Tag Archives: Boots

Sorel Winter Boots: “Bear” Model

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I’ve always been a fan of classic Sorel winter boots ever since I was a kid. I’ve had this specific pair of Sorel “Bear” boots for around 7 years now and they’re still going strong. Never have they given me any problems and never have I been left wanting… From shovelling the driveway to building igloos on the frozen Lake Manitoba with a wind chill factor dropping the mercury down to -47 degrees Celsius…I’ve never had a problem.
Sure – there are a multitude of winter boots on the market and some of them are really quite nice… But in my experience, these classic boots remain popular with serious winter warriors for a reason – they work.
These boots are very simple yet highly functional. When you buy winter boots, keep in mind that the temperature rating of the boot usually factors in a certain level of human activity. Even at a standstill, these boots keep your feet quite warm. The liners are very easy to remove and wash. Sized appropriately to allow for thick socks (or layering) and your feet will never fear the cold again.
Another reason why I favour this style of winter boot is because it has minimal lacing which keeps the boot simple and makes them easy to pull on or slip off with virtually no effort – a great feature for winter boots. If you hands are freezing cold the last thing you want to deal with are laces. Nobody likes fumbling around with clunky winter boots.
Assuming a proper fit, these boots are quite comfortable. Although they aren’t light per se – they aren’t overly heavy either. These Sorels strike a nice comfort-to-weight ratio. On slippery surfaces the treads on these boots are better than those of any other winter boot I’ve tried. The entire boot is very rugged and will give you many years of winter
warmth. Consider them a long-term investment.
  • Long lasting and Rugged
  • Classic Design
  • Very warm even in harsh winter conditions
  • Tall enough to cope with deep snow
  • Great outsoles
  • Above average comfort for this type of boot
  • Simple – No unnecessary additions. These boots are pure function
Sorel’s line of footwear is vast, but in terms of functional winter boots, these are by far my favourite and have been for a long time. Great value.
From the Sorel website:
Perfect for digging out after a big dump or pressing on through deep drifts, the Bear’s extra high shaft locks out deep powder and blowing spindrift. Like the Glacier™, it’s -100° rated cold-weather sibling, the Bear™ offers the ultimate in utility boot performance, but in a slightly lighter construction that’s still rated to a respectable -60° below zero. That’s not exactly summery weather, but thanks to a 9mm ThermoPlus felt InnerBoot and 6mm ThermoPlus® felt midsole, your feet will be warm enough to feel that way.
FEATURES:
  • Durable water and wind resistant PU coated synthetic textile upper
  • Drawstring with barrel lock closure
  • Removable 9mm ThermoPlus® felt InnerBoot
  • 2.5mm bonded felt frost plug
  • Sealed 6mm ThermoPlus® felt midsole for added warmth
  • Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell
  • Sorel AeroTrac™ non-loading outsole
  • Imported
     – Sorel
Cost: Around CDN $120

Don’t get Bogged Down

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Classic Mid Boot

The Bogs® Classic Mid is the perfect boot to handle anything your day may bring. Built with durable rubber to keep you dry and comfortable and to withstand the harshest conditions. Constructed with 7mm four way stretch Neo-Tech insulation. Comfort rated to -40˚F. Contour fit for maximum support and movement and a non-slip outsole to deliver excellent traction on any surface.

  • 100% Waterproof
  • Natural hand-lasted rubber and a four way stretch inner bootie
  • Non-slip, non-marking and self-cleaning outsole
  • Aegis antimicrobial odor protection insole
  • Comfort rated from temperate to -40˚F or sub-zero conditions
  • Height: 11”
  • Circumference at calf 16″
  • Weight 4lbs per pair
  • Available in sizes 7-18

100% satisfaction guaranteed

– Bogs Footwear

Cost: Around CDN $90

www.bogsfootwear.com

I’ve worn these boots for a little over a year under various conditions in each season. Where I live (Manitoba, Canada) it gets extremely cold. With the right pair of socks, these boots are warm enough for daily winter tasks outside and jaunts around town. The Mid Boots are super easy to slip on and off and very comfortable, offering just enough height to keep out the elements. However, for serious cold and snow – they don’t cut it (at least not in my experience).

In spring, summer and fall, the treads on these boots are fantastic. They have a bit of arch support while allowing your feet to feel very close to the ground and sense the surface you’re walking on (not sure if that’s still the case – looks like the treads on the new model are noticeably more aggressive). On icy surfaces, I’ve found these boot to be a bit slick. Perhaps the new model offers better grip in slippery conditions.

I’ve tested the water resistant capabilities of these boots last year in the bush. We were trudging through water that came right up to the rims of my boots…No problem. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although they aren’t the best for technical activities – “flat surface” walking through the bush is very pleasant, shedding dirt and mud quite well.

Fairly lightweight and durable, mine have tackled bushwhacking and a teething English Bulldog. While they may not have lasted too long with my dog, they’re pretty rugged.

Simple and convenient. Overall they’ve proved to be a pretty good boot.