Do I Need Insulated Work Boots in Winters?

Working outdoors in chilly and wet conditions can be a daunting task for you and your feet. While standard work boots or snow boots are great, they simply don’t offer the complete protection you require.

In such cases if you really want to finish off your task with all the 10 toes dry and intact at the end of the day then insulated work boots are the best choice for you.

Insulated boots are kind of a necessity during winters. These not only keep your feet warm but are also equipped with specific features which makes them well suited for both snow and rain.

With Gore-Tex lining, impermeable sole construction and slip resistant soles, insulated boots provide extra cushioning and warmth. Not just this, insulated boots come with additional safety features which apart from warmth and comfort provide electrical hazard protection as well.

In this article, I have put together all the features, advantages and disadvantages of insulated work boots with the collection of best insulated work boots that meet the demands of all kinds of working conditions.

Features of Insulated Work Boots

There are plenty of technology features in insulated work boots but the basic features to look out for are as follows:

• • • Acid Resistant
    • Comfort Technology
    • Easy to clean
    • Flame Resistant
    • Waterproof
    • Reinforced toe
    • Thermal Foam

Apart from these there are four key specs to be considered while buying insulated boots

Ample Toe Box

The heat from your body which is emitted out generally gets collected in an air pocket around the forefoot and toes and hence the warm feet start with toe boxes of insulated boots.

Heat around your feet maintains the warmth throughout the rest of your body.

Insulation Value

Insulation value varies from boot to boots and is generally decided based on your work. The function of insulation is to hold bodies heat and prevent it from escaping.

This is quite an important factor in order to save your feet from chilling wet weather.

Waterproofing System

Insulated boots are generally equipped with a thin waterproof membrane which is present between the lining of work boots.

This membrane is seamless, non-bulky and virtually unnoticeable and consists of small holes which allow proper circulation in the boots by releasing excess foot moisture.

Traction Control

Best insulated boots have got great tread patterns and multi-directional deep lugs which offer best traction on any type of slope or terrain.

See also: Insulated Vs Uninsulated Boots Comparison

How much Insulation do you really need?

How much insulation you require is subjective and truly depends on the job profile. There are different insulation levels in work boots and choosing the right amount of insulation is important in order to keep your feet warm and comfortable.

1.) Lightweight-200g Insulation

It is the minimum standard of insulation which is found in many basic insulated boots. 200g of insulation is quite common and if you have naturally hot feet then this lighter weight insulation will help to avoid excessive foot sweating.

This level of insulation is good if you want to do basic jobs inside without going out in cold extremities or working in wet environments.

2.) Midweight-400g Insulation

This level of insulation is apt for those whose job requires them to be out. It is a perfect level to keep your feet warm without overheating them.

It is suitable for people working in winter construction sites and outdoor winter projects.

3.) Hefty- 600g -800g Insulation

If you are going to be outdoors for longer durations then you should go for this level of insulation.

It is perfect for line technicians and road crew workers who have to stand motionless on their feet all day long.

4.) Maximum- 1,000-2,000g insulation

If your jobs involve standing stationary in cold for extended periods of time then a high level of insulation is crucial. It is preferred by loggers, tree workers or those who work in mining industries.

Pros and Cons of Insulated boots

Insulated work boots provide following benefits

• • • These are warmer and hence keep your feet warmer in snow and in cold weather.
    • They provide more cushioning and hence are more comfortable. 
    • These boots are perfect to save your feet from snow bites.
    • These are also a great choice for diabetic patients who need extra warmth and cushioning.

Cons

• • • The boots are bulky
    • With the extra layers of insulating material inside the boots, these become heavier.
    • These boots are not recommended during summers.
    • Wearing insulated boots in mild cold might overheat your body.

Best Insulated Work Boots

1. Timberland PRO Men’s Direct Attach 8″ Waterproof Work Boot

If you absolutely hate the feeling of wet feet then these Timberland’s waterproof boots can be a good choice. Coming with seam-sealed waterproof leather uppers, the boots have got 400 grams of insulation material.

Furthermore, the boots have got oil resistant and non-marking rubber lug outsoles which makes them suitable for any surface no matter on how hard cold concrete you walk. The boots are equipped with mesh lining which keep your feet dry and warm all day long.

The open-cell PU footbed cushions your feet when you work outdoors and saves your toes from chilling winters and wet environments.

Pros

• • • Seam-Sealed Waterproof Leather Uppers.
    • 400 Grams Of Insulation For Warmth.
    • Oil-Resistant, Non-Marking Rubber Lug Outsole For Traction.
    • Mesh Linings And Open-Cell Polyurethane Comfort Footbeds Treated With Antimicrobial Treatment To Resist Odors.
    • Nylon Shock Diffusion Plates To Keep Your Foot Rigid Where You Need The Most Support

Cons

• • • The boots are a bit hard to put on.

2. Danner Men’s Vicious 8″ 400G NMT Work Boot 

With 400 gm of insulation, Danner vicious boots keep your feet warm and dry during harsh winter seasons. The composite safety toes in these boots are great for not only protecting your toes but also transferring temperature easily.

Another great feature of these boots is the dual combination of waterproofing and breathable membrane.

These guarantee you that your feet will remain dry and fresh all the time. The oil and slip resistant outsoles of the boot gives the worker perfect traction which is necessary to walk on all kinds of surfaces.

Features like dual density EVA midsole support the base of your feet when you stand on your feet for upto 10 hours without taking any rests.

Pros

• • • 400G Of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation
    • Trail guard Platform Provides Lightweight, Seamless Support.
    • Abrasion-Resistant Toe Cap For Durability.
    • Composite Toe Rated Astm F2413-11 I/75 C/75.
    • Electrical Hazard Resistant.
    • Dual-Density Eva Midsole For Extra Shock Absorption And Comfort.
    • Oil And Slip Resistant Outsole Has A Low Profile 90-Degree Heel Making It Versatile.
    • Abrasion-Resistant Heel Cap.
    • Waterproof, Breathable Gore-Tex Liner.
    • Full Grain Leather Offers Comfortable Moisture Protection.
    • Speed Lace System For A Secure Fit

Cons

• • • Fit is a bit tight

3. Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot 

The Carhartt Ruggedflex work boots come with Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection which makes sure that your feet remain unharmed even when exposed to rain and snow.

The inbuilt 400gm of 3M Thinsulate insulation guarantee to work regardless of the level of cold you’re exposed too.

The composite safety toe protects your toes when getting crushed without adding too much bulk to the boots. The boots come with cushioned insoles which are successful when walking on hard surfaces.

Pros

• • • 100% Leather
    • Rubber Sole
    • Composite Safety Toe
    • Secondary Protection Against Incidental Contact With Electrical Circuits Of 18,000 Volts Or Less Under Dry Conditions.
    • Storm Defender Waterproof Breathable Protection.
    • Insulation (400Gm 3M Thinsulate)
    • Cushion Comfort Insole

Cons

• • • Takes time to break in

Intrested in more insulated boots check out the video below