Warm water, dish soap, and a simple brush can do the trick in most cases. Some, but not all, brands will include a comfort or temperature rating for their winter boots. In general, this style is a little less waterproof overall and youll want to be sure the exterior fabric has a water-resistant treatment to keep it from soaking up moisture (more on this in the boot care section below). Category: CasualInsulation: Shearling & 200g PrimaLoftShaft height: 6.5 in.What we like: Premium warmth and a nice mix of casual and performance features.What we dont: Pricey and can be tough to nail the fit. Curated by our female editors, youll find many of the same models here (names and colorways often differ) in addition to a number of other women's-specific options for casual use, outdoor work, and winter hiking.Back to Our Top Winter Boot Picks Back to Our Winter Boot Comparison Table. Category: WorkInsulation: 9mm wool linerShaft height: 11 in.What we like: Extremely warm and comfortable.What we dont: Lacks stability and traction for winter hiking. The materials arent up to the standards youll find on more expensive models, and weve experienced occasional long-term durability issues with Kamik boots. And as we touched on in the boot height section above, a tall design like Sorels Caribou can be useful in keeping your legs dry, but its often worth adding a pair of waterproof gaiters to truly stay protected in deep snow. Below Sorels Caribou is a timeless winter boot through and through. This is because unlike synthetic fills and natural materials like felt, sheepskin, and wool, down loses its ability to insulate when wet. From slushy hikes to running errands in the snow, the Bugaboot is fully equipped to tackle most winter conditions with ease. For a full breakdown of options, see our article on the best winter traction devices. Traditional two-piece boots that have a separate shell and liner rely on a burly exterior to keep moisture out. These models often resemble a hiking design and offer a more precise fit and nimbler feel for greater control and stability in difficult terrain. The downside with all traction systems is they take a little time to put on and take off and can be overkill for mixed conditions, but theyre the best way to cover ground safely on icy days. Primaloft and Thinsulate by 3M are popular insulations that have a strong presence in the jacket, glove, and ski bootworld, and have equal standing with winter boots. Looking a lot like a pair of sneakers, the Fairbanks is stylish, surprisingly flexible, and extremely light at under 2 pounds for the pair. And the nice part is that many of these linings are removable (these types of boots are often referred to as "pac boots"), so you can set them by the fire to dry in between runs on the sled hill. Felt, Sheepskin, and Wool Linings Synthetics are a viable alternative, but theyre usually not as warm and will retain smells more than wool. What we dont: Not as warm as some other options on this list; a bit bulky. The Danner is a little taller, nimbler, and its traction is better on slippery surfaces. Compared to the Blundstone Thermal below (another popular insulated Chelsea boot), the $65-cheaper Anchorage offers a lot more bang for your buck, but a final decision will likely come down to which style you prefer. But in frigid conditions, nothing out there can deliver this much warmth at such a low weight.See the Men's Steger Mukluks Yukon See the Women's Steger Mukluks Yukon. The rest of the boot is nicely styled for the rigors of wintertime use, with a leather/synthetic upper, waterproof membrane, and sturdy outsole designed to grip on cold and slippery ground. While leather is naturally water-resistant, youll want to be sure to regularly apply a conditioner to keep your feet dry. Mucks Boot and Bogs are long-time rivals in the insulated boot market. The Caribou above is a classic do-all choice for deep winter use, but Sorel tones it down a few notches with their stylish Buxton Lace. On the top, the leather upper is both comfortable and gives the boot a polished look. Finally, we're happy to report it still has the Targhees high level of comfort with a wide toe box that can accommodate heavyweight socks, soft cushioning around the ankles, and good shock absorption underfoot. One of our favorite models is Salomons classic Quest 4, which has a durable, water-shedding exterior and Gore-Tex bootie that offer lightweight warmth. Category: Winter hiking/casualInsulation: 200g M Select WARMShaft height: 6 in.What we like: Light, reasonably nimble, and not overly insulated for active use.What we dont: Not the most performance-oriented winter hiker (but decent stock). For pairing with winter boots, one of our favorite traction systems is the Kahtoola NANOspikes. For the most part, the best socks for winter use fall in the mid- and heavyweight categories. Youll spend up for the premium materials, and the Butte is still $35 more than the wool-lined