Are you looking for the best winter steel-toe boots to wear in cold temperatures this year? If so this guide should give you the latest information about what insulated work boots you should think about if you want to keep your feet warm when the freezing temperatures hit.
Steel-toe safety boots are a necessity in certain professions such as farming, construction work, or general manual labor to prevent your feet from crush injuries. This means they are the one boot that you need to spend a decent amount of money on because those steel toes can protect you from damage.
However whilst there are plenty of good steel-toe work boots that are available to buy it can be significantly harder to find a pair that can cope with winter work.
Depending on your job and the climate you are working in industrial footwear for cold weather needs to not just offer steel safety toes but also contend with slippery surfaces, wet weather, and in some cases deep snow. Here are some of the best winter work boots that can do the job and some information on what you need to look for when you are buying insulated work boots with steel toes.
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Are Steel Toe Boots Good For Cold Weather?
Normal steel-toe boots are not considered great footwear for winter. This is because steel is a thermal material that conducts the cold. This means that if it is cold outside this will make the metal colder which has a knock-on impact of making your toes start to feel uncomfortable relatively quickly.
Whilst you may be able to deal with this problem in mild winter conditions by wearing thick socks extreme winter weather can cause a problem and make your steel-toe work boots unwearable.
Manufacturers have however come up with a range of insulated steel-toe boots that can act as safety boots as well as deal with cold temperatures. These are the boots that you need for toe protection and comfort.
Composite toe caps can also be an alternative in certain circumstances to make sure that your feet are protected from the weather as well as any hazards in the workplace.
Is A Steel Toe Good For Snow?
Snow and ice are going to be unhelpful if you want to wear ordinary steel-toe boots. The metal in the front of the boot will absorb the cold and make your feet and toes freezing cold.
This means that you are going to need to buy insulated steel-toe boots made to deal with freezing cold temperatures if you want to stay comfortable in the snow and ice.
Remember that in some places the temperature in snow and ice can dip significantly. Don’t be tempted to try ordinary steel-toe work boots or you are putting yourself at risk of frostbite if you are working outside in significantly cold temperatures.
By the way, if you find safety boots uncomfortable read my article on how to stop steel-toe boots from hurting.
Best Winter Steel Toe Work Boots
Editors Choice Best All Round Winter Safety Boots
Muck Boot Arctic Sport High-Performance Tall Steel Toe Insulated Men’s Rubber Work Boot
Can Muck Boots be worn in the snow? Well if you have read any of my other posts about Muck Boots then you will know that I am a total fan of this brand’s quality and ability to deal with extreme temperatures. The best winter steel-toe boots need to be able to deal with freezing cold temperatures, be slip-resistant, completely waterproof and keep your feet protected. This style of Muck Boots delivers on all fronts.
Even though steel-toe boots aren’t usually associated with very cold temperatures these can cope with temperatures as low as -40 °F/-40 °C to 40 °F/4 °C. These are the ultimate insulated work boots for anyone working outside in temperatures that are well below freezing.
Whilst Muck Boots are not the cheapest boots on the market their quality and ability to deal with tough cold working conditions makes them well worth spending your money on.
What I Love About The Arctic Sport
- These are the ultimate insulated steel-toe boots for cold weather conditions.
- The boots have a thermal foam footbed and fleece lining to combat the extreme cold.
- These are waterproof allowing you to work in the rain and even deep snow.
- The outsole is designed to give you great traction in icy and snowy weather.
- The steel toe meets the safety standard ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH.
What To Note
- The boots are not cheap but the comfort and quality are one of the best on the market.
- If you have to deal with very slippery conditions you may need a product with extra traction.
Best Mid- Range Insulated Work Boots With Steel Toe
Timberland PRO Men’s Insulated Work Boots
These have the steel toes that you need for safety as well as a good rubber outsole to give you traction in colder or wetter weather.
They have 200g of insulation which is suitable for milder winter conditions and they also have waterproof leather uppers which will help to keep your feet dry.
Whilst these do not cope with extremely low temperatures they are great to use in normal winter conditions.
Note that there is a women’s version of these exact boots which you can buy.
What’s to Love About These Boots
- Timberland boots are a tried and trusted brand.
