There are two types of people in the world: Those who love winter, and those who would do anything to press fast forward to summer.

No matter whichever category you consider yourself to be a part of, investing in a good pair of winter boots for men or women can most certainly be a wise decision as it's an important piece of gear to protect you from the cold.

In addition to protecting your feet from the snow, or from the cold and wet weather, winter boots are also a fashion statement that can work well to up your physical appearance. In fact, there are several types of winter boots available in the market as well that you can style in different ways, and this goes for both men and women.

If you are looking for the best winter boots, check out our carefully curated list of the top 10 boots for this year below.

Packing the rare combination of uber-stylish looks along with equally tough leather, the Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc Winter Boots are made to last and last long. Having triple stitching only adds to the overall durability like no other.

It is also due to this reason why these boots might take some time to break into. But trust us when we tell you that the little bit of pain you will experience for a short time is well worth it.

These are the perfect 21st-century winter boots that can team up with jeans and other pieces of apparel alike. There is a certain ruggedness to these that make them look so good. You get a synthetic sole with a 1-inch heel and ample toe space to keep your feeling comfortable. There are also nickel eyelets adorning the lacing system to give you a secure fit.

Talking about the outsole, this pair of winter boots employs the use of traction tread cushion crepe wedge which gives you excellent grip and easy movement.

Overall, the construction is sturdy and that is quite evident at the very first glance. In addition to the leather exterior, you also have a leather insole. You can avail of easy mobility, style points, and of course, sufficient warmth by purchasing these. We would definitely recommend you to invest in a pair of copper and tough leather boots as they are well worth every penny you spend.

Key Features
  • Tough and durable built
  • Triple stitching
  • Traction Tred rubber outsole
  • Leather insole
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather
  • Size Range: 7-13
  • Number of Color Options: 7
  • Brand: Red Wing
Pros
  • Very stylish
  • Waterproof and rugged
  • High-quality and hardy soles
Cons
  • Needs time to be broken in
  • Sizing inconsistencies

Make a cute fashion statement with the UGG Women's W Adirondack III Snow Boots without having to compromise on protection from the deep snow and the biting cold.

The manufacturer, UGG, is already a renowned brand that is famous for creating boots that are great to look at and also have the durability and effectiveness to make them an excellent pair of winter boots.

These boots are made out of waterproof leather and have a pure wool lining that feels soft and warm to the touch. In fact, you can also style this 17 mm lining as you please—fold the lining to reveal more ankle or roll the tops down. In addition to style, it also keeps your feet properly insulated without the issue of overheating. You can pair these winter boots with your favorite jeans or leggings while you head out for groceries or visit the mall to make a casual fashion statement.

It should be interesting to note that you can wear these boots even when the temperature hits -20° celsius. The Adirondack III Snow Boots also have a Vibram outsole which offers excellent grip, greatly minimizing the tendency to slip on icy surfaces. In addition to this, the lacing system is non-wicking nylon and the outsole is made of spider rubber.

To summarize, the UGG Women's W Adirondack III Snow Boots offer you a lightweight pair of high-performing winter boots that are super trendy, and most certainly a complete all-rounder.

Key Features
  • High-quality leather upper
  • Spider rubber outsole
  • Non-wicking nylon lace
  • Pure wool lining
  • Variety of color options
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather
  • Size Range: 5-12
  • Number of Color Options: 3
  • Brand: UGG
Pros
  • Waterproof built
  • Great traction
  • Keeps feet warm and dry
Cons
  • May not be suitable for wide feet
  • High availability of knockoffs

Packing a certain ruggedness and toughness in terms of its looks, the Kamik Men's Nationplus Winter Boots checks all the boxes that make it a trustworthy option when you are looking for a good pair of winter boots.

The exterior of these boots is made out of rubber and leather in addition to 200 g Thinsulate insulation. As one would expect from these winter boots, they are waterproof and can perform well even if you stay in snow for a couple of hours. We do recommend wearing a thick pair of socks along with these boots whenever you do plan on shoveling snow or going out for a walk.

The best point about the Nationplus Winter Boots is the affordable price point, which is frankly the biggest attraction for customers. In comparison to other winter boots mentioned on this list, there is room for improvement in terms of material quality. But, the overall durability isn’t something that will leave you dissatisfied with the product.

The lining of these boots is removable, which gives you the option to remove them and wash them if needed. This can be helpful during times when the climate isn’t as cold and hence, you don’t need a thick layer of protection also.

The Kamik Men's Nationplus Winter Boots is a great pair of winter boots that will protect your feet from the cold. At the same time, they'll also get you fashion points as the overall aesthetic is very appealing to the eyes.

