Top 5 Winter Boots CUT IN HALF - Sorel vs Columbia vs North Face vs Keen vs Kamik

[@RoseAnvil]

Get a high quality wallet, belt or MORE in the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu

[@thelinuxcat]

-40F = -40C

[@kh8895]

You should open up the pu muck boots arctic pros rated to -50, or the pu cofras(all are work boots but the mucks come in non work boots too i believe) or the pu Dunlops. Or Canadian tire has a pu boot by altra aswell called reid rated to -50. Ive had the dunlops down to -35 stepping through snow all day working and still completely warm feet and colleagues have the cofras and are happy with them. Sorry if you have done any of these and i just didn't see. Thanks.

[@308dad8]

You mention Vibram soles a lot. For winter boots have you considered a pair of the desert tan winter boots issued by the US Army up until they swapped out of the ACU for the multicam uniform? Watching this and knowing winter is coming I’m tempted to dig mine out of the shed and clean them up and out for winter in TN where I’ve seen single digits once to my memory. I remember them being too warm for our mild winters if worn with standard Army boot socks. Is there a good winter boot for under $100 for areas that don’t get into the negatives?

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

I sure appreciate everything you did trying to give us a good review for winter boots. But if I may, I think the best way to tell us would be for you to actually wear the boots outside or in a walk-in freezer. Then you could tell us the specifics. Like if your toes stayed warm for example. If they were comfortable to walk around in etc. Either way I appreciate you so thank you and happy holidays.

[@guymlasley9378]

-40 Fahrenheit is actually the same as -40 Celsius. I know it seems weird but it is correct. (-40°F − 32) × 5/9 = -40°C

[@RoseAnvil]

I knew that... obviously this was a ploy to get people to comment more. It has nothing to do with the fact that i didn't actually check to see if they were the same temperature.

[@Gowaduv]

@@RoseAnvil that is like clickbait INSIDE the video. Genius!

[@anonastjuste5888]

@@RoseAnvil 😂😂 I too had no idea

[@eddyk3]

It's the only Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion I know off the top of my head. Oh and 101f is 38'c, UK record temp.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

@@eddyk3 How do you know that but don't know 0C is 32F

[@titsmcgee9610]

I’m a Land Surveyor in Minnesota. I have the Keen Revels shown in this video. I wear these boots everyday all winter long. They are, imo, the best winter boots I have ever had. They are durable, warm, waterproof and very comfortable. I’ve had many winter boots over the years. The Keens are way beyond all of those boots.

[@averagejoe4101]

Is the tow box big or wide like most other Keens?

[@timothyvoight9753]

I'm a Surveyor as well, which is why I'm watching snow boot videos. I think I'm going with the Keens as well.

[@Loonypapa]

Keens are hands-down the best line of work shoes and boots I've ever had on my feet.

[@titsmcgee9610]

@@okthen22ok City slicker. Funny! I’m “in the brush and harsh environment”everyday. Haven’t failed yet.

[@titsmcgee9610]

@@averagejoe4101 The tow box is just like most other Keen boots.

[@georgebulbakwa9017]

The -40 isn't a typo. That's the point that the two temperature scales intersect. -40C is equal to -40F.

[@johnford2928]

Nice, came to say that, thanks George

[@amraa23]

@@johnford2928 Paused and went to the comment section, saw your comment and oh well never mind lol

[@alittlebitgone]

Yeah wow... just.... wow. Kids these days.

[@biggestnibba]

This guy is pretty ignorant, to say the least

[@jimcady9309]

@Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him Eat your pasta on Fridays. Ramen!

[@amez2987]

I used to have Sorels and my feet always ended up freezing. Now I have Kamik's and I'll never go back. Never have had cold feet in those yet. Love 'em.

[@GerhardGeficky-jg4ok]

Kamik are better for sure but still shit. I went with Baffin .

[@noahhabbe4369]

Definitely a fan of this format - would love to see a similar side by side with popular hiking boots too

[@sonyakarr9832]

I would love to see a hiking boot too

[@pnknhd13]

I would too!!!

[@stphns1737]

Totally!

[@narkelnaru2710]

@Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him REPORTED FOR SPAM.

[@CrossCultural-c7f]

I benefit more out of this format because this comparison process more closely mimics how I would approach buying a shoe. I define my purpose for the shoe & then compare different model/maker/brand of shoe to others in the same category.

[@dr.donroccolahti7312]

Growing up on a farm in Northern Minnesota as a youth, I noted the importance of a boot's ability to not only keep the feet warm and dry, but the ability to release moisture from the boot's interior. The Sorel boots with the wool internal sock has the ability to change the interior sock and allow the feet to remain warm, dry and release the moisture. As such, I always kept a spare woolen sock to change out as necessary, and maintain a dry interior. As an Iron Worker connecting steel at 3 to 4 hundred feet in the air, at negative temperatures, I prefered the typical black woolen boots with thick woolen stitched sole with a pair of rubber low quarters to assure the lower half of the boots withstood any chance of water impingement. This allowed the boots to allow any sweat from forming into water internally, but rather release the persperation to the outer woolen shell. Cheapest boots by far and yet the warmest and best for climbing steel. Cheers,

[@koryleach9660]

As a couple others have written -40F/C are the same brutal cold.

[@jacqueshuot6288]

I've owned Sorrels for 50+ years and two things stand out for me. 1. The width of the "footprint which provides for stability and grip in snow, slush, etc., and 2. the roominess inside the boot which allows for for good circulation/ flow to the foot that works with the insulation to keep my feet warm.

[@mwilliamshs]

The 20 minute heat retention test was actually a test of how much heat the boots and the air they contained absorbed from the rice-filled socks. A better test would be to heat the boots and socks too 95° degrees, insert the socks, expose boots and socks to cold, then remove and measure the temperature of the socks. 95° is a more realistic body temperature and starting with warm boots simulates real-world conditions. The boots and socks will be at the same temperature so the boots won't be absorbing heat from the socks and their ability to retain heat will really be tested. A prolonged test with remote temperature sensors inside the boots with an established low-point will account for each boot's different thermal mass.

