Hi K.M.,
I have the white Cole Haan explorer hiker boots and LOVE them! I bought them last year and have had them in high rotation. I was attracted to their sporty but still refined aesthetic. I tried the fleece lined Converse and Timberlands, and they are very cute on others, but they are just not me.
My feet are low volume, but wide across the toes (hereditary bunion coming) and a narrow'ish heel. I generally wear a 7.5 or 8 in US women's, sometimes sizing up to get width across the toe box. I bought these in a 7.5 and wear them with thick socks usually with jeans tucked in. The laces are adjustable so I would guess they would accommodate a variety of feet widths. My feet are toasty warm and dry in the rainy and cold (but not Artic) PNW winters. I have not had any issues with slippery soles. I haven't tried them in snow so I can't speak to how they would preform in those conditions.
I thought I would have an issue keeping them clean but so far so good. I use a combination of baby wipes, a Mr. Clean sponge and/or a suede brush depending on how dirty they are.
Love them enough that I have considered duplicating the in the black color but so far have managed to restrain myself.
La Ped - I sent my 19 yr old to college in Montana with those water proof, fleece lined Vans. They are WINNERS - waterproof and warm!
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
