It may be tempting to throw on your old trusty work boots for another winter, but we’re here to tell you–that’s not going to cut it. You need something that can stand up to the cold and snow without getting heavy. Something that provides traction without sacrificing your ability to move comfortably.
As the temperatures drop, it’s essential to ensure that you have the proper footwear to keep your feet warm and safe. For winter, the best work boots have non-slip soles, good traction, and enough insulation to keep your toes warm. They also have outsoles with a tread pattern to give you good traction on slick surfaces like ice or snow.
We’ve compiled a list of the top five best men’s work boots for winter, so you can choose the pair that meets your specific needs.
Before I delve into the details of each boot I’ve selected, let me first summarize the list:
- Best Overall: Carhartt 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
- Best for Landscaping: Wolverine Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work Boot
- Best for Oil Field Workers: Cat Footwear Stormers 6″ Construction Boot
- Best for Construction: KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia+ 8″ 600G WP Carbon-Fiber Toe
- Best for Sweaty Feet: Timberland PRO Boondock 6-Inch Waterproof Industrial Work Boot
OK, that said… Let’s get to the details.
Best Overall Work Boots for Winter
Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
If you’re looking for a quality, sturdy boot that will hold up to long hours and extreme conditions, look no further. Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boots are the best overall work boots for winter.
Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boots
They are designed with oil-tanned and polyurethane-coated leathers and lace closure to withstand a lot of wear and tear while still keeping feet warm. They also have 1,000 LiteFire® insulation to keep feet warm, no matter the temperatures outside.
This boot has a composite toe that protects against impact and compression hazards and meets ASTM 2413-18 standards. The TPU heel guard has an Achilles flex joint for ankle stability and side-impact protection. The foam-cushioned insole has TPU arch support, but it can be removed if you want to put in a different EVA insole for a custom fit.
Finally, the cement-constructed rubber outsole provides lightweight comfort while reducing weight and break-in time. The secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions meets ASTM 2413-18 EH standards.
Look no further than Carhartt’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot. It’s got everything you need to stay warm, dry, and safe on the job—all in a comfortable, lightweight package.
Best for Landscaping Winter Work Boots
Wolverine Men’s Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work Boot
When you need a work boot that will keep you warm and dry through cold winter weather, the Wolverine Men’s Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work Boot is an excellent option.
Wolverine Men’s Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work Boots
The boot is made with waterproof full-grain leather uppers, moisture-managing mesh, and a waterproof membrane lining. This combination of materials will keep your feet warm and dry when working outside in wet conditions. You can also remove the multishox full-cushion footbed for easy cleaning after long days on the job site!
These boots also have 400 grams 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation that will keep your toes cozy while working outside in the cold temperatures of winter. The advanced comfort PU midsole provides added cushioning when walking around on hard surfaces all day long!
This work boot is designed with Wolverine ContourWelt construction, which means it’s flexible and durable without sacrificing comfort. With this work boot on your feet, you can ensure that your feet will stay comfortable and protected in any weather.
Whether you’re working outside in construction, landscaping, farming, or shoveling snow at home, Wolverine Men’s Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work Boots will get the job done in comfort and style.
Best for Oil Field Winter Work Boots
Cat Footwear Unisex Stormers 6″ Construction Boot
Cat Footwear’s Unisex Stormers 6″ Construction Boot is tested best-in-class for traction, with slip- and oil-resistant rubber.
Cat Footwear Unisex Stormers 6″ Construction Boots
They have a multi-layered vulcanized rubber design that gives them extra protection at key stress points. This makes them more durable than other boots on the market and helps them retain their shape after a long day.
The Ease® footbed provides all-day comfort, while the stabilizing outsole allows you to handle uneven terrain without wobbling around. The soft neoprene lining keeps your feet warm and comfortable while protecting them from rashes and blisters caused by friction. And with reflective pull tabs and easy/off technology, you’ll never waste time getting these work boots on or off.
They also have an electrical hazard rating of up to 600 volts, which means they can protect you against open circuits working in dry conditions. Even if something unforeseen happens like a power surge or lightning strike, Cat Footwear Unisex Stormers 6″ will help keep your feet safe!
Best for Construction Winter Work Boots
KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia+ 8″ 600G WP Carbon-Fiber Toe
The KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia+ 8″ 600G WP Carbon-Fiber Toe work boot will keep you cozy and protected all winter long, thanks to its features that are specifically designed for cold temperatures.
KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia+ 8″ 600G WP Carbon-Fiber Toe Boots
This boot is made of full-grain waterproof leather, which means it’s not just water-resistant—it’s waterproof. This means you can walk through puddles and snow without worrying about water soaking through your footwear. It also features 600G KEEN.WARM insulation, a breathable membrane, and three-quarter Goodyear welt construction.
They also have moisture-wicking mesh and textile linings that keep your feet from getting too hot or cold. The removable, dual-density PolyAer PU footbed has aerated pillow-top cushioning for all-day comfort. The KEEN Luftcell air-infused PU midsole is puncture-resistant yet flexible and protects against job site hazards.
The asymmetrical left-and-right carbon-fiber toes add extra protection against any falling objects or other hazards you might encounter at work; they’re also nonmetallic, so they won’t interfere with magnetic fields or set off metal detectors.