Caribou ($190), but it's nevertheless a warm and stylish option thats at home both in town and in the mountains.See the Men's UGG Butte See the Women's UGG Adirondack III. Witha suede upper, faux-fur cuff, rubber shell, and herringbone sole, it's both extremely popular and easy to pick out in a crowd. The grime that you pick up when walking through a slushy parking lot can wreak havoc on a boot if it isnt cleaned out. Expedition-level socks are extremely thick, so its common to go up a full size in these cases. Insulation comes from the removable liner, which includes 200-gram foam-like Thinsulate, and the tall cut does a good job protecting your feet and lower calves. To start, by utilizing a lightweight textile along the majority of the upper, the boot lacks the extra insulation and protection that you get from a standard rubber design. The 10 small carbide tips provide excellent grip (we were particularly impressed with their secure traction in freezing rain), and the NANOspikes are lightweight and take up very little space in a bag. But for around-town wear and light winter walks in less-than-extreme conditions, the Thermo Overlook offers a hard-to-beat combination of style, durability, and performance, earning it our top spot for this season.See the Men's Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Mid See the Women's Merrell Thermo Aurora 2 Mid. Work-ready builds from Muck Bootand Bogs can reach over 5 pounds per pair, and the same is true for a burly boot meant for extreme conditions like the Baffin Impact. These models typically have a lower ankle height and less insulation than other boot types, which allow them to breathe reasonably well when youre working up a sweat. For the cold and wet, Columbia inserted a waterproofing bootie and the one-two insinuating punch of 200-gram synthetic and reflective Omni-Heat lining. One notable exception is the Steger Mukluks Yukon, which tips the scales at a very impressive 3 pounds for the pair yet delivers Iditarod-worthy levels of warmth. Bean Boots 8 Shearling-Lined ($229), See the Men's Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus, See the Women's Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus, Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip Hiking Boots ($220), See the Men's The North Face Chilkat 400 II, See the Women's The North Face Chilkat 400, See the Women's Blundstone Thermal Chelsea, See the Men's Bogs Classic High Insulated, See the Women's Bogs Classic High Insulated, Using Regular Waterproof Hiking Boots in Winter. Vibram made some headlines with their Arctic Grip compound that's specifically designed to stick to slippery and icy surfaces, which we see in designs like the Merrell Thermo Overlook, Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip, and Muck Boot Arctic Ice. As such, comfort ranges are not a guarantee that youll be warm at the listed temperatures. Dedicated winter boots offer premium protection and warmth in freezing, snowy conditions, but we often use our regular hiking boots for short and active winter jaunts. Theyre also often too stiff to safely use while driving. If deep puddles are a concern, youll want a gusseted tongue that connects to the upper high on the boot. lighter per pair). As we all know, how well a boot keeps you warm is dependent on a number of individual factors, including age, level of activity, the thickness of your socks, and whether or not you run hot or cold. Category: CasualInsulation: 200g KEEN.WARMWhat we like: Winter warmth in a stylish and sleek design that can be worn indoors too.What we dont: Not our first choice for dedicated outdoor use. As with boot height, the weight of winter boots varies significantly. Predictably, its also extremely waterproof and holds up very well in slushy conditions. That said, this isnt a deal-breaker for everyday tasks and short walks, and the $80 price tag is hard to beat if you plan to stick to casual wear or performing outdoor chores. Work boots and full-on extreme weather models sit higher on the leg, including the 15-inch Baffin Impactand Bogs Classic Insulated. Its worth noting that the extra height does inhibit range of motion, and muck-style boots can be a real struggle to remove at the end of the day. Material-wise, the clear leader is wooland particularly the merino varietyfor its high level of warmth, breathability, and stink prevention. Insulated Chelsea boots (like the KEEN Anchorage III) also fit into this categorywhile we dont recommend these for sustained outdoor use in the snow, theyre perfect for commuting and transition well to indoor environments. For $70 less, the Sorel Caribou above is a more functional choice for a variety of winter environments, while the similarly styled Anchorage will save you a considerable $65 and tacks on a slightly more durable and protective build. They also take the function over fashion approach with heavy applications of rubber, nylon, and/or thick leather