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Don’t get cold feet, get a new pair of boots. A good pair of winter boots will keep your toes dry and warm, while providing enough traction to help you keep your footing in the harshest winter conditions. But not all winter boots are made alike. Nothing’s worse than buying a pair of cruddy winter boots that will leave your toes numb all winter. A high-quality pair of winter boots is an important part of every outdoorsman’s winter clothing arsenal. And in some cases, you may want more than one pair of boots in your chamber.
Winter boots are customized for an array of different outdoor activities. Some are better for spending frigid mornings mucking around swampy areas hunting winter geese, while others are better for strapping into snowshoes and heading deep into the backcountry, and yet others are stylish enough to don before hitting the town. Regardless of what you’re up to this winter, you need winter boots that get the job done. We did the hard part for you—the research. Here is a definitive guide of the best winter boots for men available today, as well as key factors to consider before making your next purchase.
- Best Overall: Lowa Renegade Warm GTX Mid
- Best for Ice Fishing: Korkers Polar Vortex 1200
- Best Camp Slippers: Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel
- Best Budget: NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Warm Winter Snow Boots
How the Best Winter Boots for Men Were Tested
Outdoor Life writers and contributors have tested many of the best boots, for hiking, hunting, and everything in between. The best overall pick here is from our review of the best hiking boots for men. The best camping slipper pick is from our review of the best camping slippers. The pick for ice fishing was the warmest option in our roundup of the best ice fishing boots.
Best Winter Boots for Men: Reviews
Best Overall: Lowa Renegade Warm GTX Mid
Best for Winter
Lowa Renegade Warm GTX Mid
Key Features
- Available Sizes: 7.5-14
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Price: $275
Pros
- No break-in needed
- Insulated for warmth
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Pricey
- Leather needs care
If you live and/or play in the cold and snow, the Lowa Renegade Warm GTX Mid is one of the warmest hiking boots for men. The ever-so-popular Renegade GTX received a winter upgrade with an additional layer of Gore-Tex as well as added polyester insulation with wool trim around the ankle to keep you warm while hiking on ice, snow, and frozen ground. While hiking on hard packed snow in temps down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit my feet were never cold with only one pair of merino wool socks underneath.
The Vibram Evo Icetrek outsole is super grippy. It operates similarly to snow tires in that it’s softer, adhering better to icy or snowy surfaces, instead of stiffening in the cold. The smaller lugs also grip better, biting into the ice. The dialed-in lacing system has three hook eyelets that provide a tight fitting support around your ankle. Right out the box these were comfortable and needed no breaking in. After some time you will need to reapply waterproofing spray to the leather once you notice the water isn’t shedding.–Justin La Vigne
Best for Ice Fishing: Korkers Polar Vortex 1200
Key Features
- Comfort rated to -60 degrees Fahrenheit
- Customized traction with easy-change soles, including OmniTrax interchangeable sole system for slippery conditions
- 1200 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation for extreme cold
- Six protective layers underfoot for added sole warmth
- MSRP: $240
Pros
- Removable and interchangeable soles. The boot comes SnowTrac rubber lug sole, but is compatible with seven other carbide studded sole options for 4×4 ice traction
- BOA Fit System allows for easy on/off and the right fit – tension dial on upper ankle replaces traditional laces
Cons
- At the top of the ice boot price range
Korkers Polar Vortex is an exceptional extreme weather boot with useful cold-climate features. If you’re an angler who prefers to sit in one spot for hours—or even if you’re a mover and a shaker—Korkers Polar Vortex provides nearly unmatched warmth. Valuable extras, such as Korkers’ interchangeable sole system offer added value and traction in varying conditions.
Backed by a 60-year tradition of crafting high-grade footwear—and according to friends, exceptional customer service—Korkers Polar Vortex is becoming one of the most popular choices among ice anglers living in the far north. A thick, premium aerogel frost barrier footbed offers six layers of underfoot protection, including a Thinsulate, EVA, and rubber outsole. 1200 grams of Thinsulate encapsulates the foot and ankle in dry warmth. The boot is also surrounded by a 100 percent waterproof, breathable bootie, combined with waterproof leather to keep feet bone dry. Korkers added a molded TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) toe cap for durability and abrasion resistance around the toe.–Scott Einsmann
Best Camp Slippers: Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel
Key Features
- Weight: 9 ounces
- Compression-Resistant PrimaLoft Aerogel Inserts
- Ankle-cinch top
- Anti-slip soles
Pros
- Incredibly warm
- AeroGel Inserts add comfort
- Durable and breathable exterior repels wind and water
- Cinches down nicely
Cons
- Pricey
- Not waterproof
Outdoor Research really hit the mark with these camping slippers. I thought they were easy to slip into right away and adjust with cinch tops on the front. Their high ankle design offers protection from the elements and keeps them snug on your feet. They have a nice warmth-to-weight ratio, great traction, and feature Aerogel Inserts on the bottoms for maximum comfort.
