Best snow boots for men according to redditors

I'm old, and I cling firmly to the age-old adage of "Never go cheap on anything that rests between you and the earth." That includes shoes, tires and mattresses.



If you buy "Bean Boots" get the flannel/chamois lined ones at a minimum. Saving $20 for the unlined ones is a bad move.
The Thinsulate-lined ones and shearling (fur) lined ones are almost too warm for Virginia, but if you are unaccustomed to cold weather, it might not be a terrible purchase.

DO buy 3 pair of tall, thick boot socks to go with your new pair of boots, and make sure you try the boots on with the socks.

Personally, I don't care for duck boots. (any boot with the leather upper attached to a rubber bottom)
I prefer an all-leather boot for cold-weather.

Some random products:

https://www.amazon.com/Rockport-Mens-Elkhart-Snow-Boot/dp/B00F4OAMO6

https://www.amazon.com/Timberland-Chillberg-Mid-Waterproof-Insulated/dp/B0199NCPF6

https://www.amazon.com/Vasque-Snowblime-Ultradry-Insulated-Brindle/dp/B00TYJ29XE

https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Mens-SNOWCROSS-Snow-Black/dp/B07JH35HZQ/

I prefer dark leather, so it looks like a dress shoe at first glance.

Some key features:

1. You want to see the word(s) "Waterproof" or "Water proof".
   

• Slushy melted snow loves to sneak inside non-waterproof shoes and make you walk around with soggy socks. Wet feet get really cold really quickly.
  
• You don't have to see "Gore-Tex" for the boot to be waterproof.
  

2. You want to see a nice, chunky tread pattern on the boot. Something that can bite into packed snow and give you traction & stability.
   

• Pro-Tip: It is good manners to always stomp your boots clear just before you enter a building. Chunky treads sometimes fill with snow and carry it with you in the cleats.
  

3. You want something that at least goes up over your ankles. A 6 to 8" boot is plenty. 9-12" boots are really only intended for deep woods activities.
   
4. Resist the temptation to buy something with a zipper up the side, or velcro closure instead of big long laces. Laces are the way to go.
   
   If you apply a leather treatment to the boots at the end of every winter, before you throw them in the back of your closet, they will last 20 years or more.
   
   If you want to go old-school, and use something natural & traditional then:
   this or maybe this
   
   If you prefer to let science do the work for you then:
   
   this or maybe this could be the way to go.
   
   
   -----
   
   If money is tight, or if you are going to travel back home to Arizona after college and you'll likely never need cold-weather boots again in your life, anything $60 or so at Target or Walmart really can work just fine.
   
   Also, as I said before, good boots last a really long time. Weird as used shoes might be, Goodwill isn't as crazy an option as it might sound.
   
   -----
   
   Final comment on boot socks:
   
   Cotton and Acrylic socks are cheap and easy to find, and work adequately.
   But real wool is the warmest and toughest way to go, hands-down, and a super-soft merino wool is almost as soft as cotton.

January in Boston is generally a cold month with winter-weather, but it can be highly variable.

There are afternoons where the temperature is in the 50s.

There are also days where the early morning low temps are the single digits.

It can rain, it can snow, sleet, wintry mix. It can be sunny. Really you will experience all weather in January in Boston except for heat.

Tips:

• Look at the weather forecast when you leave in the morning, but be prepared for a little deviation from the forecast.
  
• Always carry some clothing in a backpack, so you can take off or put on any layers or cold weather accessories depending on the constantly changing temperature and weather.
  
• Be prepared for temps between 5°F and 50°F.
  
• When trying to decide how warmly to dress, pay attention to the Accuweather RealFeel. It's the measure that comes closest to telling you how cold it actually feels outside.
  
• Knowing the RealFeel and what you are wearing, take note of whether you are too cold or too hot and make an adjustment next time. Everybody is different and this will inform you as to what changes to make. For example, if the RealFeel is 30°F, and you go out in jeans and a sweatshirt and your hands are freezing, you'll know that you should wear gloves when the RealFeel is 30°F, and take charge of that decision making like an adult. Not an attack on you, but it's amazing the number of full grown adults who have lived in this climate their whole lives who are incapable of doing this. It's like, "dude, this isn't your first time going outside in 30 degrees. You have access to incredibly in depth weather data. Grow up and figure out what you need to wear to be comfortable and don't complain when you fail to do so. It's your own fault for being cold." Be better than those people.
  
