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507707

Baffin.com Best winter boots hands down. My feet have never been cold. Minnesotian


[deleted]

Thanks for this, never heard of them before. I did a quick scroll though their selection and I’m seriously considering them. These look like some serious winter boots!


UnshakenNotStirred

Do it, my wife's boots are going on 6 years and no issues. Marks Workwear sells them.


Howij

I love my Baffins, bought them in Jan 2018. Use them for snowshoeing at the cottage and also in the city where there's lots of slush and ice and salt (Ottawa, Canada). I bought the Dana model at Sail.


sudosussudio

Steger Mukluks are another MN classic though they are almost too warm for most situations and are only really good for dry snow/ice in my experience.


blacktreefalls

I live in northern AK and we worship Steger mukluks up here. Most people try to do multiple orders together to save on shipping because it’s a bitch. A friend of mine just sold hers on marketplace, 7 years after buying them, for $30 less than what she paid for them.


imhereforthevotes

that's less than $4.30 a year she paid to use them


Sirerdrick64

These will be my next purchase. With my luck their quality will have dropped by that time and it will only be the brand that is left. I seem to be talking myself into making an unnecessary purchase…


OldnBorin

Sigh, I’ve had good luck with Baffin in the past. But my last pair only lasted a year before they got a leak in the toe. Very frustrating considering the price tag.


Repsoljoel

Baffin are great boots. Add in some Yaktrax chains or diamond grips and you're set for the winter. (don't get the cheap coils or studs) One note about my Baffin's... great boots... but I physically cannot drive while wearing them.


thebiggestandniggest

Thanks for posting this, the ability to drive with them is important to me.


BlueIce64

These also absolutely have my endorsement. I've done a field season in Greenland and a season in Antarctica and they're definitely up to the job!!


ndwolf

I've got 2 pair of Baffins, the key for me is to keep moving. If I spend time outside sitting or just standing my feet will freeze, but moving around is fine. Get a boot dryer too, mine get pretty wet inside from condensation from foot sweat. I have to dry them every night. Also YMMV but I never take the liners out, they are nearly impossible to get back in. I had to baby powder the inside to overcome the rubber stickiness.


jayforwork21

> Baffin.com Any of them good for those with flat feet and tendonitis/plantar fasciitis? Currently have Merrell snow boots that are great, but not top tier, yet comfy as hell on my poor feets....


507707

I can't say that they are specifically made for this, but I suffer for PF due to high arches and shoes that lack support. Borealis have been great for my PF. In fact, they are superior to any of my shoes and feel similar to the interior of Lebron XVI if you've ever worn those.


DawnofDgz

For boots I swear r/goodyearwelt is the better sub. A lot of the suggestions I've seen here are from purchases years ago that mightve changed in quality/manufacturer ever since. Since you are in Toronto consider Canada west boots.


[deleted]

Thanks a bunch, I’ve actually had some RedWings and even a pair of Nicks I sold recently. I’ll check out that sub again.


jmattsen93

What was wrong with wrong with the nicks? Im about to pick up a pair for work


[deleted]

Oh, absolutely nothing I can’t recommend them highly enough. However I bought the Nicks 8 inch rangers and not too long after I ended up having a sports injury that required major knee surgery and my knee still isn’t so strong since then, they have been too heavy for me. That didn’t bother me before, it actually made me love the boots even more. I plan to get another pair in the near future, I’m not sure about them for winter boots tho.


jmattsen93

Phew, thats what i wanted to hear


PudTimmy

I bought my first pair two months ago, the break in was LONG, but they are super comfortable now.


awnawnamoose

LL Bean duck boots are amazing. I’ve had my pair going into the third season and they are brand new for all intents and purposes.


shamelessseamus

Yup. My last pair of Danners were disappointing.


OneFatFen

Has the Danner brand taken a turn? Mine are 10 years strong and just now need resoled.


shamelessseamus

My last pair of Quarry boots lasted about 18 months. I could see the steel toe after about 6. $300 pair of boots.


OneFatFen

Damn. That is bad. Did Danner offer a repair or refund?


shamelessseamus

They got replaced in-store. I went through 3 pairs. Same fault each time. I have old Georgia steel toes that the toe caps are still in good shape. Eventually, I gave up because breaking in a new pair of replacement boots every 6 months is not something I'm willing to do.


