Thread: School me on winter boots...

I've been a Sorel guy ever since my parents put me in them as a kid. My most recent pair somehow dissapeared between last season and this one, and I'm getting tired of having cold wet feet. What I want to ask the collective is should I just go buy another pair of Sorels, or is there something else I should be looking at? Inexpensive is good, but quality comes first...

Why change what works?


I've always worn Sorel on the sleds, went out and bought a cheap pair one year when. Identical looks, but they would freeze my toes just going out to shovel.

Sorel is now owned by columbia and made in China (or somewhere else overseas) The new ones get terrible reviews. Bummer too, I was looking to get some. I'm still in the market for the same thing

do you need warm, or waterproof?

sorels for warm, Boggs are nice for waterproof and warm

US gov. "mickey mouse" boots are pretty good winter boots and can be had under $100.

Originally Posted by scottyb

US gov. "mickey mouse" boots are pretty good winter boots and can be had under $100.

These might be more than you're looking for--the black ones are waterproof and very warm, the white ones waterproof and VERY warm. They're a lot clunkier than Sorels and the uppers don't breathe at all. They used to be popular around Mt Washington in the winter back in the day. Designed for sitting in a foxhole in North Korea in the winter, not necessarily for a lot of activity in a less brutal climate or more difficult terrain.

what size foot...I have some north face chillkats I got years ago and never wore...i believe size 11 I can check though...

I still rock Sorels.

need....more.....info.....

you are asking a bunch of gear-o-holics for recommendations without providing any other information. Thats like putting a bunch of alcoholics in a room with cases of beer without a bottle opener and wearing chineese handcuffs. - very frustrating.

I've worn a ton of boots....sorels, mukluks, muck, xtra-tuffs, lobbens, neos, bunny, etc...and they all have their purpose.....

need.....more.....info.....

Baffin boots ,any model like this one.They're light, comfortable,rated to ridiculous degrees below zero,& super easy to get on & off even with gloves on.You can find them cheaper online than on their website.I just got the 09-10 Squamish.

http://www.baffin.com/product_p/40000048.htm

I rock TNF Baltoros. I like them because they are really light.

Originally Posted by smthgfshy

need....more.....info.....

you are asking a bunch of gear-o-holics for recommendations without providing any other information. Thats like putting a bunch of alcoholics in a room with cases of beer without a bottle opener and wearing chineese handcuffs. - very frustrating.

I've worn a ton of boots....sorels, mukluks, muck, xtra-tuffs, lobbens, neos, bunny, etc...and they all have their purpose.....

need.....more.....info.....

Ok, I will mostly be wearing these for some snowshoeing, shovelling, playing in the snow with kids (building forts, sledding, etc.) and general outdoor travel when these's too much snow and/or slush on the ground for sneakers to be reasonable.

Since I lost my old Sorels I have been wearing some old worn out hiking boots and they just don't cut it. They're not warm, no longer waterproof, and too low so they end up full of snow. I will most likely end up with another pair of sorels (my only complaint was they're a bit clunky) but I just wanted to see what else is out there.


And since when do alcoholics need a bottle opener?

Kamiks, they are made in Canukistan, they should know something about cold weather boots.

Originally Posted by scottyb

Kamiks, they are made in Canukistan, they should know something about cold weather boots.

The pair I've (Montana 2) was made in China. Solid boots though. I love mine.

I'm looking for boots too. I have an old pair of Salomon snowdogs that I love, but they're splitting at the seam (after relatively little use, despite their age - disappointing) and letting in snow/water. What I love about them is that they're warm enough and SUPER lightweight - I have basketball shoes that weigh almost as much. Also easy to get on, simple velcro straps and speedlace, no screwing around with hooks and eyes and tying to run outside.

So, waterproof, lightweight, warm - in that order. Bogs?

pfft! Xtratuf, the choice of Alaskan fishermen.

http://www.xtratufboots.com/products...es/22274g.aspx

Originally Posted by JayPowHound

Ok, I will mostly be wearing these for some snowshoeing, shovelling, playing in the snow with kids (building forts, sledding, etc.) and general outdoor travel when these's too much snow and/or slush on the ground for sneakers to be reasonable.

I picked up a pair of KEEN Summit County's from REI this winter for exactly what you described above. Warm and not bulky for driving.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/wall/Shoes/men/na/16,504

I love em, the best part is they fit like KEEN's.

http://www.klimusa.com/catalog/Footwear,14.htm

http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing...nch-boot-brown

I've been using redwing boots with wool socks. My boots are about 5 years old and still going strong.

They're quite a bit more expensive, but look for Meindl boots. You can find some good ones that don't look nearly as "clunky" as typical pac boots...

e.g.

http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-0428-K

IMO, best Pac boot made.

Originally Posted by scottyb

Kamiks, they are made in Canukistan, they should know something about cold weather boots.

The insulated Kamik boot is a great cold weather boot to -40c which is also waterproof. I use these for hunting in fall/winter, sledding, walking the dog, general outdoor. They are actually a pretty good price ~$40 if i recall right.

http://www.kamik.com/GenfootWeb/serv...010&curRow=116

I also have a pair of Sorrel's and I love those just as much. I probably use the sorrel's more with the exception of hunting/sledding.

Or for some of you Nancys.

http://www.moon-boots.com

http://www.schnees.com/product/2613/schnees-footwear

Schnees are great boots as well.