7 Best 600 Gram Insulated Work Boots for Winter [Thinsulate]


If you are facing cold winter work conditions, it might be time to turn to a 600 gram insulated work boot. Unfortunately, your options for 600 gram Thinsulate work boots will be less than your options are at 400 grams. But the good news is there are still several 600g insulated boots to choose from.

*This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (info)

These are my choices for the best 600 gram insulated work boots:

  1. Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock Waterproof Steel Toe 600G Boots (click here to view)
  2. Rocky Men’s Ridgetop 600g Insulated Hiker Boots (click here to view)
  3. Keen Men’s Dover Composite Toe Insulated Waterproof Boots (click here to view)
  4. Rocky S2V Flight Boot 600G Insulated Waterproof Boots (click here to view)
  5. Rocky Men’s Ranger 600g Steel Toe Insulated GORE-TEX Boots (click here to view)
  6. Refrigiwear Men’s Tungsten Waterproof 600G Work Boots (click here to view)
  7. Rocky Men’s Sport Utility 600 Gram Insulated Boots (click here to view)
  8. Keen Men’s CSA Philadelphia+ Safety Toe 600g Insulated Boots (click here to view)
  9. Carolina 600g Insulated Dormite Composite Toe Work Boots (click here to view)
  10. *Women’s* LaCrosse Women’s Windrose Waterproof 600g Boots (click here to view)

***Here’s my advice. If you want a quick understanding of what type of insulation may be best for your insulated 600g 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!

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 many of the options on our list use 3M Thinsulate as insulation, it’s important to note that the Timberland PRO and KEEN boots use a different type of insulation.

Although 3M Thinsulate is most common, some boot companies will use other types of insulation. In general, all of these boot insulations are non-bulky and do a good job of trapping heat, but if you want specific information about each type, my advice is to contact the company directly.

Let’s start by discussing what you can expect when you wear a pair of 600 gram insulated work boots. These 600g boots are built for cold winter conditions, but if you think even 600g might not be warm enough, visit our article 800g work boots or 1000g work boots.

Many of the boots on this list use soft toe or composite toe. If you need steel toe for your winter job, visit our article about the best insulated steel toe boots. If you need composite toe boots, visit our article about the best insulated composite toe work boots.


600 Gram Insulated 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.

For the continental 48 US States, 600 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, 600 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 600 gram insulation for footwear is recommended for cold winter conditions.

Most people who turn to 600 Gram insulated boots are in a very cold climate. But exactly how cold? What is the temperature rating for 600 gram insulated boots?

Unfortunately, most boot companies do not provide a temperature rating for their boots (how warm are leather boots). This makes it difficult to say how warm a boot is because there are other things besides insulation 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 difficult to guarantee temperature ratings in boots, so most companies just avoid it altogether.

And it’s also important to remember that not all the boots on this list use 3M Thinsulate as insulation. In general, most boot insulations provide similar warmth, but it can vary a bit depending on the type of insulation.

winter-work-boots

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 600 gram insulated boot does not mean the same rating applies to 600 gram boots made by other companies.

  • But if you are just looking for a general understanding of the “comfort” range that a company may use for 600 gram boots, KEEN is nice enough to publish that information for their boots. In this article here, KEEN states that the 600g insulation is “rated to -55°F/-48°C“.

Again, those “comfort” ratings should not necessarily always be thought of as a guarantee, and you should not consider KEEN’s temperature ratings applicable to other boots by other companies. I actually appreciate companies like KEEN who will stick their neck out a little bit and give you the information you need.

As I mentioned earlier, companies take on a bit of risk to provide us temperature 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 KEEN.

How active your job is will greatly impact the weight of insulation you need. In general, 600 gram boots are suitable for most winter conditions, 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, for most companies 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.

What I wear

I work in Kansas, and I own 200g and 400g boots, and mainly wear the 400g boots. We have cold, snowy winters in Kansas, but they also aren’t as extreme as some other places in the US. I have found 400g works best for me and my personal comfort level. Mine:

danner-quarry-boot-side

In general, 400 grams of insulation is the most common weight to find in work boots. Both 200g and 600g are also quite common, but when you get above 600g, your options become much more limited.

