Winter Boots: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Shannon Prosser

Store Manager

A note from the author

We built this guide around the winter boots we sell at 162 Old Garden River Road, so every boot named in it is one you can buy from us. Prices are shown as they were on our store the day this went up. If you have questions about fit, ratings, or which boot suits you, call us or come in and try a few on.

Wind Chill, Wet Snow, and Long Hours on Your Feet Decide Which Winter Boot Is Right

Winter boots are not one product. A boot for scraping the driveway and walking the dog has little in common with a boot for a day on a frozen lake, a snowshoe loop, or a deer stand. This guide walks through how to choose between them, what the temperature numbers on the box do and do not tell you, how to fit a boot over thick socks, and how to make a good pair last more than one season. Every boot named below is listed in our footwear department as we write this, and every price was read off its product page.

Start with the weather you actually dress for. The Government of Canada's extreme cold page comes from Health Canada, the federal department responsible for public health. It explains that the wind makes cold temperatures feel even colder, and that your risk of windburn and frostbite goes up at wind chill values below -27. It also names the body parts most exposed: Frostbite generally occurs in the parts furthest from the heart, and that list starts with the hands and the feet.

The same page describes what happens in the cold. When the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celsius, blood vessels close to the skin constrict to protect the core body temperature, and a long exposure can restrict blood flow to hands, feet, nose, and ears. The page lists winter sport enthusiasts and outdoor workers among the people at greater risk. For a boot buyer, the lesson is plain: Your feet are the first place a cold day gets to you, so the boot is not the place to save a few dollars if you spend real time outside.

Environment and Climate Change Canada adds a second warning that matters around Lake Superior and the St. Marys River. In its cold season weather hazards guide, the department says snow squalls, which are sudden, moderately heavy snowfalls with blowing snow and gusty winds, often blow in off the Great Lakes. The same guide says wind chill and cold temperatures can cause exposed skin to freeze very quickly, and that cold temperatures can be hazardous even when there is little or no wind.

Put those two sources together and you get the three jobs a winter boot has to do:

• Keep heat in when the air is cold and the wind is up, which is a question of insulation and a snug seal at the top of the boot.
• Keep water out when snow melts against the boot, which is a question of the shell, the seams, and the height of the waterproof part.
• Keep you upright on ice, packed snow, and wet floors, which is a question of the outsole.

The rest of this guide takes each job in turn, then matches the boots we carry to the people who wear them.

Start With How Active You Will Be, Because Standing Still Is Colder Than Walking

The question we ask first at the counter is not "How cold does it get?" It is "What will you be doing in the boots?" A person standing at a bus stop, a person sitting in an ice hut, and a person climbing a snowshoe trail can wear the same temperature and need very different boots.

The Government of Canada's extreme cold page makes a related point when it advises you to keep moving, especially your hands and feet, to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat. That is good advice, and it also explains why some boots are built for movement and others for waiting. Baffin, for example, describes its Impact boot as made for extended time in extreme cold, snow, and ice where activity is low to moderate, and describes its Escalate X as recommended for high levels of activity. Those are two Baffin boots for two very different days.

Low Activity: Standing, Sitting, or Slow Walking

If you sit or stand for long stretches, you make less heat, so you need more insulation than the temperature alone suggests. That covers ice fishing in a hut, watching a hockey game outdoors, working a stand while hunting, or a job where you stay in one spot. Look for a thick removable inner boot and a closure at the top that seals out snow. The Baffin Men's Impact Boot ($289.95) and the Baffin Women's Impact Boot ($269.95) sit at this end. Both have a double buckle closure and a nylon locking snow collar, and Baffin says each was tested at both the North and South Poles.

Moderate Activity: Everyday Winter, Dog Walks, and Errands

This is the biggest group of buyers in the Sault. You walk, load the car, shovel, and stand around at the rink, and you want one boot that handles all of it without feeling like a work boot. Insulated, waterproof boots with a removable liner and a lug sole fit here. Examples are the Sorel Men's Caribou Waterproof Boot (from $229.95) and the Sorel Women's Joan Of Arctic Boot (at $269.95).

High Activity: Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Winter Walks That Keep You Moving

When you work hard, you make plenty of heat, and the risk shifts from cold feet to sweaty feet. Sweat that cannot escape leaves the sock damp, and the Government of Canada's guidance is that you lose heat faster when you are wet. Choose a lighter boot with a breathable membrane and good traction. The Baffin Women's Escalate X Boot ($199.95) is built as a featherlight boot for high activity, and the Keen Men's Revel IV Mid Polar Boot ($229.95) pairs a light hiker with 200 g of insulation. If you plan to snowshoe in them, the Baffin Bruce Mid and Elora Mid even carry a snowshoe ledge on the heel, which we cover in the traction section.

