Better than Sorels?

[xjoex]

I picked up some Sorel Caribou boots last year, well the rubber area at the toe cracked and split making them pretty bad snow boots. I understand they are now owned by Columbia and the quality and warranty is less than their fabled past.

So with that, I need boots for shoveling the driveway, snow riding and general nasty snow conditions.

Thoughts?

Baffin?
Kamik?
RedWing insulated leather boots?

I have boots for mountaineering, so no need for those.

-Joe

[caleb]

Sorry to hear your Sorels crapped out. They used to be the gold standard.

For super duper cold conditions, I've been using a pair of Lacrosse Icemans for 15 years. They're heavy though, so not great for hiking. http://www.lacrossefootwear.com/icem...pac-boots.html

For walking in the snow, I have a set of leather/Goretex Cabela's Outfitter Series (or something like that) boots. They're lighter than packs, not as warm, but a whole lot lighter.

If you're dealing with dry snow, mukluks are hard to beat. http://shop.mukluks.com/Arctic/products/27/

[Matt Smith]

Columbia's warranty used to be stellar too, have you tried them yet? Bummer that the Sorel's aren't the same quality that they once were...

[Todd Amunrud]

I don't know if it's the style your looking for, but our whole family uses Boggs for all winter needs. I have minimal cold feet issues (as do my kids), but they may be worth looking at. For what it's worth, the boot states they are rated to "zero degrees".

[vertical_doug]

Vasque Snowburban UltraDry Winter Boots - Men's - Free Shipping at REI.com

If you wear a size 9.5, try these.

[Bobonli]

I can never find Sorels in my size. Found these at REI and will purchase them as long as the fit comfortably

ANKA CS WP - Winter - Footwear - Hiking - Salomon Usa

[Matthew J]

One option would be picking up a pair of Mickey Boots at your local Military Surplus (or online): U.S. G.I. Extreme Cold Temperature Boots, Unissued Extreme Cold Temperature Boots, Unissued [080101]

[xjoex]

Sorels only have a 12 month warranty. They split at the toe after 14 months.


Ignore my shitty attempt at patching them.

I'm going to check out y'alls suggestions now.

Cheers
-Joe

[Noteddy]

Ignore my shitty attempt at patching them.
-Joe

Sugru those bad boys.

[Eddie]

Sugru those bad boys.

I've had good luck sealing a burn hole in a cheap pair of North Face boots with a squeeze tube of Dap tub caulking. Perfectly water-tight.

[xjoex]

The black shit you see is PlastiDip, supposed to bend with it... but I guess there is too much movement in the tear.

-Joe

[dutchess]

For sure look at Vasque but I found the suggestion on using a city boot from REI for country living didn't need to exclude the rest of their line. Based on your activities I'd look at the Arrowhead or a set of 45NRTH Wolvhammer.

Men's Insulated Shoes

45NRTH

[vertical_doug]

Sorels only have a 12 month warranty. They split at the toe after 14 months.


Ignore my shitty attempt at patching them.

I'm going to check out y'alls suggestions now.

Cheers
-Joe

I'd use tent repair tape or goretex fabric patch to get to the end of season.
or if you want to pass for a jaded local, duct tape. (cheapest)

[Justin@BlackOakVelo]

I've had Bean boots for many, many years. I have the non insulated version so I can wear them when it's warmer as rain boots. In the winter I just wear giant wool socks and then they are my snow boots.

I am a big fan of LL Bean, there really very few conpanies that have customer service like theirs to back up the product. When I buy a Bean item I know I can count on it.

[robin3mj]

I've had Bean boots for many, many years. I have the non insulated version so I can wear them when it's warmer as rain boots. In the winter I just wear giant wool socks and then they are my snow boots.

I am a big fan of LL Bean, there really very few conpanies that have customer service like theirs to back up the product. When I buy a Bean item I know I can count on it.

I also have the non-insulated Bean boots for the same reason Justin mentioned above. The mid height one (8 or 10"?) is perfect unless you're tromping through tons of snow. Mine are about 10 years old and look 2.
For Christmas this year I got a pair of $20 shearling footbeds, which upped the warmth factor considerably. They will come back out when the temps peek above 32F for any period of time.
One caveat is that the regular Bean boots don't have a very aggressive tread, which is less than ideal for snow.

[Wisco]

Kamik. I have a pair of knee high Kamik "Canuck" model winter boots that are tough as sh*t, have a warm but not too thick liner and aren't too heavy. They have lasted 3 Wisconsin winters including this one with the -4F morning.... again... with nary a care. The knee high length lets you deal with deep snow without getting it into the boot.

CANUCK

Heartiest recommendation.

[Eddie]

Ditto the Beans. I pretty much live in my 10" Gore-Tex lined boots all winter, and they do fine for rainy dog walks in warmer temps as well. Not sure if the tread pattern works for Joe, though. Of course they also only come in full sizes and run very, very large.

L.L. Bean 10" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate

[Markco]

Muck Boots - If you're not too fussy you don't mind shopping for your wardrobe at Tractor Supply. Slip on and warm.

[Justin@BlackOakVelo]

Muck Boots - If you're not too fussy you don't mind shopping for your wardrobe at Tractor Supply. Slip on and warm.

This is a reason why the Bean boots are so great, they look great with everything, denim, snow pants, or chinos and a sweater. Classy......

[Wisco]

Uhhh... xjoex lives in Colorado not Connecticut. Bean Boots are great fashion accessories, but they are not for "snow riding and general nasty snow conditions" because of the tread design. The chain link tread is great on pavement/light stuff, but useless in deep snow. Kamik's are designed by Canadians and are still made in Canada! Not much more you can say about that, eh?

Again YMMV but I think a true winter snow boot is the better choice... but your choice regardless.