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Are you looking for the best winter boots? We've tested over 50 pairs in the last ten years, and our updated review features the 14 best and most popular options available today. Regardless of where you live, what sort of winters you face, or for what specific purposes you need boots, we've tested great options and have solid recommendations. Whether you're walking through the cold, slushy streets of the big city, shoveling snow off the driveway before taking the kids to school, chopping wood at the cabin in the middle of a big storm, or commuting to and from the ski lodge, we'll give you the lowdown on which are the best options.
Winter activities often require fun outdoor gear to keep you warm, safe, and cozy. Even the best hiking boots won't have the insulation you want when temperatures plummet. In our winter gear reviews, we've purchased and tested a variety of gear, from winter jackets and the grippiest snowshoes to toasty gloves. If you need a bit of extra traction for your winter boots, we've tested and selected the top snow grips to attach to your winter footwear. Don't let the cold weather get you down — bundle up with the right gear so you can stay active all winter long, no matter what you like to do.
Editor's Note: On October 9, 2024, we updated this article with more in-depth comparisons and measurements.
Great traction, excellent fit, very comfortable, warm, affordable
Stout construction, well insulated, easy on the feet, bolstered feeling, multitalented
Great traction, very comfortable, inexpensive
Relatively inexpensive, great performance across the board
Stylish, comfortable, relatively warm
Weather resistant, easy to slip on and off, durable
Extremely warm, relatively durable
Convenient slip on design, waterproof to 11.5 inches, good price
Waterproof, warm, cozy
Warm, waterproof, comfortable, supportive
Warm, comfortable, affordable, good traction
Sporty aesthetic, light, no break-in period
Very comfortable, stylish, good for walking all day, convenient on and off
Comfortable, optimized for hiking
Cons
Other boots are warmer, relatively low water-resistance height
More expensive, medium shaft height, slightly tricky laces
Not that warm, fabric eyelets, low height
Clunky, style isn't the best, questionable construction quality
Low waterproof height, lacks traction
Expensive, loose fit, clunky, poor traction
Not waterproof above rubber shell, heavy, bulky, expensive
Handles let in water or debris, only come in single whole sizes, not as warm as some competitors
Very heavy, sloppy fit, potential durability issues
Pricey, lacks traction
Not completely waterproof, more labor intensive to put on than others
Soft, low shaft height, lacks support
Not warm, low maximum puddle depth, leather scratches easily, expensive
Not protective or warm, expensive, traction could be better
Bottom Line
These boots are the total package, with warmth, comfort, a great fit, and a fair price
Keeps your feet warm, comfortable, protected, and supported while completing chores at home, errands around town, tasks at the job site, or miles upon miles of wintery hikes
This very comfortable and inexpensive winter hiking boot has excellent traction, making it perfect for winter walks and treks
These affordable boots nearly match the performance of the best models but without straining your wallet
This stylish and cozy boot is built to handle most adverse winter conditions and is very comfortable
These easy-to-use boots are protective and durable, perfect for winter chores or quick jaunts into snowy weather
These ultra-warm boots are huge, making them suitable only for those who spend lots of time in the extreme cold
A convenient and protective boot with good weather resistance and a very wide toe box
A classic snow boot that is good for errand running and snow shoveling, but not well suited to long walks
A solid all-around winter boot that performs well in most areas, but it doesn't stick out from the pack
A casual boot for tromping around in the snow at a budget friendly price
A good-looking boot that would be fine for light use in small amounts of snow
A stylish and comfortable boot for urban users and those who don’t commonly need to work or hike in deep snow and slush
These comfortable winter hiking boots are more expensive than other similar options
The North Face Chilkat V 400 took us by surprise with its supreme warmth and comfort. Our testers found its ample synthetic insulation and comfortable lining create an environment of luxury for your feet. The boot is very light; our size 13 weighed in at 3.86 lb, making it comfortable to walk long distances. The excellent tread pattern ensured good grip in our testing on both paved and rough surfaces, dry or slick. It also has plenty of weather resistance for stormy weather and is durable enough to last.
