It has been a cold winter here in NYC, with steady snowfall and frigid temps, and admittedly, I embrace it. This is the time of year when the best winter boots become essential for protection, comfort, and style while helping you take on whatever the season throws your way. The best pair(s) look different for most folks, shaped by climate, commute, and daily conditions.
When choosing the best winter boots, start by thinking about how you move through winter. Are you trudging through deep snow or navigating slick sidewalks? Do you spend long stretches outside, or bounce between coffee shops, weekend errands, and heated offices? You might want a pull-on Chelsea boot from Blundstone for easy daily wear, technical boots like the Sorel Caribou GTX built for deep cold, or a timeless design built for traction and warmth like L.L.Bean Boots or Timberland 6-inch Boots.
Having spent much of my career as an editor, I have tested and worn more winter boots than I can count. Some are heritage icons, others modern standouts, but all have proven themselves across varying degrees of durability, warmth, traction, and comfort when temperatures drop. Below are the best winter boots to carry you through the season in comfort, protection, and style.
The top 5 best winter boots for men
A do-everything winter boot that balances serious protection with everyday wearability. The Chilkat V carries the legendary 400 DNA with seam-sealed waterproofing, dependable traction, and cold-ready insulation, but in a lighter, more flexible build that handles slush, snow, and daily city miles with ease while justifying every bit of its price.
The L.L.Bean Boot delivers timeless winter performance with its signature waterproof, two-part build, dependable chain-tread traction, rugged durability, and classic style, with options like shearling and Thinsulate for added warmth.
The Sorel Caribou Horizon GTX is a heavy-duty winter boot built with seam-sealed waterproof construction, a GORE-TEX membrane, and 200g insulation, keeping feet completely dry and warm in harsh conditions. A cushioned footbed adds stability and comfort, while the Vibram outsole provides confident grip on snow, slush, and ice. A true cold-weather workhorse that easily earns its place in serious winter conditions.
The Timberland Waterproof Boots are iconic for a reason: They have unmistakable style and what it takes to keep you comfortable when the temperature drops.
A proven, value-driven winter boot that punches well above its price, the Columbia Bugaboot combines Omni-Tech waterproof, seam-sealed construction with 200g insulation for warmth. A lightweight, supportive build and proprietary traction delivers comfort, protection, and traction across snow and slush.
Best overall: The North Face Chilkat V
A do-everything winter boot that balances serious protection with everyday wearability. The Chilkat V carries the legendary 400 DNA with seam-sealed waterproofing, dependable traction, and cold-ready insulation, but in a lighter, more flexible build that handles slush, snow, and daily city miles with ease while justifying every bit of its price.
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The North Face Chilkat 400 is the stuff of winter boot legend, earned through years of testing in brutal cold and deep snow, and one that many editors, myself included, have covered often. It is exceptional, but built for more extreme winter conditions where maximum warmth and protection are nonnegotiable. For an everyday, best all-around winter boot that still delivers serious technical chops, the Chilkat V checks every box. It carries the same core 400 DNA as the original: waterproof seam-sealed construction, tough leather and molded shell, exemplary traction, and a rugged build for slush, snow, and cold, but with a more lifestyle slant. The V is more flexible, less bulky, and easier to wear daily in the country or city without sacrificing protection.
The Chilkat V Lace uses lighter 200g insulation that is still plenty warm but easier to wear in all winter temps. With the waterproof upper and seam-sealed build, I walked through ankle-deep puddles and slush without hesitation, the outsole cutting through like a ship's icebreaker. Traction is super strong thanks to the winter-tuned rubber outsole, and a subtle cushiony bounce helps you move smoothly through snowbanks. Lighter and more flexible than the 400, they still feel like slipping into a winter cocoon, with a padded tongue, supportive lacing, and adjustable metal eyelets that make dialing in the fit easy with regular or thick socks.
