A Nebraska girl should have boots.
I keep putting it off, but I really need some new boots. My cute little brown slip on shoes are not terribly graceful on ice. Nor are they warm when snow gets into them and you know…melts.
I do actually have a pair of boots that I got a few years ago. They’re really cute and I found them on sale and they look really nice. They really dress up an outfit. But they are incredibly uncomfortable. So much so that each time I give in and wear them, people ask me why I’m limping and please can they can help me get to a chair. Pitiful. Cute boots aren’t so cute anymore when the wearer looks like she’s just lost a kick boxing match.
I also have some really cute slippers that look like boots that I got from Target last year. I’m finding that I wear them now all the time. By all the time, I mean that I tuck my jeans into them and wear them like real boots. Everywhere. Out and about. To church fellowship nights. To the store. To basketball games. Yes, my boot slippers.
They don’t hurt my feet in the least and when I wear two pairs of socks with them, my feet stay relatively warm. They actually have tread on the bottom, so they don’t do too bad when I’m walking down icy porch steps. I’ve received compliments on my “cute boots” and I’m never quite sure if I should say, “Oh thanks…they’re actually my slippers” or maybe, “They also look great with my Mickey Mouse pajamas” or if I should just keep my mouth shut, nod and smile.
So, because the cute slippers look and act like boots…I’m having a hard time breaking down and buying any real boots. But for real – I live in Nebraska. I think I need to buy myself some boots.
I’ve been looking over at Coupon Trunk, a great site full of (obviously) coupons, specifically at their shoe section to see what kind of boot coupons I can find.
My question for you all though – because I’m assuming you have more boot knowledge than I have – and no pressure but I’m counting on you all here…what’s the best boot for my buck?
What kind of boots do you have and like? Which ones are the warmest? Which ones last the longest? Which ones are the most comfortable? And shucks…do you think the ones you have would look cute with my Mickey Mouse jammies?
Emily says
Yes, Nebraska girls should have boots!
I love my boots from Land’s End that I got a few years ago. They are toasty warm and provide decent traction. Land’s End stuff tends to last a long time for me.
I checked and they have several styles. These are on sale and they are cute.
http://www.landsend.com/pp/CommuterBoots~212836_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::DX5&CM_MERCH=IDX_00007__0000001319&origin=index
And you can almost always find good online coupons for Land’s End.
Jennifer G says
I second the Land’s End boots. I got mine in their online outlet, so they were very reasonably priced.
Heather says
I love my Sorel boots. I’m not sure if they are the best deal for the money, but I’ve had mine for 14 years now, and they still look great. They are not dressy or anything, but SOOOO warm and comfy in the snow! That’s what I always shoot for :)
Emily says
I had Sorel boots all through Jr. High and High school. Mine were really ugly, but man were they warm!
Amy Clark says
I love my Sorel boots – Rhode Islander here! Dealt with PLENTY of snow and they are great! They are actually making cute styles now, too. Mine are an adodrable plaid – I’ve gotten compliments on them! Sorel is rather pricey, but there are people who have had their boots for 30+ years! From what I’ve heard, when you buy them, you never need another pair.
Jennifer says
I hate to be a party pooper- but I have to demur on this comment. We moved to Fairbanks, and I was told I NEEDED some Sorels- so I got the typical ugly kind that lasts for years (on sale too!) I wore them 3 times and could not stand them- so now they sit neglected in the corner and I bought some realy UGGS. The Sorels had a sole so stiff that I could not move or bend my foot- and they were SO heavy that I could barely walk- so with the slow pace and stiff feet- my feet got freezing and i hated using them!
Just wanted to give you another opinion on sorels:-(
I love my real UGGS, and another one that is PERFECT (but a little spendy) is Steger Mukluks. They are so cute- last forever, let your feet bend and move, are SUPER warm…. and best of all- made in Minnesota:-)
Amy Clark says
Oh well. To each his own! I love mine. I just got back from a few hours of sledding in them! :)
Amy says
I have had my sorels since 1988. They have been through winters in Colorado and many Alaska towns, including Fairbanks and Juneau. They are now sitting in a closet since I moved to Florida last year.
Amanda says
I have some UGG style boots from target-sheepskin-and I really like them. They are warm and cozy!