[@Adam1nToronto]

I would add that the waterproofness test, while okay, also fell a bit short. It was very close to what some outdoor enthusiast sites do, and just a small adjustment would give a much better view. Rather than submerging the boots for 5 minutes, keep the boots submerged until they start leaking, and report how long each boot takes to leak. This necessitates some sort of sensor in the boot to detect the leakage. A human foot is pretty much ideal. So, put the boot on, sit down with a cold snack and a stopwatch, put the boot into a bucket of water, and wait. Most boots leak in less than 10 minutes, pretty much any boot other than a 1 piece rubber boot leak within 30 minutes. I suppose a similar measurement could be made by stuffing each boot with a filled (e.g. rice or anything puffy) white sock, and examining each at 1 or 2 or 5 minute intervals and recording not only the time to leak, but how much leakage occurred based on staining of the sock. Fwiw, trudging through slush filled streets and sidewalks on ones way to school or work can easily rack up more than 5 minutes of submersion time.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

@Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him I'm sorry, but in no way was Christ's footwear waterproof, and it would certainly fail the heat retention test.

[@kscotthoy]

@Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@panchovilla3493]

@Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him he wore sandals

[@mwilliamshs]

@@entrancemperium5506 study the correlation between temperature change and temperature difference. Testing near body temperature is of real importance for relevant findings.

[@adijay9760]

I bought the kamik during my winter in Canada. I was working in farms and I have to say that they kept me warm and dry the whole winter. Not sure they would run another full season but for the price, I couldn't complain

[@davidsands2019]

I have the same exact pair of the Kamik Boots shown here. I can say, from my personal experience, they are beyond amazing for the price. I am a photographer/heavy hiker and I find myself wearing these in rough conditions whether in the snow, rain, water, and much more for countless hours on end somedays. They have yet to fail on me. My feet have always stayed dry, they go through hell with me and they still look brand new. For better reference, I live within the New England region, so I have all four seasons and we can have cold winters and they serve their purpose amazingly. Yeah, after a long period of time, they can become a little uncomfortable, but if that is the trade-off for having the boots. I am all for it. No complaints from me.

[@jonfurse3931]

I've had a pair of Kamiks, probably the older version of the ones tested here, for about 15 years and they have performed flawlessly even in very wet or subzero conditions. Even before I started wearing wool socks, my feet were always very comfortable in them.

[@More_Row]

I think they used to be made better. Like many boot brands. Nowadays they are made to break after a while.

[@dougie-thugie]

Mine fell apart in the 1st week

[@jermsman18]

clever way of measuring heat in the toes. This is never a perfect test but I like your approach. Keep up the great work, I love these videos.

[@keenankomoto44]

I love this series and want more! A yearly winter wonderland like this for new releases every year would be awesome to watch!

[@whafrog]

I picked up the Keens last year and have never had happier feet. They breath well, and are good down to about -25C for me, which is pretty decent since I have bad circulation. I'm sure other people could go colder. I've used them in slushy conditions, but never had to wade through puddles, so the lower tongue is not an issue for me. The ice grippyness is awesome. But the main thing with Keens is they fit people with wider feet. And not just the ball and toe box, but the heel as well. So there's more to the calculus of brand choice than pure waterproof ability or heat retention...if the boot fits poorly you can damage your feet. It took me ages to find a boot that fit right, and I'm grateful it checks the other boxes as well.

[@ilei8d]

Because of the black toes!

[@eniska713]

Thank you for making this video! It's so hard comparing winter boots online and there's so few review videos for winter boots. I really appreciate having them all side by side because that's how I shop for specialty footwear like these.

[@mattbryonphoto2357]

Prairie Canadian - Sorel boots are not warm like they were in the 90’s. I bought a pair, my feet were cold after walking the dog in -10 c, I have north face boots and the keen Boots listed here. The keens seems warm enough and are more of a winter snow hiking boot… they offer so much more than all the others here, if you do anything in the bush or walking on more difficult terrain, I highly recommend the Keens. That all being said if you want truly warm boots - 60c Baffin boots are so far the only boots to ever keep my feet warm for a full day outside in -20 or colder.

[@lfern65]

The warmest boots I've ever owned I still wear. I live in Minnesota so winter boots are a necessity. I have a pair of LaCrosse Iceman boots that I bought over 30 years ago. They still keep my feet warm even in the coldest weather. They are simply amazing and thankfully, they are still in good shape, even after 30 winters!

[@raythepizzaguy9721]

I worked on a dairy farm last spring & wore the Kamik Nation plus boots. Surprisingly my feet were never too hot throughout the 80-90 degree weather, and I had no complaints about the waterproofing. Can't say much about the winter performance but they kept the water and (literal) bull shit off my feet.

[@mrwdpkr5851]

Tractor supply insulated rubber boots with additional felt insole and mid weight wool blend socks . $27 for the boots and they are toasty warm .

[@klaushuxley3342]

-40˚F is the same as -40˚C. I own a pair of the Caribou boots - they look nice, but don't keep your feet warm. When it's cold, I lace up the Bean Boots. Much warmer than the Sorels.

[@staggerlee41]

I've got the Keen and they're wonderful. Picked them up on sale and got them for $127 in 2021. I wanted boots to wear while using a snow blower and to hike in or casually wear during high snow totals or very cold temps. The tread was particularly appealing and the grip is fantastic. Love them. They're warm, keep my feet dry and love the Keen fit. So far I've found them to be bombproof. Don't forget, leather can be treated with a treatment to help keep them from absorbing water.. I use Obenauf's Heavy Duty. Wonderful product! I wish you'd have addressed a grip/slip test as that's an important aspect of winter boots.

[@SapperChan]

Should check out Baffin boots. They're the gold standard for outdoor winter workwear here (Canada)

[@IanMcCausland]

I'd love to see a pair of those cut in half.

[@kyleashdown518]

Yeah my Yohos would destroy all of these for around the same price

[@johnwales8735]

I’ve had the kamiks for 3 years now, no regrets. Don’t use them everyday but when it is cold and snowy they do come in handy. No damage to the boots either, projecting another 4 years of use at the rate I use them (20-30 days out of the winter season).

[@Blukiz_pr]

How are boots doing?

[@JustinEpperly]

Absolutely love this video. For me waterproofing is the factor, and how high up they are waterproof is hugely significant. Def need to be comfortable, obviously, but I don't need a ton of warmth/insulation. Warmer socks work.

