Insulated chore boots come in a wide variety of styles, and they each can vary slightly on how they insulate your foot. I personally use the Muck Chore Boots on the list below because not only do they have foam insulation around the foot, they also have a Neoprene shaft which adds insulation and warmth to my leg above the ankle.
*This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (info)
These are my choices for best insulated chore boots:
- Muck Boots Chore Classic Steel Toe Neoprene Insulated Work Boots (click here to view)
- LaCrosse Men’s Insulated Pac 12” Rubber Work Boots (click here to view)
- Muck Boot Arctic High Performance Neoprene Winter Work Boots (click here to view)
- Kamik Men’s Goliath 1 Winter Work Boot (click here to view)
- L.L. Bean Men’s Insulated Winter Bean Boots (click here to view)
- Carhartt Men’s Wellington Waterproof 400g Insulated Leather Boots (click here to view)
- Bogs Men’s Workman Waterproof Insulated Work Boots (click here to view)
- LaCrosse Men’s 16″ ZXT Insulated Rubber Knee Boot (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall Work Boot (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Bogs Classic Waterproof Insulated Winter Boots (click here to view)
- *Women’s* L.L. Bean Women’s Insulated Winter Bean Boots (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Muck Boot Chore Steel Toe Rubber Boot (click here to view)
Ultimately, I like wearing the Muck Chore Boots the most because they not only have the foam insulation around the foot, but they also have the Neoprene shaft which insulates the leg. If you want that added warmth up above the ankle, I’d stick with a Neoprene boot.
Here’s what mine look like:
The list above contains both leather pull-on insulated boots and rubber pull-on insulated boots. Not only will you need to decide whether you prefer leather or rubber insulated chore boots, you will also need to decide if you want insulation just around the foot, or if you want the warmth above the ankle also.
When you buy a Neoprene boot, you are buying a boot that is made with rubber down around the foot, and then has a Neoprene shaft. The foam insulation is used in the rubber portion of the boot to insulate the foot area, and the Neoprene material is used to insulate the leg above the ankle (are rubber boots good for snow?).
Neoprene shafts are popular because they are versatile. Not only are they warm, they are also easy to roll down so you can adjust them if needed on warmer days. And the main benefit is these boots provide insulation above the ankle also, while other types of pull-on insulated work boots just have insulation around the foot area.
If you want insulation above the ankle, I’d recommend either sticking with a Neoprene insulated farm boot like the Muck boots on our list, or consider an insulated duck boot, like the L.L. Bean boots on our list. If you prefer a 100% rubber chore boot, I also use the LaCrosse Insulated Pac Boots on the list above, which have foam insulation just around the foot for warmth.
Boots that are made instead with 100% rubber, and don’t have a Neoprene shaft, are a bit harder to insulate above the ankle. Around the foot, these 100% rubber boots often use foam insulation, but for the shaft they will either not insulate it, or sometimes they will use a liner. If you want a 100% rubber boot that also insulates the area above the ankle, then I’d recommend considering the Kamik Goliath 1 Boots on the list above. They use a warm liner to insulate the leg.
In this article let’s take a closer look at the best insulated farm boots so you can find an option that fits your needs. I will discuss my experiences with the Muck Arctic Boots and the Lacrosse Pac Boots, and also discuss a few things to consider when buying these types of winter chore boots.
My Favorite Insulated Chore Boots
Muck Boots Chore Classic Tall Steel Toe Rubber Work Boots
Muck Boot Company is a boot brand that was launched to find a reliable solution for those days spent in the mud and muck. Today, Muck Boot Company is one of the most popular rubber boot brands on the market.
As I mentioned above, I like these boots because they not only have insulation around the foot, they also use a Neoprene shaft, which insulates the leg area. This is a steel toe farm boot, but Muck offers several plain toe options as well.
Here’s what these Muck Boots Chore Classic Tall Boots look like:
This is the current price of these Muck Insulated Chore Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Design – The protective 16-inch height of these boots allows you to wear them over jeans to help provide extra protection up your leg. Yes, this boot does have a steel toe. The outsole is design to help provide grip in winter conditions.
- Insulated – The 5mm Neoprene on the upper keep water out and helps retain heat to insulated the leg area above the ankle. These boots use 2mm thermal foam under the footbed to insulated the foot area. They also have a fleece lining to provide additional warmth. Muck Boot Company has comfort rated these boots from -40°F to 40°F.
- 100% Waterproof – Yes, this is a waterproof boot. These boots are also very easy to wipe and spray clean after a muddy day of work.
