Women’s winter boots

Submitted by Kastler13 t3_y86vhq in BuyItForLife

I am looking for a pair of quality winter boots. I finally have an adult job and can spend a little more on a pair. I am willing to spend around $200 for something that’s going to last me. I live in Minnesota so they need to be waterproof and withstand at least -20°F if not colder. I prefer a boot that’s not too high since It’s a pain to switch them when I get to work.

A couple I’ve been looking at are:

Sorel Tivoli IV boot (Unsure if warm enough, read comments about quality not being as good anymore)

L.L. Bean Boots (I’ve heard amazing things about bean boots but I’m not sure which type will be the warmest or if they have the traction for walking on ice)

Kamik Sienna Mid L Winter Boot (Don’t really know much about kamik but I’m leaning towards these)

In my research I’ve also heard positive things about Timberland and Doc Martins.

Any advice or other recommendations are welcome!

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plasticenewitch t1_isyfhaz wrote

La Canadienne is the answer for you if you want stylish and extremely warm : https://www.lacanadienneshoes.com/us

Pajar is high quality and very warm, same with Santana Canada; Santana Canada is a bit more stylish.

Can't go wrong with Sorel or LL Bean.

https://santanacanada.com

https://us.pajar.com/collections/mens-footwear/ice-gripper?gclid=CjwKCAjwwL6aBhBlEiwADycBIEqi-Wq7rvlxw_rlxN8_9NODgs0p3uVjJDWCk0S68SBuEWbp2OtkiBoC8lgQAvD_BwE

Edit added links

Kamik is also supposedly good, just not personally familiar with it.

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Kastler13 OP t1_isyql71 wrote

I looked at La Canadienne and love them. Not quite sure they’re in the budget for this year but I will be watching for sales! Thanks for the helpful comment!

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plasticenewitch t1_isyrnfu wrote

Nordstrom Rack and 6 pm have La Canadienne. Seems like Sierra Trading Post used to carry them, but that may have changed along with their name change.

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Great_Opposite_651 t1_isygmqr wrote

I turned 40 this year, live in Massachusetts and still wear the LL Bean boots with the liner that I got in high school. There's a reason they get backordered every holiday season

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Realtrain t1_isyyejk wrote

How's the grip? I've heard they're pretty bad on ice or heavily packed snow

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Great_Opposite_651 t1_isyz1eb wrote

I haven't had issue - I'm not using them for hiking or acrobatics, but for shoveling snow, walking the dog etc, they've been fine - they also fit me perfectly, and feel like one smooth piece of material, in contract to other boots I've worn.

I also have the Sorel Joan of Arcadia, and I would encourage any one to try them on and walk around a bit, as I found them too heavy, and where the heavier bottom meets the shaft, tends to give me blisters right on the back of my ankle that no sock thickness can help. They are the warmest things I've ever put on though, so if I don't have to walk anywhere and am just sitting around a firepit, they are fantastic

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Easy_Independent_313 t1_isznczn wrote

I had the same blisters from Sorel's! I also have a pair of bean boots my mom bought me in 1994. I find they are just fine when it's slippery out. It will be a sad day when they finally kick the bucket.

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taylorxo t1_iszeid9 wrote

Grip is just okay on cold packed snow or ice, but I don’t know of many shoes that would be effective on that kind of difficult surface.

I love the boots because of the warmth with the Sherpa lining, overall quality construction and waterproof build.

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Great_Opposite_651 t1_iszppxs wrote

not to beat a dead horse with the the LL Bean boots, but I do know people who just put the ice spike/cleat caps over their winter boots when they really need traction - I've never needed it, but always possible

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LetsBeginwithFritos t1_it0rpi9 wrote

This is what I did when we lived in the north east and in Chicago. Bean boots lasted me 20+ yrs. The stretch on ice grippers were perfect for icy days.

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robemmy t1_it0m4jg wrote

It's awful. They're rain boots, not snow boots.

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GtrplayerII t1_isztatu wrote

Sorel, like many other brands, has reduced in quality as they got more "trendy" much like Timberland did in the late 90s.

Kamik, Baffin and Pajar are still high quality and very warm. Kamik and Baffin I believe are still all Canadian made.

I have a pair of Kamik lined hunting wellies that I bought about 15 years ago at Canadian Tire for about $40 that are the warmest and driest boots I have. They certainly don't make much of a fashion statement, but nothing is better for walking the dog or shoveling the drive and walkway.
Not suggesting that you go that route, but it's a testament to their warmth and quality.

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Frontier21 t1_isyor5b wrote

Love Bean, but will never buy their boots again after slipping and sliding around in them for a winter. I now go with Sorel.

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lobsterpasta t1_iszoz9p wrote

Yep. Live in New England and have had my Bean Boots for ~12 years. I was always cautious when walking on ice / dense pack snow because of the slippage. I got me a pair of sorels with those incredibly tractioned soles a few years ago and I feel like I could sprint on ice now. They also keep my feet much warmer; I had to wear thick socks with my Beans but any socks will do with my Sorels. Beans are now strictly my rain / slush boots.

