We Tested 19 Duck Boots—These 8 Will Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry

Best Overall

Columbia Moritza Shield Omni-Heat Boots

View on Amazon $50 at Zappos $55 at REI

As our top pick for the best duck boots, the Columbia Women's Moritza Shield Omni-Heat Boots exceeded our expectations. They have a gorgeous suede upper, with a durable rubber lower section, and don’t feel at all heavy. Their stylish design pairs well with almost any winter outfit, and they come in four colors. We wore them extensively during testing for both short periods and hours at a time while running errands, walking the dog, driving, and grocery shopping, in all different types of weather including sunshine, rain, mud, and snow. 

We found the boots to be very cozy with super comfy cushioning that forms to your feet with great impact absorption. They have a nice, thick outsole that gives you ample energy bounceback with each step. They're breathable, and our feet did not get hot at all while wearing them; their fleece lining does a great job at keeping the feet at an optimal warm temperature. The boots are pleasantly flexible without compromising their overall structure; they move along with you as you walk but are far from flimsy. 

The boots felt broken-in right away and were so comfortable that they felt like a hug for our feet. They’re clearly well-made, of high quality, and designed to last a long time. The traction is excellent (although we did slip a little over some very slick ice that had frozen over solid concrete). They repel water and mud very well, and the little mud that did stick on the rubber part can be easily wiped away. When walking in snow, we could slightly feel the cold through the rubber of the boot at the front, but this was easily rectifiable by wearing a thick pair of wool socks.

Three months later, the boots still look as good as they did on the first day, with absolutely no signs of deterioration—every part has held up wonderfully. They have continued to keep our feet comfortable and dry through mud, rain, and snow, and no moisture of any kind has found its way in. The fit has remained constant, though they are a bit more broken in now. There was technically no break-in period, but the material has become more comfortable with wear.

Size Range: 5–12 | Material: Suede | Insulation: 200g insulation

Best With Traction

Hunter Women's Explorer Duck Boots

$150 at Amazon $200 at Nordstrom $200 at Zappos

Instantly comfortable, and with no break-in period, the durable and high-quality Hunter Women's Explorer Duck Boots offer excellent traction, thanks to their chunky and grippy sole that’s designed to release mud with each step. We wore these boots several times in rainy, slushy, and dry conditions on all different types of terrain including concrete, grass, dirt, and even submerged in puddles. The boots proved to be completely waterproof, with impeccable traction.

The boots are made from a thick material that doesn’t feel stiff, and they have solid arch and ankle support enabling long-distance walks without any pain or discomfort. Despite the fleece lining inside that also serves as padding, the boots remained breathable, and we didn’t overheat. For testing purposes (or so we tell ourselves) we jumped in a lot of puddles with sticks and leaves and are pleased to report that the boot did not get stained, scratched, or show any signs of damage—even on the white portions of the shoe. No water got in whatsoever, and our feet remained completely dry.

This pair of Hunters did an amazing job of repelling water; the water beaded up and slid right off, and any mud and dirt just dripped off, too, without any staining. In relation to style, these have more of a hiker boot aesthetic and only come in two colorways. However, we could not fault them performance-wise. After months of constant use, the boots remain comfortable and have shown impressive durability with no signs of wear whatsoever. They still look as good as new after wearing them in rainy and muddy conditions, and the water resistance is holding up. 

Although not designed for hiking, these boots were comfortable to walk in from the get go and have somehow gotten more comfy with time as they've molded to the feet (even when walking for miles). They’re strong and feel really well made. The traction at the bottom is still very grippy and hasn’t worn down at all. If you’re looking for a totally waterproof and comfortable boot that will keep you steady no matter the terrain, this might just be it.

Size Range: 5–11 | Material: Polyester | Insulation: Recycled fleece lining suitable for -13°F

Best Insulated

L.L.Bean Shearling-Lined Bean Boots

$289 at Zappos $289 at L.L.Bean

A roundup of the best duck boots would not be complete without something from the O.G. duck boot manufacturer, L.L.Bean. These shearling-lined Bean Boots are a twist on the old classic from the top fashion brand and offer a little more warmth than the originals, thanks to their added insulation. Other than this addition, they have retained much of the original and much-loved style and practical rubber base. They are incredibly high quality, with soft leather and thick and cozy shearling fur that gives them an UGG-like feel.

We tested these boots in rain, snow, and ice, sometimes for hours at a time. The boots got more and more comfortable with each wear, although it took some time to get used to the lack of heel support. They are breathable, kept our feet nice and warm, have a sturdy weight to them without being heavy, and are completely waterproof. The shaft height is just right; not high enough to be a hindrance when walking, but just enough to prevent splashes from puddles getting in.

