What are the best-insulated work boots? While most men know to bundle up in the winter months when they go to work, it's not uncommon to see a lack of proper foot protection.
Whether you're working outside in the snow or in an enclosed, refrigerated area, you need to protect your feet from the cold. Cold weather isn't just uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous.
Cold feet If feet are not kept warm and protected, a number of problems can arise. Not only can you experience health problems ranging from the common cold to hypothermia, but you will quickly feel the effects of low temperatures on your feet and bones. In fact, poor foot protection can eventually lead to poor job performance.
To avoid these problems, invest in a pair of warm work boots. They should have enough insulation to keep you warm and a range of features to ensure you stay safe. Here are 7 of the best-insulated work boots to beat the cold.
10 of the best-insulated work boots
1. Wolverine Gold Men's 8-inch Insulated Waterproof Boot
Wolverine Men's 8" Gold Insulated Waterproof BootsThese boots from Wolverine are more than capable of keeping you warm in inclement weather. Inside there is a 400-gram thin layer of Thinsulate. It is also fully lined so the boots are comfortable for long periods of use.
The insulation includes a supportive midsole and a removable cushioned insole. The outside isn't bad either. It is made of 100 percent leather. Thanks to the sealed seams, the boots are completely waterproof.
The bottom of the boots also has thick lugs. They can improve traction on almost any terrain. The soles are made of Vibram. The material is resistant to abrasive damage, oil penetration, chemical burns, and heat.
2. Chippewa Men's 29416 8″ Insulated Waterproof Work Boot
Chippewa 29416 Men's 8" Insulated Waterproof Work Boot from Chippewa is this durable pair of boots. The upper is durable enough to repel weather and moisture. They are made from 100% oil-dyed leather to create a distinctive look.
The leather upper is bonded to the soles via a Goodyear welt construction. This makes the boots waterproof and warm. Inside, there are a few notable features. The first is the Chip-A-Tex liner. This lining provides some insulation to protect your feet from the cold. It also improves protection against water ingress.
The second layer is the Ruby Dri-Lex liner. Like the previous layer, it provides additional insulation. It feels soft and absorbs moisture to keep you dry.
3. Timberland PRO Men's Direct Attach Six-Inch Soft-Toe Boot
Timberland PRO Direct Attach Men's Six-Inch Soft Toe Boot Timberland is no stranger to the boot
game. This option from their PRO line strikes a good balance between comfort and durability. To prevent cold weather from affecting your movement, the boots are lined with 200 grams of Thinsulate.
It is relatively light and moisture resistant. An additional mesh lining on the inside helps improve airflow. It is also made of antimicrobial material, which keeps odor-causing bacteria at bay.
The boots are also equipped with supporting extras. The outsole has an integrated nylon skid plate and a molded midsole. The upper is made of durable leather.
The heels are made of thick leather. The material meets ASTM electrical hazard standards, making the boots a must-have for anyone working in hazardous environments.
4. Timberland PRO Men's Helix 8″ Insulated Comp Toe Work Boot
Timberland PRO Men's Helix 8" Insulated Comp Toe Workboot With a high shaft that measures 7 inches from the arch, these boots can protect more of your legs from the bitter cold. They are made of waterproof leather that also resists abrasive damage.
For extra protection against water ingress, the boots use a waterproof membrane. There is also a breathable lining layer to keep your feet dry. Around the liner is 400 grams of insulation. The insole is also designed to give you support and comfort.
The sole is made of rubber and designed to prevent slipping. A hefty alloy toy cap can protect you from crushing while giving your toes room to wiggle.
5. Wolverine Men’s Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work Boot
Wolverine Men's Marauder Rubber Insulated Wellington Work BootThese boots from Wolverine have a spacious slip-on design for easy removal. The uppers are made from full-grain leather. This material is waterproof and very durable to protect you from the hazards of the work environment.
Inside, the boots have 200-gram insulation to keep you warm. It’s suitable for normal winter environments if you stay active. It also has a unique MultiShox footbed that absorbs the force of impact with every step to ensure that your feet are comfortable as you work.
A prominent midsole helps to support your arches as well. The outsole is made from rubber.
6. Chippewa Men’s 6″ Waterproof Insulated 25203 Lace-Up Boot
Chippewa Men's 6" Waterproof Insulated 25203 Lace Up BootFrom Chippewa is this pair of quality winter work boots. They’re made from top-grain leather for the best in durability and water protection. The boots have a standard 6-inch shaft and a padded collar for comfort.
Inside, the boots utilize 400-gram Thinsulate insulation. There’s also a removable waterproof bootie and an additional Dri-Lex waterproof lining. To add a further protection, the boots use Goodyear welt construction.
To support your feet throughout the day, the boots include a removable orthotic insert, a waterproof insole that also absorbs shock, and a triple-ribbed shank built directly into the synthetic outsole.
7. KEEN Utility Men’s Sheridan Insulated Comp Toe Work Boot
KEEN Utility Men's Sheridan Insulated Comp Toe Work BootThese boots are uniquely designed to
protect you from whatever work throws at you. The uppers are made from Nubuck leather. They have a 7.5-inch shaft to provide protection beyond your ankle.
There’s also a composite toe cap. The caps have an asymmetrical design that provides a better fit for your toes and better protection from accidents.
To keep you dry, the boots have a waterproof membrane. It’s also breathable to help manage sweat.
