Whether there are storm clouds rolling in, snow in the deep of winter, or hiking adventures through wet forests, duck boots are an excellent investment for stylish men. These highly practical boots are rugged, durable, and designed to keep your feet dry and warm, even in the harshest conditions. L.L. Bean originally invented the style in the early 1900s to make life more bearable on hunting trips. However, it has recently had a renaissance and is a must-have item for your winter wardrobe. Choose from traditional styles with plenty of plush lining, or opt for a sneaker-duck hybrid that combines street style with functionality.
1. L.L. Bean Men’s Bean Boots, 10″ Shearling-Lined
Sink your toes into the plushest feeling boots with these Bean Boots from the original duck boot maker, L.L. Bean. The full-grain leather uppers are durable and stylish, while the natural sheepskin shearling lining is warm and toasty yet still breathable. Then, the rubber bottom section keeps water, rain, and snow out, with extra grip thanks to the chain-tread rubber soles. Plus, the footbed is also lined with 200-gram Thinsulate™ insulation to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 20 below zero Fahrenheit. Each pair is hand-made in Maine, and it is the perfect stylish addition to any man’s winter wardrobe.
2. London Fog Men’s Ashford Waterproof and Insulated Duck Boot
Beat the chill and keep your toes warm with a pair of men’s Ashford duck boots from London Fog. This design is lined with 200-gram Thinsulate™ to keep you toasty even in the coldest conditions. Plus, the thermoplastic elastomer sole is entirely waterproof and very grippy, so you can walk across any terrain with confidence. Choose from various colors, including cognac and navy, all black, tan, and chocolate. Contrasting leathers on the collar, tongue, and uppers provide stylish detail, while the laces keep you secure. It’s an excellent investment from a brand with a proud 90-year history making quality outwear for Americans.
3. Northside Men’s Back Country Waterproof Pack Boot
Enjoy excellent durability in Northside’s waterproof duck boot. It uses triple stitching to attach the upper to the waterproof bottom shell, plus a D-ring lacing system for speed and convenience. The lugged outsole also has plenty of grip for slippery conditions. You’ll stay warm with a combination of 200-gram Thermolite insulation, eight-millimeter felt lining with foil bottom, and a padded shearling collar. The latter two are also removable, so you can keep them fresh between seasons. Additionally, the long shaft sits at mid-calf, giving you extra protection for your lower leg and trousers. Finally, there are two color options: deep chocolate brown or a lighter earthy tan.
4. Sperry Men’s Saltwater Nylon Duck Boot
No matter where your road takes you, you’ll get there dry and safe in a pair of Saltwater Nylon Duck Boots from Sperry. The outsoles use a molded Wave-Siping™ rubber design that keeps you sure-footed and stepping confidently. Meanwhile, the waterproof rubber shell construction keeps water, snow, and dirty street sludge out of your boots, ensuring dry, warm feet. The uppers feature a stylish quilted fabric for a more modern take on a classic design. Plus, there’s a bright pop of surprise color at the rear, with an extra strip seam that doubles as a pull tab. Choose between a natural beige or olive green to best suit your winter wardrobe.
5. ArcticShield Men’s Durable Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Rain Snow Duck Bean Boots
Keep your look timeless yet trendy with a pair of men’s duck boots. This design from ArcticShield takes inspiration from the original design and combines it with the latest in footwear technology. The ArcticShield Retain insulation helps keep your feet warm and blood circulating by capturing up to 90 percent of your body heat. An all-terrain sole, with lugged design, prevents you from slipping, while a waterproof shell stops rain and snow from penetrating the boot. Pick from three colors, including tan, black, and brown, and rock them with your favorite jeans, chinos, or even comfy joggers.
6. Wolverine Heritage Muscovy Chukka
If you prefer a more work-boot feel, this duck boot design from Wolverine is an excellent choice. Full-grain leather and a waterproof TPU shell comprise the uppers, while the outsole has an excellent grip. On the inside, you’ll find a breathable mesh membrane that’s also moisture-wicking to prevent excess sweat. Enjoy extra warmth from the 200g Thinsulate™ Ultra insulation and plenty of padding thanks to fatigue-fighting removable EPX® footbed. You’ll be able to stand on your feet all day without any discomfort. Plus, there’s a padded collar, convenient pull tab, and combination of punched and hook eyelets for secure lacing.
