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The 15 Best Snow Boots for Men in 2023 to Brave the Winter

Brave the cold in the coolest performance boots to keep your feet warm.

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Cold feet are the worst right? Maybe we're being dramatic, but just a little bit of moisture in your shoes on a cold winters day can feel like you've got frostbite and you may have to amputate. Keeping your feet warm and dry this winter should be your number one priority. It doesn’t take that much snow (or wind) getting into your boots to ruin a trip into the office or a night out with friends. If you’ve been reaching for your summer shoes since winter begun, this list of the best snow boots is for you.

Most boots and shoes lack water- and wind-proof qualities that are so essential in the winter months. While other types of footwear tend to look more stylish, they don’t provide nearly the level of protection of rugged snow boots. If you’ve ever experienced wet socks when you take a walk through the snow, you know what we mean. To help you combat this, in this list, we’ve focused our search on options that prioritize waterproof qualities.

  • Nova 3 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof

    Best Overall Snow Boots

    Merrell Nova 3 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof

    $165 at Merrell
    Read more
  • Kaha 2 GTX Hiking Boots

    Best Snow Boots for Hiking

    Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Hiking Boots

    Read more
  • Bean Boots, 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate

    Most Classic Snow Boots

    L.L.Bean Bean Boots, 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate

    Read more
  • Play Mid Sherpa Insulated Boot

    Best Durable Snow Boots

    Hunter Play Mid Sherpa Insulated Boot

    Read more
  • Acrux AR Mountaineering Boot

    Best Snow Boots for Mountaineering

    Arc'teryx Acrux AR Mountaineering Boot

    Read more

Now that we’ve established how vital it is for your snow boots to be waterproof, let’s talk about the next most important quality—grip. The moment you step onto a sheet of ice or a snowdrift, you’ll realize how much this truly matters. In this list, we’ve provided boot options that are constructed on solid, grip-focused soles that will give you steady protection, no matter what conditions you face.

Another important factor is height. Winter boots are often classified as low, mid or high by their height. For snow boots, you’ll want to focus on options in the mid or high categories, so you can keep the snow outside where it belongs. This is important because no level of waterproof protection can extend your boots up your legs.

Best Overall Snow Boots

Merrell Nova 3 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof

Nova 3 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof
$165 at Merrell
Pros
  • Primaloft synthetic insulation
  • Anti-odor technology
  • External rear sling locks in the heel
Cons
  • Not the most stylish boot

Help your winter commute go smoothly with these waterproof boots from Merrell. We can guarantee no wet or frozen surfaces will stand in your way as you power through with the Vibram Icetrek outsole. Plus, their full-grain leather Primaloft insulation will ensure your feet are warm and dry, so you won't even realize you're walking in snow. Other useful specs include bellows tongue that keep debris at bay, an external rear sling to lock in the heel and anti-odor technology.

Best Snow Boots for Hiking

Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Hiking Boots

Kaha 2 GTX Hiking Boots
Pros
  • Abrasion-resistant toe caps and heels
  • Vibram Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug
  • Made with leather from a tannery and recycled materials
Cons
  • Expensive

These great looking hiking boots from Hoka are a perfect blend of style and functionality. Combining elements of leather and Gore-Tex for its upper, it's an ideal option for both the trail and the town alike—especially as we approach the depths of winter.

Most Classic Snow Boots

L.L.Bean Bean Boots, 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate

Bean Boots, 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate
Pros
  • Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining
  • Uniquely shaped foot form and steel shank adds support
  • Comes in three sizes: narrow, medium, wide
Cons
  • Not designed to stay submerged in water

Think of the Snow Boot from L.L. Bean as their signature Bean Boot with snow tires. The rubber sole has extra heavy traction, the leather upper is thicker, and they added a removable fleece lining. It's a Bean Boot thats ready for long Maine winters.

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Best Durable Snow Boots

Hunter Play Mid Sherpa Insulated Boot

Play Mid Sherpa Insulated Boot
Now 25% Off
Pros
  • Stylish appeal and pull-on model
  • Front shaft branding
  • Wide round toe box
Cons
  • Measurements vary by size

Hunter is known for their classic English rain boots, referred to as "wellies." Since they are durable and waterproof up to the mid ankle, they also make great snow boots if you add some insulation. So Hunter did just that by adding a fleece lining. Now their rain boots are snow boots.

Best Snow Boots for Mountaineering

Arc'teryx Acrux AR Mountaineering Boot

Acrux AR Mountaineering Boot
Pros
  • Waterproof, windproof and breathable textiles
  • Quick-drying
  • Designed for mountaineering, ice and mixed climbing
Cons
  • $$$

High enough to keep the tallest winter snowdrifts out, these boots from Arc'teryx are a great option if you plan on spending lots of time outside this winter. You can also expect insulation, stretch and quick drying advantages of a double boot on the inside for added comfort and warmth.

