"Get some good boots with good treads..."

[Rexicana]

LOVE my Muck Boots, and my kids get around in those and Bogs. Both are wearable in the summer if needed, and in winter with some thick socks. Muck Boots tend to be a bit stiffer than Bogs, but maybe last longer??

We do a variety of snow boots in the Winter, but my kids still pull on the Bogs to go for a quick outing and there are people I know who use those for their mainstays.

[miakelly]

When I lived in NH, I had black Uggs (the Brookfield model). The bottom is leather and the upper part was suede. The inside was shearling. They were perfect for everyday winter wear, walks with the kids, sledding in the yard, and they looked good too : )

They were SUPER comfy & warm. I just wouldn't suggest them for serious winter sports or anything.....but even for shoveling the driveway they'd be fine. They were waterproof. They can be a little pricey, but worth it imo. I had them for 3 years and they showed hardly any wear/tear. I wore them almost every day in the winter. Good luck!

Oh and the best part (this may sound weird) but you don't wear socks with Uggs! The manufacturer actually recommends it. They do NOT get yucky or smelly or anything and your feet always stay toasty in the coldest weather. That sheepskin/shearling is amazing stuff.

[notdancingqueen]

Once again, you guys ROCK! Thanks for all of the advice!

- Jackie

[GregW]

I sheep fur wasn't a good insulator as well as anti-microbial some billions of sheep would be SOL in the winter. Shealing is just sheep wrapper that is left over when people eat the rest of the sheep. It is a great use for a byproduct.

I would love to get one of the WW2 shealing lined coats and overalls but I would hate living some place I needed it.

[notdancingqueen]

Thanks again everyone! Today I bought North Face Mcmurdo boots for snow and a pair of mid-calf length Bogs for fall/spring boots. I almost went for the Uggs -- boy were they super-soft -- but performance-wise the North Face boots will be just as good and I got both pairs of my boots for the price of a pair of Uggs. I got a few pairs of hiking/outdoor socks for me and the kids, too.

I also got new liners for my Merrill Encore's and they feel like totally new shoes! Well worth the $5!

I took inventory of the kids' winter boots and coats...they both need new boots and the 9 year old needs a new coat/parka and snowpants. (can't wait to see that Visa bill...)

Back to Huberts we go...!

[notdancingqueen]

Update: last weekend I got Kamiks for the kids. For anyone new to the boot scene, you are supposed to go up a size from what you regularly wear so you can wear decent wool socks (we like SmartWool). Who knew?