A Quick Way to Match Activity to a Boot

What you do	What to look for	Boots to start with
Sit or stand for hours	Thick removable liner, snow collar, secure closure	Baffin Men's Impact, Baffin Women's Impact
Everyday winter in town	Waterproof, insulated, removable liner, lug sole	Sorel Caribou, Sorel Joan Of Arctic
Hike or snowshoe	Lighter weight, breathable membrane, grippy outsole	Keen Revel IV Mid Polar, Baffin Escalate X
Hunt from a stand or blind	Waterproof, lightweight, built-in gaiter top	Baffin Men's Titan
Kids at recess and on the sled hill	Easy on and off, waterproof, warm liner	Baffin Youth Mustang, Sorel Youth Flurry

Temperature Ratings Are a Guide From the Maker, so Read Them Next to the Activity Level

Many winter boots carry a number: -40, -32, -25, -50. It is tempting to buy the lowest number and stop thinking. We would not. A rating is the boot maker's own estimate, and it assumes a certain amount of activity, a certain sock, and dry feet. We treat each number as that brand's guide rather than a promise that your feet will be warm at that temperature, and we do not compare one brand's number directly against another's.

It also helps to know that makers do not write ratings the same way: Some product pages give Celsius and Fahrenheit together, and a few give Fahrenheit alone. Here are the ratings stated on our product pages for boots we carry today:

Boot	Rating on the product page	Price
Baffin Women's Snogoose Winter Boot	-40°C / -40°F	From $199.95
Baffin Women's Dana Boot	5°C / 41°F down to -50°C / -58°F	From $299.95
Baffin Youth Mustang Boot	-40°C / -40°F	From $129.95
Baffin Youth Avery Boot	Down to -40 degrees	From $134.95
Baffin Men's Hudson Boot	15°C / 59°F down to -15°C / 5°F	From $249.95
Sorel Women's Joan Of Arctic Boot	-25°F / -32°C	From $269.95
Keen Men's Revel IV Mid Polar Boot	200 g insulation rated to -25°F / -32°C	From $229.95
Keen Women's Revel IV Mid Polar Boot	200 g insulation rated to -25°F / -32°C	From $229.95
Keen Women's Greta Chelsea WP Boot	200 g insulation rated to -25 degrees F	From $199.95

Look at the Hudson and the Dana. The Hudson is a waterproof rubber boot rated for comfort from 15°C down to -15°C, which makes it a hunting and shoulder-season boot more than a deep-winter one. The Dana covers a wide range, from 5°C down to -50°C, in a leather boot with a sweater-knit collar. A single number would not tell you that. The wording around the number does, which is why we read the full product description with you before you buy.

How We Use a Rating at the Counter

We use the rating as a floor for a conversation, not a final answer. If you run cold, stand still for long periods, or wear a boot for hours, we move you up a level from what the number suggests. If you walk briskly and run warm, a lighter boot with a modest rating can serve you better, because a boot that is too warm also gets your socks wet from the inside. If two boots sit close on rating, we compare the liner, the shaft height, and the outsole, which are the parts you can feel in the store.

The Government of Canada advises dressing in layers and wearing warm socks, a hat, gloves, and a scarf in cold weather. Boots are one layer in that system. A -40 boot on a person in damp cotton socks and thin pants is not a -40 setup.

A Warm Winter Boot Is a System of Five Parts, Not One Thick Layer

Product pages for winter boots read like a list of trademarks, so it helps to know what the parts do. Once you can sort the jargon into five jobs, two boots at the same price become easy to compare. The five parts are the outer shell, the inner boot or insulation, the footbed and midsole, the closure at the top, and the outsole. We take the first four here and the outsole in its own section further down.

The Outer Shell Keeps the Weather Off

The shell is what meets the snow. On our shelves it comes in three broad types, and each suits a different day.

• Moulded rubber or rubber-based shells. The Baffin Men's Titan Boot ($219.95) has a fully moulded Polar Rubber upper and is described on its page as completely waterproof and remarkably lightweight. The Sorel Caribou and Joan Of Arctic pair a leather or nubuck upper with a handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell at the bottom.
• Leather and nylon uppers. The Baffin Women's Snogoose ($199.95) combines leather and double-weave 900 denier nylon with reflective piping and a locking snow collar. Nylon keeps the weight down, and reflective piping helps in the dark of a January afternoon.
• Waterproof suede and knit. The Baffin Women's Dana ($299.95) uses a waterproof suede leather upper with a sweater-knit collar, and the Sorel Women's Tivoli V Tall ($219.95) has a waterproof suede upper with a faux fur collar and OutDry waterproof construction.

The Inner Boot Is Where Most of the Warmth Lives

Many of the warmest boots we sell have a removable inner boot, sometimes called a liner. Baffin's Comfort-Fit inner boot is a multi-layer system: On the Impact it combines a Thermaplush lining, B-Tek foam, and Double B-Tek Heat insulation, with a vapourized aluminum membrane for energy reflection and heat regulation. Sorel's Caribou has a removable 9 mm washable recycled felt inner boot with a Sherpa pile snow cuff, and the Joan Of Arctic has a removable 6 mm recycled felt inner boot with a faux fur snow cuff.

Why do we like removable liners? Because you can take them out. A liner that comes out can dry on its own overnight, and you can carry a second pair in the truck if you work outside. Our take: If you spend long days in your boots, a removable inner boot is worth paying for.

Not every warm boot uses a felt liner. The Keen Women's Revel IV Mid Polar and its men's version use 200 g of KEEN.WARM recycled PET insulation. The Merrell Men's Moab Speed 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof ($259.95) uses 200 grams of PrimaLoft Gold Eco and a SOLARCORE aerogel insole that stays thin and flexible. The Columbia Women's Minx IV Boot - Wide ($159.95) uses an Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining. Those fixed-insulation designs weigh less, which suits people who walk a lot.

