If you do any kind of outdoor work, a good pair of hardy, long-lasting and comfortable boots are essential, particularly if you’re working outside in the winter.
The type of boot you want can depend on how cold the temperatures you’re going to be working are going to be. Generally, rubber boots are more waterproof than leather boots, while leather boots are usually tougher than rubber boots, so it’s important to know the kind of conditions you’ll be working in when you’re deciding on a pair of boots to go for.
Our guide to the top ten best winter boots for men will give you all of the information you need to buy the correct pair for you and show you what you need to look out for in a pair of winter work boots.
Let’s get started.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Best Winter Work Boots For Men Of [current_date format=Y]
- [amazon link=”B0023RSKNC” title =”Caterpillar”] OUR TOP CHOICE
- [amazon link=”B008H0QX2O” title =”Thorogood”]
- [amazon link=”B000WG030O” title =”Muck Boot”]
- [amazon link=”B00EAKXW6K” title =”Timberland”]
- [amazon link=”B007UXNEB2″ title =”Carhartt”]
[amazon link=”B0023RSKNC” title =”Best Winter Boots: Caterpillar”]
Our pick for the best pair of Men’s Winter Work Boots is [amazon link=”B0023RSKNC” title =”the Caterpillar Diagnostic Hi ST Steel-Toe Work Boot.”] A 100% leather, steel toe capped boot that offers 200g of Thinsulate insulation; this boot really will serve any potential buyer well on a daily basis.
The steel toe, alongside the rugged rubber sole, offers plenty of protection and grip on any surface, meaning you are sure of your footing no matter where you’re working. The boot also utilizes Electrical Hazard Protection technology to protect the wearer against open circuits to 600V, giving you that extra peace of mind.
[amazon box=”B0023RSKNC”]
We found the boots to be really strong, particularly thanks to the steel toe cap, we certainly didn’t hold back in testing this department, and we didn’t feel any impact on our own feet, so we’re sure that this will carry over onto the site!
Aesthetically, the Caterpillars are a stylish, all leather boot that makes you feel safe and comfortable in any workplace environment as well as looking as smart as work boots can really get!
It’s Caterpillars combination of winning factors that really makes this boot stand out, the stylish leather, the steel toe, and the Electrical Hazard Protection all go a long way in making this our Top Pick, but add in the 200g of insulation, rubber sole, and waterproofing and you’ve really got a top-quality work boot that no matter what trade you work in, they’ll do the job.
[amazon link=”B008H0QX2O” title =”The Best Steel Capped Winter Work Boots: Thorogood”]
Next up on our list is [amazon link=”B008H0QX2O” title =”the Thorogood Men’s American Heritage MAXwear Work Boots.”] A high end, all leather boot made in the USA, this pair of Thorogood’s encompasses style, safety, and a homegrown appeal. Made in Wisconsin, these boots are capable of withstanding up to 18,000 volts, making them fantastically safe for any work site.
Making use of the Thorogood MAXwear Wedge, these boots offer support and comfort throughout the day, as well as having a removable insole for added comfort. These boots are designed to be comfy! Thorogood claims that their MAXwear Wedge will outlast its competition by 30%, and based on our tests, this certainly seems true as the sole of these boots is really built to last!
[amazon box=”B008H0QX2O”]
Made with Union Labour, the American Heritage boots are available with or without a steel toe cap, depending on the model you choose. The build quality is brilliant too, with triple stitching, thick, supple leather, and the MAXwear Wedge, these boots will definitely give you your money’s worth!
The only downside is the lack of waterproofing, the leather, and the oils it’s treated with have a certain level of waterproofing, but for any serious outdoor work, I’d have liked to see some more protection in this area. That being said, keeping the boots regularly treated with some waterproofing oils will mostly resolve this issue.
Waterproofing aside, these USA made boots are designed for premium comfort and durability with the overengineered inner soles and a MAXwear Wedge.
[amazon link=”B0058Z1KRO” title =”The Best Leather Winter Work Boots: Irish Setter”]
Next up is [amazon link=”B0058Z1KRO” title =”the Irish Setter Men’s Aluminum Toe Work Boot.”] Like the previous two on this list, the Irish Setter boot has a 100% leather build and Electrical Hazard Protection, however, these boots are also equipped with an outsole capable of withstanding heat up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.
As well as all of the extras mentioned above, this boot also has a strong Aluminum Toe, giving you extra protection from any objects that you may encounter whilst on site.
