Snow Boots (Mead: sale, how much, house)

[alloo66]

This is the first city that I've lived in that snows. Where is the best place to pick up a pair of snow boots? Any thing in particular to look for in Snow Boots? Any recommendations on place and what to buy are helpful. Thank You and Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Festivus, Kwanzaa...etc.

[McGowdog]

I've got a pair of Klondike Sorels from REI.

Don't know if REI is still open.

[Timmyy]

REI is still open. They are in the Park Meadows area close to IKEA.

[emm74]

I have a pair of Skechers snow boots that I've been wearing for about 10 years that I've been very happy with and they are still in great shape. And very reasonably priced.

[WyoNewk]

The main thing to consider is the sole and innersole. A closed cell polyurethane sole with a little tread on it is probably the best, as it's flexible enough to maintain maximum contact with the ground surface and provides excellent insulation. (Insulation from the ground is of prime importance; insulation from the air (the upper) is also important but secondary.) Some will have a wool felt inner sole, also good. If you'll be wearing them much, you might want an extra pair of felt inner soles to keep one dry.

The best one for you depends a little on how and when you'll be wearing it. Personally, my job takes me outside a fair amount throughout the year, walking on snow and ice as well as through water puddles, mud and uneven surfaces. I wear the same type of hiking boots year-round -- thinsulate and Gore-Tex lined. I really like Gore-tex (or similar) in boots, as it's both water-proof and breathable. If your feet get wet, they will get cold.

Don't be too concerned about how much tread the boots have. You'll want some, obviously, but deep tread means the sole must be made from a more dense, harder material, and that means it'll be more slippery on ice -- despite it's looks.

[pikabike]

My first pair of Sorels lasted more than 30 years of MA and CO winters, including lots of hiking.

So of course when they wore out I bought another pair. The thick felt liners are warm, replaceable, allow sweat to evaporate more quickly, and are comfortable. GREAT boots. I bought the second pair on sale from REI...$75 at that time for what was $100 regular price. They have gone up, like everything else.

[Katarina Witt]

Sorels are always a good choice, however, depending on what you're going to be doing while wearing boots, you can get by with less expensive brands.

[emm74]

Originally Posted by Katarina Witt

Sorels are always a good choice, however, depending on what you're going to be doing while wearing boots, you can get by with less expensive brands.

Yes, exactly. If you are going to be hiking in the snow, sure, get Sorels. If you just just need them to get from your house to your car and your office parking lot into your office, something less expensive is fine.

[SkyDog77]

Go to the REI flagship store downtown.

[dude_reino]

Originally Posted by emm74

Yes, exactly. If you are going to be hiking in the snow, sure, get Sorels. If you just just need them to get from your house to your car and your office parking lot into your office, something less expensive is fine.

I advise against buying Sorels for hiking in the snow. They are nice warm & waterproof boots for walking around town or shoveling your sidewalk, but lack the support found in good hiking boots.

If you are planning on going on hikes in the mountains in the winter, you will be better served with insulated hunting boots--brands like Danner, Red Wing, Irish Setter, etc.