Reddit mentions: The best snow boots for men

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.

I am a girl living in St. Lawrence Co. here's what I can tell you:

• On a typical winter day, I'll wear jeans, tank top under long t-shirt/blouse, a sweater and a winter jacket. Since you're coming from a much warmer climate, it wouldn't be a bad idea to stock up on leggings/long underwear like these, as a kid we wore them all the time, and they're great for under clothing. I tend to just wear boots, sneakers, and sometimes I'll wear flats in the winter because I'm an idiot. Most people just wear a pair of socks and trudge through, but you may want to invest in wool socks like these here, and a nice pair of winter boots like these. Something that you may not think about if you've never seen snow is to tuck your jeans/pants into your socks before putting on boots, here is a photo tutorial on that. It is pretty simple, if you don't, at the end of the day you'll end up with wet/soggy ends of your pants.
  
• I'm not super familiar with snowboarding, but I know that we're close to a few hills. Ice Hockey is a huge sport in the county, there are something like eight rinks in the county, one at each university in the county and a couple of town rinks. Hockey games are popular to go to. Make friends with other snowboarders, they're is probably an snowboarding club at Clarkson, join it!
  
  
• Nightlife and the music scene isn't going to be as lively as Gold Coast. But they have a few bar/cafe venues that will have some music, and there are a bunch of bars to go to. Potsdam is a college town, after all.
  
  
• Clarkson is 72% male vs. 23% female, that might be a shock. I can't speak for Clarkson specifically, but I think you won't find that type of casualness at American Universities. Professors here tend to be very stoic. Most are very charismatic and friendly, but it is much more of a business/classroom relationship. It is generally seen as a bad idea for professors and university administrators to go drinking with students, I work for a university up here and could be fired for doing this.
  
  
• Haha, I've lived in cold climates all my life, and am very friendly and outgoing. People are the same everywhere, some are friendly, some are douchebags. I think you'll find the people of "the North Country" (a term for where Clarkson is) are very friendly.
  
  
• Clarkson is in Potsdam which is a seven hour drive/bus ride to NYC, and about an hour drive to Ottawa. Make friends with people with cars! Clarkson probably has bus trips down to NYC, if not, Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound can get you there for less than $200 roundtrip. Quebec and Montreal aren't far either, and are accessible by Greyhound. Public transportation here is abysmal, make friends with people with cars!
  
  
• I've lived in Northern NY my whole life and I may have come accross a few while working in food service in high school. Aussies aren't common up here, and people will make jokes about you being Aussie, but I think you'll probably find that anywhere you go.
  
  
  Good luck!

Under layers are important. Long johns and a thermal-knit top under your regular clothes. You don't need to splurge (I usually buy Hanes) but if you want to splurge, Under Armour is great stuff. My running gear is all UA, and then regular long-sleeved tee and sweatpants over that. Of course, only when it's really cold, so far it hasn't dipped much below 40. But the daily stuff I wear to work/out-and-about is just whatever I found at Target, and it works.

I use these gloves and swear by them. Super warm, and with the fingerless option and thumb hole you can easily use your smart phone. And the cuff rolls down pretty far up your forearm, so you don't have a gap between your coatsleeve and glove where wind can get in.

I'd recommend a hat with ear flaps, I have one lined with fur, and when it's far below zero and there's a biting wind off the lake, you can wrap the ear flaps under your chin and wrap a wool scarf around your face and neck over the flaps and no wind gets in. But a really thick wool beanie would probably be OK too.

Boots, you don't want anything that isn't completely rubber on the bottom (lined inside, of course). Not just a rubber sole, a rubber bottom, like this. Any type of fabric will get wet when walking through snow and puddles and then your feet will be freezing.

Those big bulky sleeping bag coats are pretty amazing, and enough people wear them that you won't look like a tool, but if you dress in layers you can buy something more professional looking and still be warm.

Of course all that stuff if for the super cold days, which there usually aren't more than 10-15 of. When it's above zero you can just dress in layers and wear normal gear and be fine.

Brace yourself, I've got a few winter items for you.

My fiance loves this jacket, and he's traveled to several different places with it. Keeps him nice and cozy.

Not sure how you feel about boots, but these winter boots seem to be a reasonable price and have fantastic reviews.

Fiance got this hat when he was in the air force and loves it.

Now for a personal recommendation, I can't have regular chocolate so I tried this white hot chocolate, and OH MY GOD. It is heaven in your mouth.

How about an awesome mug for that amazing drink? Here's one an old coworker swore by.

Lastly, my dad got me the most amazing heated blanket a few years back. I still use it all the time.

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.

Wait until you get here and buy:

1. Winter boots with a good tread and insulated. It rarely dips down to extremely cold, so you won't really need like snow boots (although it doesn't hurt), but a good pair of insulated Timberlands or similar will get you through most of what Toronto will throw at you.
   
   
2. Winter jacket ("Parka"). These have cold ratings. Men's jackets tend to be shorter but you'll be warmer if you get something that covers your hips. Buy something with a hood rimmed with fur (fake or real it doesn't matter). This will almost negate the need for a toque. But you will need both a toque and a scarf to keep the wind off. The scarf should be wide enough to wrap over your chin and mouth/nose if necessary. Again, there are going to be a couple of really cold days when this will be important if you're walking any distance. It's helpful to have the option of being warm.
   