[@marcop.525]

Exactly, they could have 5 layers of thermal insulation but if there is no a waterproof one they will be all in vain

[@JustHazardous]

If you were to wear these somewhere where it is actually cold (as in needing cold weather winter boots) - then you would appreciate the warmth aspect much more than the waterproof aspect - since the water is frozen when it gets to the low temps that necessitate the super warm boots.

[@JustinEpperly]

​@@JustHazardous nah you're wrong, I know what I need better than you do...

[@arraiacc]

Thanks! Really liked this video. I read an article a couple years back that tested a few winter boots based on similar metrics (minus cutting the boot in half) and The NorthFace came out as the warmest boot then too. I ended up choosing the NorthFace- you might wear your boots 20x a year but here in Canada during the winter months it's every-single-day!

[@rogerclarke7407]

I would go for the Kamik. If you need a winter boot for day after day ware, having an inner boot that you can swap out can save you from standing in cold damp boots. I would like to point out, that in the cold of winter (-10C and colder) your boots don't get wet from ingress of water, but the condensation of perspiration from your foot.

[@IanMcCausland]

good point! We have a rack over our floor vents where we stand our felt booties over to dry them out overnight!

[@safetyfirstintexas]

Diy pvc boot dryer on youtube. You will be amazed.

[@adhunt1]

Being a Minnesotan who does outdoor activities, I need very warm boots. But I also want good looks and longevity. I finally blew through my Sorel’s after 8 years and decided to go with 10” LL Bean boots that are shearling lined. They’re super nice! And resolable to boot!

[@captbloodbeard]

I'm a Minnesotan too, I swear by my Sorels. Its not cheap buying new ones for my son every couple years as he outgrows them though, but they've been the most consistently reliable in terms of quality.

[@otisdriftwood3829]

I would go with the Keen boots for actual work in the snow (shoveling, building,etc.). Whereas I would go with the North Face for a date night snow boot. Basically it will see some snow and cold temps, but I wouldn't be asking much of it besides keeping my feet dry and warm while still looking somewhat stylish. Thanks for another great video.

[@enriqueruiz4751]

I live in Florida and only have sandals. This is a crazy review for my first winter boots in 20 years. Thanks man.

[@BahBahSalem]

For the heat retention test I think you should have placed them in a half inch of ice water to see how much heat is lost through the soles.

[@georged822]

This was the most useful video yet, the reason being is your toes and feet and even life may depend on proper winter gear if you are out in the mountains. Thanks!

[@oldspen85]

Great video, I definitively found this very informative. However, there was one boot missing from your lineup that has definitely become well known in the past few years. That is the Pajar Boot made in Canada. I've owned a pair for the last 7 years and I have say they are without question the best winter boots I've ever owned. Miles better than my old Sorel's, Timberland's and a few others I've owned. They do have a zipper on them and I didn't like it either until I realized how actually purposeful and use full it really is in getting the boots on and off. And, they are so warm and are a full grain leather. Anyway, check them out when you got a chance. Thanks for the videos and keep up the great work.

[@marty9464]

I have a pair of Columbia boots that are lower quality than the ones you reviewed and they're the best overall winter boot I've ever owned. Cheap, warm, comfortable to walk in long distance, easy to put on & lace up. Given my location in the mountains of Western North Carolina, these boots will probably last the rest of my life!!! Don't know how long they'd last in longer winters like in Michigan where I grew up.

[@naturestruck8090]

Always had great luck with Columbia. Warmest boots I ever had that pay off when snow blowing for hours.

[@zenniszarkov2271]

I’ve owned Keens for about 5 years now and they’re just so damn comfortable. Living in Scotland and travelling about the UK they were always my go to shoe.

[@italiantraditionalcatholic2390]

And, their not made in China

[@LeeMorgan07]

Based on these review, I think that you may want to look into the Canadian Forces Mukluk. It is a superiorly warm boot. They are designed for deep cold and they do this with a a 2 layer insole (woven screen + a thick felt one) and then they have a double layer wool liner. I could stand all day in 50 below and my feet are never cold. Plus, by waterproofing your boot, you are keeping moisture in, vs. letting them breath. Moisture will cause you feet to get cold because of the conductivity of water against the skin. Compare this to the US Bunny Boot, which is not as warm, but a crazy vacuum boot design. There is a difference between wet cold and dry cold you may also want to consider.

[@ralphjohnson4383]

Saw the Baffin in the comments, would love to see those after these ones. You can find wool felt foot liners that stop the cold ground from sucking up the heat

[@shanechristiansen3311]

I absolutely agree, I stopped buying these other brands years ago and Baffin has been my go to, the build quality and performance is on another level!

[@gtiguy1992able]

Baffin snow monster I use riding and never have gotten cold

[@JimsRustyOldNuts]

I have a pair of Keens and a pair of Kamiks...if im working outside in the snow, generally staying in one spot, I wear the Kamiks..if Im going to be walking or hiking any distance, I go with the Keens...seems to work out best for my needs.

[@walatalalaw]

I’ve been wearing the Sorels for years in the swiss mountains every winter, and I’ve got to say they show no signs of wear and the fact that they’re quite roomy makes it comfortable to wear thick socks and doesn’t cut blood flow, so my feet stay very warm. Also the sole design really doesn’t slip much on snow or ice (though any shoe will slip somewhat). I wear them to walk in loose or packed snow, not for hard treks or mountaineering. I love them

[@FabulosoSpray]

I think part of the cracking rubber issue is the thin rubber, and part of it is the fact sorel doesn't make wider widths. Rubber under stress will stretch but it's entirely useless with rubber that thin. I bought a pair of 1964 Pac boots and avoided the Caribou boot based on that fact. I love them because they carry my size 16, which is hard to find. Excited to see how they hold up.

[@R.J._Lewis]

I saw that you cut those WW2 boots a few months ago, I think it would be interesting to see the Corcoran Jump Boots cut in half as well since they're supposed to be more or less the successors to those WW2 boots. And you can find them in a style and color to directly mimic the old jump boots as well.

[@karenlevitt7430]

Seconded!

[@superspeederbooster]

Yesssssss they look nice

[@НикитаПыко]

@@superspeederbooster They are super comfortable too. But man, i really wanna see what's inside and how good thay are built nowdays

[@axmajpayne]

Thirded

[@94aleng]

Love my Corcorans, would love to see a pair cut.

