18 Best Winter Boots For Men

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If there’s one thing you should be reaching for every single day from here until the snow melts, it’s durable, tough winter boots. And no, not just any pair of winter boots will do, either. That’s where the best winter boots for men come into play — we think our picks below are the perfect starting point for dependable style that works in any weather (including the dreaded Polar Vortex).

You’ll recognize picks from brands that specialize in rough-and-tumble workwear, plus picks from brands that blur the line between fashion and function. Rest assured, top-notch performance remains of the utmost importance when we go about assembling any list — much less a list of the best winter boots for men. There’s no better time than right now to add a pair to your shopping cart, then get ‘em on your feet. We think the winter season is all yours for the taking.

Danner Gritstone Boots

Danner Gritstone Boots

Want the real deal when it comes to exceptional winter boots? Then you want what Danner is offering up with the Gritstone Boots — for $230, you’re going to like what you’re getting. It starts with a full-grain leather upper to go along with a waterproof barrier that’ll keep your feet toasty and dry. Triple stitching at key stress points is nearly as tough as it gets when it comes to construction, and the alloy toe means these really can be worn on the job site. – Buy It

The Original L.L. Bean Boots

The Original L.L. Bean Boots

It wouldn’t be a list of the best winter boots for men unless it included a pair from L.L. Bean, right? Absolutely. The 8-Inch Original L.L. Bean Boots take things up a notch, offering waterproof capability, classic made-in-Maine construction and three cool color options. That’s right — you can get the classic Bean Boot in a more fashion-forward Red Wine and Black combo, if you so wish. Either way, these boots were made for wearing with a shawl cardigan, a navy peacoat and slim chinos — classic winter style all the way around. – Buy It

Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Boots

Red Wing Heritage Roughneck Boots

Red Wing Heritage approaches each pair of footwear with the same remarkable tradition and quality that’s made the brand a staple for decades. That’s what you’re signing up for when you pick up the Roughneck Boots, which sounds pretty good to us. The handsome Briar Oil Slick leather pairs handsomely with a Vibram lug outsole, all the better for traction on slippery surfaces. It’s a combo that checks every box you need when it comes to winter-ready performance — and they won’t raise any eyebrows if you wear them to the bar with your favorite blue denim. – Buy It

Sorel Madson 1964 Waterproof Boots

Sorel Madson 1964 Waterproof Boots

Sorel nearly has the market cornered when it comes to stylish women’s boots for all types of weather, but it’s worth giving the brand a look for its menswear offerings now, too. The Madson 1964 Waterproof Boots are handsome and rugged in a throwback way, blending a waterproof full-grain leather upper with an Ortholite footbed. It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s done so in a way that won’t look half-bad when worn with faded blue denim and a casual hoodie on the weekend. – Buy It

Wolverine Blacktail EPX CarbonMAX Insulated Boots

Wolverine Blacktail EPX CarbonMAX Insulated Boots

Make no mistake, Wolverine does just as stellar a job with its more work-focused boots as it does with its heritage-inspired 1000 Mile line (a personal favorite of the GearMoose team). And yet, if it’s remarkably dependable and exceptional winter performance you seek, the Blacktail EPX CarbonMAX Insulated Boots are the pair to buy now. The brand’s EPX technology offers plenty of comfort and quality when compared to regular work boots, while a waterproof full-grain leather upper keeps your feet dry. Wolverine really can do it all. – Buy It

Vasque Men's Snowburban II UltraDry Boots

Vasque Men’s Snowburban II UltraDry Boots

If you’re seeking a pair of boots that pack in all the functionality you could possibly want, then the Vasque Snowburban Ultra Dry II Boots are the absolute best pair you could possibly buy — well, one of the best pairs. Featuring a sole designed with the brand’s proprietary ColdHold Compound, the brand says they fit and feel like an alpine hiker, and with Thinsulate insulation built in, the alpines are just one place we’d recommend you take ‘em in the season ahead. – Buy It

Muck Boot Foreman Waterproof Boots

Muck Boot Foreman Waterproof Boots

If you’re going to search for a new pair of the best men’s winter boots, you might as well go big or go home. By that, we mean more specifically that you might as well reach for the Muck Boot Foreman Waterproof Boots, a remarkable and rugged pair that provide toughness and durability in spades. Those are two key qualities according to, well, us, and the Muck Boot Foreman Waterproof feature oiled pull-up leather that’ll age nicely, to go along with 100 percent waterproof construction. – Buy It

Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Winter Boots

Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Winter Boots

When the polar vortex hits, we think — no, we KNOW — it’s best to be overprepared. Or really, just prepared in the right ways with a pair of the best men’s winter boots. That’s where the Vasque Coldspark UltraDry Winter Boots enter the equation. Lace up these rugged boots that blend a proprietary UltraDry waterproof membrane with a fleece collar lining and a gaiter d-ring lacing. They’re a tough pair of lace-up boots in a cool, sleek black color. Wear them with tough chore pants, a thermal henley and a warm parka to take on winter. – Buy It

