Our editors research, test, and recommend only the best products we can find online. Bootratings.com may receive a commission if you purchase through one of our links.
There is nothing worst than cold, painful feet when your focus is on getting work done. If the conditions are harsh, it’s easy to put on another sweater, but you can’t put on a second pair of boots.
When you need all-day protection from the elements, insulated work boots are a necessary part of your cold weather gear.
It’s easy to assume that your general-duty work boots will be good enough year round, but proper insulation requires layers. Warm socks can help but the extra insulation of insulated work boots give you the edge you need for long days in the cold, ice, and snow.
Insulated Work Boots 1-4
Jump to recommended boots 5-8 or 9-12.
KEEN CSA Philadelphia 8″ 600G Insulated Safety Toe Boot
When you’re on the job, your feet are your only link to the outside world. And that’s why they need all the protection they can get.
The Keen Philadelphia 8″ Insulated Waterproof Boot has it all: 600g of insulation to keep your feet warm, a waterproof membrane to keep them dry and an electrical hazard rated and carbon fiber safety toe for added protection.
And, of course, it comes with Keen’s legendary non-slip outsole with oil and slip resistance – so you can focus on getting the job done.
Features:
- Waterproof leather upper and waterproof breathable internal membrane
- 600g insulation
- Carbon fiber left and right asymmetrical toes
- Polar traction with micro-glass filaments
- Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) construction; Meets ASTM 2412 and 2413 standards; Meets CSA Z195-14 Grade 1 Safety Standards
- Puncture resistant midsole plate
Wolverine Hellcat UltraSpring 8″ CarbonMax 600G Insulated Boot
The Wolverine Hellcat UltraSpring 8″ CarbonMax Insulated work boot is perfect for cold weather work.
It comes with tough waterproof leather and Goodyear welt construction, along with 600G Thinsulate™ insulation and high-performance UltaSpring cushioning, so you are comfortable with every step.
Classic work boot styling with rugged leather and weatherproof protection. This is a strong and durable work boot that has been created for those who know how it feels to be on your feet all day long.
Features:
- Premium waterproof full-grain leather upper
- 600g Thinsulate™ Ultra insulation
- Breathable waterproof membrane with moisture wicking mesh lining
- Removable Ortholite® UltraLite full-cushioned footbed is light without sacrificing comfort
- Revolutionary UltraSpring™ high rebound ETPU midsole provides energized ride
- Rubber lug outsole grips the ground
- ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH rated composite-toe
- Backed by Wolverine’s 30 day comfort guarantee
Upgrade your boots with personalized insoles from treadlabs.com!
⭐ Read our full review of Treadlabs insoles
Ariat WorkHog CSA 600G Insulated Composite Toe Work Boot
The Ariat WorkHog 11 Inch 600G Waterproof CSA Composite Toe Wellington boot delivers maximum side-to-side stability with lightweight cushioning and reduced foot fatigue.
Goodyear Welt Construction adds durability, while 600g of Thinsulate insulation provides lightweight warmth.
Ariat has long been a brand associated with high-quality equestrian boots, but is also known for its work-ready footwear as well.
Features:
- Waterproof PRO™ construction with waterproof full-grain leather
- 600g Thinsulate™ Insulation for warmth with less bulk
- Composite toe is ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH rated
- Patented U-Turn® entry system makes pulling on easy
- Puncture-resistant, metal-free SWEN-FLEX® insole board
- Stability chassis
- Shock absorbing EVA midsole
- Mesh lining
- Oil- and slip-resistanting Duratread™ outsole for maximum wear resistance
Carolina Circuit 800G Insulated Composite Toe Boot
The Carolina Men’s Circuit 8″ Waterproof Insulated Composite Toe Work Boot is great for working in any cold, damp conditions.
With 800g of Thinsulate insulation and waterproof SCUBALINER, this boot will keep you warm and dry all day long.
It is also EH rated and has an oil & slip resistant outsole.
Features:
- Waterproof Leather Upper
- Composite Safety Toe Cap
- Waterproof SCUBALINER™
- Mesh Lining
- 800 Grams of Thinsulate™ Insulation
- Removable EVA Footbed
- Electrical Hazard Rated
- Non-Metallic Shank
- Cement Construction
- Oil and Slip Resisting Rubber Outsole
Insulated Work Boots 5-8
Jump to recommended boots 9-12.