The Footbed and Midsole Stop the Cold From Coming Up Through the Sole

Heat also leaves through the sole when you stand on snow or a frozen floor, so look at what is under your foot. Baffin pairs a waffle-comb footbed with a double aluminum insole on the Titan and the Impact. Sorel calls its layer a bonded felt frost plug: The Caribou has a 2.5 mm one, and the Joan Of Arctic has a 25 mm one. Keen puts a Thermal Heat Shield insole in its Revel and Greta boots to trap heat.

The Closure at the Top Keeps Snow From Falling In

Deep snow finds the gap at the top of a boot. Look for a snow collar or a built-in gaiter. The Titan has a built-in gaiter on top and a nylon snow collar. The Impact has a double buckle closure and a nylon locking snow collar. The Sorel Youth Flurry ($89.95) has a built-in gaiter with a barrel lock closure and a fixed elastic instep strap, which suits kids who run through drifts.

Waterproof Means More Than a Label, so Check the Seams, the Laces, and the Height

Almost every winter boot we carry says "waterproof," and the word means something specific. Look past it to three details.

Seam-Sealed Construction

Water enters a boot at the seams first. The Caribou Waterproof and the Joan Of Arctic both list seam-sealed waterproof construction on their pages. Baffin uses a B-Tek Dry waterproof base, and Keen uses its KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, which also lets moisture out. A breathable membrane matters most when you are working hard.

Laces and Zippers Are Often the Weak Point

Read the fine print. Sorel's pages for the Caribou, the Tivoli V Tall, and the Out N About IV Classic all say the laces are not waterproof, and the Tivoli V Tall adds that its zippers are not waterproof either. That does not make them poor boots. It means a lace-up boot is waterproof up to the lace line, and water that runs down a pant leg or over the top still gets in. If you wade through slush at the end of a driveway, a taller shaft or a gaiter deserves more of your attention than the waterproof badge.

Shaft Height Tells You How Deep a Snowbank You Can Handle

Shaft height is the distance from the arch to the top of the boot. Here is what the pages list for several popular boots:

Boot	Listed shaft height	Price
Sorel Women's Joan Of Arctic	12 in (30.5 cm)	From $269.95
Sorel Women's Tivoli V Tall	10 1/2 in (size 7)	From $219.95
Sorel Men's Caribou Waterproof	10 in (size 9)	From $229.95
Baffin Men's Hudson	8 in tall	From $249.95
Sorel Women's Out N About IV Classic	5 in (size 7)	From $149.95

The Out N About IV Classic is a waterproof duck boot with a waterproof vulcanized rubber shell. At a 5 inch shaft it is a boot for wet slush and cold mornings in town, not for a snowbank. The Joan Of Arctic at 12 inches reaches well up the calf. Pick the height for the snow you meet, not for the look.

Gaiters Close the Gap at the Top

A gaiter is a sleeve that fits over the top of the boot and the bottom of your pant leg. We carry a short list from Outdoor Research. The Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters ($45.00 in L/XL) are made from 420D nylon packcloth with a hook and loop front closure, and the page says to pair them with hiking boots or cross-country ski boots to keep rocks, dirt, and light snow out. They are a low-top design for the hiking and snowshoeing boots in this guide rather than the tall pac boots.

Traction Decides Whether a Good Boot Is Also a Safe One

Warmth gets the attention in a boot ad, but a fall costs more than cold toes. The Government of Canada's cold season weather guide notes that freezing rain can make driving and even walking dangerous. Glare ice and packed snow turn up on driveways, parking lots, and trails all winter, and the outsole is the only thing between you and the ground. Here is how to read the outsole claims on the boots we sell.

Outsole Names Worth Knowing

• Baffin IceBite. The Baffin Men's Bruce Mid Hiking Boot ($249.95) and the Baffin Women's Elora Mid Hiking Boot ($249.95) use IceBite grip, which Baffin says gives better slip resistance on ice than conventional rubber. Both also list a heel counter with a snowshoe ledge, so a snowshoe binding has something to hold on to.
• Baffin LiteGrip Blend and Hex. The Escalate X ($199.95) has a Hex-designed LiteGrip Blend outsole, a reinforced Hex toecap, and Polar Rubber on the heel and forefoot. Baffin says it includes some of its most comprehensive proprietary anti-slip technology.
• Keen Polar Traction and Keen Freeze. The Revel IV Polar boots have a KEEN.Polar Traction outsole with 5 mm multi-directional lugs for snow and ice. The Greta Chelsea WP ($199.95) uses a KEEN.FREEZE outsole for cold-weather traction.
• Vibram winter compounds. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Thermo Mid uses a Vibram Icetrek outsole, the Merrell Siren 4 Thermo Mid (from $249.95) uses a Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsole, and the Sorel Men's Caribou Gore-Tex ($399.95) uses a molded XS TREK EVO Vibram compound.
• Sorel aero-trac and lug soles. The Caribou uses a Sorel aero-trac non-loading outsole, which is Sorel's name for the design. The Youth Flurry and the Snow Commander use a multi-directional lug outsole.

Our take: An outsole name is a starting point, not a guarantee on glare ice. Press the sole with your thumb in the store, look at how deep and widely spaced the lugs are, and ask whether it suits the surface you meet most. No outsole makes ice safe.