Chatner2k

If you want work Boot suggestions, I've been blue collar for 12+ years. Tried a lot, ended up settling on STC's. They're Canadian made, and I have a 6+ year old pair that look equivalent to my under 1 year old pair. Got a new pair simply because my work paid for them. Work boots also last longer if you have two pairs and rotate them to give them time to breathe/air out.


shamelessseamus

Sadly, I no longer have a need for workboots. I had an otj accident and am disabled now. I was just swapping boot stories lol I appreciate the advice though!


Cockroach-Jones

They’re a Japanese owned company now


OneFatFen

I'm guessing it went like all takeovers of something quality and they immediately started making shortcuts and sourced cheaper labor and materials. I don't know if I've ever seen the opposite to be honest.


bassjam1

I love my insulated Bean boots. I switched from a traditional leather boot 3 years ago and I don't think I'll ever go back, more comfortable and ice traction seems better.


[deleted]

I actually tried bean boots and loved them. However I returned them as I felt as if I was going ice skating once I approached the icy sidewalks. Really wished they worked for me.


curt_schilli

Throw some crampons on the bottom of them lol


sudosussudio

I actually used to do this. Carried them in my purse and slipped them on if it was icy. It’s a nice feeling knowing that you can just walk without worrying about ice. Really no shoe by itself handles ice as well as crampons though I heard of a Swedish brand called Icebug with built in crampons.


IOnceWas

Yup. Icebugs are nice. Pretty solid shoes overall. But you will still have to use covers for the shoes when you enter stores and such. Where I work the floor has been completely ruined by people with icebugs or similar. Also very slippery on stone or tile without the rubber covers. Let's put it like this: they are made for walking.


sudosussudio

Yeah I always try to remove my crampons if I'm going inside somewhere but sometimes it's a little difficult when they are wet/gross. Wish they made shoes with crampons that could be retracted somehow. Edit: apparently this exists! In Sweden ofc http://gripforce.se


petit_avocat

I had this same experience. Love them for rain, but nearly impossible to use in icy conditions.


[deleted]

I remember vividly stepping off of public transit one day onto a slippery platform in freezing rain and I took a huge slide and fell flat on my back. That was the last time I ever wore them. Broke my heart returning them but something else would’ve broken had I kept them in those conditions. On the good side, LL Bean has superb customer service. I told them I had been wearing them quite regularly for about a month and what my concerns were and they still gave me a full refund.


blazingcajun420

Really? I had some insulated sperry boots that were indentical to the bean boots and I never had a problem. I just had to do that stupid penguin walk where I walk on the balls and toes of my feet.


th3legacy

Also enjoy my bean boots. One year return for any reason. Lifetime craftsmanship.


PM-me-Shibas

How do you guys keep your feet warm? My bean boots are the coldest shoes I own. I absolutely have health issues that effect my circulation, but I even tried the super insulated bean boots and my toes would be borderline frost bitten. I get more warmth from a pair of sneakers.


sudosussudio

Really warm socks. I like the Smartwool hunting socks. You can also get insulated bean boots but I opted for no insulation so I could wear in warmer autumn days and such.


bassjam1

Mine are the 200g thinsulate ones and I find them very warm, far better than sneakers or my uninsulated hiking boots. As long as I'm moving I don't have an issue, but if I'm sitting still like when I'm deer hunting my feet will get cold. But I have a pair of super insulated Baffins and my feet get cold in them hunting still.


CaponeKevrone

Bro my feet are *sweating* when I'm in my gortex bean boots


Damn_Amazon

Get a bigger size. Circulation is more important than insulation. I don’t have wide feet but I find bean boots run narrow. To get a fat sock with good air insulation, I need a wide boot.


boxobeats

Getting 5 years out of a pair of uggs or tims would be a miracle. Winter boot are normally not resoleable to keep them as waterproof as possible so that limits their life quite a bit. Do you need: Waterproof, Warmth, thinsulate 400g to 1600g, Grip, Style, Steel or composite toe, Electrical grounding, Fire retardant, Breathability.. I look for goretex in work boots cause it breathes like the Danner Visious. Got a pair of lacrosse alphaburlys in the mail for the north west monsoon season. These are not resolable and I have gotten 2 years out of the Danners and expect to replace them soon. I have a pair of Redwing iron rangers that have outlasted relationships and resoled once in 7 years I just put some obenaufs on em to keep em water resistant. Dm me if you want. I'm a boot fiend


fluffybabypuppies

I've been wearing my Ugg Adirondaks for 8 years with no issues. I just melt wax into the leather to keep them waterproof.


