Discussing Types of 1000 Gram Insulated Boots for Work (Thinsulate)

If you are facing brutally cold winter work conditions, it might be time to turn to a 1000 gram insulated work boot. Unfortunately, your options for 1000 gram Thinsulate work boots will be less than your options are at 400 grams. But the good news is there are still several 1000g insulated boots to choose from.

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These are my choices for the best 1000 gram insulated work boots:

***Here’s my advice. If you want a quick understanding of what type of insulation may be best for your work boots, then watch my short 45 second video posted below that quickly explains what you need to know. Also, please subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the button below. Thanks!

As you can see, some of the boots above are outdoor gaming boots that also can double as rugged work boots. As I mentioned at the top, a large majority of work boots stop at 400 grams of insulation.

Yes, there are exceptions. Rubber work boots go well past 400 grams of insulation. But if you are looking for 1000 gram insulated work boots, most boot companies have, at best, limited options.

Thinsulate is very useful in boots and outdoor gear because it is extremely warm despite being non-bulky and lightweight. It is made and trademarked by 3M (source). The microfibers trap in heat, but don’t take up a lot of space and don’t add much weight.

Although most of the options on our list use 3M Thinsulate as insulation, it’s important to note that the Danner Men’s Alsea boots use PrimaLoft instead. Danner, as is the case with many brands, will use both Thinsulate and PrimaLoft as insulations for their footwear.

Although 3M Thinsulate is more common, PrimaLoft is another popular type of synthetic insulation, and is very common in both outerwear and boots.

In my experience, Thinsulate seems to be a thinner, less bulky insulation, almost like a lining, while PrimaLoft feels a bit bulkier or “fluffier”. Both are warm, but if you are interested in these Danner boots, I’d recommend contacting them to see if they can give you more information.

Let’s start by discussing what you can expect when you wear a pair of 1000 gram Thinsulate work boots. If you think 1000g boots might be too warm, visit our article about the best 800g insulated work boots or our article about the best 600g work boots. If you need a steel toe boot, visit our article about the best insulated steel toe boots.

1000 Gram Thinsulate Boots Temperature Rating

Disclaimer: We cannot make guarantees about the temperature ratings of the boots mentioned in this article. Our recommendation is to contact the companies directly for more information. We also cannot make any guarantees about the suitability of these boots for your job. All jobs are different, and all boots are different.

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For the continental 48 US States, 1000 gram boots will be warm enough for most jobs (and may be too warm for some). There will be a few exceptions, and if you work in dangerously cold conditions, you may need to go higher. But for most jobs, 1000 grams will be warm enough.

For comparison, the large majority of winter hiking boots use 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation. Now, it must be noted that hiking is an active exercise, which doesn’t need as much insulation, but using 1000 gram Thinsulate for footwear is recommended for extremely cold, severe conditions.

Most people who turn to 1000+ Gram insulated boots are operating in cold, wintry conditions, with a low activity level. But exactly how cold? What is the temperature rating for 1000 gram insulated boots?

Unfortunately, most boot companies do not provide a temperature rating for their boots. This makes it difficult to say how warm a boot is because there are other things besides Thinsulate that can affect how warm a pair of boots is.

Most companies choose to leave off a temperature rating to avoid any legal issues that may arise from it. Also, not all 15 degree days are the same. Is there wind, ice, snow? It’s impossible to guarantee temperature ratings in boots, so most companies just avoid it altogether.

That said, we can get a pretty good idea what the appropriate comfort range for 1000g insulated work boots might be by looking at the suggestions some of these companies make, then applying some reason on top of that.

1000g Comfort Range

Some companies will use a “comfort range” or a “comfort zone” to kind of give you a general hint of what the temperature range might be, without making a specific temperature guarantee. This may vary by company, but I believe most companies do not consider the comfort range (etc) to be a guarantee of any sort.

Again, as we mentioned above, for the temperature rating or comfort rating of a specific boot, we recommend contacting that company directly for more information. The rating that one company puts on a 1000 gram insulated boot does not mean the same rating applies to 1000 gram boots made by other companies.

But if you are just looking for a general understanding of the “comfort” range that some companies use for 1000 gram boots, there are a few companies that supply that information.