Add Traction When the Walk Is Icy

When a driveway or trail turns to ice, a slip-on traction device is the cheapest upgrade we sell. All three below stretch over the footwear you already own.

• The YakTrax Quicktrax ($9.95) stretches over the toe of any shoe and has short tungsten carbide spikes. It is one size, fitting women's size 6 to men's size 12, and it suits a quick trip to the mailbox.
• The YakTrax Chains ($39.95) have a ladder pattern that gives traction from heel to toe. They use case-hardened steel chains with a zinc coating and a natural rubber sling that stays flexible in cold temperatures, and they come in S, M, L, and XL.
• The YakTrax Diamond Go ($54.95) is the brand's most portable traction aid. Diamond-shaped alloy beads bite into ice without large spikes, and a carrying case fits a pocket. It comes in S, M, and L, and it suits dog walks, grocery runs, and short day hikes.

Take traction devices off before you walk on tile or a hard floor. Check the sizing on the page before you buy, because a loose device slides around and a tight one is hard to fit.

Fit Is the Part No Spec Sheet Can Fix, so Plan It Around Your Socks

A fitting error undoes everything above. The Government of Canada's extreme cold page says cold can restrict blood flow to the hands and feet, so a tight boot is the last thing you want to add to that. Boots that are too loose let your heel lift, and the foot slides, rubs, and blisters. Our approach in the store is to settle the sock first and the boot second.

Bring the Socks You Will Wear

Try boots on with the socks you plan to wear all winter. A thin dress sock and a thick wool sock can change how the same boot fits. If you plan to wear two pairs, bring both. If you will wear the boot with a thick hunting sock, bring that sock, not the thin one from your pocket.

Check the Room at the Toes and the Lock at the Heel

With the laces or closure done up, you should be able to wiggle your toes and feel your heel stay put when you walk. Stand, then walk a few steps and climb a stair if you can, and check that the heel does not lift. Sorel's Caribou and Joan Of Arctic boots, for instance, have removable inner boots, so slip the liner out and make sure your foot fits in it alone as well as in the full boot.

Know What Sizes Are Listed

Each product page lists the sizes in stock, and they differ from boot to boot. The Baffin Men's Titan runs from men's 5 to 14. The Baffin Men's Impact runs from 7 to 15. The women's Impact runs 6 to 11, the Joan Of Arctic runs 6 to 10 1/2 in half sizes, and the Escalate X runs 6 to 10. The Columbia Minx IV Boot - Wide is listed in sizes 7 to 9. If a boot is listed as "availability varies," call us at (705) 253-2361 before you drive over, and we will confirm your size.

Different Brands Fit Differently

Baffin lists many of its inner boots as Comfort-Fit, with a women's fit on the Snogoose, and Fixed-Fit on the Escalate X, Bruce Mid, and Elora Mid. The Keen Revel and Merrell Moab are built like hiking footwear, while the Sorel Caribou and Baffin Impact are built around a thick liner, so they do not feel alike on the foot. If you wear the same size in running shoes and hiking boots, do not assume the same size in a winter boot. Try on at least two brands.

The Right Sock Does as Much for Warm Feet as the Boot, and Cotton Is the One to Leave Home

Two people in the same boot can have very different afternoons because of their socks. The Government of Canada's extreme cold page says that synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation, and that some synthetics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body. It also says you lose heat faster when you are wet. That second line is why we steer people away from cotton for winter boots: Cotton is not among the fabrics the page recommends, and a damp sock is a cold one, so we would not gamble on it.

What should you wear instead? We stock merino wool socks from Darn Tough, a Vermont maker that backs its socks with a lifetime guarantee, according to the product pages. Merino is fine-gauge wool, and the pages describe it as breathable, quick drying, and naturally antimicrobial. Here are the winter-relevant options, with weights as listed:

Sock	Height and weight	Page details	Price
Darn Tough Men's Hunter Over-the-Calf	Over the calf, heavyweight, extra cushion	77% merino wool, 19% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex; Zero Friction Heel	From $48.95
Darn Tough Men's Heady Yeti	Over the calf, midweight, about 17 in heel to cuff	Terry loop cushioning underfoot; performance fit	From $38.95
Darn Tough Men's Hike / Trek Boot Cushion	Crew height, medium weight	67% merino wool, 29% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex	From $39.95
Darn Tough Women's Hike / Trek Boot Full Cushion	Boot length, full cushion	69% merino wool, 27% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex	From $42.95
Darn Tough Women's Gatewood Boot Full Cushion	Boot height, about 10.5 in heel to cuff, midweight	67% merino wool, 30% nylon, 3% elastane	From $42.95

Match the Sock to the Boot

The Hunter is the one we point to for the coldest, slowest days. Darn Tough calls it the brand's burliest hunting sock, made for days when it is brutally cold and you are still going out. It is a good pairing with a high-insulation boot such as the Impact or the Titan. Remember that a thick sock needs room, so try the boot on with it.

The Heady Yeti is a ski and ride sock, and its over-the-calf cuff stays up under a tall pac boot. For an active day in a hiking-style boot, such as the Keen Revel or the Baffin Bruce Mid, a medium-weight boot-height sock is the better fit, because a bulky sock in a snug hiker squeezes the foot and cools it. We would rather you wear a thinner sock in a boot that fits than a thick sock in one that does not.