[@ericcalica7369]

I bought new LL Bean Storm Chaser winter boots last fall for the 2021-2022 winter season here in Hartford/Central CT region. Through two major snow falls (so far) they have been great. Water proof with a high tongue gusset, check. Warm enough with plenty of room to wear thick winter socks for extra warmth, check. Effective outsole tread design and very comfortable even wearing boots all day (I wore them to work during a 10 hour work day). Not crazy expensive at around $140. I would love for them to be included in a future review because I love them. I will see how long they hold up.

[@jonfetzek3053]

Glad my choice came out in top. Thanks for the deep dive. I would be interested in a more long term waterproofing video. I don't spend 5 minutes standing in a single puddle, but sloshing through snow and puddles for 10 hours is a very realistic part of my winter day.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Back in the day, we wore the Sorels because they were the best available....unless you could find the Army surplus white bunny boots. But we always added a bread sack and then a brown paper bag around the liners to help reduce frost inside the boot. We also ALWAYS wore thick rag-wool socks. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors of Wyoming in the winter. I NEVER wear a "snow boot" now. I wear a pair of waterproof uninsulated Carolina logging boots with a heavy MERINO wool sock and a silk liner. My feet are never cold. The key is the silk liner and MERINO wool. People Socks make awesome heavy weight merino winter socks. If the temp dips below -10F, I will wear the same socks but add a pair of 200 gram Thinsulate hunting boots (Danner). I found that I was wearing way too much boot. My feet would get too hot and sweat. When you add sweat to the inside, your feet are going to get cold quickly. Silk is excellent at wicking that moisture away from your skin. Then it can escape through the modern waterproof membranes. Honestly, most people don't need this much boot. They need way better quality socks. Stay away from man-made materials as much as possible. Natural fibers insulate so much better. If you are planning on going ice fishing, you may want to consider how much insulation is between your feet and the ice. However, setting a 2X4 under your feet will greatly increase your heat retention. FYI....I have a Columbia jacket with the reflective lining. It is excellent as long as I am moving but doesn't do too well if I am sitting. Take it from an old hand that has tried everything to stay warm....wool is king in the lower 48.

[@iowkey_9339]

I live in Norway, in the southern parts we rarely see it drop to -30C, usually it stays between -10 to -20C. I have the Sorels, and the fact that they let some heat escape is a bonus for me. If I need it warmer I'll add socks, but I usually don't. I tend to turn into a furnace when I'm walking, so staying warm is usually not the issue. They're really nice when there's snow up to my thighs, and I'm walking a long distance.. or when there's snow up to my calves, and the weather is warmer - when the snow turns into slush. Low cut boots just don't cut it when the snow is too high - I'd have to wear different pants to compensate for the low cuts snow collection. Nothing I hate more than have snow and water running down my ankle.

[@robescott4741]

Love to see Military cold weather boots put to the test, see which country wins!!! I've got the British army cold weather boots and they are pretty good!!! I put my money on the Swiss though!!

[@Devin_Stromgren]

The Swiss do tend to overengineer things.

[@michealadams1206]

WOW! I really like how you speak & express yourself. And your analysis all of the boots, especially by cutting them in half was very effective! I appreciate all you did for us. Your work was very educational & informative! Thank you sor.

[@clarityautodetails5304]

I recently got a pair of the Columbia’s, very similar but not the exact same, for washing cars in the winter as well as snowshoeing and other fun winter things. So far, they’re fantastic. Can dump a whole bucket of water on my foot and they stay dry on the inside. Haven’t felt cold yet, although only used down to about 30 F

[@lightningdriver81]

I have a four year old pair of Columbia Techlites I only use in snow. Pretty good dry boot but really excellent traction in iced-over snow, my main criteria. Warm enough as well. I’ve been totally satisfied with these.

[@drunkenscumbag]

thanks for doing winterboots. I'm a letter carrier for Canada Post and the two most important factors for me are weight and waterproof(ness). I would be interested in seeing values for high movement situations vs sedentary situations

[@cjdouthit8298]

I work at an airport in all weather conditions as well. I would like to see this as well. Also along with the best ice gripping soles. Sometimes it’s like an ice rink out there. We live in the mountains with lots of snow

[@rubenrebenz1000]

I’m a letter carrier as well, walk 9 miles on a park and loop route. I prefer gortex hightop hiking boots or sneakers, due to foot flex and light weight. La Sportiva, Salomon, Merrill, Nike, adidas, make good ones. I love my Keen, and Redwing boots as well. The sneakers only last a season for me, so I buy a new pair after winter. I hit the REI garage sale and REI online, where some are discounted. I also buy new wool socks annually.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Try silk liner socks, heavy weight MERINO wool socks inside a pair of uninsulated waterproof leather boots.....like Danner Antelope or Carolina loggers. Personally, I prefer the loggers but they can get a little heavy toward the end of the day but the give excellent traction. If temps are below -10F, I will wear a pair of hunting boots with 200 grams of Thinsulate instead of the uninsulated loggers. Remember to buy a 1/2 size larger to accomodate the thick socks.

[@thestorygirl2818]

Good winter boots + some sort of light ice grips for seriously icy sidewalks. Yak traks or some other ice grips have become super popular here in Canada and are great to have on hand in case things are very dicey (esp with the crazy freeze/thaw/black ice). There are different styles that are more suited to urban environments (aka can handle concrete).

[@MPRiley-rb6lj]

the Story Girl If you can find "Stabillicers" traction devices with replaceable traction screws I highly recommend. If original screws are not stainless steel replace them. Warning: stepping onto tile floor will have opposite of desired effects!

[@Reziac]

Useful to see the side-by-side. Thinking when you have individual teardowns, you could do quick side-by-side at the end for similar products.

[@jessicakelwaski5127]

Super helpful! I’m standing in my house trying to decide between Sorel and Kamik boots I bought for our trip to Alaska. I’m definitely going with Kamik to keep my feet warm. Thanks!

[@ariescustom]

I have a pair of North Face Verto B2 hiking/mountaineering boots and they're pretty much indestructible with a Vibram sole and definitely waterproof. Doesn't seem like the company makes anything of that level of quality anymore, at least not in footwear.

