Category: Casual/workInsulation: 400g PrimaLoft Silver Insulation EcoShaft height: 7.75 in.What we like: Excellent weatherproofing and comfort at a good price. Finally, boots in the casual category fall somewhere in the middle, with a number of options in the 6 to 10-inch range. Our picks above were selected based on the experiences of both male and female testers, and youll notice that we link to both the mens and womens versions whenever possible. In addition, the lug patterns are aimed to prevent snow build up. Their substantial, waterproof constructions that do so well at trapping heat inside are equally prone to running hot in mild temperatures and during active use. The Baffin Impact is an exercise in excess, but if youll be outside in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods of timethink ice fishing or outdoor work in places like the Upper Midwest, Montana, or Alaskaits in a class of its own. In this category, we love Darn Toughs classic Hiker Boot, which provides decent warmth to complement your boots but wont overheat as easily in mild temperatures or when working hard. Category: Casual/workInsulation: 200g syntheticShaft height: 7 in.What we like:A more mobile and versatile version of the Sorel Caribou above.What we dont:Middling waterproofing and not ideal for hiking. But perhaps the most significant feature of a removable liner is their ability to dry out more quickly when wet, a feature thats especially vital for expedition use. Moreover, its traction and warmth falls short of the Muck Boot Arctic Ice. The 10 small carbide tips provide excellent grip (we were particularly impressed with their secure traction in freezing rain), and the NANOspikes are lightweight and take up very little space in a bag. For the most part, weight goes up as the level of insulation and coverage increases. Models vary significantly by activity and how much protection you need, but for serious winter use, theOutdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters are the real deal. One of the most respected designs in this category is the Yukon from Steger Mukluks. Bean recommends going down a full size if you plan to wear lightweight or midweight socks (we did just that, and the fit is perfect). There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? As cold-weather boots go, this is about as good as it gets. On the other end of the spectrum is the Merrell Thermo Chill, which weighs about the same as a standard hiking model at just 2 pounds 8 ounces. Keep in mind that temperature ratings can be misleading: UGG gives the Butte a -25F minimum, but dont go racing to the Arctic in this boot. In addition, the Buxton lacks the support and snug fit of a true hiking design and is not our first choice for covering a lot of ground. While leather is naturally water-resistant, youll want to be sure to regularly apply a conditioner to keep your feet dry. For active use like hiking or snowshoeing, or if you want to keep weight and bulk to a minimum, its better to go with a one-piece boot. Category: CasualInsulation: Thermal ThinsulateShaft height: 4.5 in.What we like: Classy looks and premium build quality.What we dont: Very pricey and decidedly casual. Its worth noting that the extra height does inhibit range of motion, and muck-style boots can be a real struggle to remove at the end of the day. What drops the Danner towards the middle of our list is value. Winter Hiking Boots mountaining wantdo boots waterproof duck winter mens timberland rime ridge inch hiking winter boot boots columbia womens bugaboot glacier national guide travel park Combining a 7-inch shaft with a low-bulk design, the Buxton is a sleek winter boot that still packs a fairly decent punch in terms of protection. Our picks for the best winter jackets and parkas below are among the warmest on the marketthey are packed with down fill (or synthetic on occasion) and built to stand up to Sorels Joan of Arctic is the quintessential women's winter boot. For everyday use or if youre not prone to running cold, a midweight sock is a versatile choice. Work boots and full-on extreme weather models sit higher on the leg, including the 15-inch Baffin Impactand Bogs Classic Insulated. Bean 8" Shearling. In our testing, it held up in snow, puddles, and cold temperatures as low as 15F. The relatively low shaft height means youll need gaiters in moderately deep snow, and the boots lightweight insulation isnt enough for particularly frigid temperatures (we found it to work well in temperatures ranging from the mid teens to low 30s Fahrenheit). Beans lineup, but weve found it to be supremely comfortable and plush. Insulation comes from the removable liner, which includes 200-gram foam-like Thinsulate, and the tall cut does a good job protecting your feet and lower calves. The boot also is moderately insulated with KEEN's 200-gram synthetic fill and has a fully waterproof build (although we found the leather upper can wet out in slushy conditions). For those looking for