Boot up for winter weather. Clockwise from left: L.L. Bean’s 10-inch shearling-lined boot, Baffin’s lightweight Cloud, North Face’s shorty puffer and Cougar’s zip-up.
By Janet Kelly
WALK like a duck or a penguin, taking short, flat-footed steps in your boots. Look 10 feet ahead of you. Those are two pieces of conventional wisdom about how not to find yourself in a face plant on snow, ice, or slush, to name a few possibilities.
During these days of way-below normal temperatures, keeping your feet warm is a must, so materials matter—faux fur, fleece, shearling and down. So does construction—make sure seams are sealed—and fit. A close fit around the calf keeps the wet stuff from dribbling in; a cuff or collar to line the boot opening also helps. Set your sights on foot gear with high-quality insulation for warmth, waterproof/water-resistant materials to keep you dry and deep-traction soles (with rugged treads) to prevent slipping.
When it comes to height, shorter boots are easier for walking around in, but if you’re trudging through deep snow, taller boots are more protective.
Lastly, you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function. Manufacturers of snow boots are incorporating color and pattern in their designs and using technology to make more streamlined, less clunky models.
Speaking of color, the stormy blue shade on these Baffin boots is a welcome departure from the usual hues. More important are the 13.5 inch shaft and toggle on top that keeps the snow out and a drawstring at the ankle with locking toggle for a better fit. A multi-layer inner boot keeps feet warm while a heel and front with knobby rubber disks grips the ground. They’re also lightweight, so easily packable for your trip to snow country.
I love the whimsical design on these slip-on, waterproof, sweat-wicking boots that will keep you warm unless the Fahrenheit goes below -40 degrees. A friend who’s in the know about winter boots— she spends almost half the year teaching at McGill in Montreal notes:”Great for big dumps of snow.”
Face the elements in this tonal, army green (it also comes in black) waterproof boot. The faux fur lining delivers warmth, while the slip-resistant rubber sole provides needed traction on slushy sidewalks. The openings for a pull-on grip are practical for taking the boots on and off, but I wondered whether snow could seep through them.
A thermal lining with silver dots reflects body heat so your feet stay warm, while an outsole with fiberglass particles in the rubber grips slippery surfaces. This Columbia boot is available in three other colors.
The 7-inch-high, waterproof leather and suede Adirondack has an outsole with wide-spaced, little rubber teeth to help you stay sturdy. The cuff collar and the inner boot is lined with a combination of wool and Lyocell and extra insulation to cope with cold (it has -17 degree F cold-weather rating). Heavy snow, these boots have got you.
Waterproof with an adjustable nylon back strap for a secure fit, this North Face lightweight boot (1 pound 8 ounces) is lined and equipped with a collar bungee to prevent snow and such from getting inside. Besides taupe green, it’s also available in three other colors.
Sorel’s Caribou, which has been around since 1962, has a legion of fans. On the heavy side (they weigh in at more than 3 pounds), the 9-inch-high Caribou’s waterproof outer is securely stitched to waterproof rubber soles. Warm fleece collars help keep snow and debris out, while handy, removable wool-blend liners let you dry them out quickly if you sweat too much or get moisture inside of them.
Thanks to a front zipper, this platform puffer is easy to take on and off, when you need a quick change into your tennis sneakers or street shoes. Ideal for slushy situations and temps that stay above -11 degrees. By the way, it’s on sale now for $54.98 at DSW.
10-inch Shearling-Lined Insulated Side Zip
A reliable source tells me that this is the to-die for boot for Bean acolytes. Buttery-soft, weather-resistant, tumbled leather with a plush shearling lining and a side zipper for easier on/off. The waterproof rubber bottom has a chain-tread outsole for traction.
L.L. Bean rates this boot’s comfort level as “warmer,” meaning they’ll keep your feet cozy and dry on cold, snowy days with plenty of insulation and waterproof upper. The fashion-conscious will applaud the fleece on the upper panel, and the suede leather back pull eases the putting-on and taking-off process. My sole complaint is that Bean doesn’t make half sizes.
Okay, these are not the sensible pick for snow and ice, but for toasty warmth and understated design that will complement your winter wardrobe, an enthusiastic thumbs-up. I’d wear them with black tights or leggings.
Kelly P Marana Pajar Heritage Boot
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