January 4, 2016

So, like Viva, I am in search of new snow boots. My beloved Kamik Brooklyns were just too small in one size and too big in the next size up -- I had to let them go to a new home. They were not the most stylish boots on the block and they didn't have great treads, so were not ideal on ice, but they were lightweight and rated to -40C !!! That's one seriously warm boot!

Anyway, you don't want to know the number of styles I have tried on and sent back. Either the fit was wrong, or the style, or both. Sorels are an absolute no-go on me -- they just don't fit me properly, or at least the snow boots don't. The Tivoli comes closest and it doesn't quite work, plus it isn't super warm so probably not best for my climate anyway.

I have had Baffins and Santanas and Kamiks and Merrells and Columbias and Pajars and heaven only knows how many brands on my feet.

Last week I ordered a few new options to try -- in Finds below. Well, lo and behold, any of them might actually do! All have some pluses and minuses, but all fit quite well, feel comfortable, and work with my slate grey puffer coat. They will also work with the new short puffer I have ordered on super sale as my "fun" winter jacket.

At the moment, I'm most inclined to keep the Ugg Adirondack. It is the most expensive (though all were on sale when I purchased, so the price is more reasonable than it often is.) It is also beautifully made and the fit seems best for me. The only notable downside I can see is that it is a bit harder to get on and off -- but on my foot/ calf not noticeably harder than the Timberland. A zippered boot (like the Santana) is of course easier to get on and off -- but water can come in the zip.

If you have experience of these boots, do you think they are warm enough for my climate? They are rated to -20C. We get days colder than that at times, though not many as a rule. I wear my boots for shovelling snow and such, but mostly for walking. And I walk miles at a time so I need real comfort. I do have a short hiking snow boot that I wear for snowshoeing and other types of outdoor sport activities. But in town I prefer a taller boot to tuck my jeans into.

Would love to hear from anyone who has purchased them, pluses and minuses!

Thank you!!

Posted in the Shopping category

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24 Comments

April replied 8 years ago

No personal experience with any of these, Suz -- just wanted to say I share your snow boot tribulations. We have had a very warm winter so far but last year I was out of my mind after wearing snow boots daily for months, and I fully appreciate how hard it is to find really good, warm, non-hideous ones.

In terms of looks alone, my vote goes to the Uggs.
El Cee replied 8 years ago

Hi Suz -- I have the Ugg Adirondack Tall Leather Boots (purchased 3 years ago and still going strong). Love them! They are comfortable and extremely warm -- and can even be worn without socks or with thinner hosiery. I live in New England and we have had a few long, bad winters in a row. These boots have withstood blizzards (4 feet of snow in one particular dump), slush, ice storms, frigid temperatures, frequent shoveling chores and bus commutes in all kinds of crazy weather. The only negative is, as you mentioned, that they take a good amount of time to put on and take off. You just need to plan ahead to allow for a few extra minutes of dressing time.
Angie replied 8 years ago

Gryffin lives on the East Coast and if my memory serves me correctly - ALL her snow boots are Uggs. She also has fussy feet, so I hope she chimes in, Suz. If not - PM her, maybe.
replied 8 years ago

No experience with these brands either, but based on looks alone, I like the Uggs best. They are a little more "adult looking" than the grey pair, especially. I think I'm having winter boot fatigue already - as these styles seem to never change and are starting to all look the same - like little kids' boots. I like the textural interest of the Uggs. But i know appearance isn't the key here so ignore me at will :)
gryffin replied 8 years ago

Hi Suz - I have three pairs of Uggs snow boots - the belcloud, the adirondak and the adirondak tall. They are all beautiful, beautifully made, and very warm. That being said I hold the Uggs Belcloud to blame for my Morton's neuroma. The belclouds have no arch support and I developed tingling in my left 4th and 5th toes which has progressed and is now a chronic problem. When I wear boots/shoes with excellent arch support, no pain, no symptoms. The adirondaks seem to have more arch padding and with the laces are a more stable boot. If you don't have fussy feet and don't need excellent arch support they might be the boots for you. I had no problems with the talls, getting into and out of the laces. I am donating the belclouds for obvious reasons, even with an orthotic not enough support. Right now I have pain in everything but my keen hiking boots and ariat paddock boots. Currently I have keen snow boots (I am praying that they work out) on order. Just a word to the wise, you may never develop a foot problem and I sincerely hope you don't, but if I could do it again I would not buy boots that I would spend so much time in that did not support structure. That does not mean the Uggs are not fabulous, they are, but they were not a good choice for me. But warm, comfy, well made, beautiful - they are all that but the best for your feet....not sure.

1 2 3
kerry replied 8 years ago

I only have the slipper type Uggs. They are extremely warm so I have thought when my current pair of real winter boots falls apart, I'd try the Adirondacks.

