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A comfortable, true to fit, ultra-warm and waterproof winter boot with a durable and structured exterior
Take a walk around the store (or your living room if you’re trying them on at home) to ensure that your boots are comfortable to wear. Be sure you try on both boots because it’s common for feet to be slightly different sizes, and you want to make sure they’re comfortable on both.
The outsole's flat tread profile is underwhelming at first glance, but it felt grippy and reliable on most surfaces besides ice. The DWR-finished nylon upper sheds snow and water well, and the faux fur collar adds a barrier that further helps keep snow outside of the boot. While this isn't the best choice for adventurous or active winter pursuits, it satisfies most casual winter usage needs. At one of the lowest prices in the lineup, the Momentum gives an impressive level of performance at a fraction of the cost of other award winners. Another affordable boot that scored decently is the Columbia Minx Shorty III, but it's not as warm as the Momentum.
This highly durable boot is completely waterproof and great at insulating, though it's a bit too bulky to wear on low-snow days or during high-output activities
Value
Given that you’ll be walking through snow and slush, almost all winter boots include some level of water protection. Snow eventually turns to slush, and wet feet don’t make anyone happy. Two decent options for keeping your feet warm and dry are waterproof leather or waterproof laminate boots. Many boots on this list trend toward the casual or performance sides of the spectrum, but L.L. Bean hits a nice combination of the two with their Bean Boot collection. This lineup is legendary and runs the gamut from standard, uninsulated options to flannel-lined and Gore-Tex-equipped variations, but we like the 8-inch Shearling-Lined version best. On the bottom, you get a waterproof rubber construction for protection from snow and other moisture. On the top, the leather upper is both comfortable and gives the boot a polished look. Throw in a quality build that includes premium shearling along the sides and tongue and 200-gram PrimaLoft underfoot, and you get a luxurious-feeling winter boot that can still hold its own on the trail. Nobody wants to lose their boots on an icy sidewalk. Look for a sole with adequate tread to prevent slipping and falling, focusing on the heels. Grooves will also assist you in navigating steep snow. TPR soles are softer than other rubber compounds and, like rubber winter tires, provide excellent traction in harsh winter conditions.
It’s worth noting that a waterproof design doesn’t do much good if snow and moisture come in from around the tongue or top of the boot. If deep puddles are a concern, you’ll want a gusseted tongue that connects to the upper high on the boot. And as we touched on in the boot height section above, a tall design like Sorel’s Caribou can be useful in keeping your legs dry, but it’s often worth adding a pair of waterproof gaiters to truly stay protected in deep snow. Typically made out of durable nylon, gaiters are tough and provide an additional barrier around the top of your boots and lower leg (they’re popular for uses like hiking, snowshoeing, and mountaineering). Models vary significantly by activity and how much protection you need, but for serious winter use, the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters are the real deal. Most designs offer very good waterproof protection Breathability Winter boots have a fairly wide range of heights from just over the ankles to just below the knees. In general, their various heights fall in line with our categories (to see the specific heights for each model, which is measured from the footbed to the top of the boot, see our comparison table above). At the low end of the spectrum are hiking models and casual Chelsea boots, which measure roughly 5 to 7 inches in height. This makes them lighter and more flexible, but they are more prone to having snow come in over the top of the boot if you’re post-holing in the deep stuff. The good news is that a pair of waterproof gaiters can help resolve this issue (more on gaiters below). Remember that getting a boot with too much insulation or one rated for conditions far colder than your typical environment can be a bad thing. If your feet sweat, moisture can gather and make you feel uncomfortable—especially when it ultimately cools down. That's why a breathable boot is a good thing, though it may sound counter-intuitive for winter wear.
Our Verdict
What we don’t: Relatively low ankle height translates to less warmth and protection; so-so traction. Be sure to evaluate the type of material used in the upper to determine if it is truly waterproof. Some products in this review claim their materials are waterproof when they are actually only snow-proof at best. Additionally, any product made from leather probably needs to be treated with a snow sealant at least twice per season to maintain protection. Thinking about your planned activities is the first step in selecting a winter boot. For the most part, there are two camps: casual winter boots suitable for everyday wear, commuting, and mild outdoor use, and more formal winter boots.
What are the downsides of the Yukon? First off, the boot isn’t as stable or grippy on ice and snow as the more hiking-inspired designs above. The flexible construction and single strap that cinches around the ankle just can’t provide as secure of a fit as a typical lacing system. In addition, the Yukon is not waterproof and requires a treatment to keep moisture from absorbing into the leather. But in frigid conditions, nothing out there can deliver this much warmth at such a low weight. A high price does not always imply a high level of quality. When purchasing boots, make sure that they meet the following criteria: The longer the boot, the more of your leg is exposed to the boot’s temperature-regulating properties. If you are going through deeper snow, look for boots with an adjustable fleece collar that you can tighten around your leg. 4. Comfort The way your winter boots are fastened will have an impact on how well they fit you. If you’re serious about walking long distances in all weathers, lace-ups will adjust to the shape of your leg. On the other hand, many winter boots rely on zippers to make them easy to put on and take off. Zip them up and down a few times to ensure that the zips are smooth, dependable, and secure. This well-priced boot hits all the marks with a winter-friendly design that maintains great traction, weatherproofing, and warmth
Insulation varies depending on the activity. Snowshoeing and other more static outdoor sports require a higher level of insulation. If you move about a lot, though, you should avoid wearing excessively warm waterproof boots because you will sweat a lot and become even colder. You don’t need much insulation if you’re only going in and out of the car because you don’t want your feet to sweat. As a result, you don’t have to go for the most insulated winter boot. Consider other aspects that are appropriate for your desired tasks. 6. Grip By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep warm this winter in high-quality boots that will last a long time. 4 Golden Rules When BuyingWarm Waterproof Boots If you’re going to try on winter boots before buying them, do so in the afternoon. Because your feet swell during the day, this is the best time to measure them so you can buy the correct size. Sitting near the top of Oboz’s winter boot lineup is the Bridger 10” Insulated. This premium design uses high-quality materials throughout, offers excellent foot protection and warmth with its tall, sturdy build, and includes helpful touches like a ring for attaching gaiters and a rubber tab at the heel for removing the boots hands-free. All told, it’s among the warmest in its weight class thanks to the 400-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation, heat-reflective insole, aforementioned tall height, and lacing system that effectively seals out the cold. We've found its stiff upper takes some time to break in, but for anything from serious winter hiking to outdoor work, the Bridger 10” Insulated is a top choice. In our comparative testing we found them to be one of the best for warmth. When submerging them in an ice bath and measuring the internal temperature every three minutes with a laser thermometer, we measured 18.3 degrees of temperature loss in 12 minutes, with a final temperature of 44.7 degrees. This wasn't the best performance for this test, but it was pretty good. However, in our second comparative test, where we tested warmth with our foot inside the boot, we anecdotally felt that this was perhaps the warmest feeling boot, with plenty of room inside for wiggling our toes around to stay warm. We have no reason to suppose that these boots wouldn't meet the -40F temperature rating that Salomon has given them. Water Resistance
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