The best men’s snow boots for any kind of winter travel

Traveling during the winter can be brutal if you’re unprepared. Most travelers rightly focus on packing weatherproof coats, hats, and gloves, but the right winter shoes should also be at the top of the checklist. 

Snow boots are a durable first line of defense, whether it’s snowing or not. The best snow boots keep feet warm and dry with adequate insulation and waterproofing. They should also allow freedom of movement—a snow boot that’s too bulky can make it difficult to walk down an icy sidewalk. 

As a longtime menswear and outdoor gear journalist, I’ve tested plenty of snow boots during biting winters in New York City and arm-numbing snow shoveling sessions in Boise, Idaho. The top thing I look for in men’s snow boots is warmth, closely followed by waterproofing. (A bit of dampness is manageable, so long as your feet are warm to begin with.) 

After researching a number of snow boots and talking with other experts, the classic Sorel Caribou rose to the top as the best snow boots for men overall. Not only are they good looking enough to wear anywhere, but they’ve also got plenty of insulation, weatherproofing, and traction for navigating slippery surfaces. 

“These are the go-to snow boot for sledding, hiking, and snowman building,” says Milica McDowell, a physical therapist, certified exercise physiologist, and a vice president at Gait Happens, in Bozeman, Montana. “This boot has been a classic for many years and is a staple in the closets of anyone who lives in winter and then plays outside.” 

We found a few more snow boots that will help you enjoy winter, wherever you plan to wear them. Here are all our top picks. 

The best men’s snow boots 

The best men’s snow boots should be able to stand up to harsh winter climates, whether you’re commuting or sightseeing. They should be waterproof and have excellent traction for getting around slippery surfaces. They should also have some kind of insulation, with a bit of wiggle room to help trap heat or accommodate thick socks. Read on for the pros and cons of each of our favorite snow boots for men. 

Best men’s snow boots overall: Sorel Caribou 

Why we like it: With their shearling lining and distinctive tan upper, the Sorel Caribous are arguably the most recognizable snow boots out there. They’re also built to last—my dad has worn the same pair he bought more than 30 years ago. 

Moisture and snow are kept at bay thanks to the contrasting duck boot rubber midsole and outsole and 10-inch shaft ringed with a sherpa pile cuff. Inside, these boots are lined with a recycled felt inner boot that you can wash. We appreciate that the laces are easy to yank for a snug fit, which comes in handy when your fingers are frozen. The rugged lug sole is made to provide a firm foothold on slippery surfaces. 

Keep in mind: Like other tall boots, the Caribous can be difficult to get on and off. The insulation isn’t very breathable, which could mean sweaty feet. 

Product details: Insulation: Recycled felt and sherpa pile | Waterproofing: Seam-sealed waterproofing | Outsole: Rubber | Shaft height: 10 in. | Sizes: 7-17 

Best waterproof snow boots for men: The North Face Chilkat V 400 

Why we like it: The Chilkat V 400 combines top-notch waterproofing, warm insulation, and versatility on and off the trails—a combination we don’t often see in snow boots for men. They’re made with hardy rubber soles, waterproof leather uppers, and sealed seams. The mid-calf shaft height further helps prevent water from getting in while you’re walking, without restricting movement. 

Keep in mind: These boots have a traditional hiking boot lacing system, which may be difficult to tie tightly with cold fingers. 

Product details: Insulation: 400g “Heatseeker Eco” | Waterproofing: Seam-sealed waterproofing | Outsole: Surface control rubber | Shaft height: 8.5 in. | Sizes: 7-14 (including half sizes)  

Best insulated snow boots for men: Baffin Impact Snow Boots 

Why we like it: These knee-high boots are designed to keep your feet (and lower legs) warm in extreme cold and snow. They’re made with thick, cozy “B-Tek Heat” insulation that’s breathable in a wide range of temperatures, according to the company.  

The nylon upper and “Arctic Rubber” shell base help keep the wind at bay, while two buckle closures cinch the boot in around your legs and ankles. We also love the removable inner boot system—you can air them out, helping to keep the waffle-comb footbeds in tip-top shape for trapping heat and controlling odor. 

