The Best Looking Cold Weather Boots – Winter Boot Round Up 2010-11
You guys asked… repeatedly… so here it is. Years back I used to be very much into the camping thing. Went out in the woods about once a month, did some longer trips, and even did some extreme cold weather stuff as some sort of sick hobby. Maybe it was just overcoming the challenge, but the morning I woke up in a tent, looked outside at our thermometer and it read -6 below I asked myself: “Why am I doing this again?”
Heavy winter boots need to be waterproof, they need to be insulated, and if you plan on wearing them over rough terrain and long distances, breathable. Add all those features up and you’ll be hard pressed to find anything under $100. If it’s not hovering around single digits you can certainly get away with regular waterproof hikers and wool socks. But some of you seem to live in more extreme conditions. Here’s a few of the better looking options out there for those who’d like to avoid getting gangrene…
.
The Classically Ugly: Sorel 1964 Premium T – $110.00

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer of winter footwear. Been around forever, kinda cool looking in that blocky wood-paneled kind of way, beloved by many. An original that J. Crew is now selling. Waterproof, felt liner, not something you really keep on once you get indoors.
.
The not real cheap slim duck: Bean Boots 10″ Sherling Lined – $149.00

It’s like those duck boots you had as a kid only merged with a combat boot. Rubber bottom, waterproof leather upper, warm shearling lining. Made in Maine. These are boots for guys who shovel their sidewalks with one of those old iron coal shovels.
.
The Lighter Weight Retro Boot: Timberland Newmarket Waterproof – $129.95

These definitely look more Boulder Colorado than Arctic Circle, but they’re waterproof and have a quilted lining. I’d still go with wool socks though.
.
The heavyweight clompers: LL Bean Gore-Tex Upland Boot – $149.00

Gore-tex is waterproof but still lets your fee breathe. Also equipped with Thinsulate so they’ll be warmer than the Timberland’s above. The uppers are made of Kangaroo leather… really. But by the looks of them, don’t expect to gain any jumping ability via osmosis upon lacing up. Those things are monsters (although one review calls them “light”)
.
The Updated Sorel: Sorel Kingston Premium Peak – $180.00

They kind of have a galosh silhouette, but they cut down on the normal all rubber duck bottom by using waterproof leather instead. Felted collar, easy to grab and tie laces even in the winter. Not cheap.
.
The Urban Wildcards: Creative Recreation Satoro – $150.00

Some of you will love these, some of you will hate these. They ain’t subtle by any stretch, but your pant legs will be covering all the off the risky stuff most of the time anyway.
.
The damn near perfect & you’ll pay for it: Danner Super Rain Forrest 200 gram – $279.95

Danner doesn’t screw around. They make boots for everyone from loggers to the military. And they make them here in the United States. Based in Portland, Danner makes boots that could potentially last you the rest of your life. They offer recrafting (for a price) and they’re built like tanks. Speaking of, check your local craigslist. You just might get lucky and find an ex member of the military looking to offload his danners for a reasonable price. That’s where I got mine. (A warning, they run narrow, so wider feet guys, order the 2E)
Additions and reactions go in the comments section below…
Danner recently did a blanket 50% off sale on its website. Prolly won’t repeat it for a while but if you are a Danner head you would do well to join their mailing list.
I’m one of those ex-military guys that has a pair of Danners. Best damn boot ever made. They’ll keep your feet warm and dry no matter what. Well worth the money.
Those Danners look sweet. I’m thinking some form of Danners will be my choice for forest firefighting this summer.
Cheers,
Ben
In 1994 I bought a pair of the 10″ ll bean maine hunting boot with the thinsulate lining and those still work great. They have worked well this winter with over 40 inches over snow on the ground since sunday in upstate ny. Actually may have to replace them soon because there is no treat left on the bottom and bean no longer resoles them for you.
Gripfast 20-eyelet boots. For the kinkier set.
I wear the Danner Montana for work and for hunting. Great boot, excellent ankle support and very comfortable. Lets face it, when you have miles to go, a comfortable boot is a necessity. I don’t think you can go wrong with Danner…
These are great recommendations for extended outdoor activity during the winter, but what fashionable footwear do you recommend for just being out and about in a snowy environment? Did I miss a previous post?
Hey guys, what’s your take on these kind of rain boots? are they really suitable for men? If so, how can I pull that look off on a rainy day without looking like an idiot?
Tretorn Skerry Reslig
Tretorn Skerry Vinter
I second Nate. I don’t necessarily require hardcore winter boots, but am in search of a boot that will transition easily from snow to indoors while still looking good. Suggestions?
What about the Patagonia Ranger Smith Mid? Just picked up a pair of those.
I’ve been wanting to invest in a pair of veldtschoen boots – the original leather-soled water-proof boot-making method – but i hear you can only find them in England. anyone know if they can be found on this side of the atlantic?