MY CURRENT WINTER BOOT COLLECTION

02.06.22

We are still in the depths of winter here in Ontario, where proper winter boots are an absolute essential. Since moving to a more remote location, I’ve really had to put my options to the test. I’ve made some adjustments to my collection and I’m feeling good about both the practical and sartorial range that it offers.

Today I’ll be walking you through the winter boots I currently have with notes on:

  • Warmth
  • Traction
  • Comfort
  • How To Style
  • + Any Pros or Cons

While you probably don’t need (or want) as many winter boots and I have, I hope this post is helpful for anyone who is considering an upgrade in the future. I’ve also listed a few additional boot brands to check out at and the boots I let go of at the end of the post!

Let’s jump right on in!


This post was not sponsored or produced in partnership with any brands mentioned but does contain affiliate links. If you see something you like and decide to shop through the links included, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own and I only share items I love. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!



SHOP MY BOOT COLLECTION

BLUNDSTONE CHISEL TOE | SOREL CARIBOU | BOGS CLASSIC HIGH

RIMA COMBAT MAGUIRE* | SOREL TIVOLI PARC IV (linked to several sellers) | CORTICELLA SUEDE MAGUIRE

*linked to similar option



BOOT #1



1 | SOREL CARIBOU

{ WARMEST & BEST FOR HEAVY SNOW, SEVERE COLD }


Warmth: These are my warmest boots. I’ve worn them on many snowy walks and long periods outside in -20 C and below and my feet remain very cozy. They have a removable 9 mm recycled felt inner boot (that’s washable) with a sherpa cuff that insulates the foot, ankle, and lower calf from the outer rubber sole and upper leather section. These are a winter classic for a reason.

Traction: These boots have great traction in all sorts of conditions thanks to the aero-trac non loading outsole. This helps to keep the snow from getting impacted and creating a slippery base.

Waterproof: Yes. 100%.

Comfort: Once you’ve broken them in a bit, they are very comfortable and the inner boot will soften and conform to your foot shape.

Fit: These run slightly big on purpose to allow for a thick sock without being too tight. I wear a US 7 most of the time and have these in a US 7.

How to Style: These boots are best with straight denim, skinny jeans, or leggings tucked in.

PROS: These boots are a true classic and made to last. They’re my warmest and oldest boots and show no signs of wearing out.

CONS: These boots are pretty heavy and quite clunky.

PRICE: $170 USD – Currently on sale for $127.50 USD


BOOT #2



2 | BOGS CLASSIC HIGH INSULATED BOOTS

{ GREAT WORK BOOT FOR COLD / WET / MUCKY WEATHER & TERRAIN }


Warmth: These are quite warm and rated down to -40°C but not as warm or cozy as the Sorel Caribou (above) or the Tivoli Parc IV (below). These are a great option for rainy / slushy / mucky weather and shorter times outside when it’s really cold (like a morning dog walk).

Traction: These boots have good traction in snow and rain but not on ice.

Waterproof: Yes. 100%.

Comfort: These are immediately comfortable and require no break-in thanks to the four-way stretch inner bootie.

Fit: These run small I wear a US 7 most of the time and have these in a US 8. The calf circumfrence is fairly slim but they also come in a wide calf option.

How to Style: These boots are best with skinny jeans or leggings tucked in or with a snow pant that goes over the top.

PROS: Lightweight, warm and totally waterproof with an antimicrobial odour protection insole. Great boot for gardeners and folks that want something warm and low maintenance for outdoor activities.

CONS: Traction isn’t as good as I’d hoped in frozen snow or on ice.

PRICE: $130 CAD


BOOT #3



3 | SOREL TIVOLI PARC IV

{ VERY WARM WITH EXCELLENT TRACTION IN SNOW & SLUSH }


Warmth: These boots are incredibly cozy. Second only to the Sorel Caribou but much lighter and more comfortable for longer walks and activities. These are my current go-to winter boots for running errands, outdoor adventures and anytime I’ll be wearing them for a good chunk of time.

Traction: These boots have excellent traction on a range of surfaces in both wet and icy conditions.

Waterproof: Yes. 100%.

Comfort: These were instantly comfortable and I could walk in them all day!

Fit: These run a full size small. I wear a US 7 most of the time and have these in a US 8.5. I probably could have kept the 8, however, I wear some pretty thick socks in the winter time.

How to Style: How to Style: These boots are best with straight denim, skinny jeans, or leggings tucked in or with a snow pant that goes over the top.

PROS: Very comfortable, lightweight, and fully adjustable for a custom fit.

CONS: You need to lace them up every time and the sizing runs small.

PRICE: $138 CAD (currently on sale) – I’ve linked to a range of retailers here so you can hunt down your size.


BOOT #4



4 | RIMA LACE-UP COMBAT BOOT*

{ WARM, FUNCTIONAL & STYLISH }


Warmth: These are fully lined with shearling making them a great option for winter days when it’s not too snowy, slushy or crazy cold. I wear these a lot in the months of November, December and March. They’re warm with a hiking sock but if you stand still on cold ground your feet will feel it.

Traction: Good traction in light snow, wet weather and slushy conditions.

Waterproof: Not entirely.