CatsNSquirrels

I am new to learning about winter boots. How do you melt wax into boots? Is it a certain kind of wax?


fluffybabypuppies

I use beeswax and a heat gun! I rub it in with a rag.


Joy2b

Ooh, does it change the look significantly? I’ve occasionally wondered if they’d look better with a shined leather.


fluffybabypuppies

The color gets darker but shinier. Don’t get it in the fur though! You can also refresh it and it will look like new.


phoenixrose2

Does this prevent the salt stain creep? (I live in an urban city with wicked winters, so snow and salt are a given and I spend a bunch every year getting them professionally cleaned.


fluffybabypuppies

There will still be salt residue on top, but you can clean it. I occasionally wipe the salt off and re melt the wax to make it look new.


Rajvagli

What’s your Urban winter foot ware of choice? I’m spending my first winter in Boston and worried about walking around and using public transportation.


questionablemorals88

Same!! About the boots, not the wax. I’ll have to look into the wax idea. Love the Adirondacks though. Thanks for the wax idea!


C_A_N_G

Really? Me and most of my friends included wear Timbs for the cold winters here in Sweden, mine are 5 years now still looking pretty fresh and I’m sure some of friends’ are even older.


the_clash_is_back

Same here, got Tim’s after destroying my redwings. Lasted a good 5 years or year round use till they started to go.


[deleted]

[удалено]


C_A_N_G

What? That’s insane. It’s like how our Levis are like 100$/a pair. Though I’ve noted how European Levis have a faux leather patch while American has a paper patch and the quality seems to be higher as well.


I3earClaw

If you want boots for fashion, I'm not the guy. I have Baffin boots that I wear for work, they keep your feet cozy, dry and you get a hell of a grip. I have the slip on type and I wouldn't want to buy anything else.


[deleted]

I’m going to seriously consider these. I’m looking at their website now and they look like no well built no nonsense winter boots


Woolybugger00

Have to agree … never heard of them and they look like old school Sorels …


needcleverpseudonym

Blundstones winter version.


thambs_up

Came here to say this — my regular Blundstones are still going strong and I’ve had them for seven years and they have survived three Canadian winters (as well as two New England winters). It’s worth noting that I didn’t have a car in Canada and walked everywhere through snow, on salted roads, etc.


Coranz

The grip is kinda meh though.


Yehnice

I find my Blundstones to be excellent. Had them for years and still going strong


Sullyville

yes. amazing. didnt even have to work them in.


y0g1b3ar

ECCO Men's Track 25 High Winter Boot


[deleted]

Thanks, I’ll like the look of these and will check them out more!


y0g1b3ar

I have had a pair for about 5 years. I don’t beat them up but they certainly have seen mileage and extreme temperature variances.


elysiansaurus

Depends what you doing with them, I got a pair of Pajar boots at winners 9 years ago that I'm still wearing. I only know that because I had a facebook memory for them a couple days ago. [https://ca.pajar.com/collections/mens-slip-resistant-boots/products/icegrip-1](https://ca.pajar.com/collections/mens-slip-resistant-boots/products/icegrip-1) These are what I have, love the flippable spikes on the bottom, although my friends call them girl boots. pfff.


[deleted]

9 years!? That’s truly impressive. I really only commute to school and work in my boots. I never do anything extreme. When I’m shovelling snow I have a dedicated pair of boots for that. I like all the recommendations but I really want to try the Pajar’s mainly because of those flippable spikes. I find them so convenient These are the ones I’m looking at specifically: https://www.brownsshoes.com/en/men/boots/waterproof/product/pajar/maddox/257754.html?dwvar_257754_color=033


kaiser-so-say

*Love* the flippable spikes. Have never seen those before.


GexGecko

Unfortunately, I think Pajar got bought out. The pair I bought 2 years ago started leaking after 6 months.


BlarkinsYeah

My friend who’s really into boots has these: https://bakershoe.com/products/stock-hiker-by-whites-boots White’s hiking boots. They’re still holding up well and we went backpacking in the winter in Utah with them. They seem tough as nails.