Key Features
  • Lace closure
  • Removable and moisture-wicking lining liner
  • Rustproof speed-lacing system
  • Tall boot style
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather and rubber
  • Size Range: 7-14
  • Number of Color Options: 7
  • Brand: Kamik
Pros
  • Keeps your feet warm
  • Comfortable
  • Sole has good grip
Cons
  • Can feel a bit tight
  • Material quality can be improved

If you prefer a more casual vibe to your winter boots, then the Sorel Caribou Winter Boots might just be what you’re looking for. Having classic looks that perform well in the field of comfort and coziness, the Caribou boots are iconic having been around since forever now.

Firstly, these winter boots are a hundred percent leather and have a rubber coating too. This, in turn, makes the shoes very warm. To be more precise, these winter boots have a 9 mm felt liner, wrap-around rubber towards the lower side, and a leather upper that is both heavy and thick.

Secondly, of late, manufacturers have started using synthetic fill to keep your feet warm but without the issue of heavy boots. In the case of these Sorel boots, the original felt interior is maintained as they act as additional cushioning in addition to providing insulation—which is a huge plus.

Also, we would recommend you to buy this timeless pair of winter boots if you can avoid walking long distances. You see, the overall construction of these boots is on the heavier side and hence, using these when walking short distances is more preferable due to its weight. If the boots do get wet in deep snow, you can simply take out the liner of the boots to get them to dry faster as well.

On the whole, Sorel Caribou Winter Boots combines the features of style, durability, and effectiveness to give you the perfect boots for the winter season.

Key Features
  • High boot style
  • Heavy-duty and waterproof construction
  • Frost plug midsole
  • Made out of leather
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather and synthetic
  • Size Range: 7-17
  • Number of Color Options: 18
  • Brand: Sorel
Pros
  • Classy looks
  • Keeps warm for longer period
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Heavy boot
  • Quality of rubber needs to be improved

The Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus IV Winter Boots is a pair of durable winter boots that aren’t really specialized for one specific feature. It has also considerably improved in terms of providing comfort when compared to the past generation Bugaboot III.

Providing excellent grip with its anti-slip rubber outsole, these winter boots are very comfortable for activities like snow shoveling, hiking, and so on. Even after having 200 g of synthetic insulation, these shoes are relatively lightweight. In addition to the insulation, there is an Omni-Heat reflective lining along with waterproof seam-sealed construction. It should be interesting to note that even though your feet will be warm, they will not get overheated. All these reasons further contribute to this winter boots' durability and effectiveness.

We would specifically like to give a mention to the Techlite lightweight midsole that gives the wearer excellent cushioning along with high energy return. With the additional layer of padding, not only will your feet stay warmer, but you will also be more at ease when on the move.

Having said this, you have to be careful if you are residing in a region that experiences sub-zero conditions. In such situations, it would be better for you to opt for better-insulated winter boots as the Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus IV Winter Boots might prove to be thinner in comparison. Nevertheless, you do get a warm and comfy option with the Bugaboot Plus IV which could be great for performing everyday tasks and chores—that too at a reasonable price!

Key Features
  • Techlite lightweight midsole
  • High energy return
  • Anti-slip rubber
  • Omni-Heat reflective lining
  • High boot style
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather and nylon
  • Size Range: 7-17
  • Number of Color Options: 3
  • Brand: Columbia
Pros
  • Tough and waterproof
  • Versatile design
  • Provides extreme comfort
  • Good abrasion resistance
Cons
  • Needs to be more insulated
  • Slightly narrow toebox
  • Flat insole making it unsuitable for higher arches

Typically categorized as work boots, the Ever Boots "Ultra Dry" Winter Boots can give you an abundance of support while lending that protective layer without adding to the overall weight of the shoes. Whether you work at the farm, have a landscaping or construction job, these boots will deliver.

Not only can these winter boots keep your feet dry and warm, but they also prevent your feet from sweating or feeling damp due to overheating. With all this insulation, one might assume that the shoes would score low fashion-wise, but that isn't the case at all!

These boots are made out of full-grain leather, which also makes it a good option for facing the extreme winter climate. In addition to this, these boots come with watertight stitches, waterproof leather, and water-resistant laces. Another plus point of these winter/work boots is the seal on its sole that protects your feet from rain, slush, or snowmelt.

The sole of the Ever Boots Winter Boots is created out of rubber that is both lightweight and flexible. The midsole, on the other hand, is of PU material. This adds to the functionality and long-lasting feature of these boots.

