Iowan here- love my Blundstones, but I wouldn’t use them for true winter weather. They’re super cute and comfortable, but I don’t think they’d be great in snow and slush
I got the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea boots last winter and found they’re great for warmth and daily living -- walking on sidewalks, probably not hiking on trails -- and generally looked good with my casual workwear during the winter. I love that they’re pull on because after getting two busy boys in winter gear, I don’t have the time or patience to lace up boots for myself 😅
Hey neighbor, I’m just north of ya in Ontario 🙃 and I retire my blundstones every winter because a. They are definitely not warm enough and b. The tread is awful on ice!!! Parking lots are a nightmare while wearing them. I’m not sure how the traction is on their “winter style” ones... but, they are and Australian company 😉 I absolutely LOVE them for spring-fall though. Wear them almost every day.
A few years ago I caved and bought Muck’s (Arctic Ice style) for my winter boot and I don’t think I’ll ever buy another kind again! Literally has the best grip for icey sidewalks, parking lots, etc. definitely NOT cute or stylish but hey... neither are cold feet or broken arms 😂
I also have always dreamed of getting Sterger Mucklucks but again, I hear those are better for really cold and deep snow. Not great for walking on sidewalks or exposed trails. But I personally think they are super cute and anytime I see someone wearing them I think... they are a true northerner.
Central Minnesotan here-a couple years ago, I gave up trying tying to find a unicorn boot, and instead bought three pairs of boots and it’s been life-changing in a great way. I live in my non-insulated Blundstones for fall and winter lifestyle boots. (Note, they are hard as hell to get on for a month or so, and I was discouraged at first, but they will eventually break in beautifully). I also use them as my “work boots” in the summer.
I also bought an insulated and non-insulated pair of Danners for outdoor use, and I wear them both a ton depending on the outdoor temperature/conditions.
I love Sorel boots! I would go with option 1; cute yet versatile. Hot honey is a staple at our hour we put it on pizza, toast, sandwiches, it just”completes” the bite. 😋
I love my (basic) LL Bean boots but with correct/good socks! They keep your foot dry and you can decide on warmth level based on your socks. I’m on my second pair after my first pair lasting 4 winters when I was in college and I love the traction they provide
My daily Minnesota winter boots are Keen! I didn’t know my feet could be that warm. They have a few great options (including some new styles) but I like the Elle!
Duluth girl here MN/WI native. I have various pairs. My heavy duty pair are BOGS. While they don’t get points in style they go all the way up my calf and are are absolutely wonderful for shoveling, trudging through deep snow with the dog, an everyday utilitarian boot. My heavy duty Cabelas stay in my car in case I’d find myself pushing the car out of places it gets stuck, I’ve also used them for ice fishing but BOGS would work here too. I have bean boots that are uninsulated so good for fall but more difficult to slide on. I feel like a Sorel ankle boot with a heavy duty taller boot are a good combo for our crazy winters? Shorter boots aren’t as good for sledding or making snowman ⛄️ 🥰
Okay the Sorel front runners are CAAA-UTE! I moved back to the west coast but if I ever need a pair, WOW.
I lived in Rochester, MN for a few years & I got a pair of Blundies that worked wonders, but it’s not quite as snowy down there. I wore my regular ones with thick socks & my feet were always toasty! They also have one called their Lug boot that have chunkier soles with more traction, which probably sounds like if that’d be better.
Buttttt they’re pricier than the Sorels, so idk! And they both have the sleeker ankle look that is so so cute. Ahhh, so many options! Can’t wait to hear about which you pick!
I live in Edmonton, Alberta - it’s very cold and snowy here! Winter is October to April ish.
I love my blundstones for errands and running around or walks where I’m on paved paths etc. def get the waterproof ones & you can also get a different insole that’s warmer.
I will say I also own sorrels for if I’m going to be playing in the snow. A full ugly snow boot pair but I think both are necessary!