Danner Men's Powderhorn 1000G Insulated Boot

Danner Men’s Powderhorn 1000G Insulated Boot

There are certain brands you can count on when it comes to producing the best men’s winter boots, season after season — Danner is absolutely one of those brands, no questions asked. The Pacific Northwest inspires the company’s rough and rugged designs, and if you need a pair of boots to take you through the backcountry, you’ve just found ‘em. The Powderhorn Boots feature a sturdy full-grain leather upper and 100 percent breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX liners — pair these with Danner socks, hard-working chore pants and a waxed trucker jacket for chilly morning winter chores. – Buy It

Forsake Duck Boots

Forsake Duck Boots

If you normally think of winter boots as being clunky, thick or beastly, without any room for mobility, think again — the Forsake Duck Boots should help shift that notion quite readily. They feature premium waterproof leather, courtesy of a HyrdoGuard seam-sealed internal membrane. Nylon laces perfectly complement the sporty look and feel of these boots, while the brand’s Peak-to-Pavement outsole blends two different types of lugs for traction and a smooth ride. All you need now are flannel-lined chinos, your favorite thermal shirt and a tough winter jacket. – Buy It

Danner Mountain Light

Danner Mountain Light

Yet another spot on our list of the best men’s winter boots goes to Danner and the brand’s dependable-as-heck Danner Mountain Light Boots. They’re another rugged entry in the brand’s lineup of standout footwear, and it’s fitting given the brand’s Pacific Northwest roots. Namely these boots will work as readily in the winter snow as they will on the trails, all thanks to the Vibram outsole and the breathable Gore-Tex liner. It’s a package that’s entirely made in America, and we think you just might find yourself reaching for these boots every day. – Buy It

Irish Setter Wingshooter Boots

Irish Setter Wingshooter Boots

Irish Setter thinks you haven’t found your perfect pair of winter boots — quite yet, that is. The brand’s Wingshooter Boots might just be your ticket to rugged, functional style this season, though. Featuring a tall 9-inch construction for stomping through snow drifts aplenty, Irish Setter built this boot with its Prairie sole, adding critical underfoot cushioning in addition to neat style that won’t look out of place with cuffed denim and a chunky cardigan for a trip to your favorite brewpub. – Buy It

Sorel Cheyanne Boots

Sorel Cheyanne Boots

The masters of preppy-yet-classic style are a perfect fit for the Sorel Cheyanne Boots — don’t you agree? Sorel’s Canadian roots have served them well when it comes to these classic winter boots, featuring everything from a Thinsulate liner to seam-sealed construction for extra durability and a weather-ready design. It’s all the better that these boots wouldn’t look out place when worn with burgundy corduroys and a heather grey cardigan for essential winter style. Find your coziest winter socks and step right into the Sorel Cheyanne Boots. – Buy It

Columbia Canuk Titanium Omni-Heat OutDry Boot

Columbia Canuk Titanium Omni-Heat OutDry Boot

If it’s beastly protection from the elements that you seek, the Canuk Titanium Omni-Heat OutDry Boots are assuredly the pair of winter boots you need to buy. Perhaps we saved the best for last in our list of the best winter boots? At any rate, this pair features the brand’s OutDry breathable construction to go along with reflective lining — perfect for any adventures that call for you to keep going during dusk. The Techlite midsole offers comfort and dependability, too. – Buy It

Danner Mountain 600 Weatherized Boot

Danner Mountain 600 Weatherized Boots

With the durability of a classic pair of hiking boots and the style to go off trail or into town, Danner has hit the jackpot with the Mountain 600 Weatherized Boots. They’re crafted to exacting standards, as every pair of Danner boots is, and that’s something we certainly appreciate. The Vibram SPE midsole offers comfort in spades, while PrimaLoft insulation and DannerDry technology also help to get the job done. There’s no telling where these boots will take you this winter. – Buy It

Helly Hansen Vanir Canter HT

Helly Hansen Vanir Canter HT

The best thing about upgrading your winter boots might just be that you get both the versatility and toughness of standard winter boots, but the lightweight comfort of a pair of sneakers — a la the Helly Hansen Vanir Canter HT. They’re unique, innovative and stylish, all at once. The blend of an engineered knit upper and premium waterproof leather is one-of-a-kind, while the use of striking, retro-inspired colors ensures these winter boots will stand out in style on the street and on your commute. – Buy It

L.L. Bean Storm Chasers Waterproof Boots

L.L. Bean Storm Chasers Waterproof Boots

Fear not, folks — although L.L. Bean’s classic, timeless and iconic “Bean Boots” are very tough to get if you haven’t ordered a pair in advance, the Northeast-based purveyors offer up plenty of other options for your winter-wearing pleasure. Take the Storm Chasers Waterproof Boots. They’re imbued with all the functionality you’d expect from a brand that makes consistently great boots for all seasons, but especially fall and winter. Wear these with slim chinos and a navy cardigan to get coffee this weekend. – Buy It

Johnston & Murphy Thompson Shearling Duck Boot

Johnston & Murphy Thompson Shearling Duck Boot

We certainly appreciate when a brand can deliver product that’s at once rugged and yet also refined, stylish and yet also hard-working, tough and yet seriously cool. It might seem tough for one boot to be all those things at once, but when it’s coming from Johnston & Murphy, you can be sure it fits the billing quite nicely. That’s the case with the Thompson Shearling Duck Boot, a new take on the iconic silhouette that should wear nicely with all of your favorite menswear staples, from slim denim to a tailored trousers and a leather bomber jacket. – Buy It

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