• The Lacrosse boots we have linked above in the article (style 376029) have a “comfort zone” of -60 degrees F to +30 degrees F (source). But we also need to remember that those Lacrosse boots are made for harsh outdoor climates. This range should not be considered 100% applicable to all boots on our list.

• The RefrigiWear Platinum Leather boots on our list (style 123CR) have a suggested “comfort range” of -35 degrees F to +15 degrees F (source). As you can see, the suggested range can change significantly from company to company, and boot to boot.

Again, those “comfort” ratings should not be thought of as a guarantee. I actually appreciate the companies, like Lacrosse and RefrigiWear, who will stick their neck out a little bit and give you information like that.

Like I mentioned earlier, these companies take on a bit of risk to provide us those details. But as a customer, it is very helpful to have an idea where a boot might fall regarding a temperature range. So, thank you Lacrosse and RefrigiWear.

How active your job is will greatly impact the weight of insulation you need. In general, 1000 gram boots are suitable for extreme cold, but if you work in dangerous sub-freezing weather all day, depending on how active your job is, you may need to consider going even higher. Nobody knows your work environment better than you.

The main takeaway is if you’re looking for an actual temperature guarantee, those basically don’t exist, and we certainly can’t give one either. Most companies won’t make themselves legally vulnerable by placing a temperature guarantee on a product.

Unfortunately, as I have learned, sometimes it’s just trial and error to find the boot that best fits your winter needs.

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Best 1000 Gram Insulated Work Boots

Georgia Boot Arctic Waterproof 1000g Work Boots

Georgia Boot is owned by Rocky Brands, a footwear company based out of Ohio. As you might notice, Rocky also produces their own boots, including the boot we cover next after this Georgia Boot.

These Georgia Arctic Insulated Boots are a great option because they are actually built to be work boots and not gaming boots. Several of the options on this list are gaming boots because the overall selection of 1000g work boots is limited.

Here’s what these Georgia Boot Arctic Waterproof 1000g Work Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Georgia 1000g Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have that traditional work boot style.

• Insulated – Yes, these boots are lined with 1,000 grams of 3M Thinsulate to keep your feet warm and insulated.

• Arctic Toe – These boots have Georgia Boot’s Arctic Toe Technology which helps ensure that your toes are also warm while wearing these boots.

• Inserts – These boots have cushioned removable PU inserts that can be swapped or cleaned when needed.

• Waterproof – This boot is made from waterproofing materials that keeps moisture from seeping into your boots.

• Plain Toe – This is a plain toe boot, but it does come in a steel toe version which you can view by clicking here.

Click here to buy these Georgia 1000g Thinsulate Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.

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Rocky 1000g Thinsulate Boots

Rocky Boots is an Ohio-based shoe company that opened in the 1930’s and makes several different types of boots. Rocky makes work boots, outdoor boots, hiking boots, and tactical boots.

They have two 1000 gram Thinsulate boots that might make sense for your job:

• Rocky Men’s Mid Calf 1000g Boots
• Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro 1000g Boots

Rocky Men’s Mid Calf 1000g Boots

These Rocky Mid Calf 1000g boots are not only insulated, but also waterproof. These are outdoor boots that can be used for both recreation and work.

Click here to view these boots at Cabela’s (affiliate link takes you to cabelas.com). These are lace-to-toe boots which will help pass maximum control to your foot.

• Durable – The boots are made from 100% real leather with hard soles for durability.

• Breathable – These boots are made from GORE-TEX that allows air to circulate while keeping your feet warm in the winter.

• Waterproof – This boot is made from waterproofing materials (Gore-Tex) that keeps moisture from seeping into your boots, whether you’re working in the rain or shoveling in deep snow.

• Insulated – These boots are lined with 1,000 grams of 3M Thinsulate to keep your feet warm and insulated.

• Cushioned – The sole has a cushioned footbed to keep your feet comfortable and prevent sores and callouses.

Click here to buy these Rocky Mid Calf Insulated Boots available at Cabela’s (affiliate link takes you to cabelas.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.

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Rocky Men’s Sport Utility Pro 1000g Boots

These Rocky 1000g boots are gaming boots. As we discussed earlier, unfortunately the selection for 1000 gram Thinsulate work boots is so small, you have to also consider some versatile gaming boots.

