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Finding the best winter work boots for men is easy if you are well-informed. You need to know the features to look out for when you want to make a purchasing decision.
It is prudent to invest in a pair of winter boots from reputable companies to ensure you will be getting a product that is built to last. Some manufacturers even offer paid repair and reconditioning services or resole for customers looking to extend their boot’s shelf life. However, it is good practice to let go of worn-out boots that have gone past the point of no return.
When purchasing a boot for the winter months, keep in mind that a considerable percentage of your body heat is dissipated through your extremities, your feet included.
One sure way to stay warm on the job is to keep your feet warm and prevent heat loss by wearing an insulating winter work boot. This boot will help you brave the elements and avoid the onset of hypothermia.
Here, we have reviewed the best winter work boots for men and included a buying guide to help you make an informed decision. These boots will keep your feet warm – this warmth will get re-circulated back to your body, contributing to your wellbeing.
Best Winter Work Boots for Men for 2022 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Tough work outdoors in chilly weather is no picnic for your feet. The regular boots are high, but they do not offer the full range of protection you need to stay warm and healthy during the winter months. For the best comfort and safety through the snow, you need an insulated winter work boot. The table lists the top boots we’ve chosen and their features at a glance.
Many winter boots are specially made for either mobility, warmth, or style, but the Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Winter Boot is an all-rounder. It is reasonably light and features grippy Michelin outsoles suitable for snowshoeing and hiking. The tough material construct is sure to make this boot last for many shoveling and winter commutes.
The boot comes with 200-gram synthetic insulation and a patented Omni-Heat technology that ensures your feet will be warm enough down to single digits as you navigate through the snowy conditions. This tech does not make the boot overly insulated to make your feet sweat during sub-zero conditions.
It represents excellent value for money. If you need more warmth, you should consider the Carhartt men’s insulated toe boot below. What wins here is the balance, the right mix of warmth, comfort, and durability for all wintertime uses.
Pros
This winter boot is engineered for use in all weather conditions.
It comes in multiple colors and a true-to-size fit.
The boot is fortified with a patented thermal-reflective lining that keeps cold temperature out.
Carhartt makes some of the highest-quality workwear on the market, and they are reasonably priced. The Carhartt Men’s Insulated Toe Boot will keep you toasty and comfortable in the harshest weather conditions. It features a 10-inch ankle that is perfect for snowy days.
This product is crafted from 100% full-grain leather and girded by 1000 LiteFire. An aluminum-based water-resistant and breathable membrane designed to reflect body heat up to 1000 grams of traditional insulation without additional weight. The boot is also rugged and tough. It comes with a non-metal composite safety toe that provides protection against electrical hazards.
This product also comes with TPU heel guards fitted with Achilles flex joints that confer the boot with heel protection while also boosting durability. In all, this winter boot is specially made to get you moving comfortably no matter the weather condition.
Pros
It comes with a custom-fit removable insert.
The product is fitted with a rubber lug outsole for maximum traction and slip resistance.
It is designed with advanced airflow and circulation features.
Cons
It is pretty expensive compared to other boots on out list.
The NORTIV 8 Men’s Winter Snow Boots is the cheapest on this list, but also effective. It is a phenomenal winter work boot for someone who needs something functional on a budget. The boot is crafted with genuine leather and mesh fabric upper that confers it with water & wind resistant properties. You will also find a synthetic toe cap for anti-collision, making this boot quite a steal.
The 200g high-quality cotton insulation ensures your leg will stay toasty and dry – though some users complain that this insulation can get soggy sometimes, but they are efficient as synthetic or wool insulative materials.
This product comes with an outsole that is slip-resistant and waterproof. The mesh fabric upper and leather are not fully waterproof. The NORTIV 8 Men’s Winter Snow Boots is perfect for daily life in winter, outdoor sports, cycling, mountaineering, hiking, outdoor parties, and so on.
Pros
This product is inexpensive in comparison to others on this list.
