Sneaker boots, also known as winter sneakers, are just what the name implies: a versatile shoe that marries the protection of a winter boot with the comfort of a sneaker. From shoveling the driveway to commuting to the office to dodging puddles on the street, the best sneaker boots for men provide stylish traction, water resistance and warmth for cooler weather conditions.
The best sneaker boots for men can handle snow, sleet and any other weather in style. Outdoor Mid-Top Boots For Men
We scoured the market for some of the best sneaker boots in a range of prices and features, like the Nike Lunar Force 1 Duckboot that offers a waterproof version of a classic sneaker, or Columbia’s Fairbanks Omni-Heat Snow Boot that’s tech-equipped to fight against chilly temps. No matter what your needs are, there’s an option for you. Here, our roundup of the best sneaker boots for men.
On brings their running shoe expertise to the hiking space with this sneaker boot that’s designed for both street and active pursuits. Their signature Cloudtec elements add comfort and support for all-day wear and the smart lacing system that lets you slip in, tighten and lock the laces in one easy shot. We also love that they offer excellent traction and are water-repellent, so they can be worn in many inclement weather conditions.
The Larimer Mid from North Face offers excellent winter resistance without sacrificing style: It’s waterproof with a suede and ballistic nylon upper, insulated for zoned extra warmth and has a rubber toe wrap for added water protection. Available in three colorways, these boots have a unique tread pattern that holds up well in slippery conditions and padding that supports the ankle. Multiple reviewers said these run narrow though, so they might feel snug on wide feet.
Nike took their enduringly popular Air Force 1 silhouette and gave it a winter twist. The Lunar Force 1 Duckboots look like sneakers but function like a durable boot. The water-repellent leather—plus padded tongue—keep out the rain and cold, while rugged touches like metal lace hardware and a studded toe panel add to the street style look.
Sorel is practically synonymous with winter boots and the Mac Hill Lite Rush WP Boot holds up to the brand’s rep. It touts a seam-sealed, waterproof yet breathable membrane that keeps your feet dry and breezy while the mid-height offers more protective coverage than a shorter hiking shoe. Weighing less than a pound, many reviewers love this lightweight sneaker boot for both its style and function.
The Kaha 2s feature Hoka’s signature meta-rocker foamy sole—boasting a 6-mm heel-to-toe drop—with added Vibram rubber for extra hiking grip and a Gore-Tex and nubuck leather upper for durability. The mid-height offers ankle support (they’re also available in a lower shoe version) and the waterproofing features help resist moisture whether you’re on the trail or not.
Columbia’s Fairbanks Omni-Heat boot has a surprising level of technical features and is engineered specifically for cold weather protection. Its proprietary breathable, reflective lining uses your own body heat to keep warm plus 200g of insulation adds an extra shield. The lightweight sole provides cushiony comfort, a traction rubber outsole keeps you from slipping on ice and the waterproof bootie is designed to keep rain, snow and slush out. In other words: Cold out, heat in.
One reviewer calls these “the SUVs of shoes” and we think it’s accurate. With a waterproof Gore Tex membrane for durability, a fleece lining for extra warmth and a rubber outsole for traction, the Terrex Free Hiker 2 Boot is an ideal sneaker boot if you’re on the move. Adidas’ Boost midsole adds cushiony comfort, so you feet will feel supported regardless if you’re on a hike or trekking in the city.
There’s a lot to like about Bruno Marc’s sporty sneaker boots: They’re lined with faux shearling to keep your feet warm and cozy, they’re lightweight and packable for travel, plus the price is affordable. While these sneaker boots might not be the most waterproof or durable of our picks, they’re a great option for a casual winter sneaker that won’t hurt your wallet.
With a soft leather upper and a ReBOTL lining—made from recycled plastic bottles—this chukka sneaker boot from Timberland is comfortable, stylish and surprisingly durable. It has an EVA footbed that provides extra comfort and the reinforced rubber outsole has grip that holds up in both wet and dry conditions. The sleek silhouette is easy to dress up or down, and multiple reviewers who wear these for work said they also perform for a hike, even under wet conditions and rough terrain.
This sneaker work boot from Wolverine checks all our boxes for support and protection. Its shock-absorbing sole is not only slip-resistant, it also keeps you comfortable during long days on hard surfaces. It’s also lightweight thanks to a composite carbon safety toe (that meets ASTM standards), and a breathable waterproof membrane ensures dry feet in all conditions, indoor and out. We’re also fans of the the smart BOA dial system for easy, on-the-go lace tightening, a convenient feature especially if you’ve got work gloves on your hands.
Built with 200g of Snowshield insulation to stay warm in the coldest temps, L.L.Bean’s Snow Sneaker 5 Boot features athletic cushioning with a rugged rubber outsole for added grip in slippery winter conditions. The waterproof membrane on the suede and fabric upper combined with a moisture-wicking liner seals out rain, snow and slush while the footbed is anatomically designed to keep your foot cradled all day.
Here at Forbes Vetted, we have extensive experience covering all types of footwear. From the best men’s work boots to the most comfortable dress shoes, we’re constantly on the hunt for well-designed shoes that are durable, stylish and won’t break the bank. Our team spends hours researching the market, evaluating products and poring over real customer reviews—and even testing shoes ourselves—to bring our readers smart roundups of the best of the best options. We’re a collective team of editors and writers who not only put in the work so you don’t have to, we’re also fashion enthusiasts who embrace quality and value in everything we buy.
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I'm a reporter on Forbes' money team covering investing trends and Wall Street's difference-makers. I've reported on the world's billionaires for Forbes' wealth team and was previously an assistant editor covering money and markets. I graduated from Duke University in 2019, where I majored in math and was the sports editor for our student newspaper, The Chronicle. Send news tips to htucker@forbes.com.
I'm a reporter on Forbes' money team covering investing trends and Wall Street's difference-makers. I've reported on the world's billionaires for Forbes' wealth team and was previously an assistant editor covering money and markets. I graduated from Duke University in 2019, where I majored in math and was the sports editor for our student newspaper, The Chronicle. Send news tips to htucker@forbes.com.
After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.
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Jason Cipriani is a freelance writer based out of Colorado. He writes about all sorts of technology — cameras, wearables, smartphones, smart home and other gadgets — for sites including Pocket-lint, Tom’s Guide, CNN Underscored, and The Street.
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As the gear editor at Forbes Vetted, I review and recommend products in the consumer outdoors and fitness spaces, from bikes and tents to treadmills and fitness trackers. As a former commerce editor, copywriter and cultural journalist, my work has appeared in publications like Gear Junkie, Field Mag, REI's Uncommon Path and more. When I'm not writing about gear, you can find me testing it in the field while camping, hiking, running, biking and skiing. Though I currently live in Oregon, I will always identify as a New Englander.
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Winter Mid-Top Boots I’m a freelance journalist and photographer who loves to write about all things outdoor, bike, and human powered adventure. A bit of a digital nomad, I’m normally found exploring the world on two wheels or backpacking some remote destination. Past adventure highlights include bikepacking across Central Asia and the length of Jordan and backpacking the southernmost trek in the world on Navarino Island in Chile. Back in 2009, I founded the website The GearCaster which profiles new technology and reviews products in the outdoor sports and cycling industries. My work can be found in numerous magazines such as Outside, Backpacker, and The Red Bulletin, as well as sites including AFAR, Bikepacking.com, CyclingTips, The Radavist, The Spruce, and TripSavvy to name a few.