OUR TOP PICK – Best Winter Work Boots
We have found the best winter work boots and our top pick is the Carhartt Men’s Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot. Made from premium materials, these boots are perfect for those who need to go to work even during extreme winter conditions. With its 1000g insulation, you’re assured that your feet will be warm and protected, and it’s also 100% waterproof!
Read on for more information, or click the link below to read more reviews on Amazon.
- Composite Safety Toe. Identifies protection against impact and compression hazards with a composite (non-metallic) safety toe. Composite toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe). Identifies secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions. Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM...
- Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection. These shoes are designed to be completely waterproof and to keep your feet dry in most types of wet conditions. A waterproof and breathable membrane is...
- Insulation (1000 LiteFire). These shoes are designed to keep your feet warm in most types of cold conditions. 1000 LiteFire is an aluminum based waterproof and breathable membrane that reflects body...
Here are the Best Winter Work Boots that we have included in our review
Winter may seem like a magical season. The snow is covering the trees, buildings, roads, and practically everything else. Thus, making a picturesque scene that looks as though it came right out of a magazine. But for some, especially for those who need to work long hours in the cold, winter isn’t as pleasant as it looks.
Winter can bring in an intense cold that can cause pain and discomfort, especially in the feet. As a result, making focusing and working more difficult. The cold and wet conditions are not only uncomfortable, but they can cause injuries as well. Not to mention that the feet are one of the body parts that are most prone to frostbite. So getting the right pair of winter boots is crucial.
But with the many brands and models available today, it can be overwhelming to choose which one you need. So to help you, here’s a list of the best winter work boots that you can buy today.
Top 5 Work Boots for Winter
Best for Extreme Weather Conditions: Carhartt Men’s 10” Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
- Composite Safety Toe. Identifies protection against impact and compression hazards with a composite (non-metallic) safety toe. Composite toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- Electrical Hazard (Safety Toe). Identifies secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions. Safety Toe EH styles meet ASTM...
- Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection. These shoes are designed to be completely waterproof and to keep your feet dry in most types of wet conditions. A waterproof and breathable membrane is...
- Insulation (1000 LiteFire). These shoes are designed to keep your feet warm in most types of cold conditions. 1000 LiteFire is an aluminum based waterproof and breathable membrane that reflects body...
Carhartt is a popular brand that has been around for decades. They have been making workwear since 1889, and this isn’t because of luck. Their products, especially working boots, are known for their durability and ability to withstand rough daily use. Overall, the quality of their boots is still among the best today even after many years.
For example, the Carhartt Men’s 10” Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot is a great choice for working in extreme weather conditions. It is made with 1000 LiteFire, which is equivalent to 1000 grams of traditional insulation. Thus, it can keep your feet warm no matter how harsh the winter season gets. To make it even better, it doesn’t come with the weight or bulk of traditional insulation.
This boot features waterproof breathable protection, keeping you dry in most wet conditions. Additionally, it meets the ASTM F2413-18 standards. Thus, it can protect you from impact, compression, and electrical hazards. It also has rubber lug outsoles for great traction.
Most Comfortable: Timberland PRO Men’s 6-Inch Boondock Comp Toe WP Insulated Industrial Work Boot
- Premium waterproof leather with a waterproof membrane
- Lightweight and abrasion-resistant All-Weather TPU outsole
- Anti-Fatigue technology polyurethane footbed for shock absorption and energy return
Timberland is another trusted brand that offers amazing boots for manual work and long hours during winter. The 6-Inch Boondock Comp Toe Industrial Work Boot, for example, features waterproof leather with a waterproof membrane. Thus, your feet will stay dry while working. It also has a dual-density TPU outsole with deep lugs for traction. This design protects you from slipping, oil, and abrasions too.
Equipped with Thermolite 400g insulation, this boot is well-capable of providing the warmth you need without the bulk. It has a molded toe protector for extra protection against abrasion and features a Goodyear welt/cement heel construction. But more importantly, this boot is known for its comfort and great support. This is because of the anti-fatigue technology built into each pair.
