Winter Boots?

[elessar78]

I asked for a pair of Winter Boots for Christmas and wouldn't you know I got two pairs!

Anyway, one is an expensive top of the line brand (Sorel Conquest) and the other is an off brand one from a chain sports store. Both are waterproof and insulated (400g).

I can actually return both and get cash back. Anyone know anything about winter boots? Does the name brand matter much? Probably once a month in the winter I spend a considerable amount of time several hours outdoors in the snow. The Sorel's look like they cost around $120 and the off-brand ones about $40.

If there is a "performance" related reason to keep the pricey ones I don't mind. But if it's just a name thing and they both function pretty much the same then I'll just keep the cheap ones.

I live in a cold weather state. We haven't been above freezing for about 3 weeks now.

[GREENBACK]

I spend a considerable amount of time outdoors in winter. I have owned Sorel boots and they are very good. I don't know what your demands for the boots will be but if you want to keep your tootsies dry and warm for an extended period of time I'd stick with quality. If you're just making short trips outdoors it doesn't matter much. It's definitely not just a name thing here.

[snafu]

It isn't the brand that's important, you need boots that are waterproof and provide good traction. If you are in deep snow they need to be high enough to keep snow from tumbling in, melting and leaving tootsies freezing.

Check out -Northface, Dakota, Kamik, Kodiak,Columbia and Baffin on-line to see what meets your particular needs. Those that work in the Arctic mostly wear Sorel

[tbri491]

Personally, I would stick with the Sorels as they are definitely a top of the line boot. Another option though is to return both of them and try and find your own store with other boots or with a great deal.

[Alan_MoneySanity]

It would be "penny wise pound foolish" to not keep the Sorels.