The best way to prepare for winter is ensuring you have the proper gear from head to toe – literally. The duck boot – or bean boot, as it is also known – is a highly practical shoe that’s one of the best accessories you can have while tackling unforgiving terrain or deep snow.
Duck boots are universally loved for their traditional and innovative design, offering a high level of insulation for your feet during the colder months. However, no boot is the same, and guaranteeing you have a quality pair of duck boots is one of the best headstarts you can give yourself when combating the cold.
Vastly different to men’s rain boots, the best duck boots feature high-end technology, promising optimal warmth and comfort. Look out for waterproof boots that are highly durable, usually with leather uppers. For additional warmth, opt for a duck boot with fleece lining and insulation. Also, ensure your duck boot has slip-resistant soles, giving superior support and traction while you tackle those hard surfaces.
Men’s Duck Boots FAQs
What are duck boots used for?
Duck boots are great for a wide range of outdoor activities, thanks to their durable and waterproof construction. These boots are suitable for hiking in forests or trekking through deep snow as they'll keep you protected and warm in harsher climates.
Who invented duck boots?
Duck boots or 'bean boots' were invented by Leon Leonwood Bean - founder of LL Bean, creating the first pair in 1911. Bean was initially inspired to manufacture duck boots after he went on a hunting trip and found his shoes didn't adequately protect him from the weather. He then began designing shoes similar to rain boots that featured leather uppers helping to combat the cold.
Do I tuck my jeans into my duck boots?
You can usually tuck the ends of your jeans into duck boots if you're going for a more polished look. Tucking your jeans into your boots is also great for staying warm while ensuring no cold elements creep inside. However, most duck boots are lace-ups, so you can securely tie them as snug as you want.
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Finding the perfect duck boot is no small task, as there are so many different styles. However, we’ve rounded up which brands make the best duck boots for men, perfect for your outdoor expeditions.
Whether you’re going hunting or hiking up snowy mountains, these duck boots will keep your feet warm and protected; no matter how cold the weather gets.
Sperry
1/11Price: From $109
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Quilted nylon upper
Customer Reviews: “I absolutely love these…I’m likely going to purchase more. Well made and comfortable.”
For over eighty years, Sperry has built a rich American heritage for men’s footwear. Founded in 1953 by Paul A. Sherry, this brand takes fine craftsmanship to the next level by manufacturing highly detailed shoes made from premium fabrics. Inspired by his older brother writer Armstrong Sperry, whose books often featured a sailing theme, Paul began creating men’s boat shoes when he first entered the fashion scene.
Make sure you check out Sperry’s collection, as they’re producing some of the best men’s duck boots on the market. These saltwater duck boots are tough and durable, capable of protection in the harshest outdoor environments. These boots are perfect for exploration as they feature a waterproof construction guaranteed to keep your feet dry in wet weather.
L.L. Bean
2/11Price: From $160
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Waterproof full-grain leather
Customer Reviews: “For my first pair of bean boots, I went with the red wine color. These are awesome and I love them already. I ordered them a whole size down from my regular shoe size and they fit perfectly.”
In 1912, L.L. Bean was established by Leon Leonwood Bean in Freeport, Maine. Launching an empire, this brand has over 54 stores globally. L.L. Bean is primarily known for delivering premium outdoor garments and accessories to equip for the great outdoors. Their designs are built to last, ensuring you’ll stay outside for longer.
Along with making stellar outdoor clothing, L.L. Bean also manufactures high-quality duck boots for men as their footwear is impeccably crafted, featuring the finest leather materials. These boots are ideal for tackling harsh cold weather, as many of these designs have Primaloft insulation, promising to keep your feet cosy. Additionally, many of these duck boots also have fleece lining, providing extra warmth and comfort. You’ll struggle to find a warmer men’s duck boot.
Ugg
3/11Price: From $140
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Ballistic canvas
Customer Reviews: “This is a great boot! Already had a chance to take them out on our first snow fall in Chicago and they performed great. Keep my feet warm and kept my feet dry all day. Fit was true to size. Boot is very comfortable to wear all day during work.”
Ugg is synonymous with comfy and warm footwear, perfect for lounging around on a lazy day. However, aside from making supreme slippers and ugg boots, they also create smart footwear geared to be protective and highly functioning.
If you’re looking for duck boots that are super stylish while featuring the latest technology, definitely check out their Emmett Duck Boot, as this boot has waterproof leather, textile lining and seam-sealed construction, promising to keep your feet warm. This foot is also incredibly comfortable as it includes a cushioned sole, helping to walk seamlessly in even the most challenging, rocky terrain.
The North Face
4/11Price: From $135
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Ballistic nylon, rubber
Customer Reviews: “Great winter boots. The fit is true to size and they are not bulky.”
The North Face has remained the gold standard ever since the mid-sixties, as they’ve always created fashion-forward, sustainable designs. Aside from producing innovative apparel, The North Face products are manufactured responsibly and ethically. By improving the welfare of animals, The North Face ensure animals are not subjected to any unnecessary harm, such as force-feeding or live-plucking. If you want to support a brand putting fast fashion to shame, check out their range of duck boots.