This boot is also ASTM/CSA certified, meaning it meets safety standards for the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
These features combine to deliver a cozy experience that protects your feet from the cold and wet while remaining breathable enough to keep you from feeling too warm or sweaty. Whether building a house, renovating a factory, or restoring an old office building, KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia+ 8″ 600G WP Carbon-Fiber Toe is the best construction boot for winter.
Best for Sweaty Feet Winter Work Boots
Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 6 Inch Waterproof Industrial Work Boot
Sweaty feet can be a problem for anyone, especially those who spend a lot of time on their feet. It’s not just uncomfortable; it can make your shoes fall apart faster. Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 6 Inch Waterproof Industrial Work Boot is made for heavy-duty work that can cause sweaty feet to be a problem.
Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 6-Inch Composite Safety Toe Work Boots
The waterproof leather with a waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry, while the anti-fatigue technology polyurethane footbed provides support and shock absorption. The powerful composite safety toe protects in case you stub your toe on a rock or step on an unexpected nail.
A fiberglass shank provides structural support to help prevent your feet from feeling fatigued while walking or standing all day long. The rigid external heel cup offers lateral stability, so your feet stay firmly planted on the ground.
The combination three-quarter Goodyear welt/cement heel construction makes it easy to add additional inserts if you need more cushioning. And the moisture-wicking lining with anti-microbial treatment will help keep your feet from getting smelly, even after a long day of working in cold weather conditions.
This boot is perfect for someone who spends their days on their feet doing heavy work in wet or cold weather or simply wants a pair of boots that won’t fall apart because their feet get sweaty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much insulation is needed for winter work boots?
For winter boots, you’ll want a greater amount of insulation. If you’re looking for high-quality boots that can keep your feet warm when freezing outside, we recommend a boot with at least 1000 grams of insulation. As long as you’re not engaging in heavy physical activity and are in freezing weather, these boots will provide enough insulation to keep you comfortable and warm.
What features should I look for in a winter work boot to keep my feet warm?
If you’re looking for a winter work boot, the first thing you want to make sure of is that it’s insulated—insulation is what keeps your feet warm.
You also want to look for a work boot with a composite toe. They’re just as protective as steel toes, but they’re lighter and can keep your feet warmer because they don’t conduct cold like steel.
What kind of socks should I wear with my winter boots?
The best choice for socks to wear with winter boots will depend on the type of boot, but my favorite choice is wool socks. Wool is a go-to for cold weather because it’s warm and keeps you comfortable when it’s very cold or very hot.
Wool socks are also great because they’re moisture-wicking, so your feet won’t overheat or feel clammy even if you get sweaty while you’re out and about in your boots.
If you’re in a freezing climate or are just going out for an extended period, thermal socks are another excellent choice. I like thermal socks because they don’t add any additional bulk to your feet, unlike wool socks which can be a little bulky.
They also come in different thicknesses to choose the one that will work best for the conditions where you live.
Do I need an anti-fatigue insole?
The answer to that question depends on how much time you spend standing up, how long your shifts are, and if your job requires you to be on your feet for an extended period.
If you stand for long periods or perform repetitive tasks on the job, then anti-fatigue matting or insoles can make a big difference. According to research, the use of anti-fatigue matting, insoles, or a combination thereof can be beneficial in reducing fatigue and discomfort from prolonged standing.
Cat Footwear Unisex Stormers 6″ Construction Boots
How can I tell if my boots are durable enough to withstand severe winter weather?
To check whether your boots are up for keeping your feet warm, dry, and protected in severe winter weather, there are some key things to look for.
First, make sure your boots have a good tread pattern on their soles and that the tread is neither too shallow nor too deep—you want something that will provide adequate traction in snow and ice but not so much that you’re tripping over it when you walk.
Next, check to see whether your boots are waterproof. This can be done by pouring water into them to see whether it flows right through or gets stuck in there—if it gets stuck, congrats! Your boots are waterproof. If not, you might want to find a way to seal them against the elements or consider upgrading.
Finally, put your boots on and walk around in them for at least an hour. This will let you know how comfortable they are and whether they protect your feet from the cold; if they don’t keep your feet warm during this test run (or if they’re just uncomfortable), you may want to find new winter work boots.
Best Men’s Work Boots for Winter, Final Thoughts…
Hopefully, this post helped you get started on your search. The right pair of work boots can make the difference between a good workday and a miserable one. It can be tough to narrow down what’s best for you with so many options.
If you’re looking for a boot that keeps your feet warm, comfortable, and dry, the Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot is your best bet. The versatility of this boot makes it the best choice for any job site or outdoor activity that leaves you vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. The insulation will keep you warm in even the coldest temperatures, while the waterproof exterior keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
When navigating the snow and ice of winter, your feet are on the front lines. But with a quality pair of winter boots on your feet, you can face anything that gets thrown at you–whether you work outside in the snow or need sturdy shoes for getting around town during this season!
OK, here’s my selection again for the best winter work boot for various activities:
- Best Overall Work Boots for Winter: Carhartt 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
- Best Winter Work Boot for Landscaping: Wolverine Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work Boot
- Best Winter Work Boot for Oil Field Workers: Cat Footwear Stormers 6″ Construction Boot
- Best Winter Work Boot for Construction: KEEN Utility CSA Philadelphia+ 8″ 600G WP Carbon-Fiber Toe
- Best Winter Work Boot for Sweaty Feet: Timberland PRO Boondock 6-Inch Waterproof Industrial Work Boot