Holly in Virginia says
I say, go for something really well made that will last you the next 10 years! L.L. Bean makes the best winter boots. My grandma had a pair for 10 years, then passed them along to me, I wore them one winter til my feet grew too large and then passed them along to the next sister. Those boots never did wear out, we just ran out of small feet!
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/506708?thumbType=0&sort_field=Price+%28Ascending%29&position=17&feat=506708-GN2
If I weren’t pregnant with slightly swollen feet, I would have bought a pair of these this year: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/61978?feat=506708-GN2 I need some nice winter boots too!
Laura says
Boggs are very cute boots and they started out as non-cute farm boots and then started getting fancy. They are very warm and cute and not heavy! They should be on sale this time of year too!
Good luck
Katie says
I agree with you, Boggs are great. I don’t yet have my own pair, but we bought our two oldest boys Boggs this year and I have been so impressed by them. They are warm and are holding up to daily use great. My kids go through a couple of pairs of boots a year and these look like the will stand the test of time and maybe be passed down to the younger siblings. I would like to get my own pair and they have some really cute prints for the adult styles. They are a bit spendy, but so worth it if they will last!
Ashley says
Teehee, I am so glad I am not the only one to wear my boot slippers (blippers??) as boots… lol
blair says
i do too… these were $10 at walmart, and i have worn them so much that the sole is now separating from the rest of the blipper… :( i have to throw them away. thankfully it is nicer here in Ok.
heather says
we call target slipper boots “fuggs”. (fake uggs). i live in florida, but i wear my fuggs everywhere!
Melodya says
Yes, you need boots, and ones that are waterproof!
I’m a fan of Eddie Bauer. Mostly because it’s good quality. One nice thing about boots is that will or should last you for years. In the next month is the best time to get them while they are in stock of the cute ones but are also going on sale.
I really like these.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=36063&&categoryId=24218&categoryName=COLD-WEATHER-BOOTS–SHOES&pCategoryId=23211&pCategoryName=WOMENS-SHOES–ACCESSORIES&gpCategoryId=1&gpCategoryName=EB&catPath=~~categoryId=24218~~categoryName=COLD-WEATHER-BOOTS–SHOES~~pCategoryId=23211~~pCategoryName=WOMENS-SHOES–ACCESSORIES~~gpCategoryId=1~~gpCategoryName=EB&viewAll=y
I don’t think you’ll be walking crooked w/ these. :)
KimH says
Those are really cute.. I might have to grab myself a pair as well. ;)
Thanks!
sammie says
BOGS! hands down, you want BOGS! They are super cute, SUPER warm, and stick to ice. I LOVE MINE! Wear them most days during the winter in MT.
Carmen says
I spent three years looking for warm, waterproof boots with tread that would do well in snow and slush. Apparently in the Pacific Northwest, there is no such thing sold in any normal retailer … until I checked out farm and feed stores. I finally found what I was looking for in Muck Arctic Sport boots. Be warned – they are not particularly cute. But they are functional! I spent an entire afternoon/evening walking around in ice and snow in them, and had toasty warm toes the entire time. They reach almost to my knee, and have a hard exterior, so when I inevitably stub my toe on something, there’s no pain. I love my boots!
Abby says
I love my keens!
Kim says
I’ve had my ll bean boots since 1993 and can find no practical reason to replace them, Great quality.
Angela Starosta says
Not all boots are created equal and they will not all do for each purpose, What kind of boots are you looking for?
I have had the predecessor to these guys: http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=144230&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11723&variationId=28W
for 5 years (so they’re long wearing, cuz i know the pricetag looks scary) and I love them. They’re so waterproof that you can stand in a stream, so long as the tops aren’t submerged, and never get wet. The soles have great traction even in ice. They’re comfy for long wear, and high enough to provide great ankle support. I live in Pennsylvania so we get pretty cold winters and while, if I were looking for a hunting boot or something strictly for long-time cold weather wear, I might want thinsulate, a pair of wool socks has always made them warm enough for me and that way I’m not overheating in them in warm weather. That’s what I like about my boots though. What are you looking for them to do?