The tongue meets the boot at a lower height than other burly winter boots on the market, meaning you won't be able to submerge these in water more than 8.5 inches deep without serious wet feet. For deeper water protection, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid can handle depths of up to 13 inches and is just as warm, though the traction ability isn't quite as good, and the size 13 weighs 5.09 lb. In short, the Chilkat boots are excellent and relatively affordable. They outperform many other options, and for most winter users who have to deal with snowy and cold weather, these are the boots we recommend.
In our testing, we found the Columbia Bugaboot III to be a high-performance winter boot that comes at an affordable price. It packs tons of warmth and comfort into a lightweight package and has enough traction and weather resistance for most winter uses. These boots are among the most comfortable we have ever tested, with soft fleece-lined insulation that molds to your feet over time.
Despite the great comfort and warmth these boots offer, we have some doubts about their long-term durability due to tailoring discrepancies. The seam where the leather upper meets the rubber sole overlaps in places, creating a lip that can catch on branches and other obstacles. We had no issues, and the boots showed no wear during our test period, but the inconsistency of the seams left us skeptical of their integrity. We don't love the style of these boots either, but their great performance is enough for us to forgive their clunky looks. These are the best option if you need solid boots for harsh winter weather and are shopping on a budget. If you need a taller shaft and better traction, our first choice is The North Face Chilkat V 400, which is not much more expensive. Alternately, the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid has some of the best traction we've found in a winter boot. Its price is comparable to the Bugaboot, but they are not as warm or weather-protective.
The Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid is a convenient slip-on work boot with a great fit. In our testing, it provided plenty of weather protection and good durability, making it a perfect boot for working outdoors and doing chores. It easily slides on and off and has enough warmth and weather resistance for quick tasks without socks, making it very convenient for winter housework like chopping wood and shoveling. These boots are well-fitting and warm enough for all-day outdoor work when paired with thick socks. A thick rubber shell ensures a long lifespan — these boots can take a beating.
Slip-on work boots are the most convenient boots in our review, but this convenience also prevents them from achieving a perfect fit. Indeed, we thought the Arctic Sport Mid felt a bit loose and sloppy, but it best fits this sub-category. Thick socks can help take up some of this room and make for a snugger fit. If it is a warmer boot you need, the Sorel Caribou is a classic boot ready for snow shoveling on the coldest of days. They are shorter in height than the Muck Boot by two inches, but provide a higher level of warmth.
Shaft Height: 7.5 inches | Insulation: 200g M Select
REASONS TO BUY
Very comfortable for walking and hiking
Great traction
Warm enough
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower puddle depth
Minor durability concerns
The Merrell Thermo Chill Mid is a winter hiking boot that impressed our testers with its great fit and traction. We loved the support this boot offered, and we feel it would do well enough in mild or moderate winter climates. While not the warmest boot we tested, it stands up acceptably to the occasional cold snap. It is supremely comfortable, thanks to a great footbed and cozy insulation, and also packs enough warmth and weather resistance for most winter days.
Still, the Thermo Chill isn't tall enough, standing at only 7.5 inches high, or warm enough for major winter snowstorms or submersion in deep water. They are made for hiking and do this well, but they won't be useful for those who must trudge through deep snow to chop wood or shovel the driveway. If you need a winter boot that is made for hiking but will stand up to the cold a bit better, consider the Columbia Bugaboot III or the Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated. Neither of them boasted the same level of traction the Thermo gave us in testing, but they are slightly warmer. We also have concerns about Thermo Chill's fabric eyelets, which seem likely to break over time from cinching the laces down tight. Overall, we recommend the Merrell Thermo Chill boots for winter hikers and others in temperate climates who need the best traction for a great price.
The Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip is a versatile, utilitarian winter boot. Our testers found it provides a moderately high level of warmth, comfort, traction, durability, and weather protection. We put it to the test through an array of different scenarios, and it performed great whether we were completing fairly arduous tree work in cold weather, a 10-mile hike through a few inches of snow, or chores and errands around the home and town. This boot maintains a lower profile and sleeker aesthetic without compromising warmth, durability, and all-day comfort.
While the Danner Actric 600 performs well all around, we found a couple of limitations that come with this particular boot. The shaft height provides ample ankle support and stability, but is 8 inches tall, so some snow can sneak in when the pant cuff lifts while tromping in 12+ inches of snow. If you need a boot capable of tromping through deep snow, check out the The North Face Chilkat, which boasts an 11 inch shaft. While hiking through warm-wet snow and then cold-dry snow, we noticed snow clumping in the tread beneath the arch, which was easy enough to remove with a soft kick but not an issue we found with other boots.