that perform best in frigid temperatures and deep snow. Further, the removable liner gives the NationPlus a loose feel that you cant cinch down as snugly as the Merrell Thermo Outlook above or Thermo Chill below. Most notably, the 400-gram insulation offers twice as much warmth as much of the competition, and Columbia's Omni-Heat Infinity reflective lining helps trap additional heat. The boot also is moderately insulated with KEEN's 200-gram synthetic fill and has a fully waterproof build (although we found the leather upper can wet out in slushy conditions). Their substantial, waterproof constructions that do so well at trapping heat inside are equally prone to running hot in mild temperatures and during active use. In comparing the KEEN to the Danner Arctic, both boots have a hiking focus with streamlined builds but go about their business in different ways. Unlike synthetic insulation that is encased by the boot, felt, sheepskin, and wool linings can get wet if exposed to the elements, but they will continue to insulate. Merrell specializes in hiking footwear, so it should come as no surprise that their Thermo Chill is one of our favorite boots for winter hiking. The liner is also removable, which is a nice feature to expedite the drying process should the boot get wet in deep snow. The rubber lowers are fantastic barriers from the wet, shedding anything from falling snow to slushy puddles. And take note: the NationPlus only is made in a mens version, but Kamiks womens-specific Momentum offers a similar balance of warmth, build quality, and value.See the Men's Kamik NationPlus See the Women's Kamik Momentum 2. For starters, its always a good idea to keep them clean to avoid any breakdown in the materials. compared to the Thermo Chills 2 lbs. For the most part, weight goes up as the level of insulation and coverage increases. What we dont: Expensive considering its warmth and protection. And it's worth noting that there are more performance-ready options on the market, including Salomon's X Ultra Mid Winter CS and Oboz's Bridger Insulated, although availability has been limited throughout the season thus far. The Blundstone falls decidedly toward the casual end of the spectrum, but the polished looks and top-notch craftsmanship make it an excellent choice for chilly commutes, around-town wear, and even indoor work environments. The relatively low shaft height means youll need gaiters in moderately deep snow, and the boots lightweight insulation isnt enough for particularly frigid temperatures (we found it to work well in temperatures ranging from the mid teens to low 30s Fahrenheit). Insulated rubber boots are a popular choice for working outside and walking through brush while hunting due to their fantastic protection from water, ice, and mud. It doesnt get much more classic than this. To safely hike or even walk around town if the conditions are really bad, we use an additional traction system (also referred to as a traction device). Regardless of the boot, in very icy conditions well still turn to a winter traction system (covered below). Finally, at $170, itll cost you over twice as much as the Kamik NationPlus, although you get what you pay for with Sorels attention to quality. The aforementioned shearling lining makes this one of the priciest options in L.L. A properly sized boot should be large enough to accommodate your thickest socks without pinching (a fit that is too snug will inhibit circulation and compromise the warmth the boot provides). On the other hand, the Targhee is more affordable (by $40), and its more accommodating fit works better with wide feet. Bogs' Classic High Insulated takes the signature look of a rain boot and adds a healthy dollop of warmth and protection. Keep in mind that the Bogs Classic High Insulated is best for use around town or for work, as the boot is extremely heavy at 5 pounds 3.8 ounces per pair and lacks the precise fit we look for in a hiking option. Winterizing a popular hiking boot is not a new trend, but Danners Arctic 600 stands out as one of the best efforts yet. To be clear, this is a good option for trips when you will be on the go the whole time and the weather isnt particularly frigid. Simply put, its hard to justify the steep $220 price tag. These soft-sided boots offer fantastic insulation and comfort at a surprisingly low weight. In general, hiking-ready models have the best traction, while casual and work boots can be a little cumbersome and prone to slippage. But for areas of the country where the temperatures consistently dip well below zero, we heartily recommend protecting yourself with the Baffin Impact. Avoid cotton socks at all coststhey dont wick away moisture or insulate when wet, which is a bad combination for winter use. For those looking for a versatile winter boot at a good price, weve been pleasantly surprised by The North Face Chilkat. Its not often that we see wool used in a serious winter boot, but the Buttes