The morning after a snow storm in Montreal leaves you with the same problem year after year: do I buy insulated boots, or continue to wear my wanna-be boots that leak, or worse my shoes? Many of us think we don’t need winter boots in the city because there’s a lot of snow and everything is close. I admit it: until last year I was one of those people...
After buying a good pair of boots, I would never spend another day in wet socks. The five boots reviewed here all have a waterproof layer that keeps your feet dry when walking through even the biggest slush puddles (very common in the city). The rubber on the soles is softer than those on regular uninsulated boots. This keeps the boot from slipping, as snow tires do, even in the coldest conditions. The average person going to work in the city on public transit walks on enough icy sidewalks to need this kind of sole. What’s more, the treads are specially designed to keep snow from collecting on the bottom of the boot and high quality insulation keeps your feet warm. These boots are made for urban life as much as for participating in your favourite winter sport. I chose boots with a classic look: ones that won’t make you look like Bernard Voyer when you go to have a drink with friends. Tempting isn’t it?
1. Men's Merrell Chameleon Thermo 8 WTPF Synthetic Boots 159,99$
Withought a doubt, the Chameleon is THE number one classic boot for the Altitude staff. One out of every two employees has this boot, and I am one of them. The Chameleon is well insulated with 200g of Polartec and 400g of Primaloft. It is the warmest out of the McMurdo and the B52 (see below). I especially like its aggressive Vibram sole. The molded rubber heal counter is for easily attaching snowshoes. When worn with pants, its rugged look has a simple style. I particularly like the exterier material which repels calcium. The proof: after a year of wear, Alex Lapointe’s boots still look like new.
Chameleon Thermo 8 after a year of use (in perfect condition)
2. Men's The North Face Mcmurdo Boots 149,99$
The number 2 classic, the McMurdo, has almost the same insulation as the Chameleon does with 400g of Primaloft Eco. The Winter Grip sole is made by The North Face, distinguishing it from the Chameleon. According to my colleagues, this boot is comparable to the Chameleon. Between the two, honestly, it’s a question of comfort and style.
3. Salomon B52 TS GTX Men’s Boots 199,99$
The number 3 classic (I promise this is the last time I’ll use this title), the B52, is similar to the first two boots with 400g of Thinsulate Ultra, instead of Primaloft. This synthetic insulation is, however, as warm as Primaloft. The Contragrip sole is made by Salomon and contrary to the first two models, it doesn’t have a snow shoe attachment. The B52 is great for short walks, or for the city, but would be better left behind on longer more intense hikes through deep snow. Note this is the only boot with a Gore-Tex membrane; the other companies use their own waterproof liners.
4. The North Face Bozeman Men’s Boots 169,99$
I chose the Bozeman because it is made of high quality leather and has a very different style than the previous boots. Other colours besides black exist! More of a city boot than the others, it is heavier and less insulted with 200g of Primaloft Eco. People who don’t get cold as easily might prefer this boot because they won’t sweat as much. Finding this balance is essential: when your feet sweat too much in a boot, moisture forms and soon they are freezing cold. Out of the whole group, I wouldn’t recommend the Bozeman for snow shoeing. Nonetheless, it comes up high over the ankle and has all the other great qualities necessary for winter sports.
5. The North Face Snowkat II Men’s Boots 139,99$
The Snowkat II is closest to a running shoe. It is also insulated with 200 g of Primaloft Eco, the same as the Bozeman, and has a rubber heal counter for snow shoeing. The Snowkat sits lower on the ankle than the other boots, but some people prefer this style for the city. Using gaiters or pants with built-in gaiters would be a good idea when walking in deep snow. The sole is also a Winter Grip by North Face.
There you go. I hope my top five help you decide which boot to buy, if you are so tempted!
Until next time,
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