The Best Insulated Winter Work Boots in 2023

While it might look as pretty as a picture, working in the snow is no fun. Your feet get cold, and you end up slip-sliding all over the place — Bambi on ice has nothing on you trying to navigate your day. Wearing the best insulated winter work boots can keep your feet warm, and give you a firmer footing.

Our top 7 picks will help you regain your balance (and dignity), and help keep Jack Frost away from your toes. Read on to find out what to look for in warm work boots and our detailed reviews of suitable options.

 

Our top 7 picks of the best insulated winter work boots for extreme cold weather and snow

1. Timberland Boondock Industrial Work Boots

These waterproof winter work boots from Timberland have composite safety toes, and 400 grams of patented Thermolite insulation. The rubber outsoles are slip and oil resistant and have been tested on a frozen icy surface. They’ll keep your feet warm in extreme weather and help you remain stable on your feet.

 

2. Muck Boot Arctic Rubber Work Boots

Many jobs entail spending time outdoors, even in the depths of winter. These arctic boots from Muck Boot are 100 percent waterproof. They have neoprene for flexibility and thermal protection to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The shaft reaches 14.5 inches up the calf and will keep you warm and dry as well.

 

3. Chippewa Men’s Logger Boots

These leather boots from Chippewa have Thinsulate for warmth and a waterproof Chip-A-Tex lining to lock out moisture. A composite toe offers protection from falling objects, and they have a rating for electrical hazards. The Vibram outsole has deep lugs providing traction on slippery surfaces.

 

4. Wolverine Marauder Insulated Work Boots

This wellington-style waterproof leather work boot has an athletic feel and comes loaded with Wolverine technology. There’s a Multishox insole to cushion your feet and a flexible ContourWelt construction allowing your feet to move. They have steel toe caps and 400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra to keep your feet warm.

 

5. Carhartt Men’s Insulated PAC Boots

Insulation in these Carhartt men’s winter work boots comes from patented 1000 Litefire, the equivalent of 400 grams of insulation materials. There’s also a breathable Storm Defender waterproof membrane to keep feet dry. The 10-inch shaft cradles your ankles, and the electrical hazard rating and composite toe protects you from accidents.

 

6. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Work Boots

Backed by Caterpillar technology, these boots have a slip-resistant rubber outsole to help maintain traction in wet, slippery and oily conditions. Feet are kept warm by 200 grams of Thinsulate, while waterproof leather uppers keep you dry. A composite toe and electrical hazard rating complete the package.

 

7. RefrigiWear PolarForce Insulated Work Boots

Winter conditions can require extreme cold weather work boots. These from RefrigiWear have 800 grams of Thinsulate for toasty warm feet. They also have lots of other features such as a Vibram outsole with IceTek for stability, a composite safety toe and electrical hazard rating.

 

 

Reviews of the best cold weather snow working boots

No matter what type of outdoor work you perform, whether it’s all-day exposure or just walking out occasionally, you want warm winter boots. Here are 7 of the best snow working boots we could find.

 

1. Timberland Boondock Industrial Work Boots

While Timberland is best known for its iconic sand-colored nubuck leather boots, they do manufacture many other styles. The Pro footwear range has many features to help keep feet comfortable and safe in the workplace. These Boondock insulated boots are part of that range.

 

Available in sizes 7 to 15 for men, there are two widths to choose from, medium and wide. The brown tumbled leather uppers have Timberland Pro rubber protection over the toes. There’s also a non-metallic Titan composite toe cap for defense against impact and compression.

The external area of the heel has a Goodyear welt cement construction, and an outer heel cup to keep your feet firmly stabilized in your boots. There’s a “finger grip” pull-on feature to make the boots easier to put on, and a padded collar for comfort.

Inside there’s a waterproof membrane that combines with the leather to keep your feet dry. This also meets ASTM standards for protection against bloodborne pathogens. For warmth, 400 grams of flame-laminated Thermolite is in place. They also have an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent foot odor.

A fiberglass shank in the sole gives structural support without increasing coldness to your feet. Patented anti-fatigue technology in the form of a comfort system absorbs shock and returns energy to your feet.

The TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) outsoles are resistant to slipping, oils, and abrasion, with deep lugs. They’re thoroughly tested for traction on a rough ice surface.

For the ladies, the Timberland Pro Hightower is a very similar work shoe with most of the features listed. Unlike the men’s Boondock, it doesn’t have the added rubber over the leather at the toes and heels but does have composite toe protection. They have an electrical hazard rating, and all the insulating, stability, and comfort features of the men’s boots.

The sizes in the distressed brown leather boots range from 5.5 to a 12. There’s no choice of widths.

A 30-day comfort guarantee accompanies both the men’s and women’s boots.

Some find these boots heavy and describe them as a bit clunky. It also seems they might take a little bit of wearing in to be comfortable.

Pros

• 400 grams of Thinsulate for warmth.
• Patented comfort features.
• Composite toe protection.
• Tested for traction on ice.

Cons

• Might feel bulky and heavy.
• Need a breaking-in period.

Timberland has loaded these boots with patented features to combat cold weather when you’re at work. They’re insulated and have protection for your toes, against electrical hazards, and slipping.

 

2. Muck Boot Arctic Rubber Work Boots

The Muck Boot Company has been producing waterproof wellington-style boots for all the family for two decades. They’re a popular choice for working outdoors when snow falls or when it’s wet and cold.

 

These are unisex boots designed to fit women from 6 to 16 and men from 5 to 15. The shaft of the boots comes about 14.5 inches up the leg, and the boot opening measures 15.5 inches. This means they’ll keep both your calves and feet warm.

They’re made from synthetic materials, and there’s a sealed rubber shell on the uppers that extends up the leg area. Five millimeters of scuba quality neoprene lines the boots and helps absorb shock, prevents heat loss, and provides waterproofing. This also molds to the shape of your feet, helping prevent chafing and blisters.

A fleece lining and 2 millimeters of thermal foam in the footbed have been added to help promote warmth on a cold winter’s day. These boots are rated for comfort from cold in a temperature range of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The rubber soles have deep lugs to give you traction on ice and snow, and an EVA midsole provides cushioning for your feet. A dedicated pull tab has been placed at the top of the shaft to help you get the boots on easily.

While these boots are 100 percent waterproof, they don’t have protective toe caps or electrical resistance. They also seem to run on the large side, by about one or even two sizes, but this does allow you to wear thick socks.

Pros

• Sealed rubber construction.
• Neoprene for comfort and warmth.
• Soft, fleecy lining.
• Deep lugs on the outsole for traction.

Cons

• No protection for toes or against electrical hazards.
• Might need to size down.

The Muck Boot Company brings us a unisex winter work boot, which is 100 percent waterproof. It has warmth from neoprene and fleece linings and is rated down to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Deep lugs in the outsole provide traction in the snow.

 

3. Chippewa Paladin Men’s Logger Boots

With over 100 years experience of making work boots, Chippewa has a good pedigree backing them. The company began making quality leather boots for loggers and engineers building roads and homes in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin — and continues to do so today.

 

Made from black oiled leather, the Paladin is available in sizes 6 to 14, and in regular and wide widths. The boot has an 8-inch shaft to help support and keep your ankles warm.

Insulation comes from a patented Chip-A-Tex waterproof membrane that allows your feet to breathe while keeping moisture locked out. That is combined with Thinsulate Ultra insulating material to keep feet warm, although we aren’t advised how many grams there are. These boots also have sealed seams with a Goodyear welt for extra insurance against water penetration.

The insoles are made from proprietary 5 Iron Texon, which is flexible and provides cushioning. A Vibram outsole has deep lugs to prevent slipping and encases Chippewa’s 4 Iron Rubber midsole.

The boots secure with black waxed heavy-duty laces that have black nickel hooks and eyelets which won’t tarnish. They lace to the toes offering stability and a superior fit in the forefoot.

A composite toe protects from impact and compression. It’s lighter than a steel toe, and won’t transfer cold to your feet.

These boots might run a little on the large size, and the toe box is quite high. Be prepared to size down by about half.

Pros

• Waterproof.
• Thinsulate for warmth.
• Goodyear sealed construction.
• Lace to the toes.