   
3. Buy a pair of long underwear/long johns to wear under your pants. In Toronto, you might wear these only one week out of the year but it will make a huge difference to how warm you feel on those really windy cold days. I actually don't know what men buy for this. I'm a woman so I just use a pair of leggings.
   
   
4. Warm socks. You'll want at least a couple of good pairs of socks that cover your ankles to bridge the gap between your boots and your pants.
   
   
5. Gloves/mittens. I find that in a warm jacket, I don't need really thick gloves. However, again, there a few days of really bitter windy gold when you'll need something warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. You don't need anything ridiculous, especially if your jacket has pockets, but just having a pair of insulated gloves/mittens for those cold days, your life will be a lot better. The rest of the time I just wear a relatively thin pair of knitted gloves, and use my pockets.

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.

I don't use Instagram, and unfortunately I'm pretty sure the photo groups might not either. I'm not on Facebook too often anymore either though (mostly just checking in with various businesses these days). I'll see if there's some other way to contact them.

I just found this helpful site that will give a bit more info on what types of things to wear:
https://www.alaska.org/advice/what-to-wear-in-alaska-in-winter

For boots I found this pair of Kamiks that aren't too expensive:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0463OY/ref=twister_B0078J8BF2

Baffin is big up here, and Sorel used to be but I'd stay away from that brand since they were bought out by a company that's manufacturing them overseas now. Baffins are quite a bit more expensive, and since you aren't staying up here very long I don't think you need to be spending quite that much on footwear.

Don't forget good socks too. I found a few on Amazon that might work:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CMYT8W?creativeASIN=B003CMYT8W&linkCode=w61&imprToken=ujfd3380l8yo9Mv7kBEe0g&slotNum=15&ascsubtag=[]st[p]cjcauc89h00s4uhyegd7k3gd6[i]gGa3FL[d]T[z]m[t]w[r]google.com&tag=thestrategistsite-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XG1BC2?creativeASIN=B000XG1BC2&linkCode=w61&imprToken=ujfd3380l8yo9Mv7kBEe0g&slotNum=17&ascsubtag=[]st[p]cjcauc89h00s4uhyegd7k3gd6[i]oVsTkD[d]T[z]m[t]w[r]google.com&tag=thestrategistsite-20

As for jackets, that's really up to your preference. Marmot, Patagonia, and Carhartts are popular up here. You can never go wrong with Carhartts in Alaska lol. Get the one big, heavy, outer jacket, and bundle up with under layers like fleece and wool.

If you have any sporting goods stores down there I'd recommend giving them a visit to see if they have any good stuff too. They might be able to give you some information on what to look for too. If all else fails, you can wait to purchase things when you get up here, but it will be more expensive; on the other hand, you'll be able to talk to knowledgeable people about what to buy.

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 was thinking of getting LL Bean's Katahdin work boots because they won't only look well with most of my darker colored jeans and my khaki chinos. But, I am kinda skeptical on their grip on snow/ice/rain and their resistance to water. I don't plan to waddle through ponds or something but it should stand up to the random puddle or slush that is common in the Midwest. I would happily condition and waterproof it myself (would thank if someone could point me in the right direction on that).

Also, I was browsing Amazon, and was interested in these:

1. http://www.amazon.com/Aldo-Mens-Popak-Snow-Boot/dp/B00M522HN4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
   
   
2. http://www.amazon.com/Aldo-Mens-Rigaut-Snow-Boot/dp/B00MBQL0MS/ref=sr_1_65?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1421285399&sr=1-65&keywords=snow+boots
   
   
3. http://www.amazon.com/Volcom-Mens-Smithington-Boot-Brown/dp/B00J4UXHE8/ref=sr_1_69?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1421285399&sr=1-69&keywords=snow+boots
   
   
4. http://www.amazon.com/Rockport-Mens-Trailbreaker-Waterproof-Hiker/dp/B00IP9GWGY/ref=sr_1_143?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1421285438&sr=1-143&keywords=snow+boots (These Rockports look nice too)
   
   
5. http://www.amazon.com/Chippewa-20065-Handcrafted-Lace-Up-Chocolate/dp/B0036VN8N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421287528&sr=8-1&keywords=katahdin These look like rebranded LL Beans, but I am not sure of their quality

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.

Was on here recently asking about Boots, was recommended UGG archibald and hannens, bought the Archibalds(got a great deal on Nordsrom) and I'm looking for a decent deal for the hannens, should I wait and see if they go down in price anywhere? or just go with the best deal I can find right now?

This is the best deal I could find https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RM503OY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YJSIY2GB5S3R&coliid=I9IZRRAI10V66&psc=1

I got some Polo Landen duck boots last winter and they are amazing. Super soft, dry, and comfortable and very durable and quality. They're around $80 which seems pretty cheap on this website http://www.amazon.com/Polo-Ralph-Lauren-Landen-Shearling/dp/B00QO5H8UK

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

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.

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)

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

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

Rockport XCS.

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