Sara R. says
I just spent quite awhile researching boots, and I ended up buying a pair of Claire boots by Crocs. I shopped through ebates, found a couple coupon codes and bought them during one of their 20% off sales so I got them for $30 and I love them! They are very light so you don’t feel like you’re clomping around, they are nice and warm, and very waterproof all the way up.
KimH says
I have the Berryessa style boots from Crocs I got on sale..
They are wonderful and keep my feet dry when outside..
I wear them all the time.. super comfy and I think they’re cute.
Gotta order a size larger though.. Other than that, they’re wodnderful.
amy@twobgardening says
We live in Virginia and never owned any boot until our snow last year of 4 feet. I ordered a pair from Dick’s for my daughter and I. They are Itasca, don’t know much about boots, but I like these. They are easy to slide my foot into, zip up the side, but I will say they run a little big. I wear a size 9 and bought a 9, but they have a little wiggle room, maybe for heavy socks??!! Good luck with your boot hunting!
Andreao says
I just broke down and bought “real” boots this winter, after living in New Hampshire for several years. I got BOGS and I love them – why did I wait so long to get proper boots???
I love that they are waterproof and warm up to -40 degrees. They are easy to put on because you slide your foot into them, no laces or snaps, etc. They have a breathable inside sole that is anti-fungal and odor-resistant.
They are pretty durable and can be worn as rain boots in addition to snow boots.
I LOVE them. BOGS can be expensive but they should last for years. They come in different heights – I like the classic mid. They also have pretty designs to choose from. HTH!
Jeannie says
Can’t go wrong with Keens. And you can often find GREAT deals at 6pm.com or endless.com. Sometimes you have to check 6pm.com at various times during the day to see if there is a better price. And they have limited sized (hence the deep discount).
Jeannie says
6pm.com also carries bogs and many other brands mentioned in the comments.
Sheila says
I love my Ugg boots but to be practical shop llbean. They will last forever!!!!
DreamingofSpring says
This is going to sound crazy–but I absolutely LOVE my boots from KMART–yes Kmart!! They have outperformed my sorels by being warmer and lasting longer–I have had them about 10 years and htey are finally looking like perhaps they should be replaced. I did think that perhaps I would get some from Lands End this time as the kids love their boots from there!
Beulah says
I personally love Earth boots. So are a bit on the pricey side. I watch Planetshoes.com and pair a great sale with free shipping. I’ve found the earth brand shoes to be the most comfortable, and you’ll have the added bonus of a pair that will last a very long time. I was new to planetshoes this year, but I’ve been very impressed with their sales and deals. I’ve always wanted to try a pair of Bogs, but I didn’t like this year’s patterns. Silly I know, but I knew the boots I got would be getting several years worth of use. I wanted something that I loved =)
Uggs are the fashion, but I’ve heard that they fall apart after just one season. Not very good considering the price. I finally realized it’s much more price effective for me to buy a nice pair that will last me several years than to buy a cheaper pair that falls apart every year.
I’m looking forward to giving birth, so I can retire my rain boots and fit my feet into my cute boots again! Good luck!
Heather says
I am in need of new boot too! I live in the North Shore of Lake Superior… so we get snow!! Lots of snow!! I’ve had a pair of Rocky Brand boots (Cabela’s) for 7 years and they are great… but they are lace ups. Now, after having two children I really would like a slip on pair. Thanks for asking the question and helping me find some new boots too! ;) I did a lot of research and my husband is a forester who is in the snow ALL DAY! He really thinks the Sorel brand boots would be the best for me. I really want the plaid ones! Fun! :)
Heather says
I meant “boots” not “boot!” I really should learn to proofread also Laura! :)
Danielle B says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my UGG boots (not knock-offs). But you can’t wear them in the snow lol. Well if you waterproof them you can, but I don’t want the salt to ruin them. I have a pair of UGG clogs I wear anytime now tho. I have a pair of Columbia boots I bought YEARSSSSSSSSSSSS ago… no longer stylish, but they fit the bill on those snowy days that I have to be out. I just make sure I have other shoes when I get to my destination!
kelly says
how do you waterproof your uggs??? please share! I thought I loved them until I word mine and I had
cold wet feet, so I am open to suggestions seeing as I have them and they are too expensive to rot in my closet!