Best Shearling-Trimmed Snow Boots

Sorel 1964 Pac Faux Shearling-Trimmed Nylon-Ripstop and Rubber Snow Boots

1964 Pac Faux Shearling-Trimmed Nylon-Ripstop and Rubber Snow Boots
Pros
  • Waterproof nylon-ripstop
  • Trimmed with warm Sherpa Pile faux shearling
  • Handmade vulcanised rubber soles
Cons
  • Up there in price

These are a variation on the Caribou boot Sorel is known for. The upper is made from waterproof nylon rather than leather. An extra plush fleece lining wraps over the top to keep a warm and dry barrier. The classic duck boot toe box and sole will keep you sure footed and dry.

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Best Duck Snow Boots

All-Weather Waterproof Duckboot

Waterproof Duckboot
Now 60% Off
Pros
  • 100% waterproof materials and construction
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Traditional duckboot vamp, toe cap, and rand
Cons
  • Not the most stylish boot

A duck boot is that type of boot where the lower half is rubber and the upper half is leather or some other fabric. All-Weather updated the design to make them more comfortable and even more waterproof. It's built to be worn all day and not kill your feet or get them cold and wet.

Best Waterproof Snow Boots

Salomon Quest Winter Thinsulate ClimaSalomon Waterproof Boots

Quest Winter Thinsulate ClimaSalomon Waterproof Boots
Pros
  • Waterproof upper with waterproof membrane
  • Special winter Contagrip outsoles
  • Removable EVA footbed with OrthoLite sock liner
Cons
  • Expensive (but worth it)

There's going to be days when it's snow, sleet and freezing rain coming behind one another and waterproof boots will need to be on deck to weather the storm. Enter this version from Salomon, which is accentuated by 400 grams of insulation and waterproof membranes.

Best Chelsea-Style Snow Boots

Bogs Arcata Urban Chelsea Boot

Arcata Urban Chelsea Boot
Pros
  • DuraFresh bio-technology helps combat odor
  • Side stretch panels allow easy off and on
  • Durable rubber waterproof construction
  • Stylish enough for casual wear
Cons

    These boots aren't exactly what comes to mind when you hear "urban Chelsea boot," but they as functional as they are fashionable. Bogs engineered these bad boys to keep your feet warm, comfy, and dry whether you're dealing with country snow or city snow.

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    Most Stylish Snow Boots

    Danner Mountain Boot

    Mountain Boot
    Pros
    • One of the most attractive styles
    • Water-resistant Cambrelle linings
    • Retro-inspired flat red laces
    Cons
    • Hefty price

    One of the more fashion-forward options we've featured on this list, the Mountain Light Boot from Danner are great for an office-day or a night at the bar with friends. They're 100% full-grain leather with a Vibram rubber sole, so the snow will definitely stay out.

    Best Casual Snow Boot

    Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus Snow Boots

    On Sale
    Bugaboot Celsius Plus Snow Boots
    Now 21% Off
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer

    Another great high-ankle option, these Columbia boots are definitely one of the more fashion forward options we've included on this list. However, they still pack a technical punch. You can expect a mixture of waterproof exterior materials and thermal-reflective linings to keep your feet dry and toasty.

    Best Slip-On Snow Boots

    The North Face Chilkat V Zip WP Boot

    Chilkat V Zip WP Boot

    Pull-on boots like The North Face Chilkats are great for quick trips outside or brief grocery store runs. Their lack of laces make them easy to slide on and off, and their waterproof exteriors and grippy soles are still adequate enough for winter months.

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    Best All-Around Snow Boot

    Ducan High GTX Boot

    Ducan High GTX Boot
    Now 20% Off
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer

    Featuring a highly waterproof GORE-TEX exterior, these boots from Mammut mean business. When the ice hits, your steps will remain sure with grippy Vibram soles designed for winter weather.

    Best Insulated Snow Boots

    Baffin Wolf Winter Boot

    Wolf Winter Boot
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer

    Plan on having a huge snowball fight with friends this winter? These boots from Baffin are for you. They feature seven layers of insulation and an adjustable snow collar—the true definition of winter-ready.

    Best Performance Snow Boots

    Keen Revel IV High Polar Boots

    Revel IV High Polar Boots
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer

    Whether you're trying to go for a weekend winter hike or brave a snowstorm on the way into work, the Revel IV High Polar Boots from Keen have you covered. They're rated to -40°F, so don't worry about a little winter chill.

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    How We Selected

    commerce break

    Each winter, Men's Health style editors try and test different snow boots from trusted brands, then narrow down our favorites based on durability, price points, design elements like insulation, quick-drying advantages, and waterproof technology. We've even put them to the test to meet the rigorous demands of extreme environments, which helped prove comfort and performance.

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