The Best Men's Footwear for a Chicago Winter

The best men's footwear for cold Chicago Winters provide warmth and comfort without breaking the bank. Getting through Chicago Winters are tough. Getting through them without the right footwear is suicide. The temperatures frequently dip into the double negatives, and you only need to wear the wrong type of shoes once to learn to never, ever leave the house without the right winter shoes. Check out the following top picks if you're looking for the best men’s footwear for a Chicago Winter.

Clarks Drift Black Leather

There will be days where you’ll be looking for protection from the severe cold, but won’t be in the mood for a full boot.  When those days come, try out the Clarks Drift Boot.  You can get this ultra-warm ankle boot in a rich, soft suede or supple leather upper.  This boot has the look and feel of a thick slipper, but it's made for the Chicago winter streets.  There’s contrast stitching detailing, and the inside of the shoe is lined with 70% shearling and 30% faux fur for one of the coziest rides your feet will ever receive.  You can shed the shoes quickly once you’re indoors, or slip them on in a flash to go outside thanks to the handy pull-on construction.  The heel bumper is made out of rubber, and cushions your feet.  You get great protection from the ice thanks to the synthetic outsole that features rows of grooves that give you plenty of traction.  You can buy the shoe in a black leather, brown leather, brown suede or taupe distressed.  You can order the Clarks Drift Boot at www.onlineshoes.com for $139.

Sorel Caribou Boot

For days when the temperatures are especially brutal, your feet will thank you when you slide on the Sorel Caribou Boot.  This boot has been rated to -40 Degrees Fahrenheit. The upper is made out of waterproof full-grain leather, and there is a vulcanized rubber bottom.  Metal shanks running the width of the ball and heel of your foot afford you plenty of traction as you make away across icy roads.  The boot is totally waterproof, and if the 9mm Thermo Plus felt liner happens to get soaked, it’s completely removable, so you can just take it out and lay it out to dry. You can find the boots at www.backcountry.com for $129.

Men’s Bugatherm Original Electric

If you've ever wished for foot wear with built -in heaters, then you will be pleased to know that Columbia Sportswear made your dream a reality, and came up with the Men’s Bugathermo Original Electric.  These slick looking boots with ski boot silhouettes are Columbia’s newest version of their winter boot with a thermal system built into it.  It’s made with something called Omni-Heat Insulation that keeps the heat moving throughout the boot.  The shell is made out of an extremely lightweight material called Tec lite that cradles and protects your foot.  The upper material is waterproof and works together with an ultra-comfortable foot bed and midsole.  The built-in rechargeable batteries and the electronic controls manage the temperature settings, which range from low, which lasts about 8 hours, to high, which will deliver the heat for about 3 hours.  The alloy gaiters won’t rust, and the speed hooks are positioned for ease of use. Find these revolutionary boots at www.colombia.com.                                         

Salomon Tactile TS WP Winter Boot

If you’re looking for another low-profile boot, you should look into the Salomon Tactile TS WP Winter Boot.  Looking more like a house slipper than a boot, these toe-warming shoes are cold-weather killers that will keep the warmth in, and the wetness and cold out.  The upper is made out of a soft-shell material that moves with your foot in smooth, unrestricted comfort.  The boot keeps your foot well insulated from the cold thanks to a bootie insert that is totally breathable.  The insulation is made from 200g Thinsulate so your feet stay nice and cozy once they hit the outdoors.  The inside of the boot is lined with an ultra-luxurious faux fur that will probably make your foot fall asleep in a good way.  The base of the shoe is made out of a material called Contra Grip, which gives the outsole all of the traction it will need to keep you upright.