Again, for *most* jobs something in the 200g-600g range will be best, but there are exceptions that may need 1000g+. If you are not sure what you need, and are just looking for a general starting point, many people consider 400 grams to be the standard for insulated boots, and what you will most commonly find.

That’s a pretty good indication that 400g satisfies the needs for most winter jobs, but if you work in very cold, dangerous conditions, going even higher is probably your safest bet. I personally would error on the side of warmth, and work my way back from there.

Again, one of the main issues is not many companies temperature rate their boots, so you are basically left with trial and error to find the right boot. If you are on the fence between 400g and 600g, I’d probably start with 600g and see how it feels. Let’s take a look at the best 600 gram insulated work boots.

***If you are interested in pull-on boots, visit our article about the best insulated pull on work boots.


Best 600g Insulated Work Boots

Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 600g Insulated Work Boots

Timberland is a leader in creating comfortable and dependable boots. The Timberland PRO line of boots are premium boots built to handle some of the toughest jobs. The Timberland PRO line does have a 600 gram insulated work boot.

Here’s what these Timberland PRO Men’s Boondock 600g Insulated Work Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Timberland 600 gram boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots are available in wide sizing.

  • Waterproof – These boots are composed of waterproof leather with a waterproof membrane for keeping feet dry. They also have a padded top collar.
  • Type of Insulation – Yes, these boots use 600 grams of insulation, but they use Thermolite® instead of Thinsulate. Many Timberland boots use Thermolite, which is another warm, non-bulky synthetic insulation.
  • Toe Type – This is a steel toe work boot, and it does have a rubber toe bumper that covers the toe of the boot to give it increased durability so the toe of your boot doesn’t wear out fast.
  • Material – These boots have a 100% leather upper, a slip-resistant rubber outsole, and a fiberglass shank.

Click here to buy these Timberland PRO Boondock 600g insulated boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, wide sizing is available for these boots. To read more about fit, visit our article about Timberland Boot Sizing.


KEEN Men’s CSA Philadelphia+ 8″ Safety Toe 600g Insulated Work Boots

KEEN makes a wide range of footwear, all the way from sandals to work boots. One thing I’ve always liked about KEEN is they build a great heavy-duty work boot. I feel like their boots can handle extreme work better than the typical work boot.

They do offer insulated work boots, including a popular 600g work boot. Here’s what these KEEN Men’s CSA Philadelphia+ 600g Insulated Work Boots look like:

This is the current price of Keen 600g Thinsulate Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These are heavy-duty work boots built for severe conditions.

  • Material – These boots are constructed from superior full-grain, waterproof leather to help extend the life of the boot. These are 8 inch work boots.
  • Type of Insulation – Yes, these boots have 600 grams of insulation, but they don’t use 3M Thinsulate. Instead, they use KEEN.Warm, which is unique to KEEN work boots. This is a warm, non-bulky insulation that still holds its warmth even when damp (source).
  • Toe Type – These boots use a carbon fibre safety toe and also have a rubber toe cap that covers the toe of the boot so that it holds up longer on the job. Carbon Fibre toes are lighter in weight than steel toes.
  • Waterproof – KEEN.Dry is a breathable, waterproof membrane that lets moisture out but does not allow water in.
  • Boot Type – This is a heavy-duty work boot which has KEEN.Polar Traction which creates a “micro-cleat” effect for increased traction on ice. KEEN themselves describe this boot as a “severe winter weather work boot”.
  • Other Features – Some valuable features of these boots are puncture-resistant midsole plate (non-metallic), and dual-density footbeds with aerated pillow-top cushioning that are removable so you can swap or clean them.

Click here to buy these KEEN 600g work boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.


Irish Setter Men’s Mesabi Steel Toe 600g Thinsulate Work 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 1950s and has established itself as a premium boot brand for both outdoor boots and work boots. One of their most popular boots is the Mesabi logger boot, which does come in a 600g insulated version.