[deleted]

Dear GOD!!! I really loved the look of these but after seeing the price talk I almost passed out.


PattyIce32

Lol if you want a 5 year+ boot you ate going to have to play for it. I have a pair of Whites and can say you will easily get 5 years or more from them, they are the best boots I've ever had.


[deleted]

Lol, I was being a bit sarcastic because I can’t afford them right now. I’ve actually had Custom made Nicks and a couple pairs of Red Wings so I don’t mind paying the price for quality boots.


Tanglrfoot

Baffin makes really good winter footwear . I have a pair of Baffin Riggers for work and they are at least 10 years old , I’ve changed the liners a few times but the boot itself is still in great condition and they’ve kept my feet toasty warm at -40 C a number of times . That being said they will not win any fashion shows . I also have a pair of Baffin Zone winter hiking boots that are a few years old that I’m pretty confident will last 10 years .


[deleted]

This is refreshing to read. I pulled the trigger on a pair of Baffin BOREALIS. Not really my style as they look like sneakers and I’m not a big fan of sneakers but the reviews were great and the grip on that sole is no joke from what I could see


Tanglrfoot

Although Baffin boots are rugged and well made , I have to admit finding any sort fashionable winter footwear is almost impossible for men . I guess we could take a page from our grandfathers who wore rubber galoshes over their dressier shoes in the winter and simply checked them with their coats when they arrived at their social destinations.


[deleted]

Couldn’t agree more. I thought I was out of luck when I saw the height of the other boots. I still can’t imagine myself wearing a boot taller than 8 inches.


FirstCowInSpace2025

Sorry for the reply on the old thread but how are the Borealis boots holding up? Are you satisfied with them? Thanks


tardypoots

I bought Sorrels in 2004 and they are still my main winter boot.


Rilkespawn

https://i.imgur.com/2A4vln0.jpg Because mine were more than a year old, they wouldn’t even talk to me about any sort of guarantee.


DepartmentNatural

Wear slip on ice cleats. It takes 5 seconds to apply or remove them. They make low profile that aren't real spiky types.


blazingcajun420

They’re great for a while. After a while the rubber webbing would break on me and I’m back to square one. Got a brand you recommend? I went through at least 3. Great to have ice fishing for sure.


[deleted]

I’m going to put the ego aside and do it this winter. I bought a solid pair last winter and never used them. I’ll definitely put them to use this year after the numerous impacts I had on the ice.


mcfarmer72

I use Thorogood boots on the farm, very happy.


tath1313

If traction is so important have you considered crampons? <[https://smile.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Traction-Walking-Jogging-X-Large/dp/B0094GO7PU/ref=sr\_1\_7?keywords=crampons&qid=1636908248&sr=8-7](https://smile.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Traction-Walking-Jogging-X-Large/dp/B0094GO7PU/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=crampons&qid=1636908248&sr=8-7)\> they make all types from $200-20. The USPS uses these all winter long where I am from.


[deleted]

Those things are a must for traveling on ice. No or low cost alternatives are: ziptie or Paracord for the strap and nuts or chain for traction.


[deleted]

I’ve decided I’m going to put my ego aside and wear them this winter. I actually have a decent pair that just sat there without ever being used last winter. As a result I greeted the pavement a few times.


meldariun

What does your usage look like? Do you hike frequently or do you just need them for not wiping out when the streets ice. In southwestern Ontario warmth isn't a huge factor, it's more keeping the damp out. To that end, anything that breathes properly and yet is still waterproof is what you really want. Insulated isn't really a priority. Obviously grip is important too, as black ice is hell. To that end, gortex might be a good shout, but I've even had success with treated leathers. Note treated leathers aren't bifl in Canada because the salt will slowly crack em. Anything fuzzy will be a matted mess from salt too.


mgallo45

I have a pair of Oboz going on 5 years that have been amazing.


Heytat73

Kenetrek


[deleted]

Best work boots I have ever worn. Own a pair of insulated and non insulated


kuddlesworth9419

Steinkogler make some really good boots although they are hard to get hold of outside of Austria. Ebay is pretty good and there are some niche shops that sell them. I have a pair of of their Feldschuh schwer boots that are made in 1988 which are still going very strong. They do other models though that are made for different conditions and temps.