Cons

• Tend to run large.

These are black oiled leather waterproof winter work boots with insulating properties to keep feet warm. They have a good grip from a Vibram outsole and cushioned insoles and midsoles. Lacing to the toes allows you to ensure a good fit for the forefoot, and helps provide stability.

 

4. Wolverine Marauder Insulated Work Boots

Wolverine has been producing work boots for over 135 years. Its boots are designed for comfort and endurance.

 

The Marauder is a pull on full-grain leather wellington-style boot with a 13-inch opening at the top. It’s brown in color and available in men’s sizes 7 to 15, with half sizes available up to 11.5. There are also regular and extra-wide width choices.

There’s a mesh lining to help keep feet dry, and 400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation to keep feet toasty. The shaft measures about 10 inches to help keep ankles warm.

A patented Wolverine Multishox cushioned footbed has compression points in the heel and forefoot. This adapts to your feet for comfort and shock absorption and helps stop your feet from getting tired. The polyurethane midsole and nylon shank offer support.

Proprietary ContourWelt construction of the outsole makes them flexible, giving them a feel similar to athletic shoes. They provide slip, oil, and abrasion resistance. A steel toe cap meets the standards of protection against compression and impact.

Wolverine has confidence in its product, offering a 30-day money-back comfort guarantee. Just make sure you keep your dated purchase receipt.

While there are tabs on either side of the top of boot to assist in pulling them on — some still find this a challenge until they’re broken in. It also seems the durability of the insulating liner could wear out before the boots do.

Pros

• 400 gram Thinsulate lining.
• ContourWelt flexible sole.
• Patented Multishox removable insoles.
• 30-day comfort guarantee.

Cons

• Might be hard to get on at first.
• Linings can wear out in about a year.

Wolverine brings us a wellington-style leather boot with 400 grams of Thinsulate for warmth. The outsoles are flexible and resistant to slipping, oils, and abrasion. Comfort and support come from a patented insole, a nylon shank, and a polyurethane midsole.

 

5. Carhartt Men’s Insulated PAC Boots

Originally known for its overalls and workwear, Carhartt has become a global brand offering clothes, boots, and accessories for work. This style promises to be waterproof and to be an option as extreme cold weather work boots.

 

They’re made from oil-tanned leather coated with polyurethane on the uppers. The sizes on offer range from 8 to 15, with half sizes up to 11.5. The shaft measures 10 inches, and there’s reinforcement in the heels, ankles, and toes.

Breathability comes from a patented Storm Defender waterproof membrane in the uppers. This helps keep your feet dry and fresh.

A proprietary 1000 LiteFire insulation provides warmth. It’s aluminum, which is sprayed on in gas form and then becomes solid. It’s equivalent to 400 grams of other branded insulating materials.

There are EVA and foam-cushioned insoles for comfort, giving a custom fit. Arch support comes from a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) shank. A heel guard also made from TPU gives protection from side impact while remaining flexible for your ankles.

A cement-constructed rubber sole with deep lugs gives traction on slippery surfaces. There’s a composite toe with a rating against falling objects and compression. These boots are also rated against electrical hazards to 18,000 volts or less when dry.

The laces supplied to secure the boots might be questionable in respect of durability, but you can always change them out. It also seems these boots run large, so you might need to size down.

Pros

• Patented insulation.
• Two insoles for comfort.
• Composite toe.
• Heel and ankle impact protection.

Cons

• You might need to replace the laces.
• Sizing runs large for some.

These extreme cold weather work boots are a favorite of many for their insulation and waterproofing properties. They have protective areas at the heels and toes and are rated for electrical hazards. Comfort is provided by two replaceable insoles, one EVA and one foam-cushioned.

 

6. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Work Boots

The Caterpillar brand is known for producing high quality, durable work and winter construction boots. Its range consists of clothing, as well as footwear loaded with comfort and safety features, one of which is the Diagnostic.

 

These boots are available in sizes from 7 to 14 with two width options, regular and wide. Half sizes are on offer up to 11.5. The shaft measures about 6.5 inches, and the opening at the ankle is approximately 15.5 inches around.

