Suggestions for winter boots
 

I've never lived north of Atlanta, GA so I have very little experience with really cold weather. But I now visit family in Colorado every year and we go snow skiing for a few days during that visit. I've got all the snow skiing apparel for when I'm ON the slopes but I don't have anything for just general walking around in snow, basically all the time NOT on the slopes.

I thought I was all set on the North Face Chilkats...until I read the reviews. Leaky, uncomfortable, cold...and leaky. Heck my sneakers can do the cold and leaky thing and still be comfortable.

I don't want to skimp on foul-weather apparel but I want quality for my money. Any suggestions on brands, models, and even the 'type' of boot (or shoe) would be helpful and appreciated. I'm in the dark here.:o

Is any of this stuff still US-made? A friend who used to work on the Alaskan pipeline said they all wore Sorels (but I think they share the same parent company as North Face). My North Face ski jacket seems fine.

http://www.asolo.com/eng/prod_det.php?area=2&catid=5&itemid=26

That is my suggestion. I have a pair of Lowas that I am pretty happy with too, but the Asolo's are the best IMO.

http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=2106705599&Category=2&Type=M

Sorels all the way. I wear them ice fishing and never get cold feet. They're good for anything from -10 and windy all the way up to 45 and walking in three inches of 33 degree slush. If you're planning on walking somewhere, then going inside you'll love the removable liners for when they get sweaty and you have to wear them again the next day. Pull the liners out, and they dry overnight!

They go for about a hundred bucks, but I've had mine for 4 years and worn them for a few hundred days all together I'd guess. No signs of giving up on me yet!

We all pretty much wear Sorels, but I have a pair of Columbia boots that are fine.

I think Sorels are made in Canada? Not sure.

It sounds like the OP is talking about footwear for out and around town, not so much slogging through the snow and standing on the ice for hours at a time (for which the Sorels are the time-tested standard).

Me, I like my Blundies (I own #500)....

http://www.blundstone.com/product_info.cgi?subpageID=classicslifestyle&sub_c ategoryID=130278

They do well in the snow, but also look good with dress pants, jeans...just about anything....

I also have a pair of Trukk boots for less hiking intensive times, or for serious cold weather camping. I have preferred these Trukks over the Sorels.... sorry guys (and gal).

Good God I wish I were wearing my boots now. I wear dress shoes everyday now, I used to wear boots for September to June non-stop... I love them!!!!

I have had a pair of LL Bean Bear Cat boots for 10 years and I love them. They are rugged enough to be in the snow, but you can also pull jeans down over them and wear them to drive and go around town. They are very comfortable and ultra warm. I think the newer version is the wildcat boot. Plus, LL Bean can't be beat for returns. IF anything happens, they will replace them for free.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=57071&storeId=1&catalog Id=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=503390&feat=503390-tn&cat4=503383

To some degree that's true but I'm not big on fashion (and that's an understatement). I'd like these to be useable for everyday use in Denver/Ft. Collins but then also used for all non-slope times while at the ski resorts. Seems we always end up doing a lot of walking at the ski resort. Form almost always follows function with me.:)

Great suggestions so far. The Euro stuff looks really nice it's just so expensive. But if it's really worth it I'll do it.

Anyway you go, eBay is a great way to get good deals on boots. I got my Lowas (current boots) for $50.00. They were demos. When these wear out I will go back to the Asolos.