It's going to be a long winter. Do you have the proper footwear to make it through?
There are a few winter essentials you just can't live without, and a good pair of boots is one of them. We've all felt the freeze of inadequate footwear doing little to protect our toes from the cold. Particularly if you're a fan of outdoor activities (like skiing or hiking), you'll need a pair that will hold up against the elements. Here are our picks.
The Best Overall
The Wirecutter tested 17 pairs of boots in a cold Alaskan winter and named these boots as the best overall for their warmth, support, traction, and waterproofing. They'll set you back $200, but they're sure to hold up for several seasons.
For Women: The Keen Durand Polar Waterproof Boot
For Men: The Keen Durand Polar Waterproof Boot
Courtesy of Cabela's
The Warmest
The Women's Wicked Good L.L.Bean Boots ($249) have been crafted in Maine since 1912. They're fully lined in genuine sheepskin for superior warmth and also feature a water-resistant suede upper and a rubber sole. 97 percent of customers recommend this product.
For men, the Cabela's Predator Extreme Pac Boots ($189.99) win. They've got 1,200-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation and are designed for sub-zero conditions. The Texel liner warms your toes and wicks away moisture, and the EVA midsole provides extra support.
Courtesy of Zappos
The Best Budget-Friendly Boots
For women, the Columbia Ice Maiden II Boots ($79.95) are a popular choice. They come in a variety of cute colors and have hundreds of excellent reviews from customers, many of which report these are plenty warm. They're both waterproof and insulated.
For men, check out the Kamik Greenbay 4 Boots ($84.95). These also come highly recommended from customers reviewers and are temperature rated for -40 degrees. They're also incredibly durable, with a 600D nylon upper and a pulse injected TPR outsole. The felt liner is removable.
Other Picks
Still can't find the style you're looking for? Check out these other options.
For men:
Sorel Conquest Boot ($149.95)
Timberland Flume Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots ($110)
Eddie Bauer Snoqualmie Pass Boot ($119)
The North Face Chilkat Nylon Boot ($99.95)
For women:
UGG Kesey Boot ($160)
Eddie Bauer Solstice 2.0 Boot ($126)
The North Face Shellista Waterproof Boots ($140)
Sorel Tivoli III High ($150)
Do you have a favorite pair of boots you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below, and stay warm out there, Colorado!
Check out these 4 Colorado winter activities to do if you're not a skier!