The North Face has an extensive range of boots featuring shoes that are incredibly stylish and high functioning. The North Face has modern and classic styles featuring rubber outsoles, waterproof construction and fleece lining. These shoes come in various styles, sizes and colours to suit any outdoor exploration aesthetic.
Sorel
5/11Price: From $135
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Waterproof suede, ballistic nylon
Customer Reviews: “Love these boots. I hesitated to buy them and then my size sold out. Thankfully a pair came back in stock and I snagged them. They are extremely comfortable, warm and light weight which was a big surprise. Can’t go wrong with waterproof!”
Sorel is a subsidiary of Columbia, and just like Columbia, this American brand is responsible for creating the finest winter apparel geared to protected in a range of climates. Founded in the early sixties by Arthur Ratz Kaufman, Sorel began making high-performance sport and work boots suitable for different types of environments thanks to their durable exterior. You’ll struggle to find a finer waterproof duck boot.
If you’re looking for boots ideal for rainy and stormy weather, make sure you have a look at their online store, as their shoes feature a waterproof suede upper and microfleece lining, keeping your feet warm and dry. Also, these shoes have a cloud-like EVA footbed, ensuring you feel incredibly supported and comfortable.
Georgia Boots
6/11Price: From $115
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Premium SPR™ barnyard proof leather
Customer Reviews: “I love the boots! They are just not true to size, they are made bigger and I had to return and get a new pair”
Georgia Boots, founded in 1937, is home to the most comfortable work boots designed to keep you safer, comfortable, more productive while you work on the job. They have an extensive range of fashionable and functional duck boots that come in lace-up and pull-on styles. These shoes are extremely tough as they feature a vulcanized rubber construction and a slip-resistant outsole for exceptional grip. These duck boots also have mesh lining with cooling fibres, so you’re feet won’t get too sweaty. Shoes are available in gorgeous tan colours too.
Wolverine
7/11Price: From $110
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Barnyard acid resistant leather with TPU shell
Customer Reviews: “Had these for 2+ years and they finally given up. I’m a tradesman, these boots have seen M-F usage and weekends sometimes for 2+ years. They’ve always kept my feet dry and had never let me down.”
In 1883, G.A. Krause founded Wolverine as a small leather tannery with a small handful of employees. However, what started as a tiny business eventually became an empire, with its footprint in 200 countries and regions worldwide. Wolverine is primarily known for its quality craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing methods.
If you’re looking for a duck boot built to last, then look no further. These shoes are highly durable, featuring advanced technology such as Gore-tex waterproofing, insulation, and soft cushioning, for you to keep up with the most physically demanding tasks.
Totes
8/11Price: From $50
Sizes: 7-13
Material: PU coated, synthetic
Customer Reviews: “Sturdy, warm, good grip in the snow, keep feet dry”
Totes have a collection of the best duck boots perfect for snowy weather and challenging terrain. These men’s boots are a simplistic yet smart design as they come with a waterproof shell and a suede leather upper, ensuring to keep the cold out. If you’re looking for a shoe providing extra grip, Totes also have duck boots with a slip-resistant tread.
Columbia
9/11Price: From $110
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Cordura Textile
Customer Reviews: “There are so cute, comfortable and warm i like so much.”
Columbia was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom. This company is a leading global outdoor brand that tailor clothes reflecting their Pacific Northwest heritage while combining advanced technology tested in their own backyard.
They have a selection of men’s shoes offering the freshest and most stylish duck boots, combined with high-end technology. These boots come in all sorts of colours, styles, sizes and are guaranteed to keep you looking super polished while you venture outside.
Merrell
10/11Price: From $120
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Very comfortable, no breaking in necessary. My feet were warm and cozy but not over heated.”
Merrell was founded in the early eighties by Clark Matis, Randy Merrell, and John Schweizer in Vermont. Merrell quickly cultivated a reputation for manufacturing performance footwear geared to last a lifetime. With footwear geared for the outdoors, Merrell promises your shoes will sustain in all kinds of weather conditions.
Merrell has a vast collection of footwear that features waterproof, Gore-tex and ventilated duck boots, so you’re able to find a suitable shoe equipped for all sorts of different climates. Merrell has every kind of boot, from mesh-lined boots offering breathability to men’s boots that have waterproof full-grain leather, ensuring your feet will stay warm and dry.
The Original Muck Boot Company
11/11Price: From $145
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Muckskin flexible neoprene with abrasion resistant rubber coating
Customer Reviews: “I love these boots! They have a great arch support are so comfortable. The first time I wore them, I had them on for 12 hours and I hated to take them off.”
For the past two decades, The Original Muck Boot Co. has been creating the warmest, most protective shoes that can withstand the muckiest situations in winter. These seriously reliable boots are high performing and very stylish, you’re sure to stand out. These shoes are distinct as they have a rugged full-grain leather upper that’s highly durable.
The Original Muck Boot Co’s shoes are lightweight and flexible as they come with hand-laid rubber, making movement easy.
Additionally, these innovative boots come with antimicrobial odour and moisture management, designed to keep you feeling fresh all day long. These duck boots are available in a series of cool, earthy colours.