Question: Winter Boots?

[VTskiDiva]

So I am in need of some new winter boots. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? I have been looking at TNF Chilkats and Greenland Zip, Baffin Chloe and a few different Columbia models. I am looking for something functional but still cute that will keep my feet warm. Also, I don't want to spend a ton on them.

Any personal experiences/recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

(Also, I wasn't sure where to put this so if its in the wrong place feel free to move it to the appropriate location)

 

[KatyPerrey]

Have a look at Bogs. They are cute but functional.

 

[Little Lightning]

I just bought the Merrill Thermo Arc. Ordered directly from the company to get a 5.5.

The Thermo Arc's can also be used for snowshoeing.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Vi.../Womens/Thermo-Arc-6-Waterproof?galleryId=W-F

I tried Salomon's and TNF in a 6 but I swam in them. These have a better fit width wise.

 

[Kano]

I'll second those Merrells! I got a similar pair last winter for wearing to the mountain and I love them! They're incredibly well insulated, and keep my feet nice and toasty.

Well, providing I don't put my COLD feet in. They're so well insulated that the heat from the car doesn't get in to my feet just like the cold outside doesn't get in to my warm feet!

The ones at that link, I saw those, and I'm SO tempted to get a second pair!!! (Not that I need another pair, of course)

Karen in Boise

 

[VTskiDiva]

I checked out the Merrells....they look nice. I think I may put them on my list to check out more thoroughly. I bought a pair of hiking boots in the spring and I was between a pair of Merrells and Keens (that I ended up getting). I don't know why I didn't think to check out their winter boots! Thanks ladies!

By the way, I also like their Thermo Arc Ice model as well.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Another quick reply/vote for Merrells. Are you looking for higher boots or just pre/apres-ski mocs of some kind? I have some Merrell Orbit mocs with Gore-Tex that are at least 6 years old, can't wear them out, and they do a great job in all but deeper snow (which obviously a moc can't keep out!). Easy on/off as well.

 

[VTskiDiva]

Im looking for something that comes up higher than a moc. I need something that I am gonna be able to wear to walk through snow/slush etc.

Although whenever I am in need of some new mocs I will check out the Orbits! Sounds like they hold up well...6 years! Thats great!

 

[BackCountryGirl]

I have a wide foot and I love Salomon boots. I had one pair for 4 seasons -- wore them every day and got a new pair for this season at the end of last. Mine are grey, gore tex, thinsulate lined, above-the-ankle, with very sturdy tread.

 

[VTskiDiva]

BackCountryGirl....do you know the model of your Salomon boots?

 

[BackCountryGirl]

They are called Snowtrips -- They may be a discontinued model. Definitely check Sierra Trading Post!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Salomons do run bigger/wider than Merrells, have had some in past. All now are making higher boots. Into the comp enters Keen, which ran away with their "water" sandals (which also never wear out, mine are 4 years old and like new) - now making higher snow boots based on their original design. Not sure how warm they are. Best if you can get some place and try a few different brands on for fit?? I still find the up-to-ankle mocs (not "true" mocs) to be a bit more comfortable after skiing (esp when having to drive) than regulation boots. That's just me. Hubby is a hiking boot fan, I'm too antsy and impatient to lace anything!

 

[Gloria]

I am in the market too. I had the Columbias for probably 10 years and finally the rubber cracked. They seemed to last and all, but I think may have been wide? If I wore them too long they would rub my heel pretty bad. It's funny though, of all the things I do, do I don't do a whole lot that requires a snowboot. I may just put some goo glue over the hole and call it good for now.

 

[Marigee]

I have some Keen waterproof boots, ankle high, that I've been wearing for 2 years. They are rated to -35 degrees, although I've never worn them in weather that cold. I got them at REI. Very comfortable and warm.

 

[Jilly]

Here in Canada - Sorel in the only thing. Got a pair of Bugabots on order for DH. He doesn't own a decent pair of winter boots. Christmas shopping already!

I have a pair of Columbia's purchased at Costco. Don't know the model, but think they might be Bugaboos. Also wear daily a pair of Salomon Gore tex winter "runners", for lack of a better term. Like them because I can wear in the office or out. But if we're at Tremblant and watching midnight fire works or etc - the Columbia's come out.

I also have a really old pair of fuzzy "moon boots". These were purchased at Jay Peak in the 80's. Just have to hold on to those. Once a year I need a really warm pair of boots. I pull out those fuzzies and have really warm feet. Any one else even remember "moon boots"??

 

[dloveski]

Any one else even remember "moon boots"??

My kids lived in moon boots in the early 80's.

For me:

4 year old Sorrels for hosting (looks like I work for DOT) but warm, and got them for $20 bucks at an REI garage sale.

for non-skiing boots---just got some Born Tessa's for work/travel and to wear in Budapest/slovakia in three weeks. Love 'em so far.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Here in Canada - Sorel in the only thing.

DH agrees and will not blow snow out of the driveway in anything else! :D Can be a tad cumbersome to get to/from skiing. But nothing is warmer or more waterproof. The first and still the best pack boot made!

 

[pinto]

I have Sorels that I bought in college. Love em, but they are for big snow or extreme cold only, really. No driving in them. I don't imagine I'll even need another pair of those.

Have some TNF Chilkats, which are nice too but not as high. The only problem is that they rub my ankle/heel if I walk too much in them. I guess I could find some padding, haven't gotten around to it yet. I bought them for $30 at REI a few years back, and possibly ;-) bought a size too large. Length is okay, though.

 

[Jilly]

I was looking at the Sorel and Columbia sites. My boots are the Snow Angel. Got them at Costco about this time of year, 2 years ago. They just stay at Tremblant for events around there.

 

[Little Lightning]

I just bought the Merrill Thermo Arc. Ordered directly from the company to get a 5.5.

The Thermo Arc's can also be used for snowshoeing.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Vi.../Womens/Thermo-Arc-6-Waterproof?galleryId=W-F

I tried Salomon's and TNF in a 6 but I swam in them. These have a better fit width wise.

Forgot to mention that I snowshoed in my boots back in Oct. when we got the dump of snow. Feet stayed warm and dry. Only problem I had was the round laces kept coming undone so next time I will double tie them.

I loved the rockered soles so much I went to REI and bought another pair of Merrills for everyday.

 

[altagirl]

I have a pair of these that I use for shoveling snow and keep in my car in case I need to dig myself or someone else out. They are insanely warm, which, with my cold feet equals just perfect.

https://www.baffin.com/Comersus7F/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=81

I got them on clearance - they were a return to backcountry.com and had a broken side buckle so they were only like $30. Since I just bought them since they looked like a good deal, I'd never looked at the specs on them before - they are rated to -148F/-100C!!!

Hah - that's pretty hilarious that that is what it takes to keep my feet warm in Utah.