Here’s what these boots look like:

This is the current price of these Rocky 100 gram Thinsulate boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.

• Durable – This boot is made from strong nylon and leather to ensure that it stands up to tough working conditions. It has a strong rubber sole and molded heel guard for rough, rocky terrain.

• Camouflaged – As we discussed, this is a gaming boot. It has a mossy oak camouflage pattern.

• Insulated – Yes, this boot is lined with 3M Thinsulate to keep your feet warm in the winter months.

• Waterproof – This boot is built with waterproofing materials to keep snow and ice from soaking your feet in the winter months.

Click here to buy these Rocky Insulated Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have a pull tab in the back to help you get them on your feet.

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Irish Setter Elk Tracker 1000 Gram Big Game Boots

Irish Setter boots are owned by Red Wing Shoe Company, which has been making premium footwear since 1905. Red wing Shoe Company is based out of Red Wing, Minnesota. The Irish Setter brand was formed in the 1950’s and has established itself as a premium boot brand for both outdoor boots and work boots.

Here’s what the Irish Setter Elk Tracker 1000 Gram Big Game Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Irish Setter Elk Tracker insulated boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots are available in wide sizing.

• Waterproof – This boot is lined with a thick GORE-TEX membrane that prevents water from seeping into the boot.

• Insulated – Yes, this boot is lined with 3M Insulate to keep your feet warm even in the cold winter months.

• Odorless – The ScentBan technology kills odor-causing bacteria.

• Durable – This boot is made from 100% leather that comes in a rich brown color. Although this is a gaming boot, the rugged design can also function as an outdoor work boot.

Click here to buy these Irish Setter Insulated Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have a kiltie to help prevent dirt and debris from getting inside your laces.

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Thorogood Crosstrex Series 1000g Insulated Waterproof Hiker Boots

Thorogood boots are made by Weinbrenner Shoe Co., an employee-owned company based in Wisconsin that has deep roots in American culture. Weinbrenner Shoe Co. started manufacturing shoes in the late 1800’s and was a significant contributor of boots for the US Army in both WWI and WWII (source).

Thorogood does offer a pair of 1000g work boots. Here’s what the Thorogood Crosstrex Series 1000g Insulated Waterproof Hiker Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Thorogood 1000g Thinsulate Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have a hiker work boot design which can lead to more comfort.

• Waterproof – This boot has a waterproof liner to help prevent your feet from getting wet while working.

• Insulated – Yes, this boot has 1000 grams of 3M Thinsulate.

• Lightweight – These will be lighter in weight than many of the other heavy duty boots on this list.

Hiker work boots have become increasingly popular over the last 10-20 years as workers look for a work boot that has a nice blend between comfort and toughness.

The problem with traditional boots is they can be a bit heavy at times. And many jobs are too demanding to wear a pair of casual running shoes. These hiker work boots are a sort of middle ground between toughness and comfort.

Click here to buy these Thorogood Insulated Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have removable footbeds that can easily be swapped or cleaned.

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Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Extreme 1000g Insulated Boots

Kenetrek Boots are premium boots designed with the high country in mind. They make mountain boots, gaming boots, and outdoor work boots. They put an emphasis on quality and durability.

Here’s what the Kenetrek Men’s Mountain Extreme 1000g Insulated Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Kenetrek 1000g Thinsulate Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have a lace-to-toe design to help pass maximum control to your feet.

• Durable – This boot is made from 100% seamless, full-grain leather for maximum protection and durability.

• Insulated – Yes, this boot is lined with 3M Thinsulate to keep your feet warm and dry even in the coldest, wettest conditions.

• Hardware – The hardware on this boot is specifically designed to avoid corrosion and to swivel to prevent breaking.

• Waterproof – This boot is made from waterproofing materials (Windtex membrane) that prevent water, snow and ice from seeping into the boot during the winter months.

Click here to buy these Kenetrek Insulated Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This is a 10-inch boot that will fit up past your ankle.

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RefrigiWear 1000g Thinsulate Work Boots

Refrigiwear opened its doors in 1954, and since day one they’ve been dedicated to making gear tough enough to handle extreme cold conditions. The RefrigiWear Men’s Platinum Leather 1000g Insulated Work Boots may work well for you if you are looking for more of a traditional work boot style.