As I mentioned earlier, Muck Boots are my favorite winter boot. Here’s a look at my Muck Boots:
Here’s a look at the stretch-fit top and Neoprene uppers that help trap in heat during the winter months:
They do have pull tabs to help you pull these boots onto your feet:
These are tall boots that fit up over my calf to insulate my legs below the knee:
Click here to buy these Muck Insulated Chore Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). I personally ordered my normal sizing for these boots and they fit perfectly (how should rubber boots fit).
LaCrosse Men’s Insulated Pac 12” Steel Toe Rubber Boots
Lacrosse is another well known rubber boot company, and a company that I have worn over the years. I do use the Muck Boots above more often, but there are some specific situations I think these LaCrosse Insulated Pac Boots make more sense.
Here’s what these Lacrosse insulated farm boots look like:
This is the current price of these Lacrosse insulated chore boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Design – These boots are 100% rubber and do not have Neoprene on the uppers. Unlike similar rubber work boots, these boots lace up near the calf, making it easier to tighten them to your preferred fit. This can be particularly important if you’re working in wet, slippery conditions.
- Warmth – These boots have foam insulation that extends from the bottom of the boot to the ankle to provide you warmth on those cold winter mornings. These boots also have a 9mm wool-felt midsole. The main difference here compared to my Neoprene Muck Boots is these boots do not have insulation on the shaft above the ankle (but they are 100% rubber and the Muck boots are not).
- Safety – The version of these boots that I own do not have a steel safety toe, but they do also offer a steel toe version. The steel toe version is very similar but does come in a different color. Click here to view the steel toe version of these insulated chore boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
As I mentioned above, I have also worn LaCrosse Pac Boots for several years. Here’s a look at my Lacrosse Pac Boots:
One thing I really like about the design of these LaCrosse Pac Insulated Steel Toe Work Boots is they have a more defined heel than my Muck Boots do. Let’s say for example you are doing chores and might have to climb a barn ladder, this raised heel may be helpful and provide extra slip protection.
If you like these types of pac boots, you can see more options by visiting our article about the best insulated pac boots.
Click here to buy these Lacrosse insulated farm boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). In my experience, Lacrosse boots fit true to size. To read more, visit Lacrosse Boot Size Guide.
Carhartt 11″ Wellington Waterproof Insulated Pull On Work Boots
If you want an insulated chore boot that is not made of rubber, then this Carhartt Wellington Insulated Boot will be a nice option. It uses 400 grams on synthetic insulation to help keep your feet warm in the cold winter weather.
Here’s what these Carhartt insulated pull on boots look like:
This is the current price of these Carhartt insulated farm boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these boots:
- Material – These boots are made with a nylon/leather combination. Nylon is used a lot in footwear because it very durable but also weighs less than leather and helps keep the overall weight of the boot down a little bit. This might be a nice touch for those of you spending long days on your feet around the farm.
- Insulation – These boots use 400g of LiteFire insulation. Synthetic insulation like this is very popular in workwear, and especially footwear, because it is very good at trapping heat but is also lightweight and non-bulky, which means it is easy to layer in a boot and not take up space.
- Design – These are steel toe boots. They also have waterproof protection to help keep your feet dry and measure at 11 inches in height. They won’t be the tallest boots on this list, but they do provide some protection to the leg.
Click here to buy these Carhartt insulated farm boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Wide sizing is available for these boots.
Other Insulated Chore Boots to Consider
- Kamik Men’s Goliath 1 Winter Work Boot – Many 100% rubber boots, because they don’t use Neoprene shafts, are not insulated above the ankle. These boots are different. They use a warm 15mm liner that fits inside the rubber shaft to insulate the leg area which means these boots provide warmth to both the foot and leg areas. The liner is removable. These boots are comfort rated down to -75 degree F. Click here to view this Kamik Goliath 1 Winter Insulated Chore Boot available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Bogs Men’s Workman Waterproof Insulated Work Boots – These are another great option if you prefer insulated chore boots that use Neoprene uppers for insulation. These boots are 100% waterproof and are comfort rated down to -40 degrees F. The lining is designed to wick away sweat and the Neoprene uppers can be rolled own on warmer days. Click here to view these Bogs insulated farm boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- *Women’s* Muck Boot Women’s Chore Steel Toe Rubber Boot – Unfortunately, there aren’t as many options for women’s insulated steel toe rubber boots. These women’s Muck Chore Boots are 100% waterproof and have a 5mm Neoprene bootie which provides warmth above the ankle. Click here to view these Muck Women’s Chore Boots available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Explaining the Insulation on Winter Chore Boots
Does it all seem confusing when you start reading about neoprene thickness and the weight of synthetic insulation? What does it all mean?