[@LarryKapp1]

I had a pair of cheap looking all synthetic Northface insulated boots that I got on sale and they turned out to be the best winter boots I ever had - warm, waterproof, and lightweight. I used them until way past worn out and last winter got a pair of Northface nylon Chikat II boots. They look to be well made for my general usage .

[@jacknagle2798]

I bought a pair of Kamiks 28 years ago, made in Canada, and they are still going strong!!!!

[@JohnDoe-df2zz]

I've owned a similar pair of Keens for several years. They are really great boots- they fit more like a thick "technical" boot in that they have plenty of room, but aren't sloppy on your feet like some other cold weather boots can be. The wider toe box fits my wide feet with thick socks very well. I've never been cold in them despite standing in snow for extended periods of time. I wouldn't worry about the lower tongue gusset- when the boots are tied water isn't getting in there, and they are really meant for a snow environment, not to be standing in streams. Also my Keens have held up to several seasons so far and still look new. I've owned Sorel's many years ago and I remember them being much more sturdy, with a very thick wool insert. The Sorel's that you tested look like a cheap Chinese knock-off of what I owned years ago and I don't think I'd buy those. The Kamiks do look like a improved alternative to the Sorels.

[@d3vastat0r89]

I know for a fact that Keen utility boots stopped being good since this past year. Maybe their winter boots remained a priority or now it also reflects similar neglect. They never lasted as long as I see some comments reporting other brands last (a year or slightly more working in a warehouse). The last pair I got isn't even making it to a year, which is why I am here looking at these videos.

[@daleolson3506]

Keens don’t last👎

[@sylviaesposito4757]

@@daleolson3506 I have lots of pairs of Keens. That's all I wear. My winter boots are atleast 4 years old and are very warm and waterproof which is important in Minnesota weather. I have all different types of keens and wear a pair everyday. They last for years and years.

[@pillcosby3949]

Keens are garbage in my opinion, at least the “waterproof” aspect. My feet are soaked after a few hours in the show with them.

[@JosesGaraje]

I bought a pair of Keen Revel IV Polar waterproof high winter boots 2/2021. Out of the box they were excellent especially the outer sole. After the first year their much advertised thermal coconut husk removable insoles could not be found for replacement. During the second winter they struggled to keep my feet warm at temperatures less than 30 degrees F. The problem found is that the inner toe area doesn't breath and accumulates lots of moisture and you have to dry the boots for 48-72 hours to get them dry, but it only takes a couple more hours of use for them to get moist again. Not conducive for keeping feet warm. For the price I would recommend choosing another brand of boot.

[@davenhla]

I still have my Sorel's from the 1980's. I used to wear them a lot more, but in the last several years they only come out a couple times a year. The upper is thick leather, the bottom is real rubber. The liners used to be wool. They are beat up boots. I bought replacements, basically same style but different color, about 12 years back. The new liners suck. My toes got cold after a half hour. The bottom of the boot got hard and slick in the cold. I gave them away. I hate Keen. They have some good designs. Too bad you never know if you are getting the same shoe from them twice. I bought a pair of steel toes. Lasted two years! I was impressed(I destroy shoes, I am heavy) Went back had the store order me the same pair. These lasted 11 months, bottoms wore crooked on the heal quite badly. Went back, thought maybe it was bad luck, ordered third pair. Lasted 5 months, the structure under my heal on the right shoe just collapsed, no other way to describe it. They are foriegn shoes made in a place not exactly known for great QC and the same place is also known to substitute cheap materials if they can get away with it. I have never bought another pair and never will. When it comes to boots for the winter, in the bad bad I get out my old boots. Everything else, I have found thick socks and some old work boots do just as well as most of the 180 dollar winter boots do. Most recently my mostly worn out Timberland Boondocks got the insole pulled to make room for a mongo thick pair of wool socks and they do great.

[@baberoot1998]

You are so very correct about KEEN being comfortable. I thrifted a pair, barely worn, and they are the best fitting and most comfortable foot wear I own. I was in awe of just how comfortable they are. Only time will tell how long they hold up though. But yeah...KEEN gets an A+ on comfort.

[@sonyakarr9832]

Definitely enjoyed the compressed series. I would definitely go the North Face based on my "out in the snow habits". I'm not in the cold for hours on end. They're casual and extremely cute.

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

Cute? 😏

[@matthewfield2208]

I have an older pair of the North Face boot without the zipper or the “sleeping bag” part on the upper and they are super comfortable and warm. Haven’t used them in wet conditions really that much but I really liked them more than I thought. I also have a pair of the Sorrels and have always been disappointed that they weren’t warmer for how chunky and heavy duty they are- The North Face boots are definitely way warmer in real world conditions.

[@miconias]

Was able to get the North Face on sale over the summer for around $70-80 and I have to say they're pretty decent. I agree that the zipper is a point of failure, but I also have to give some concession to their convenience. The fact that I can slip these on as quickly as a sneaker especially when I'm almost late for work, or unzip them when the boots get too warm during indoor use has made me soften to the idea of them. We'll see how long they actually last, but so far they're holding up.

[@bigd2829]

How are they now? I just ordered these and would love if you could update me on how they are working for you.

[@ropersf]

I worked at an outdoor store in SF during the 90's. We sold a few Sorel models and Caribous were very popular but even back then they were more fashion than function. If someone told me they were going to work outside in the snow like a lift operator at a ski resort, I would steer them away from the Caribous and try to sell them a better model from Sorel or LaCrosse. Kamik was the cheap brand and their liners did not last because they compacted really quick.. cozy and cushy at first but not for long. We used Kamik for rentals because even good quality boots only last one season in rentals. I really liked Danner boots back then. I bought a pair of Fort Lewis and Canadians at a discount. Danner had the best "pro-deal", 40% below wholesale for store employees. 30 years later those Danners are still in great shape.