The uppers are full-grain leather with padded ankles for comfort and a nylon mesh lining, making them waterproof and breathable. Thermal protection comes from 200 grams of Thinsulate, so they’re suitable for trudging around in snow and ice.

A steel toe cap provides safety from impact and compression, and they’re rated for electrical hazards. There’s also a rubber coating over the uppers of the toe.

The outsole is constructed from patented SRX Best-in-Class rubber and is slip-resistant, on surfaces which have little traction. A steel shaft in the midsole provides durability and stability.

Removable insoles made from perforated EVA use gel technology for cushioning and support.

Learn more about some of the features of this boot in this video from Caterpillar.

The durability and quality of the soles might be questionable, and they can separate from the uppers after about a year of wear.

Pros

• 200-gram Thinsulate thermal protection.
• Full-grain leather uppers with mesh lining offer waterproofing.
• Durable slip-resistant outsoles.
• Safety toe cap and electrical hazard rated.

Cons

• Soles might detach from the uppers over time.

These full-grain leather boots from Caterpillar have good traction and thermal protection. There are safety features built-in for your toes and electrical hazards. Gel in the insole provides support and comfort.

 

7. RefrigiWear PolarForce Insulated Work Boots

RefridgiWear started out making clothes for people working in refrigerated conditions, like dairy, and cold storage in the food industry. The company has since branched out, manufacturing clothes and footwear for indoor and outdoor workers.

 

Its PolarForce boots are made in a hiking style in sizes 5 to 13, meaning they could be suitable for women as well as men. The size chart provides you with a suitable crossover size for ladies; for example, a men’s size 5 is a women’s 6.5.

The thermal protection in these boots comes from 800 grams of Thinsulate Ultra, which can keep feet warm down to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also waterproofing from the nylon and leather uppers.

Support is built-in at the heels and ankles, and they have a HiVis reflective trim. This is a great addition in gloomy winter weather to make sure others spot you easily. There’s also a rubber layer over the composite safety toe.

A patented VitaComfort system helps prevent tired feet and manages moisture. It helps absorb impact from hard floors and keeps feet supported and cushioned.

The Dual Density Vibram outsole has IceTrek to help keep you stable on your feet and prevents slipping. It’s also rated for protection against electrical hazards.

Some find the padding underfoot lacking in these boots and have to change out the insoles.

Pros

• Thermal protection from 800 grams of Thinsulate Ultra.
• Protection for heels, ankles, and toes.
• Suitable for men and women.
• Waterproof nylon and leather uppers.

Cons

• Might need more cushioning underfoot.

When you want the maximum thermal protection from extreme cold weather work boots, these come close. They have 800 grams of Thinsulate Ultra and are waterproof. The outsoles are slip-resistant, and there’s safety protection for toes and electrical hazards.

 

Regular Work Boots vs. Winter Work Boots

There are some great regular work boots on the market that are loaded with features to keep your feet safe at work. They could have thick leather uppers, composite or steel safety toe caps, supportive, cushioned insoles for comfort, and non-slip soles to keep you stable. What many won’t feature are waterproofing and insulation.

You might think all you need is some snow boots. However, while these might have non-slip soles and insulation, they might not have the safety features your feet need for the workplace.

Winter work boots have the best of both, insulation and traction paired with the durability, comfort, and protection of regular work boots.

Some of the different professions that can benefit from winter work boots are construction workers, emergency services, truckers, mechanics, and delivery personnel. Then there are utility workers, airport ground staff, shipyard workers, or anyone else that has to be outside when there are snow and ice around.

 

Health Issues Associated With Your Feet and Winter Weather

Apart from the obvious things like slipping or treading on something sharp you can’t see — some health issues can arise if you don’t protect and look after your feet. Some of these are:

 

Frostbite and Frostnip

Working outside in extreme cold weather conditions can cause damage to skin tissues. Your toes, fingers, lips, nose, cheeks, chin and ears are likely to be the most susceptible areas. It can happen when you expose yourself to temperatures below 5 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.

