Moved from the beach to the mountains and need to prep for the upcoming winter. Gonna be hitting the thrift stores and online markets trying to find some snow boots. Where I’m at it doesn’t get super cold very often so I don’t think I need heavy insulation. I just need traction in snow and on ice. What brands should I keep my eye open for, to get a boot that will last me a few seasons?
Useful resource
This is great thanks!
[off topic]
Buy some heavy duty socks.
And put a plastic bread bag between your socks and boots if your boots aren’t waterproof
Done and done. Got plenty for snowboarding
I bought Vans Sk8-Hi MTE goretex boots for something to wear to the ski area on snowboard days. Thinking I could stomp around the parking lot slush and throw them on for powder days as my kind of driving shoes.
That was like 3-4 winters ago and they are still going strong. I use them a lot more than I planned and in a lot more ways. I wear them in the rain and sometimes all day at work if rhe weather is crappy. They have never leaked and show hardly any wear. They even became my winter hiking and snowshoe footwear. They should be thrashed but they are like new, way outlasting fancy hiking boots from other brands.
Obviously the style is what it is, they look like big sneakers and have a flat sole. The grip of the sole is amazing, they are pretty great.
The fit is typical goretex shoe where they are kind of roomy and something you might want to try on rather than order online. They don’t stretch or break in, the shape is pretty much set because of the goretex. They are fully waterproof and have a mid-weight insulation.
When i have to do stuff in the snow i wear rubber boots, warm socks, and neoprene toe covers (my toes go numb).
A good pair of rubber boots can be used for winter, mud, yardwork, etc. So, while maybe not BIFL, the versatility makes them definitely worthwhile to have and certainly not wasteful.Right on, any rubber boot suggestions?
I don’t have specific brand recs, but what i looked for were fully rubber boots that were calf-high. No fancy designs, no materials that will wear out, just rubber boots that i can jam an insole in if necessary.
Mine weren’t bought from anywhere fancy, probably Walmart before i started boycotting it. Admittedly, i don’t wear them a ton but they’ve lasted well from mud-trudging, winter snow work, and mowing the lawn here and there.I should add that they wouldn’t be ideal for ice traction, specifically.
Sorry i don’t have a better recommendation! Just wanted to share an option to consider because i think good rubber boots are BIFL in nature.
Yea I hadn’t considered rubber boots, but it’s something to think about. Thanks for sharing
I know you said insulation is less of a concern but I gotta put in a good word for Baffin boots. Waterproof, with replaceable and removable insulated inner liners. The difference wearing those makes in snow is immediately perceptible, and they all have good traction too. I have bought used pairs and all but one set (my kid’s) still look pristine after multiple seasons.
Bogs also seems to be good quality, though I haven’t worn them myself. Their insulated rain boots have withstood an impressive amount of abuse from my kiddo.
I personally love my Solomon boots. Light and durable and warm. Would hightly recommend.
Right on I’ll keep my eye open for Solomon as I’m perusing, thank you
Talk to the locals and maybe try a few different kinds from the thrift store before going hardcore BIFL. Snow is no big deal, you just want something waterproof with decent treads. I got through many Boston and NY winters just fine with those green duck-looking boots. If you’re going out on a glacier or something, you might need something more hardcore.
Also check online thrift shops like thread up. Most of them only do womens and kids clothing because apparently adult men don’t get rid of their clothes very often. If your feet fit women’s shoe sizes, regardless of your identity, it can be a great way to save a lot of money.
Good idea but I’d need Peggy Hill to be selling something that’ll fit my big ol clodders
Following
If anyone has any advice for BIFL wide toed winter boots that are also waterproof AND have good traction of steel cleats? please let me know.
If you need traction, just buy traction. Kahtoola and YakTrax come to mind first, they slip over any shoe or boot and embed into the ice/snow. If you want actual boots, then just purchase anything that can be resoled Andy is in generally decent shape.
If you need traction, just buy traction. Kahtoola and YakTrax come to mind first, they slip over any shoe or boot and embed into the ice/snow
This is excellent, thank you for turning me onto these
I hate YakTrax or any of those slip over things. They fail way to often. Your better off just using some wire or paracord and making a wrapping around your boots. Its simple enough and you probably have the materials around your house already to do it for no cost.
Oh nice love me some DIY solutions, thanks