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Comfort was obviously at the forefront of those working on these boots as comfort is king in these Irish Setters. A removable polyurethane footbed, leather build, and rubber sole, these boots are easy to wear all day without any discomfort. We found that they were very comfortable straight out the box, no need to wait weeks for them to break in to become comfy!
Irish Setters benefit from being a Red Wings brand as they are able to position themselves slightly lower down the price scale, whilst maintaining the high-quality build and technology associated with the Red Wing brand and these boots certainly embody that.
Boasting full-grain waterproof leather, a tough rubber sole and a multitude of safety features, the Irish Setter Work Boot is fully deserving of a place high on this list, and equally fully deserving of a place in your checkout cart, as for us they really do tick every box.
[amazon link=”B0018DXBWW” title =”The Best Winter Boots for Men’s Fashion: Red Wing”]
Just behind the Irish Setter is [amazon link=”B0018DXBWW” title =”the Red Wing Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Boot.”] A higher-end, USA made, leather boot, the Heritage Moc Boot offers the combination of style and comfort that was also seen on the Irish Setters.
However, with Red Wings, you’ll always be paying a little more than other brands, but you get a lot more for that money! Made in the USA, these boots are old-school. A thick leather build, the craftsmanship is fantastic, something that is rarely seen these days. Once you eventually wear out the sole, they can be replaced to give a new lease of life, helping these boots go on and on.
[amazon box=”B0018DXBWW”]
The tough, long-lasting leather does require some breaking in, but once they are broken in, they sure are comfortable! We found the sizing to be fairly large, so double-check this when ordering, but if this can be our only complaint, then they’re good boots!
They do lack a steel cap, which reduces the protection offered somewhat, but the grippy sole offers safety when placing your foot on any surface.
These boots, once broken in and moulded to your foot offer some of the best comfort found on this list, you’ve just got to get there first! Steel toe aside, the build and comfort quality of these boots cannot be overstated.
[amazon link=”B007UXNEB2″ title =”The Best Winter Boots for Recreational Activities: Carhartt”]
[amazon link=”B007UXNEB2″ title =”The Carhartt Wellington Steel Toe Leather Pull-on work boot”] is a breathable waterproof boot. The boot is made from 60% leather and 40% nylon. We were very impressed with this boot, particularly with the fact that it’s fully waterproof.A lot of boot manufacturers claim that their boot is fully waterproof only for the claim not to be true, but we didn’t find this to be the case with the Carhartt.
[amazon box=”B007UXNEB2″]
The material of the boots is tough to the touch. This is particularly important if you’re working with tough materials such as concrete. The boots are durable and will maintain their strength in tough conditions.
We also noticed that the material of the boots breathes well. This means that your feet won’t overheat when you’re wearing the boots, and most odors will dissipate easily. Overall, the Carhartt boots are great for anyone working outside or on construction sites. They’re built to last and should give you years of use.
[amazon link=”B002K1QN12″ title =”Best Affordable Winter Work Boots: Wolverine”]
The first thing you’ll notice about [amazon link=”B002K1QN12″ title =”the Wolverine marauder work boot”] is their smart leather look. These boots are made from 100% leather and are fully waterproof. Wolverine is an established and iconic American brand that combines superior materials with quality craftsmanship.
The leather design makes the marauder flexible and optimizes comfort. The boots are well insulated and will deliver supportive protection to your feet when you’re on the job. The leather, while tough, isn’t too weighty, and your feet can breathe easy when you’re wearing the boot.
[amazon box=”B002K1QN12″]
The boot has a multishox individual comfort system built to optimize comfort for the user. The boots work well at keeping your feet comfortable while keeping them warm. The boots have internal and external compression pads in the insoles and outsoles that help to absorb shock and return energy.
We really liked how flexible these boots were. It really helps when a pair of boots is comfortable, there’s nothing worse than working long hours in discomfort, and you don’t want a pair of boots that will cause you pain or discomfort.
The material is flexible and tough, so as long as you take care of the boots, you’ll be able to use them for much of your work life.
[amazon link=”B000WG030O” title =”Best Rubber Boots For Winter: Muck Boot”]
If you’re looking for a premium waterproof winter boot, then [amazon link=”B000WG030O” title =”the Muck Boot”] could be the perfect boot for you. The boot is made from Neoprene, which provides comfort and flexibility when you’re wearing the boot. The boots are completely sealed and provide excellent comfort and flexibility. The heel measures 1.25,” and the platform measures approximately 0.75″.
