If you need work boots, you will understand how important it is that they do the job properly. Work boots are one of those things that are really not worth scrimping on to save a bit of money. They protect your feet from the hazards of your job, keep your feet comfortable during long workdays, and, if they are of high quality, can even ensure the long term health of your feet.
Winter work boots are no different; they have to protect your feet from the environment, just like regular work boots. It just so happens to be the case that the environment that they are protecting you from is much colder.
winter work boots Buying Guide
When buying any kind of work boot, it is essential to know what you need from your boots in order to ensure you get the right pair. But with winter work boots, it can be especially important, since being underprepared for winter temperatures can cause serious injury. So, with that in mind, what should you look for when buying winter work boots?
Adequate Insulation
The natural place to start when looking at winter work boots is insulation. If you are specifically in the market for winter boots, it likely means you are going to be working in some cold conditions. Not all winter work boots are rated for the same temperatures, and there is no point buying a pair of winter boots that are rated for as low as 10ºF if you expect to be working in -10ºF.
If you are working outdoors, do a little research on the climate in the area you will be working in, and find out what kinds of temperatures you are likely to encounter. Remember, if you are uncertain, it is better to over-prepare than under-prepare. Your feet being a little too warm can be uncomfortable, but them being too cold could result in difficulty working and even severe injury.
Moisture Defense
Another crucial area to look at is protection against moisture, but don’t fall into the trap of looking for “waterproof” in the features list and stopping there.
Being able to keep your feet dry from outside moisture is undoubtedly important—especially if you are working in wet or snowy conditions—but protecting yourself against moisture on the inside should not be overlooked. Winter work boots are designed to keep your feet warm, so it stands to reason that you may experience toasty toes on occasion, causing your feet to sweat. This is less than ideal for working, so be on the lookout for breathable materials and moisture-wicking properties that can help keep your feet dry, regardless of where the moisture comes from.
Protection Against Injury
One area that, while not specific to winter work booths, is nevertheless critical to any good work boot is protection against injuries. The most obvious thing to look for is toe protection, but also be on the lookout for additional support around the heel, thick, durable material used in the construction, and sufficient height around the cuff. You should aim to strike a balance between support for your ankle from a higher cuff, and freedom of movement from a lower cuff. The right balance will be determined by the type of work you do.
Traction
Sufficient grip from your tread is obviously important, but in winter conditions, where you may face icy conditions, it is even more crucial to make sure your work boots have good gripping ability. Of course, if you will be working almost exclusively indoors on a flat, dry surface, you can probably stick with a standard tread on your boots. If you are outside, however, and particularly if it gets to freezing temperatures where you work, you should definitely look for something with extra gripping ability.
Comfort
We probably don’t need to tell you of the importance of comfort in a work boot. Many people who need this kind of workwear will be on their feet for most of the day and will be fully aware of the miserable time an uncomfortable work boot can cause.
Look for things like padded insoles, cushioned cuffs, and the breathable materials we mentioned above. Adequate support in the midsole also makes a huge difference to your overall comfort. If you can try a work boot on before buying, that will undoubtedly help. Another way to ensure you don’t have a bad experience with your boots is to make sure you get the right kind of size. If you have wide feet, don’t buy boots that are on the narrow side.
so after we understand what we need to look for when searching for the best winter work boots, here are the
– Top 10 Best Winter Work Boots for 2020 –
1. Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
This offering from Carharrt is one of the most comprehensively protective boots you will find. From the waterproof exterior to the composite toecap, from the ten-inch high cuff to the electrical hazard protection, this boot covers all of the bases.
It is both waterproof and breathable, keeping your feet dry from both external and internal sources of moisture—a feature that will no doubt be welcomed by people who work hard for long hours. The high cuff offers supreme ankle support, while the reinforced heel provides extra protection for the back of your foot. LiteFire insulation will keep your feet warm to a degree that would typically require more weight and bulk, while the deep tread should keep you on your feet if things get a little slippy. The design also features lacing that runs the full height of the boot, allowing for a lot of adjustment in terms of how snug a fit you get.
Pros
- The high cuff offers excellent ankle support
- Electrical hazard protection
- Lightweight insulation
Cons
- May need insoles for better arch support
2. Timberland PRO Men’s 8″ Rigmaster XT Steel-Toe Waterproof Work Boot
Timberland’ Rigmaster XT work boot is another offering with a high cuff for added ankle support. The exterior sports 100% genuine leather, which is waterproof, while extra protection for your toes is available in the form of a round steel toe cap that meets ASTM standards for protecting against compression. The boot itself is also rated for protection against electrical hazards.
Internally, the Rigmaster sports an anti-microbial footbed to cut down on odor, while anti-fatigue technology works to reduce the tiring effects of walking on your feet using clever shock-absorbing methods that “bounce” back the energy of each step.
The full-length laces let you adjust the fit of the boot to suit your needs, while the padded cuff can be tightened or loosened as needed. Given that one of the stated use-cases for the Rigmaster is working on oil rigs, it should come as no surprise that the outsole boasts superb grip.
Pros
- Anti-microbial footbed
- Anti-fatigue shock absorbing technology
- Electrical hazard protection
Cons
- Can be a little too warm in moderate conditions
3. EVER BOOTS “Tank Men’s Soft Toe Oil Full Grain Leather Work Boots Construction Rubber Sole
This work boot from Ever Boots is a surprisingly stylish offering in the realm of winter work boots. With the option of tan or dark brown leather and black rubber, these boots could easily pass for casualwear. That is, of course, if you haven’t gotten them dirty, which you almost certainly will because as good as they look, these boots are made for work.