a versatile winter boot at a good price, weve been pleasantly surprised by The North Face Chilkat. Warm water, dish soap, and a simple brush can do the trick in most cases. It all adds up to a well-balanced design thats equally at home shoveling the driveway as it is hiking on slick trails. You get great protection from rain, slush, and snow with a premium leather and suede upper backed by a waterproof membrane, and the natural wool liner is plush, warm, and even insulates well when wet. Category: WorkInsulation: 9mm wool linerShaft height: 11 in.What we like: Extremely warm and comfortable.What we dont: Lacks stability and traction for winter hiking. In what region See the Men's Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Mid, See the Women's Merrell Thermo Aurora 2 Mid, L.L. Bogs' Classic High Insulated takes the signature look of a rain boot and adds a healthy dollop of warmth and protection. Given its highly insulated design, this boot wouldn't be our first choice for mild conditions or sustained indoor use. padden Weve worn the Sorel for weeks at a time in Oregons Cascade mountains and found it to be reliably durable and warm in temperatures down to around 0F.See the Men's Baffin Impact See the Women's Baffin Impact. Most boots here keep moisture at bay by way of a waterproof membrane, but the Buxton settles for a leather upper with sealed seams. While bulky, these insulation types surely can be effective. Understandably, there were some performance sacrifices made in the Fairbanks construction. The Thermal Chelsea Boots listed here reflect the brands typical attention to detail and classic styling in a winter-friendly build. Made for the depths of winter and the coldest parts of the world, these boots are big, bulky, warm, and tough. Looking a lot like beefed-up hiking bootsbecause they arewinter hikers are a great choice for snowshoeing and other hiking adventures in the cold. But for the more hiking-focused models like the Merrell Thermo Chill, its best to get fit dialed in. 8 oz. danner The Muck Boot brand is a standout in this category, and one of their proven best sellers is the Arctic Ice. As the name indicates, the High Lace has a taller design that comes well over the ankle, plus the lacing system includes an additional set of hooks at the top. What do you give up at the NationPluss value price? Hiking and pac boots dominate the footwear options for winter, but theres a time and place for traditional mukluks. Felt, Sheepskin, and Wool Linings The liner is also removable, which is a nice feature to expedite the drying process should the boot get wet in deep snow. The materials arent up to the standards youll find on more expensive models, and weve experienced occasional long-term durability issues with Kamik boots. Further, their more flexible and nimbler designs make it easier to cover serious ground. But if youre shopping online, do your research and be prepared to size up in many cases. kamik prava lightweight winter Its worth noting that both Chikat models do feel a little large and burly on the foot compared to more streamlined boots (the 400 clocks in at 3 lbs. These types of boots can feel a bit sloppy and ungainly when youre covering long distances, but for short walks, outdoor work, and harsh conditions, a boot with a removable liner is a nice choice. Both are fairly thick, which means youll likely need to size your boots accordingly (more on this in the fit section below). Its worth noting that a waterproof design doesnt do much good if snow and moisture come in from around the tongue or top of the boot. But the Bogs is a good value at $130 and hits a nice middle ground for everyday and occasional rough use.See the Men's Bogs Classic High Insulated See the Women's Bogs Classic High Insulated. That said, due to noteworthy variations in style within this category, weve also put together a separate round-up of thebest womens winter boots. sorel boots slip toe waterproof soft weight light rocky thinsulate 3m builder winter moose leather The design is one of only a few on the market thats equally as comfortable in the city as it is exploring a snowy forest service road.See the Men's Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip See the Women's Arctic 600 Side-Zip. Like the Danner Arctic 600 above, KEEN's Targhee High Lace is based on a core hiking boot line. But does the Joan of Arctic match function with Winter traction devices go by a variety of namesincluding microspikes, snow grips, ice cleats, and morebut the goal is the same: to provide reliable and consistent grip on snowy and icy surfaces. First off, the boot isnt as stable or grippy on ice and snow as the more hiking-inspired designs above. Further, many of the designs above have leather in the construction, which is a material that benefits from occasional treatment to avoid drying and cracking. Bean hits a nice combination of the two with their Bean Boot collection. Performance-wise, you get a really solid KEEN.Freeze rubber