[amazon box=”B000WG030O”]
The upper part of the boot contains a fleece lining, which is particularly soft on your skin and great for flexibility. The fleece lining also means the boots work very well at keeping you warm in frigid temperatures.
The boots also contain 2 mm of thermal foam under the footbed, which really helps to support the sole and arch of your foot and minimizes discomfort. This, along with the molded midsole, works well to provide increased support.
These boots are specifically designed for tough, cold weather conditions with a temperature rating from – 40 Fahrenheit to +40 Fahrenheit. These boots are rugged, slick, and are perfect for wet, snowy, and wintry conditions. The boots are also stylish enough that they can be used on the farm, in the city or in the great outdoors.
[amazon link=”B078F5NWHH” title =”Best Classic Winter Boots: Columbia”]
[amazon link=”B078F5NWHH” title =”The Columbia Men’s bugaboot”] are fully insulated waterproof winter work boots. Columbia’s proprietary technology provides air-permeable protection that’s fully waterproof and breathable. The boots are lined with 200 grams of insulation, meaning your feet will be kept warm, even in the harshest conditions.[amazon box=”B078F5NWHH”]
These boots have been designed for cold weather extremes; the Michelin outsole utilizes specially designed and engineered tread design that provides a firm grip even in temperatures as low as -22 Fahrenheit.
The thermal-reflective omni-heat lining means your feet remain comfortable, while the heat is well regulated, giving you optimum performance in the great outdoors. These boots are dependable and reliable, giving you reliable protection from all the elements and are engineered for use in all conditions.
Columbia are one of the leading boot brands on the market today, and their expertise is on full display with these boots.
While the boots can be used for work, they are also very well suited for use during winter recreation activities such as hiking, trekking and snowshoeing.
[amazon link=”B00EAKXW6K” title =”The Most Stylish Winter Boots: Timberland”]
[amazon link=”B00EAKXW6K” title =”The Timberland pro men’s boots”] are made from 100% leather and come in a brown oil distressed look and you’ll be able to darken the leather if you want to. This look gives the boots a rugged, warm feel, which will delight those that enjoy that particular style. The boots are reinforced with ever-guard leather and molded rubber toe protectors, meaning the boots are tough, reliable, and built to last.[amazon box=”B00EAKXW6K”]
The boots have also been built with a comfort system, designed with shock-absorbing geometrical technology that returns energy back to the foot to deliver all-day support and comfort. These boots will provide you with performance day-in-day-out, meaning you can focus on getting the job done in comfort.
These boots can be used at work, but are also stylish enough to use around the house or when you’re out and about.
These boots have become Timberland’s most reliable work boots, and you get the choice whether to have them come with 200g/400g/600g or 1000g of insulation. This gives you flexibility and choice to pick the boots that are best suited to your work conditions, whatever the weather.
[amazon link=”B007KA7ECU” title =”The Best Winter Work Boots For Versatility: Keen”]
[amazon link=”B007KA7ECU” title =”Keen’s utility steel toe work boots”] have a vintage, classic look that comes in a stylish brown/slate black finish. The boots are made from 100% leather and fitted with locking metal lace hooks that’ll make sure your boots stay secure and comfortable throughout the day. The leather is abrasion-resistant, perfect for heavy-duty work such as construction sites.[amazon box=”B007KA7ECU”]
The boots have left, and right asymmetrical steel toes meaning that your feet are secure should any kind of accident happen. As mentioned earlier, these boots are great for any heavy-duty work that you’re doing, such as heavy metal fabrication, masonry, maintenance, and many many more.
The outsole of the boot is heat resistant, so the boots can be used when you’re working with potentially dangerous materials. A heat resistant sole will also help ensure your feet don’t overheat and stay at a comfortable temperature.
Despite the boots being primarily designed for work use, they are stylish enough to use when taking part in winter activities/around the house or out on the town.
What Makes Winter Work Boots Better Than Regular Boots?
Why should you get winter work boots? Well, winter work boots are key if you work outside, and you’re regularly exposed to working in cold conditions. The number one reason that winter work boots can be better than regular boots is warmth.
Winter work boots are specifically designed to keep you warm in cold conditions. When you feel warm enough in winter conditions, you won’t have to worry about stopping work every hour just to warm up. This gives you the advantage of being more productive and getting more done.
Winter boots are usually designed with adequate insulation to keep your feet warm even on the coldest of days, but also think enough to not feel bulky and weight down your feet. Keep an eye on the boot’s outer material; if the outer material is made from neoprene or polyurethane, then it’s likely waterproof, so your boots will remain warm and dry.