Best Tall Boots for Work: Muck Boot Arctic Sport Tall Steel Toe
- A True Performance Product
- Quality Assured
- Designed With The User In Mind
- Tested For Function In A Real-World Environment
The Original Muck Boot Company specializes in just that – boots. So you can expect great quality boots that are specially designed to withstand the elements and last a long time. Their Arctic Sport Tall Steel Toe is a good example of this.
Featuring a 5mm neoprene insulation with 2mm thermal foam on the instep area, this boot can keep you warm up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also 100% waterproof and shock-absorbent. And because it’s tall, you don’t have to worry about walking in deep snow or slush.
Not only will this boot keep you warm and dry, but it’s also comfortable due to its EVA molded midsole and contoured footbed. It has an MS-1 molded outsole for stability and a steel toe shank for maximum protection.
Best for High-Level Activities: Wolverine Men’s 8-Inch Durashock Work Boot
- Full grain leather upper
- Durashock shock absorbing outsole
- 200 grams thinsulate insulation
- Direct attached construction
The Wolverine brand was established in 1883, meaning they have been around longer than Carhartt. This also means that they’ve been producing quality boots for a very long time. If you’re interested in one, try checking the 8-inch Durashock Work Boot. It’s made with 200g 3M Thinsulate insulation, providing you enough warmth in chilly weather. This is a great choice if your activity level is high enough where you can generate heat.
Lighter than steel with a fiberglass shank, here’s a boot that provides you great stability. It’s tough and lightweight. Plus, it features a waterproof nubuck leather upper that looks and feels premium.
Best for Mid-Duty Activities: Red Wing King Toe Men’s 8-Inch Safety Toe Boot
If you’re working in a light- to mid-duty work environment and looking for a boot that can provide you warmth, comfort, and protection, then the Red Wing King Toe is a perfect choice. It meets ASTM safety standards, having a label of NT, PR, and EH. It also features waterproof leather and a Vibram outsole. Thus, you’re guaranteed to stay comfortable and dry even in wet conditions.
Furthermore, this boot has an 800g 3M Thinsulate Ultra and non-metallic, puncture-resistance insoles. So with this pair, you’re protected from the extreme cold weather and the other dangers in your workplace.
Buying Guide for the Best Winter Work Boots
To make sure you’ll end up with winter boots that can provide you the warmth and protection you need during winter, here are a couple of things to look out for:
Insulation
Since winters bring extremely cold temperatures, it increases the risk of injuries and frostbite. It can also make you feel very uncomfortable at work, which can make you inefficient. So to protect yourself, you’ll need boots with insulation. This can either be natural or synthetic. While natural offers the most warmth, it requires special care to keep it odor-free and clean. It’s also less durable.
Thus, when it comes to working boots, it is better to choose synthetic. Boots with this type of insulation are often high-quality and durable. Depending on the brand, you may find different names. But the most common are Thermolite and Thinsulate.
Thermolite can provide the same amount of warmth as down. It is also as lush, but not as bulky. On the other hand, Thinsulate is thin, warm, and breathable. Moreover, it can wick moisture and provide more heat than down. Both will make good working boots for winter.
Aside from the type of insulation, you should also choose the insulation level that matches your needs. This can range from 200 grams to 1200 grams. Generally, the heavier the weight, the more warmth it can provide.
Waterproof
When working outdoors during winter, you’re likely to encounter wet and damp conditions. So without the right boots, you may end up with soaked feet. This can cause discomfort, hypothermia, and even frostbite. Thus, you’d need fully waterproof work boots that can keep your feet dry all the time.
Traction
You’d need boots with great traction to prevent falling and slipping on ice or snow. So look for models with deep treads with flexible outer soles. In terms of soles, you can choose polyurethane or rubber.
Design and Construction
The main purpose of buying the best winter work boots is to ensure you are fully protected. But how can you tell if a certain model can do that? Well, look for design and construction. Winter boots should have thick uppers, providing protection not only for your feet but also in the lower part of your legs.
Also, depending on your type of work, you may need boots that meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. This is to ensure you are protected against certain types of hazards. If this is the construction and style you need, check the label and look for the following signs:
- PR: Puncture Resistance
- EH: Electrical Hazard
- SD: Static Dissipative
- I/75: Impact Resistance
- C/75: Compression Resistance
- M/75: Metatarsal Impact