Carolina Elm 600G Insulated Steel Toe Boot
The Carolina Men’s Elm 8″ Waterproof Insulated Steel Toe logger is a tough boot.
Shield your feet from danger with the waterproofing, steel toe, internal met-guard and steel shank.
Technologies inside the boots like a waterproof liner, 600G Thinsulate, and a moisture-wicking synthetic fabric keep your feet warm and dry.
Features:
- Waterproof Leather Upper
- Steel Safety Toe Cap
- Polyurethane Internal MetGuard protects the top of your foot
- Waterproof SCUBALINER™
- Taibrelle Lined
- 600 Grams of Thinsulate™ Insulation
- Electrical Hazard Rated
- Steel Shank
- Welt Construction
- Oil Resisting One Piece Rubber Lug Outsole
Ariat Turbo Outlaw 8″ CSA 400g Insulated Carbon Toe Boot
The Ariat Turbo Outlaw 8″ CSA Waterproof 400g Carbon Toe Boot is built for both lightweight and superior confort.
The waterproof leather, carbon fiber safety toe, puncture resistance, and electrical shock resistance protect your feet on any job.
The 400G insulation, foam insole, and breathable mesh lining all keep your feet comfortable while you work.
Features:
- Carbon toe is ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C EH rated
- ASTM F2413-18 PR rated for puncture resistant protection
- Certified to CSA Standard Z195-14 w/grade 1 toe, sole and electrical shock resistance (ESR) protection
- ATS® technology for stability and all-day comfort
- Energy Max rebound foam insole
- 400g Thinsulate™ Insulation for warmth with less bulk
- Waterproof PRO™ full-grain leather construction
- Mesh lining
- Protective ExGuard™ on toe and heel
- Oil- and slip-resisting dual-density PU/TPU outsole passes hot contact test at 150°C/302°F
Carhartt Rugged Flex 8″ 400G Insulated Composite Toe Work Boot
These men’s Carhartt Rugged Flex 8″ 400G Insulated Composite Toe Work Boot are designed to keep you on the move in all weather conditions.
Designed for active jobsites, these waterproof boot keep your feet warm and dry. A flexible rubber outsole guarantees confident grip on uneven terrain, and resilient cushioning provides comfort all day long.
These men’s rugged 8-inch boots will keep you warm and dry, when you have to work hard in cold and wet weather.
Features:
- Storm Defender® waterproof breathable membrane
- 400g 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulatiom
- Composite toe protects against impact and compression hazards and meets ASTM 2413-18 standards
- Rubber toe and heel bumper for stability and protection
- Rugged Flex® rubber outsole for durable traction and flexibility
- Meets ASTM 2413-18 EH standards
Caterpillar Alaska 2.0 8″ 400G Insulated Steel Toe Work Boot
The Caterpillar Alaska 2.0 8″ 400G Insulated Steel Toe Work Boot is an updated version of the popular classic with new features to make them more comfortable.
The dual density footbed is lightweight and the cushioned midsole provides support all day.
Waterproof, insulated with 400G Thinsulate, and protected by a steel toe and slip-resistant outsole, these boots are ready to work.
Features:
- ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 Steel Toe protects against impact and compression
- ASTM F2413-05 1/75 EH Electrical Hazard Protection rated
- Goodyear Welt Construction provides maximum durability while offering forefoot flexibility
- Waterproof, Full Grain Leather Upper
- Insulated with 400G Thinsulate™
- Nylon Mesh Sock Liner for added breathability and comfort
- Dual Density EASE Footbed
- PVC Midsole provides shock absorbance, support and strength
- Steel Shank for added support and stability
- Slip resistant outsole reduces the risk of slips and falls
Insulated Work Boots 9-12
KEEN Davenport 6″ 400G Insulated Composite Toe Work Boot
The KEEN Davenport 6″ 400G Insulated Composite Toe Work Boot is designed to take on extreme environments.
These 400G insulated, waterproof work boots keep you comfortable in any weather.
The KEEN.POLAR TRACTION outsole gives you reliable stability even in variable winter conditions and the legendary KEEN comfort makes them feel more like a sneaker.
