21 Excellent Winter Boots That Will Survive Cold Weather

WINTER BOOTS may be a cold-weather staple, but that doesn’t make finding the perfect pair easy. While boots for snow and ice are widely available at a variety of retailers, knowing which pairs are actually worth the money is undeniably difficult in the sea of options. But, believe it or not, there are some functional and stylish winter boots out there waiting to make your snowy trek both ways more manageable.

Simply put, the best winter boots mix style and functionality with comfort and warmth—making them the perfect addition to your winter outfits. But this perfect combination of performance, durability, and design can almost seem like a mythical triple threat to which no boot can match—especially if you're on a budget.

If you are on the hunt for the most durable, attractive, and warmest winter boots menswear brands have to offer, it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief. From intense snow boots to durable hiking boots, here are the 21 best pairs of winter boots for walking through even the snowiest winter days

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What to Look for:

Waterproofing: You never want your feet to get wet but especially not when it's cold out. No matter where you live, winter is colder and it tends to be wetter. So whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or both, strong water resistance is crucial for winter boots. To start with, look at how the various parts of the boot are put together. If there is stitching, then you want two or ideally three rows of stitching. Avoid shoes that are glued together, because even the smallest gap can let water in. Also check for bonding behind the seams. Bonding strips will keep a tighter seal over any seams.

Next, check for a gusseted tongue. Gussets are strips of material running along both sides of the tongue connecting it to the rest of the shoe. These are important because a gap between the tongue and the rest of the shoe is the easiest way for moisture to get into your shoe. The higher the gusset goes, the deeper your foot can go into a puddle, snow, or body of water without letting water in. Think of top of the gusset as the line you do not want to let water cross.

Finally, there is an important distinction between water resistant and waterproof. It is extremely difficult to make a waterproof boot. The only certain way is to make the entire boot one piece of rubber, like a welly rain boot. Most of the boots on this list are highly water resistant, enough so to keep your feet dry under most circumstances.

Insulation: You don't always need or even want a boot with extra insulation, but if you live in areas that get especially snowy and cold in the winter, then insulation is a life saver. There are two basic kinds of insulation: a layer of fleece or wool fabric lining the inside of the shoe, or a layer of insulating material sewn into the boot between the outer layer and inner layer. Having a fleece-like layer inside your boot adds coziness, along with additional warmth. However, that type of insulation can trap sweat, make it more difficult for your feet to breath. In other words, these types of boots are best worn for shorter periods of time.

If you need an insulated boot that you can wear all day, then look insulation that is sewn in between boot layers. This often allows your foot to breath better, help control moisture, and will not wear out from the friction of extended use. They also make it easier to wear heavy winter socks inside the boot without cramping your feet.

All that said, if you live in warmer climates where you don't see much or any snow, then you don't want insulated boots. If you have warm socks then you can add your own insulation on colder days. Insulated boots will overheat your feet if you wear them when it's above 40 degrees outside.

Traction: Along with getting your feet cold and wet, all that winter precipitation makes the ground slippery. Having good traction on the soles of your winter boots is absolutely necessary. You can avoid stepping in puddles and snow mounds, but it is almost unavoidable to step on slipping hazards like ice and slick surfaces. A thick rubber sole is the best way to go. Good traction is easy to spot just by looking at the bottom of the boot. Look for deep ridges like a car tire or geometric patterns. Some shoe companies use specially formulated materials to maximize grip so look for that detail in product descriptions.