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Interesting results. I own the Sorel’s you tested. They replaced my old Sorel’s that I had for about 15-20 years. Interesting to see the heat loss was more than the others. Had I watched this video prior to owning the Sorel’s I may have been persuaded, however getting 15-20 years out of my first pair, and about 3-4 years into my 2nd pair I wouldn’t trade them for any other boot. What this demonstration does not show, is the longevity of the boot and how they wear over time. The Sorel’s have stood the test of time. My only reason for replacing the first pair was I was loosing some of the tread. As a builder, I where these boots almost exclusively in the winter. I live in the Northeast and we certainly get our fair share of cold and wet weather. At no time can I remember my feet not feeling comfortable. I don’t remember my feet ever getting cold or having to double up on Sox. My feet have always been kept warm and dry in my boots. I would pay, and have paid more for Sorel’s over any of the competitors because of my experience in owning them. They are made incredibly well. They hold up to constant use and abuse. They are about as close as indestructible as you can get. It would be interesting to see how the other boots hold up over time.

[@dankeith6756]

The Caribou really used to last. I had a pair for 25 years. I live in Montana and they don't keep my feet warm when it's below 0. I do construction and I'm always outside. I think the quality has gone way down. I bought a different Sorel boot several years ago (don't remember the name, wasn't Caribou) that didn't last at all before the sole came off! Maybe 3 or 4 winters at 20 or 30 days a year.

[@cmcg1190]

Great video as always... I have a pair of Keen Revels for winter hiking and can't say enough about them, they take a beating, are very warm (almost too warm) and comfortable... Very much worth the price tag... Buy once cry once!

[@przemysawseredyszyn1405]

7:32 let me help you with that : P.E.T is a type of poliester, Ripstop is a fabric that has additional thick reinforcing yarns interwoven into the pattern to make it stronger, PFCs are fluorocarbons - chemicals often used to give fabrics hydrofobic (water repelent) properties but they are also superbad for the enviroment.

[@andrewsmith1735]

That's why they're made in Vietnam I bet.

[@zacharykam5161]

@@andrewsmith1735 They don't do anything the business owners don't tell them too.

[@ScottWConvid19]

Excellent analysis of these boots. Thanks for taking the time to do the review. One thing I've learned is that only time under use can really gauge how good a boot really is. I've had some boots last 6-7 winters with much outdoor use and I've had others last a month before they started to leak.

[@sparkythecorgi612]

interesting comparison! The Sorel's I had 20 years ago were really well made and warm, sad they've gone the cheap build route. Keen's do have a funky look but they are always well made and comfortable for wide feet.

[@tacob69]

I have the same thoughts about Redwing.I bought a pair of Redwings in the late 90s and they lasted 9 years and when I finally broke down and got a new pair and they didn't last a year.

[@2drealms196]

@@tacob69 You or he should do a cutdown comparison of your old and your new broken Redwings. See where Redwings cuts corners nowdays.

[@jaypooler9765]

@@2drealms196 lol only if you pay for them...I liked your comment

[@sethmoking]

I've had those exact Kamiks for 5 years in the Northeast. I wear them every day and they're still running strong.

[@AlaskaMatt]

Its pretty interesting how different the Canadian made Sorel Caribou boots are different. I have a pair before they were sold to Columbia Sportswear. The liner and thickness of the rubber are 3 or 4 times as thick and the original price was alot less.

[@IanMcCausland]

i have a pair from the 80's that I still wear today in the deepest cold up here in Canada and they work great! The pair we bought my wife a few years ago, we sold on facebook cuz they couldn't keep her feet warm. So disappointing!

[@bg9280]

The shoes sold in Quebec are exactly the same as this one.

[@jerrythomas7062]

I love my Columbia's! I've worn these for many years for hunting, work in fairly extreme conditions in utility construction and just playing in the snow with kids and grandkids. I've never had a leak and never had cold feet. I've only worn out one pair in the last 20+/- years. I really find these to be the best value for the money and haven't had a reason to change. I do like your format and heat retention is difficult to measure - probably varies from person to person just from how they might fit. Kudos for doing this

[@MissTaelus]

Sorel is a wonderful example of what happens when craftsmen stop making the decisions for a company and corporate heads take over. Same boots, but with lower quality materials or less of them. The liners used to he made from high-quality heavy wool, now they are at best a wool/poly blend. At worst, they may just be polyester. Did a burn test on some of the fibers from my Joan of the Arctic liner and got a blob of melted plastic. They don't list what kind of felt is used to make them anymore, and I honestly think they are just banking on the idea that no one will notice. Trust me, my toes noticed the difference after 10 minutes in a snowbank. But we all keep buying their crap because we remember how our parent's boots that predate us were so damned good at what they were supposed to do.

[@violetspider_]

Full grain leather with wool/ furr.

[@calaloe3052]

I got a new pair of Sorel's in 2005, that is 17 years now. The sole is a bit worn on the heel for walking on other stuff than snow... I bought new booties just in case, but am still using the originals. Holding up great. One thing that was mentioned in this great video, is the way the feet stay dry even though your feet sweat a lot.The moisture goes on the outside of the bootie. As I take them off, I am always amazed. So I dry them after every use.

[@brentworls8509]

Old Sorels had a super-thick full wool liners, much thicker than 8mm. I remember mine being really heavy and thick in construction.

[@TheSaiyanKing]

I bought the Kamik boots on a whim, because they were on sale at Canadian Tire, and I needed new snow boots, not expecting much. Glad to see how good they are.

[@melaniefarrow7152]

I've owned three of the four brands. Love my Sorel's more than I can say. My insert seems much better but mine are not the base model you showed. Little things like the grip of the sole and the ease of lacing and getting off make the difference. I am in -20 often and have never had cold toes. I loved Kamik until I got Sorel. I'm on third year of daily wear November to April. I will repurchase.

[@Czechbound]

Top Tip : Rubber has a life ( hence you change your car tyres based on tread depth AND age ). I got 8 years out of my good boots before the sole turned to hard plastic ( it was like walking on blocks of inflexible plastic ). So bear that in mind when you're budgeting for boots where the sole can't be resoled.

[@Areyouafraidofthedarkkuk]

What do you recommend

[@Czechbound]

@@Areyouafraidofthedarkkuk I guess it depends on your budget and where you are in the world. I bought boots with a Vibram rubber sole. They are hiking boot style, and were very handy for the snow here in Prague. I bought "Grisport" brand, model "Classic Dakar". They are Italian, and cost about 115 euro. For me, it was the right balance between quality and price for the use I'll make of them. They are very comfortable and well made. But they are molded, and not Goodyear welted/ storm welted, so they cannot be resoled.

