Good snow boots

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

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I'm looking for a good pair of snow boots. Good to wear out in the cold, probably getting a lot of use in deep snow. Want something that will keep my feet warm while I work outside cutting and splitting firewood, shoveling snow, etc. Want something maneuverable like hiking boots, not constricting. Goretex okay, doesn't have to be thick gore tex lining. Want something waterproof of course. High tops, up to the bottom of my calf.

I have some junker Nike hiking boots, and just got a pair of Nike ACG hikers that are waterproof high tops. I'd really like to keep these for work (I work in an office type setting with a very relaxed dress code). I've looked at Nike snow boots, but those are mainly for skiing and snow boarding. I've looked at Doc Martens chukkas, but those are smaller than my Nike hiking boots.

Also, a factor in my purchase is that I want something sturdy. I'm a big guy, 350 lbs, and need something that will last under my weight. Also, I've got huge calves, and don't want anything that will be hard to get on. Doesn't have to be a well known brand, but something reliable.

I've already looked at Walmart, I have a pair of workboots that are waterproof, that I recently wore to pour concrete, they're junkers, and perform as much. So, no junk from WM. Also, these are going to be used for everything this winter. Consequently, they will probably get pretty banged up, so the max I will spend is 50 bucks. I know that that really limits me, but if anyone has any really good suggestions under 100 bucks, please inform me. Thanks in advance.
 
If you are committed to a hiking style boot, can't help you except to say that Timberlands were always good. However, a LaCrosse pac style boot with the removable liner might be a good choice for a few reasons. I called them "snowmobile boots" when I was a kid. If you are "standing" shovelling snow, cutting wood, sitting in a hunting stand, etc., not actually hiking, they are much warmer than a hiking boot. Also, for somebody with big calves, hiking boots high enough to keep out the snow when doing that stuff can be hard to fit (I'm not your size, but 6', 315) and hard just to get on and off. The Lacrosses are much wider at the top and easier to slip on and off.

Also, they seem to be cheaper for decent quality than hiking boots of decent quality. I put on my hiking boots if I'm going out for walking around, etc., but the LaCrosse's get put on if its really cold and I'm going to be standing around a bit or in wetter conditions.
 
I can't really fully endorse Timberland anymore. I went through two pairs of thier workboots in two or three years of wear on the job (landscaping). After not long, in my opinion anyway considering the price, they started to fall apart on me. I am talking seams breaking apart, and the soles falling apart.

However if you will only be wearing them on occasion, say in the snow, they might do fine for you. I still have one pair of Timberlands left, snow boots actually, that I bought a number of years ago. They are real heavy, keep my feet warm and dry, even when standing up to my ankles in wet snow.
 
I think Shann is on the right road... I like the pac type boots. I have a pair from Sorrell that I bought last year. Easy on/easy off, can lace up tight too. They are somewhat bulky though, but not bad. I would also suggest getting a spare pair or two of the felt liners. Having a fresh pair to put in while the other dries out is always a good thing.

edited to add: Don't forget socks. Socks are every bit as important as the boot is. I wear SmartWool socks almost exclusively year round. If it is super cold, I will layer a super thin wicking polypro sock first, then the smartwools. There are three things you should never scrimp on: footwear, socks, and outerwear/coats. Always get the best, even if expensive. You only cry once when you buy the best.
 
If your feet don't get warm easily in the cold, then I would recommend Danner Ft. Lewis boots with Thinsulate. I made the mistake of getting a pair, not fully realizing at the time that my feet get hot very easily with activity in the cold. They are very warm. Nowadays, I wear uninsulated Gore-tex lined boots in the winter. Don't forget to change your socks as often as necessary. A fresh pair goes a long way in keeping you comfortable.
 
+1 on the Sorels. I've had a pair for over 10 years and they're still completely waterproof and going strong. I lube them up with Sno-Seal every other year, and have replaced the liners 2 or 3 times. They still look nearly new and the tread is going strong. I live in Massachusetts and have never had cold feet in them, even when sitting or standing.
 
SHS,

Of all the good snow boots out there that I've tried---ranging from big wall plastic Klovachs bought on sale at $400 to "free" issue Danner's--- I feel that the Sorels/Lacrosse pack boot that everyone else is recommending is the best choice for your budget and your use.

They aren't the boot I snowshoe in, or winter hunt in, or even hike in. But they are perfect for all those sloppy winter jobs when you want warm dry feet.

I might try to find a used pair and then spend the savings on Smartwool or fleece socks, as Mongo suggested.

Take Care,
Jeff
 
gallowglass said:
They aren't the boot I snowshoe in, or winter hunt in, or even hike in.
Click to expand...

Would you mind letting us know what you use for the above activities? I'm thinking of taking up hunting and snowshoeing myself.

Sorry for the drift, I hope this is still on point enough since it regards snow boots in the outdoors.
 
Wolverine makes a nice boot they may have something that will suit you, or if you are willing to spend the money Whites make very good boots (usually made for logging and heavy work in the woods) and I know Whites makes some very nice cold weather boots. Also the Sorrels are wonderful, but sometimes too warm if you are doing a lot of work.
 
Lacrosse/Sorels are the way to go for the dough. spare liners and a Peet boot dryer and you're good to go. Used both for years and they'll do the job. All the best to ya.
 