Features:
- Left and right asymmetrical composite toes
- KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane
- 400g KEEN.Warm insulation
- TPU shank for midfoot support
- Cleansport NXT™ for natural odor control
- Meets ASTM F1677-96 MARK II non-slip testing standards
- Meets ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH standards
Carhartt 11″ 400G Insulated Steel Toe Wellington Boot
The Carhartt 11″ 400G Insulated Steel To Wellington Boot is ready for hard farm and ranch work.
Slip-on convenience and insulated all-weather versatility make this steel-toed Wellington safety boot ready for anything and anytime.
A waterproof-breathable membrane, sweat-wicking liner and, low-bulk insulation to keep your feet warm and dry in all weather.
Reinforced body features protect your feet and a durable rubber tread sheds mud and provides stability on slippery ground.
Features:
- Oil-tanned and polyurethane-coated waterproof leathers
- 400 LiteFire® insulation keeps feet warm
- Carstrong® durable reinforced fabric prevents wear and tear
- Storm Defender® waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry
- Steel toe meets ASTM 2413-18 standards
- TPU heel guard with Achilles flex joint for ankle stability and side impact protection
- Cushioned, polyurethane insole to absorb shock
- Welt-constructed, dual-density polyurethane outsole
- Meets ASTM 2413-18 EH standards
Caterpillar Diagnostic Hi 200G Insulated Steel Toe Work Boot
The Caterpillar Diagnostic 200G Insulated Steel Toe Work Boot is a tough boot that can take a beating.
It has an industry rated steel toe and electrical hazard protection with a excellent slip-resistant outsole.
It’s waterproof and insulated with 200 grams of thermal technology, so you can count on staying dry, warm, and comfortable.
Features:
- ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 steel toe
- ASTM F2413-05 1/75 EH Electrical Hazard Protection rated
- Waterproof leather upper
- Nylon mesh lining for added breathability and comfort
- Removable perforated EVA insert with gel technology for comfort
- Insulated with 200 Grams of Thinsulate
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
Wolverine Marauder 200G Insulated Steel Toe Wellington Work Boot
The right boots can protect against the cold and keep your feet comfortable.
For all day comfort, the Wolverine Marauder Waterproof Insulated Boot is great with 400 grams of Thinsulate™ Ultra, Multishox® individualized cushioning and ContourWelt® enhanced-flex construction.
The right boots can protect against the elements and keep a worker’s feet comfortable while they do their job.
Features:
- Waterproof full-grain leather upper keeps you dry
- 200 gram Thinsulate™ Insulation for extra warmth
- The boot opening has a circumference of 14”, so you slide in easily
- Wolverine MultiShox® removable full-cushion footbed
- Athletic shoe feel for all-day comfort
Benefits of Cold Weather Work Boots
Even when temperatures fall, you need to be protected by your insulated work boots. Your feet want to stay warm, dry and healthy.
To get the most of our your boots, consider all of the features you may need:
- Insulation: There are several types of insulation that can be added to give you the extra layer of protection you need in cold weather. Thinsulate and Thermalite are two of the most popular insulation materials available and they come in different levels from 200 grams to over 1000 grams. Most boots use one of these options.
- Waterproof: Cold weather often also means wet weather. Regardless of the temperature, the last thing you want in a long day is wet and uncomfortable feet. Waterproofing can happen at both the exterior and interior of the boot. While most people focus on the exterior, moisture-wicking membranes inside of the boot can be just as important to keep the environment around your feet comfortable.
- Good Grip: Work boots need to have good grip so that you do not fall when you are focused on your work. The rubber sole has to hold on to the ground whether you step in water, ice, oil, or grease.
- Comfort: Assuming your feet are warm and dry, comfort depends on cushioning and insoles so that you can work for long hours without suffering any pain. A good pair of warm socks is also important to your overall comfort. Heated socks raise your comfort to the highest level in the coldest temperatures.
- Nylon shanks: The shank in work boots is there to provide support in the sole. While they can be made from different materials, nylon is lightweight and will not transfer cold from outside into the boot while reinforcing the structure.
- Safety: Your feet also need protection from the work you are doing. Steel and composite toes keep you safe from bumps or heavy objects falling although composite are better are at preventing cold temperature transfer into the boots. Electrical hazard (EH) rating is designed to protect you from electrocution.