- These have waterproof uppers to keep feet dry.
- The rubber sole can help with traction in slippery conditions.
- The footbed is designed for comfort and has anti-fatigue technology.
- These are oil-resistant.
What To Note
- These can run at least a size small.
- The toe box can feel tight for some people. Buy the wide size if you are worried your toes will feel cramped.
Best Budget Work Boots For Cold Weather
DRYCODE Muck Work Boots for Men
If you are on a budget and looking for insulated work boots with a steel toe then you should look at these Drycode boots which have been created to look like Muck Boots only without the price.
These have a steel toe which is essential for safety work as well as a steel shank which can give you arch support as well as protect your feet.
Just like Muck Boots, these are also 100% waterproof so they are perfect when the weather outside is wet and miserable.
Whilst they don’t specify exactly what temperatures these are capable of coping with their video information suggests they can cope with very cold weather because of their fleece lining and 6mm neoprene for warmth.
What I Love About These Boots
- The price is excellent for a pair of steel-toe boots that can cope with cold temperatures.
- These are waterproof and nonslip to give you a good grip when you need it.
- They have a breathable inner lining to stop sweaty feet.
- They are a great copy of the more expensive Muck Boots
What To Note
- The boot runs large so you may need to size down.
- The boots can feel heavy to some people.
Extreme Cold Weather Work Boots
Dunlop E90203308 Explorer Thermo Full Safety Boots
Whilst I’ve already mentioned Muck Boots Arctic Sport boots to deal with freezing weather they are not the only insulated work boots for winter temperatures that are on the extreme side.
These Dunlop boots are another example of a steel-toe boot that can cope with really bad weather and slippery conditions with ease. These can cope with temperatures as low as -58F which is as low as most people are ever going to need.
These are not made from rubber but Dunlops own material known as [email protected] which they believe is 40% more flexible. This means that unlike normal work boots that are made from rubber they should be much easier to walk in when you are on the job.
What’s to Love
- These men’s insulated work boots can cope with -58F!
- These have a Vibram outsole which means you are going to have the very best traction.
- The steel-toed boot is ASTM/CSA certified.
- These winter boots are much more flexible than traditional rubber boots.
- The heel of these boots absorbs impact which means extra comfort.
What to Note
- The boots are not cheap and are comparable to Muck Boot prices.
- These boots are not made in the USA.
Insulated Steel Toe Work Boots
BOGS Mesa Steel Toe Boots
BOGS are another brand that is known for its work boots and their Mesa steel toe protection boots 
As you would expect for winter boots these are 100% waterproof and the wellington design with the rubber sole is going to make sure that your feet don’t get wet. Waterproof work boots are essential if you are working outside so it is so important to find a pair that you know are going to be reliable.
Whilst these boots are not designed for really harsh winters they do deal with temperatures from 5°F/-15°C. If you are looking for insulated boots with a steel toe that can cope with lower temperatures then the Muck Boot Arctic Sport followed by the Dunlop Thermo Explorer is going to be your best bet.
What’s To Love
- These are 100% waterproof to protect your feet from rain, snow, and ice.
- Their temperature rating is 5°F/-15°C which is adequate for most work boots for winter.
- BOGS has a special technology that helps to wick away sweat.
- The steel toe keeps your feet protected.
- These also have DuraFresh technology to combat odors.
Take Note
- These have a wide-fitting boot which might not work if you have narrow feet.
- They can run a little large.
Steel Toe Snow Boots
Rocky Men’s BRN 9″ RWP Steel Toe Work Boots
Whilst many of the best winter steel-toe boots I have talked about look like wellington boots these Rocky 
Don’t let the look of these insulated boots fool you however as they are designed for people who work in cold weather and snow and have extra thick insulation which can cope with temperature extremes.
These are also great boots if you suffer from foot problems and need a little extra support and comfort. They have a cushioned footbed plus a heel stabilizer.
What’s to Love
- They have 1200 g of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation meaning they are going to keep your feet cozy and warm.
- They are 100% leather which gives them a more luxurious look.
- The polyurethane footbed helps to cushion your feet.
- The tongue on the boot has been designed to keep out snow.
- The steel toe can cope with 75 pounds of impact and compression.