Robb,

I technical back country snow shoe. A lot of deep powder, jumping down a lot of chutes, creek bed running, and a lot of climbing of faces. It may sound very unorthodox, but I generally wear a pair of Nike ACG trail running shoes with my snow shoes over two pairs of socks. The socks are smartwools are something similiar under sealskins brand waterproofs. Then I wear a pair of black diamond gaters.

Backcountry show shoing is so demanding that you can instantly tell the difference between the weight of the boots and the shoes. Over the course of a twenty miles day it adds up to about a 10,000 calorie saving.

OF course, you must have your ankles in shape for this strategy, and it helps if you buy a shoe that has the heel cleat for supporting the heel stap on your snow shoe.

If you are going to snowshoe into a winter overnight camp, take a pair of light shoes to change into once you are in camp. Take your snowshoe boots/shoes, knock the snow and ice off, and put them into a clean, thick plastic bag. Put this in the bottom of your sleeping bag. Otherwise, your boots/shoes can freeze solid--I almost lost some toes because of this.

With all footgear, in deep powder the gaters are worth their weight in gold. On really cold days, you'll drop through a frozen top layer of snow before settling into the powder. That layer is sharp. In addition to keeping packed snow out of your boot or shoe top, the gater will protect your leg.

I often wear shorts when snow shoing, although I always take pants along to change into if needed. It's cold at first, but you will start sweating heavily in a few minutes and that's the real danger later. I can't tell you how many times I've taken someone snow shoing for the first time and in a few minutes they've stripped off their shirt and coat. My wife often ends up in just a sports bra, snowpants, and gloves. Ahhh, nature.

When I do wear snowshoeing boots I wear an older, presellout, pair of Columbia Titanium showshoing boots. Lots of stability and warmth, a great heel cleat, and durable surface. I payed about $125 for them at a JC Penneys in 2001. I have replaced the laces with bigger, fluffier laces. Paracord style laces are too skinny to manipulate with cold weather gloves on.

For winter hunting, I wear my Danner Go Devils's with smartwools. I find purpose driven winter boots too clunky or too bright for hunting. I snow seal the sides.

For winter hiking, cold with no snow, I wear the trail runners or cross trainers with a thick sock. I love to hike the boulder fields in winter, and a boot just can't handle the "stick and move" action as well as a shoe.

For climbing, or high country Alpine hiking in the winter, I wear a Klovach plastic boot with crampons. No real foot dexterity, and as heavy as cement, but they are as warm as anything can be, offer a stable climbing surface and cannot freeze. I didn't want to pony up the cash for those, but my toes are worth a lot more.

All the dog sledders I know wear the Pac style boots because of spray and slush. That's why I wear them when I'm going to be a snowy place but not actively hiking. Nothing handles slushy better. Shoes, obviously, suck in slush.

If I could only have one pair of winter boots, I might take the Sorell's.

Just my two cents, and I must again point out that you can only safely transition from a boot to a shoe by training your feet, ankles and knees first.
When you have trained those area, the transition is very freeing and much safer than wearing a boot, IMHO.

Have fun,
Jeff
 
RobbW said:
Would you mind letting us know what you use for the above activities? I'm thinking of taking up hunting and snowshoeing myself.

Sorry for the drift, I hope this is still on point enough since it regards snow boots in the outdoors.
Click to expand...

I use my Sorels for that. Snowshoes these days are pretty accomodating for boots. I have Sorel Quests (long since replaced by the Conquest model) that fits my snowshoes well. They're warm, without being too hot, and have a hiking last, so they're comfortable for extended walking.

Guy
 
Gotta second the 10 inch LLBEAN boot with thinsulate recommendation. I've had a pair for around six years and still going (I only use them for work, etc. outside). I too weigh 300+ and haven't had a problem with them, they are plenty warm and TOTALLY water/snow proof, the gusset goes all the way to the top of the boot. One word of caution, wear heavy boot socks in them, long as I wear boot socks they are totally comfortable, if I wear thinner socks they slide on my feet and cause blisters, so I now only wear boot socks with them, just a fair warning.
 
I moved to Ely, MN from Indiana when I was in the 8th grade - 1969. The first thing my folks bought me was some rubber boots with artificial fleece lining :thumbdn: - talk about cold! - the next winter they bought me Sorels :thumbup: and I still have them - all of the old timers up there wear the same thing. I've learned to observe the guys that don't care about fashion - heck, most of my friends still wear Sorels, wool pants and chopper mittens - can't be beat in cold weather.
Anyway, if you haven't made a decision yet, Sorel boots or replicas thereof really work well.
 
Gallowglass--Thanks for the informative reply. 15 years ago I moved from the Rockies to New England. I had just started to get into technical snowshoeing with some friends, but took up cross-country skiing here in NE because that's what people do around here. That put the showshoeing on hold. I have over 35 miles of really good wooded, hilly trails near my front door. It is challenging enough for x-c skiing, but not steep enough for what would excite me in showshoeing.

But, now my kids are now old enough to snowshoe, so I'm thinking of beginning trips to the Berkshires to do some more challenging terrain. Thanks for the tips. I trail run so I've got several pairs of trail shoes on hand, as well as gaitors from the x-c skiing. Looks like I just need the snowshoes now. I hope, like every year, to get a lot of snow this winter. Bet you know what that feels like.
 
Robb,

You're very welcome.
Let me know if you're ever out in Colorado. I've got some loaner snowshoes and we go bust some powder.

Have Fun,
Jeff
 
the lands end $50 boots are defective.....NOT water proof.

they will tell you this if you order over the phone......catalog says water proof

Bill
 
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