The UGG Butte impressed our testers with its comfortable wool insulation that feels great against the feet. These boots don't feel as bulky and cumbersome as heavier Pac boots. The leather exterior looks great, and the cuff can be rolled down to show off the wool lining or kept up for an all-leather look. The lower section of the boot is completely waterproof, meaning you can stomp through puddles and shallow snowdrifts without getting wet.
The lightweight nature of the Butte means it isn't as warm as others, but it is still warm enough for winter days in most places. And although water begins to seep into the boot at a submersion depth of 6.5 inches, we rarely find puddles that deep in real life. Overall, these boots perform well and will be suitable for most users, and the style is some of the best on the market. Rivaling the Butte for style is the Blundstone Thermal. These fashion-forward boots are great for urban use, though for those with specific extreme cold needs, you might try the Baffin Impact. Or, for better water resistance, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport, which can keep your feet dry in puddles up to 13 inches deep.
The Baffin Impact is a huge, heavy boot with extreme warmth. Our testers could not imagine ever having cold feet in these boots. They have a removable synthetic liner and a thin layer of fixed insulation on the inside of the shell. The sole is thick, and the footbed has a honeycomb pattern to add height and trap warm air beneath the foot. Every aspect of this boot is designed for warmth, and it is one of the warmest winter boots we have tested.
However, the same features that provide so much warmth make the Impact unsuitable for anyone who doesn't spend much time standing around in below-zero temperatures. These boots are thick, bulky, and extremely heavy, making walking short distances a chore for our testers. It has so much insulation that it made our feet float when walking through a creek to check for water resistance. In the same creek, we immediately noticed that the seams were not waterproof as the liquid poured inside. These boots will keep your feet warm, period. But beyond that, they aren't super versatile. If you don't need quite so much warmth, check out the Bogs Bozeman Tall for a tall, durable weather resistant boot.
Testing the Baffin Impact in snow and water. We also highlight the synthetic insulation that makes this boot so warm.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
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Testing winter boots on the shore of Donner Lake in Truckee, CA.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
How We Test Men's Winter Boots
Over the years, we've tested over 100 winter boots for men and women. Our testing methodology puts each pair through multiple tests to rate warmth, protection, comfort, and more. For our analysis, we've logged hundreds of hours in the cold and snow in five states wearing these boots. The winter boots in this review were subjected to more than 14 individual tests to rate their winter performance. As you might have guessed, the most important tests revolve around warmth and weather protection. These tests included standing in cold creeks to test water resistance and measuring internal air temperatures while the boots were soaking in an ice bath to check the insulation. You can rest assured that the information published in this review doesn't merely pay lip service to manufacturers' marketing jargon but is the product of hard-earned knowledge obtained through exhaustive use and testing.
The breakdown of our five rating metrics for men's winter boots is as follows:
Warmth (25% of overall score weighting)
Weather Protection (25% weighting)
Comfort and Fit (20% weighting)
Traction (15% weighting)
Durability (15% weighting)
We got our boots dirty during our testing to see which held up the best.
Credit: Rebecca Glades
Why Trust GearLab
GearLab testers Jeff Dobronyi and Ian Cruess bring you this review. Jeff is an IFMGA-licensed Mountain Guide based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, one of the coldest winter climates in the lower 48. He regularly spends his day shoveling feet of snow out of the driveway, slipping on boots to drive to work as a backcountry ski guide, and then chopping wood as soon as he gets home, sometimes running errands on the way. He demands a lot from his winter footwear and knows which boots stand up to winter and which can't. Over the years, we've tested various kinds of footwear for every activity under the sun. Ian spent copious days wearing and comparing each boot amidst different conditions and a wide array of applications throughout the Sierra Nevada range and the surrounding mountains of McCall, Idaho. He tested each boot as if it were a “daily driver” from the snow-laden concrete and asphalt around town, at the job site, up and down the variable conditions of the trail, and through all the tasks a winter boot is needed.
We walk, run, and skip on all kinds of surfaces to really understand the strengths and weaknesses of every tested boot.
Our iconic ice bath test shows which boots can really keep the cold at bay and which ones are better left to mild urban jaunts.
