Winter Boots - Updated With First Impressions

[MarkD]

The winter boots I bought close to ten years ago are pretty well shot, so on Saturday I went out shopping for a new pair. I live in my boots all winter, so I'm pretty fussy about them. I don't spend tons of time on my feet, but I commute via public transportation in the worst weather NJ can throw at me (I've stood on train platforms for hours, in snow and on ice). My requirements are pretty basic, leather upper, over the ankle, synthetic sole, lace-up, thinsulate or similar insulation, waterproof, dark brown or black.

I decided they don't exist in NJ. I tried places that sell work boots, I tried outdoor stores, I tried shoe outlets (that's where I got my last pair). Nothing doing, everything either looked like sneakers with high tops, or like hiking/backpacking boots, or like something an astronaut would wear. The closest thing I found came nearly to my knee and had 1,400 grams of Thinsulate, since I'm not planning an arctic expedition I passed on those.

So I ordered these thru ll bean:

{link by mods}

I hate ordering footwear mail-order unless I know the style works for me because I have weird feet, 10 1/2 Wide, flat as pancakes (seriously, I sound like suction cops walking on a hard floor barefoot), high instep and narrow heel. If I weren't ordering thru LL Bean I'd be more concerned, but with their return policy I figure I'm safe (except of course that I'll STILL need boots if these don't work out).

Has anyone tried these boots? There are no customer reviews, I may be writing the first.

[Darrell]

I like my Sorels. I've had a pair of Caribou, I think they are, for years and years. The pair before that lasted about 20 years.

I have never understood buying shoes/boots online.

[randy]

Sometimes you can't find what you want other than online.

I was doing a similar search a couple of years ago. Nobody locally had what I wanted or in my size. One place would be happy to order something, with a 100% non-refundable deposit.

Then I saw an ad in Sportsman's guide for Rocky Eliminators, Gortex with Thinsulate. Supposedly a contract cancelation from a mid-West state patrol.

First pair I ordered were a little too tight. Called them, the sent out a pair of the next bigger size and an RMA number for the pair I had. Next pair fit great. Great customer service.

A couple weeks later I was doing some tactical rifle shooting on the coldest day of that year, near 0F ambient and 10-20 below wind chill. Ended up spending time working targets and standing ankle deep in water as I broke through the ice. My feet were toasty warm and dry all day long.

[Netpackrat]

I can absolutely recommend Sorels; wouldn't be without them. Actually, I have a couple different pairs, one for normal winter wear, and a set that are good down to -40 or so. This thread reminds me, I need to find a set of bindings for my snowshoes that will fit the big ones.

[skb12172]

The Bean boots should be fine, though I prefer their "duck" type. Just add aftermarket inserts and top-quality socks and you are ready for anything the lower 48 can throw your way. Certainly, your tootsies will be adequately protected for a Jersey winter.

[Bob K]

I've always had good luck finding winter boots at law enforcement equipment and police uniform stores.

[SeekHer]

That style of hunting boot is available through Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Orvis, Brigade Outfitters, U.S. Cavalry and on and on...Danner, Rocky, Irish Setter to name a few of the makers...

There is the Kangaroo leather boots that are half the weight of cowhide and many times stronger available with Gore Tex, Vibram and Thinsulate and what is finally coming into the market is Bison Leather boots...same properties of Kangaroo but mold to your foot much quicker--Orvis, Cabela's has them and by Irish Setter as well...

[Weetabix]

Sorels. Add some good wool felt liners.

[Aglifter]

Ugg, makes, or at least made, a proper winter boot -- I think they called it a heavy winter boot -- that is great. Not as insulated as it could be, but it has a sole, made by DuPont, specifically for walking on ice and snow -- absolutely fantastic. I've never had any other shoe that stable on ice, etc.

Even if you don't get the Ugg, I'd look for something else w. that sole.

Oh, and as a plus, it looks like a normal winter boot, not that suede Ugg silliness.

[MarkD]

Thanks for the advice guys, if the LL Beans don't work out I'll look for the ones you recommend, of course I'll probably STILL end up mail-ordering them. It seems in my area boots are designed for people who go out into the wilderness and say "Oh look at the cute little bear cub! Take a picture of me holding him. Oh no!" crunch crunch crunch crunch "See, my father was wrong when he said I'd never amount to crap, I'm not a steaming pile of bear crap."