Best snowboots?

[NigelHarmansNewWife]

My beloved M&S boots have developed a split in the leather just above the toes below the laces. They've been brilliant and I must have had them 10 years. Never slipped or anything when wearing them in snow and ice.

I bought a pair of Merrell boots on Vinted to replace the M&S ones. They are lovely and warm and waterproof, but the soles aren't grippy enough. I slipped on our steep drive in the snow and actually fell (twice) on my walk though one of those was on ice covered by snow. Only my pride was hurt.

Any recommendations for really good snow boots please? I've looked at Sorel Joan of Arctics but reviews are that they're not very grippy - the soles are very similar to the Merrells. I'm looking for warmth, waterproof and not falling over!

I've had a few different Sorel boots over the years and Whitney are my go-to for snow and ice. I wore them in Canada when it was -15 and they kept my feet warm and dry!

Mine are the previous version of these, you can normally get them cheaper if you shop around:
Sorel Whitney boots

I also have the older version Explorer Joan and haven't needed to try them on ice yet (luckily!) but they are very warm and comfortable. The soles look quite different to the Joan of Arctic ones.

Ooh, and I've had these bookmarked for ages after someone recommended them on here but can't justify the price tag! Olang Hupa grippy snow boots

I have Sorel Caribous, I wore them for multiple winters living in Canada and like them. They are heavy, wide and clumpy though: Caribou

For dog walking/hiking I wore Kahtoola microspikes over my shoes: spikes

I also have a pair of Salomon winter hiking boots which are very warm, grippy and waterproof, and are lighter than the Sorels. I wear them a lot more than the Sorels here in the UK - I'm wearing them today. These are the newer version: Salomon

I live in the frozen tundra and would agree that Sorel are probably among the best out there.

This Canadian has a pair of Ugg Adirondacks and Pajar Hentas. The Pajars have an ice grip on the bottom that flips out.

Thank you for these suggestions. I shall take a look.

I have a pair of north face down snow boots that are still going strong 15 years on. They are amazing. Not sure quality is the same though since it became roadman fashion...

I have trespass ones. Super comfortable and ideal for the 3 days a year we have sun zero temperatures in the SW. I I lived somewhere properly saloman make great ones, I had some years ago when I lived in colder climes

I wear these: https://www.sorelfootwear.co.uk/p/womens-explorer-next-joan-waterproof-boot-2068791.html?dwvar_2068791_color=028&dwvar_2068791_size=9&gclsrc=aw.ds&&mid=paidsearch&eid=Google+Adwords+UK&nid=ECO_202311_LAB_GB-EN_PERFM_PERFM-ROAS_LOW_CON_PROMO_CLEARANCE&oid=&did=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA75itBhA6EiwAkho9ewG0LjEnWfVrHnJoqtPWoE7Pws824DQ8nT-hEcazQtxpk5QmkeuBrhoCg5EQAvD_BwE

You will need to size-up, I'm a 5.5 and I wear a 6.5 in these, but they are extremely warm, grippy, and comfortable.

I bought Columbia Minx after a lot of research, because I wanted my snow boots to also be good walking boots. (I needed them for travel.)

They are SO lightweight they're like wearing sneakers - could walk in them all day. They have what I think are called lug soles? - little rubbery knobs rather than just a chunky tread - so very grippy.

What about a pair of ice grips like yaktrax to use on icy and snowy days. It sounds like the Merrell boots are perfect apart from lack of grip - I would wear those rather than buying more boots for the handful of icy days we have in the UK.

I have Sorel Winter Carnival ones with the removable insert; they are warm and comfy and waterproof but admittedly not the height of fashion. I only wear them for trudging round ski resorts but they do grip well. I’ve had them about five years and they still look new; I think an older version of these:

https://www.sorelfootwear.co.uk/p/womens-winter-carnival-boot-1855081.html?dwvar_1855081_color=681

I am a size 4 & have a pair of Next kids snowboots, had them nearly 15 years & they have never let me down.

I'm now slightly obsessed with looking at the sole patterns on all these boots. Slipping going down the drive shook me up, more than falling tbh. I've been sure footed in my M&S boots and really didn't like having to be gingerly as I walked along. Yes, I could wear walking boots instead, but they're not as warm.

As @NannyR said, I would probably get some yaktrax, I wear those so does DH, much cheaper and easier to store than specific boots for the odd icy day.

I have these Danner Women's Cloud Cap in Black 400G [DANNUKSKU496] : Danner UK Sale | Danner Boots UK, Danner hiking boots UK with great discount.

Very warm and comfy and I've never slipped in them. They are quite open at the top so not really designed for big walks, more pavements on snowy days type boots. I wear a big beast pair of Meindel boots for proper winter hikes (not that I do many of those these days....) Also, there's a good sale on at the moment.

@NigelHarmansNewWife I'm now slightly obsessed with looking at the sole patterns on all these boots.

I clicked on the link that @Cheezcake mentioned about having book marked and ended up here:
https://olang.co.uk/collections/womens-lux/style_snow-boots+features_oc-system

They have this thing called the OC System on the sole. It sounds like snow tyres for shoes . I really want some of these now. I'd be interested to know if any one has an Olang OC System books are they easy to change so the studs turn over?

It's described as

The OC System helps you stay a step ahead. The non-slip system is built into many of the Olang winter footwear styles blending fashion and function. The non-slip system increases grip, helping you to walk comfortably and keep a firm footing on icy surfaces. The system features stainless steel studs and a framework created with special flexible polyurethane that is durable at even the most extreme temperatures. These studs can be turned over in slippery weather conditions, providing good grip on slippery surfaces. The brackets can then be turned back so that the spikes disappear. The OC system Key: makes it easy to use the OC system. Use the unique design to flip the OC system ON or OFF in a flash.

https://productimage001.snowandrock.com/productimages/550x825/e22ala0016_7070_d.jpg

I'd love to know if anyone has tried these or Mammal boots too. Neither are 100% waterproof so don't know if suitable for far North but they look so warm and love the idea of built in spikes

We discovered Kuoma boots on one of our many winter trips to Finland.

They are not the prettiest snow boots but are incredibly warm, comfortable and definitely super grippy .

On sale here

Yaktrax are a godsend. They don't look as though they would be that effective but they are rock solid on ice and fit any size of shoe. I've worn them over my Uggs.

https://www.yaktrax.co.uk/

I have the Fitflop neo-d hyker waterproof boot

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/neo-d-hyker-waterproof-leather-suede-fleece-lined-walking-boots-p-GP3

Mountain Warehouse Polar Womens Ultra Ice Grip Boots - IceLock Outsole, Synthetic Upper, IsoTherm, IsoDry - Best for Winter Skiing, Sports, Walking & Outdoors https://amzn.eu/d/2I5qfBA

I bought these last year and haven’t slipped 🤞

I have an ancient pair with the flip out grips. They are great as I can have the grips out when walking on ice and then flip them in when I get into town and the pavements are clear. If mine ever need replacing I will be looking for another pair with this system.

@eurochick are you talking about the Olang boots?

are they hard to flip over? is it a pain to keep getting dirty hands mucking aroudn with the boot sole?
can you wear the studs down indoors on carpet?

You can see how the Olang grips work. You'd want to be sure they stay clipped in whichever way you were wearing them otherwise you'd be clattering about all over the place!

Thanks for all the additional suggestions. More research for me.