Style seals it. I could not stop admiring these form-meets-function winter workhorses. The slightly lower profile and two-tone suede-and-black finish universalize the mountain look without sacrificing toughness. They are not office boots, but for commuting and general wear, they are aesthetically on point. Lastly, value. At $160, the Chilkat V delivers serious technical chops, balancing warmth, waterproofing, comfort, style, and everyday wearability at a fairly accessible price point. Best All Around, indeed.
Best duck boot: L.L.Bean Bean Boots
The L.L.Bean Boot delivers timeless winter performance with its signature waterproof, two-part build, dependable chain-tread traction, rugged durability, and classic style, with options like shearling and Thinsulate for added warmth.
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What can really be said about the iconic L.L.Bean Boot that has not already been said? While the Maine-based brand is synonymous with the duck boot and invented it, the term technically refers to the classic two-part construction many brands now use: a waterproof rubber lower to block out slush and mud paired with a flexible leather or fabric upper for comfort. L.L.Bean created the first duck boot in 1912 to keep feet dry, and more than a century later, they still do it best. With its unmistakable two-tone silhouette, this winter legend is recognized by just about everyone, and every year, I rely on this OG to carry me through slush, rain, and everyday winter wear.
I always keep a pair in my winter boot rotation for rough weather and navigating snowy NYC streets without soaking my socks, as you can step straight through slush and standing water thanks to the fully waterproof rubber shell. The chain tread may look understated, but the iconic design grips extremely well, maximizing surface to stay steady on slick ground. Whether I am shoveling, commuting, or bouncing between record shops (I wouldn't wear them to an office, per se), the duck boot handles it all and looks stylish doing so. Pair 'em with jeans, technical pants, wool flannel, or cords - they look great with all.
It can get confusing as the Bean Boot offers a wide range of options. Go for the shearling-lined version if you want extra warmth, or stick with the classic unlined pair and adjust your socks for the season. There are also versions with Thinsulate, which are worth grabbing early in the season, as stock will vary based on demand. Pro tip: once the tread wears down, these can be resoled at L.L.Bean's factory in Maine. If your favorite pair is sold out or worn out, just mail them in and thank us later.
Best technical (for serious snow): Sorel Caribou Horizon GTX
The Sorel Caribou Horizon GTX is a heavy-duty winter boot built with seam-sealed waterproof construction, a GORE-TEX membrane, and 200g insulation, keeping feet completely dry and warm in harsh conditions. A cushioned footbed adds stability and comfort, while the Vibram outsole provides confident grip on snow, slush, and ice. A true cold-weather workhorse that easily earns its place in serious winter conditions.
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The Sorel Caribou, with its unmistakable, heavy-duty yet stylish silhouette, is another winter boot icon, but in a durability league of its own. Beloved for its Sherpa-lined cuff, waterproof construction, chunky lug sole, and comfort, it is the pair I instinctively reach for when temperatures drop and snow piles up, fully trusting its warmth and waterproofing. It is a legendary final boss winter boot, no question. And that is just the classic Caribou.
The newer Horizon GTX takes the Caribou DNA and pushes it straight into a far more technical, heavy-duty, True Detective Night Country tundra landscape. A fully seam-sealed GORE-TEX membrane delivers serious waterproof breathability, paired with 200g synthetic insulation that stays warm without holding moisture. An injected rubber shell midsole adds rigidity, the removable Ortholite footbed enhances thermal retention and cushioning, and a molded Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole bites hard into snow, slush, and ice. Phew.
On the civilian scale of winter boots, these sit right at the top of the pile, incredibly warm, extremely protective, fully waterproof, and built for deep snow and serious cold. Yes, they are bulky, but that is the tradeoff for this level of winter protection. If you live somewhere with long, snowy winters, the Caribou Horizon GTX is one of the smartest additions you can make to your cold-weather lineup.
Best classic: Timberland Premium 6-inch Waterproof Boots
The Timberland Waterproof Boots are iconic for a reason: They have unmistakable style and what it takes to keep you comfortable when the temperature drops.
