Every one of us can remember a particularly intense cold snap that made our daily chores that much harder — especially with livestock involved. And while we always bundle up with coveralls, jackets, and hats, you can only layer on so much on your feet before they don’t fit in your boots anymore. Yes, you need a great pair of socks on those days, but you also need to find the best cold-weather work boots that are naturally awesome in the deep cold. The right insulation can make all the difference.
Not every boot is ideal for every situation, and some are better suited when you have deep snow on the ground as opposed to simply a harsh freeze (yeah, I’m looking at you Mason-Dixon Line border states). They have to have great material, solid construction, good lining, a durable heel and sole — not to mention be tall enough to keep some of the deeper powder from sneaking in over the top.
There are five pairs of cold-weather work boots for men that we’d trust on our feet, and it’s worth looking at them if you’re wanting to get something a little tougher for wintertime.
Lacrosse Aero Insulator 14″ Work Boot
When winter is at its most relentless, then it’s best to have something just as tough to match it. LaCrosse’s 14-inch Aero Insulator is one of our favorites for this task. Built with their AeroForm Technology, these boots provide lightweight, flexible, waterproof, durable warmth while delivering better performance in the field than many other kinds of winter boots. And there’s no fear of them cracking in even the coldest temperatures. Think of these as a solid do-it-all kind of winter boots, you know, for the typical do-it-all farmer (or hunter or snowmobiler or ice fisherman).
- Patented Aeroform technology delivers revolutionary comfort and durability
- Molded polyurethane shell for ultra-lightweight, warm, flexible, waterproof comfort
- Fully fleece-lined for added warmth and comfort
CLICK HERE to see them in >>> Black or Brown
Muck Arctic Ice Tall
Muck Boot Co. is a tried and true name among rural folks. And the brand’s Arctic Ice line, featuring the most advanced Vibram outsole technology to date, is perfect for not sliding around on ice and giving you great traction in other wet conditions. They’re comfortable, too, with 5 mm CR Flex-Foam, and they have strong heat-retention properties. The foam combines with the fleece lining to ensure superior warmth and comfort rating. Tough Spandura and an extended rubber shaft round out the cold weather coverage of these waterproof winter boots.
- Featuring the most advanced Vibram outsole Technology to date
- The Arctic grip outsole pods offer the most advanced traction in wet ice environments, and the multi-direction
- Winter warmth: soft fleece lining enhances comfort and provides excellent warmth
CLICK HERE to see them in >>> Tall or Mid heights
Carhartt Puncture-Resistant Insulated Wellington Boots
These 11-inch boots come from Carhartt, one of the toughest names in work and farm gear. There’s no question that these will be perfect for some of your farm’s most brutal tasks — and keeping you warm in the process. The waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable, while 400 grams of LiteFire insulation helps keep your feet warm. Carhartt’s boot includes an Achilles flex joint for ankle stability, and, unlike others on this list, it has a steel toe.
- Upper is brown oil tanned leather with abrasion resistant Car strong durable fabric and black PU coated leather
- Outsole is Goodyear welt construction with Carhartt rubber lug outsole
- Removable PU cushion insoles
CLICK HERE to see them in >>> Brown
Sorel Conquest Snow Boot
This is rough, tough, and likely will always be enough for what you throw at it. The Conquest is great for heavy snow. It features seam-sealing, a built-in gaiter, a molded EVA comfort footbed, a multi-direction rubber lug sole and 400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation to ensure that feet stay secure, warm, dry and protected during demanding activities in extremely cold winter weather.
- Stay warm in extreme weather with 400g Thinsulate insulation and a built-in gaiter with barrel lock closure system
- Modern design of this extreme weather boot is made with water- and wind-resistant PU backed synthetic textile that keeps you warm and dry in heavy snow
CLICK HERE to see them in >>> Brown
LaCrosse Alpha Thermal Winter Boots
This is the second LaCrosse pair to make this list, and for good reason! The Alpha line is amazingly versatile and comfortable — they’re built with 7 mm of insulating neoprene and full fleece lining for added warmth. They also have a thick EVA midsole that provides extra insulation underfoot when standing on frozen ground, snow or ice. No need to be concerned about the cold anymore!
- Built with hand-laid premium, natural rubber over insulating neoprene for durability, flexibility and complete waterproof protection.
- Lined with fleece for added warmth.
- Comfortable, secure fit to keep your foot in place while on the move, boots with Active Fit also go on and come off with ease
CLICK HERE to see them in >>> Tall Brown
What do we look for in the best winter work boots?
Functionality is key, and that largely comes from durable materials that are waterproof, as well as added features such as a richly textured sole (like Muck Boot Co.’s Vibram grip) and fleece lining to help keep you moving in some of the worse snowy and icy conditions. Neoprene rubber is a top-notch waterproofing material, which is why many of the best cold-weather work boots utilize it so often.
What is neoprene?
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that was originally a patented name by the DuPont company but has since become a generic-use term for the material. It is produced by the polymerization of chloroprene, and neoprene can consist as either a solid or a liquid. It is a favorite by many companies as a mud-boot material because it is stable and waterproof, and neoprene in and of itself is not considered toxic (though the process to make it has some harsher characteristics).
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