  With all of that being said, here are some general pieces of advise and clothing (all items under $100) to look for, but you can figure out when you need them yourself:
  
  
• Overall: If it's 45°F and dry, you may be able to get away with cotton socks, sneakers, jeans, a sweatshirt, and a baseball cap. But, if it's much colder and wetter, you want to wear as much warm, insulated, waterproof, non-cotton, layers as possible. There's a saying in the backcountry skiing and hiking community: "cotton kills." If you are spending extended periods of time outside, the last thing you want is wet cotton, whether it be from sweat, rain, snow, whatever.
  
• Feet: If it's dry and not too cold, I often just wear regular sneakers with good traction. If it's wet or snowy out, there is a lot of snow on the ground, or it's very cold (RF ~<10°F), you'll want a good pair of warm, dry winter boots that you are comfortable walking around in. With boots, and sometimes with sneakers, I wear ski socks. As it gets colder, I advise going cotton_socks/sneakers -> ski_socks/sneakers -> ski_socks/boots. For ski socks, the best brands are Darn Tough and SmartWool. Don't get anything cotton. Look for merino wool. Don't wear cotton socks under your boots as that defeats the purpose.
  
• Legs: Again, if it's dry and not too cold, I often just wear cotton underwear and jeans. But if it's really cold, the best way to keep your legs warm is to layer a thermal base layer underneath your pants. Look for polyester or merino wool. If it's raining or snowing (or sleeting), you want to avoid having the cotton outer layer like jeans. You could throw some rain pants over your jeans or you could forgo the jeans and wear snow pants. It may not be very fashionable, but when the alternative is sitting in wet jeans all day, I'll usually choose the functional option.
  
• Torso: Layering is the most important thing for your core. I advise against spending a ton of money on the highest-end coat, and instead focus on base layers. You will be warmer and able to adjust to constantly changing temperatures and conditions. As the temp starts to drop, if your core is cold, the first thing you should look to avoid is wearing a cotton bottom layer. A lightweight or thermal weight base layer is much more important than a jacket. I find myself much more comfortable wearing a good thermal base layer, a flannel, and a regular sweatshirt in 20 degree temps than all cotton layers $500 jacket. If you wear a cotton T-shirt under a Canada Goose jacket (don't do this), you'll start sweating, and then your both hot and cold, with a wet shirt pressed against you. With all of that being said, you still want to get a warm outer layer of some kind. And, if it's raining or snowing, you definitely want to wear something water proof. For staying dry, I am a huge fan of the non-insulated variety. Personally, I wear a Patagonia torrentshell rain jacket. This allows you to be comfortable and dry wearing the same jacket in 55 degree rain and 30 degree sleet, and layer accordingly underneath. Sometimes, you'll experience that whole range of weather in one day, so that versatility becomes important. You will still need an outer-layer to keep warm in very cold conditions, but that is where people spend money very foolishly, in my opinion. Look for something you like the look of, that doesn't break the bank, and isn't too bulky. Again, layering and wearing good base layers is key.
  
• Hands: Look for good, affordable glove liners. They are much more affordable and practical than big, bulky ski gloves. You will probably want to use your hands while outside, so it's a very good idea to look for glove liners that work with your phone. That way your hands aren't freezing when checking when the next bus is coming. Also, at most temps we experience in the winter, glove liners will keep your hands warm enough to not need anything else. If your glove liners aren't enough to keep your hands warm on the coldest mornings, look for mittens rather than ski gloves. Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves. If you do need and opt for mittens, still wear your glove liners underneath. That way, your hands will still be warm when you inevitably take the mittens off to use your phone.
  
• Head: If your ears are cold, get ear muffs or a wool cap. If your neck or face are cold, get a scarf, neck warmer, face mask, or a balaclava.
  
  I hope this helps.

Totalmente. Tengo zapatos especificos para otras cosas (ciclismo, formales, pa correr, etc.) pero dia a dia uso de este tipo.

Tengo un par Salomon. La cubierta es de malla y son la raja pal verano. Ademas son livianitas.