- Price: Prices vary across different makes and models of boots, and it is possible to get both quality and value in your next pair of boots. Remember, however, that you rely on your boots to protect you for long hours of hard work. The cheapest boots may not offer the ideal protection or comfort and paying a little more may go a long way to keep you comfortable and protected.
Dangers of Extreme Cold Weather
There are many dangers of working in cold weather and if measures aren’t taken then it may lead to health issues. A few major problems that can happen include:
- Frostbite is an injury caused by the onset of freezing of the skin and underlying tissue. First your skin becomes very cold and red, then numb, hard and pale. Frostbite is most common in the extremities such as fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Frostbitten skin can be painful and have a prickling and irritating sensation. Frost nip is the milder form of frostbite and does not cause permanent damage.
- Trench foot is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. Blisters, blotchy skin, redness, and dead skin are all symptoms of this problem. Protective boots and dry socks will help to prevent these issues.
- Toenail fungus is more common in cold weather because nails become more dry and brittle. If your socks don’t wick away sweat and moisture, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus can breed more quickly.
- If you have any kind of circulation issues, there are even more problems that can affect feet as blood circulation decreases.
The right foot wear and proper planning can ensure that none of these issues affect you.
Boot Insulation Guide
With the help of an insulated pair of work boots, you can protect your feet and stay warm all day regardless of how long you work. Insulation adds warmth to keep you comfortable. This feature works with the waterproof outer layers that repel both cold water and cold temperatures to protect your feet.
Insulation is measured on a scale from 200 to 1000 grams. The required amount of insulation depends on the activity you are doing. Very active people who are on the move may require less insulation since there will naturally be more blood flow. Sedentary activities that force you to stay in one spot without much movement may need higher insulation to keep the feet warm.
Thinsulate is an advanced insulating material that is well-suited to extremely cold weather and is the most common option included in the boots recommended here. Here is a description of the different levels of Thinsulate insulation:
- 200 gram Thinsulate insulation works well at the start of the cold season. This amount of insulation is light weight and thin, taking very little space. If your activity level is high then you generate plenty of your own heat and will need less insulation.
- 400 gram Thinsulate insulation is the next level and will keep you warmer as the temperature drops. This level of insulation is very popular and covers most winter situations.
- 600 gram Thinsulate is recommended for cold conditions or when the activity level is low. If your work requires sitting or standing in the same place more often, you can count on this level of insulation to keep you warm.
- 800 gram Thinsulate insulation boots are for very cold conditions. Sitting or standing or very cold weather means less blood flow to naturally warm your feet.
- 1000 gram Thinsulate insulation is the highest level and is usually worn only in extreme cases. The ultra insulation of these work boots will keep you as warm as possible.
Wrap Up
If you need to work in cold conditions and keep your feet protected no matter what, then you need the right pair of insulated work boots.
With good waterproofing, the right amount of insulation, and features that keep you comfortable, your boots will help you to get through any activity without the distraction of cold, wet feet.
![Best Ice Fishing Boots [2025]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Featured-Ice-Fishing-211x150.jpg "Best Ice Fishing Boots [2025]")
![Best Hunting Boots [2025]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Featured-Hunting-Boots-211x150.jpg "Best Hunting Boots [2025]")
![Best Waterproof Work Boots + Waterproof Socks [2025]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Chippewa-Mens-29416-8-Waterproof-Insulated-Work-Boot-e1444406930187.png "Best Waterproof Work Boots + Waterproof Socks [2025]")
![Best Tactical Boots and Police Boots [2025]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Original-S.W.A.T.-Mens-Metro-Air-9-Inch-Side-Zip-Tactical-Boot.png "Best Tactical Boots and Police Boots [2025]")
![Best Work Boots for Flat Feet [BONUS: Shoes for Flat Feet]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/KEEN-Utility-Mens-Flint-Low-Work-Shoe1-e1443432790106.png "Best Work Boots for Flat Feet [BONUS: Shoes for Flat Feet]")
![Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis [2025 Guide & Tips]](https://www.bootratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Featured-Plantar-Fasciitis-211x150.jpg "Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis [2025 Guide & Tips]")
Hi,
Can you tell me which one is the lightest of all?
Unfortunately, weight depends on the size. You will need to compare the weights of your size to know for sure.