design lends a great deal of versatility: When the cuff is rolled down, you get a casual boot thats at home with a pair of jeans. Beans lineup, but weve found it to be supremely comfortable and plush. What we dont: Leather is prone to wetting out. As such, we recommend steering clear unless youre in the market for a very casual around-town boot or basecamp shoe that is for use exclusively inside your tent (such as the Outdoor Research Tundra). Again, fit can be tough and its always best to try them on if you can before buying. For an indicator of warmth, check for the number of grams being used in the boot (measured by weighing a 1 meter by 1 meter section). While bulky, these insulation types surely can be effective. In fact, we can almost guarantee you will not beparticularly if youre standing still. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. Its also important to consider the type of activity: a boot that will only be worn around town like the Sorel Caribou doesnt have to fit perfectly to perform well (you can err on the side of going a little loose). For a cheaper but slightly shorter option for extreme cold, take a look at Sorels Glacier XT. Finally, boots in the casual category fall somewhere in the middle, with a number of options in the 6 to 10-inch range. First off, the boot isnt as stable or grippy on ice and snow as the more hiking-inspired designs above. But for the more hiking-focused models like the Merrell Thermo Chill, its best to get fit dialed in. For $60 less, you can get Merrells Thermo Overlook 2 above, which matches the Danner in performance and comfort with a well-padded interior, versatile 200-gram insulation, and similar Vibram tread design (including an Arctic Grip sole). Its worth noting that both Chikat models do feel a little large and burly on the foot compared to more streamlined boots (the 400 clocks in at 3 lbs. The constructions of casual boots tend to have less rubber and more leather and suede, although some models, including the Sorel Caribou, do a great job at incorporating both. Category: WorkInsulation: 7mm Neo-TechShaft height: 15 in.What we like: Simple, warm, and surprisingly good-looking.What we dont: Less of a backcountry boot; very heavy. Designed for running in winter, weve found their minimalist style to work wonderfully on icy sidewalks and trails. Starting with their Mountain 600 boot, Danner added high-quality 200-gram PrimaLoft insulation, Vibrams snow- and ice-specific Arctic Grip outsole, and nice touches like exposed wool on the collar and tongue. All told, the Merrell Thermo Chill is a solid pick for long winter walks, hikes, and snowshoeing. Further, with so much rubber around the top of the foot, you dont get as much mobility for hiking as you might with a boot like the Thermo Chill below. In addition, the lug patterns are aimed to prevent snow build up. The advantages of this construction are that the boots are extremely tough: the rubber and leather exterior materials are very durable and waterproof, and they do a great job isolating you from the cold. You get great protection from rain, slush, and snow with a premium leather and suede upper backed by a waterproof membrane, and the natural wool liner is plush, warm, and even insulates well when wet. The popular 400 model shares a lot in common with the Columbia Bugaboot above: 400-gram synthetic insulation, solid weatherproofing with a large swath of rubber around the bottom half of the boot, and a noticeably comfortable interior that molds nicely around your foot (the cushy footbed feels a lot like memory foam). Wed recommend sticking with the 400 if you plan on standing still for long periods of time in frigid weather, but the IV is better suited for mild conditions and active days out. Winter boots have outsoles designed for walking on snow, but the reality is that even the best rubber compound and tread pattern wont grip all that well on a sheet of ice. Handmade in Ely, Minnesota, the boot features a thick 9-millimeter wool liner, moosehide and Cordura nylon upper, and an impressive range of available sizes and widths. It does, however, compromise elsewherethe mukluks arent particularly stable or grippy when hiking over difficult terrain. As the cold weather approaches, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stay indoors and shut down for the winter. Category: WorkInsulation: 8-layer liningShaft height: 15 in.What we like: Truly ready for -50-degree temperatures.What we dont: Not night-out-on-the-ski-town compatible. Further, the thin build has us concerned about long-term durability, especially for those that need to wear their boots a lot during the winter months. Further, the removable liners are cushioned and soft, providing more comfort than a typical one-piece design. Category: Winter hiking/casualInsulation: 200g KEEN.WARMShaft height: 6.5 in.What we like: Versatile design that excels for daily wear and on snowy walks. In general, their various