Winter Boot Suggestions

The only issue I can see is picking one boot for "all" of the varied activities you listed. Two would definitely cover the range but then its likely a waste of money if you wont use them again or infrequently. Snowmobiling and snowshoeing are drastically different needs than walking around town or going to dinner. But you also mention your feet always being cold. For snowmobiling or shoeing Id look at something like the Sorel Caribou, which are sometimes also "fashionable" in colder locations. But additionally, they are bulkier than a casual winter boot. The insulated LL Bean "Bean Boot" might be a go to for everything you mentioned. Otherwise - I'd get a pair of Sorel's for $120 and a pair of waterproof, Gore-Tex, insulated, Hiking style for about $80 and for $200 you should be covered....also you can let one dry while you wear the other....cold and wet makes feet pretty miserable....you will want to change out and not be stuck with just one pair for multiple days.

 

Only issue I have with mine is that I have trouble stretching ice cleats over them because of bulk of soles.
Yak tracks are ordered.
You just can’t chance not being prepared in those climes. I would rather my feet be a little bulky and too hot than risk damage to feet. Boots are rated at something like -175

 

i concur on that one

 

https://www.cabelas.com/category/Mens-Pac-Winter-Boots/103959180.uts

 

Baffin FTW! It's all I wear when I'm doing snow removal on my tractor with the snow blower.

I have the Selkirk model. Very expensive but the best boot I've ever wore for ice traction, sitting for hours in extreme temperatures, and very deep snow. Combined with a decent snow suit or snow pants and coat you can easily do any outdoor activities you want and stay warm and dry.

These are purpose driven boots though so make sure you will need them and use them.

I would look at something a little more versatile so you can get your monies worth if not. But still look at Baffin. They are made in Canada.

Eddie Bauer are not the same as they used to be. I had a pair of Iditarod boots literally self destruct after 2 seasons of snow removal.

Thourogood boots are made in the US and are an excellent choice too. Hytech. Rocky. Are both good choices.

Baffin.

I even wear Baffin Base Camp bootie slippers in the winter around the house.

 

Thanks for that cabelas post
I have the Predator pac boot
And that should provide some idea

 

I drove to the Cabelas outlet with those Baffin boots in mind, and of course they weren’t In the store.
Even though I could have had them shipped, I weighed my options and decided that they would do. I had a $200 gift card through work reward points and didn’t have to pay any more $
Rob’s point is valid, those Baffin boots are world class.
Anyway good luck

 

https://www.zappos.com/men-winter-and-snow-boots/CK_XARCz1wEY1uwBwAEC4gIEAQIDGA.zso

 

I snowmobile in a pair of Baffin Impacts, but they are heavy. I would not use them to go for a nature walk. For that purpose I use my Muck Boots. For snowshoeing and ice fishing I wear a very lightweight boot also made by Baffin, I can't remember what it is but it's a light pac boot style that I put Kahtoola Micro Spikes on.

 

That's why I prefer the Selkirk model. It has the inner bootie system and is super light weight. There are just two velcro straps, but it also has the extendable gaiter that brings it up over my knee. They also have that proprietary polar bear sole that in my book is unlike any snow boot sole I have ever tried. I can sit for hours on the tractor, walk in 2+ feet of snow, or walk up and down my glazed driveways and at the end of the day my feet are still not sore, cold or wet.

This is why I have these boots:


This was nearly 36" of snow from one storm. I almost just shut the garage and crawled back into bed. This is very abnormal for Maryland.



There's a 4Runner over there somewhere. LOL

The glazed driveways are the most dangerous part of my snow removal but these boots have never let me down.

Again, though, you have to need a boot like this. If I were going to be walking all day in deep snow, I could see wearing them, but for all out hiking which might include some rocks I would be more inclined to go with something with more ankle support and less bulk. Like I said, the Selkirk is all day comfort but it is a nylon outer shell that might not hold up to hiking conditions. Snowmobile, yes!

I'm a prima donna when it comes to my feet. I seriously do not worry what winters will be like with the Baffin Selkirk. Of course, for the money it better be everything I say it is and then some.

 

Footwear is entirely subjective so its hard to make a recommendation.

I’m a bow hunter that wears 1500g Thinsulate Gortex boots with polypro liners and wool socks. Remember cotton kills.

I believe your feet being too hot is an impossibility lol. Not all feel that way

Those Keen boots are entirely too expensive for being a leather boot (which is not that waterproof) and it doesn’t have a gram insulation rating.
I love Keen footwear too but I’m not buying those boots for those reasons.

GoreTex and synthetic material is best for true water proofing. A leather boot will not hold up to hours in the snow.


You probably want to have a couple pairs of boots for your price point given the activities you want to do.

When you are doing things where you are up and moving around you need less insulation because you’ll be warmer.
When you are sitting stationary on a snowmobile in the wind... you’re going to get cold. You’ll want something with more insulation.

As I said for bow hunting sitting in a stand in the wind or doing any non-moving hunting I like 1,000+ grams of insulation.
If I’m moving like walking around town or going to dinner I have a different pair I wear.

I think your activities are too expansive for a single pair.

 

All great points.

 

I know first hand about the extreme importance of the sole for snow and ice( ice is ice , we all know this)
I had on a pair of Red Wing model 2412 on why I was out in front of my house after a storm. Not much of a storm but pretty icy.
I slipped and did a split that tore my hamstring nearly all the way off in which I was forced to drive myself to the ER. That friggin sucked outright. So I all about the ice cleats and superior sole.
My newest pair of RW boots ( not insulated) have the vibram sole that I need for work and at home.
Don’t get me wrong
Those 2412 are probably the most comfortable work boot I have ever worn( not for winter wear) !
Somewhat off subject

 

Also Gore-Tex and 400 grams thinsulate

 

Have you tried the RW wedge soles in slick conditions? Like the model 10875.

 

For Winter activity snow boots, I always had Sorel or Red Ball rubber bottom/leather upper boots with removable felt liners.
Had this type of boot for years and always had extra liners.

 

Here’s a pretty decent list, I like the Sorels, Keen Durand Polar, and even the L.L. Beans.

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-winter-boots

Good luck! Buy good socks.

 

I've snowmobiled in Keens before but my boot of choice is Klim. Kamik is a close second if I'm on a budget. I live and ride both VT and Quebec fwiw.

 

No have been considering

 

Sorels and wool socks the sorels aint fancy but they'll keep you warm and dry. if you're not used to the cold... layers too.