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The 6 Best Duck Boots To Buy Now
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To keep feet warm and dry, look no further than the best duck boots for women. These classic waterproof boots are built for performance, comfort, and to withstand wet and cold weather for walking, hiking, or comfortably exploring the outdoors.
What To Look For When Shopping For Duck Boots
First off, the duck boot’s iconic look is marked by a characteristic rubber sole that extends up to the instep and over the heel. That sole is topped by a leather (or synthetic alternative) shaft with a lace-up front; if tying laces is a hassle for you, go for boots with zippered sides or a pull-on tab.
Your main decisions regard shaft material and lining; leather is more durable and naturally water resistant where synthetic alternatives are lighter weight, cheaper, and require less breaking in. Though duck boots are generally insulated, linings aren’t a guarantee — one of my picks is unlined for milder weather and two are lined with faux fur, generally a lightweight plastic-derived material that isn’t the warmest option; for added warmth, try shearling, sherpa, or fleece lining.
Shearling and fleece are breathable. Though fleece is a good budget option, it’s the least durable, and while shearling is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, it’s the most expensive lining option. Another budget alternative is sherpa, which, like fleece, is moisture-wicking and less bulky than shearling. It’s also a closer alternative to shearling than fleece.
Another important consideration is the shaft height of the boots. While traditional duck boots are ankle height, with about a 6- to 6.5-inch shaft, you can find boots with a lower-than-traditional shaft height, which are generally easier to walk in, but boots with taller shafts tend to be warmer.
Shop The Best Duck Boots For Women
In a hurry? These are the best duck boots for women:
- The Overall Best Duck Boots, All Things Considered: Sperry Saltwater Rain Boot
- Another Great All-Around Duck Boot With Great Traction: Sorel Winter Fancy Lace II Boot
- The Best Budget-Friendly Duck Boots: DKSUKO Duck Boots With Waterproof Zipper
- An Ultra-Popular Duck Boot With Stylish Details: DREAM PAIRS Mid Calf Winter Snow Boots Duck Boots
- The Best Duck Boots For Winter: Sperry Saltwater Winter Lux Boots
- The Best Ankle Duck Boots: Skechers Hampshire Ridge-Mid Quilted Lace Up Duck Boot
- Also Nice To Have: A Cozy Pair of Wool Socks: Smartwool Cozy Cabin Crew Socks
To find the best ones for you, scroll on for the best duck boots for women.
1. The Overall Best Duck Boots, All Things Considered
You can’t go wrong with these utilitarian-chic Sperry duck boots that come backed by over 16,000 positive ratings on Amazon. The leather upper is lined with fleece for warmth, which is a bit less durable than the other Sperry pick below that comes with winter-ready Thinsulate lining, but it is still solid for most weather conditions. These boots have Sperry’s signature Wave-Siping rubber sole that provides stable traction on wet or dry floors, which one reviewer called “exemplary.” With leather laces and a side zipper, you never have to mess with the laces if you don’t want to, and they’re a cinch to put on and pull off at the end of your adventure. With a nearly 6.75-inch-high shaft, they’re great for tucking in pants on particularly soggy days.
Plus, this pair has a 4.7-star rating after thousands and thousands of reviews from shoppers who love this pick’s quality, fit, and style. You can choose from a ton of different color options and they’re also available in wide sizes.
One reviewer wrote: “I’m pretty obsessed with the quality and look of this shoe. I work out in the yard/greenhouse all day and these are perfect for keeping my feet dry. Surprisingly lightweight and good support.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 (wide options available) | Available colors: 4
2. Another Great All-Around Duck Boot With Great Traction
Sorel’s winter mid-calf duck boots is a highly rated pair with a 4.5-star rating after more than 1,000 reviews, and the quality is sure to last you several seasons. The 7-inch shaft, one of the tallest on this list, should keep feet relatively warm. Just know that the fleece lining has 100-gram-rated insulation, the lowest level on the Polartec scale; so it’s not the warmest in this roundup. The 1.25-inch heel, a little higher than most duck boots, is a fresh twist on the classic duck boot silhouette.
Specially designed shoelaces along the front of the leather and synthetic upper help prevent a loose fit. And the buckle at the boot’s top provides an extra-secure fit. The rubber sole’s zig-zag pattern provides much-needed traction in snow or rain; reviewers back up how great the traction is on these boots. Just know that some reviewers have thought these boots run small, so you might want to size up.