Los Merrel que tengo son de cuero y partes de malla. Mi unco pero con estas es que tienen poca traccion en mojado. Metal mojado (tapas, rejillas) he patinado un par de veces.

Tengo otros Columbia para invierno que tienen cubierta mas gruesa (algo asi) y tengo unas botas que he tenido que usar cuando hay nieve (como estas)

Personally I have been impressed with Kamik for their quality and low price.

Currently rocking Nation Plus as my lace up snow boots. They get rated highly, often better than more expensive boots.

(EDIT: their slip on boots are awesome, cheap and at least partially made in US/Canada I believe)

Mickey Mouse(or Bunny Boots) are good enough for Antarctic paratroopers, and they're good enough for me.

Get some bunny boots. They have been proven in many Alaskan winters.
Amazon

USGI extreme cold weather boots

If you're here for the long haul, it's your most important purchase. Kamik boots are my personal recommendation for a good value, but there are plenty of good brands. I see you're on foot a lot from other comments. YOU NEED HEAVY INSULATED BOOTS.

Also, the internet is always cheapest. You can make returns for free from amazon at khols.

https://www.amazon.com/Kamik-Mens-Fargo-Boot-Charcoal/dp/B07VZN2Z5D/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&qid=1570325289&refinements=p_89%3AKamik&s=apparel&sr=1-9

Edit: Wool socks. Not a blend (except for Merino, which is only better because it can be less itch). W. O. O. L. Good pairs can be $20+ but when it's 0 degrees you're be happy you did it. You don't actually have to wash them every time you wear them (even if that sounds gross).

https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Heavy-Thick-Wool-Socks/dp/B077Z2TCG1/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=wool+socks&qid=1570325675&sr=8-11

https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Vermont-Merino-Cushion/dp/B000P38QF8/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-1-QmV0d2VlbiAkMjAgYW5kICQyNQ%3D%3D-ac_d_pm&keywords=wool+socks&pd_rd_i=B000P38QF8&pd_rd_r=1db3f478-7d0a-4454-abd6-81d465f865a3&pd_rd_w=N9h2c&pd_rd_wg=ygsCO&pf_rd_p=24d053a8-30a1-4822-a2ff-4d1ab2b984fc&pf_rd_r=S7170NAF6K8Y50TVDK0A&psc=1&qid=1570325675

Snow gets you wet. If you want to be be comfortable, jeans will be your worst freaking enemy. Get some snow pants. Want to be warm and dry? Long johns. Or even flannel under the snow pants.

You can get the sorel cheyannes for 61.60 with the 20% off amazon email discount.

Honestly- a knock off duck boot works great.
I'd recommend Sorel (for the comfort inside )

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LDLRHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_DHiOybWA5ZQRJ

I agree with most of this information, but for all of the people from warm climates that will see this, the winters are absolutely manageable, and the way this person wrote the winter segment almost seems like a joke. Suggesting a windbreaker over a thick winter jacket? Perhaps just bad wording, but bad advice. Over-the-ear headphones as protective winter gear? You've got to be kidding.

But yes, if you don't dress for the weather, it's gonna suck. Coming from someone who grew up in upper midwest winters and comfortably biked through the winter for all four years at the U, here's what I think you should get to be comfortable:

• A solid over-ear winter hat
  
• 1-2 beanie winter hats (should cover your ears, good for layering, and you'll lose one)
  
• An absolutely reliable, wind-blocking scarf, cold weather mask, or other face covering
  
• Waterproof/windproof winter jacket (hood recommended)
  
• A nice mid-layer (like a sweatshirt or fleece)
  
• Long underwear/base layers (under armour, thermal leggings, etc)
  
• Skiing gloves (waterproof/windproof-- get two pairs because you'll lose one)
  
• Liner gloves (could be the crappy $2 ones from Target, but it doesn't hurt to spend a bit more)
  
• Wool socks (multiple pairs-- they're comfy and functional)
  
• Waterproof snowboots
  
  It's not hard to thrift for many of these items to get them cheap. Hit the thrift store before October to get your best selection-- heck, go this weekend!
  
  ​
  
  Also, after being directly connected with more students than I can count from classes and extracurriculars, I didn't know anyone who preferred using the Gopher Way. I wouldn't count on using it unless you want to add 10-30 minutes through isolated tunnels to your commute. It's far easier to reliably bundle up and walk straight to wherever you're going, as long as you can navigate the often-plowed snow (wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility obstacles might be an exception).

Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus III Omni Cold-Weather Boot

https://www.amazon.com/BADIER-Womens-Outdoor-Waterproof-Non-Slip/dp/B0778JFCDF

https://www.amazon.com/GOMNEAR-Winter-Lightweight-Antiskid-Sneaker/dp/B074M7VXBB

https://www.amazon.com/JACKSHIBO-Womens-Winter-Outdoor-Anti-Slip/dp/B01MCYCLRG

Three brands, same shoe. Huh.

I bought Vasque last year and did some winter hikes in extreme temp. Twice attempted Mt. Washy, did Marcy and Whitface. Marcy was one of the closest temp in winter with -23F at the trail head.
These worked just fine without foot warmer.

NEVER compromise on winter gear , least of all boots or gloves.

Vasque Men's Snowburban II UltraDry Snow Boot, Ebony/Dried Tobacco, 8.5 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQVK0VM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_T9u9BbBHQZ7A4

I know its polarizing; but I was soooooo happy when I switched from laces to dual boas for my boots.

I'd go with two coats, personally. You have your regular winter coat from the lower 48 (if you have one, you say you're from the south, HA) which will do you fine through December, but I have this one heavy-ass faux suede with shearling that weighs about 10-15 pounds and it's nice and toasty with a sweater on to -40 and below (trust me, I survived Barrow) and sometimes on rare days the wind can get that cold down here. Fashion doesn't matter when it comes to the super cold. It doesn't have to be expensive, either. Also, down is your friend. You might look like a tire walking around but you'll be warm.

You're definitely gonna want some dude-tights. Army surplus cotton kind, smartwool kind, Under armor, doesn't matter, you're gonna want that underlayer, you can always take it off later if you get too warm indoors.

Gloves are a must, especially if you're gonna cold-start your plugged-in car rather than having autostart. You might want to keep a pair of light leather driving gloves in your car for when your engine is warmed up but your cab isn't. I've been driving sometimes where my bare hands would go numb from touching the cold plug, pulling the door handle open with my sleeve, and driving with my sleeves on my hands. Not fun, painful, and kind of dangerous. The cloth gloves you can get for a couple of bucks will do you okay at the beginning but you'll want to have a pair that has a shell as well (kind of like your winter coat setup)

Scarves/mufflers are optional but recommended for when you don't feel like you want ice forming in your nostrils/on your cheeks from breathing and the wind's blowing in your face or if you have cold-sensitive teeth.

Hats are a must as well to keep frostbite from your ears, and 10% of your body heat escapes from your head. Basically any covering will do there, though, even a baseball cap helps (but not your ears).

Aaand boots. People swear by bunny boots and I get it, but for the most part unless you're going to be walking a whole bunch, doing outdoor work, or what have you outside, go by temperature rating and make sure it's in the negatives. Make sure they cover your calves up to a point because you walk through snow, you're gonna sink up to your shin or even up to your hip at some point.

In link format, your jumping off points are:
Coat 1

Coat 2 if you're bad at layering or lazy

Dude tights

Gloves

Optional light gloves

Boots like these

Oh, and ice grippers to slip on your boots. We don't salt roads, so it gets really slick, especially when it rains after it snows like it did last winter.

No coupon - the price is just adjusted when you check out.

Sorels are like a hardcore winter version of LL Bean boots - not conventionally attractive, just totally functional. The classics are 1964s in leather, 1964 PACs (with d-ring lacing), and Caribou (slightly shorter, with shearling lining and d-ring lacing).

I bought these Xpeti insulated waterproof hiking boots before I visited in March, and they were awesome for the price ($69). Went through deep snow and some wet stuff, always kept my feet dry and warm.

XPETI Men's Oslo Winter Snow Insulated Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Warm Fur Boots Black 10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JM1GCDL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yPuPDbTNYB8KT

Toundra Forces CSWP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078BC8MR7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HIa4Db1YZHSNM

That should help you get started. Not discontinued in Canada.