We’ve put these boots through the wringer over the last three months, and they have no noticeable signs of wear and tear. There’s no scuffing, and the leather and stitching are completely intact. Even the laces still look brand new; they’re extremely robust, but we would have liked them to be a little softer to make the lace-up process easier. 

These boots function exactly as they did when we first got them. Water doesn't penetrate at all, and the shearling keeps us warm, although the rubber part is not as good as keeping the cold out. The fit has remained consistent, but the grip on these boots isn’t as good as some other options we tested. There’s no doubt, however, that these are some of the most well made and durable duck boots we’ve come across, and the leather is clearly of the highest quality. It is soft yet completely resistant to scratches.

The boots feel like they’re made to last a long time. We feel that this boot, although incredibly stylish (you can wear it with anything from leggings, jeans, and joggers, to dresses and skirts), is better for cold weather with lighter rain. At first, the price did seem a little high, but after the testing period, we feel that they are worth every penny—you’ll buy these once and have them for the rest of your life.

Size Range: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Insulation: Shearling-lined insulation

Best Tall

Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac Deluxe Boot

$180 at Amazon View on Eddiebauer.com

The Eddie Bauer Women's Hunt Pac Deluxe Boot is just what you need for keeping warm, comfortable, and stable on winter excursions. They make trudging through snow a breeze, and although they’re technically a snow boot and have a good amount of weight to them, they feel much lighter and less chunkier than an average pair of snow boots. 

There was a little bit of a break-in period to get them feeling perfect, but once they were broken in, we found them comfortable, breathable, and warm—but not so hot as to induce sweating or overheating. After 20 or so wears in several different weather conditions, including rain, snow, slush, and mud on both dry concrete and grass, we had zero blistering, redness, hotspots or foot pain. The height and sturdy structure of these boots made us feel extremely supported—so much so that we could even comfortably run in them.

The other great thing about these boots is their traction. The ridges on their soles are deep and jagged, making walking on snow and ice on various surfaces effortless with no slipping. Their material is thick and high quality, and from a style perspective, they’re quite the fashion statement. They’re also available in four different colorways. No water got in when walking through rain; however, the boots could benefit from a lining to keep the cold out through the gaps between the tongue and the laces.

Besides a little scuffing from active use, the boots still look great three months later. Our feet stay dry, but the soles do get cold when wearing them for longer time periods out in the snow and mush. They’re more broken in and have conformed to the foot over time, which has made them even more comfortable.

Size Range: 6–11 | Material: Suede leather | Insulation: 200-gram ThermaFill

Best Chelsea

Lands' End Chelsea Boot

$90 at Landsend.com

For something you can just throw on without much thought, the Lands' End Women's Insulated Flannel Lined Chelsea Duck Boot is sure to become your new go-to. Like your average Chelsea boot, this stylish option pairs well with any outfit and takes just seconds to slip on because of its convenient pull-on design—complete with front and rear pull tabs. In addition, you get the extra perk of staying warm and completely dry.

Straight out of the box, we could tell that these boots were of high quality. They’re sturdy and structured, and they have a flannel-lined interior. The weight is ideal—not too heavy, and not too light. The boots felt broken-in right away. While they are stiffer than some other options, this kept our feet supported and secure all day long. They hold the warmth extremely well, so they are better suited for wearing in very cold temperatures to avoid sweating and overheating.

The boots performed spectacularly when we walked in the rain and in fresh, deep, wet snow. They repelled water and remained completely waterproof with no instances of any leaking into the boot. The traction was great, and the boots held up nicely on icy sidewalks. If we had to be picky, the only thing we’d change would be adding a built-in sock at the top to tighten the boot to triple-ensure that nothing gets in. More color options would also be nice.

The boots have kept their durability after months of wear in various harsh conditions, like rain and snow, and even through mud. They’re easy to rinse off and clean, and there’s very little sign of wear (they’ve even survived a few playful dog nips). The water resistance has remained reliable, and they keep the feet comfortably warm and dry. 

While these boots aren’t the most comfortable for prolonged walks, we found that wearing thick socks helped prevent any chafing at the heel. The boots have got slightly more comfortable as time has gone by, but we still wish that the lining was a little thicker for even more warmth in colder climates.

Size Range: 6–11 | Material: Leather and rubber | Insulation: 200-gram Thermolite

Best Casual

Sorel Out N About III Duck Boot

$130 at Nordstrom $85 at Zappos View on Sorel.com

With no break-in period, and living up to the Sorel brand reputation, the Women’s Out N About III Classic Boot kept us comfortable and supported, wear after wear. We tested these boots on various outings, including driving, walking on dry and wet grass, pavement, rocks, and frosted ground. They remained comfortable and supportive for the feet and the back without causing discomfort or cramping—even when standing on hard surfaces for hours.