Keep in mind: These big, bulky boots are made for extreme cold and moderate activity, like ice fishing in Minnesota. While they’re compatible with snow shoes, we don’t recommend these snow boots for walking around a ski town or resort. 

Product details: Insulation: Baffin “B-Tek Heat” | Waterproofing: “B-Tek Dry” | Outsole: Rubber | Shaft height: 15 in. | Sizes: 8-13 

Best slip-resistant snow boots for men: Xtratuf Ice 6-inch Ankle Deck Boots 

Why we like it: The Xtratuf Deck Boots are made with the company’s “Glacier Trek Pro,” an SRC-rated slip-resistant material that extends from heel to toe. (SRC is the highest slip-resistance rating set by workplace safety organizations.) Inside, each boot is lined with comfortable faux shearling that’s warm and made to dry quickly. These snow boots are easy to pull on, making them a great option for keeping by the door for quick dashes around the cabin or longer strolls downtown. 

Keep in mind: These snow boots are ankle-high, so they’re not made to keep water or snow out. You can mitigate that by wearing waterproof pants that fall over the tops of these boots.  

Product details: Insulation: Faux shearling | Waterproofing: Waterproof rubber | Outsole: Rubber | Shaft height: 6 in. | Sizes: 8-13 

Best short snow boots for men: Blundstone 2380 All-Terrain Shoe  

Why we like it: Travelers looking for short snow boots are likely more concerned with waterproofing and grip than keeping out the cold. Blundstones are exceptional boots for just that. The waterproof leather upper and Vibram rubber sole work together to keep feet dry and planted on wet ground. They’re also made with extra shock-absorbing materials for a more comfortable walk—ideal for sightseers. We love the lining made of recycled materials and the odor-controlling foot bed. With a stylish ankle profile, these snow boots are an all-around great addition to your carry-on for visiting a wintry city or ski resort.   

Keep in mind: These snow boots are not insulated. Merino wool socks can help keep feet warm. 

Product details: Insulation: Not insulated | Waterproofing: Waterproof leather | Outsole: Vibram rubber | Shaft height: NA | Sizes: 4-14 

Best tall snow boots for men: Muck Arctic Ice Boot

Why we like it: As the name suggests, Muck Boots are made for tromping around in the mud. The Arctic Ice model possesses all the qualities of a great pair of standard Muck Boots, plus a little extra for tackling snow.  

Fleece and five millimeters of “CR Flex-Foam” neoprene mean you get extra warmth and cushion that conforms to your foot. The rubber outer layer goes higher on the shaft than on most other Muck Boots, providing additional warmth and waterproofing. The chunky Vibram “Arctic Grip A.T.” outsoles help provide a comfortable and sturdy step for getting across slick surfaces.   

Keep in mind: These snow boots have a 13-inch shaft. While they have some stretch, some people may find these snow boots a little difficult to pull on and off.  

Product details: Insulation: 5mm “CR Flex-Foam” neoprene and fleece | Waterproofing: Waterproof rubber | Outsole: Vibram “Arctic Grip A.T.” | Shaft height: 13 in. | Sizes: 7-15 

Most stylish snow boots for men: Danner Free Spirit 

Why we like it: With three bold colorways and a high-top silhouette, these snow boots are stylish enough for museum hopping or dining out during a winter break. Looks aside, they’re also great for tackling snowy weather. A Gore-Tex lining blocks water, while the hard-wearing Vibram “Overlook” outsole and triangle lugs grip pavement. That’s not surprising, given that the Free Spirit is made for trails. 

Keep in mind: These snow boots may be good-looking, but they’re not insulated. Pairing them with moisture-wicking winter socks can help. 

Product details: Insulation: None | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex lining | Outsole: Vibram “Overlook” | Shaft height: 4.5 in. | Sizes: 7-14 (including half and wide sizes) 

Best lightweight snow boots for men: Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX 

Why we like it: At 20 ounces, the Hoka Kaha 2s are especially lightweight for snow boots. They’re packed with everything you need: A 5.5-inch shaft height that more than adequately blocks snow and moisture; a Gore-Tex membrane that’s 100-percent waterproof; and a Vibram “Megagrip” sole to help keep feet planted. 

