I live in southern Hokkaido, where we had our first snow last night. I usually get cheap boots to last me one winter each year as inside heel always gets destroyed, but I’m thinking of getting something more durable. I would use them for long walks, and snow shoveling. Any recommendations? Thank you.
Thanks for all the comments. It seems Sorel boots are very popular.
8 comments
Sorel boots have lasted me a long time and kept me very warm during some serious shoveling.
I have big feet for a girl, so I head to Shoe Plaza’s men’s section. My favorite boots for the past decade or so have been Columbia (with an Orthaheel insert from Amazon). I’m hard on boots, but they generally last two or three seasons at least. Very comfortable, and they are usually a very unisex look, so not too clunky. (Eastern Hokkaido)
Go to any outdoor sports/hiking store and buy good hiking shoes. Good ones last 10y+, cost will be 20-25k or more.
Or any military surplus store (I’d think they have plenty of those here?) and get some combat boots. Go to the store with your winter socks and make sure they’re not tight. Air is insulation.
I live in Hokkaido too, and I’ve been wearing the basic Danners since I got here. They’re reasonably priced, feel great, and never leak. I just bought a new pair after 4 years and I look forward to winter every year because they’re so comfortable.
As already mentioned Sorel boots are good. I’ve had mine for a few years. Only issue is they’re a bit chunky (clown shoe-ish) in the toe box. But they keep you warm (rated for -40°C) and in my case waterproof. Had them submerged in slushy water just below the ankles with zero water ingress.
Redwings/Wolverines will last a long time if you take care of the uppers. your local cobbler can replace the soles thanks to the Goodyear welting.
If new prices are a bit off-putting, you can find used ones at the [2nd street online store](https://www.2ndstreet.jp/search?category=961002&😉 usually at or below half the price of new.
I have a pair of Bogs gumboots that I swear by, they’re rated for -20°C or something and I’ve worn them while visiting Sapporo in Winter and my feet were always warm and dry. They’re also really comfortable just as every day boots.
The only down side is the pair I have are an older style don’t have the best grip on icy surfaces, if I moved to a snowy place I would buy a different (newer) pair that has better grip.
Sorel boots
I have some Kamiks. They are good Canadian snow boots that have lasted me for 20 years.