Winter boots that will last 20 years
April 20, 2012 6:33 AM Subscribe
Please help me find winter boots that will last for 20 years. My old pair of boots, that I've owned since high school, finally broke this March after 20 Minnesota winters (the rubber cracked). I want new warm and waterproof boots that will last me at least as long as the last pair. Are there particular brands, models, or features I should look for?
This spring seems like a good time to get a bargain on new boots that I can stomp through the snow in and wear when walking or shoveling on the coldest days. I wish I could buy another pair of the same boots, but the brand (Sno-Racer) doesn't seem to be around anymore. I've always heard that Sorels are good, but have seen many people on the internet claiming that their quality and durability has suffered since production moved out of Canada. I don't know what other brands might be good.
This spring seems like a good time to get a bargain on new boots that I can stomp through the snow in and wear when walking or shoveling on the coldest days. I wish I could buy another pair of the same boots, but the brand (Sno-Racer) doesn't seem to be around anymore. I've always heard that Sorels are good, but have seen many people on the internet claiming that their quality and durability has suffered since production moved out of Canada. I don't know what other brands might be good.
L.L. Bean boots are still made in Maine, and they will resole them when the time comes. You can't go wrong. I have 3 pair of women's Bean boots and love 'em.
posted by BostonTerrier at 7:28 AM on April 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by BostonTerrier at 7:28 AM on April 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
Best answer: My first pair of Sorels lasted me 20 years. I was concerned about buying a new pair when mine finally gave up the ghost, for exactly the same reasons as you mentioned, but I have had not one minute of concern since then -- in the four years I've owned them, they've been warm, comfortable and absolutely waterproof. They are, however, heavier than my old ones.
And since I'm a stone's throw north of you, I can speak from experience as to the type of winters you're likely to wear them through. :)
posted by liquado at 7:30 AM on April 20, 2012
And since I'm a stone's throw north of you, I can speak from experience as to the type of winters you're likely to wear them through. :)
posted by liquado at 7:30 AM on April 20, 2012
Thirding Sorels. They last forever, and the liners are replaceable.
posted by oneirodynia at 8:29 AM on April 20, 2012
posted by oneirodynia at 8:29 AM on April 20, 2012
Best answer: When I worked outdoors in Northern Ontario, Carhartt was the go-to for clothing and Terra for boots. I absolutely kicked the shit out of those boots day in and day out and they didn't even flinch.
Made in Canada, too.
posted by 256 at 8:35 AM on April 20, 2012
Made in Canada, too.
posted by 256 at 8:35 AM on April 20, 2012
If you are from MN, go down to Red Wing and get a mean pair of Red Wing boots. I believe they'll repair them for you as well if you wear them out....
posted by lstanley at 8:40 AM on April 20, 2012
posted by lstanley at 8:40 AM on April 20, 2012
Red Wing boots can also be purchased at Red Wing specific stores and Red Wing authorized retailers around Minnesota and other states (their website has a store locator), so no need for a trip to the actual city if you want a pair.
I got some clearance Sorels at REI a few years ago and have been disappointed with them. They're as big and bulky as the Sorels I grew up with, but nowhere near as warm. I've always wondered if it's because the brand went downhill, or because the clearance models were some kind of subpar model.
posted by vytae at 9:01 AM on April 20, 2012
I got some clearance Sorels at REI a few years ago and have been disappointed with them. They're as big and bulky as the Sorels I grew up with, but nowhere near as warm. I've always wondered if it's because the brand went downhill, or because the clearance models were some kind of subpar model.
posted by vytae at 9:01 AM on April 20, 2012
My Timberlands have lasted through 15 winters now, and have just started to show their age. I will probably be replacing them with another pair of Timberlands this fall.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 9:09 AM on April 20, 2012
posted by SuperSquirrel at 9:09 AM on April 20, 2012
I just realized I should clarify - my Timberlands are hiking boots, so they aren't warm by themselves. But I use them as my usual winter boots (with socks). So I can recommend Timberlands for their outer sole construction, not for their warmth.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 9:12 AM on April 20, 2012
posted by SuperSquirrel at 9:12 AM on April 20, 2012
Love the LL Bean boots, legendary customer service. But if you want warmth, check out Micky Mouse boots from the Army.
posted by Marky at 9:43 AM on April 20, 2012
posted by Marky at 9:43 AM on April 20, 2012
Best answer: These will cost a bundle, but a pair of Rain Forest boots from Danner will last you years. I'm on year 10 of mine, with a small crack in the leather because I didn't take good care of them. (I think I have polished them all of one time.)