We love the speed hooks for quick lacing (and unlacing)—you could save space in your carry-on and wear them through airport security. They’re also great for getting outdoors, if you’re raring to hit the snow. 

Keep in mind: The Gore-Tex layer does a great job of keeping water out, but it isn’t breathable. You may feel sweaty after wearing these for a while.   

Product details: Insulation: 400g total insulation, aluminum reflective foil in sock liner | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane | Outsole: Vibram “Megagrip” | Shaft height: 5.5 in. | Sizes: 9-13   

Most versatile men’s snow boots: L.L. Bean Bean Boots Gore-Tex/Insulated 

Why we like it: The original Bean Boots are a great choice for three-season wear. But for slogging through snow, we like the Gore-Tex/Insulated version. They’re 100-percent waterproof and warm, making them go-tos for running errands, exploring sites, or visiting friends and family.  

The rubber sole utilizes L.L. Bean’s signature chain-tread outsole for traction in various conditions. The leather upper is made to be durable, molding to your feet over time for ultimate comfort. Triple stitching shores up durability, while the steel shank in the midsole enhances support for long days of walking.    

Keep in mind: Bean Boots have a standard lacing system that feels secure once laces are locked down. But they can be tedious to tie and untie each time you wear them. The laces are not waterproof, so you may need to replace them, especially if you plan to wear these snow boots often.  

Product details: Insulation: Not listed | Waterproofing: Gore-Tex lining | Outsole: Rubber | Shaft Height: 8 in. | Sizes: 7-14 (including wide sizes) 

How we chose the best snow boots for men 

To find the best snow boots for men, I leaned on my experience as a longtime menswear writer as well as first-hand experience. I considered the boot as a whole and then went into more detail about each pair to determine the pros and cons. Here’s everything else I considered to arrive at this list: 

• Third-party reviews: While we have plenty of first-hand experience to know what makes a good pair of snow boots, it’s also important to pore through real customer reviews, paying particular attention to frequently mentioned pros and cons for each boot. We also consulted Montana-based physical therapist Milica McDowell for her thoughts on snow boots. 

• Shaft height: This is an important factor in considering the best snow boots for men. Shaft height is essential for keeping snow and ice from getting into boots.  

• Type of insulation: From fleece to shearling, the type of material used for insulation dictates when and where you can wear snow boots. Lighter insulation is best suited for being outside in mild winter weather, while shearling is best for activities like treading through deep snow. 

• Waterproofing: Snow boots must be waterproof. I made sure that each pair of snow boots on this list provides adequate moisture protection.  

• Sole construction: Rubber soles provide the most grip, so we only considered boots with tacky, grippy soles that help keep feet on the ground during wintry weather.  

Tips for buying snow boots 

Waterproofing 

Snow boots should be fully waterproof to protect feet from moisture in snow and slush. Look for sealed seams and water-resistant materials like rubber, treated leather, and Gore-Tex. 

Insulation 

Materials such as Thinsulate or shearling are essential for retaining warmth in cold temperatures. Check the temperature rating to ensure the snow boots you’re considering will stand up to the winter conditions you’ll encounter.   

Traction 

A durable, nonslip outsole with deep treads provides stability on icy and snowy surfaces. Look for specialized rubber or features like Arctic Grip. Even better: Lugs larger than five millimeters.  

Fit and comfort 

Snow boots should fit snugly without pinching and have enough room for thick socks. Lightweight and cushioned designs are ideal for all-day comfort during winter activities. 

Frequently asked questions 

Are winter boots the same as snow boots? 

Winter boots and snow boots are similar but not the same. Winter boots are designed for general cold weather and may offer insulation and water resistance. Snow boots are specifically made for walking in snow. They offer extra waterproofing, traction, and height to keep snow out. 

What boots should you wear in the snow? 

Wear snow boots designed for cold, wet conditions. They should be waterproof, insulated, have a high shaft to keep snow out, and provide good traction to prevent slipping. 

How do I choose snow boots? 

We recommend choosing snow boots that are waterproof, insulated, and have a durable outsole with good traction for icy surfaces. Ensure they fit comfortably with room for thick socks and have a height that protects against deep snow. Consider the type of snowfall at your destination and adjust if necessary.