A good pair of winter work boots will often have a better grip than the average pair of work boots. A good grip is essential when working in wintery or icy conditions. You need your boots to keep you standing straight, and a good pair of winter work boots helps you avoid injury and keep you safe.
The Dangers of Extreme Cold
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck outside in negative temperatures, you’ll know how uncomfortable it feels. The extreme cold poses severe health risks. One of the main risks is frostbite, frostbite results from cold temperatures damaging parts of your body and can include your skin becoming gray or feeling hard or waxy.
Frostbite can also cause a person’s difficulty in moving their body parts freely, which can cause considerable pain. Another risk of being exposed to extreme cold is hypothermia.
Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when your body drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia occurs when your body loses more heat than it can make; symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, tremors, and tiredness.
Other severe effects of extreme cold include your corneas freezing, your skin and muscles freezing solid, and your body slowly shutting down.
Factors to Consider When Looking for Winter Work Boots
When you’re looking for a pair of winter work boots, one of the first things to consider is how cold will the temperatures you’re working in be. If the temperatures you’re going to be in are just mildly cool, then a specialist pair of winter boots may not be necessary.
It’s important to get the balance right as you don’t want your feet to be too hot in your boots. You should also consider whether the place you’re working in gets a lot of rain or not.
If it does, then it’s extra important to make sure that your boots are waterproof. Budget is another important consideration; you should always have in mind how much you’re comfortable spending when looking at making a major purchase.
Of course, comfort is important, as well. Many jobs that require outdoor work in cold temperatures require long hours, so you need to make sure the boots you’re wearing are comfortable when you’re using them for long periods of time. If you’re buying your boots from a store, it’s always worth trying them on before buying.
When you’re making a purchasing decision check to see whether the boots have a return policy, if they do, then you can be sure that the boots can be returned should you discover they aren’t the right boots for you.
How to Care for Your Winter Work Boots
While winter work boots are designed for cold weather and harsh climates, it’s still important to take care of them. Caring for your boots means you’ll need to care for the soles, seams, laces, and toes. For general maintenance of your boots, make sure to clean them well each time you finish using them. This is particularly important if you’re using the boots in muddy and damp conditions.
If your winter work boots have leather areas, then make sure to polish the areas regularly, doing so will prevent the leather from cracking and drying out. To keep your boots smelling fresh, it’s worth deodorizing them regularly; to do this, remove the soles after use and wash and dry the soles completely. To do a deep lean of the soles, consider using baking powder to really kill off any nasty odors.
Who Needs Insulated Winter Work Boots?
Insulated winter work boots are essential for anyone working outside in cold conditions. Those who work in the trades, on oil rigs in forestry will definitely need warm insulated boots for those long houred winter shifts.
Those people who’re particularly sensitive to the cold may also need a good pair of insulated winter work boots. Some people are more sensitive to the cold than others, so a good pair of insulated winter work boots can be the perfect relief for extreme cold.
Insulated winter work boots can also be useful for hiking and other recreational winter activities. If you live in an environment where it snows regularly you may take part in a lot of outdoor winter activities, winter boots can be great for snowshoeing, skiing, hiking and plenty of other outdoor activities.
Finding the Best Winter Work Boots for Your Needs
The most important piece of advice to take away from this article is that it’s important to find the right winter work boots for your needs. This can all depend on the temperatures you work in, your budget, and levels of comfort you desire.
The good news is there’s plenty of different choices on the market when it comes to winter work boots, and with a bit of research and consideration, you’ll be able to find a pair to suit your needs.
Our top recommendation would be [amazon link=”B0023RSKNC” title =”the Caterpillar Diagnostic Hi ST Steel-Toe Work Boot.”] These boots have everything you need in a good pair of winter work boots. They really are a classic pair of boots, stylish, tough and built to last.
Remember, a good pair of winter work boots are essential if you’re working in cold conditions. To avoid any risk of a serious condition occurring because of being too cold make sure the pair of boots you choose keep your feet warm.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article you’ll need to decide on your budget, the material you want your boots to be and what you’re going to be using them for.
This guide should have given you a good idea of what to look for. The great news is that all of the boots we looked at are high-quality, that’s why we recommend them! Most of the boots are waterproof, built with high-quality craftsmanship and are built to last. A good pair of winter work boots should last you a long time. Always take care of your boots and they’ll take care of you!
[amazon box=”B0023RSKNC”]