Best Winter Boots for Men
Tackle Winter Weather in Style With These Great Boot Options
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With Additions by Geoff Nudelman.
Sometimes it feels like winter will never end. Sleet, snow, cold — it’s straight-up relentless (like a house guest that won’t take the hint). For city dwellers, guys who are forced to battle winter head-on in urban jungles, it’s even worse, particularly if your commute consists of dodging icy pools of wintery despair, wearing wool or similarly decked-out suits, and trying to hold on to just a stitch of dignity in your professional appearance. It’s a delicate limbo.
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It’s no small feat then when a man can transition from transit to tower with style, with his lower body dry and warm. Sure, galoshes cut it on mild days, and there are a lot of good ones that keep summer scarps clean and dry. A killer pair of winters, however, do much more.
From wingtips to almost-too-warm snow kickers, they are as varied as the season for which they’re designed. Made to make bedfellows with your wool suits, selvedge denim or even snow pants when time comes to flee the city and make tracks in waist-deep powder.
The reality is that no one boot can do it all. While a ten-eyelet dress shoe will cover you for cold dry days, it will struggle when it snows. Leather soles were never made for that kind of work. Similarly, boots made to withstand the elements — no matter how elegantly conceived — are often-times too utilitarian in circumstances calling for something cleaner. Ultimately, finding a pair that suits your lifestyle is a lot like slacklining. Each forward step requires a lot of deliberation and intentionality to be done right.
Here we take a look across a spectrum of different winter boot options: some for office, others for play, and still more that can transition between both. For winter comes for us all. It’s best to be prepared for whatever it brings.
Best Everyday Boots
Ben Sherman Brent Plain Toe
Ben Sherman doesn’t make the flashiest gear — and shoes are often secondary for them — but they do make some really great budget-minded shoes. These lace-ups ooze classic style with a good traction sole and come in at a price point where you won't be upset if you’re wearing them when you get caught in a cold rain.
$79.99 at Amazon.com
Danner Trail 2650 GTX Mid
If you’re any sort of boot enthusiast, you already know and love Danner. New for this winter is this hybrid boot, which would do well in light precip and cold conditions. It’s lightweight, but durable and includes that typical, high-level Danner performance. This is an ideal option for a cold-weather travel boot.
$190 at Danner.com
Fracap + AETHER Dolomite Boot
We were thinking about including these as a more heavy-duty fall boot, but once we got our hands on them, they definitely screamed “winter.” These collab boots are based on an Italian army design and come from the generational leather makers at Fracap. You’ve got all the performance that’s expected in a high-end boot with just enough Italian style to make this wearable to the office. It’s officially marketed as a hiking boot (which it would do well as), but we like it more in the city slush (as an excuse to wear it more often).
$400 at AetherApparel.com
Best Hiking Boots for Winter
Bearpaw Yosemite Boot
You’ve no doubt seen Bearpaw at your favorite sporting goods or department store (if you still go there) and that’s because they’re dependable and trusty. If you’re a casual hiker and don’t need more bells and whistles, something like the Yosemite is a great value and will support you just fine. Don’t go hiking mountains with this, but a few miles here and there? Go right ahead.
From $25.47 at Amazon.com
Vasque Coldspark Ultradry
Speaking of value, let’s talk about this deal at Vasque right now. This is a waterproof, insulated, well-tractioned boot for under $150. Vasque has a history of delivering exceptional bang for your buck, ensuring many seasons of good hiking with a single pair. Check out their site to learn more about the variety of technology built into these sturdy boots.
$149.99 at Vasque.com
Adidas Terrex Ax3 Mid GORE-TEX
Adidas’ outdoor collection is an interesting one as it integrates a certain streetwear, athletic panache into what are generally good hiking boots. While these aren’t meant for major rain or snowstorms, these will get through cold, damp days with no trouble at all. Water resistant upper, Continental rubber grip (yes, from the tire brand) and more all under $80.
From $99.95 at Amazon.com
Best Snow Boots
Lacrosse Aero Timber Top
Lacrosse improves on that classic “duck boot” design with a suede upper and a nice rubber outsole. What we like is that this particular design is a bit less utility than the average snow boot and a bit more refined.
$149.95 on Amazon.com
Sorel Caribou Boot
For the fashionable-first reputation that Sorels have, they make a really great winter boot. The Caribou is a pretty classic take in three different colors with a removable felt insulation layer. A vulcanized rubber shell and non-loading outsole rounds it out.
From $148.48 on Amazon.com
Best Boots for Lounging
Glerups Boot
Glerups have established something of a cult following for having just all-around handsome, unisex boots with no add-ons and just enough style. The brand is headquartered and makes their products in New Hampshire, so you know these are built to deal with tough winters. We think they’d be right at home in more mild settings too.
$155 at Huckberry.com
Minnetonka Sheepskin Ankle Boots
When it comes to moccasins, Minnetonka is one of those instantly recognizable, gold standard brands. This particular model is about as cozy as it gets with a plush pile lining. If the walk from the couch to the fridge is just a little too chilly this morning, pop on a pair of these and warm your soles.
$79.95 at Amazon.com
Best of the Rest
Palladium Pampa Hi Originale
For one of the bigger brands, Palladium does a good job packing style, performance and durability into a reasonable price point. While you wouldn’t want to take these canvas boots out for a long hike, they’ll do just fine throughout the workday in cold, wet conditions. (A little bit of waterproofing starch on the canvas would make these even better).
From $74.95 at Amazon.com
Aquatalia Daniel Suede Boots
Let’s say money isn’t an option and you wanted to make a statement with your winter footwear. If you’re lucky enough to be in that situation, consider this weatherproof suede, ankle-high boot from Italian brand Aquatalia. The brushed suede is gorgeous and you’re also getting superior hardware in a unique format. Plus, all materials are specially treated to be weatherproof, making them a perfect pair for rough winter days that still require an upscale style. https://zdcs.link/GxYpW
$525 at Aquatalia.com
So there you have it, 15 great options for winter boots across the footwear spectrum. This winter, don’t let any bad conditions get in your way. Pick out your favorite pair and get out there.
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