heights fall in line with our categories (to see the specific heights for each model, which is measured from the footbed to the top of the boot, see our comparison table above). On the bottom, you get a waterproof rubber construction for protection from snow and other moisture. In this category, we love Darn Toughs classic Hiker Boot, which provides decent warmth to complement your boots but wont overheat as easily in mild temperatures or when working hard. In addition, the Buxton lacks the support and snug fit of a true hiking design and is not our first choice for covering a lot of ground. The KEEN Anchorage is our favorite insulated Chelsea boot of the year, but it doesnt get more iconic than Blundstone. Traction is another important feature, and its here that youll see some of the more advanced tread designs with rubber that grips well even on frigid and icy ground. The Thermal Chelsea Boots listed here reflect the brands typical attention to detail and classic styling in a winter-friendly build. Most manufacturers nowadays turn to synthetic insulation to reduce bulk, but the Caribous throwback felt interior is decently warm and adds soft cushioning around your feet. The KEEN Anchorage is a great one-quiver boot when you anticipate spending a lot of time indoors, but its not our first choice for dedicated outdoor use. Most boots here keep moisture at bay by way of a waterproof membrane, but the Buxton settles for a leather upper with sealed seams. A thick 7-millimeter neoprene construction puts this boot on par warmth-wise with the Sorel Caribou, but it does fall a little short of the Muck Bootabove. These types of boots can feel a bit sloppy and ungainly when youre covering long distances, but for short walks, outdoor work, and harsh conditions, a boot with a removable liner is a nice choice. If there arent specific recommendations from the manufacturer or you cant piece together a good idea on fit from reading user reviews, weve found the following works pretty well: if youll be wearing midweight socks, its a good idea to go up a half size. Hiking and pac boots dominate the footwear options for winter, but theres a time and place for traditional mukluks. At the low end of the spectrum are hiking models and casual Chelsea boots, which measure roughly 5 to 7 inches in height. Typically made out of durable nylon, gaiters are tough and provide an additional barrier around the top of your boots and lower leg (theyre popular for uses like hiking, snowshoeing, and mountaineering). Further, theres a zipper along the instep of each boot to ease the on and off process. The downside of so much warmth is that it doesnt handle mild winter conditions well and isnt breathable. Category: Casual/workInsulation: 9mm feltShaft height: 9.25 in.What we like: Timeless looks and cozy interior.What we dont: They are still classically heavy. To keep your winter boots lasting as long as possible, its worth taking proper care of your investment. For a similar design at around half the cost,Sperrys Avenue Duck Bootis an intriguing alternative but comes with notable tradeoffs in overall quality and performance.See the Men's L.L. As cold-weather boots go, this is about as good as it gets. Given its highly insulated design, this boot wouldn't be our first choice for mild conditions or sustained indoor use. Pairing your winter boots with quality socks helps to maximize warmth and comfort. Whether you live in a cold and snowy climate, like to hit the trail in the winter, or want to keep your feet warm aprs ski, it's likely you'll need a winter boot. Pair them with some thick socks, and the NationPlus will keep you comfortable while walking or shoveling snow in temperatures well below freezing. One of the most respected designs in this category is the Yukon from Steger Mukluks. The Caribou from Sorel seemingly has been around forever, and we love the mix of comfort, style, and performance. In what region See the Men's Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Mid, See the Women's Merrell Thermo Aurora 2 Mid, L.L. Weve worn the Sorel for weeks at a time in Oregons Cascade mountains and found it to be reliably durable and warm in temperatures down to around 0F.See the Men's Baffin Impact See the Women's Baffin Impact. The boot is insulated with an eight-layer system of foam and polyester, which is encased in a burly nylon and rubber shell. Made in a wide range of colorways and priced right at $130, the Fairbanks is well-suited for quick jaunts in and out of the city. Category: CasualInsulation: Thermal ThinsulateShaft height: 4.5 in.What we like: Classy looks and premium build quality.What we dont: Very pricey and decidedly casual. For everyday use or if youre not prone to running cold, a midweight sock is a versatile choice. Some boots eschew modern technology and opt for warmth through a thick lining of felt, sheepskin, or wool, including the classic Sorel Caribou and UGG Butte. Performance-wise, you