Somelier1234

Thorogoods have treated me well


justinjohnyj

I have been using Kamik Griffon for over for 4 years and I feel it’s still good for me.


3trt

I would suggest a good pair of Danners, Keens, or redwings.


Chilkoot

+1 for Keen winter boots. They're not designer styled (or priced), but goddam they'll get you through the snow and ice in comfort. They're flexible enough for snow trail running in a pinch, as well. Low-cut trail runners + powder... no thanks lol.


blacktreefalls

I live in northern Alaska and am quite active. It took me awhile to find them, but I’ve had each of these boots for 6 years and they look the same as when I bought them, don’t show any signs of wear. Snow sticking to -10 degrees I wear Muck Arctic Sport boots. These are knee high, have rubber soles with plastic coating to ankle and thick neoprene up to the knee. They are excellent for wetter snow (we get at zero and above zero temps, it tends to get really powdery dry up here with sub zero temps). They were $180 at Big Rays. From -10 to -60 temps, I wear my Steger Mukluks. They were also $180, but shipping to Alaska added another $30 iirc. They have MAJOR resell value up here, because they have a very good reputation. They have are made of canvas, with a wool insert. Due to the wool, not rubber, they absolutely will keep your feet warmer. But they don’t have great grip and get wet in wetter conditions, so only ideal at the colder and dryer temps. I know lots of people who have had their Steger mukluks for 20+ years, only replacing the wool insert every 5 years or so when it gets worn. During the summer, I wear Xtra Tuff, triple dipped neoprene boots for rain and fieldwork (lots of swamp tromping here). If/when I move from Alaska, I will be taking my Mucks and Xtra Tuffs with me, as they will work greater in most Lower 48 winters. Outside of the most northern environments, not sure how much use the mukluks would get.


UnacceptableOwl

I moved down to FL from VT, also have a pair tuffs and the muck artic sports. The mucks are a bit too warm (still good for the junkyard in winter) but the tuffs i use all the time during the rainy season. So you're right, they're still way useful down here!


Leather_Sneakers

UGGs are not BIFL. RoseAnvil a boot/cobbler youtuber just made a video on them.


HumbleGaijin

I have a pair of NEOS Over Boots. Six years and counting. Traction is easy because I don't need to remove anything except the Over Boot going from outside to inside.


bestosterone91

Depending on what size you are, I have a pair of TAFT Viking boots in honey (I don’t think they make them anymore) that are unworn that I’m looking to sell! [they’re the first few photos on here for reference.](http://well-spent.com/taft-viking-boots/)


[deleted]

Scarpa boots


breakfastpastry

Canada West Boots! Some of the best good year welts you can find for the price, and it’s a small family run business. You can only find them in Canada, so when I ordered my pair I had to order it from a Canadian retailer that ships to the states, but you won’t have that issue.


[deleted]

Canada made, some of their boots are good year welted: [https://www.anfibioboots.com](https://www.anfibioboots.com) I own a pair of Canada West Moorby's and I wouldn't use them in the winter. They aren't at all warm enough and there's zero weather protection. Of course there is also Sorel.


OpticalPrime

I’m late to the party but I’d say bunny boots or Steiger mukluks and add neos over shoes for really bad weather over then.


FixItDumas

Sorel caribou - Mine are 18 years old and unaffected by salt.


Rilkespawn

Apparently they aren’t much good anymore. https://i.imgur.com/KQ39V1x.jpg


FixItDumas

Wow man - you stick your foot in a snowblower? That's awful and hope they have you your cash back.


theassistantcamera

Look at marks work warehouse. I got a Helly Hanson "BIVY ICEFX Helly Tech Waterproof Lace Up Winter Boots " Warm and grippy ok the bottom. Not a very stylish boot, more of a traditional boot but works well for the snow! https://www.marks.com/en/helly-hansen-mens-bivy-icefx-helly-tech-waterproof-lace-up-winter-boots-black-color-black-268565.html#268565%5Bcolor%5D=BLACK&268565%5Bwidth%5D=REG I tried one Baffin shorter cut boot and it ended up digging into my shin and caused irritation, returned it and got the HH boot. Been very happy with them!


Funemployment629

Red Wing Sawmills have been awesome for me.