Think Twice Before Doubling Up Your Socks

Layering two thin pairs is a habit we see often. It can work with wool, but a second pair takes up room in the boot, and cotton is the wrong fabric for either layer. If your toes get cold in a boot that fits, the usual fix is a better single sock, not a second pair.

Men's Winter Boots: From a Light Hunting Boot to a Polar-Tested Pac

Men's winter boots at the Sault store run from a lightweight waterproof hunting boot to heavy cold-weather pacs and warm, grippy hikers. The list below sorts them by the day you would reach for each one. All prices come from the product pages as we write this.

Baffin Men's Impact Boot: When You Stand in the Cold for Hours

The Baffin Men's Impact Boot is $289.95, and it is the warmest boot in this guide for people who stay put. Baffin says it was tested at both the North and South Poles and describes it as the highest level of cold comfort in its range. It has a double buckle fastening, a nylon locking snow collar, an Arctic Rubber shell, and a removable Comfort-Fit inner boot with Thermaplush lining, B-Tek foam, and Double B-Tek Heat insulation. It comes in Black and Snow Camo, in men's sizes 7 to 15. Our take: Pick this if you spend hours on a frozen lake, at the rink, or on a stand. It is more boot than you need for a walk to the mailbox.

Baffin Men's Titan Boot: Lightweight, Waterproof, and Made in Canada

The Baffin Men's Titan Boot is $219.95. The page calls it a winter hunting boot for all-day cold weather outings, remarkably lightweight, completely waterproof, and made in Canada. It has a fully moulded Polar Rubber upper, a nylon snow collar, a built-in gaiter on top, and B-Tek Dry waterproofing. The removable inner boot has a Thermaplush layer and Double B-Tek Heat insulation. Sizes run from 5 to 14 in Black and Forest/Black. It suits hunters.

Sorel Men's Caribou Waterproof Boot: The Everyday Winter Classic

The Sorel Men's Caribou Waterproof Boot starts at $229.95. The page describes it as made for everyday cold weather activities, with seam-sealed waterproof construction and a nubuck upper that provide comfort and traction. Inside is a removable 9 mm washable recycled felt inner boot with a Sherpa pile snow cuff, a 2.5 mm bonded felt frost plug midsole, and a vulcanized rubber shell. The shaft is 10 in tall on a size 9, and sizes run 8 to 13 with half sizes from 8.5 to 11.5 in Bruno and Buff. The laces are not waterproof, so keep your pant leg over the lace line when you wade through slush.

Sorel Men's Caribou Gore-Tex Boot: A Lighter Take on the Classic

The Sorel Men's Caribou Gore-Tex Boot is $399.95. It is a lace-up, over-the-ankle boot with a rubber shell, a waterproof build, 200 g of insulation, and a Vibram outsole, and Sorel describes it as lightweight, flexible, and warm. It is the higher-priced option for someone who likes the Caribou name and wants a lighter feel. The page lists sizes 9.5, 10, 10.5, and 11, so call us to check yours.

Baffin Men's Hudson Boot: A Waterproof Boot for Mild-To-Cold Days

The Baffin Men's Hudson Boot is $249.95. It is an 8-inch waterproof rubber boot with pull-on ledges, rated for comfort from 15°C down to -15°C. It uses a B-Tek Dry bootie construction, a B-Tek Scent-Free anti-microbial lining, and an anti-fatigue dual-density midsole. Brown, Mossy Oak, and Real Tree are the colours, in men's sizes 8 to 14. It fits the early hunting season and late fall chores better than a January day on the ice.

Hiking-Style Winter Boots for Men

If you plan to walk, snowshoe, or hike through the winter, a hiker with insulation and a winter outsole is the better choice. We carry three.

• The Keen Men's Revel IV Mid Polar Boot ($229.95) has 200 g of KEEN.WARM recycled PET insulation rated to -25°F / -32°C, a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, and a KEEN.Polar Traction outsole. It comes in men's sizes 8 to 14.
• The Baffin Men's Bruce Mid Hiking Boot ($249.95) has IceBite grip, a speed-lace front, and a B-Tek Dry waterproof breathable build, in men's sizes 8.5 to 13 with availability varying.
• The Merrell Men's Moab Speed 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof ($259.95) has 200 grams of PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation, a SOLARCORE aerogel insole, and a Vibram Icetrek outsole, in Olive and Triple Black, men's sizes 8.5 to 13.

Women's Winter Boots: Warm Pacs, Light Hikers, and Boots You Can Wear to Work

The women's selection is the widest in the department. It ranges from a waterproof duck boot for slush to a polar-tested pac. We have grouped it by how you will use the boot, not by brand.

Warmest for Standing and Long Days

The Baffin Women's Impact Boot ($269.95) is the warm end of the range. Baffin says it was tested at both the North and South Poles and made for extended time in extreme cold, snow, and ice where activity levels are low to moderate. It has double buckle fastening, a nylon locking snow collar, a pull loop at the back for ease of entry, and what Baffin calls the most comprehensive inner boot system in its range. It comes in Black, in sizes 6 to 11.