They feature a six-inch-high cuff, which may not be the most ankle support you will find on this list, but it does offer a greater degree of flexibility. For comfort, there is anti-fatigue technology and a removable cushioned insole.
The boots are oil resistant and, while not explicitly waterproof, will keep your feet dry in generally wet conditions. We wouldn’t recommend wading through water in them, however.
Pros
- Oil resistant
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Stylish
Cons
- Not much ankle support due to low cuff
4. Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Work Boo
The Timberland Pro Boondock work boot makes a strong case for best winter boots with a solid combination of full-grain leather and reinforced rubber. Your toes will be protected by an abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap, while the boot itself is rated for protection against electrical hazards.
The tread is abrasion and slip-resistant, while the insole is anti-microbial.
Pros
- Abrasion and slip-resistant tread
- Durable full-grain leather
- Rated for electrical hazards
Cons
- A bit on the heavy side
5. Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Tall Rubber Men’s Winter Boot With Arctic Grip Outsole
One of the more agricultural boots you’ll find on this list, Muck Boots offering is a tall boot constructed from neoprene and rubber to ensure complete protection from the elements.
As you would expect from this kind of boot, it is completely waterproof. Thanks to the neoprene material and stretch-fit cuff, this boot keeps your feet well insulated against the cold outside, and the height of the cuff makes it perfect for situations where you may be working in and around shallow water. It features a rugged outsole that should keep you from slipping in most situations, and a fleece lining creates incredible comfort on the inside.
Pros
- Protects much of lower leg
- Fleece-lined for added comfort
- Completely waterproof up to the cuff of the boot
Cons
- Less flexibility than shorter boots
6. Ariat Men’s Conquest Round Toe H2O 400g Western Cowboy Boot
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ariat Men’s Conquest work boot is the distinctive appearance. This boot looks like something straight out of a western—as you might expect from a boot with “cowboy” in the name. It is made from 100% leather and has a high cuff that will protect a large portion of your lower leg from snake bites and other dangers.
Of course, this boot is most well suited to farm and ranch work, though it could certainly be applied in other fields. They are well insulated to keep your feet warm, and they are waterproof. That being said, the cuff does not form a seal around your leg, which reduces its suitability in the more extreme cold weather. There is no steal toecap protection or electrical hazard rating, so treat this boot as a strictly agricultural affair. Still, that doesn’t mean this boot is no good. It is okay to specialize, and for what this boot is intended for, it does a spectacular job.
Pros
- Very well insulated
- Easy to put on and take off
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- No toe protection
7. Bogs Men’s Classic Ultra High Insulated Waterproof Winter Boots
Sticking with taller work boots, Bog’s Ultra High winter boots offering is exactly what the name suggests. Once again, we are looking at a rubber and neoprene combination that provides complete protection against water, while the neoprene upper section offers a bit of flexibility of movement that isn’t always found in this kind of boot.
With a cuff height of just over twelve inches, the Classic Ultra High provides plenty of protection for your ankle and lower leg. At the same time, the insulation should keep your toes from falling off in temperatures as low as minus forty degrees (Celsius or Fahrenheit). The non-slip rubber outsoles should keep you from slipping in most situations, while the anti-microbial insoles will keep your feet odor-free.
One unique feature of these boots is the holes that are stitched into the neoprene upper sections. While they make the boots easier to carry around, they do lower the effective level at which you can wade through water in these boots, so bear that in mind if you’re expecting to be trudging through deep water.
Pros
- Anti-microbial insoles
- Anti-slip outsoles
- Well insulated to keep your feet warm in extremely low temperatures
Cons
- Carry holes reduce the depth of water that you can wade through
8. Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe Gore-Tex Waterproof Insulated Work Boot
With a look that is well-suited to an auto shop environment, it’s not surprising that this boot boasts many features that make it ideal for working in that kind of environment. Features like oil and slip-resistant outsoles, waterproof full-grain leather construction, and breathable GORE-TEX lining.
You will also benefit from additional ankle protection from the eight-inch cuff, as well as additional support in the form of a steel shank. Full-length lacing will allow you to get the fit just right, perfect for those long workdays.
Pros
- Slip and oil-resistant outsoles
- Steel shank
- High cuff for additional ankle support
Cons
- No additional to protection
9. Kamik Men’s Icebreaker Work Boot
The Kamik Icebreaker work boot is a tall rubber and nylon construction with a synthetic sole providing excellent grip for those slippy winter conditions. The cuff is thirteen inches high, and the opening is adjustable thanks to a simple lace and knot system, meaning you can take advantage of a well-fitting cuff without having to worry about not being able to get the boot off.
Inside there is a removable liner that should keep you warm in the colder temperatures, but can be taken out if the weather starts to heat up. That being said, the liner is quite thick, and you may find your feet rattling around in all the extra space if you remove the liner.
Pros
- High adjustable cuff
- Removable lining
Cons
- Boots can feel too big when the removable liner is taken out
10. AP Men’s Winter Heavy-Duty Water-Resistant Snow Boots
Though this list is detailing the best winter boots, it is not necessarily the case that you will be trudging through the snow. However, if you are going to be walking around in a winter wonderland, AP Men’s snow boots are a great option.
Thick insulation and waterproof rubber and leather construction mean your feet will be dry and warm, despite the cold, wet world outside. The tread provides excellent grip—essential for any work boot being used in the snow—and the tall cuff offers excellent ankle support. It’s not the most flexible boot, but it will keep you warm and dry.
Pros
- Very well insulated
- Excellent traction thanks to heavy sole
Cons
- Not a particularly flexible work boot