I'm not speaking to my snow boots

April

I'm just sick of their company and I'm giving them the silent treatment.

They're not that comfortable and seriously not warm, yet I've had to wear them every day for the past month or so -- through snowfall and polar vortex and more snowfall.

And it's not even February yet. I must, must, must find a new pair of winter boots...

12 years ago

General

29 replies

Latest reply was from April

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hahaha...I totally hear you on this.

Luckily, I took Una's advice and ordered a pair of the Kamik New York boots. They may not be high fashion, but they work okay with the ubiquitous puffer coat, and they are seriously warm, plus good on the ice. Cost per wear is now almost nil. After only a few weeks.

I miss my better looking boots, but what can you do?

12 years ago

April

Veteran

Suz, I was just looking at the Kamik Vienna boots: http://www.zappos.com/kamik-vienna-black They're out of black in my size, but maybe the charcoal would work.

I could live with kinda unattractive if my boots were super warm, but kinda unattractive and freezing cold is just insult to injury.

12 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

When an item that you use every day is just right--what a great pleasure! And the contrary is unfortunately true is well. (Currently I hate all my panties--the good ones are wearing out and the new ones ride up. But I digress.)

On a positive note, lots of boots on sale right now (and enough time has elapsed that many have reviews, at least on Zappos).
Good luck!

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You have my sympathy. And The Canadian Fabbers will offer better snow boot advice than me. Hah. And Suz has already chimed in. There we go.

12 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

April - I alternate my Uggs Belclouds and Uggs Adirondak boots. I love them a lot and they are warm but I am sick of wearing the same two pairs over and over again. I was asking on another thread but I have not found any new ones yet. I like Diana's blondos but they look like they are too wide for my 13" calves. http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nter-boots That has a link to Diana's thread too. Hope that helps and I'll be watching to see what you find. Would really love a third options!! Good luck!!

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Pil got a different pair of Kamiks and says they are fantastic. My New Yorks are really, really warm, and as Una says, they sort of look cute if you are in the mood to see them that way.

12 years ago

pil

Veteran

These are my Kamiks. Very warm and waterproof so far.
http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....essed=true

12 years ago

April

Veteran

Kamik wearers -- do they run true to size?

12 years ago

pil

Veteran

My usual 8 was not available so I ended up with a 9 because there were no half sizes. They're a smidge big with an added insole but not awkardly so.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Maybe a bit small.

I usually wear between a 6.5 to a 7 in US sizes. (My La Canadiennes are 6.5). I ordered the 7 in the Kamik and it is actually on the short side -- I think because there is so much stuffing! At first I thought it was going to be too short (bumping my toe) but as I wear it I get more comfortable (so it seems my theory is right -- it's the lining). I would err on the side of ordering larger vs. smaller.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh - and I got these because Sorels are all just too big and wide on my feet; I tried on a number of styles and could not get a decent fit - the last doesn't work. I don't have narrow feet by the way, although I do have narrow heels.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm a broken record but I am swearing up and down that my Aquitalias are saving me this winter. Toasty warm and dry feet even in single digit temps.

12 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

I sympathize. I was mocked at work for changing into my Sorel snow boots before heading home. During the day I wore my suede Munro Sophias with tights and ski socks under them ( I bought 1/2 size up and wide so not tight)

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I got my regular size 6 in the Kamiks and they are a good fit. In have both the New York and the Brooklyn.

12 years ago

dlb1960

Active Member

I can't even imagine how cold it is on the other side of the world. Snow boots? I'm in bare feet! Today is 33C and beautifully sunny!

12 years ago

April

Veteran

dlb -- it helps to remember that summer will come...

Una, I ordered a pair of the Brooklyn's last night. Boot twins.

12 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Oh the woe of TTS. I also heeded Una's advice because my winter boots were being very naughty! I ordered many times trying to get the right size. I am an 8 and ordered the 9 in black. Too small. Tried again because the stiching is sometimes off - too small. Tried one more time and they sent the charcoal. Too big. LOL
I eventually got the charcoal rather than the black. In a size 9! So weird. I also tried the one you are looking at - very warm and comfy. I had them here for a time as I was deciding between the 2.