Having a solid number of positive customer reviews on Amazon, many people are satisfied with the sturdiness that is made available at an affordable price. With the speedy hooks and back loop pull, you can easily put these boots and take them right off.

Remember to get half a size smaller as these boots tend to run large. Either way, still a great buy!

Key Features
  • Waterproof leather
  • Lightweight and flexible rubber sole
  • Back loop pull
  • Insulated lining
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather
  • Size Range: 6-13
  • Number of Color Options: 1
  • Brand: Ever Boots
Pros
  • Great pair of work and winter boots all-in-one
  • Reliable waterproof tech
  • Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
  • Tends to run big
  • Longer break-in period

You might already be aware of Muck Boots for their adaptability on all surfaces. But, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Men's Winter Boots is a more advanced version that has been designed to incorporate an additional 2 mm of thermal foam that will help to protect your feet from extreme cold conditions. It should also be noted that this additional layer of foam sits right on top of an 8 mm neoprene layer.

The lining of the Arctic Sport boots are made from fleece in addition to an "airmesh" lining. It is due to the latter that your feet won’t overheat.

If we talk about the upper, it is made out of leather and synthetic materials that are waterproof. The sole is made out of rubber. The special thing about this sole is that you can easily repair it when need be. Even the rubber shell is completely sealed which prevents moisture from entering.

The unique thing about these winter boots is the long shaft that stands tall at 14.5 inches. It is also due to this very reason why the overall protection becomes even greater. Even after all these wonderful additions, the Arctic Sport Boots are remarkably lightweight and weigh up to only 2.5 oz. If you look at the other available options that are waterproof, fleece-lined, and have a tall shaft, they are usually much heavier.

Even though there are better-looking options available in the market, in terms of performance, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Men's Winter Boots definitely leave a solid mark.

Key Features
  • Fleece lining
  • Rugged molded lugs
  • EVA contoured midsole
  • Tall boot style
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather and synthetic
  • Size Range: 8-16
  • Number of Color Options: 3
  • Brand: Muck Boot
Pros
  • Retains heat
  • Waterproof material
  • Offers excellent support
  • Shock-absorbent
Cons
  • Lining can't be removed
  • Absent lacing system

Giving you the perfect blend of the plus points of hiking boots along with the insulation needed for cold weather, the Salomon X Ultra Winter CS Waterproof 2 Boots are a pair of waterproof boots that feature a premium coated, water-resistant leather upper.

These boots have a longer shaft and are insulated with 200 g of Thinsulate filling which will keep your feet cozy and comfortable. It has a nimble feel and a lightweight design that makes movement easy and agile. The lacing system is traditional which possesses locking eyelets in areas that make room for dialed-in comfort and security adjustments. This, in turn, removes any extra pressure from your ankles.

You can also avail of the Salomon Advanced chassis underfoot to enjoy complete control and stability. Overall, your stride will be responsive without adding to the end weight of these boots due to this improved tech.

The X Ultra Winter CS Waterproof 2 Boots also have molded heel pads that improve traction in addition to gaiter hooks. The latter can prove to be useful when you encounter deeper snow.

Lastly, we would like to talk about the well-cushioned midsoles that have been EVA injection molded. The Ortholite® sockliners further add to the wearer’s comfort.

Being lightly insulated, you cannot really wear these winter boots in extreme weather conditions. But, there are are other advantages that make them overall a good deal. The Salomon X Ultra Winter CS Waterproof 2 Boots try their best to combine warmth and ventilation, and this shows in the power-packed performance that it delivers in the end.

Key Features
  • Thinsulate insulation
  • Molded heel pads
  • Nonmarking Winter Contagrip® rubber outsoles
  • Injection-molded EVA midsoles
Specifications
  • Materials: Synthetic
  • Size Range: 7-13
  • Number of Color Options: 1
  • Brand: Salomon
Pros
  • Good traction
  • Well cushioned and insulated
  • Waterproof material
Cons
  • Narrow fitting
  • More durability needed

The very first word that comes to mind when you take a look at the Wolverine Drillbit Oil Rigger Winter Boots is tough. Having a heavy-duty design, these shoes are both heavy and bulky. This is precisely why you should buy them for shorter duration activities such as hunting, taking a quick stroll around the neighborhood, shoveling snow, and so on.

These winter boots have a rubber sole and are made out of a hundred percent genuine leather. They also offer thick insulation and are water-resistant which makes them suitable for extreme winter conditions. Speaking of the arch and ankle support too, the presence of a molded EVA insole along with a mid-calf reaching upper makes it a good deal.