The Baffin Women's Snogoose Winter Boot ($199.95) is rated to -40°C / -40°F and is built for the trail or around town. It is a slip-on with a pull loop, a leather and double-weave 900 denier nylon upper, a locking snow collar, and a removable multi-layer Comfort-Fit inner boot made for a women's fit. It comes in Black and Charcoal, in sizes 6 to 11, and it costs about $70 less than the Impact.

The Classic Pac for Town and Country

The Sorel Women's Joan Of Arctic Boot ($269.95) is the classic. The page calls it a now-classic silhouette with a waterproof full-grain leather and suede upper. It has seam-sealed waterproof construction, a removable 6 mm recycled felt inner boot with a faux fur snow cuff, a 25 mm bonded felt frost plug midsole, and a herringbone outsole. Sorel rates it to -25°F / -32°C, and the shaft is 12 in tall. It comes in Black, Black/Quarry, Camel Brown, Nori, and Shale, in sizes 6 to 10 1/2.

The Sorel Women's Tivoli V Tall Winter Boot ($219.95) trades the pac look for a softer, more fashionable one: a waterproof suede upper with a faux fur collar, a microfleece lining, and 200 g of insulation. The shaft is 10 1/2 in. It comes in Black/Natural and Velvet Tan/Tobacco, in sizes 7.5 to 9.5. Check the sizing before you plan on it, because the range is narrow.

A Leather Boot for the Cold That Still Looks Good

The Baffin Women's Dana Boot ($299.95) has a waterproof suede leather upper with a sweater-knit collar, a heat-mouldable removable liner, a Superlite shell, and a front lace eyelet fastening with a tassel. The page lists a temperature rating from 5°C / 41°F down to -50°C / -58°F. It comes in Black and Charcoal, in sizes 6 to 11. It is the most expensive women's winter boot in this guide, and it suits someone who wants a lighter, more stylish boot without giving up the cold rating.

Lighter Boots for Active Days

The Baffin Women's Escalate X Boot ($199.95) is the featherlight option for frozen, snow-covered ground and high levels of activity. It has a tall, breathable nylon shell, a lace front with a locking toggle, a pull loop at the back, and a removable anti-fatigue insole. It comes in Black and Crimson Red, in sizes 6 to 10.

The Keen Women's Revel IV Mid Polar Boot ($229.95) pairs the agility of a light hiker with the warmth of a winter boot. It carries 200 g of insulation rated to -25°F / -32°C and a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane. The Baffin Women's Elora Mid Hiking Boot ($249.95) adds IceBite grip and a heel with a snowshoe ledge. The Merrell Women's Siren 4 Thermo Mid (from $249.95) uses 200 grams of PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation, a waterproof full grain leather and knit upper, and a heavy-duty waterproof YKK zipper for easy on and off. Merrell says it is best for winter hiking, in sizes 6 to 9.5.

Slip-Ons and Casual Boots for Town

• The Keen Women's Greta Chelsea WP Boot ($199.95) is a waterproof winter slip-on with an elastic gore and 200 g of KEEN.WARM insulation rated to -25 degrees F. Keen pitches it for dog walks, snow days in the city, apres ski, and weekends at the cabin. Sizes run 6 to 9.5.
• The Columbia Women's Minx IV Boot - Wide ($159.95) has a quilted upper with a faux fur interior, an Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining, and an Adapt Trax outsole. It weighs 14 oz / 400 g per shoe in women's size 7, and it comes in sizes 7 to 9.
• The Sorel Women's Out N About IV Classic ($149.95) is a waterproof duck boot with a 5 in shaft and a vulcanized rubber shell. It is the lowest-priced Sorel in this guide, and it is a boot for wet slush rather than deep cold.

Women who need extra room should look at the Minx IV, which comes in a wide version. Call us at (705) 253-2361 for widths on other models, because the pages do not list widths for every boot.

Kids' Winter Boots: Easy On, Easy Off, and Warm Enough for a Full Recess

Children go through more snow, more puddles, and more boot changes than adults do, and a boot a child can pull on alone saves a lot of morning grief. The Government of Canada's extreme cold page lists infants under one year and seniors among the people at greater risk in the cold, and says to dress in layers and keep dry. For children, that means a warm boot and a dry sock, and a closure the child can manage.

Baffin Youth Mustang and Avery: Rated to -40

The Baffin Youth Mustang Boot ($129.95) is rated to -40°C / -40°F. It is described as a classic winter boot for toboggan hill treks and snowshoe outings with the family, with a removable multi-layer inner boot, a waterproof B-Tek Dry base, a locking nylon snow collar, a Velcro ankle strap, and a pull loop. The Baffin Youth Avery Boot ($134.95) keeps a child's feet warm down to -40 degrees, with a sweater-knit collar and a lace lock and toggle that make it easy to get on and off. The Baffin Youth Young Eiger ($149.95) is lightweight and flexible for recess and the backyard. Sizes vary by boot and by week, so check the page or call us.