My hospital boots: Salomon Urban Jungle SZ my indoor or light duty boots. These are my best boots for breathability, mobility and simplicity. They are a lightweight boot and have more of a athletic feel to them and suit the hospital environment well. I love my 5.11 boots but they are more of a rough n' tough boot, and they are a bit heavy for the hospital environment, that is compared to the Salomons atleast. I would still vouch for durability on these boots though but I have little experience taking these out in rough terrain. Out of personal preference I like seperate boots for seperate tasks. For lightduty work that requires running or walking on mostly flat terrain I'd recommend these boots 100%
P.s. I've heard the Under Armour boots are similar to my Salomons but they appear to be a little less durable (just on visual inspection at the store)

My patrol boots: 5.11 ATAC 2.0 8" love these to death. Fave boots by far. Comfy, durable, and generally breathable (they are waterproof so that's saying alot) mine have been used and abused by walking through scrapyard and abandoned buildings for a year and the only downfall I've come across it the fact that the insides of the boot have a sealed cloth lining and the stitching on the right boot has come off on the inside so sometimes when I pull my foot out the inside tries to come out with it, and there's no real way to fix it to stop it from happening, unless I wanna bust open the lining and then stich it all back up again which would be difficult and not worth it. But again this is after hard use over the past year and no other part of the boot has broken, laces are like new, soles have barely worn down and are solid still, toe of the boot has no chipping or wear on it. Absolutely love em. Will be buying another pair when these eventually need to be replaced.

My (soon-to-be) winter patrol boots: Salomon Toundra Forces
(The 'toundra pro' model looks nice too but less grip it seems) can't say how good they are yet as I haven't tried em but I'm excited to get a new winter boot.

I have a couple pairs of S.W.A.T. Original boots and Danner Crosstech that I used to use. The SWAT ones I ended up bending the steel plate at the bottom kicking a tire, they were good boots and held up quite a while but I would have expected them to be a bit more durable, but they are on the lower end of the price scale. The Danner boots I actually received for free and use them as 'show boots' I guess. I don't like the feel of the sole and they feel a little clunky, I'm sure id get use to them but for now I just keep em clean in case I need em.

Edit: added reasons why I liked them

I got these off Amazon for my husband last year.

Here is another similar option.

Now they certainly aren’t as quality or reliable as Sorel or Redwing. But we just got them to try as they were basically warmer lined water resistant tennis shoes but much lighter on his feet than boots. We also packed them for Iceland and Paris the winter and they were comfortable to walk in for long days. They lasted through a Minnesota winter and are going into another one soon. For $40 I was only expecting one season out of them but if you take care and clean the salt off they hold up well.

Don't know about the quality though. It really is the kind of thing you should pay more, for two reasons: 1. as soon as they're not waterproof anymore (hole in the sole, cracked shell) they're worse than useless, and 2. if that happens during winter, you'll have to purchase new ones right then, at full price rather than now when you can take your time for a sweet deal.

That being said, I tried comparing with Amazon, and don't know if you're looking for men or women boots, but there are some Sorel going for 100 bucks, sometimes depending on the seller I don't pay the provincial tax on Amazon, which is a nice plus. So I'll probably go for these myself!

At $60 I would much prefer this boot. They have great reviews and stand up to real winter. https://www.amazon.com/Kamik-Mens-Nationplus-Snow-Brown/dp/B00AZODAPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481856765&sr=8-1&keywords=kamik%2Bnationplus%2Bboots&th=1&psc=1

Look for a temperature rating or information about insulation. For example:

LL Bean Bean Boots 8" with Thinsulate

>Footbed is lined with Thinsulate™ Insulation olefin/polyester for extra warmth during cold snaps.

Kamik NationPlus

>Minus 40F Temperature rated

>200B Thinsulate insulation


Sorel Caribou

>UPPER: Waterproof nubuck leather upper. Seam sealed waterproof construction.

>INSULATION: Removable 9mm washable recycled felt inner boot with Sherpa Pile snow cuff.

>MIDSOLE: 2.5 mm bonded felt frost plug.

>OUTSOLE: Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell with Sorel aero-trac non loading outsole.

>SOREL rated: -40° Fahrenheit / -40° Celsius

The North Face Chillkat 400

>This waterproof leather utility boot rated to -40F offers 400g of synthetic insulation for outstanding warmth and protection in the coldest conditions.

Rockport XCS.

http://www.amazon.com/Rockport-Mens-Elkhart-Snow-Boot/dp/B00F4OAMO6