Here’s what these Irish Setter Men’s Mesabi Steel Toe 600g Thinsulate Work Boots look like:

This is the current price of these Irish Setter winter logger boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, these are loggers boots, and will have the raised back heel.

  • Insulation – These boots have 600g of 3M Thinsulate insulation. In my experience, it’s very hard to find insulated logger boots that have more than 600g of insulation, so this will be one of the warmest loggers on the market.
  • Toe Protection – These are steel toe boots.
  • Waterproof Protection – These boots are made with waterproof full-grain leather uppers. They also have Ultra Dry™ moisture management system to help keep your feet dry during work.
  • Comfort – These boots have a padded collar and tongue, and they have removable footbeds that you can replace, or clean, when needed.

Click here to buy these Irish Setter logger boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). In my experience, Irish Setter boots fit true to size. To read more, visit our article about Irish Setter Boot Sizing.


Rocky Bearclaw 3D 600g Insulated Waterproof Outdoor 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 do offer a rugged outdoor boot that uses 600 grams of 3M Thinsulate. These are versatile boots that can be used for work or for other outdoor activites. Here’s what these Rocky Bearclaw boots look like:

This is the current price of these Rocky 600 gram Thinsulate boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These boots have a rugged outsole built for harsh terrain. These are not indoor boots.

  • Durable – The boots are made from 100% real leather with rugged outsoles for durability. These are lace to toe boots that help pass maximum control to your feet.
  • 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 – Yes, these are 600g Thinsulate Boots. These are built for outdoor winter conditions.

Danner Men’s Crafter 8″ 600 Gram Insulated Boots

Danner boots is based out of Portland, Oregon and has been making premium work boots since 1932. Danner makes a wide range of work and hiking boots, and they do offer a 600g insulated work boot.

  • Material – This boot is crafted from top-grain nubuck and oiled to increase its water resistance. The leather upper is extra durable and there is practically no break-in period.
  • Type of Insulation – Yes, these boots use 600 gram of 3M Thinsulate for insulation.
  • Toe Type – These are composite toe work boots (non-metallic).
  • Fit – These boots use a DCP last. A last mold is what is used to help create the shape and fit of a boot. This last type fits true to size and creates a broader toe box.
  • Waterproof – The Danner Dry 100% waterproof barrier keeps water out while still allowing moisture to escape, helping to keep feet dry all day.
  • Outsole – These boots use a Danner Frosttrekker outsole which is specifically designed to give you proper traction in cold weather.

Carolina 600 Gram Insulated Work Boots

Double-H boots was founded by H. H. Brown in Pennsylvania in the 1950’s. Double-H boots specialized in western boots and eventually became the first company to ever manufacture a steel-toe western boot. Eventually, the safety division of the company grew to the point where it developed its own brand, and was called the Carolina Shoe Company.

Carolina has several types of insulated work boots, but there are two specific Carolina 600g Thinsulate Boots that I want to mention:

  • Carolina Installer 600g Thinsulate Work Boots – These boots have a traditional work boot design. Not only are they insulated but they have a waterproof “Scubaliner” to help keep your feet warm and dry. These come in both a soft toe and a steel toe. These boots use a steel shank for support.
  • Carolina Insulated Dormite Work Boots – These boots have a composite toe. They use 600 grams of 3M Thinsulate for insulation and have a waterproof “Scubaliner” to help keep your feet warm and dry. These boots have a removable footbed and have a non-metallic shank.

Thorogood Men’s Logger 9″ Comp Toe Insulated 600g 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.

Here’s what you need to know about these logger boots:

  • Insulation – These boots have 600g of 3M Thinsulate insulation. As I mentioned earlier, 600g is usually the max amount of insulation you can find in a logger boot.
  • Toe Protection – These are composite toe boots.
  • Waterproof Protection – These boots do have a waterproof membrane.
  • Comfort – These boots have a padded collar, and they have removable footbeds that you can replace, or clean, when needed.

Paul Johnson

Paul is a lead content creator for Workwear Command. He has had several blue-collar jobs which have provided him a wide range of experience with tools and gear. He also has a business degree and has spent time in business casual office settings.

Recent Posts