Danielle B says
Here you go… I went and tried to see if Ebay was cheaper than buying from the UGG website. And it’s not. For $20 plus shipping you can get a care kit and you can waterproof and spruce the boots up!
http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&productID=528&model=Care+Kit
kelly says
i have uggs, warm but not waterproof so my feet freeze in the winter because they are soaked! Bogs would be my choice, or a knock off of bogs
Karen says
My daughter and I were just speaking about how wonderful our Totes winter boots have been for this snowy Northeast. They are lined and very warm. They zip up in the front, come in navy or black, and can be worn with pants or they look nice with a skirt as well. I got my pair directly from the Totes website b/c they can be hard to find in retail stores. They are $30 to $35.
Jeanie Eyraud says
i got a great cute pair at kohls. http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/shoes/bootsnew/womensboots/PRD~791223/Adi+Designs+710+Midcalf+Boots.jsp
they are very comfy!
Melissa says
ABSOLUTELY go with Lands End boots! No matter the cost, I recently found out that they have a lifetime warranty on all of their products, so if the boots were to wear out in 2 months, 2 years or 10 years, you can return them for a replacement. I don’t really believe it would be “fair” to return them after YEARS of use, but their policy is that you can, if that is what you feel is right to do. Hope that helps!
Mandie says
I live in North Dakota. Our winters last from October to April. My two favorite boots are from L.L. Bean (I’ve had 4 years, very sturdy and warm) also, a pair of BearPaws I got 2 years ago. The BearPaws are sheepskin and need to be sprayed once a year with a water repellent (available at sporting goods stores for about $8). My feet stay warm cozy and dry.
Becca says
For good quality leather boots, I recommend Born. My husband had a pair that he wore for church/good for about 10 years. So when I was looking for a quality pair of knee high leather boots, I bought an awesome pair of Born boots on sale for $80 at Yonkers.
They look something like this current product:
http://www.bornshoes.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=5801
I think you’re more looking for snow type boots, but I thought I’d throw this out there.
Tara says
My all time favorite boots… the boots I wear every day in freezing cold, slushy, or mild weather ? Keens. I have had them for three years. I have hiked in them, gone to Christmas concerts in them, shoveled the driveway in them. They are warm, waterproof, have a great tread, and still look brand new! Most importantly, they are very comfortable. Good luck!
Jayne says
I actually sell boots. I thought it was funny to see your blog about boots this time. I have some wonderful selections of winter boots. Check them out at http://www.jaynesstyle.net. All the fur boots have sheepskin lining throughout the whole boot and keep you really warm. I live in Texas but my feet get so cold so I wear them all the time. They are called Bearpaw boots.
JJ says
I Second, third, fourth…Lands End Boots! I’ve had mine only 2 years and I anticipate them to last a lifetime! For some $30 I got rubber edge/top leather leg and fuzzy/furry trim boots. They are kind of big and clunky but WARM and SLIP ON my feet so EASY! Happy shopping :) in Nebraska from Kansas!
Michele says
I recd, second hand, a pair of Danners. I love them. I am living in WV orginally from Michigan. There are light boots and yet have kept me warm and dry for many years.
Erin says
BOGS!!! I live in Northern NH, where it snows everyday. I love my Bogs. They are a little more $ then other boots, but they are worth every penny! They are warm (comfort rating to -40 degrees), tall, easy to slip on/off, have handles to carry them, and are great for mud and rain too! One pair of boots will get you through every season so you don’t have to go out and buy ones for the mudd and ones for the rain. They have super cute patterns too! I bought some for my kids too. I haven’t had to help them with their boots at all since we got them. That’s how easy they are!
Andrea says
Me too! I just got mine this season and I love them. My boys have them too and it is sooo nice for them to be able to put them on themselves. I am in Northern NH too!
Vanderbilt Wife says
I just bought these boots, and they were about $20 with shipping and coupons: http://www.onestopplus.com/clothing/Paula-Furry-Trim-Booties.aspx?PfId=198477&DeptId=22125&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=G&pref=ps
But they only come in wide. My feet aren’t real wide, though, and they work well for me. Comfy and warm!!