It is slip and abrasion-resistant, making it perfect for various outdoor terrain.
It is crafted with high-quality cotton that will keep your feet warm and dry all day.
The Kamik Men’s Boot does not lead in any particular category, but it is a good quality winter boot at a quality price. It comes in a traditional construction that features a synthetic rubber shell and a thick rubber that provides excellent waterproof protection for toes and feet.
The boot insulative property comes from a removable liner that includes a 200-gram foam-like Thinsulate. When you pair this boot with a thick sock, you will be super-comfortable while shoveling or walking on snow in freezing temperatures.
The material construct is not on the same levels as the more expensive options on this list, but they are rugged and long-lasting. This boot will help you navigate the harsh environmental conditions anytime you call on it. Plus, it comes with a comfortable antimicrobial footbed.
Pros
This product is made from 100% genuine leather.
It comes with a 3MTM ThinsulateTM insulation that will keep your feet warm.
These winter boots also come with a rubber sole for grip on snowy terrains.
It is inexpensive.
Cons
Not suitable if you will be in extreme weather for very long hours.
Sorel is a renowned winter boot manufacturer. The company’s winter boots product range is high-quality, warm, durable, and looks absolutely gorgeous on foot. The SOREL Men’s Winter Boot is stylish and will readily complement most dressing. It is waterproof, rugged and will help you stay toasty on snowy days.
This boot’s full-grain leather upper is crafted in a seam-sealed design. The base of the boot is constructed out of a vulcanized rubber shell that is water-resistant. In addition, it comes with a sole fitted with rugged rubber grips for super-strong traction. Add to these features a 9-millimeter wool inner boot; what you get is a well-built winter work boot—one of the best in the market today.
According to the manufacturer, this boot will keep your feet toasty in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees. If you can afford it, the SOREL men’s winter boot is perfect!
Pros
It is crafted from 100% leather.
The product is fitted with a faux-shearling snow cuff that goes well with anything.
This winter boot is fitted with a rubber sole that wicks away water and slush.
Salomon is a ski company. For this product, it combines its snow and hiking expertise to create a high-quality winter boot. The Salomon men’s waterproof boot is one of the best boots for winter mountain sports on the market today.
This boot comes with Thinsulate insulation that will keep you dry in icy climate conditions. It uses a unique combination of synthetic material and full-grain leather to ensure you do not lose body heat through your feet and prevent cold air from getting in.
The boot shaft is 7ft tall, high enough to keep snow out, but not overly high to impede your movement. For deeper snowy terrain, the boot comes with a built-in gaiter hook that you can hook your pants on.
The heel is padded, making this winter boot compatible with snowshoes. You will also observe Contragrip soles on the bottom that provide grip and traction. The light rubber bottom also gives stability at all times.
Pros
It comes with a full-grain leather upper that keeps cold out.
The boot comes with a gaiter hook to hold your pants.
It comes in three different colors
Cons
The toe box is pretty snug which is not suitable for those with wide feet.
Timberland is a legendary company when it comes to winter boots. Performance and style do not seem to blend in many winter work boots for men; this is not so for the Timberland Men’s Waterproof Ankle Boot.
These specialized winter work boots provide protection and warmth in the harshest winter conditions. Made from 100% high-quality full-grain waterproof leather, these boots will keep your feet stable, warm, dry, and comfortable.
The work boot is specifically designed with the need to keep you safe and comfortable on rocky and elevated surfaces. With its excellent material construct, it offers decent cushioning and shock absorption.
The boot also features waterproof seam-sealed construction, a shaft that measures 5″ from the arch, and a fully gusseted tongue that keeps dirt out. Since the upper of these boots are made with premium full-grain waterproof leather, it is very durable.
Pros
This product comes with easy lacing hardware that makes it easy to put on.
It is an excellent-looking boot suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The rubber sole is resistant to cold and has excellent traction.
Cons
The eyelets can be better constructed.