Despite their chunkier appearance, these boots are surprisingly lightweight. They are waterproof and repel water effectively. They’re made from a stiff material, but this doesn’t affect their comfort level—their fairly low height did not allow them to dig into the skin. These versatile boots are easy to style and even easier to slip on making them the perfect boots to throw on for running errands in wet weather. There are plenty of color options, too. They don’t have any insulation, however, so they won’t be the best pair to opt for in minus temperatures. 

Overall, these duck boots have proven to be durable after three months of use and show no significant wear and tear. They clean up well with just a quick rinse to get dirt off the rubber sole, have maintained their water resistance, and keep the feet totally dry. As they are on the shorter side, we avoided wearing them in deep snow, but they’ve been ideal for rainy weather as they offer great traction. 

The comfort level hasn’t changed much since the first day, but slightly more padding at the sides would be nice. In terms of how long these boots will last, we have no concerns; they’re well made and durable, and both the soles and seams are like new. We found the sizing to be off but managed to get the perfect fit when we sized up. You might want to size up even more if you plan on wearing chunky socks to increase the warmth factor.

We still stand by our initial assessment that these boots are versatile—however, after a few months we feel they’re better suited to temperatures above 30°F (unless wearing very thick winter socks), as they aren't insulated enough for colder weather. At the same time, they’re almost too warm for temperatures above 50°F. For anyone after a stylish, casual boot that’s suitable for various weather conditions and activities, we feel that these boots are excellent value for money and look great.

Size Range: 5-12 | Material: Leather and suede | Insulation: None

Best Everyday

Sperry Women’s Syren Gulf Duck Boot

$50 at Amazon View on Housershoes.com View on Dsw.com

The cute Sperry Women’s Syren Gulf Duck Boots not only look beautiful, but they were also comfortable from the very first moment we slipped them on. We wore them for hours at a time in rain and sun, both indoors and outside. They are cushioned inside, fit true to size, and hug the foot nicely. The high comfort level continued throughout each wear, and they kept our feet warm while being breathable. 

The boots have a rubber lower part, but half of the upper section (around the ankle) is fabric, so wearing thick socks in colder weather is recommended as the boots aren’t insulated. They are supportive, but if you require even more ankle support, you can pull the laces tighter. We were also impressed with the traction; walking on dry indoor surfaces, we could literally feel and hear the boots gripping to the floor. Walking outside in the rain, we felt equally as stable—even on a wooden deck that can get slippery when wet.

Our feet stayed completely dry, and we could see the water droplets sliding off the rubber tops. When we stood and jumped in puddles, absolutely no water got through. These top quality boots have pretty much the same shape as classic duck boots, but feel much lighter. They’re also available in half sizes so you can get the perfect fit, and an array of colors to suit all fashion tastes, including gray, brown, and black.

Our three-month assessment of these boots is that they’re just as durable as we initially thought them to be, and their high quality and construction are evident. The ties, zippers, upper cloth, lower rubber, rubber outsoles, and inner sole padding are all still in great shape. They are still water resistant and keep the feet warm and dry. They’re as comfortable as they were on the first day—the cushioned sole gives adequate arch support and feels like stepping onto a cloud each time we put them on. 

Some mud splattered onto the beige rubber during one walk, and we weren’t able to completely get it off during the first attempt. It’s not easily noticeable, and we feel that with a better scrub it will come off completely. We found that wearing them for long stretches at a time didn’t cause any discomfort, and they have held up impressively well.

Size Range: 5–12 | Material: Fabric and rubber | Insulation: None

Best Stylish

UGG Women's Hapsburg Duck Boot

$110 at Amazon $90 at Nordstrom $60 at Zappos

Wonderfully blending style and functionality, the UGG Hapsburg Duck Boot is ideal for colder months. Featuring a pull tab for easy on and off access and a traditional lace closure to ensure a secure fit, the boot has foam padding around the ankle collar and under the tongue for extra comfort. The sockliner is designed to mold to the foot, and there’s additional padding at the heel for a cushioned step. The footbed is also cushioned, and the lightweight midsole absorbs any shocks.

These high-quality boots have a beautiful leather upper and offer incredible traction due to the rubber outsole with Spider Rubber technology for a reliable grip. The sole has different parts that prevent you from slipping, whether on the sidewalk, the street, or on grass and mud. We wore them multiple times in heavy rain and light snow, and they performed remarkably well.

We found the boots extremely comfortable (although they might be a bit narrow for wider feet), breathable, and warm. In addition to being completely waterproof, they did a stellar job at keeping the cold out. These sturdy boots have a stiffer construction than some other options, but this did not cause any blistering or discomfort, although it did take a week or two to break them in. They’re also extremely durable. Despite rigorous testing, the boots still look brand new (a wet wipe was all it took to clean any mud off).

Size Range: 5–8 | Material: Nubuck and suede | Insulation: None