I tested these foot pillows in rainy and cold weather for a few days and they stayed dry and warm for the most part. They shed water, but they’re not waterproof, so I wouldn’t rely on them for seriously wet conditions. They also were thick enough that I didn’t feel the gravel or sticks underfoot like cheaper options. I found them extremely comfortable for kicking around the campsite, refilling water, and even at night in the sleeping bag. And they’ve earned the top spot of my go-to camping slippers.–Theo Harris
Best Budget: NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Warm Winter Snow Boots
Cheap and Warm
NORTIV’s 8 Men’s Insulated Warm Winter Snow Boots are affordable and effective. They’re a phenomenal snow boot option for someone on a budget. A faux-fur inside provides comfort and support. Their 200g high quality cotton insulation keeps your feet warm and dry, though this insulation can get soggy and is not quite as good as wool or synthetic insulation. The rubber outsoles are waterproof and slip-resistant. The genuine leather & mesh fabric uppers are water & wind resistant — but not fully waterproof. The toe even comes with a synthetic toe cap that offers a level of collision protection. For the price, you can’t beat these cold weather boots.
Things to Consider When Purchasing the Best Winter Boots for Men
Men’s winter boots should be well-made, warm, waterproof, and durable. Before buying a new pair, you need to consider how much you’re willing to spend, which winter activities you’re planning on using the boots for, and how long you want your boots to last. Below is everything you need to consider when hunting for a new pair of the best winter boots for men.
What About Waterproof Boots?
When it’s cold out, it’s usually wet, too. Snow, sleet, and rain make having water-repellant boots a must-have for outdoorsmen living anywhere that has a cold winter. Almost every winter boot on the market boasts some level of waterproof or water-resistant qualities, but that doesn’t mean they’re all made the same.
Winter hiking boots usually have some kind of synthetic upper with a water-resistant membrane. While this will likely get the job done when hiking through snow, it won’t keep your feet dry in wetter conditions. Leather boots also have waterproof qualities, though damp conditions often allow for water to seep in through the seams. The most waterproof boots are usually made with entirely rubber outer shells, though what you gain here in waterproof qualities, you’ll likely lose in comfort.
What About Winter Boots for Men Who Hike?
Most people think of summer when they think of hiking. But the cold shouldn’t stop you from getting out into the backcountry for some good, clean fun. Winter hiking is a solid cold weather activity in its own right. But there are also a ton of other winter activities that you would benefit from wearing a high-quality winter hiking boot, such as snowmobiling, snow shoeing, and ice fishing.
Winter hiking boots usually are made with leather or synthetics outers, much like regular hiking boots. The big difference comes in terms of insulation. Winter hiking boots are usually not as breathable as summer hiking boots—but they’re warm. And high-quality winter hiking boots are also pretty darn waterproof. If you’re in the market for a new pair of cold weather hiking boots, make sure to get a pair that packs a real punch in terms of insulation, otherwise you’re basically just buying a pair of rebranded summer hiking boots.
Need Insulated Work Boots for This Winter?
Many people purchase one pair of work boots and wear them all year long. This can work out fine, so long as it stays reasonably warm out. If you are working in frigid temps, nothing’s worse than having frozen toes for 8+ hours because you didn’t get the right pair of boots. Even if you don’t have a job that requires you to work outside in subzero temperatures, winter work boots will likely come in handy for tasks like shoveling and splitting wood.
When you’re on the market for winter work boots, there are several key things you need to consider. How much insulation do you need? Some work boots are sturdy enough for cold weather, even if they’re not specifically billed as winter work boots. Look for boots that offer insulation. Besides this, consider getting leather boots, which typically offer more heat retaining qualities than canvas or fully-synthetic work boots. Regardless of insulation, getting waterproof work boots is a must. Do you need a steel toe? Steel-toed boots will protect your feet better than any other kind of work boot, though you may sacrifice some comfort. Steel-toed winter work boots are life-savers if you’re working outside with heavy objects that have the potential to fall and crush your toes.
How Tall Do You Want Your Boots?
Winter boots are often tall—but they don’t have to be. When you’re looking for new winter boots, think about how tall you need them to be. Classic winter boots rise up nearly to your knees. Others rise to just above your ankles. There are also ankle-high winter boots that fit more closely to a regular shoe but with added waterproofing and insulation.
The most important consideration when deciding on shaft length is what the conditions you usually encounter are like. Tall cold weather boots are ideal for places where it regularly snows a foot or more, as well as if you consistently encounter deep slush or mud. Mid-rise winter boots are the do-it-all. They provide protection from snow while retaining more mobility than knee-high boots. Ankle boots are not very good in snowy conditions, but they’re comfortable and can do just as well as taller winter boots in terms of traction and warmth.
FAQs
What people also ask about buying winter boots.
It’s important to pay attention to the kind of socks you choose to layer under winter boots. Wool and merino wool socks are your best bet. They’re warm and wick moisture well. If these fabrics aren’t an option, consider synthetic winter socks that are quick-drying. Cotton socks are a no-go, even when wearing a pair of the best winter boots for men.
Not necessarily. Winter boots must fit well in order to prevent blisters. You don’t want your feet to be swimming around in a boot that’s too big. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re wearing multiple socks to try to fit into your cold weather boots.
Perhaps. Full-grain leather is made out of the uppermost layer of cowhide. It is stronger, more durable, and breathable than lower layer hides. That said, most types of leather will get the job done just fine. Consider purchasing full-grain leather winter boots if you’re hoping they will last a long time.
Final Thoughts on the Best Winter Boots for Men
The best winter boots for men will keep your feet warm in the snow, ice, and subzero temperatures — they’re made for stomping through the cold, literally. You can’t go wrong with these cold-weather boots.
- Best Overall: Lowa Renegade Warm GTX Mid
- Best for Ice Fishing: Korkers Polar Vortex 1200
- Best Camp Slippers: Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel
- Best Budget: NORTIV 8 Men’s Insulated Warm Winter Snow Boots
Related: Best Winter Boots for Women