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The Timberland Waterproof Boots are iconic not just for their unmistakable style but because they can actually stand up to the elements. They have sustainably produced waterproof leather uppers that are seam-sealed to prevent moisture from seeping in, 400 grams of PrimaLoft ECO insulation inside to keep out the chill, and thick rubber lugged outsoles to keep you from slipping on the icy pavement. There's a good amount of padding on the collar, around the ankle, and a leather-lined footbed for comfort. Then there are the unique colorways available, but the basic black is also a real standout.
Best value: Columbia Bugaboot III
A proven, value-driven winter boot that punches well above its price, the Columbia Bugaboot combines Omni-Tech waterproof, seam-sealed construction with 200g insulation for warmth. A lightweight, supportive build and proprietary traction delivers comfort, protection, and traction across snow and slush.
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Pound for pound, it is hard to understate the value you get with Columbia. I went to Iceland with the brand a couple of years back to test its latest gear, and every piece, from garments to boots, handled the elements with ease - comfort and durability ingrained in the brand's DNA. And if you are putting together a proper winter boot lineup, you cannot leave out the renowned Bugaboot. It is consistently ranked among the best for its waterproofing, protection, warmth, and above all, its outstanding value.
These wear like a taller, technical hiking-sneaker hybrid, lacing up to mid-calf for extra support. Proprietary tech is the name of the game here. I spent days slushing through snow, and my feet stayed completely dry and warm thanks to Omni Tech's waterproof, seam-sealed construction paired with 200g insulation. The Omni Grip rubber outsole delivers confident traction across snow, slush, and slick pavement, while also beingone of the lightest boots you will find with this level of protection. While there are obviously boots that push more extreme specs, very few achieve this balance of comfort, protection, and value, along with Columbia's proven proprietary tech and track record to back it up. If you want a reliable, tech-heavy winter boot that is also easy on the wallet, the Bugaboot is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Best hiking: Timberland Waterproof Field Boot
The Timberland Field Boot is a lightweight hiking hybrid built with a waterproof leather upper, PrimaLoft insulation, and a cushioned footbed for warm, all-day comfort on cold trails. Sturdy rubber tread and a supportive lacing system deliver steady traction and a secure fit, making it a dependable choice for winter hikes and everyday cold-weather wear.
If I am hitting the Upstate NY trails with friends in cold weather, I am not reaching for a big, serious boot. You want a lightweight hiking hybrid that also delivers protection, comfort, and warmth, and the Timberland Field Boot has been doing exactly that since 1983. This modern waterproof version is stacked for such a light build, with a durable yet flexible Premium leather and mesh upper, a waterproof lining that keeps rain and slush out, and 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation for lightweight, toasty warmth. The padded collar adds extra ankle comfort, while the anti-fatigue removable footbed cushions and absorbs shock so your feet stay fresh even after long miles.
And I can attest, they did just that. On the ground, the outsoles felt grippy without being overly aggressive, perfect for wet trails, loose dirt, and light snow. Thoughtful details, like the D-ring lacing system, let you dial in a secure, supportive fit. I would not fully submerge them or push them through deep snowbanks, but that is not their mission. For everyday winter hikes or cold, wet walks, the insulating, waterproof, very comfortable Timberland Field Boot is hard to beat.
Best Chelsea boot: Blundstone All-Terrain Thermal
The Blundstone Thermal Boots are just like your favorite Blunnies, except that they're built for winter with added insulation and shearling footbeds.
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I love my Blundstones and always keep a pair in rotation depending on the season and occasion. Over the past decade, the Australian brand has become a style staple for anyone who wants an exemplary, versatile Chelsea boot, and it's easy to see and feel why. They are stylish, impressively lightweight, and durable, pairing slip-on convenience and comfort with technical attributes (a balance few can walk). While I often wear the Classic #1944, when winter hits, I reach for the All-Terrain Thermal. The upgraded boot provides cold-weather capability with premium waterproof leather, water-resistant elastic with latex seams, and a Thinsulate and leather lining that traps warmth while letting moisture escape, keeping feet warm without overheating. I have worn them through steady rain, slushy sidewalks, and moderately messy winter days, and they handled it all in stylish stride.