Laura A says
I have the same pair as my husband, a pair of men’s snow boots. But they look nice and are accented with a pretty royal blue, so I don’t mind. We got them super cheap as the local Meijer (think Super Target if you aren’t blessed to be able to shop there) as they changed their seasonal items out. Unlike buying online/catalogue we were able to try them on too.
Catherine says
Of course you need to get boots, Dear! My heavens, you’ll kill yourself wearing those adorable slippers, plus you’ll get them all ruined and they won’t be cute anymore. I don’t know about Nebraska, but Wisconsin gets REAL SNOW and I can’t imagine trying to navigate in cute slippers. Money is ALWAYS a good leveling agent, so if you are on a tight budget, I can say that I have had the best luck with boots from K-Mart. They were not expensive, they wore like iron and were toasty warm.Otherwise, I’d recommend LL Bean for quality and warmth.
TTFN! (go get those boots,Sweetie)
Marilyn K says
Ok, wow, there are a lot of opinions on this subject! I will submit mine as well! I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan- we get lots of snow here and for a good portion of the year! We also have this season after winter called MUD! :) I am now wearing LL Bean Wellingtons. I like to look somewhat fashionable, but I think wearing boots that get ruined when wet or don’t keep my feet dry is silly. I especially don’t like salt stains on my footwear! So wellies are what works for me. In the winter, I wear them with Wellie Warmers- fleece liners. They are not extremely warm, but I like that because I don’t stand around in the snow very often and my feet aren’t sweating in the grocery store! I also wear them year round in rain and mud. Hope you find what works for you.
Hezzie says
I second everything Marilyn says, I’m from the Keweenaw originally! If there are tow things we know it’s boots and snowplowing!
Kate P. says
Our church choir director LOVES her Uggs – has them in several colors, in fact, and has slipper Uggs for the house. One night last winter during choir practice she looked down and exclaimed, “I’m wearing my slippers!” We never would have known, since they looked just like her boots, but she was rather embarrassed. So, don’t worry, you’re not the only one out there passing off your slippers as shoes! :)
Hezzie says
I have Sorels. I have had then since high school (20+ years!). They look almost as good as the day I bought them- I buy new liners occasionally, but the outside is Sa-weet!
They are pricier than the ones you may get at Target or Walmart, but if you think of them as an investment…A quick calculation puts my boots at about $6/year- minus liners which aren’t expensive. (I may have bought 2-3 pair in 20 years.)
Oh, and their styles are so much cuter than they were back in the day. Check out their website! http://www.sorel.com
Colleen B says
I live in NNY along the Canadian border, and I have to agree with the folks who recommend the LL Bean boots. After living here for ten years, they have yet to fail me… neither cold nor wet bother my toes!
Marlene says
Steger Mukluks all the way! I live in Minnesota and I love them because they keep you warm even in negative temperatures. Kind of spendy but totally worth the money. It feels like you are almost wearing a moccasin and you can run around in them and are not stiff like other boots.
kris says
I’m really a ‘conscientious objector’ against any type of shoe that has a back. I wear clogs. All the time. Even in the snow. My hubby tries to get me to buy something different but I don’t like it. So I’m not helpful on the boots. My teen wears a boot slipper she picked up from Target. She wears them everywhere,even in 1 ft of snow. I say stick with the slippers! lol
Kris P says
Here in Alaska the most popular boot is Xtratuff’s. Great price and will last a lifetime. But to add a little fashion I wear Bogs too. They are rated for -20 temperatures and have several styles to choose from.
s says
So here is my opinion on boots. If you are looking for cute boots for running around town, I love the Bare Traps. They are suede, and waterproof. They look stylish, and keep toes reasonable warm for running errands. They really are water proof. Mine were around $70, 2 years ago. I am in Minnesota, and I am in winter season # 2 with these, and they have held up well and are super comfy (and I am picky about the comfort level of my shoes). I basically wear them whenever I go out in the winter because they are cute. These however won’t do, for sledding with the kids :)
Jen says
My favorite winter boots are actually hiking boots from Cabela’s. My very sweet husband picked them out for me because he knew that I was procrastinating on getting them and I REALLY needed them. He picked the lightest weight one’s because he knows I can’t stand heavy boots. They are THE most comfortable shoes I own and after 4 years they still look like new.
