I’ve lived in the south, specifically North Carolina and Virginia, for the last ten years. Therefore, all cold weather clothing has been donated, thrown out or no longer fits. Included in this purging were my winter boots.
We moved to New England during COVID-19. Shopping in stores for winter accessories during the pandemic is anything but simple.
This week, the weatherman forecasted snow and it inspired me to find the best winter boots 2020. I ordered 5 pairs of snow boots on Amazon from various vendors in different styles. Below is my un-paid, un-solicited review on each. Which pair do you think I chose?
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Best Winter Boots 2020 Sizing
The following snow boots were ordered in size 9 and 9.5. Normally, I wear an 8.5 to 9. However, I like space for merino wool socks. My feet have low arches and are narrow in shape.
I am 5 foot 3 inches. Meaning, I am short and athletically built. All the following boots looked great even on my petite frame.
1. SOREL whitney tall lace ii
Specs:
- Size: 9.5
- Color: Black
- Available Colors: Quarry, Black, Black-Sea Salt, Bright Rose, Alpine Tundra, Camel Brown-Dark Stone, Sea Salt
- Runs: Small
- Heel Height: 1 inch
- Weight: 13 oz.
Pros:
A light weight boot with stylish accents. I love the black and white laces with faux-fur collar! These are an easy on, easy off boot. They lace up like a sneaker. The waterproof constructions means your feet will stay dry in those snowy, New England winters.
Cons:
While these are the perfect pull on winter boot for a trip to the gym, grocery store or mall, I feel like they wouldn’t work well for snowshoeing, hikes in the woods, icy conditions or day trips into the city. The height of the boot might not be tall enough for deep winter snow. These SOREL Whitney Tall Lace II boots run small and narrow. The 9.5 fit me comfortably.
2. SOREL whitney II Short lace
Specs:
- Size: 9.5
- Color: Black
- Available Colors: Quarry, Black, Red Dalia, Alpine Tundra, Elk, Stone
- Runs: Small
- Heel Height: 1.5 inch
- Weight: 14 oz.
Pros:
A light weight winter shoe with sneaker-like accents. Once again, those laces and black faux-fur have my heart! This winter boot is also waterproof and is available in 6 colors!!! I suggest the SOREL Whitney Short Lace II for heading to the gym, shopping, or errands.
Cons:
The height of this boot makes it impossible for deep snow treks. They aren’t warm enough for any length of time outdoors. If you are looking for a snowshoe boot, these are not the ones. These shoes also run small and narrow. I have the SOREL Joan of Arctic Wedge II in a size 9. The 9.5 SOREL Whitney Short Lace II fits me.
3. Columbia Ice Maiden II
Specs:
- Size: 9
- Color: Black/Columbia Grey
- Available Colors: Black/Columbia Grey, Black/Ti Grey Steel, Cordovan/Siberia, Elk/Black, Graphite/Plum Purple, Tan/Fossil, Shale/Dark Raspberry, Elk/Red Velvet, Black/Oxygen, Shale/Northern Lights
- Runs: Small
- Heel Height: 1 inch
- Weight: 1lb. 1 oz.
Pros:
These Columbia Ice Maiden II boots made the list of “best winter boots” on several blogs. They are waterproof, have that cute faux-fur accent, 200g insulation and a rubber outsole for traction. If you prefer variety, they come in 7 colors!
Cons:
A heavier boot. They felt clunky and awkward for me. While they have the quality insulation, they feel like a mid-weight warmth. I’m afraid they would not keep my feet warm on a frigid, cold day. These boots also run small. The 9.5 would have fit me better.
4. The North Face Shellista IV Tall
Specs:
- Size: 9.5
- Color: Black/Zink Grey
- Available Colors: Black/Zink Grey, Demitasse Brown/Carafe Brown
- Runs: Small
- Heel Height: 1.5 inch
- Weight: 1lb. 12 oz.
Pros:
I read reviews on the North Face Shellista IV Tall boot versus the SOREL Joan of Arctic and this boot beat the SORELs hands down. This tall boot is ultra warm, waterproof, has amazing traction, cute accents and will fit well under snow pants or over fleece-lined leggings. The interchangeable red and grey laces are a plus! I could see these working well for hiking, snowshoeing and day trips into the city.
Cons:
This is a lace-up, tall boot. The laces must be fully loosened to insert your foot. Then, it takes a little time to pull the laces taught until the boot is comfortable. This is not a boot to wear if you are in a hurry. However, once they are on, they fit like a glove!
These boots also run small, but I would not refer to them as narrow. I like a thumbs width of space in my boots for hiking and long walks. To obtain this, I sized up to a 9.5. The ankles look a little sloppy due to the sizing up. However, this does affect their comfort.
5. The North Face Shellista III Mid
Specs:
- Size: 9.5
- Color: Black/Zink Grey
- Available Colors: Black/Zink Grey, Demitasse Brown/Carafe Brown, Stingray/Dark Full Grey, Vanadis Grey/Black
- Runs: Small
- Weight: 1lb. 6 oz.
Pros:
Everything wonderful about the North Face Shellista IV Tall winter boots are the same with these North Face Shellista III Mid boots. In addition, these winter shoes come in 4 colors and have cute pull tabs on the side. They are insulated with 200g insulation like the Columbia Ice Maiden II but feel much warmer. While the photos show them with grey laces, I believe red laces were included in the box.
Cons:
May run narrow for some feet. Personally, these boots ran small for me. The 9.5 fit wonderfully. These may not be tall enough for deep winter snowstorms. Lastly, the insoles are not removable
Best Winter Boots 2020 Conclusion
My goal while shopping for the best winter boots of 2020, was to find two pairs. One pair for quick trips to the gym and grocery store. A second pair for snowshoeing, hiking and holiday activities outdoors.
I am keeping the SOREL Whitney II Short Lace and the North Face Shellista IV Tall. They are both extremely comfortable and serve the two purposes for which I need them.
Bring on snow, sleet, and rain! I am ready to get outside and enjoy winter in New England.