My current pair are Keens and I love them. They're not going to win any beauty contests but they are warm. Keen makes a great footbed for my foot so that helps too.
Suz replied 8 years ago

This is so helpful -- thank you all.

Gryffin, first of all, I am SO sorry to hear about your foot problem -- that is terrible, as I know you enjoy walking and love your amazing footwear. It is hard to deal with this type of strain that happens over time without your realizing it. I am in something of a similar position in fact -- after years of "no fuss" feet I have developed a mild case of plantar fasciitis. This is one of my concerns with purchasing boots. Right now I am treating it with exercises, deep tissue massage, fish oil, and as much rest as I can manage, plus some additional heel padding insoles. It's intermittent and not too bad, but the last thing I want to do is buy a pair of boots that make it worse!

I hear you 100% on the arch support issue; I suspect that is part of my own problem. Foot trouble can start in one place and then "show up" in another, I've learned. I believe mine is originally due to a hiking injury in my toes, that caused me to walk in a slightly different way, that in turn led to this other issue.

Anyway, I sincerely hope that your neuroma will abate at some point. So frustrating. (And those Belclouds are so gorgeous!! It's almost as painful to give them up as keep them!)

I thank you for your thoughts on the other Uggs and I will do some walking around the house before making a final decision.

Kerry, it is good to hear the slipper Uggs are warm. Thank you. I have tried Keen but alas, they are not built for my feet! I do think they are very warm and well- made. My daughter has gear-sandals from them that are great (except, alas, the fit on her is also wrong!)

Lisa, "adult looking." Yeah, I hear you. Don't you feel like a kid in galoshes, wearing most snow boots? Yet I have to.

Angie, thank you!

El Cee -- that is great news. Our climates are almost identical. It's just a tiny bit colder up here, or colder for longer (i.e. spring comes later). And sometimes we get a bit less snow than you, depending on lake effect. I hear you on the last two polar vortex winters. I thought I wouldn't survive.

April, exactly. Snow boots every day for months is just not a place I want to go again, and supposedly this year, we won't have to. But if we do, I want to be warm and relatively stylish!! And by the way, it is so nice to see you pop in here -- happy new year!!
catgirl replied 8 years ago

Not all Uggs have good traction on snow and ice. I add a grippy sole to ALL my boots, but the original style Uggs are actually horrible on slippery surfaces.

It's really too bad about the Kamiks which are my favorite true snow boots.

Have you tried Blondo? TNF? Merrell? Khombu?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/th.....rigin=ke...

Honestly I wear most of my boots in the snow unless I'm doing an activity that involves wearing gear, when I wear my "real" snow boots - like winter hiking. Are you walking city streets or trails?
annagybe replied 8 years ago

I have a pair of Helly Hansen's that I wear every time I go skiing or anywhere snowy. Warm and importantly good traction.
Mine are a few years old and are no longer made.
These look good
http://shop.hellyhansen.com/us.....NY&...

http://shop.hellyhansen.com/us.....%2F%20NA...

http://shop.hellyhansen.com/us.....0%2F%20W...

http://shop.hellyhansen.com/us.....20%2F%20...
Helena replied 8 years ago

No help but following with interest! Good luck with the search.
Suz replied 8 years ago

Anna, thanks -- that is a brand I haven't tried. I do like their gear jackets so maybe worth hunting down.

Una, the Blondos at my local store were all shorties or dressier boots. If I were walking into an office I might wear my "regular" (i.e. La Canadienne) weatherproof boots. But it's my lifestyle -- what I need is basically gear. I go out for long walks, walk to the gym, etc. And the sidewalks are not always plowed, or not always dry, or not even always existent, i.e. I walk through fields sometimes on the way to gym. It's what most urban people would call ex-urban walking.

I have tried Merrell but not the other brands. I will check them out! Thank you!
catgirl replied 8 years ago

My Bogs are a little clunky but very cute and amazingly warm. I hiked 4 miles in them the other day on an icy trail (with crampons) and felt absolutely fine. :) Unless you're in knee-deep snow they are a comfortable height.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bo.....t&a...
Suz replied 8 years ago

They are super cute, Una. Thank you.

I'm still leaning towards keeping the Uggs, though I agree they will need extra ice treads for super icy weather.
K2 replied 8 years ago

Suz, I don't chime in often, but as an Albertan, can reassure you of the warmth of the Uggs. I have the short ones and they are plenty warm and grippy enough in our winters, I only add cleats if it is really icy. In fact I often wear them with out socks and just replaced the insole this year (year 3) because I completely wore through it. I too, walk a lot, so can relate for the need for something comfy, practical and somewhat cute. I have semi cute Sorel's, but I find them way too heavy and uncomfortable (and bad for my arches) when walking many kilometres a day. The Adirondack is one of the best winter boots I've owned, though laces are a bit annoying, even on the short ones, as they do freeze up a bit and get salt stained, but not a deal breaker. For other tall boots to consider, I just bought new black sheepskin zip back equestrian style from Roots. They are fabulously warm and grippy and a little bit more dressy (tho sheepskin is bulky by nature) then the Adirondacks, tho may be a wide in the shaft for you as I have wide calves and they fit me. I've rediscovered the great quality of Roots boots and have a few pair acquired over the years, all of which are highly durable as well. Hope this helps.
replied 8 years ago