[@Areyouafraidofthedarkkuk]

@@Czechbound shoot I'm in the us and budget doesn't necessarily exist as I'm trying to work up to it

[@movingforwardLDTH]

Definitely appreciate the side-by-side-by-side. I’ll have to check your back catalog to see if you’ve done the same testing in women’s boots - manufacturers use cheaper construction for women’s clothing for other items, so 100% expect them to do the same for boots - but please test women’s footwear if you haven’t already!

[@alexander5207]

Just find your size in men's and buy that. No one is stopping you.

[@lisaphares2286]

For a functional footwear, that’s what I do. Was looking for hiking boots for my bf and found some Teva. They didn’t have his size, but they did mine! Sold him on them as they are the best boots for hiking I’ve ever worn….and has a pair too! And after a almost a year they still keep his feet dry and comfy!

[@cami5173]

@@alexander5207 not everyone wants to have the same styled boots as grandpa

[@alexander5207]

@@cami5173 If you want something different that's why you'll pay more.

[@cami5173]

@@alexander5207 yep pay more for lower quality as all women must do, as we are secondary citizens after all. Seriously, you don’t sympathize at all with women that are always sold poorer quality items? There’s no reason for boots from the same brand to be made out of different materials just because a “woman foot” is going to be in the shoe 🤦‍♀️

[@38TEA]

Thanks. I was trying to choose the best and your review answered all of my questions.

[@cristinah7484]

I have a proposal for a video that might either be super interesting or super plain: comparing men's vs women's shoes. I got thinking that, for clothes, many times the same product will be of a better quality in the men section than in the women section even at the same price. The most notorious one is probably how a basic tee tends to be of a thicker fabric (and often a better placed cut) when it is for men, while women tend to have very thin, almost sheer fabric. And don't even get me started with pockets: I know the conspiracy is that they don't give women pockets so they buy bags on top of their regular clothes but I suspect a very big reason is also that they can cheap out on fabric if they make smaller pockets or just no pockets at all. It's not even just clothes, there's also the so called "pink tax" where women tend to pay higher price for same quality products so why would boots differ? Anyway, it might be interesting to grab some popular brands that are well know for a specific type of shoe (like Converse, Uggs, Vans) and compare the "same" boot with the only difference being the gender it's marketed towards. Maybe you could even start with a shoe you already cut in half for men and get the women's version to test it in a short video before spending a ton in a video similar to this one with maybe not so great results if there's no real difference

[@nibaljbn8572]

Yesss

[@SunnyKittyKatt]

Love this idea!

[@zapotek12]

Great review, thanks a lot! The only missing point in my opinion is the water retention from the inside. I own a pair of North Face 'Back to Berkeley' and they are amazingly warm and waterproof. However after 2 hours, my socks are wet from perspiration, meaning that breathability is poor. Similar to full 'gardening' rubber boots. Still looking for a pair of warm, waterproof, breathable boots

[@Zaddtheman]

Bro. -40C is the same as -40F

[@TophOpossum]

Yup. That's where they line up.

[@christinas4]

He knows lol

[@thestorygirl2818]

Honestly, as an active Canadian, my women's Merrell Tremblant Mid-Polar Boots are so amazing in the winter. Good enough fit to hike in (did a mountain summit in Banff last week with ice grips), great for walking in cities through massive puddles and slush in the spring, and classy enough to wear with a dress and a wool coat. I done shifts 7+ hours in them snow shovelling for my old boss without any issues. I've had them for more than 5 years now. I realized this year that my chronic cold feet in the winter were not due to inadequate footwear but a massive iron deficiency LOL science. Feet are rarely cold now. Not a fan of Sorels, they just look so clunky and your video has confirmed that they are simply overrated. Cheers to a great video!

[@theocho8689]

When I was a kid growing up in Central Texas I always wanted some Sorel winter boots. I just thought they were the warmest boots made. Not that I needed them here but I dreamed of being in the snow. Having done cold weather training in the military I can say that VB/Mickey Mouse boots work when you are in -25 F living outside for a week.

[@fraydnot]

The old bunny boots

[@spiderpickle3255]

_"...retaining warmth by sandwiching up to one inch of wool and felt insulation between two vacuum-tight layers of rubber"_ I should think they would work

[@prestonsmith9266]

I think I like the zipper. I don't particularly like those boots as much however I do think the zipper is a fairly good idea as long as it's a durable one. Because I like the ease of putting them on and taking them off, I still want the laces because then I can make them tight to my feet however I want to be able to take them on and off without tying and untying them. For a while I would just wear boots that do not have laces that you just slip on and off however they are not tight to your feet so if I decide to go into the mountains and walk around then they aren't very good for that

[@nickpro1]

Great video as always. Three things for the discussion. 1. Thermoball is hands down the bests synthetic down alternative. I wasn’t sure how that would translate to a boot but maybe that’s the answer to why they were the warmest. 2. Could you add in the thinsilate lined LL bean duck boot and the Ugg weather boot. llbean out of curiosity and I inherited a pair of the uggs; they are surprisingly efficient for winter activities. 3. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@XwaYdesu]

I love that you did a comparative video. This format is my favorite that you've done.

[@waytothewill]

I wish similar tests were made for every single type of product. Thank you for the fair evaluation!

[@Watchmen98]

I replaced my old Sorrels with Kamiks a few years ago. The Kamiks are holding up great to farm use in MN winters. I've had them 5 years now and so far they are holding up great and are plenty warm even on our coldest days.

[@Devin_Stromgren]

A fellow MN farmer in the comments? Five bucks says I live further north than you.

[@gudhkaajit09]

Chinese suppliers never sell by themselves. They sell their products via local outlets or local partners. So that they don't take any blame of sub standards. While Indian products comes with warranty and in some case also with guarantee. Chinese manufacturers don't have ears, they don't listen to complaints.

[@obeals]

I bought the Keens. I love them. They're comfortable, warm, and this video really undersells the traction soles. They feel like snow tires for my feet.

[@thegreatmrp]

As a heavy guy, over 300lbs, Keen boots in general have been the best for me. Definitely warm in the winter and too hot in summer if you have the really insulated ones but overall held up the best to my abuse. Way better than cheap generic boots or other brands I tried. Definitely expensive but they easily out lasted any of my other boots by years in both comfort and build quality.