Sorel Youth Flurry, Snow Commander, and Yoot Pac: For Deep Snow and Play

• The Sorel Youth Flurry Boot ($89.95) is made for deep snow, with a built-in gaiter, a removable washable 6 mm recycled felt inner boot, and a waterproof thermal rubber shell, in youth sizes 1 to 7.
• The Sorel Children's Snow Commander Boot ($79.95) has 200 g of insulation, a fleece lining, and a multi-directional lug sole, in children's sizes 8 to 13. The Sorel Toddler Snow Commander Boot ($74.95) comes in sizes 4 to 7.
• The Sorel Youth Yoot Pac Boot ($109.95) is a low-profile pac boot for kids who spend their days packing snowballs or riding sleds, with a removable 9 mm washable felt innerboot, in youth sizes 1 to 7.
• The Sorel Youth Caribou Winter Boot ($149.95) has a plush felt and shearling-lined inner boot and a waterproof nubuck leather upper, in youth sizes 3 to 7.

Fitting a Growing Foot

Parents often buy a size up so a boot lasts two winters. A little room is fine, but a boot that is far too large lets the heel lift, and a child who slips on the hill is a child who stops wanting to wear the boots. Bring the thick sock your child will wear, check that the toes do not touch the end when the child stands, and check that the closure is one they can do alone. A removable liner also helps: You can pull it out at the end of the day and let it dry on its own.

Pac Boot, Winter Hiker, or Casual Boot: Pick the Category Before the Brand

Our department sorts winter footwear into three groups for men and women: Winter - Boot, Winter - Hike, and Winter - Casual. Knowing which group fits your life narrows the choice faster than browsing by brand.

Winter Boots (Pac Style) Are for Cold First

This group holds the Baffin Impact, Titan, Snogoose, Dana, and Escalate X, and the Sorel Caribou and Joan Of Arctic. These are boots where the warmth and the weather seal come first. Most have a thick liner, a high or sealed top, and a rubber-based sole. They are the right choice if you stand in the cold, shovel, work outside, or live where winters are long. The trade-off is weight and bulk: A pac boot is not what you want for a ten-kilometre walk.

Winter Hiking Boots Are for Walking and Snowshoeing

This group includes the Keen Revel IV Polar boots, the Baffin Bruce Mid and Elora Mid, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Thermo Mid, and the Merrell Siren 4 Thermo Mid. They are lighter, they flex more, and they grip better on a packed trail. Several carry 200 g of insulation, like the Keen Revel IV and the Merrell Moab and Siren, rather than a thick felt liner. The trade-off is that they are not meant for standing still at the lowest temperatures.

Casual Winter Boots Are for Town

This group includes the Keen Greta Chelsea, the Columbia Minx IV, and several Sorel styles, such as the Tivoli V Tall and the Out N About IV Classic. They look more like what you would wear to work or on a night out, and they keep slush off your feet. Their insulation is real, with 200 g in the Greta and the Tivoli V, but they are not made for extended time at the bottom of the thermometer. If your winter is a car, a parking lot, and a short walk, a casual boot may be all you need.

Plenty of people own two pairs: A casual boot for the week and a pac or hiker for weekends. If you can only buy one, buy for the hardest day you expect to have, not the average one.

What Winter Boots Cost, and Where the Money Goes

Prices on the product pages fall into four bands. Here is what each band buys, using the boots covered above.

• Under $100 (kids' boots). The Sorel Toddler Snow Commander ($74.95), the Children's Snow Commander ($79.95), and the Youth Flurry ($89.95) sit here. They have insulation, a waterproof shell or upper, and a lug sole.
• $100 to $200. This band holds the Sorel Youth Yoot Pac ($109.95), the Baffin Youth Mustang ($129.95), the Sorel Out N About IV Classic ($149.95), the Columbia Minx IV ($159.95), and the Baffin Snogoose, Escalate X, and Keen Greta Chelsea at $199.95. It is where many adult buyers land, and the Snogoose is the lowest-priced adult boot in this guide with a -40 rating.
• $200 to $300. The Baffin Titan ($219.95), the Sorel Tivoli V Tall ($219.95), the Keen Revel IV Mid Polar ($229.95), the Baffin Hudson and the Bruce Mid and Elora Mid ($249.95), the Sorel Joan Of Arctic and Baffin Women's Impact ($269.95), and the Baffin Men's Impact ($289.95) are here. The Baffin Impact boots in this band carry removable multi-layer liners.
• Over $300. The Sorel Men's Caribou Gore-Tex at $399.95 is the one boot in this guide above $300. The Baffin Women's Dana, at $299.95, sits just under that line, so add it to the $200 to $300 band.

Where does the money go? Broadly, you pay more for a removable multi-layer liner, a membrane such as Gore-Tex or KEEN.DRY, a branded outsole such as Vibram, and a lighter build. You pay less for a basic felt liner, a rubber shell, and a simple lug sole. A higher price does not automatically mean a warmer boot for the way you use it: Sorel describes the $399.95 Caribou Gore-Tex as lightweight, flexible, and warm, while Baffin describes the $289.95 Impact as its highest level of cold comfort, and the two are built for different days. Spend on the part that matches your day, and use the traction and sock sections above to fill in the rest.

Winter Boots Last Longer When You Dry Them Every Night and Keep the Laces Fresh

A good pair of winter boots is a real purchase, and a little routine adds seasons to it. None of this is complicated, and most of it comes straight from what the product pages tell you about how the boots are built.

Take the Liner Out and Let Everything Dry

Many boots in this guide have a removable inner boot: the Sorel Caribou, Joan Of Arctic, Yoot Pac, and Youth Flurry, and the Baffin Impact, Titan, Mustang, and Snogoose. Pull the liner at the end of the day and let it dry separately from the shell. The Sorel pages describe the Caribou and Flurry liners as washable, and the Baffin Youth Mustang page says to hand wash and air dry. Read the page for your boot, and follow the care notes on it.

