Reddit mentions of NORTIV 8 Men's 170390-M Black Insulated Waterproof Work Snow Boots Size 9.5 M US

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.