This being Blundstone, comfort is ingrained. A contoured EVA footbed and plush sheepswool lining provide warmth, cushioning, and shock absorption, backed by a supportive steel shank. Underfoot, the Vibram outsole grips confidently on slick winter streets, in light snow, and in minor slush. They require almost no break-in, with a sleek silhouette that fits just as well for weekend record browsing as for the occasional workday. Comfortable, warm, stylish, and deceivingly tough, the All Terrain Thermal is one of the most reliable and versatile winter Chelsea boots, period.
Best shearling: Overland Tobias Shearling-Lined Leather Boots
This shearling-lined leather boot pairs a handsome leather upper with premium Merino sheepskin that warms fast, breathes well, and delivers natural insulation. Plush, durable, and grounded by a grippy rubber sole, it is a comfort-first cold-weather boot that excels in warmth, everyday wear, and quality.
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A great shearling-lined leather boot is a winter investment you feel. Natural shearling warms quickly, breathes, and keeps your feet comfortable without any sweaty, overheated feel that some synthetic linings can sometimes cause. Overland is essentially a sheepskin specialist, having spent decades refining its craft, using premium Merino sheepskin that is softer, warmer, and more breathable than most mass-market options. No synthetics, no skimping on quality, just insulation the way nature intended.
These are true cold-weather boots, and the first thing you notice is the warmth. Slipping them on feels like stepping onto a cloudlike pillow, plush and luxurious inside, while still fitting snugly. (While not advised, you almost want to feel those super soft linings barefoot). The look is minimal with a cool retro edge, grounded by a tough leather upper and heavily treaded rubber soles that provide solid grip. While not waterproof, they handle light rain without issue. They are easy to style and work just as well dressed up with chinos as with jeans, but where they truly shine is in warmth, comfort, durability, and steady traction all in one package. Quick note: Overland does not use traditional US sizing, so be sure to follow the conversion chart. Find your size and get ready for the comfort and insulation only quality shearling can provide.
Best Alpine: Danner Mountain Light
The Danner Mountain Light defines true heritage through its retro alpine silhouette and uncompromising craftsmanship. Built in Portland with full-grain leather, a breathable GORE-TEX liner, and the Vibram Kletterlift sole, it delivers durable, waterproof protection and steady grip from city streets to mountain trails. Rugged yet refined, it is a timeless investment boot built to perform year after year.
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The Mountain Light by Danner has often been imitated but never matched. This iconic alpine boot defines heritage with its retro look, craftsmanship, and long-lasting durability, looking just as stylish on city streets as on rugged trails. Made in Portland, Oregon, the craftsmanship is obvious the moment you pick them up, with a reassuring heft and a substantial Vibram sole. Uncommon for a leather heritage boot, Danner includes a waterproof yet breathable GORE-TEX liner (visible before you even step in), a subtle reminder of the brand's ingrained performance-meets-lifestyle ethos. After wearing them post snowfall, they handled icy sidewalks with ease, keeping my feet warm and dry while the very durable, grippy Vibram Kletterlift sole absorbed shock and held firm on both wet and dry ground.
What also sets the Mountain Light apart is its attention to detail. The full-grain leather upper goes through multiple quality checks to ensure durability. The handsome silhouette, precise red lacing, and polished metal hardware give the boot its unmistakable character, rugged yet refined and instantly recognizable. These are boots you can wear through winter, into spring and fall, to the bar, or onto the trail without thinking twice. The Danner Mountain Light is not just the best alpine boot; it is one you wear for the long haul.
Best moc toe: Red Wing Classic Moc
Red Wing is known by many as one of the longest-running leather boot designers in the United States, and the Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe is an iconic and dependable workhorse boot.
