The 12 Best Duck Boots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall for Women

Columbia Moritza Shield Omni-Heat Boots

$55 at REI $70 at Columbia.com $110 at Kohls.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

Pairing a woven textile and suede upper with a sturdy rubber duck boot, the Columbia Women’s Moritza Shield Omni-Heat Boots proved to be completely waterproof even when we stepped deliberately into snow banks or walked through thick slush. They’re breathable, with lightweight synthetic insulation, a thermal-reflective lining, and a faux-fur collar to keep your feet cozy but never too hot. We found them comfortable right out of the box (one of our team members actually referred to them as “a hug for your feet.”)

The TechLite midsole offers sufficient arch support, with super comfy cushioning that forms to your feet for impressive impact absorption. We felt that the thick outsole gave good energy return with every step, too, making these boots suitable for walking long distances. We wore them in snow, mud, and rain and only slipped once on ice-covered concrete, suggesting that the OmniGrip non-marking rubber outsoles are reliable for stability in all but the most extreme conditions.

Finally, the boots seemed to repel water and mud and were easy to wipe clean with no signs of wear and tear after testing. Two-tone colorways add visual interest with colors such as fawn/canvas tan, Sedona sage/beetroot, and elk/river blue.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | 1.65 pounds | Suede and woven textile upper, synthetic and faux fur insulation, rubber sole

Best Traction for Women

Hunter Women's Explorer Duck Boots

$196 at Amazon $200 at Nordstrom $196 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

The Hunter Women’s Explorer Duck Boots channel rugged camo cool with a thick platform. The quality of their construction and materials was obvious from the moment we unboxed them. There was no breaking-in period required, and we found them completely comfortable with solid arch and ankle support suitable for walking long distances. The upper is made from recycled polyester with a recycled fleece lining. This combination was warm and breathable, and completely waterproof even when we dipped the boots in a creek.

A cushioned collar and EVA footbed add to the boots’ comfort. We found that the chunky, high-grip outsole shed mud and other debris easily thanks to its deep treads. The traction was impressive, too, with our T+L team member saying the boots were even grippier than her favorite hiking boots. Pull tabs and a kick spur make it easy to get the boots on and off. We tested the black-and-white colorway, and the white material didn’t stain even after jumping in muddy puddles.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | 3 pounds | Synthetic and recycled polyester upper, recycled polyester lining, rubber sole

Best Everyday for Women

Sperry Women’s Syren Gulf Duck Boot

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

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

Our initial impression of the Sperry Women’s Syren Gulf Duck Boots was one of top quality. They look and feel beautiful, and although they are the same shape as traditional duck boots, we found them significantly lighter than other pairs we tried. This makes them ideal for all-day, everyday wear. With a soft fabric upper and cute lace detailing, they’re fashionable enough for city life but with the added convenience of a zippered closure and the comfort of a memory foam footbed.

We found them comfortable right out of the box and liked that they grew increasingly so the more we wore them. You can tighten the laces for extra ankle support when you need it, and the microfleece lining is warm without ever being too hot. The boots kept our feet completely dry even when jumping in puddles. The non-marking rubber outsole features razor-cut siping for reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces, while color choices range from the practical (black and navy) to the more unusual (gray with a plaid pattern).

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | 1 pound | Fabric upper, microfleece lining, rubber sole

Best Winter Boot for Women

Sorel Caribou Boot

View on Amazon $200 at REI $140 at Nordstrom

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Support
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5

From the packaging to the boots themselves, our initial impression of the Sorel Women’s Caribou Waterproof Boots was one of exceptionally high quality. They were still in mint condition at the end of testing and were so waterproof it was hard for us to photograph this section of our test: the water beaded and rolled off too quickly. They’re easy to get on and off, surprisingly lightweight, not too bulky, and available in three attractive colorways. Essentially, they’re the ideal everyday cold-weather boot.