Vanessa says
I am going to pipe in here and offer a suggestion as what NOT to get. People rave about UGGS. Most UGGS have NO FOOT SUPPORT, and they can injure your feet. They may be warm… but having foot issues and spending extra money on healthcare because of it has never just made sense to me. There are actually quite a few studies on them in real live medical journals with real life correlations because so many people wear them and the amount of people visiting podiatrists with issues have grown. There are certain types of UGGS to do offer things like arch support – but a lot do not.
I have a pair of merrel snow boots, and I adore them. I’ve also had of cheapie sporto ones I wore for years (they were not pretty but they worked.) I also love my earth brand shoes but have never bought the boots.
Danielle B says
I can personally say I’ve had UGG boots for 6+ years (even before they became popular) and do not
have any foot problems.
Calliope says
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Sorel boots! I got a great deal on them about 10 years ago and they still look brand new. They are so warm, have great traction, and do a great job supporting an ankle I broke 8 years ago. I can’t say I’ve ever received a compliment on them for being cute, but then again, I guess you can keep your slipper boots for that! :0
Robyn O. says
I didn’t read all the above comments, so I hope I’m not being repetitive. I am a firm believer in good footwear being an investment. Because I have rather large feet which stopped growing long ago, when I find great shoes/boots that will last me for years, I buy them and enjoy them for a long, long time. This is an area where I will definitely look for deals, but not compromise on quality for the sake of inexpensive boots/shoes. I live in Montana, where winter can easily last for 5 months if it’s a particularly snowy year. Because of that, I have 2 pair of good winter boots. I have a big, warm, sturdy, clunky pair of North Face boots that look a lot like sorrels. I got them at an end of season sale years ago and still love them. They are great for sledding, snow shoeing, winter hikes, etc. The have a good, deep tread and are super toasty and comfortable. The second pair I have are BOGS. They are pricey, but worth the money in my opinion. Mine are 3 years old and you can’t tell by looking. They look like really cute rain boots, but are rated to -40 degrees. They are much less clunky than the North Face ones, but are quite durable. I have the mid-calf height ones and wear them all over town, even to church and Bible study. The tread is pretty good on ice and snow and they are quite warm. Today, we went for an impromptu hike and I wore the BOGS because I didn’t plan ahead. The trail was snow packed and quite icy, but the BOGS handled it very well. I was warm and dry the whole time and only slid a little bit on the way back down the mountainside. It made me appreciate them all the more! Good luck with your boot-hunting!
Kathleen says
We’ve been super happy with Kamik boots, a true pac-boot for serious snow country…we live in northern Idaho, same latitude as Maine.
I get mine on sale through http://www.SierraTradingPost.com. They are already discounted, as is everything on their site, as name- brand close outs from stores. If you sign up for their email list, you will get notices of special discounts like an EXTRA 30% off an item of your choice, plus free shipping. The discounts vary, but they can really help you get an item you’ve been looking for.
That being said, it can be hard to shop for shoes online because they might not fit. Sierra Trading Post has an excellent return policy besides great sales on name brands. It’s about $5 to return a big box of whatever. What I did when we were looking for boots was to order multiple pairs when estimating my size, and for just $5 I was able to return all of the other pairs that didn’t fit.
And… Sierra Trading Post is one of the MANY stores you can earn free cash back from by signing up at the cash back site, Mr. Rebates. If you click through to any store on their list (like Lands End, eBay, baby items, etc. -very long list on their site) and make your purchase, you get cash back. Percentage of cash back can be anywhere from 1-10% per purchase, as it depends on each store’s agreement with Mr. Rebates. Once you accrue $25 or more you can request a check or have it deposited in your PalPal account. I’m guessing it’s like your SwagBucks program, but you get cash instead of gift cards. It’s free to sign up at http://www.mrrebates.com.
Happy Boot Shopping!
Susan F. says
I’m a Mainer and I love my L.L. Bean boots. They kept my feet nice and toasty in the house when we had a power outage for over 20 hours in freezing temperatures a few years ago. I love the guarantee that their products have. If it breaks it is replaced at no cost. If the item is no longer available the original price is refunded. Any L.L. Bean product we have purchased has been a good investment. The backpacks for our boys were/are awesome. My son has carried his from Jr. High through 5 years of college. (And, no, I don’t work for them, lol.)