No boot does especially well gripping on ice, and neither does this one. However, it grips very well on all other surfaces that we tested it on, and with a modified gait, sliding the feet along, we were able to stay on our feet just fine.
How to Pick the Best Winter Boots For Men
Below are five key considerations for your feet, environment, and budget.
What Level of Insulation do you Need?
While most winter boots serve to keep your feet warm and protected from the elements, certain boot styles will offer better insulation than others. Looking at the recommended insulation rating is one way to gauge the ideal warmth range as well as the weight of the insulation. Additionally,, analyzing the insulation material will help provide context on just how warm a boot might be. Synthetic insulation will offer high levels of warmth but also provide breathability. Wool is another great insulating material with durable properties but is usually bulkier than synthetic insulation. When looking for a pair of warm winter boots, comparing material, temperature rating, and the environments you live or work in are key considerations to help guide your decision.
Proper insulation keeps your feet warm and happy.
Credit: Ian Cruess
What boot length should you look for?
Finding a boot that provides enough protection while still offering mobility is a common pain point regarding boot length. If you find yourself in large amounts of snow, a boot extending to the mid-calf will pay dividends when participating in activities such as snowshoeing or hiking. If you need a boot for more casual, everyday use, a shorter-length boot can still offer adequate traction but make daily tasks such as driving and errand shopping easier. Identifying your intended use for your next winter boot will help guide what length will suit you best.
Is Waterproofness Important?
A winter boot with waterproof features helps keep your feet dry and maintain warmth throughout your day. Identifying the type of waterproofing used, such as treated leather, synthetic membranes, and rubber outers, will give you an idea of the overall waterproof rating. Additionally, looking for sealed seams will offer more protection against seeping through into the boot.
Testing waterproof boots through immersion.
Credit: Forrest Bault
How Much Traction Do You Need?
Winter boots that provide solid traction will help prevent slips and falls and improve performance during activities in the cold. Tread pattern and material selection are important considerations to assess how much traction a boot will have. For those in climates with lots of ice, additional traction devices may be needed, but for those in climates that don't typically deal with lots of slippery icy conditions, a boot with good tread should be sufficient.
Is Weight Important?
While extra weight may mean more warmth, it can also deter from performance and cause fatigue over extended periods of use. When deciding on a boot, consider its overall weight and the type of activities you will need your boot for.
The weight of your boot will dictate how easy it is to move through terrain and avoid fatigue.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
Analysis and Test Results
Despite their seemingly simple design, winter boots come in many different styles and have many different purposes (we've tested women's winter boots, too!). Our selection runs the gamut of designs from large Pac boots with tons of insulation and weather resistance to small, stylish Chelsea boots. Our test details can help you find the right winter boots for your needs and budget.
We tested the Butte (and all boots) in a variety of conditions from snow to mud to water. The last slide shows some of the other models in our side-by-side tests.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
In our review, we ranked each of the winter boots across five critical performance metrics: warmth, weather protection, comfort, fit, traction, and durability. Since there are different types of winter boots with distinct advantages and disadvantages, we encourage you to carefully consider your own needs, which will help you narrow down which boots will be the best choice.
What's the Best Value?
Winter boots range from dirt cheap to crazy expensive. The good news is that the priciest boots aren't necessarily the best. We found many worthy boot models that are notably cheaper than less impressive but spendier options.
The best overall winter boot in our lineup, The North Face Chilkat V 400, is a great option for anyone looking for versatile winter boots at a great price. Our outstanding value award winner, the Columbia Bugaboot III, nearly matches the performance of the Chilkat while remaining affordable. The Merrell Thermo Chill Mid is a winter hiking boot that provides enough versatility for most cold-weather activities and uses and also comes at a great price.
Shoveling the walkway in the affordable Columbia Bugaboot III.
Credit: Sam Willits
The Bogs Bozeman Tall is a weather-protective and durable slip-on boot that is more affordable than the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid, our favorite option for outdoor chores, and it performs nearly as well. Generally, the most stylish models are some of the most expensive, as is the warmest model in our test, the Baffin Impact. This boot will set you back big time, but it's worth the money if you need protection from frigid temperatures.