This is what these boots look like:

This is the current price of these RefrigiWear boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Yes, these boots have 1000g Thinsulate insulation to help keep your feet warm. These are insulated composite toe work boots.

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Refrigiwear has another pair of 1000g Thinsulate work boots. The cool thing about these boots is they have the BOA lace system for easy tightening.

BOA was originally used in ski and snowboarding equipment to make it easy to tighten footwear, but other industries (like golf, work boots) have begun to adopt the same BOA lace system to try and make it easier to slip shoes on and find the perfect, snug fit.

Here’s what these RefrigiWear Men’s Extreme Hiker Insulated Freezer Boots (w/ BOA) look like:

This is the current price of these RefrigiWear boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Yes, these boots have 1000g Thinsulate insulation to help keep your feet warm. They also have a waterproofing system to keep your feet dry.

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Danner 1000G Thinsulate Boots

Danner boots is based out of Portland, Oregon and has been making premium work boots since 1932. If you are looking for a pair of 1000g boots, Danner has a couple styles of boots that might work for you.

• Danner Men’s Powderhorn 10″ Gore-Tex 1000G Boots
• Danner Men’s Alsea 8″ Gore-Tex 1000G Boots

Danner Men’s Powderhorn 10″ Gore-Tex 1000G Boots

Here’s what the Danner Men’s Powderhorn 10″ Gore-Tex 1000G Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Danner 1000g Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have a kiltie to help prevent dirt and debris from getting inside your laces.

• Durable – This is boot is made from 100% full-grain leather. It has a pull tab in the back to help you get these boots on.

• Comfortable – This boot is lined with foam panels in precise areas to keep your feet comfortable even after hours of work in the fields.

• Game Boots – Yes, these boots are built for gaming, but it is a rugged design that can function as a work boot for rugged outdoor jobs.

• Insulated – This boot is lined with 3M Thinsulate to protect your feet from the harsh elements, even in the dead of winter.

• Waterproof – This boot is lined with a thick GORE-TEX membrane that prevents water from seeping into the boot.

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Danner Men’s Alsea 8″ Gore-Tex 1000G Boots

Here’s what the Danner Men’s Alsea 8″ Gore-Tex 1000G Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Danner Insulated Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots are obviously gaming boots, but do have some versatility for certain outdoor jobs.

• Durable – This boot is made from strong leather and textiles to make sure it stands up to even the toughest outdoor conditions. The textile helps keep the weight of the boot lower.

• Waterproof – This boot is lined with GORE-TEX materials to keep mud, water and ice from soaking your feet and causing disease or frostbite.

• Insulated – This boot is made with Primaloft insulation, not 3M Thinsulate. PrimaLoft is another synthetic insulation used in outdoor boots.

• Height – These are 8 inch boots.

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LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1000G Boots

Lacrosse is well known for making rubber work boots and other types of durable calf outdoor boots. If you want a pair of insulated boots that fit up over your calf, Lacrosse has a nice option.

Here’s what the LaCrosse Men’s Alphaburly Pro 18″ 1000G Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Lacrosse insulated boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Obviously, these are camouflaged gaming boots, but can work for you if you need 1000g calf work boots.

• Insulated – Yes, this boot is lined with 1000 grams of 3M Thinsulate to keep your feet warm

• Build – The thick sole offers cushion and shock absorption to keep your feet from being sore and calloused at the end of the day. This boot is made from lightweight materials.

• Adjustable – The rear gusset is adjustable so you can get the perfect fit every time, and makes it much easier to slip these boots on and off.

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Women’s 1000 Gram Insulated Boots

Unfortunately there aren’t as many 1000g insulated boots for women as there are for men. If you are interested in insulated rubber boots, you will have a few options.

But if you want more of a traditional boot, I’d suggest considering the Kenetrek Women’s Mountain Extreme Insulated 1000G Hiking Boot. Here’s what they look like:

This is the current price of these women’s Kenetrek 1000g insulated boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). As we discussed earlier, Kenetrek makes utlra-durable premium boots built for the high-country.