Buying Guide: Find the Best Winter Work Boot in 2022
Insulation
There are two types of insulation in winter boots; natural and synthetic. A boot with natural insulation usually features wool or shearling. Once in a while, you will find these materials as the main cover in winter boots. While it provides warmth, it is not as effective as synthetic insulation. It also requires exceptional care to keep clean.
In comparison, synthetic insulation comes with brand names like Thermolite® and Thinsulate™. They are very popular bands. Thinsulate™ is very warm and thin. It is moisture-wicking and breathable.
Thermolite® is as warm as down and similarly comfortable, yet without the mass. These two insulating materials are estimated in grams. The higher the gram, the warmer your boot.
Waterproofing System
The best winter work boots for men should be waterproof to efficiently regulate the degree of dampness you will likely experience on the snowy road. Water-resistant boots repel water but are not impenetrable to it.
The problem with some waterproof boots is that they also do not allow sweat from your feet to evaporate since they repel water. As a result, they tend to make your feet cold and make your boots susceptible to microbe colonies.
Men winter work boots come with a unique blend of waterproof materials and integrated waterproof membranes to keep water out, with a wick dampener that keeps water away from the skin. This ensures your feet are safe from external and internal moisture, making for a functional boot for winter.
Injury protection
It is important that the boots you choose come with thick uppers that are sufficiently robust to provide protection to your feet and the lower portion of your legs.
Some work environments require you to wear a boot that satisfies some ASTM standards for protection against accidents that are likely to occur in your workplace. Boots with this certification come with some number blends that explain the criteria of the ASTM standards they meet. Example are:
PR – Puncture resistance
SD – Static dissipative
EH – Electrical hazard
M/75 – Metatarsal impact and compression resistance
C/75 – Compression
I/75 – Impact resistance
Traction
Traction is very important in a winter boot to stay safe on the job. Go for a boot with deep multi-directional lugs and aggressive tread patterns that offer dig-in traction on any terrain. It will direct water away from your booth like the track on snow tires.
Ample Toe Box Room
Warm feet start with the toe boxes of your winter work boot. This is the space where your body heat collects around the forefoot and toes. Your body heat is naturally emitted off through your feet. It is vital to keep the heat around your feet, as from here, it can get reabsorbed into your system and circulated to other parts of your body.
Good material Construct
Certainly, you do not want to waste money on an inferior boot. You should go for a winter work boot with high-quality materials crafted using solid construction methods. Investing in good material will pay off long-term because the boots will last longer, and it’s also better for your health to keep yourself warm in the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the recommended height for the men winter work boots?
There are work boots that are 6″, 8″, 10″, and 12″ high. Ideally, the taller the boot, the higher the insulation properties. Also, the more the weight, the higher the added protection.
You should consider going for 8″ or 10″ work boots if you work in a regular work clime and a 12″ winter boot if you work in freezing weather.
Q: What types of safety toes are best in cold weather?
Getting a winter boot with composite safety toes is perfect! Why?
It will protect your toes with safety toes made from a non-metallic material that prevents the free passage of temperature through it. As a result, it prevents the cold from outside from getting to your feet.
Q: How do I take care of my winter boots?
This is a simple process!
First, wash your boots with soap and clean water, dry them with a towel, and allow them to dry in a warm environment for about two hours. Next, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner, massage it into the leather with a microfiber towel. Leave for some hours for the leather to absorb it. Then remove excess conditioner using a clean towel. Your winter boot will look new! Also, most shoes come with a short instruction on how to take care of them, so make sure you stick to those instructions.
Conclusion
Remember, when it comes to the best winter work boots for men, it is important there is an extra room in the toe box area. This space forms a heat pocket around your feet. Without this air space, the insulation will not satisfactorily keep your feet warm.
If you will be working in snowy conditions, keep your feet dry and protected no matter what, pick a suitable winter boot from this selection and stay safe.
With the right amount of insulation, waterproofing, and features designed to make you comfortable, your winter boot will get you through all activities without developing cold, wet feet.
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