Wearing the Bozeman Tall while chopping up rounds during the start of the first winter snowfall, nothing like putting it off till the last minute! These are great warm work boots for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Credit: Andy Wellman
Warmth
Of course, we evaluate the warmth of these boots outside, but we also test them in the lab for more controlled head-to-head comparisons. The most objective warmth test we perform is done by placing the boots in an ice bath and taking temperature measurements with a laser thermometer every three minutes for 12 minutes total. This test objectively analyzes how quickly cold can permeate a boot.
We put each boot in an ice bath to see which held warmth the longest.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The warmest boot we tested is the Baffin Impact, which has tons of synthetic insulation in both the removable liner and the boot's shell. These boots kept our feet warm and even hot on the coldest days of testing. However, these boots are for arctic conditions and are overkill for temperate climates.
The Baffin Impact has tons of insulation to keep your feet warm in the coldest conditions on earth.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Surprisingly, the affordable Columbia Bugaboot III delivered more warmth than almost every other boot. This model packs tons of insulation into a comfortable package. The top-rated North Face Chilkat V 400 also provides plenty of warmth for most days and situations. Both have shafts that extend high enough up the leg to protect the feet on all but the most extreme days. The classic Sorel Caribou, typical for a Pac boot, also delivers as much warmth as most people need, thanks to a 9mm felt inner liner and robust outer materials. The stylish UGG Butte provides good warmth with a thick wool lining that keeps the feet cozy while remaining light and comfortable to wear. We were also impressed by the Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated, which has plenty of warmth and no bulk. Last but surely not least, the most versatile boot, the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip, rivals the North Face Chilkat V 400 in heat retention with 200g of Primaloft.
Thick, cozy synthetic insulation with a microfleece lining provides the Bugaboot III's warmth.
Credit: Sam Willits
On the other hand, the neoprene insulation found on the multiple slip-on models does not trap heat as effectively. The large, loose openings of these boots can also allow heat to escape, making them among the least warm boots in our review. Similarly, the Chelsea boots have leather uppers and thinly lined footbeds that aren't warm enough for temperatures below freezing. The Blundstone Thermal of the Chelsea boots is warmest, with a fuzzy wool sheepskin footbed.
Most of the Blundstone Thermal's warmth comes from a sheepskin lining under the foot and thick leather uppers.
Credit: Sam Willits
We typically wear winter boots during the coldest season of the year, so we expect them to insulate our feet and keep them toasty and warm. Therefore, a boot's warmth is one of the most critical aspects of its overall performance. Each model in this review has insulation to keep the cold at bay, but the insulation varies tremendously.
Weather Protection
When it comes to winter boots, keeping your feet warm and dry is absolutely essential. Wet feet are definitely not happy feet, especially if the water is barely above freezing temperatures. That's why it's crucial for winter boots to have good water resistance. Most winter boots feature some kind of waterproofing, such as a durable rubber outer, treated leather or Nubuck, or a waterproof/breathable membrane. But how effective are these features? To find out, we conducted a submersion test by walking into a very cold creek and standing there for longer than you'd typically want to. This assessment really put water resistance to the test and helped us identify any potential weaknesses.
The height of a boot is also significant for water resistance, as the easiest way for your foot to get wet is from snow pouring in over the top opening. Also important is where the low point of a tongue's gusset is, as this is the depth of water you can stand in without leaks pouring in.
Shaft Height vs Puddle Protection
Shaft Height
Maximum Puddle Depth
The North Face Chilkat V 400
11"
8.5"
Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip
8"
5.5"
Columbia Bugaboot III
10.5"
8"
Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid
13"
13"
Bogs Bozeman Tall
13"
11.5"
Sorel Caribou
11"
10.5"
Merrell Thermo Chill Mid
7.5"
6.5"
Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated
10"
8.5"
UGG Butte
11.5"
6.5"
Kamik Nation Plus
12"
8"
Baffin Impact
15"
4"
Keen Revel IV Polar
8"
5.5"
Blundstone Thermal
7"
3.25"
Merrell Nova 3 Thermo
7"
5"
Boots like the Muck Arctic Sport Mid and Bogs Bozeman Tall have a high maximum puddle depth before allowing water inside. In contrast, a short boot like the Blundstone Thermal requires that you step carefully in snow or slush that's even a few inches deep.
The Muck Boot Arctic Sport is an impressive boot, especially when things get sloppy. These won't let any water in through the boot.