12 years ago

April

Veteran

Glory, yes it's a real pain. And then I read a review from someone who works in a shoe store who said snow boots should always fit "sloppy". She said your heel should be lifting up and down and the boots should feel big because it's the air around your feet that keeps them warm.

It's one of those problems that's not much fun while you're solving it, but that will make life so much better once solved.

12 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I bought these last year, in black, and have been really happy with them. Not as puffy as some winter boots (I have those too!), but they are rated good to -30C, and I've been completely warm all winter.

http://www.cushe.com/ca/en-CA/.....mensions=0

12 years ago

April

Veteran

Those are really good-looking, EP. I wonder whatever happened to the dressier type of snow boot -- the kind that was like a riding boot only had furry lining and was waterproof? Those seem to have vanished.

12 years ago

VernieJane

Active Member

Good thread--quite the winter we're having! I agree with above, I have had a pair of Kamik snow boots that I bought in 2000, and they still look new! I have worn them every season (damn that time flies!!!), hiking in muddy snow, walking the dog in the rain every day, etc, and they are still warm, waterproof, and VERY comfortable. In fact, I wear them to walk the dog in the middle of winter without putting my socks on! They're THAT cozy and warm. Ok, they aren't as trendy as a Sorel (which is a good brand), but they aren't too bad. Personally, I would stay away from UGG now. Kamiks are also cheaper than both of those brands. UGG's quality has gone downhill, especially on their sheepskin lined boots. I've had a few friends with defective pairs over the past year or so that they bought online.

12 years ago

Missey

Veteran

I'm a Sorel girl all the way. I have the Joan or Arctic and Cate the Great styles and would die for these:
http://www.zappos.com/sorel-sl.....29144955:s

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I loved the look of Sorels but they really hurt my feet and are clompy feeling.

April, it's true you should have some room in a snow boot. Absolutely. Too tight a toe box and your are sunk. That's not my issue with the Kamiks - they are not at all too TIGHT - it is more that my foot is almost but not quite at the end. But there is still enough room for an extra heavy sock (if I needed it). I don't know if that distinction makes sense.

I also wondered about fleece lined riding type boots but did not see as many this year. I guess it's just not the thing. However, in some ways these are better -- I worry about them less and just go with the look. Of course it helps that I live in a casual city where this almost qualifies as a "dressy" snow boot look!

12 years ago

Anonymous

I have Cate the Greats and got Slimpacks this year -- Missey, they are good boots too but not as warm as the Cates. They don't have the felt liner in them so I wouldn't recommend them for bitter bitter cold.

12 years ago

Missey

Veteran

Suz- ha! Sorels are clompy! I've worn them my whole life and feel they have become more "streamlined" over the years! I've never experienced any foot pain with my old stompers, though.

12 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I'm lazy and my current snow boots are by Clarks, they slip on which I love, but they are a half size too small. Usually I don't wear them often so I never bothered to address the fit issue. Of course, this year, it's all I seem to wear! But I don't want to replace them with a lace up boot. (It's already cold, why would I want to expose fingers to lace them up?) I'm curious what boot you end up with.

12 years ago

Missey

Veteran

Ciet- Well the Slimpacks are out then! I've got Frye boots with my name on them for that price

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

My issue with some of the Sorels is that they are stiff with the tall shaft, so sledding or romping in the snow is difficult. For everyday city walking and walking the dog they are great. Honestly out of my Uggs, Sorels and Kamiks,the Kamiks have been the warmest, lightest and least expensive. I can wear them barefoot and the mid height is most comfortable for playing outside. Uggs are so comfy, but not all are waterproof (soggy sheepskin!).

Boots are so much fun!

12 years ago

April

Veteran

I'm hoping my Brooklyns arrive today and will share my thoughts when they do.

Having good snow boots makes me feel safe and secure, probably because I went through four years of college in the Northeast without a pair, so that every snowstorm was am anxiety-provoking trial. I judged poorly when I bought my current pair -- impulse buy in DSW last year. Never again.

12 years ago

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