There are three stages of frostbite which are:

• Frostnip: This is the mildest form of frostbite. You might notice numbness in the area affected which tingles, and causes pain when your skin warms again. Although uncomfortable, this won’t result in permanent skin damage.
• Superficial frostbite: With continued exposure to the cold, your skin can redden and then turn pale or white. Rewarming the skin when this happens could give it a mottled effect, and it might burn, sting, or swell. You might notice some blisters filled with fluid appearing about 12 to 36 hours later.
• Deep frostbite: This affects all the layers of your skin, including deep tissue. It’s a medical emergency and you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. You might notice white or bluish-grey skin, numbness, loss of sensation, and pain.

Wearing insulated, waterproof winter work boots can help prevent frostbite.

 

Trench Foot

Spending a lot of time in cold, wet boots can lead to a condition called trench foot. It appears as red, blotchy skin sometimes accompanied by blisters. Waterproof boots that keep your feet dry and warm, as well as dry socks, can prevent this happening.

 

Athlete’s Foot

A warm, wet environment like that found inside wet boots can allow the fungus that causes athlete’s foot to multiply. Left untreated, this can also create a toenail fungal infection. Features such as waterproofing, breathability, and moisture-wicking help keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of this condition.

 

Benefits of Winter Work Boots

Wearing the right boots for the job when the weather is cold has many benefits. Whether there’s snow and ice on the ground, or it’s cold and wet, they help keep your feet dry and warm. They also keep you stable preventing slips and falls.

Warmth comes from insulating materials trapping the heat from your feet inside the boots and preventing the cold from penetrating. This can help improve circulation to your extremities. When the temperature drops, the blood circulation to your toes and fingers decreases as the tiny blood vessels constrict.

In turn, this also helps prevent some of the health issues we discussed. This can mean fewer sick days, and health care bills.

 

Insulation Explained

The majority of work boots have insulation from synthetic materials. There are two main branded types, Thinsulate and Thermolite. Of these Thinsulate is the one most commonly used.

Trademarked by 3M, the Thinsulate produced for footwear provides water-resistant thermal protection for your feet. It’s made from microfibers that trap air and help reflect your body heat into your feet. It comes in different weights, the higher the weight, the better the insulating properties.

The company advises its product is breathable, moisture-wicking, and can be double the warmth of down.

Companies list the amount of insulation provided in grams. The types available range from 200 grams up to 1000 grams. The grams represent the density of insulating microfibers in the material.

For most, especially when active, 200 grams of Thinsulate could provide sufficient warmth. However, if you stand for long periods in cold conditions, boots with 600 to 800 grams of Thinsulate will offer more protection. In between, for periods of activity and inactivity, 400 grams could be ideal.

Some manufacturers patent insulating materials and will usually advise how they compare to Thinsulate. You’ll also notice that temperature ranges might be detailed in the description of a pair of boots. Bear in mind, the manufacturer doesn’t advise what temperatures their Thinsulate will cover for warmth.

 

Features to Look for

When looking for insulated work boots for winter, consider the following features:

• Insulation: Check out what form of insulation lines your boots and how much of it there is. This will essentially form a cocoon for your feet while allowing them to breathe and stay dry. From our research, it appears 400 grams of insulating material is effective to about minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Waterproof: Wet feet in cold weather can be very uncomfortable, and might also cause health issues. Look for boots that have waterproof uppers to keep your feet dry.
• High shaft: The shaft of your boots is the part that extends up your ankles and legs. If you work in conditions where snow and water might get into your boots at the top of the shaft — make sure you select some high enough to keep it out.
• Moisture-wicking and breathable: Moisture in your boots doesn’t just come from outside. Your feet can sweat, and moisture can build up, meaning cold, wet feet. Look for materials like leather that allow your feet to breathe and linings that draw moisture away from your feet.
• Traction: Many winter work boots will have flexible soles with deep lugs (or tread). It helps channel water away from the soles while discouraging the build-up of snow. This then gives you more stability on slippery surfaces.
• Comfort: Once your feet are dry and warm, you’ll want added comfort features like cushioned insoles and support for your feet and ankles. If you wear custom orthotics, look for removable insoles.
• Nylon shanks: A shank is placed in the middle of the sole to help support your feet. Metal ones can transfer cold from the ground to your feet, so nylon shanks might be a better option. They’ll still reinforce the structure of the boots while remaining lightweight, but without letting more cold inside.
• Protective toe caps: When considering toe protection for winter work boots, composite materials won’t conduct the cold as easily as steel ones. This means they could keep your feet warmer.