Credit: Andy Wellman
Since many boots are completely waterproof up to a certain depth, the tie-breaker for scoring became how deep the water could be before leaking or over-topping. At 13 inches of waterproof height, the Arctic Sport Mid is the most waterproof boot in the lineup, followed very closely by the Bogs Bozeman Tall and the Sorel Caribou. The North Face Chilkat V 400, Columbia Bugaboot III, and Oboz Bridger 10" Insulated provide about eight inches (20 centimeters) of submersion before allowing water inside and 10-11 inches (about 25-28 centimeters) of shaft height before letting in powder snow, which is adequate for the vast majority of users. This was the lowest scoring category for the Danner Arctic 600, with a maximum puddle height of five inches (13 centimeters).
The Oboz Bridger 10" is fully waterproof up to a submersion depth of 8.5", and when tightly laced, splashes won't penetrate through the tongue of the 10" shaft.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Some boots claim to be waterproof and might work very well to keep out quick splashes, but they let water in if submerged for an extended period. A good example is the 15-inch tall Baffin Impact, which began to leak at the three-inch mark during our submersion test. It lets water in through the seam where the upper and lower portions meet. The Chelsea boots let water in through the elastic panel, the component that allows this style of leather boot to be flexible.
Though warm, you wouldn't want to take these leaky boots through a river crossing.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Many boots passed our submersion test with flying colors, allowing no water to leak into the boot after being submerged five inches deep, even after 10 minutes. While it's unlikely that you'll just be standing in deep puddles for extended periods while wearing any of these boots, it's comforting to know they can handle it.
Comfort and Fit
According to our testers, the most comfortable model tested is the Blundstone Thermal, which has a perfectly tailored leather boot fit with a soft sheepskin footbed lining that feels heavenly when you slip it on. This is followed closely by the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid, which is designed primarily for winter hiking. The soft insulation of the Bugaboot III is also supremely comfortable. The Chilkat V 400 and UGG Butte also feature soft, form-fitting interiors that are a pleasure to wear.
The Ugg Butte was comfortable enough to wear around town.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Somewhere in between the Blundstone Thermal and the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid, we have the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo. With quilted rip-stop nylon, suede leather trim, and a Super Rebound Compound midsole, our testers found this beefy, cozy, high-top shoe is as light and comfy as a cloud. The sole is thick, cushiony, and flexible, while the upper is fluffed with 100g of Primaloft insulation. The Merrell Nova 3 combines the properties of a running shoe, winter hiking boot, and cozy slipper to create an incredibly comfortable piece of winter footwear we felt comfortable wearing for social functions, running errands, or hikes where snow depth wasn't more than 5".
Essentially, the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo is a water-resistant, insulated, and extremely comfortable mix between a slipper, running shoe, and hiking boot.
Credit: Ian Cruess
The Chilkat V 400 has soft and compressible insulation, a fit that also feels perfectly tailored, and a lacing system that allows the boot to be cinched tighter than other Pac-style boots. The Butte is lined with thick wool insulation, creating a cozy nook for the feet, and as the leather breaks in over time, the boot gets progressively more comfortable.
The comfortable UGG Butte has a thick wool lining and leather that breaks in over time to create a custom fit.
Credit: Sam Willits
Greater durability and weather protection can often tip the scale away from comfort, but not with the Danner Arctic 600. The sole is stiffer and denser than the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo but engineered with built-in flex points, rounded heel, and lifted sole beneath the forefoot, creating a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Coupled with 200g of Primaloft, ample ankle support, and a thick but unrestrictive leather upper, this boot is darn comfortable straight out of the box, even when worn for 10 hours per day on the job site or a 10-mile hike.
The Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip is a technical, durable, and supportive boot that remains comfortable while trekking in cold weather from trails to town and the job site.
Credit: Ian Cruess
Even the low-scoring boots in our review are still quite comfortable; they're just looser-fitting and somewhat clunky. The roomy fit of the Sorel Caribou is comfy and cozy but not well suited for activities like hiking. That's okay, as these boots are best for winter chores and running errands anyway. The same goes for the Bogs Bozeman Tall and Muck Arctic Sport Mid. The beauty of these boots is in their simplicity and convenience — they are comfortable but lack the fit characteristics that would make them suitable for hiking.