These boots have a BOA lacing system. This means that you have to twist a dial to secure the boots and tighten them instead of manually tying the laces. This is a quite convenient feature that can help save time and effort on your part. This advanced mechanism gives you an even hold that can also be adjusted as per your needs.

The Wolverine Drillbit Oil Rigger Winter Boots has a heel height of 1.5 inches along with a rear pull loop. The mesh lining has moisture-managing abilities whereas, the overall construction is excellent. Basically, whether you are walking on snow or ice, this pair of winter boots will keep you protected and cozy because of its Vibram Arctic Grip outsole.

Key Features
  • 100 percent leather upper
  • Vibram Arctic Grip outsole
  • Excellent insulation
  • BOA lacing system
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather
  • Size Range: 7-14
  • Number of Color Options: 1
  • Brand: Wolverine
Pros
  • Cozy and warm
  • Waterproof
  • Good tread system
  • Convenient lacing system
Cons
  • Bulky and heavy built
  • Not suitable for long duration tasks

Almost any winter boots list will be incomplete without including a pair offered by the iconic brand, Timberland. For years, this brand has made available to its customers excellent quality products sans the higher price tag, and this is exactly what it delivers again with the Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Winter Boots.

The White Ledge boots can protect you from the biting cold with its high-quality full-grain leather that has a dark-oiled finish. Still, the material is waterproof which can be helpful during wet conditions. It has multidirectional lug patterns on the sole that will give you excellent grip whether you trek, hike, or walk. Completing the look are eyelids and hooks that are brass colored and appear stylish.

The lacing system is traditional which features rustproof speed lace hardware with appropriate hooks to verify security.

In addition to the above, you will find a dual-density EVA footbed that will keep your foot supported and warm. The padded tongue and collar are additional accessories adding to your overall comfort. Even after so many features, the overall weight of these winter boots is moderate.

Not only is the boots’ design elegant, but it is also functional for daily wear. But undoubtedly, the best thing about the Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Winter Boots is the fantastic customer reviews it has, which is also indicative of its quality. Offering the perfect blend of comfort, good looks, and durability, the White Ledge boots are a definite must-have for every winter season.

Key Features
  • Dark oiled finished leather
  • Multidirectional lug patterns
  • Rustproof speed lace hardware
  • Dual-density EVA footbed
Specifications
  • Materials: Leather
  • Size Range: 7-15
  • Number of Color Options: 5
  • Brand: Timberland
Pros
  • Trendy yet versatile
  • Comfortable
  • Long-lasting
Cons
  • Narrow tow box
  • Thicker sole needed

As soon as the weather starts to turn grey, buying winter boots should definitely find a place on your shopping list.

But, there's a problem.

The main issue here is that winter boots come in a variety of different designs, shapes, sizes, and colors, which can make the shopping process intimidating.

Read on as we discuss a couple of useful tips that you can use to determine the right pair of winter boots for yourself.

Winter Boots Buying Checklist: What to Look For?

Upper Material Quality

As the name suggests, the upper material refers to the top portion of the boots that are supposed to be hardy, water-resistant, and durable to hold its own against the harsh weather conditions during winters. It would be best for you to look for materials such as leather or nylon as they are mostly waterproof.

Warmth and Comfort

Of course, your winter snow boots should keep your feet warm and cozy, and this should be done without any compromise on comfort.

The best way to ensure this would be to look for winter boots that offer proper insulation and then trying the said boots on. Generally, 200 g of synthetic insulation like Thinsulate is enough. However, 400 g or more would be more preferable for frigid climates.

Once you try the boots on, examine how the boots fit. Not only should you have abundant toe space, but your ankles should be well supported, too. Remember, since you’ll most probably wear thick socks as well, you can opt for a size up.

Functionality

Wherever you go shopping, functionality is a feature that you'll always have to consider. Even in the case of winter boots, if you indulge in outdoor activities, it would be wiser to get a pair of full lace-up boots. This is because of their tighter fit.

You can opt for pull-on or zipper styles if you have a more relaxed winter schedule. As they are a little less secure, simple tasks like walking or running can be easily carried out in them.

Boot Height

The shaft of winter boots has greater relevance than just appearance. Taller winter boots will actually keep your calves protected and warm and hence, it would be better for trekking. On the other hand, shorter winter boots are more comfortable to walk in daily.

Keeping this in mind before choosing a pair of winter boots. Consider your daily schedule in addition to your needs and preferences.

Resources— Business InsiderSwitch Back TravelGood Housekeeping

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