The outsoles are made from an absorbent synthetic material and have a polyurethane shank built into the middle to provide support.
8. Wolverine Men’s Overman Insulated Waterproof Comp-Toe Work Boot
Wolverine Men's Overman 8" Insulated Waterproof Comp-Toe Work BootAnother great option from Wolverine, these boots are built to keep you warm from more extreme temperatures. It has 600-gram insulation inside.
There’s also a comfortable OrthoLite footbed that’s easy to remove for maintenance. A polyurethane midsole and nylon shank add further support throughout your foot for all-day comfort.
There are a number of features to keep you dry. They include a mesh lining that wicks away moisture, a full-grain upper that repels water, and welt construction for the outsole to create a tight seal.
The outsoles are made from rubber and are designed to be slip, oil, and abrasion-resistant.
9. Caterpillar Men’s Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe Work Boot
Caterpillar Men's Diagnostic Waterproof Steel-Toe Work BootThese boots from Caterpillar are designed to support your feet naturally as you walk. The footbed is anatomically contoured and features adequate padding and support features to keep your feet stable.
In terms of winter protection, the boots have 200-gram insulation. There’s also a breathable liner to help you control sweat. The outsole is made from rubber and features a steel shank inside.
Additional features include a removable EVA insole to cushion the impact on your feet, a steel toe for protection, a full lace closure system to get a snug fit, and a 6-inch shaft with a padded collar.
10. Wolverine Men’s Gold Insulated Waterproof Boot
Wolverine Men's Gold 6" Insulated Waterproof BootThese boots contain 400 grams of insulation, ensuring that you stay cold in standard winter environments. This insulation is actually Thinsulate by 3M, so it provides high levels of protection without the added bulk.
The uppers are made from durable nubuck leather. It’s directly attached to the rubber and polyurethane outsole for a tight seal. Inside, there’s a removable cushioned footbed and a moisture-wicking mesh lining to keep you dry throughout the day.
There’s also a lightweight nylon shank built into the sole to add strength, support, and rigidity. The boots also feature a lace closure system and a padded collar for comfort.
Features to Look For
While standard work boots are fine for moderate temperatures, there's a lot to consider when exposed to colder environments. Many manufacturers have boots specifically designed to keep you safe, warm, and comfortable in colder environments. They contain some unique features that will prove to be useful.
Insulation
Insulated footwear is a must-have when working in the snow and below freezing. Essentially, the insulation acts as a protective barrier. Helps prevent cold air from entering the boots.
Not only that, but it also helps prevent generated body heat from escaping. The boots will incorporate insulation into the liner to act as a jacket for your feet.
Manufacturers make boots with different levels of insulation. Insulation is measured by weight in grams. The higher the weight in grams, the thicker and denser the insulation. As a result, it will work better to keep you protected for longer.
Weights typically range from 200 grams to 1000 grams or more. The specific level of insulation you need will depend on your work environment.
200 Grams
This amount of insulation is ideal for typical winter environments. Provides enough insulation to keep you warm in temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As you move, you generate body heat that is given off by your feet. This warmth is more than enough to keep you comfortable all day long.
400 to 600 Grams
If you work in typical winter temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees, but don't move much, this level of insulation is great. Because you are not walking, you generate less heat. This increased thickness and density will keep you warm for much longer.
800 to 1000 Grams
This level is ideal for extreme temperatures below 30 degrees. Boots with this insulation protect you from the effects of the cold. Anything less will only provide protection for a short period of time.
Waterproofing
Waterproof boots can help you avoid getting sick. A common problem that affects those who work in the snow is trench foot, which occurs when the skin is exposed to wet and cold conditions.
It can be painful and lead to a number of health problems. To avoid this, opt for sealed and protected boots. The Welt construction prevents melted snow from getting between the seams of the boot's upper and soles. Also, high-quality materials in the upper, such as leather, will prevent moisture from seeping through.
Boots should also have a moisture-wicking lining. Sweat can be just as bad in winter as melting snow. A high-quality lining keeps you dry on the inside, while a sturdy shoe construction can help prevent water from entering from the outside.
Slip-Resistance:
Snow, whether melted or not, can be very slippery. Walking on snow can lead to painful slips and falls. Carrying any tools or equipment with you can make that accident worse. To avoid this, take a look at the soles.
The sole of the boots should have a special anti-slip design that improves traction. The designs generally work by diverting water away from the soleplate and through the slippery substance to allow the soleplate to make contact. For even more protection, choose boots that are also oil resistant.
Toe and Foot Protection
Steel toecaps, metatarsals, and anti-puncture plates are great things to have. They can protect your feet from sharp debris and injuries from large objects.
composite toe cap That said, it is important that you go for protectors that are made from a composite material. There is nothing worse than feeling cold in your shoes because of the metal. Steel toecaps and guards will transfer the outside temperature, essentially rendering any insulation useless.
Shank Supports
Pole holders can help improve stability in the snow. They are integrated directly into the outsole and stiffen the shoe for support. As with dropouts and guards, it's a good idea to choose non-metal stems. Nylon or fiberglass handles are the best choice because they do not transfer heat and are very light.
Over to You
Cold weather is no problem with a great pair of insulated work boots. They will keep you safe and protected no matter what harsh environment you find yourself in. Instead of focusing on that cold tingling sensation that seeps