Added bonus of being able to replace/rebuild everything but the leather.
Really, any of their winter boots are recommended, and if possible get ones with stichdown bonding of sole to boot. It's what allows the replacement of most part of the boot.
The Acadia ones also look good and are slightly less. Gortex instead of leather.
Check the amount of insulation you are getting- 200g of thinsulate was sufficient for a couple of Ohio winters without any cold toes, but depending on where you are in Minnesota, you might want to spring for 400g.
posted by Hactar at 10:37 AM on April 20, 2012
Added bonus of being able to replace/rebuild everything but the leather.
Really, any of their winter boots are recommended, and if possible get ones with stichdown bonding of sole to boot. It's what allows the replacement of most part of the boot.
The Acadia ones also look good and are slightly less. Gortex instead of leather.
Check the amount of insulation you are getting- 200g of thinsulate was sufficient for a couple of Ohio winters without any cold toes, but depending on where you are in Minnesota, you might want to spring for 400g.
posted by Hactar at 10:37 AM on April 20, 2012
Pac boots have nice soft bendy soles, unlike some of the more work oriented boots suggested here that have metal lasts. If you liked that about your old boots just something to keep in mind.
posted by fshgrl at 11:27 AM on April 20, 2012
posted by fshgrl at 11:27 AM on April 20, 2012
Lined Bean Boots. I had a pair that lasted more than 20 years, and are still going strong after being re-bottomed.
posted by Gungho at 11:56 AM on April 20, 2012
posted by Gungho at 11:56 AM on April 20, 2012
Best answer: Um, Sorels are not that great. I live in Anchorage and I bought a pair of the Caribous in 2008. They busted this year. They are suuuper warm, but not particularly hearty. I should say I'm a relatively small-framed female and I work a desk job in the winter. I walk a lot, but I didn't do any hiking in them, just a little biking. I also wore them with ice cleats most of the time, which might have put more strain on them but still, only 4 years of use.
I like Bean Boots. They're not as warm as Sorels, but the company will re-sole them three times in the life of the boot (then you have to buy a new pair). That's a pretty good deal.
Also, Limmers are made in New Hampshire, and they're very high quality.
posted by stinker at 12:36 PM on April 20, 2012
I like Bean Boots. They're not as warm as Sorels, but the company will re-sole them three times in the life of the boot (then you have to buy a new pair). That's a pretty good deal.
Also, Limmers are made in New Hampshire, and they're very high quality.
posted by stinker at 12:36 PM on April 20, 2012
Yep, Sorels. "Pacs," I think we called them
L.L.Bean boots will punk out in Minnesota winters. I grew up in Minnesota but reside on the East Coast now, where having Thinsulate in your rubber-bucket Bean boots is considered adequate winter footwear. It is to laugh.
If you are Made Of Money you could get mukluks from Will Steiger's store in Ely. Goofy-lookin' but waaay cool.
posted by wenestvedt at 1:16 PM on April 20, 2012
L.L.Bean boots will punk out in Minnesota winters. I grew up in Minnesota but reside on the East Coast now, where having Thinsulate in your rubber-bucket Bean boots is considered adequate winter footwear. It is to laugh.
If you are Made Of Money you could get mukluks from Will Steiger's store in Ely. Goofy-lookin' but waaay cool.
posted by wenestvedt at 1:16 PM on April 20, 2012
The problem with Stegers is that unless you live in a salt-free environment, you will ruin them. They are for people who hang out in the woods, and people who can afford boots and not care how quickly they get f*cked up. And most people don't need boots that are that warm, even in Minnesota. They're for style, not function. Unless you are a snowshoer or musher-beast.
I live in Duluth. Sorels are still the go-to brand. Even if they're not as good as they used to be.
posted by RedEmma at 4:47 PM on April 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
I live in Duluth. Sorels are still the go-to brand. Even if they're not as good as they used to be.
posted by RedEmma at 4:47 PM on April 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
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posted by sanka at 6:53 AM on April 20, 2012