Take Note
- These boots are heavy which is not for everyone.
- The sizing means that they are bigger than expected.
Carhartt is another well-respected brand when it comes to boots and clothing. These waterproof winter work boots are in a wellington style but the design is definitely more on-trend than some of the other boots.
These particular boots don’t just have steel toe protection for your feet but they are also designed to cope with electrical hazards. They are also abrasion-resistant as they are made from Cordura nylon.
As with any winter work boots they are waterproof but they also are breathable as well which means no sweaty feet. This is important as they have 400 litefire insulation to keep your feet warm.
What’s to Love
- The steel toes meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- The insole is cushioned for comfort.
- The outsole of these insulated boots is slip, oil and chemical resistant.
- 400 litefire insulation will keep your feet warm in cold conditions.
- The boots aren’t just practical they also look great with their on-trend design.
Take Note
- The boots are not cheap but you get a lot of features for your money.
- These have a narrow toes which may not suit you if you have wide feet.
Warm Steel Toe Boots For Cold Days
Muck Boots Chore Classic Tall Steel Toe
Another pair of Muck Boots has entered my list of the best winter steel-toe boots but I will add a caveat. That is even though they are winter boots they are not suitable for really cold temperatures. These boots work best at 0°C/18°C which means that once it gets below freezing they are not going to be comfortable.
I added these because winter boots don’t always have to deal with temperature extremes. For example in the UK winter temperatures don’t get below freezing very much in colder weather so these boots could work well for the milder climate. Of course, if you are regularly seeing temperatures well below freezing pick one of the other insulated work boots that can deal with the more extreme weather.
What I Love About These
- The Muck Boot brand and warranty mean you are paying for great quality.
- These have a mesh lining to stop sweaty feet.
- These boots have additional traction because of the design of the outsole.
- The boots have a removable sock liner and gathered collar to keep out dirt and debris.
- They have a steel shank for support.
Take Note
- These are not suitable to wear in temperatures below freezing.
- The price is on the high side.
Winter Safety Boots
WOLVERINE Men’s DuraShocks Ins Steel Toe 6in
The last of the steel-toe winter work boots I want to talk about today is another very recognizable brand, Wolverine.
These DuraShocks boots have a steel toe that can help to protect your feet from any falling and electrical hazards which makes them great safety boots. They are rated ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 EH.
They help to keep out water and have a fiberglass shank to help increase comfort. The only thing Wolverine doesn’t specify is what their temperature comfort rating is. Reviews suggest they are suitable for cold weather but Wolverine doesn’t make a point of advertising it in their store.
What’s To Love
- 200-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation for Foot Warmth.
- Steel safety toes to protect your feet.
- Cushioned footbed to help with comfort.
- These are slip and oil-resistant.
- They have a fiberglass shank to stabilize and support your foot.
What To Note
- They run a little small so size up.
- They are also on the narrow side so may not be suitable for wider feet.
Are Composite Toe Boots Good For Winter?
Finally the last of the best winter steel toe boots isn’t actually a steel toe at all but composite. So are composite toes good for winter?
Steel toe boots are notorious for enabling cold to transfer to the metal in the footwear. This means that in harsh winter conditions steel safety toe boots can be problematic unless they have special insulation to reduce the problem. Composite toe boots however are made from materials that don’t conduct the cold as easily making them great winter work boots.
Just make sure that the composite toe boots that you pick meet the safety standards that your workplace requires. I love these Carhartt composite toe boots and so it appears do plenty of other people judging from the huge amount of positive reviews they have.
Carhartt Men’s 10″ Waterproof Insulated PAC Composite Toe Boot
What’s To Love About These Winter Composite Safety Boots
- These boots meet ASTM F2413-18 standards.
- They also can help with electrical hazards.
- These have breathable protection to help your feet stay dry when outside is wet.
- They have 1000 LiteFire insulation meaning they can cope with very cold conditions.
- They have a heel guard to help stabilize your foot and ankle.
Take Note
- They can feel rigid to wear.
More Articles About Work Boots
How to Stop Work Boots From Smelling
The Best Work Boots for Sweaty Feet
The Best Muck Boots for Farming and Outdoor Work
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