 

Safety Features

In addition to the features above, your profession might require different safety features incorporated into your footwear. Set by American Safety Standards for work boots, an ASTM rating will be allocated dependant on what the features are.

The common standard for safety features in work boots is ASTM F2413-11. It then has various letters denoting the type of protection they offer. These are EH, SD, PR, SR, I/75 and C/75. Let’s explain what each of these represents:

• EH: This indicates that the boots can protect you from accidental contact with electrical hazards. The level of electrical current they withstand is 18,000 volts at 60 hertz for a minute under dry conditions.
• SD: This indicates the boots are designed to dissipate static electricity build-up.
• PR: These letters denote the soles of the boots are puncture resistant.
• SR: Resistance against slipping is an important feature for work boots represented by these letters.
• I/75: This is a rating applied to protective toe caps in work boots. They can resist the impact of weights up to 75 pounds dropping on this area. It also means there will be clearance for your toes after impact of 0.47 inches for women and 0.5 inches for men.
• C/75: As well as impact, protective toe caps are rated for compression. These letters and numbers tell us that your toes will remain safe if something with a weight of 2500 pounds rolls over them. There will be 0.5 inches of room left for your toes if this happens.

 

Caring for Winter Work Boots

Looking after your winter work boots will help them look after your feet. Here are some things you can do to care for your footwear.

 

Dry Your Boots After Every Use

While your boots may be waterproof, that doesn’t mean they won’t be wet on the outside at the end of a day. Trudging through snow and ice, or water can saturate the outsides of the boots. Then there’s the chance that the insides could be damp from sweaty feet.

Drying them thoroughly after each wear can prevent a host of issues down the line. Leather could weaken and crack from persistent moisture, and bacteria could thrive in damp interiors. Apart from that, putting on wet boots in the morning is no fun for anyone, and can leave you vulnerable to illness.

Air drying your boots during winter months might not be easy, so you might be better off investing in a good boot dryer. These handy devices are designed to air dry boots efficiently, sometimes in a few hours. You can find out more about them in our guide to the best boot dryers.

 

Use Boot Oil to Protect and Preserve Leather

Leather is a natural product that’s essentially skin, and as such, it needs nourishment. The harsh conditions your leather shoes face during the winter months from snow, water and salt all take their toll. This can affect not only the look and condition of your boots, but also their waterproofing capability.

Regular cleaning and conditioning with an oil designed for leather will help preserve them. It’ll also help keep them waterproof, and ultimately keep your feet dry and warm. You can find out about the best oils for leather boots and how to use them here.

This video from The Boot Guy shows you how to oil leather boots.

 

Storing Your Winter Boots

Some winter boots might be suitable for wear all-year round. However, if the ones you have are too warm for summer months, you need to make sure they’re stored correctly. Here are some tips to make sure your insulated winter work boots will be ready when the inclement weather hits again.

• Clean and condition: Before putting your boots away, make sure you clean them thoroughly and condition them. Our complete guide on cleaning leather work boots will make sure salt stains and other marks are removed.
• Dry: Ensure your boots are completely dry before storing them. If they’re damp, mold and mildew might grow on them causing damage, which could be irreversible.
• Storage: Once your boots are clean and dry, store them somewhere where air can’t get at them. You could pop them in the original box if you have it, or in a drawer or cupboard. Do not place them in plastic bags as this can retain moisture, and be sure not to pile things on top of them that can crush them.

This video from Rachel Ray shows you one handy way you can use a pants hanger to store boots.

 

All Ready for the Cold

You now have all the information you need to choose the best insulated winter work boots. Any of those we’ve reviewed would make an excellent choice to keep your feet warm and dry during cold weather.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your profession and the type of boots you need. Find comfort, safety, and warmth with the many features on offer from these well-known brands, we’re sure there’s something just right for you.

Let us know how you get on with your new toasty boots by leaving us a comment. Before you go, please share this article with family, friends, and colleagues so they can benefit as well.