<p>Since other people looking for boots recommendations may be looking at this thread as well I’ll add that anyone buying boots for a northern climate should make sure they have a good tread. Any traditional snow boot, such as a Sorel, LL Bean or Ugg will have it but other types of boots, such as many street boots or riding boots will not. Even if these boots are high enough to keep out the snow and waterproofable, you’ll risk wipeouts on the ice/tamped down snow if the soles of your boots are too flat.</p>
<p>OP, re the buildings not heated, or are you just not used to the winter temperatures? As cold as it gets outside, if the buildings were unheated you would have no running water in the bathrooms, as the pipes would freeze. Cold is relative, and if you return home each summer to a warmer area, you might be having a difficult time adjusting the the extreme temperature difference.</p>
<p>I like boots I can use for winter activities, not just walking on sidewalks from building to building.
Depending on what you plan to be doing outside, your boot needs can change.</p>
<p>Guessing here that the cold is relative. In the north, buildings in some cases (my house)are heated to to comfort while wearing a wool sweater, not to comfort for those from the south used to T shirts inside.</p>
<p>I had a hort prof who was going through menopause & while our class was in a portable without much insulation or warmth to speak of, she kept opening the door to get the breeze!
( in November)</p>
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<p>Absolutely. It can also change based on the time of year. For instance, on the same trails, in early-mid winter, when the biggest concern around here is deep snow and staying warm, I might wear a pair of tall tall Uggs, because their height helps keep the snow out. In later winter to early spring, when trails get tamped down and melt-refreeze patterns produce ice but the snow is lower I might wear hiking boots or other supportive boots with Yaktrax to keep from wiping out. As the spring progresses and slushy puddles form in the snow I’d switch to Hunters to keep my feet dry. For a year-round boot, and a backup to the Uggs I have Sorels, which it also what I buy for my kids, because while I don’t think they’re the best for any one of these condition, overall they’re the best for dealing with all conditions.</p>
<p>As someone upthread pointed out, wet Uggs are less than useless. They feel like wearing 10 pounds of wet sock on each foot. The key to staying comfortable in the winter in a cold climate is to dress for the conditions.</p>
<p>Funny that the brands most known for their stylish, waterproof warm winter boots are Canadian - La Canadienne, Blondo.
Sorel started out in Canada as well…</p>
<p>Didn’t every kid wear bread bags over their socks when their 1970s era boots got leaky? I did ;)</p>
<p>Gosh, I wonder where the OP went. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Probably too busy to post 'cause she is preoccupied with buying waterproof winter boots :D</p>
<p>Best snow boots I have ever owned are my Aquatalia’s made in Italy of all places. Warm, comfortable, stylish and perfectly water-proof. Have had the same pair for over 5 years and wear them all winter. They are a tad pricey but I think mine will last me a lifetime. Couldn’t find the exact ones I own but below is a link for a pair which are discounted by Zappos: [Aquatalia</a> by Marvin K. Karen Graphite/Black Suede - Zappos.com Free Shipping BOTH Ways](<a href=“Aquatalia by marvin k karen graphite black suede + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com”>Aquatalia by marvin k karen graphite black suede + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com)</p>
<p>Yep…I had the plastic bags too! Wore them when we went sledding. In the 60’s most boots were not waterproof. I was thrilled to get my Sorels when I moved to NH. First really warm boots I had ever owned! I did, however, love my Frye boots…and honestly didn’t care if my feet were cold…or not.</p>
<p>When I first bought a pair of sorels for D1, she turned up her nose on it. She thanked me later.</p>
<p>I just saw that gilt.com is having a sale of Sorels starting tomorrow [Sorel</a> at Gilt](<a href=“http://www.gilt.com/sale/women/sorel-0229]Sorel”>http://www.gilt.com/sale/women/sorel-0229)</p>
<p>I have the Sorel 1964 Premium Leather…the ugly ones with the felt liners. Mine were bought in 1973. They are still toasty warm…and dry all these years later. I replaced the felts a while ago…and I got new shoelaces once. They are well worth the money. I still wear mine to snow blow the driveway. I really like some of the more stylish ones!</p>