get a really solid KEEN.Freeze rubber outsolebuilt specifically for traction in cold and slippery conditionsalong with a waterproof lining and 200-gram insulation that offers moderate warmth without too much heft. Synthetic In our testing, it held up in snow, puddles, and cold temperatures as low as 15F. But as with any jack-of-all-trades design, the Thermo Overlook does have its fair share of tradeoffs. Category: CasualInsulation: 8 & 17mm woolShaft height: 8.5 in.What we like: Premium materials, versatile cuff design, and a great one-quiver boot.What we dont: Expensive. The outer soles themselves are very thick and absorb energy well to isolate your feet from any jarring impacts while walking. Our picks for the best winter gloves of With a long platform for floatation and added traction underfoot, snowshoes open up your favorite terrain and hiking trails for all kinds of winter fun. You do compromise a little protection, but quality one-piece designs like the Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus or The North Face Chilkat 400 are still formidable options in harsh conditions. In general, winter boots put a premium on warmth and protection, which has a negative impact on breathability. Everything about the Thermal Chelsea exudes quality, from the Thinsulate-lined leather upper to the removable sheepskin footbed, durable TPU outsole, and sleek elastic pull tabs at the front and back for easy on and off. Understandably, there were some performance sacrifices made in the Fairbanks construction. Category: Casual/workInsulation: 200g Thinsulate (inside removable liner)Shaft height: 10 in.What we like:Reasonably warm and comfortable at a great price.What we dont: Loose fit and some cheaper materials. The Muck Boot brand is a standout in this category, and one of their proven best sellers is the Arctic Ice. Traditional winter boots like the Sorel Caribou and Kamik NationPlus are two-piece designs with outer shells protecting insulated, removable liners. Category: Casual/workInsulation: 400g PrimaLoft Silver Insulation EcoShaft height: 7.75 in.What we like: Excellent weatherproofing and comfort at a good price. But if you live in an area with mild winters or plan to be hiking or snowshoeing for extended stretches, youll want a balanced design that has a lighter-weight upper and less insulation (around 200g). And if breathability is a top priority and temperatures will be warm (around freezing or above), it may be worth opting for a pair of uninsulated hiking boots instead. Beans classic duck boots. The boot also weighs over 7 pounds for the pair and is pretty bulky and ungainly, so its not intended for covering much ground. In general, be prepared to order a different size than what you normally would for a pair of hiking or trail running shoes. Below we For those living in cold parts of the world, a quality pair of winter boots is essential. And its hard to knock the utility of a good down bootie for indoor use, but in most cases, these are not meant to be taken outdoors. This boot features a durable rubber exterior, thick and flexible neoprene bootie, and soft-touch fleece lining that does a great job maximizing comfort and warmth. Among the options, the Anchorage III is our favorite design, combining great looks and KEEN's typical attention to detail in an affordably priced package. And like Merrells Thermo Overlook above, the Ice version here tacks on Vibrams premium Arctic Grip outsole, which was specifically designed to provide traction on ice. Sizing varies widely between brands and individual models, and we provide as many insights as possible in our product write-ups above. In terms of style, the clean, full-grain leather upper and classic Chelsea-boot stretch panel pair well with everything from jeans to chinos. Unsurprisingly, the heaviest designs are meant for the worst conditions. Category: CasualInsulation: 200g syntheticWhat we like: Light, flexible, and good-looking.What we dont: Thin construction impacts protection and durability. Theyre non-bulky and lightweight and continue to insulate even when wet. The compounds are softer and dont harden even when temperatures drop, which helps them to grip on snow and ice. Instead, with the proper gear, you can get outside and enjoy the crisp air and beautiful snowy landscapes. Compared to the 400, the Chilkat IV features 200-gram Heatseeker insulation (TNFs proprietary blend), drops about 1.5 inches off the height, and retails for $115. Further, many of the designs above have leather in the construction, which is a material that benefits from occasional treatment to avoid drying and cracking. Casual Kamiks NationPlus doesnt stand out in any particular category, but it checks all the right boxes for a quality budget option. Combining a 7-inch shaft with a low-bulk design, the Buxton is a sleek winter boot that still packs a fairly decent punch in terms of protection.
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