Edit: It seems I got both pairs of boots before some recently reported dips in quality for both brands, so unfortunately I can’t attest to how well any new versions perform

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camdenite t1_isz8tlc wrote

Bean boots are not warm! I’d highly recommend the UGG Adirondack, and you can maybe find a second hand pair. Warmest boots I’ve ever owned for New England winters.

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eremophilaalpestris t1_isyl8i2 wrote

I've been using Kamik winter boots for nearly a decade. I have two pairs and they've kept me warm nearly that entire time. I have had Sorrels in the past but I found their pricing a little difficult on a university budget at the time.

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OpticalPrime t1_iszujld wrote

Steiger mukluks. Warmest comfiest shoes ever. Worn by majority of dog mushers in AK

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Desalien t1_iszv16r wrote

Stay away from doc martens, quality has gotten really bad. This coming from someone who has been buying docs for forty plus years. Any recent ones, last three or four years have split with sole coming away from uppers. Mine and also my kids (young adults)are really disappointed. I swore by them for decades.

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[deleted] t1_isyghlu wrote

[deleted]

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Generic_Username421 t1_it0c0pf wrote

I have the short version of these and almost never wear them because they run too hot (in NYC). Still keep them for those days when I’m going to be out in the snow for 1+ hours.

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dillrepair t1_iszd1ph wrote

Just get some size small N1B welco military extreme cold weather mukluks with an extra wool felt insole and a good wool liner. They’re cheap … even after buying liners and doubling up on insoles… and they’re warmer and lighter than any expensive commercial cold weather boot I’ve ever owned even in -20…. as long as they aren’t soaking wet they will insulate… but tbh if it’s warm enough for any liquid water around then you are fine with a size too large rubber boot and 2 pairs wool socks…. Honest to god all I do is work outside at home whenever I’m not at work in upper peninsula type weather… and those kamiks, although stylish, will probably be colder than my oversized rubber boot solution (which I use rubber logging boots for when the weather is between 40f and 25f, or anytime slush mud etc)

The trick is to insulate the bottom of your foot from the cold ground and then keep them dry enough for the air inside/ wool to do it’s job insulating… below 20 or whenever the stuff outside you actually want the boot to perform in is going to stay frozen then you want the entire boot to breathe somewhat because then the only enemy is moisture in the lining which usually only comes from perspiration

Not,trying to be pushy bc I know this isn’t really answering your recommendation question but I figured a set of criteria or reasons for why something could be good is better than a simple recommendation … and I’ve just been over this myself for a few winters in the past and disappointed so much trying different expensive supposedly bifl (as recommended by various ppl or internet) boots and most turn out to be a joke when it comes to real world performance, so it basically comes down to having a set of muck/mud boots for the wet cold, and mukluks for the extreme frozen cold… and honestly the military mukluks are actually (imo) kind of stylish in their own odd way…. I’m a dude tho. But none of my exes have regretted getting a pair. Plus it’s hilarious when people say something about them and youre laughing all the way to the perfectly warm dry feet bank and they have the white cold prune toes. At a certain point… function over form.

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abigaelb4 t1_isyz0k8 wrote

I have a similar sorel boot that i bought a few years back. My toes definitely get cold in the winter. Even with wool socks.

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Dish117 t1_isz0e1e wrote

If you get something made out of leather, and you want the boots to last, don't walk in them every day. Give them a day to dry out, and only use them every other day. Otherwise the leather and glue/stitching will wear out faster.

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randy1randerson t1_isz91nv wrote

I see some people like their Sorel boots. My wife has some, and absolutely hates them. She finds them both uncomfortable and cold.

I (M) have Bean boots - different model than the one you're looking at - and they are fantastic, both warm and well designed for traction.

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Aken42 t1_isziw2h wrote

People love the memory of Sorel. They made amazing boots when I was a kid and everyone had them. Super warm and long lasting. They are not what they used to be. Unfortunately it's a long list that fall in this category.

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MontytheBold t1_isz493h wrote

Had Bean boots, but gave them up bc they have such bad traction on ice

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lil_marla t1_iszh5v6 wrote

Manitobah! I cannot personally attest to how long they last because I've only had mine a year, but I bought them used on Poshmark and they seem brand new. I also don't wear them every single day in winter. They have waterproof and non-waterproof options so shop carefully!

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AnnieHannah t1_iszorjj wrote

My Sorels literally fell apart after a few winters.

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elliomic4573 t1_iszp0i1 wrote

I bought these Oboz boots last year, and wow! They have vibram arctic ice-grip for superb grip on ice and general winter weather (I live in Saskatchewan, Canada and they still hold up). Expensive, but so, so worth it.

Only issue I've had is the metal lace loops can catch on the other boot if you have your legs too close together and can create a tripping hazard.

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InForTheHaul t1_it397l1 wrote

> Only issue I've had is the metal lace loops can catch on the other boot if you have your legs too close together and can create a tripping hazard.

I also have a pair of insulated Oboz (discontinued Juniper style) and have the same issue with mine. The metal loops stick out too far and can catch on my pants or laces from the other boot. They're nice and warm though and have really good grip for winter hikes so I've kept them but not sure I'd ever repurchase.

