KEEN-parison: Which Insulated Boots for Winter?

Can you hear the crunch of ice under your boots? Is that the smell of hot cocoa wafting from your mug? It can only mean one thing — winter is here. Whether you’re giddy about the cold season like we are (hurray, dog skijoring!) or you plan to hibernate until the warmth returns, you can count on warm winter boots to keep your feet feeling happy until spring. 

Of course, winter weather feels pretty different depending on your latitude and longitude. Here at KEEN HQ in the Pacific Northwest, winter means foggy mornings and icy front steps. In other parts of the world, it could mean six feet of snow or a 60-degree day. That’s exactly why we make winter boots with different levels of insulation to suit different climates. From warm to warmer to warmest styles, read on to find out which winter boots are right for you.

Meet Our KEEN.WARM Insulation

When it comes to keeping your feet warm, insulation is everything. Our signature KEEN.WARM insulation is extremely lightweight for the amount of warmth it provides, and it retains its insulating ability even when damp. We offer boots with 100g - 400g of insulation to keep toes toasty through every cold-weather outing, from rainy-day walks to epic snowy adventures.

Check out this handy chart to get acquainted with some of our winter boots:

Now take a deep dive into the details, organized from warm to warmest boot:

Warm Boots

Kaci III Winter Boot: Daily adventures in cold weather is where the Kaci III really shines. They’re packed with cozy comfort, from the 100g of KEEN.WARM insulation to the plush collar and tongue. If you’re commuting across town on a frosty morning or exploring a snowy village over the weekend, you can’t go wrong with their casual style and waterproof protection.

Insulation rating: 100g rated to -4ºF/-20ºC
Where we wear them: Everyday adventures in the city. Weekend getaways in cold weather.

Warmer Boots

Greta Boot: You know that feeling of waking up on a cold winter morning all warm and snuggly under your blankets? The Greta waterproof boots feel like that for your feet. They’re basically the shoe version of a puffy jacket, with 200g of insulation, waterproof leather, and a quilted ankle collar. KEEN.FREEZE rubber holds its elasticity in cold weather for optimal grip on slushy sidewalks or walking up icy steps at the ski lodge.

Insulation rating: 200g rated to -25ºF/-32ºC
Where we wear them: Sled hills. Exploring around a mountain village.

Anchorage Boot: The ones that you always leave right by the door, the Anchorage boots are as stylish as they are warm. You can wear them with jeans or slacks, a parka or a wool sweater. KEEN.WARM insulation keeps your toes toasty, and the nubuck leather upper gains major style points. Nope, that’s not all. These boots are also waterproof and made with a snow-friendly sole.

Insulation rating: 200g rated to -25ºF/-32ºC
Where we wear them: Winter road trips. Dog walks around the neighborhood. Chopping wood at the cabin. 

Circadia Polar Boot: What happens to all the summer trails you love when it turns cold? They look magical! Which is why we make winter hiking boots, like Circadia. The cold-weather version of our tried-and-true hiker, it's ready for wintry views with KEEN.WARM insulation, a thermal insole, and shock-absorbing LuftCore cushioning, so you can stay comfy on your longest day hikes. And it's built to last with our KEEN.FUSION construction that fuses the sole for a longer-lasting bond without toxic glues and solvents. 

Insulation rating: 200g rated to -25ºF/-32ºC, plus a thermal insole
Where we wear them: Favorite trails (they're empty in winter!)

Warmest Boots

Revel IV High Polar Boot: There’s warm, there’s warmer, and then there’s our Revel IV High Polar boots. Like their name suggests, they’re all about reveling in the adventurous possibilities of winter weather. They’re made with 400g of KEEN.WARM to equip you for cold-weather camping, hiking, and exploring (with a gaiter clip when venturing into powder or snowshoeing). KEEN.POLAR TRACTION digs into the iciest terrain to keep you confident on your feet. 

Insulation rating: 400g rated to -40ºF, plus three layers of heat-trapping materials underfoot.
Where we wear them: Snowshoeing. Ice fishing. Walking on icy sidewalks. 

Whether winter in your zip code is cool or downright frigid, there’s a pair of winter boots to keep your feet feeling perfectly warm and happy. Lace them up or slip them on, and head out to find winter fun.