One reviewer wrote: “I absolutely love my boots. I live in Colorado and was having a hard time finding a good pair of boots with traction. The boots have great traction and not afraid to walk on ice with them. I did buy half size bigger to wear with thick socks. Over all I am very pleased.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 | Available colors: 8
3. The Best Budget-Friendly Duck Boots
Want a lightweight but warm boot? These affordable duck boots fit the bill. They’re highly rated and have garnered more than 2,400 five-star reviews from shoppers who appreciate these qualities and more. The shaft is a blend of cotton and faux-leather, which connects to a rubber sole. Many reviewers have commented that the traction is sufficient, but the boots may not be the best for more vigorous activities like hiking or navigating ice. The 7-inch shaft is lined with faux fur; while not the warmest lining, reviewers appear to be happy with the warmth. Plus, the lace-up boots are easy to get on with the help of a zippered side.
One reviewer wrote: “I live in Minnesota so I can be a fairly good critic of boots! I bought these to wear on those slushy, snow melting or rainy, muddy spring days. It was important that the lining keep my feet warm and the water be kept out. These do just that! I love the zipper sides so that once the ties are adjusted, all I have to do is zip and unzip. I have worn these with thick socks and it does get tight. My feet are of average width. A person with a wider foot might not like these. I wear other taller, sturdier boots for snow. These are a great alternative and I am happy with my purchase.”
Available sizes: 6 — 11 | Available colors: 10
4. An Ultra-Popular Duck Boot With Stylish Details
Backed by more than 5,600 perfect five-star ratings, these cute mid-calf duck boots instantly elevate and dress up any outfit. The faux fur lining, which reviewers have reported is soft and warm enough for their needs, also adds a bit more luxury to the already stylish quilted felt upper. There is also additional Thermolite lining that’s temperature rated down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, and combined with the 7.5-inch shaft of these boots is sure to keep feet cozy. The grippy sole is made in EVA rubber for slip resistance underfoot. And they’re designed to be both wind and water-resistant.
One reviewer wrote: “These are great boots! Good quality! They kept my feet dry and warm while snowmobiling and ice fishing in northern MI.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 | Available colors: 6
5. The Best Duck Boots For Winter
This boot is your classic duck boot with a leather shaft that's about 6.5-inches high, a rubber sole, and rawhide lacing. Plus, the eyelets are rust-proof to stand up to the wear and tear of wet and snowy weather. The Sperry's Wave-Siping razor-cut traction means extra safety in wet and icy conditions. Thanks to the shearling footbed and the shaft’s Thinsulate lining, with 200 grams of insulation ( a measurement unit that ranges from 100 to 300 and indicates fleece warmth) means these boots are especially built for winter weather. To ensure extra insulation, this pick doesn’t have a side zipper, so you’ll have to tie and untie this boot.
One reviewer wrote: “Wore these walking miles (like, MILES) around NYC in December. Feet felt amazing! Now they’re my go-to post ski boots.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 | Available colors: 3
Also available on: Walmart, $150, Zappos, $160, and DICK’s Sporting Goods, $150
6. The Best Ankle Duck Boots
These ankle duck boots stand out with a quilted finish on the parka nylon and synthetic upper. You’ll love the memory foam insole for added comfort and a rubber sole for stability. The ankle-height shaft makes them easy to get on, but it still has a truncated version of the classic lace-up front. While not billed as a slip-on, one reviewer comments how great they are to slip on for errands. Plus, the upper is treated with Scotchgard for added durability against stains and water.
One reviewer wrote: “So comfortable, made my feet happy. Waterproof and great for hiking. Great value.”
Available sizes: 5 — 11 | Available colors: 2
Also Nice To Have: A Cozy Pair of Wool Socks
While you're investing in solid boots, consider a pair of cozy wool socks for even more warmth on a wet or cold day. These Smartwool socks are textured for durability and comfort, and they have medium-weight cushioning to support all-day wear, even while hiking, biking, or skiing. These wool socks are blended with nylon and elastane for a little stretch.
One reviewer wrote: “I love these wool socks. Very good quality. If you want warm feet in the winter, get them.”
Available Sizes: Small — Large | Available Colors: 4
Also available on: Moosejaw, $19
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