I ordered a couple of pairs of hiking shoes that can get me through snowy terrain (now, watch us have five more years with no snow after this!). Before this I hiked once in a pair of Aquitalias that are really not appropriate trail shoes — I slipped and fell twice (good thing I was wearing cushy layers)! I have worn my usual hiking boots in slushy conditions and they are fine, but I could stand to split wears on those boots anyway — they are taking a lot of use, so some dedicated winter hikers will be welcome.

These are more different than I expected.

The Sorels look and feel more like running shoes but reviews indicate they are nicely waterproof. They are super super comfortable, lightweight, and slip on and lace easily.

The Kamiks are taller, a bit bulkier, stiffer and heavier, but still acceptable in comfort. They are more work to lace up (the laces are quite “sticky” in the grommets). They’re definitely more “snow boot” looking.

Both seem plenty warm and fit nicely with the thick socks I wear for winter hiking.

I feel like the Sorels would be more versatile — lower profile and not quite so Nanook of the North, IYKWIM. But I’m wondering if any of you who have more experience with active boots in snowy conditions have anything to say about how each of these might do in the intended conditions. It’s one thing to wear them around the house — quite another to wear them outdoors in wintry conditions.

Any advice?