In short, synthetic insulation (like 3M Thinsulate) is often used in work jackets and leather work boots. There are several different types of synthetic insulation, but they all have similar strengths. This type of insulation is very good at trapping heat, but is non-bulky and lightweight.
The Carhartt Wellington boots on our list above use a synthetic insulation. Again, this type of insulation is most common in leather work boots where insulation is mostly just around the foot and ankle area.
Neoprene, which is used as an upper material incorporated into rubber boots, is different. Many insulated chore boots will use rubber on the lower part of the boot, then use Neoprene as the shaft to insulate the leg area. It is flexible and can be rolled down on warmer days to allow the legs to breathe a little bit.
How does Neoprene compare to 3M Thinsulate regarding warmth?
Let me disclaimer this by saying warmth can vary dramatically by brand, and there is more that impacts the warmth of a boot beside the insulation. But, in general, 3.5mm of Neoprene is roughly similar to 400g of 3M Thinsulate, and 7mm of Neoprene is roughly similar to 800g of 3M Thinsulate.
Again, that is just to give you a general idea. Not all 3.5mm Neoprene boots will be as warm as a 400g 3M Thinsulate boot because there is more that can impact warmth. But hopelly that gives you an idea how they compare.
Rubber insulated chore boots will often also have a foam insulation down around the foot to provide extra warmth under the foot. This means the foam insulates the foot area, and the Neoprene insulates the leg area.
6 Things to Consider When Buying Insulated Chore Boots
Height of Shaft
As I mentioned earlier in the article, you will definitely want to consider the height of the chore boot. Obviously, boots that fit higher up your leg not only offer more abrasion resistance, they also provide more weather protection to your leg.
Most insulated chore boots will have shafts in the 14-15 inch range, although the Lacrosse Insulated Pac Rubber Boots that we discussed earlier on have a shaft height of 12 inches. Some people feel like taller boots limit their responsiveness, so if you prefer a shorter boot, the Lacrosse Pac Boots might be your best option.
Manufacturing Origin
Unfortunately today, most all rubber chore boots are imported. If you prefer to wear USA-made rubber boots, your options are limited. There are, however, a wide selection of PVC work boots that are made in the USA. There also are certain companies who make insulated duck boots here in the USA.
PVC is a lot like rubber, but is more economical to produce, and is therefore usually much cheaper to purchase. But, unfortunately, they don’t always perform as well in cold weather. To see options, visit our article about the best rubber boots made in USA, where we also discuss PVC options.
Lace vs Slip On Chore Boots
When most people think of insulated farm boots, they imagine slip on chore-style rubber boots (pull on duck boots). Although I like that style (and use that style) there are benefits to using lace-up rubber boots.
My Lacrosse Pac Boot lace around the calf which allows me to tighten the rubber boot securely on my leg. Not only does this help keep the weather out, it also make for a secure fit. If you are on wintry, rugged terrain, this might be helpful.
Defined Heel
Most all rubber insulated chore boots have a raised heel, but in my experience, some heels are raised higher than others. As I mentioned in the article, that is one thing I like about the Lacrosse Pac Insulated Boots. Their heel is raised in a way that makes me feel more secure when using a ladder.
Now, hopefully you aren’t using many ladders in icy conditions, but still, the raised heel has some benefits, and helps keep the foot elevated a bit in the muck and mud.
Alternative Chore Boot Options
Do you absolutely need an insulated steel toe rubber chore boot? And do they have to be pull on boots? In our list at the top of the page, we did include the Carhartt Wellington boots that use leather and synthetic insulation. If you need something warm for winter work, you really increase your options when you also consider lace-up work boots.
These leather lace-up boots almost always use synthetic insulation, like 3M Thinsulate, to insulate the boot. To explore your options, visit our article linked below:
- 600 Gram Insulated Work Boots
- 800 Gram Insulated Work Boots
- 1000 Gram Insulated Work Boots
- Insulated Soft Toe Boots
- Insulated Steel Toe Boots
- Insulated Composite Toe Boots
- Insulated Pull On Boots
- Insulated Zip Work Boots
- Insulated Moc Toe Boots
- Insulated Wedge Sole Work Boots
- Insulated Logger Work Boots
- Insulated Steel Toe Rubber Boots
Shank
If you need a steel toe rubber boot, don’t forget to also consider the shank. A shank is a supportive piece in the midsole of a boot that helps provide form and structure to the boot, and also offers some underfoot pierce protection.
Some, but not all, insulated chore boots will also use a steel shank. Steel shanks can be useful for those climbing ladders, kicking shovels, working or rocky terrain, or performing other types of tasks that can put extra stress on the bottom side of a work boot.