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No brand is more tied to the classic moc toe than Red Wing, and if you do not already own a pair of these hard-wearing, handsome, heritage staples, it might be time. They are a timeless (resolable) investment that ages beautifully as the leather molds to your foot. First worn by factory workers in the 1950s, the Classic Moc is defined by its stitched, rounded toe and signature wedge sole, built for comfort over long days on hard ground. What began as workwear moved through Americana heritage circles before becoming a staple of everyday street style. Red Wing did not invent the moc toe, but they refined it with premium leather, a cushioned Traction Tred wedge, and Goodyear welt construction built for the long haul.
The moc stitching is not just for looks; it reinforces a key flex point and helps the leather gradually shape to your foot. The roomier forefoot allows natural toe spread for comfort, while the wedge sole keeps your stride smooth and steady. With wear, the leather softens and develops rich character and personal patina, giving each pair a broken-in feel that becomes uniquely yours. That mix of function, heritage, durability, and everyday wearability is what keeps them timeless, the kind of boot that only gets better with age.
Best sneaker boot: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX
A lightweight sneaker hybrid, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 blends breathable GORE-TEX waterproof protection with responsive cushioning and a grippy Vibram outsole. Stabilizing support and its featherlight feel make it ideal for city miles, travel days, and milder trail conditions. You get dependable traction, weather protection, and versatility without the bulk of a traditional winter boot.
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Not every winter day calls for full-on technical snow boots or heavy leather. Sometimes you want footwear that's a bit lighter, faster, and inherently comfortable, and, well, sneaker-like for city miles, trail days, and milder cold when slush, light snow, and rain make their presence felt. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 fits that bill and then some with weather readiness built in, fully waterproof, seam-sealed, confident traction, and good looks to boot, or should we say, sneaker boot.
Comfort is key, thanks to the FloatPro Foam midsole, which provides soft, responsive cushioning in a super lightweight silhouette along with a FlexPlate for stability and flexibility. After a full day, my feet had no exhaustion issues. Performance goes far beyond the featherweight feel, with a Vibram outsole (yes, in a sneaker!) that bites confidently into wet pavement, loose dirt, and light snow while a breathable GORE-TEX membrane and seam-sealed construction keep water out. Lastly, this sneaker boot is equally a trail tool and an everyday staple. Merrell is one of those brands that carry technical cred yet speak to the style set, and I rock these for Brooklyn winter walks as much as I do for trail days upstate. Versatility indeed.
Best leather dress boot: Thursday Boot Co. Captain StormKing
The Thursday Boot Co. Captain is a timeless cap-toe boot paired with a rugged StormKing lug sole for added winter traction. Built with Goodyear welt construction, fully lined leather, and reinforced eyelets, it delivers dependable durability and solid value. Polished enough for tailoring yet grippy enough for slick streets, it is a winter-ready classic.
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Accessible, hiply advertised DTC shoe companies are everywhere nowadays, but Thursday Boot Co. was an early mover in that world and has always stood apart from the pack. I have long been impressed by the quality, craftsmanship, style, and attention to detail you get for the price, and it tracks, as the brand built its reputation on straightforward, well-made boots with timeless appeal. And for a dressier winter boot you can wear with a wool flannel suit to work and blue denim on the weekend, it is hard to beat the Captain. The classic cap toe never goes out of style, and paired with the brand's StormKing lug sole, it delivers elegance with a cold-weather upgrade.
The Captain is surprisingly durable as is, with Goodyear welt construction, fully lined leather interiors, Kevlar laces, and reinforced eyelets - details rarely seen at this price point. Add the StormKing sole, and it feels properly winterized, with extra traction that came in clutch while traipsing through slick streets and slippery conditions. It comes in a wide range of leather colorways, and the contrast between the refined upper and rugged sole is the perfect juxtaposition when you need polish but also grip for light slush. While I would not reach for these in heavy snow or downpours (they are not built for that, nor trying to be), they excel at being a very stylish, classic, tailored, well-constructed winter-adept boot, all at a strong value.
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