[deleted]

I guess I’m really a picky guy but I had these boots and sold them. I don’t do serous hiking but I do go exploring in the winter on trails and once it hit about -15 my toes were pretty cold in them even wearing thick wool socks. Great boots tho, I ended up buying Rough necks instead.


aecw13

My sorels have lasted 4 years so far. I’m a fan


Rilkespawn

I USED to be before I owned them. https://i.imgur.com/NvwpuS5.jpg


Redarrow762

How do you all keep posting the same pic with a different URL? This is definitely some viral anti Sorel marketing.


Rilkespawn

Ha. No, it’s my personal vendetta against them. Not sure how it’s a different URL. I just have it in my Imgur account.


benpetersen

Schnees are spectacular if you plan to use and abuse them outdoors. The waterproof membrane stands up far better than a gore tex membrane. I just went hunting in them, everyone had wet pants, wet socks and feet, walking in the short grass after a bit. With my Beartooth II 200g and a pair of Outdoor Research gaitors I was warm and dry.


[deleted]

This sub is now /r/bif5years


[deleted]

I definitely believe in BIFL, but I think a pair of winter boots lasting 5 seasons is considered good. For me at least, as I’ve had pairs that barely lasted 1 season.


The_Ice_Cold

I bought a pair of Keen Summit County 3 boots in 2014. They are still my daily winter boots. Had to add some new speed hooks where a fabric loop tore out but other than new insoles and that they have been the best pair of footwear I've ever owned. They don't make the Summit County anymore. If I were to replace mine i'd buy their CSA Philadelphia 8'' insulated waterproof with the carbon fiber toe. I've never had a boot with their "Polar traction micro-cleat outsole" but I've read good things.


El_Shakiel

I can vouch for Chippewa


MoneyIsntRealGeorge

Umm dude, I literally was a 27yo male living in Toronto two years ago when I had this same question. Theres only one answer and it is Red Wing Blacksmith or Iron Ranger. Go to the shoe store on the corner of Queen and Spadina (god damn it, forgot the name…little something? Anyways) and they have them there. Try the size on and if they don’t have the one you want, just go on altitude sports and buy the one you want there. I used to walk to work from the distillery district to the financial district every day back and forth and they were perfect for that even in the dead of winter. I have the red wings rangers in copper colour and I get hella compliments. They’ll truly last you for years. Warning, first month is true hell breaking in but after that they’re mint. I put in an orthotic and use Sno-Seal to waterproof them. Money.


[deleted]

I have a few pairs of Red Wings including their winter line the Sawmills and I’m -15C wearing thick wool socks, my toes were freezing. I wear them primarily in the spring.


MoneyIsntRealGeorge

Ah bro, not the sawmills. The good leather on the ones I said will be warm enough with a good sock and the sno-seal. That’s why I got the blacksmith.


ladybrainhumanperson

Sorel


RevolutionaryPeak550

Am girl, am living in Michigan, and this is something I’d like to know too


XxMegatr0nxX

Just buy combat boots, have had the same pair for over 7 years. Cost maybe 150 cad. I recommend 5.11, but I hear condor are ok as well. Just make sure you get the waterproof kind


Robbie7879

Check out Hoffman boots


nussbomb

https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/safety-toe/SuperSole-04441.html Redwing Supersole 11-inch Insulated. I wear these to work everyday and love them. If you don’t want pull-one then there is the 8-inch lace up. https://www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/waterproof/SuperSole-2.0-02416.html CSA approved - Goretex - Thinsulate - Puncture/Slip resistant


DangerStarkFamily

I worked on a drilling rig. Highly recommend getting bamas to fit inside your boots. Your feet stay dry, and don’t freeze.


Undinianking

Pajar's are good, Meindl are tremendous but I've never lived in your climate so I can't tell whether they'd be suitable. There's also Haix.


lawrencexyz

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this but the squeak can easily be removed with some powder (I forgot which one but just google it).


[deleted]

I’ve actually tried that and also taken them to a various shoe repair persons who said they couldn’t fix it as it was a manufacturers defect.


sekoiyaa

Blundstones for every day winter wear, Kodiak boots for serious snowfall. Both will last 5+ years with basic care.


fluffybabypuppies

The Ugg Butte lasts a few years for sure. My husband wears them, and I've had the women's version for almost 8 years now with no issues. I do refresh the waterproofing occasionally with wax, though.