Comfort: I’m so glad that the combat boot came back in style. I love the chunky sole and the lace-up detail makes these easy to adjust for a perfect fit. The zipper is very convenient for quick on and off.

Fit: These fit true to size.

How to Style: I like these with a straight denim or wide leg pant.

PROS: Inner zipper is ideal so you don’t need to lace them up.

CONS: The foam sole doesn’t keep the cold out very well.

PRICE*: These are no longer in production. Shop similar from the same brand here with more options below:


BOOT #5



5 | CHISEL TOE RUSTIC BLACK BLUNDSTONE

{ MY GO-TO WORKING BOOT FOR OUTDOOR PROJECTS IN COLD WEATHER }


Warmth: These boots are quite warm despite there relatively streamlined look and feel. They have a shearling insole and the upper boot section is insulated. They’re an awesome boot for winters in the city or locations that don’t get a ton of snow.

Traction: These boots have good traction on wet or muddy surfaces but not so much in snow, ice or slush.

Waterproof: Yes. 100%.

Comfort: These take some time to break in fully but I didn’t find the break-in period to be as extreme as some claim it is. I think the winter version has a softer interior which makes them easier to begin with.

Fit: I wear a US 7 most of the time and have these in a unisex 4.

How to Style: These boots are best with straight leg, slightly cropped denim.

PROS: Really great all-around boot for outdoor work in cold and wet temperatures.

CONS: Traction isn’t great in snow or slush. Can be tough to pull on/off.

PRICE: $259.99 CAD or $195.99 USD

SEE MY FULL REVIEW OF THE BLUNDSTONE BOOT HERE


BOOT #6



6 | CORTICELLA IN SAND SUEDE

{ MY GO-TO STYLE FORWARD BOOTS }


Warmth: Moderately warm with a hiking sock and a shearling insole (which I have in these) but not the boot you choose for extremely cold days.

Traction: These boots have excellent traction on a range of surfaces in wet and snowy conditions.

Waterproof: No. I spray these with a protectant and don’t wear them in rainy weather. They’re fine in clean snow though.

Comfort: These were instantly comfortable and I could walk in them all day! They do have a slightly narrow toebox, which works for me but something to keep in mind.

Fit: These run true to size. I wear a US 7 most of the time and have these in a 38. I can wear a range of sock thicknesses but hiking and dress socks are the best. They’re fitted around the ankle and the elastic gusset makes them easy to slide on and off.

How to Style: I love these chunky Chelsea boots because they go with everything! You can wear them with wide leg pants, tailored trousers, skinny jeans, vintage denim, tights or leggings!

PROS: Very comfortable and lightweight. These are my favourite “stylish” boots. So much so that I recently bought the Cortina in Black, which has a full shearling lining. Shown below.

CONS: You need to spray them with protectant a few times a season and they’re not good for wet weather.

PRICE: $295 CAD

SEE HOW I CARE FOR MY SUEDE BOOTS HERE



MORE WINTER BOOT BRANDS TO EXPLORE

{ *Canadian Brand }


ANFIBIO*

AQUATALIA

KAMIK*

LA CANADIENNE*

Also via Nordstrom

LL BEAN

MANITOBA MUTTLUKS*

PAJAR*

UGG


The Ones I Let Go


Since my previous Winter Boot post from 2018, I’ve parted with 3 pairs:

1 – RACHEL BOOT by Maguire – I loved these boots in so many ways, but they just didn’t quite work for my lifestyle, especially in the woods and by the lake. I gave them to a friend who lives in the city and needed winter boots that were refined but still very functional.

2 – TALL BLACK DUCK BOOT by Sperry – I had the J.Crew collaboration version of the Shearwater Tall Duck Boot and wore them for years until there was literally zero tread and the shearling insole was completely flattened out. They were a really great city boot, excellent value for the price, and I would buy them again in a heartbeat.

3 – MINIMALIST RAIN BOOT by THESUS (formerly Alice + Whittles) – These were a good rain boot for the city but I always found myself reaching for my tall rain boots instead. The fit on these was never perfect for my narrow foot so I decided to let them go.



SHOP MY BOOT COLLECTION

BLUNDSTONE CHISEL TOE | SOREL CARIBOU | BOGS CLASSIC HIGH

RIMA COMBAT MAGUIRE* | SOREL TIVOLI PARC IV (linked to several sellers) | CORTICELLA SUEDE MAGUIRE


Thanks for reading!

If you have any brand suggestions feel free to drop them in the comments below!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Laura says:

    I am loving your winter posts, thanks Lee! We are possibly moving to northern Sweden (I assume similar climate to you) from Western Australia (very hot & what is snow?!) so I am finding them so helpful.
    Just wondering what your sock recommendations are?
    Also I am eyeing off the Tivoli Parc boot but was wondering if you find them difficult to take on & off? I realise they need to be laced each time..
    Thanks x

  2. Laurel says:

    I am a huge fan of Saute Mouton boots, made in Québec City: https://www.saute-mouton.com/en I’m still wearing a pair I bought in 2009, and they are as warm and comfy as ever! (And if we’re also talking socks, on a coziness scale of 1-10, Darn Tough Mountaineering Over the Calf Extra Cushion Socks rate at least a 12! https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5063-081/Mountaineering-Over-the-Calf-Extra-Cushion-So )