outsolebuilt specifically for traction in cold and slippery conditionsalong with a waterproof lining and 200-gram insulation that offers moderate warmth without too much heft. And take note: the NationPlus only is made in a mens version, but Kamiks womens-specific Momentum offers a similar balance of warmth, build quality, and value.See the Men's Kamik NationPlus See the Women's Kamik Momentum 2. But if youre wanting something light and comfortable that is also reasonably warm and protective, the Fairbanks deserves a look.See the Men's Columbia Fairbanks. The Caribou from Sorel seemingly has been around forever, and we love the mix of comfort, style, and performance. If youll be stopping or out for long stretches of time, its safest to stick with an insulated winter-specific design. We love the Thermo Chills low profile for hiking, but its a sizable tradeoff in particularly snowy or cold conditions. Our picks for the best winter gloves of With a long platform for floatation and added traction underfoot, snowshoes open up your favorite terrain and hiking trails for all kinds of winter fun. The popular 400 model shares a lot in common with the Columbia Bugaboot above: 400-gram synthetic insulation, solid weatherproofing with a large swath of rubber around the bottom half of the boot, and a noticeably comfortable interior that molds nicely around your foot (the cushy footbed feels a lot like memory foam). One of our favorite models is Salomons classic Quest 4, which has a durable, water-shedding exterior and Gore-Tex bootie that offer lightweight warmth. Finally, we're happy to report it still has the Targhees high level of comfort with a wide toe box that can accommodate heavyweight socks, soft cushioning around the ankles, and good shock absorption underfoot. zippel The Bogs low profile makes them well-suited for daily wearas does the flexible neoprene upper materialand its a classic choice for running to and from classes in cold places like the Midwest. Simply put, its hard to justify the steep $220 price tag. lightweight waterproof boots snow winter slip anti ankle shoes Traction is another important feature, and its here that youll see some of the more advanced tread designs with rubber that grips well even on frigid and icy ground. As such, we recommend steering clear unless youre in the market for a very casual around-town boot or basecamp shoe that is for use exclusively inside your tent (such as the Outdoor Research Tundra). But as with any jack-of-all-trades design, the Thermo Overlook does have its fair share of tradeoffs. Synthetic From slushy hikes to running errands in the snow, the Bugaboot is fully equipped to tackle most winter conditions with ease. In fact, you get many features of the aforementioned Caribou, including a suede upper, generous rubber shell that wraps around the foot, and 200-gram synthetic insulation throughout. Many boots on this list trend toward the casual or performance sides of the spectrum, but L.L. boots winter slip womens ankle unavailable The grime that you pick up when walking through a slushy parking lot can wreak havoc on a boot if it isnt cleaned out. For an indicator of warmth, check for the number of grams being used in the boot (measured by weighing a 1 meter by 1 meter section). The downside of so much warmth is that it doesnt handle mild winter conditions well and isnt breathable. Finally, Keep in mind that the KEEN runs quite large (its sized for wearing with heavyweight socks), so be sure to take that into account before making your purchase.See the Men's KEEN Anchorage III See the Women's KEEN Greta Chelsea. A properly sized boot should be large enough to accommodate your thickest socks without pinching (a fit that is too snug will inhibit circulation and compromise the warmth the boot provides). Mucks Boot and Bogs are long-time rivals in the insulated boot market. The aforementioned shearling lining makes this one of the priciest options in L.L. lighter per pair). Most manufacturers nowadays turn to synthetic insulation to reduce bulk, but the Caribous throwback felt interior is decently warm and adds soft cushioning around your feet. It has a tougher construction, a taller and warmer neoprene bootie, and better all-around traction. It does, however, compromise elsewherethe mukluks arent particularly stable or grippy when hiking over difficult terrain. The Blundstone falls decidedly toward the casual end of the spectrum, but the polished looks and top-notch craftsmanship make it an excellent choice for chilly commutes, around-town wear, and even indoor work environments. That said, we have some hesitations in recommending the Buxton Lace for true performance use. But in frigid conditions, nothing out there can deliver this much warmth at such a low weight.See the Men's Steger Mukluks Yukon See the Women's Steger Mukluks Yukon. These models often resemble a hiking design and offer a more precise fit and nimbler feel for greater control and stability in difficult terrain.