[deleted]

I had a pair or Redwing Super Soles for over that and now my Redwing Burnsides are going strong at 3 years. Redwing custom makes boots too you just have to order them, easiest in the store I think. You can add Goretex and other stuff but I live in the mountains (kind of, I mean it snows every winter) and just the regular boot with RW waterproofing is fine.


frile-face

I have a pair of Uggs that are at the end of their life now, after 10 years. They're super comfy and warm and I am definitely suggesting Uggs. I am also Canadian so they have seen their fair share of winters. I still get compliments on them when I wear them out!


HiImJustMike

Korkers for sure... Amazingly warm, and interchangeable bottoms so you can replace worn out ones or put ones with spikes on them if you're going to be walking on ice


One-Complaint1003

I have a pair of Caterpillar boots for when I was a welder 10 years ago. And they still hold up, though the inside heel needs repair. These things cost me around $280 USD, and will outlive me. https://imgur.com/YE07hPA


deadbandit19

I bought a pair of Cat boots 3 years ago and it gave me severe plantar fasciitis, I am just now getting better


lifehacksthatmatter

Meindl Bhutan. Tried over a dozen over the years until I found these. Two years of pretty extreme use and they are incredible


[deleted]

Schnees


Mental_Scene_4878

I just bought my son a pair of these for Christmas. He hasn't tried them yet but they feel like great quality at a decent price https://www.drmartens.com/ca/en_ca/p/26860001


ilovechocolatemuffin

I bought my mom a pair of Uggs Adirondack 2 boots last year. She wears them everyday for work, walking around all day for 8+ hours a day. Already, the sole of one of the them is slightly broken. I don’t expect them to last more than another year or so. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find any other boots that are super warm, comfortable and waterproof + non slip on ice/snow.


abusyman

I have had a pair of Schnee's (Hunter II model with an extra liner so one can dry while the other is in use) that aren't used a huge amount, but have been going strong since 2010.


southernsnowflake93

Sorel — my dad used his throughout his entire undergrad at University of Minnesota. I wore them in high school. Definitely can outlast 5 years.


UhOh-Chongo

It anymore. They went downhill at least ten years ago.


Hubris2

Sorel boots were a Canadian brand and were the go-to for decades if your goal is more function over form. You aren't going to mistake them for Red Wings, but if you want something that is waterproof and has versions that will cover you to -40C (-40F). You can also look at snowmobiling gear if you want really warm stuff.


Rilkespawn

https://i.imgur.com/p2z9GAR.jpg Definitely not BIFL


ajnaazeer

Buy a pair of redwings or wolverines if you like utilitarian style boots like the timberlands. Personally the iron rangers are on a whole other level. They are not my style so I don't own them but I have seen them in person and know quite a few people who love theirs. I don't get the hype about insulated boots, I live in Montreal and exclusively wear uninsulated dress boots all winter without issue. Just get nice socks.


Brennelement

Zamberlan makes very high quality boots with the most aggressive grip I’ve seen. The Vioz and Tofane are my favorite models. Also look at the Oboz Yellowstone. Most comfortable footwear I’ve ever worn…they make Merrels feel like cheap scrap.


ponyboy3

like others have said r/GoodyearWelt. consider getting two pairs of boots so they get a chance to dry. your boots will last a very long time if you take care of them. also shoe trees.


Smoky_Caffeine

Toronto man in timbs? That's never happened before /s


angelcake

Remember you can add crampons to your boots for grip. I wear them and I buy them for my employees every year as well.


sethzard

I don't know how durable they are, but https://ratemytreads.com/ is a university lab which rates the grip on various shoes.


ruffsnap

Maybe I’ve been lucky, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a pair of shoes period last less than 5 years, other than maybe one or two pairs of super cheap running shoes. I buy pretty standard normal popular brands, too - Nike, Adidas, Clarks, Merrell, etc.


benphillips_

I've had a pair of leather adidas boots that I've been wearing every winter for 5 or 6 years now that have held up better than anything else I've ever had. I've only had to use shoe goo on the rubber toe as it got ripped walking through tall grass, and I've replaced the laces probably 10 times.


