Looking for lightweight, warm, comfortable city snow boots

November 19, 2022 6:50 AM

I need new boots. I will be using them mostly for outdoor walking (usually a mile or less), mostly on pavement, mostly 10F - 40F weather, sometimes with a few inches of snow on the ground and sometimes when it’s moderately icy.

I prefer a “woman’s” boot but would consider a “men’s” boot. I wear a woman’s 9.5ish.

Need to have:
- WARM. My current boots are Ugg Keseys, and my toes get cold (but they’re several years old and I don’t remember it being this bad in past winters). My wool Allbirds sneakers keep my feet warmer! I usually wear wool socks.
- Comfortable to walk in
- Decent traction if it’s a little icy (I have Yaktrax for extreme ice)

Prefer to have:
- Easy on/off (I prefer slip on or zippers to laces, but would consider lace up boots that were otherwise perfect)
- Waterproof is best, but water resistant is okay
- Flexible / comfortable for driving (but I can wear different boots for driving if needed)

I don’t care about:
- Suitability for deep snow or hiking
- Price, to some extent (would prefer under $200, will go up to $300ish if they’re perfect and will last)

I am looking at:
- Ugg Adirondack iii boots, which are very highly rated, but I’m hesitating because they’re lace-up only and expensive. I am leaning towards these though unless someone has a better suggestion!
- Classic short Uggs - I’ve never owned any but I hear they’re warm and comfy, but they’re not fully waterproof and I think don’t have great traction.
- Bogs Arcata Knit, which are warm, waterproof, and I think slip on (despite the laces), but maybe too heavy and clunky

posted by maleficent to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (19 answers total)

I would definitely avoid the classic Uggs, I've seen too many people walking around with wet, ugly, salt-stained Uggs and I just don't think they're good if there is going to be any kind of snow or slush.

I have a pair of Kamik boots that I really like and are super warm and sufficiently waterproof, and have enough tread for walking in snow and ice without being too clunky for driving. But they are lace up and I had to swap out the laces because the ones they came with were slippery and really hard to keep tight as you're lacing them up. The same brand makes a shorter boot with a zipper that looks cute if you don't need something as tall.

Sorrel used to be my go-to but their quality has really gone downhill and my last pair didn't last a season.

I haven't tried them but if I were you I might be tempted by the thermal Blundstone for the brand reputation alone. Downside being the stretchy sides are not waterproof so it's only waterproof up to that part.
posted by misskaz at 7:11 AM on November 19, 2022 [2 favorites]

Also came here to recommend Kamik! They wear like iron and have kept my toes toasty and dry through many Chicago winters. The Hannah Zip meets your requirements (although I don't know how they are for driving, because I don't do that). There are more sizes available on Amazon.
posted by merriment at 7:38 AM on November 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

I have LL Bean StormChasers, an older model; comfortable, durable, etc. I seldom actually zip them. Also, Snow Sneakers. In Maine, these pass as high fashion. I'd also consider Tevas.
posted by theora55 at 7:45 AM on November 19, 2022 [2 favorites]

My kids had Bogs, and they were slippy. Kids loved them for sliding on ice.
posted by Ftsqg at 7:46 AM on November 19, 2022

I'm very happy with the warmth of my Pajar boots, which are rated to -22°. This year's styles include some varieties with embedded ice grippers that you can fold out when conditions warrant.
posted by xo at 7:56 AM on November 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

I wore “classic” uggs all throughout college in Michigan. They have next to zero traction and you’ll be slipping and sliding all over the place
posted by raccoon409 at 8:06 AM on November 19, 2022

Ugg Brooks Tall were what I settled on after trying and returning about 10 pairs from Zappos, with similar criteria to yours.
posted by music for skeletons at 8:27 AM on November 19, 2022

I'm newly devoted to this low key Canadian brand called Toe Warmers. Light, weatherproof, warm, durable, flat, wide toe box, reasonable price.
posted by Ausamor at 8:47 AM on November 19, 2022

I also have the Kamik Sienna 2 (the shorter mid version though) and highly recommend them, especially for the waterproofing. I just ordered a replacement as they've started to leak a bit entering their 4th winter, but still no visible damage and they're the longest lasting boots I've had so far, including my pricier Sorels.

From a city where winter temps are usually in the -15 to -25C range: warmth is so-so if standing around for a long time with cotton socks, but good if walking or wearing good (wool) winter socks. Not sure about the regular height version but the mid ones are very light and comfortable to walk in, by winter boot standards, to the extent that I often wear them in the spring and fall too for muddy hikes.

I haven't had traction issues even walking my large excitable dog in icy weather, though I'm not sure how they compare to other boots. I do typically walk pretty carefully in icy conditions anyway.

They're easy to pull on, at least for the mid version, just leave the laces tied loosely. I never ever touch my laces. A shoe horn helps but isn't required.

Note, I'm normally 9-9.5 and the 9s I have don't fit very bulky socks and start to rub my pinky toe after a while of walking, so definitely size up to a 10.
posted by randomnity at 8:55 AM on November 19, 2022

I love Sorels and Kamiks but with some leg issues, light weight became more important than almost anything else, so I got these Alpine Boots from Xero. They are not as waterproof as Kamiks etc but pretty good and really amazingly light and warm. I just got back from a 3 hr snowshoe in them and my feet were warm and dry. You could get away with slip on for city use if you fit those elastic lace things. They are supposed to be minimal / barefoot experience which I don't personally like so I put supportive insoles in. 1 winter down and they have worn well.
posted by tardigrade at 9:08 AM on November 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

These oboz are pull on, super warm, and durable. I've owned more than one similar model in the past and walked a lot in them.
posted by Kalmya at 9:48 AM on November 19, 2022

If you like Ugs, maybe have a look at Manitobah Mukluks. They’re much cuter, warmer, and some of the styles are water-resistant :)
posted by Edna Million at 10:04 AM on November 19, 2022

I have these Keens. I live in Duluth MN, and do use them for walking in the woods and in snow, but they are also great on slippy pavement when I walk the dogs all winter long.
posted by RedEmma at 10:37 AM on November 19, 2022

To add, the Keens have a side zipper.
posted by RedEmma at 10:42 AM on November 19, 2022

I stopped buying American boots years ago in favor of Canadian boots, and I've never looked back. I don't have specific boot models to recommend but I've happily owned both boots from Blondo and La Canadienne. They are routinely well lined and waterproof, and many are attractive too.
posted by Violet Blue at 11:44 AM on November 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

Once I got a pair of La Canediennes I never looked back. They’re amazing. Insulated, fully waterproof, not at all clunky, good traction. Perfect.
posted by asimplemouse at 11:53 AM on November 19, 2022

I love my Columbia shorty Omni-heat boots. Warm, comfy, the most waterproof shoes I own, able to withstand a few hours of volunteering outdoors in winter, and even decent-looking enough to wear inside.
posted by ActionPopulated at 2:14 PM on November 19, 2022

I had a pair of Canadiennes once, heartily second! Lots of great suggestions, I think it’s a matter of trying them on, really.

This year, I’m going with Cougars (their Pillow Boot).

Cougar as a brand usually works for duckfooted me. They don’t have half sizes. I’m a 9-9 1/2, 10 is perfect. Oh, insoles are also removeable if you want to throw in some orthotics. They’re lightweight, have decent treads, are warm & waterproof, no issues with them ever.
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:35 PM on November 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

I have these Kodiak boots. Laces, but great treads and very durable (metal eyelets, treads look like new after 3 years of urban winter use). Also a Canadian brand, and I definitely paid more than their current sale price and would again.
posted by deludingmyself at 2:58 PM on November 21, 2022