Words: Charlie Thomas
As the temperature begins to drop, our minds naturally start wandering towards chunky knitwear, wool overcoats and, of course, boots. But when the weather really turns, or if you’re planning a winter hike, you’ll likely require something a little more specialised. This is where snow boots come in handy.
We’re talking designs specifically engineered for tackling the snow. Think waterproof Gore-Tex linings, seam sealed rubber uppers and durable, commando rubber soles. Snow boots come in varying degrees of hardcore, but they really can make the difference. Whether you’re organising an expedition across continents or you want to stay upright when the city inevitably freezes over, these snow boots have got your back.
Danner Mountain Light II
Known for their exceptional build quality (and as the boots worn by Daniel Craig in Spectre), Danner’s Mountain Light model combines luxurious materials with functional, classic design. As far as snow boots go, these might be the best looking and easiest to wear on the market. But they pack a punch too. They come with a Gore-Tex lining for ultimate waterproofness, a Vibram sole that’s both durable and lightweight, and a one piece leather upper, which helps keep water out while giving an understated, minimal finish.
Diemme Roccia Vet
Originally founded by brothers Dennis and Maico Signore, Diemme is an Italian shoe brand with a background in the luxury industry. Having previously manufactured for the likes of Nonnative, Bottega Veneta and Maison Margiela, Diemme knows a thing or two about crafting high-end shoes from the world’s finest materials.
For its in-house designs, the Italian brand favours rugged styles inspired by classic mountain boots – the kinds that offer plenty of support, but also look great worn casually. Perfect for wearing in light snow, but also well adapted for the city, this particular pair is a good example of what the brand does best. Lightweight and made from durable black Cordura fabric and leather, they feature a speed loop lacing system and a wide toe box, ideal for combining with chunky socks.
Grenson Brady
Although we wouldn’t recommend wearing these on a serious, snowy hike, Grenson’s Brady model is perfect for wearing out and about during light snowfall in the city. With a supple, hand-painted calf leather upper, you won’t want to fully submerge them (or even get them wet), but thanks to a chunky commando rubber sole they can handle their own if push comes to shove. Perfect for combining with selvedge denim jeans, they provide that classic hiking boot look while offering the comfort and expert build quality expected of a British brand like Grenson.
LL Bean Duck Boots
Well known among anyone who hates wet feet, duck boots are renowned for their waterproof construction and rugged build. The original duck boots designed by LL. Bean himself, these are handmade in Maine, New England with the sole purpose of keeping feet dry. A classic, albeit unusual design, the L.L. Bean boot combines a watertight rubber lower section with soft yet durable full grain leather upper.
A slightly more hardcore version of the style, this pair features a waterproof Gore-Tex lining and Thinsulate insulation, making them warmer, and more breathable than ever. Ideal for traversing across snowy hillsides, make these your go-tos if you’re after classic design crossed with high performance materials.
Sorel Caribou
Perhaps the most hardcore boots on this list, Sorel’s wool Caribou model is designed for use in heavy snow. As such, this duck boot shape has been given a slight overhaul, with a chunkier, handcrafted vulcanised rubber sole and a seam-sealed rubber and leather upper. The boots are also longer than usual, with four large eyelets as well as a unique, removable wool inner lining for ultimate warmth. If you’re looking to tackle the toughest of terrain and the deepest of snow, these are the boots for you.
Solovair Urban Hiker
Solovair may just be the UK’s most underrated shoemaker. It started out under the name NPS, and supplied shoes and boots for the British Army, before becoming the manufacturer for Dr Martens. While the latter loosened its standards and started producing at cheaper factories outside of the UK, Solovair stayed put, and today still crafts every one of its shoes from its factory in Northampton.
This model, the Urban Hiker, takes inspiration from classic hiking boots, the kind that would have been worn on snowy expeditions in the ‘50s and ‘60s. The style features the brand’s soft suspension sole, offering plenty of grip, while the upper is constructed from a single piece of ‘greasy’ leather, which has been treated with oil for a soft, waterproof finish.
Read next: These ski jackets will see you from street to piste
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