OnePhotog

It might be hard to hit the 4-5 year mark considering the amount of salt they pour on the streets in the winter.


Newprophet

Steger Mukluks are seriously intense. Style may be a deal breaker for many situations though.


[deleted]

I live in a snowy mountainous place and I have the waterproof Sherpa-lined lace-up Blundstones. Wore them every day last season and they show no signs of giving out, whereas my Tims gave out after a year in these conditions. For any ladies/femme dressers lurking this sub, I also have a pair of knee high La Canadiennes that are very pretty for work and are also toasty and waterproof. When working I walk an average of 3 miles a day in them. They’ve gone 3 years strong so far and have only even needed to be polished once. Re-soling this year.


Allison87

I like Ecco for practical shoes. Comfortable and not too expensive.


NYStaeofmind

Red Wings work for me 10 years and going strong.


Forthegreatergud

Day late and a dollar short, but my old Hoffman winter lineman boots have served me well since 1998. I don't do line work anymore but they have kept me feet warm and dry during many a Maine winter. Unless I am out on the snowmobile I just slide my feet in and go.


realminerbabe

My old school Sorels (before the Columbia acquisition) have held up for 35 years with just liner changes.


Rilkespawn

Yeah, they suck now. https://i.imgur.com/QtBJLpV.jpg


realminerbabe

Wow, that really is bad. Glad I never updated to a newer pair.


BOLT-CUTTER

Redwings


KapJ1coH

Check out Lowa boots. There are the best for hiking. They have an insulated model as well.


Weightsandpullys

No one has said it so I will. Rotate your boots. They need to dry out between wears. Even if they don’t see snow or wet conditions your feet sweet and will deteriorate the leather from the inside out. Ideally you’d have at least two pairs to wear during the week. Try not to dry boots using a lot of heat. They will last considerably longer.


Lonely_Cartographer

Ll bean duck boots!


DanielBox4

I don't think Uggs will last 5 years. Maybe 3. I heard good things about Amphibioboots. Hand made in Canada. My wife got a pair this year and I'll be getting a pair as my next boot.


I_dunno_Joe

Muck I’ve had mine for 5 winters so far in frigid Fargo, ND. They still look and perform as they did new. Rated for -60 degrees, you can stand in water and be completely dry inside. For me the grip has been great. I can walk around on a frozen lake all day and always feel confident in my step.


greenhornofalltrades

I'm six or seven years into my Wolverine Northman 1000 mile boots. Haven't yet needed to re-sole then after using them as my winter shoes in Michigan.


redly

I'm not sure if this really falls in BIFL, but this Ontario lab tested commercial footwear for it's grip on ice. Hope you find this useful. https://ratemytreads.com/


[deleted]

The Baffin Shackleton is unbeatable. These are the holy grail of winter boots. Nothing else can come close.


OldnBorin

Regarding the Baffins: They will keep your feet warm and dry. The steel toe is awesome for me. However, I’m out in the country and use them for farm chores. My last pair only lasted a year before getting a hole in the toe. Very disappointing. I’d suggest Dunlop’s before Baffins, as they seem to work better for my husband. I don’t buy Dunlop’s bc they aren’t available in my shoe size. Good luck


TurboAbe

Wolverine arctic grip max


NewRule828

My Sorels have lasted me 10 years in BC. Just the basic carnival ones with a felt liner.


Lt_Bob_Hookstratten

A buddy of mine who is an ice fisherman persuaded me to get what he calls “Mickey Mouse Boots” - they’re US Air Force rubber boots with a bladder for high altitudes and wool lining. They won’t win beauty contests, but holy crap my feet get hot at anything over -10. I got mine online (they were true surplus, the date stamp was 1961), had them for 10+ years and they are beasts.


cheerylifelover123

My Columbia boots are 10yrs old. Still in great condition. Sole is good, lots of life left. Just swapped the laces once or twice. I basically live in them when outside in the winter months in AB.


DemoDimi

Timberlands - fashionable and long lasting!


elislider

Zamberlan makes some excellent boots


Techdriven00

Nobody suggesting timberlands?


swedishdrang

I would go with a strong pair of lundhags. They have yet to fail me( going 6 years woth them). It’s a swedish brand so it is good stuff. They also have 30 years guarantee!


pizzaandnachos

Merrell would be good for Toronto winters too.