D says
I have Itasca’s from Tractor Supply and they work in South Dakota snow and ice. They only cost me 19.99 and my daughter also has a pair. I would not call them cute, but I have seen worse:)
Mkcoehoorn says
For dress boots I typically start by looking at Wal-Mart and consignment shops. For snow/icky weather boots, I have a pair of hand-me-downs that my mom bought when she lived in Chicago before I was born.
Debora says
Hey Laura, I bought some boots at Wal-mart about 6 years ago called Earth Boots. They are lace up hiking style boots I bought when we were going to Colorado. They are very comfortable, have always kept my feet warm and are holding up well. Now I guess I should tell you I live in the south so they’ve only seen snow (outside of that Colorado trip) about 6 times!!
Shannon says
Boots are important. I live in PA where we’ve been getting a LOT for PA snow the past few years. I have been buying boots from Eddie Bauer or LL Bean. They have ratings on their boots so you can decide on the best ones.
Lanna says
I had Kamik ones that lasted me from 1991 to 2007. From 2007-present, Sorel boots. I only set aside the Kamiks because my feet had changed in all those years from middle school to after two children, and I need to get new inserts for ’em. But my kids will get to use those suckers, too. :D
For my kids? Lands End Snow Flurry boots are the bomb. Seriously. Rain, snow, puddles, mud, garden – my kids (boys even) have put those Snow Flurry boots through their paces, and they’ll probably last about two of my kids before the soles are completely worn through. They’re worth every penny. :)
Tracy N. says
I don’t see the snow flurry boots on Land’s End website.
Can you post the link? Thanks.
Jessica says
I’ve got to say, that when it comes to footwear for bad weather, this is where we splurge. My husband is always on me about “sensible” shoes that actually last. So about two winters ago I broke down and bought some Merrells. Gortex, slip proof Vibram sole, and sturdy, cute trail hiker look. When we’ve got lots of slush and ice (which has been nearly ALL winter) I know I’ve got sure footing. I’m generally a cheapskate about clothing, but like you, I’m tired of hobbling around in uncomfortable shoes. And these will last forever.
Tracy N. says
LLBean! Life time warranty. We have returned products 5 years later with no questions asked. We get everything from them and love their customer service. We also live in PA and see lots of snow. I personally own their Wellies with warmers for playing in the snow. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/54104?feat=609-GN1
Esther L says
In a pinch I bought some Bare Traps from our local DSW Shoe Warehouse last year. I spent more than I would normally, but when there’s 12 inches of snow on the ground and a toddler who really wants to go sledding…what’s a girl to do? Turns out, they’re really warm (they have some sort of faux fur lining) and look super cute. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I also found Bare Traps boots at Dillards, but they were substanially more expensive.
If I had time to actually shop for boots, I probably would have gone with either LL Bean or Lands end.
stephanie says
I have Route 66 from Kmart- so inexpensive I have a black and brown pair. They are really warm and great- and have lasted for 3 Winters now…
Beth @ Living Simply says
Right now I have a pair of Sorrel’s — rated to 40 degrees BELOW zero! I live in Central MN, so warmth is key! I bought them a bit bigger than I buy regular shoes — so I could but an insole with an arch support in them and wear thick socks and have room for my toes to wiggle. I used them for 2 winters working at a camp where I would walk 5+ miles in a day (during a retreat weekend), inside, outside, back and forth. They were great! Kept my feet warm and were comfortable.
I also really appreciate the quality of LL Bean so that was also an option when I was looking, but the Sorrel ones were less expensive at that point.
Pam says
I just invested in a pair of Kamik boots this winter. They are incredibly warm – much needed for Chicago. Note: they run a bit small, I got a larger size and they fit perfectly.
Stacey says
My husband and I both have “Inferno” boots from Cabela’s they definately aren’t the cheapest bet ($130 retail value), but they are 2000g insulate which is pretty impressive. I am a cold blooded person and these keep my feet warm and cozy all day! They make your feet look fat lol but I go for comfort and warmth not style this time of year!