, rubber wedge sole design. This traction tread sole incorporates a split-toe reverse storm welt for enhanced water resistance. While not explicitly designed for deep snow, the oil and waxed nubuck construction ensures durability and resilience under various conditions, and these boots will gradually mold to your feet over time. This Moc Toe stands as a true lifestyle hard-wearing hybrid adorning outfits on city streets and winter landscapes alike.

Related: The Best Moc Toe Boots for Form and Function

Best Slip-On Winter Boots: Blundstone #1944 Chelsea Boot 

Blundstones have experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, and for good reason. They boast a sleek and minimal slip-on Chelsea style that exemplifies no-fuss form and function. The #1944 model builds upon their classic men's slip-on design by incorporating enhanced features such as water-resistant leather, a robust TBU-treaded sole, a removable footbed with shock absorption technology, and leather lining. Lightweight, comfortable, and effortlessly easy to slip on and off, these Blundstones are a stylish and practical everyday choice.

Best Alpine Winter Boots: Danner Mountain Light

Crafted in Portland, Oregon, Danner epitomizes quality and heritage in their classic alpine boot. Gore-Tex liners provide maximum waterproofing and breathability, and their trademark Vibram Kletterlift sole is specifically designed to absorb shock and provide traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Quality control is also paramount as the full-grain leather upper goes through six different tests before Danner approves it. And the boot silhouette, lacing structure, and eyelets all just make it darn stylish.