Uppers are made from waterproof, seam-sealed nubuck with a vulcanized rubber shell. The aero-trac outsole provides plenty of traction and is also non-loading, meaning you won’t pick up tons of compressed snow on your travels around town. The boots fit true to size and were instantly comfortable, with a roomy yet cozy toe-box and a removable felt inner that hugs the calf and ankle. Arch support isn’t particularly noticeable, but there is space for an insert if needed.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Nubuck upper, vulcanized rubber shell, felt inner and midsole

Most Versatile for Women

UGG Women's Hapsburg Duck Boot

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

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Traction
  5/5

Available in black or chestnut, the Ugg Women’s Hapsburg Duck Boots feature a full leather and suede upper with duck-boot style molding. We love how stylish they are and that they look great with jeans and other casual outfits for urban adventures and days on the trail alike. They’re seam-sealed and kept our feet completely dry throughout testing. We particularly liked that they also shielded us from the chill of the water, remaining warm yet breathable at all times.

Although comfortable from the start, the material was a bit stiff and took several wears to break in fully. We liked that the boots are neither flimsy nor too heavy. The spider rubber outsole provides great traction on grass, mud, and city sidewalks even in rain and snow. We were initially concerned about how the rain would affect the leather, but after drying out, they still looked brand new. Other features include an inside zipper, a foam footbed, and a removable insole.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | 2.27 pounds | Leather and suede upper, textile lining, rubber sole

Best Chelsea Boot for Women

Lands' End Chelsea Boot

$90 at Landsend.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

The elasticated panels on the sides of the Lands’ End Chelsea Duck Boots look good while also making them easy to slip on and off. Our initial impression was of quality construction with good structure and a cute flannel lining. They’re not too heavy, not too light, with no signs of wear and tear even after testing in deep, wet snow. We found that they were reliably waterproof and retained warmth well although the 200-gram Thermolite insulation did cause some occasional sweating. They’re perhaps better for true winter conditions.

With a cushioned foam foot bed, the boots felt comfortable most of the time we wore them with zero breaking-in period. Unfortunately, we did notice a slight rubbing on the heel during the final wear. Otherwise, we were impressed with the support and loved that the slip-resistant rubber outsole held up well even on icy sidewalks. When the boots got dirty, they were easy to spot clean with a damp cloth. Colors include hazelnut with a navy rubber base and green-and-blue interior flannel.

The Details: Sizes 6 to 11 | Leather and rubber upper, flannel lining, rubber sole

Best Overall for Men

Timberland Men's Converge Waterproof Mid Shell Toe Boot

View on Timberland.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

Available in medium and wide fits, the Timberland Men’s Converge Waterproof Mid Shell Toe Boots pair a partially recycled fabric upper with the brand’s proprietary waterproof membrane. You can tell that they’re well made from the quality of the stitching and the thickly padded tongue. There were no signs of wear and tear after testing, suggesting they’ll last long enough to justify their higher-than-average price tag. We liked that although they look chunky, they’re actually lighter than expected.

We found the boots extremely comfortable, with excellent arch and ankle support and zero pressure points even around the shaft. They felt good right out of the box but did get slightly softer with wear. We wore them in rain and light snow in temperatures of around 20 degrees and were kept warm and dry with no sweating even after more than five hours of active wear. The sole is made from high-rebound foam featuring renewable natural materials. The traction is terrific. Colors include black, burgundy, and wheat.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | 1.75 pounds | Fabric upper and lining, EVA sole

Best Winter Boot for Men

Sorel Men's 1964 Pac Nylon Boots

$100 at Amazon $73 at Backcountry.com $90 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Available in six on-trend colorways from tobacco/black to sage/dark moss, the Sorel Men’s 1964 Pac Nylon Boots are timelessly stylish, complementing your winter wardrobe while also keeping you protected from whatever the weather throws at you. We were impressed by the high-quality materials and construction, including a seam-sealed, waterproof nylon upper and a vulcanized rubber shell. Our feet never once got wet despite actively seeking out puddles to jump in, and the boots showed no signs of wear and tear at the end of testing.