The Bogs Bozeman Tall (shown) has a wider and taller toe box than the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid, a close competitor.
Credit: Sam Willits
Comfort is important, especially when it comes to footwear. We recommend that you make comfort a primary consideration when selecting winter boots, and if something we've suggested doesn't feel perfect on your feet, toss out our advice and listen to your own body. For this reason, it's wise to make online boot purchases from a retailer that will take returns for items that don't fit right or aren't comfortable. On the other hand, we also recognize that comfort is a highly subjective assessment, and what we consider the most comfortable design may not feel good on your foot.
Traction
We trudged up steep, snowy, and often icy slopes at least a dozen times to test traction head-to-head. We also took our boots to old, firm snow patches high in the mountains and across icy walkways down in town. The Merrell Thermo Chill Mid is the clear winner of our traction testing, with an aggressive lug pattern and sharp edges that bite into rock and snow, just like winter tires for a car.
The tread of the Thermo Chill looks like it came off the tires of a jeep or ATV, providing great traction on rock, dirt, and snow.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Our favorite overall winter boot, The North Face Chilkat V 400, has the best tread pattern among the fully-featured options. The boot we found most comfortable this year, the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo, scored well in the traction department, both on the trail and across town.
Tread patterns from left to right; Merrell Nova 4 Thermo, Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip, North Face Chilkat 400 V.
Credit: Ian Cruess
The versatile Danner Arctic 600 treads well through a myriad of conditions. This boot boasts a specially designed sole to perform well on wet ice with Vibram Arctic Grip lugs. The Arctic Grip soles performed better on wet ice when compared side-by-side to other models. Occasionally, when transitioning between warm-wet snow and cold-dry snow conditions, snow would accumulate and clump beneath the arch, similar to the effect of backcountry ski skins. Except for this very rare occurrence, these boots excelled across all the wintery mediums.
While the traction of the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip performed well in almost every medium, we experienced snow clumping to the outsole in a very particular instance while moving between warm-wet and dry-cold snow.
Credit: Ian Cruess
Dependable traction is essential. Whether going to the grocery store on a snowy day, walking through the woods to cut down a Christmas tree, or heading down a trail to gain some winter solitude, you need to be confident that your boot can handle whatever conditions you may encounter.
Durability
Slip-on work boots are the most durable winter boots out there. Both the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid and the Bogs Bozeman Tall have lots of rubber around the boot's lining, no stitched seams exposed to the outside, and rubber that won't wear out quickly. These boots fend off sharp objects and don't have any moving parts like lace eyelets that can fall apart.
There are very few seams and joints that could fall apart on the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid.
Credit: Sam Willits
An honorable mention of durability for the Danner Arctic 600 is due. The uppers of these boots are constructed of thick suede leather with stout stitching and a leather-reinforced seam along the heel where many boots bust. We tested the suede model with great results, but Danner also offers a smooth, full-grain leather option for added durability. Coupled with a thick Vibram midsole and rugged outsole, these boots are robust.
The full-grain leather upper of the Danner Arctic 600 stands out for many reasons beyond appearance.
Credit: Ian Cruess
Besides the slip-ons, we like the construction quality of The North Face Chilkat V 400 and the Kamik Nation Plus. These options are built to last a long time, thanks to reinforcement patches in high-wear areas and tight stitching. But, with few exceptions, all the winter boots in this review should last at least a couple of seasons.
The construction quality on the Chilkat V 400 is great, and previous versions of this boot have easily lasted multiple seasons without much sign of wear.
Credit: Sam Willits
Winter boots are expensive, and we rely on them to keep our feet protected during the coldest and stormiest months of the year. They need to hold up to repeated use and abuse doing chores, winter hiking, and trudging around in wet conditions. If they fall apart, they expose our feet to the elements, which can be debilitating. And a boot that falls apart easily is a wasted investment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right winter boot is no easy task, especially with the wide range of choices and potential tradeoffs with different styles. Once you determine your boots intended use, you can begin to narrow down which features to prioritize to get the best comfort and performance for your needs. Deciding whether you need a hiking-oriented boot, a Pac boot, or a slip-on model will help rule out many options and point you in the right direction. We hope this review helps you make a great selection to prepare for warm and comfortable winter adventures.