[@Kevin-qo6qt]

Disagree with build quality.initially all good.about 9 months out mmine always start coming apart.

[@FabulosoSpray]

Wish they made bigger sizes. Initially was going to buy them, but that fact turned me down.

[@larss592]

I still have my sorels from over 20 years ago. Also still have the upgraded inserts that are two tone and perform much better in cold. Also helps to have another set of inserts if you wear them all day and are working/ sweating in them.

[@douglasthompson2740]

I can tell you in my experience that a "waterproof" boot is going to be a boot that doesn't 'breathe' as well as those with foil reflective linings and they will be cold in cold weather. In cold weather your body stays warmer when it is dry. This means any material that blocks that moisture from escaping is going to be a cold boot regardless of how much extra insulation and layers it has. Many people will tell you that when it is very cold out as long as you can stay dry a pair of athletic shoes with mesh membrane are warmer than many "cold weather pacs". Such as in an unheated garage. The only way I know of to make waterproof or even weatherproof boots somewhat better is to get them big enough to put a thick felt insole in and change that out a couple of times a day. The Sorels of old had that full felt liner that you would dry at night which kept your feet warm as it had enough mass to absorb quite a bit of sweat before dropping in insulative value.

[@sevendeadlychins]

It sounds like you just have bad circulation mate.

[@LarryKapp1]

Very true what you say about the moisture and cold feet. Same is true for if you sweat in a big jacket - better to have layers you can shed - warmer when your clothes aren't all getting wet with sweat. The rubber bottom boots are good for wet slushy snow. The reason they probably originally designed pac boots with leather tops is so they could breathe.

[@ryanwilson5936]

My solution has been Muck Arctic Pros for the last decade. As a guy with poor circulation and sweaty feet, I wear those with a pair of heavy weight wool socks (at least 85% wool, any less and your paying for marketing) and a pair of ultralight thermal liners. That handles any warmth I’d ever need down into negative double digits. To combat the sweating, I spray my feet with an aerosol antiperspirant. So, now I’m dry and warm and if my feet do get wet, the heavy weight wool sock stays warm when wet. Make sure winter boots have a loose fit to create that warm air pocket. If your boots are tight, it doesn’t matter how much “insulation” it has. Your feet will freeze.

[@Mogman150]

Great video. I bought the top of the line Sorel boot ~7 years ago and it literally fell apart where the lower meets the upper on it's first outing. Total junk. Columbia now owns them and they are no longer made in Canada. Sent pictures to the company and ended up sending the boots to them for inspection. They sent me a credit to buy more of their junky boots (no check)...

[@lowstringc]

My Sorels that I purchased in 1993 are still going strong (after wearing out and replacing the liner once…). I’m sure they were better made then, but I’m ever so pleased with them.

[@BHEagle2024]

From hiking to snow removal my Keens have been awesome. super comfy out of the box and really warm but breathable with some good Darn tugh, Smartwool, or WigWam socks.

[@ALAPINO]

What a great video! I appreciate your process. Sorel once was tops pre-2000 when they got sold to Columbia: Now, like most of what Columbia makes, they are overpriced fodder. Columbia just puts out fashion wear masquerading as performance gear. The only items from the company that don't suck are their base, mid layers, and some of their winter, ski jackets. All their footwear that I have used have been disappointments (to be specific, they perform well for a season or two, then fail- leaks, sole failure, construction failure). I'm up north and if you find vintage Sorels (pre-Columbia ownership) they are usually still serviceable. Kamik, in my experience, is probably the best "affordable" boot. Like you pointed out, they sometimes do feel cheap. They go on sale all the time and then they become an even higher value proposition. If you have kids they are hard to beat. I haven't tried Keens but I hear good things about their hiking boots. What stood out to me about feeling them and trying them in stores (back when such an activity was allowed) was that any item that wasn't full grain leather felt like loose cardboard, like the leather fibre was just really open and light. North Face always had a stereotypical user in my part of the world. Kept me away from the brand, deserved or not. Cheers!

[@harrykennedy1648]

Had only one pair of Sorels for last 28 Minnesota winters. They were solid like a tank. But its clear from reviews and comments of friends that bought them recently that Sorel is not what it used to be. Sad.

[@mkyhou1160]

I’m a big fan of Columbia boots - i have to buy one size large than my shoe. What I like is they are lighter than a lot of boots, which makes a difference when you walk long distance. I avoid leather models - heavy and not that practical in snow. Columbia fire camp is a great model at a good price, it’s my go to casual winter wear in Calgary.

[@markberman8958]

Great comparison video. I own the exact same Caribou Sorels you feature here. I have lived in Minnesota my entire life. Sorel used to be a brand you could count on for warmth, durability and quality. Now like everything else, it’s just junk. The outsole is so thin and pathetic. You can feel every crack, rock, pebble and pavement imperfection below your feet. They hurt to wear for long periods of time as a result. I expect a heck of a lot more out of winter boots than Sorel offers here. It’s just more of the same. Taking a brand that used to stand for quality and absolutely ruining it.

[@wdtaut5650]

The warmest winter boots I have ever had expired last winter. The rubber finally began cracking. They are Servus pac boots I bought from Herters 50 years ago. They are all rubber and the tongue gusset extends to the top of the boot so they are (were) completely waterproof to the top of the boot. If you cut them in two, you would find nothing but rubber and a thin felt-like material lining the boot. The warmth came from the thick felt pacs inserted into the boot and a good wool sock. The fit was loose enough that I could use toe warmers when sitting on the ice or in the deer stand. The boots laced, the pacs had zippers. I learned how to make the zippers work. I can't find anyone making a boot like that now.

[@arcticfoam5480]

Great video, if you ever do something like this again I’d recommend choosing the north face chilkat 400 oppose to the thermoball boot zip, as the zip up is imo not really in the same category as these other heavier duty winter boots and are definitely made to be a little on the lighter/more casual side of things

[@fiily1]

Love my kamik's that I've had for 5+ years, great winter boot for snow shoveling or snow blowing. They're big and bulky, but I only use them for the 2 things mentioned. For everyday winter boots I wear my north face boots which are far less bulky and light.