These boots are also surprisingly lightweight given their all-season performance and durability. The herringbone outsole provides tremendous grip even on slippery surfaces. And the felt midsole and removable inner boot felt comfortable from the first wear, balancing snug arch and ankle support with a roomy toe-box. The bottom line? We loved these boots so much we found ourselves wishing for bad weather just so we could wear them.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Nylon upper, felt inner and midsole, vulcanized rubber outsole

Best Traction for Men

UGG Duck Boot

$150 at Ugg.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

The Ugg Men’s Emmett Duck Boot is fashioned from seam-sealed, waterproof leather and rated for temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit. The gusseted tongue is treated with a water-repellent coating, and when we poured water over it, the inside remained completely dry. A textile lining and foam footbed contribute to the boots’ exceptional comfort, which only increased over time. They were firm yet flexible and lightweight enough that it was easy to forget we had them on. The ventilation was impressive, even when worn inside with thick socks.

A dynamic support shank offers stability over a wide variety of terrain,s and we felt that our arches and ankles were always sufficiently supported. The spider rubber outsole is very grippy (so much so that we tripped a few times when wearing them inside because the boots caught the carpet unexpectedly). In rain and snow, they performed perfectly. We loved the quality materials and construction and the fact that the boots were easy to wipe clean. They still looked brand new after testing. Colors include chestnut, black, and stout (dark brown).

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | 15.6 ounces | Leather upper, textile lining, foam footbed, rubber sole

Most Stylish for Men

Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Oslo High Boot

$100 at Amazon $188 at Zappos $89 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Traction
  5/5

A leather patch debossed with the Ralph Lauren pony; a statement buckled strap; and a handsome leather and suede upper with classic, ridged molding: these are the style accents that make the Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Oslo High Boot a fashion purchase as much as a practical one. We loved the look and the high-top, lace-up closure that provides a secure and adjustable fit. The boots were stiff at first and took roughly a week to break in but provided plenty of support throughout the test period.

They felt slightly heavier than expected but still light enough to wear for extended periods without getting fatigued. The HydroGuard waterproof lining passed our tests with flying colors and kept our feet completely dry even when walking through a foot of snow. The traction held up well to cold, wet, and snowy conditions, too. As one would expect for the price, the construction and quality of these boots is exceptional, with no signs of wear and tear and none likely to show for years to come. Choose yours in black or Polo tan.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Leather upper, textile lining, synthetic sole

Best Value for Men

Kamik Men's Nationplus Boot

$58 at Amazon $100 at Dick's View on Sunandski.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

Our first impression of the Kamik Men’s Nationplus Boots was that they are very well made, especially considering their reasonable price tag. They’re practical rather than particularly fashionable and ideal for winter yard work or casual outdoor fun. The seam-sealed, sustainable suede and rubber upper passed our waterproofing test with full marks. The boots are tall with a 10-inch shaft designed to stop snow from getting in over the top. Despite their height, we found them extremely comfortable and easy to walk in.

They’re rated for -40 degree weather with a removable thermal insulation liner. We were always warm — in fact our feet got a little sweaty at times because the weather we tested in was relatively mild. The rubber sole is chunky yet surprisingly lightweight, offering great traction that our team member compared to “having offroad tires on [his] feet.” Colors range from dark brown to tan or charcoal, and there are some half-size and wide-fit versions available.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 12 | 2 pounds | Suede and rubber upper, rubber sole

Best Tall for Men

L.L.Bean 12” Maine Hunting Boot

$179 at L.L.Bean

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Waterproofing
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Traction
  5/5

The L.L.Bean Men’s Maine Hunting Shoes are a brand original that was first launched in 1912. In the century since, they have gone through many revisions and improvements but still offer the same moccasin-like sole for unparalleled connectivity with the ground beneath your feet. The leather upper molds to your leg for a custom fit and at 12 inches in height, provides plenty of protection from the elements. The boots kept our feet warm without sweating and stayed dry when we wore them through shallow creek crossings and a foot of snow.

When kneeling or bending deeply, we could feel some stiffness in the leather. However, the boots were comfortable from day one although we only felt that they were fully broken in after around 10 wears. A steel shank provides superior arch support and stability over rough ground, while the rubber sole was grippy enough that we felt confident even in muddy and icy conditions. We were able to walk for hours without tiring, and we think that these boots will last for many years. They come in just one color: brown.

The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | 3.8 pounds | Leather upper, rubber sole