Drying matters because the Government of Canada's guidance is that you lose heat faster when you are wet. A boot that goes on damp in the morning starts the day cold. For a household with several pairs of boots and gloves, a boot dryer pays for itself. The DryGuy Force Dry Dryer ($74.95) uses gently heated airflow to remove moisture in about an hour, according to its page, and it helps keep odour-causing bacteria, fungus, and mould from forming. It is described as safe for all types of footwear and gloves. The DryGuy Simple Dry Boot, Shoe & Glove Dryer ($69.95) is the other model we carry.

Replace Laces Before They Fail

A broken lace on a cold day is a nuisance you can avoid for under five dollars. Sofsole Boot Laces ($4.95) are replacement laces for all types of boots. The Black pair is 48 inches (122 cm) for boots with 7 to 8 eyelets, and the Tan pair is 60 inches (152 cm) for boots with 9 to 10 eyelets, so count the eyelets on your boots before you buy. Remember that Sorel says the laces on its Caribou, Tivoli V Tall, and Out N About IV Classic are not waterproof, so a fresh pair in a boot that sees slush every day is not a bad idea.

Clean and Store the Boots at the End of the Season

Wipe off mud and salt before they dry on the boot, and store the boots somewhere dry with the liners out. This is our routine advice rather than a rule from a maker, so check the instructions that came with your boots if they differ. Do not store a damp boot in a closed bag, and do not leave the liners in the shell all summer without airing them.

Know When It Is Time to Replace the Boots

A boot is done when the sole has worn smooth, when the upper cracks or splits at a flex point, or when the liner has packed down so flat that your feet are cold in weather that used to be fine. If you are not sure, bring them in and we will give you an honest opinion.

A Short List of Picks by Need and Budget

If you want the short version, this table lines up the boots we have covered. All prices are from the product pages.

You are	Boot to look at first	Price
Standing on the ice or on a stand all day (men's)	Baffin Men's Impact Boot	From $289.95
Standing on the ice or at the rink all day (women's)	Baffin Women's Impact Boot	From $269.95
Hunting in lightweight waterproof rubber	Baffin Men's Titan Boot	From $219.95
Wanting one everyday winter boot (men's)	Sorel Men's Caribou Waterproof Boot	From $229.95
Wanting one everyday winter boot (women's)	Sorel Women's Joan Of Arctic Boot	From $269.95
Wanting a rated -40 boot at a lower price	Baffin Women's Snogoose Winter Boot	From $199.95
Hiking and snowshoeing in the cold	Keen Men's Revel IV Mid Polar or Keen Women's Revel IV Mid Polar	From $229.95
Walking the dog in town, with an easy slip-on	Keen Women's Greta Chelsea WP	From $199.95
Dealing with wet slush on a budget	Sorel Women's Out N About IV Classic	From $149.95
Outfitting a child for the sled hill	Baffin Youth Mustang or Sorel Youth Flurry	$129.95 or $89.95
Walking on glazed ice	YakTrax Chains	From $39.95

If your winter includes drilling holes in lake ice, our guide to choosing an ice auger covers the other half of a day on the lake. A warm boot and a good auger go together, and either one can rescue a cold morning.

Questions

What temperature rating do I need for Northern Ontario?

Match the rating to your activity before you chase the lowest number. For standing in the cold for hours, look at thick removable liners, like the Baffin Impact. For everyday walking, the rated boots we carry run from -25°F / -32°C, like the Sorel Joan Of Arctic and Keen Revel IV, to -40°C, like the Baffin Snogoose. Ratings are each maker's own guide, so try the boot and talk to us.

How do I size winter boots for thick socks?

Bring the socks you will actually wear and try the boots on with them. You should be able to wiggle your toes while your heel stays put when you walk. A boot that squeezes your foot is uncomfortable, and one that is too loose lets your heel lift. If two sizes feel close, ask us to compare brands, because they do not all fit alike.

How do I make boots last?

Take the liner out and let the boots dry fully after every wear, because wet feet lose heat faster. Replace worn laces before they break, wipe off mud and salt, and store the boots dry at the end of the season. A boot dryer helps if your household goes through several pairs a week. Check the care notes for your boot, since some liners can be washed and some cannot.

Come Try on Winter Boots at Our Store in Sault Ste. Marie

The best way to buy a winter boot is to try it on with the socks you will wear and walk around the store. Visit Great Lakes Outfitters at 162 Old Garden River Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 5A6, or call us at (705) 253-2361 and we will confirm a size before you drive over. You can browse the full range in men's winter boots, women's winter boots, and youth winter boots.

Talk to us about it

• 162 Old Garden River Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 5A6
• (705) 253-2361
• Open today 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Send us a message

References

• Government of Canada (Health Canada): Extreme cold
• Government of Canada (Environment and Climate Change Canada): Cold season weather hazards

About the author

Shannon Prosser

Store Manager

I have been here three years. Before that, I worked for Moore's Clothing and Charm Diamond. I manage the store. Come to me for clothing and footwear: Outdoor Research, The North Face, Columbia, Kuhl, and all of our footwear.

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