System and method for selecting a least cost path for performing a network boot in a data center network environment

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes logging in to a multipath target via first and second boot devices instantiated on a network device, the first and second boot devices respectively connected to the multipath target via first and second paths; determining which of the first and second paths comprises a least cost path; and booting the operating system via the least cost path. The determining may include comparing network statistics of the first path with network statistics of the second path, the network statistics comprising at least one of packet loss on the path, errors encountered via the path, and congestion on the path.