7. Sperry Men’s Freeroam Hi Rain Boot
Gents who are all about their sneakers will love this hybrid from Sperry. It combines an athletic aesthetic with traditional duck boot features to give you the best of both worlds. The construction has a retro trainer-inspired shape, with a shock-absorbing EVA midsole and rubber outsole for comfort and grip. Then, the uppers have a waterproof shell, leather shaft, padded collar, and combination laces. Wear these on a hike to tackle all kinds of weather conditions, or simply pair them with your favorite joggers for running errands in the snowy winter months.
8. Sorel Men’s Cheyanne II Waterproof Insulated Winter Boot
Function meets fashion with the Sorel Men’s Cheyanne II Waterproof Insulated Winter Boot. This fully waterproof duck boot uses full-grain leather or suede and vulcanized rubber outers for grip and comfort. The seams are sealed so no moisture can make its way through, keeping your feet dry. They’ll also stay warm with the 200g insulation and microfleece lining, even on the coldest days in the deepest winter. Plus, the EVA footbed is removable, so you can keep your boots feeling and smelling fresh season after season. Lastly, this style comes in a range of colors, including tan, tobacco, quarry grey, black, and navy, so there’s sure to be one that suits your look.
9. Eddie Bauer Men’s Hunt Pac 6″ Boot
Opt for a shorter men’s duck boot for less freezing but still wet climates. You’ll enjoy the balance of comfortable, dry feet without overheating in a longer boot. The uppers use waterproof leather and vulcanized rubber to keep puddles and rain out, plus 200g of ThermaFill insulation for warmth. Foam cushioning in the forefoot adds extra padding, while the gusseted tongue ensures a great fit. Pair these with your favorite jeans on the weekend or smart chinos at the office. You can also select from two color variations, with the cool tones of grey or a warmer tan and chocolate combination.
10. UGG Emmett Duck Boot
UGG brings its unrivaled comfort to duck boots with this Emmett design. Relish the cushioning of the Treadlite midsole and a cold-weather rating of minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring your toes stay toasty. Other high-tech additions include White Spider Rubber outsoles that enhance traction on wet or icy surfaces and waterproof seam-sealed construction. While you won’t be able to hike mountains in the pouring rain, these are the perfect addition to an urban wardrobe for gents living in a cold, wet, or snowy city. In addition to the brown style, they also come in black. Each pair is made with the help of the HERproject in factories that empower and educate women in the workplace.
11. Sperry Avenue Duck Boot
Sperry’s Avenue Duck Boot is one of the brand’s top-rated and best-selling styles. The foot uses rubber, while the shaft is made with leather for fully waterproof construction that won’t let any water in. Enjoy thermal insulation in the lining to keep you toasty and warm, while the lightly cushioned footbed eases the pressure of each step. The rubber outsoles feature the brand’s signature razor-cut Wave-Siping™ for the ultimate traction on all terrains, even when wet. Plus, the rubber won’t mark your flooring. Lastly, the two-tone colors are stylish and rugged, making this the ideal choice for your next weekend adventure.
12. UGG Men’s Butte Snow Boot
Embrace the fuzziness of the UGG Men’s Butte Snow Boot. It’s an ultra-warm boot that’s fully lined with UGGpure™ 8mm sherpa lining and cold-rated to minus four degrees Fahrenheit. The full-grain leather uppers are both water and windproof and take advantage of an eVent™ membrane. This proprietary and patented technology allows the shoe to breathe, venting sweat directly out of the boot through millions of tiny pores. Walking on wet or slippery ground, you’ll appreciate the grip and comfort of the Vibram outsole. Plus, there’s a cushioned EVA footbed and midsole for extra padding that reduces fatigue.
13. Columbia Men’s PFG Delray Duck Shoe
Keep it casual with a pair of duck-style sneakers rather than boots. This design from Columbia brings some excellent technology to keep your feet warm and dry. To start, the uppers use the signature waterproof seam-sealed construction, with a combination of leather, textile, and rubber to protect you. Then, in the soles, you’ll find an omni-grip, multi-terrain traction system that ensures you’ll always walk confidently, no matter the environment. This design is brilliant for a day out on the water on a yacht or boat and is also excellent for hiking adventures where you might face wet conditions or shallow water crossings.
14. Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Dover III Boot
Shopping for men’s duck boots doesn’t mean you have to skip the designer brands. This option from Polo Ralph Lauren combines luxury fashion with function. It features a synthetic rubber sole, fine leather uppers, and rubber overlays at the heel and toe. The lacing closure is supported by an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit. Plus, the collar and tongue are both padded for additional padding and support. While this might not be your first choice for hitting the mountain trails, it is the perfect addition to an urban wardrobe, suiting stylish gents whole like Polo Ralph Lauren’s preppy vibe.
15. TF Star Men’s Leather Waterproof Winter Snow Skid Boots
TF Star’s waterproof winter boot is an excellent budget option. They’re comfortable and warm for all-day wear and feature plush faux fur lining and 3M Thinsulate to keep your feet toasty. Externally, they boast a windproof leather shaft and waterproof vulcanized TPR shell. This makes them very weather-resistant, with a cold rating of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the D-ring lacing system makes it easy to tie up securely and quickly, so you can get on with adventuring sooner.
16. Nautica Men’s Padden Waterproof Snow, Lace-Up Insulated Duck Boot
Nautica’s duck boots have a little more street styling with details like the contrast logo and ribbing around the bottom shell. However, you’ll still enjoy all the benefits of a rugged outdoor boot. The vegan leather uppers and waterproof shell keep rain and snow out, as does the seam-sealed construction. Meanwhile, the warm lining and soft, padded collar help to insulate your feet, retaining the heat and keeping you warm. Finally, the rubber soles ensure maximum grip without the oversized chunky styling of other designs. Match them with your favorite jeans and an oversized winter jacket for a masculine snow-season look.
17. Skechers for Work Men’s Duck Rain Slip Resistant Boot
Skechers is known for its insanely comfy shoes, and you can expect the same from their men’s duck boots. The Skechers for Work range is specifically designed for active jobs and gents who spent most of their day on their feet. Look for the slip-resistant soles, memory foam, and arch support, plus a padded tongue and collar to take the pressure of high movement areas. This duck boot also features waterproof outers, making them great for the outdoors, construction sites, and even hospitality. You’ll be protected from water, rain, and spills, all while looking rugged.
18. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Colins 2 Rain Boot
Tomy Hilfigers’ Colins 2 is a sleeker designed duck boot with a refined yet masculine feel. The uppers are made with a combination of synthetic, suede, and PVC, with waterproof construction. It’ll stop your feet from getting wet with the snow, rain, or puddles. You’ll also appreciate the padded collar for additional support and comfort, while the contrast laces add a pop of color. Best of all, it comes in three different shades. Choose classic black, the dark brown and black mix, or a light combination of brown and cognac.
FAQs
What are duck boots good for?
Duck boots are excellent for keeping your feet dry and warm in rain and snow. The lower rubber section is waterproof and durable, so no matter if you're wading through puddles or traversing snowy streets, you won't end up with soggy feet.
Why are they called duck boots?
Leon Leonwood Bean (L.L. Bean) first invented the duck boot in 1911 to solve the problem of wet feet while hunting. He combined traditional leather hunting boots with rubber boots he saw farmers wearing and released the "Bean Boot," also called the Maine Hunting Shoe. The name "duck boot" came later as a more generic term, especially as the style was popular among duck hunters who spent a lot of time in muddy, wet swamps.
What weather do you wear duck boots in?
Duck boots are best suited for the colder and wet months, as they're designed to keep your feet dry and warm. They're durable and hard-wearing, often with non-slip soles, so they also keep you sure-footed and safe in less than ideal conditions.
Are Sperry duck boots warm?
Sperry duck boots are exceptionally warm, as most use a cozy micro-fleece lining to insulate the shoe and keep the warmth in.
Alexandra Linde is an experienced writer holding a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is the owner of Alexandra McKiterick Creative and has expertise in travel, fashion, fitness and lifestyle. Alex has previously written for Flightcenter, Travello, and Backpacker Deals.
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