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Quail-a-lot t1_iszvof5 wrote

Look at Baffin, we Canadians know warm! And they have several styles that will fit your waterproof, weather rating, and height requirements. I personally found it was a lot easier to swap shoes at the office though because these things are seriously warm and have a good tread.

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BongosTooLoud t1_it2jf0z wrote

Yes. I live in Wisconsin. I have tried a few things and love my Baffin Escalades. They are the BEST. They are warm and the tread is amazing. They are also not as clunky as many of the boots I've had over the years.

I found Pajar to be narrow in the toe box and also have variable quality and fit between the styles. Kamik seems cheap, ugly, and not durable (some friends have had their boots but I never have).

A shout out to Xero for their Alpine boot, in case you like barefoot style shoes. I wear these until the temps reach 0* and then switch to my Baffins for the negative temps.

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the_umbrellaest_red t1_isyni3m wrote

FWIW sorrel has treated me well for 5 years.

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galyoungin_ t1_isz53bb wrote

Same. I’ve had the same pair of kamiks since 2017 and they’ve made it through Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and now Wisconsin/Minnesota winters. I remember reading to order them a half size up or so because they’re designed to allow room for the heat of your foot to recirculate at the toe 🤔 also FWIW

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RoseannRosannadanna t1_isypuq5 wrote

I live in Canada and likewise had finally had it with shitty boots that only lasted two seasons. I bought Bogs, the Arcata knit style and they are fantastic. Super warm and comfy, lots of traction, waterproof and solid.

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Kastler13 OP t1_isys1lw wrote

I was looking at Bogs but I was confused by the handle design at the top… doesn’t snow get in your boot?

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RoseannRosannadanna t1_isz34ot wrote

Nope, same as the commenter below it’s never been a problem for me. But I missed the part of your post about wearing them inside - they are veryyyyyyyy warm so I wouldn’t recommend them for indoors.

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greenopal02 t1_isytpou wrote

I found my bogs fit really close to my leg so there wasn't actually any space in between for the snow to get into. They are super warm, but I would definitely recommend changing out of them if you are going inside (they don't breathe well so my feet were extremely sweaty all day). I have found my best winter boots have been a leather pair - I've been able to get a shoe repair person to repair them which has extended their life multiple times.

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srdunaway69 t1_isz3cee wrote

I have several pairs of Sorels and love them!

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tiktock34 t1_isz8r5y wrote

Ive been using Baffin boots for snowblowing northeast storms for years and years but im not sure they’d offer an arctic type temp boot that was low. Mines rated for that but since they have a separate liner/bootie they are full calf boots. Are these for just snow or for actually hiking in?

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Aken42 t1_iszjl36 wrote

My wife loves her Ugg Adirondack boots. They are very well made and she says super warm. Yose are a little less but I'm not sure if the quality is as good though.

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[deleted] t1_iszrtp8 wrote

Those are all good choices for warmth and durability. Buy the ones that fit you best.

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Mkmeathead83 t1_iszse5a wrote

My Sorels fell apart after about 3 years. Split at the sides. I'd recommend something made by Red Wing.

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acouple2tree t1_iszjrei wrote

my last pair of sorels lasted 15+ winters in chicago. idk if the quality is the same now, but they lasted for me and i am not gentle on my things

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Strong-Way-4416 t1_it0ns9q wrote

I have Sorel’s Joan of Arcadia boots (I am not sure if they are still made) and they are literally too warm! Even in the coldest temps!

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BernyThando t1_it0xmod wrote

Not specific recs because I actually just bought my own first pair and am awaiting delivery. If you like bargain hunting you can get a pair of pre-quality-drop Made in Canada Sorels on Poshmark and probably ebay although it may take some patience to find your size. If you want to save money you can also find deals like this https://poshmark.com/listing/Kamik-snow-boots-Taupe-Only-issued-once-61e78371ff7c5af129386f80 where the person probably bought them to wear on a vacation or something and then never put them on again.

I also found some Kamik styles on various sites for very good sale prices if you search specific styles by name on google, although there's usually only one size available for that price. I went with this one which was $49 the other day. https://www.sportsmans.com/footwear-outdoor-casual-men-women-youth/womens/womens-winter-boots/kamik-womens-snovalley-low-cut-waterproof-winter-boots/p/1527622

Another example https://www.6pm.com/p/kamik-sugarloaf-2/product/9404451

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Lord_Bean_ t1_it31l2k wrote

I have these sorel boots and love them! Great tread, warm, holding up nicely.

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Speedoflife81 t1_it4ze30 wrote

If you're okay with used check eBay. Just bought a nice pair of made in Canada Sorels that are like new and there were plenty others available

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MademoiselleWhy t1_it80igi wrote

I have Doc Martens that I've consistently been wearing for over a decade and still look great. I do wear them in New England winter BUT I would not consider them my 'winter boots'. They're fine for running errands or commuting to work but the sole is not insulated enough to actually walk on snow. Also, the quality has been steadily decreasing over the years so, at this point, I'd look to get Solovair's instead of new Docs (which is the brand that used to make them).

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