By: Levi Opsatnic
With last week’s blog detailing how to keep all of the ladies’ feet toasty, it only seems right to dive right into men’s footwear. As another frigid week in State College passes by, I find myself really having to bust out the winter boots in order to keep my feet feeling comfy; and whether you like or not, we are deep in the middle of boot season.
This week’s boot discussion provides ways to keep all of you guys’ feet free from the irritation and burden of freezing temps topped with an icing of snow. From classy, but toasty looks, to rugged hiking boots, we’ll cover em’ all.
1. The North Face Chillkat II Pull-On Boot
The North Face’s Chillkat II Pull-On Boots are the perfect pair of boots for really any winter activity. From wandering around snowy paths to ripping your sled down the hills at Slab Cabin Park, these boots will surely keep you warm. With a waterproof construction and a solid 200 grams of Heatseeker insulation, your feet won’t need to be constantly looking for a way to warm up and keep dry, but instead, these boots will do it for you. Combine that with a Winter Grip rubber outsole and IcePick temperature-sensitive grips and you get heat and traction on even the most brutal days. As a finishing touch, the Chillkat II Pull-On Boots have a cool two-tone appearance and lack laces so your cold hands won’t need to work overtime whenever your strings come undone.
2. Bogs Classic Mid Insulated Work Boot
Just like the name implies, Bogs delivers you a boot that is no stranger to a hard day’s work. Whether you’re looking to do some business on the farm or just keep your feet as dry as a bone, the Classic Mid Insulated Work Boots is sure to complete the job. A full waterproof construction of neoprene and rubber ensure that moisture won’t soak through, even whenever you’re ankle deep in freezing mud. Having an Aegis treated insole keeps these boots free from odor and bacteria so you won’t have to worry about anything unpleasant even after you shovel every driveway in your neighborhood.
The Kaïpo CS WP Boots from Salomon are here to provide you a fashion-forward approach to winter. With an ability to withstand temperatures as low as – 18°C, you’ll have no trouble keeping your feet toasty. Using Salomon’s Climashield waterproofing technology, these boots ensure that your feet always stay dry, but breathe as well. While their Climatherm insulation and rugged Contragrip outsole trap heat without adding a ton of bulk, and let you hit icy terrain without fear of a spill. Being that I’ve always been a huge sucker for a black upper with a gum sole, these boots have a style that really sings to me; couple them with your favorite jeans or a pair of khaki pants, and you’re off to a great start for a cool and warm winter outfit.
Sorel’s Greely Chelsea Boot offers you a classy and casual approach to keeping your feet warm in the winter. Don’t let their calm appearance fool you, because these boots pack enough heat for any winter evening. A waterproof suede construction allows you to step through puddles without fear of getting wet, or ruining your cool, new boots. And a microfiber insulation works to trap heat where you need it most and keep your feet happy on cold days. This winter, Sorel surely did one heck of a job at leaving you brimming with style in their Greely Chelsea Boot.
5. Vasque Snow Junkie Ultradry Winter Hiking Boot
We finish off the list with a winter hike’s worst enemy, and those are Vasque’s Snow Junkie Ultradry Winter Hiking Boots. With Vasque’s awesome Ultradry technology, you won’t need to worry about wet feet whenever you have to cross those winter trickles running down the mountain. And whenever you throw in a generous 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate Insulation combined with a fleece collar lining, you get warmth that is darn near impossible to beat. The Snow Junkie Ultradry Winter Hiking Boots will carry you along any icy path without hesitation, and have enough of a sweet and rugged look to let you roll into your favorite town’s diner looking and feeling like a hundred dollar bill wrapped in a cozy down jacket.