I like the grey ones with the raspberry jacket and I like the blackest ones (first pic) with the grey coat. I think the style of them goes nicely with puffers.
I think anything warm, waterproof, and worry-free is going to be a winner.
Suz replied 8 years ago

K2, that is a great and really useful review. You understand exactly what my needs are. For walking, you want something different than for riding on a skidoo. :) I really don't like a heavy boot. I was a bit worried about the lace issue and hadn't thought about the freezing -- really good point. I'm still inclined to keep them, especially as Mr. Suz gave the nod of approval this evening.

But what a GREAT idea to consider Roots, as well. I used to have a pair of their shoes and years ago a pair of boots, also.

Smittie, I am glad you think the style works well with the puffer coats. I think so, too, at least as well as anything would, LOL.
JAileen replied 8 years ago

I'm sorry I can't add much, if anything, to the conversation. I have a couple pairs of Sorels. While warm, I couldn't imagine wearing them to walk long distances. They are really heavy. My experience is more along the lines of shoveling the driveway or digging out the car. I do have a pair of bean boot knockoffs. They are much lighter, but not warm enough when we have really cold weather, so certainly not warm enough for Canada.

I like the looks of the ones pictured. I don't know if this would be of interest to you, but Zappos list the weight of boots. I find it really interesting when comparing different pairs I'm interested in.
CocoLion replied 8 years ago

My snow/rain boots are LL Bean. The ones with the wait list. They come with Thinsulate ($139) and Gore-tex ($189) for more warmth. But I can understand that you would need something warmer. I've never tried the Ugg Adirondack but I recently got some Ugg shearling boots. No I'm not wearing them with mini skirts, I use them as my indoor shoes. I'm in love. They were a bit tight at first around the instep but the SA was correct in promising me they would stretch out. This is my first experience with this brand and I am very pleased.
Suz replied 8 years ago

Denise, that is right. I was hugely anti-Ugg for years. That's because the university students here wore the type of Uggs you are showing as OUTDOOR boots, which might make limited sense in a completely dry climate, but is sheer folly and also fashion madness here. First, the boots have no treads, and secondly, they rapidly become salt stained and grubby and begin to look absolutely hideous (especially paired with leggings as pants).

But Parsley recommended some Ugg loafer style slippers to me so I ordered them. I didn't end up keeping them because they wouldn't stay on my feet with my narrow heel -- but I LOVED the quality and construction was was basically over the moon about them. This is why I took a chance on the Adirondacks, and I believe the quality is equal.

Glad to know you are enjoying your indoor Uggs and I have to admit I am considering a pair for myself.

JAileen, that is my feeling about the Sorels also -- they're too heavy for serious walking. I really do need to walk in my boots. Good idea to look at the weight of the boots; I have in fact been doing that.
replied 8 years ago

Just an FYI that I have a pair of the L.L.Bean hunting boots with a liner for warmth. They are just as heavy as Sorels, but they're skinnier, so are a little easier to walk in.
Sveta replied 8 years ago

Suz, it seems you really NEED these warm boots today, isn't it? :-(

I do not have this particular UGG model but I own 2 pairs of UGG boots and they are both very warm and hold up well. one tall pair I own has a zipper and I never had a sipping water problem with them.
Do they have sheepskin sole in them - I contribute this factor to the warmth of my UGGs.
I really hope you can sor the boot question soon because it looks like our winter has arrived at last!
Rubygirl replied 8 years ago

I know I am late to the party but I thought I would chime in with my experience with the Adirondacks.
My only regret is that I wish I had bought the taller pair. I ended up with the Adirondacks due to a high arch and my food was unwilling to go into a lot of the boots.
Now having said that, to let you know how warm these boots are, I have worn them walking with no socks on. Yes ,you read right. A barefoot inside the boot, which by the way feels oh so nice with the wool soft interior. . I have traveled well over 5k in the cold of winter and not had one cold spot on my feet.
I do wear with socks as well but imagine a pair of winter books keeping the toes warm with no socks, who would have thought.
The tread on the boot is great too.
Glory replied 8 years ago

Suz have you checked out Marks? They have Baffin and Timberland and you likely could try them on in person. I have the Kamiks and had the same sizing issue as you with them. I also have some Pajars.
Joy replied 8 years ago

I can't help with the boot choice but am a big believer in rotating footwear to keep feet happy. It sounds like you need at least 2 pair of warm snow boots that you can walk in. Switching off can help prevent damage.

Pix-Elated

Snow boot style and question about Uggs

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