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Boots
We tested these so you don’t have to.
// By Rachel Walker
KODIAK GLACIAL/DUNDONALD WATERPROOF ARCTIC GRIP
What is it?
An unfussy tall leather boot that’s insulated, has unimpeachable traction, and is stain-resistant (aka shielded from salt discoloration), this Kodiak is tough enough for long, dark winter days outdoors, but attractive enough for date night.
Strengths
The boot’s Vibram Arctic Grip outsole is as reliable as Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires on Teton Pass on the most challenging winter-driving day. A side zipper makes for easy access; the 200-gram Thinsulate insulation keeps feet warm without bulk.
Weaknesses
Some may find the simple, unfussy design a bit basic.
Best for
Being active outside: dog walking, snowshoeing, shoveling, winter hiking, wood-chopping, etc.
Details
The men’s version is the Kodiak Dundonald Waterproof Arctic Grip and the women’s the Glacial. Dundonald is $190 and Glacial, $210; kodiakboots.com
STIO COLTER BOOT
What is it?
Stio’s first foray into footwear, the Colter is, like the rest of the Jackson-based brand’s designs, stylish and functional.
Strengths
If there’s a boot that makes our feet happier after a day in ski boots, we haven’t found it; these boots feel like slippers thanks to their slip-on design, soft wool lining, and lightweight sole. Unlike slippers, the Colters have grippy-on-ice treads and are water-resistant.
Weaknesses
These aren’t the boots to wear when shoveling snow or tromping around trails; their design is not meant to keep powder out.
Best for
Those who value looks, comfort, and warmth equally.
Details
In men’s and women’s designs. $160; available at Stio Mountain Studio 10 E. Broadway and stio.com
Bogs Neo-Classic Digital Age
What is it?
A pull-on kids’ boot with flexible, insulated rubber bottoms and neoprene uppers, Bogs come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and are warm, waterproof, and comfortable.
Strengths
These boots are so easy to pull on and off that parents won’t get any pushback from stubborn kids who hate shoelaces. Extremely comfortable and warm—they’re rated to temps as low as -35F—these kicks are a little-person winter staple
Weaknesses
While the rubber sole grips (Bogs calls it “slip-resistant”), it doesn’t have the teeth of some burlier, heavier boots.
Best for
Everything that kids do, from waiting for the school bus to shuttling to the resort to making snow angels in the yard and more.
Details
Find sizes for little and big kids at bogsfootwear.com; $95.
SALEWA MOUNTAIN TRAINER 2 WINTER
What is it?
For days when you don’t need an arctic-worthy boot, meet Salewa’s Gore-Tex waterproof hiker, which uses wool fibers in the heels
and ankles to insulate and help thermoregulate.
Strengths
Fits like a favorite hiker but functions like a winter workhorse. Gore-Tex wicks sweat and blocks outside moisture, and the Arctic Grip Vibram sole keeps you upright in even the most challenging conditions.
Weaknesses
Not the wood-burning stove equivalent of winter boots; anyone whose feet get really cold may want a warmer, more insulated boot.
Best for
Days when you’ll be going back and forth from inside to the outdoors or for active winter excursions where movement warms your body.
Details
The mountain trainer comes in men’s and women’s versions. $290; salewa.com
Baffin Impact
What is it?
When warmth is an absolute must, reach for the Impact from Canada-based Baffin. Tested at both the North and South Poles, this is the pick for extreme winter conditions.
Strengths
A customizable inner boot system allows for some personalized climate control, and the outer design—two buckles and a cinch at the top of the upper boot—ensure a secure fit.
Weaknesses
Unless the temperatures plummet to Arctic levels, these boots could be overkill for daily use.
Best for
Snowmobiling on Togwotee Pass, ice-fishing, and basically any outdoor activity in extreme cold where you won’t be moving a ton.
Details
An equally warm but more fashionable women’s option is the Dana boot; the kid’s Pinetree boasts the same features as the adult boots. Impact, $250, Dana, $230, and Pinetree, $110; baffin.com
Eddie Bauer Rainier
What is it?
Don’t be deceived by this waterproof leather and suede boot’s good looks; it’s as warm as it is attractive.
Strengths
In the words of Goldilocks, these boots are “just right.” New this winter, they’re fashionable enough to wear to work but tough enough to endure icy and blustery conditions outside. The sole is made from Vibram’s Icetrek rubber compound, which won’t scratch interior floors or absorb liquid or dirt but delivers superior grip on icy surfaces.
Weaknesses
It only comes to mid-calf—not a deal breaker, but it would look better with skinny jeans if it were taller.
Best for
Everything. Find this boot a prominent spot in your mudroom because you’ll be wearing it all winter long.
Details
The closest men’s equivalent is the Snoqualmie Pass. Rainier, $165, Snoqualmie Pass, $180; available at Eddie Bauer, 55 S. Cache St. and eddiebauer.com
Sundance Leather Cornice Sheepskin Boot
What is it?
Hand-made in a small workshop in the shadow of the Rockies in Guffey, Colorado, these beauties are the small-batch answer to mass-produced kicks adored by sorority girls everywhere. Wear them with or without socks.
Strengths
The shearling-lined interior is a wearable hug for your feet, but the soles are made for winter walking. The leather and sheepskin are sourced from around the western United States (the rubber soles are made in Mexico).
Weaknesses
You’ll need to do the waterproofing yourself with an aftermarket product, and all of the sizing is unisex, so narrow-footed folks may have trouble finding the right fit.
Best for
When you’re looking for a statement boot that will last the rest of your life.
Details
$299; sundanceleather.com JH