Good luck with your boot purchase! I own the Sorel Chelsea boot (option 3) and I love them for getting to work on non-snowstorm winter days! When it’s actively dumping snow or when going snow-shoeing, I want something a bit more heavy duty, though. I own “Vasque
Laplander UltraDry Boots” which I got via an REI sale. They’re not winning awards in the cuteness department but they’re very functional!
https://www.rei.com/product/155930/kamik-snowgem-winter-boots-womens I got these last year for the wisconsin winters and I needed something waterproof, flippin warm (I shouldn’t need 4 pairs of socks to keep my toes warm!!) but also cute !! I also wanted something that I could actually play in the snow with my kid in, and not have snow go into my ankles (the. Literal. Worst.) I have LOVED the Kamik Snowgem boot and they have a shorter option if that’s more your vibe!
Ok had to drop my fave boot rec as a fellow Minnesotan. And have to say also- I feel like winter boots need categories if you’re a northern gal. Like true snow boots are a need. Then something also cute and warm. And then just the cute and not worry about warmth so much but should have traction. lol. So these fit kinda second and third category (although sometimes the first one too). Crazy expensive but totally worth it imo. I got mine used and have had them for 7 yrs now and still going strong! Satorisan Tewa boots with the wool insides! They are unbelievably warm, have really good traction and are also pretty cute. Huzzah!
Ugh, LIZ. You are reading my mind. When debating, I think I landed on one cute (but still practical) pair and one HEARTY and intense pair.... an investment, but obviously worth it!
Agree with this sentiment of needing a few categories of winter boots for Midwest life.
I have Cabelas boots for actual snow activities (playing with kids, sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, etc). But I also struggle to find warm, yet cute boots for more casual wear. Will have to look into everyone’s suggestions!
Not going to lie. I actually love those too cool for school boots!!! But truly the choices you have are o hard to pick from! I loved them all.
Can't wait to check out that podcast. I am also a big podcast girly. Current favorites are We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, & Know Thyself with Andre Duqum... Side note, your sisters pod comes in super handy with my small business many many times!
Anyways, thanks for this light hearted but hardy share (as per usual :)
Absolutely love these Sunday RESET emails 🥰 I just started following Freakonomics Radio — thank you for the rec!
Also, this is silly, but do you have a link for the pink sweater you’re wearing under the “Embrace” portion of the email?! I’ve been on the hunt for one just like that for weeks to no avail, and when I saw that photo of you I was like “Ah! Thats perfect!”
If you have an affiliate link for it, send that over so I can support ya :) Xx
I have the older version of option 1 boots and they are my all time favorite boot! My not cute, but used ALL the time winter boot are the Arctic ice muck boots.
Iowan here- love my Blundstones, but I wouldn’t use them for true winter weather. They’re super cute and comfortable, but I don’t think they’d be great in snow and slush
Thank you so much for the feedback! Do you wear them more as a spring/fall boot?
Usually, yes. They’re warm enough with thick socks in the fall, and I wear them around town in the winter.
Perfect! Thank you for the specifics. I am CLEARLY giving [too much] thought to this purchase, haha.
Totally valid, it’s important!
I got the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea boots last winter and found they’re great for warmth and daily living -- walking on sidewalks, probably not hiking on trails -- and generally looked good with my casual workwear during the winter. I love that they’re pull on because after getting two busy boys in winter gear, I don’t have the time or patience to lace up boots for myself 😅
Hey neighbor, I’m just north of ya in Ontario 🙃 and I retire my blundstones every winter because a. They are definitely not warm enough and b. The tread is awful on ice!!! Parking lots are a nightmare while wearing them. I’m not sure how the traction is on their “winter style” ones... but, they are and Australian company 😉 I absolutely LOVE them for spring-fall though. Wear them almost every day.
A few years ago I caved and bought Muck’s (Arctic Ice style) for my winter boot and I don’t think I’ll ever buy another kind again! Literally has the best grip for icey sidewalks, parking lots, etc. definitely NOT cute or stylish but hey... neither are cold feet or broken arms 😂
I also have always dreamed of getting Sterger Mucklucks but again, I hear those are better for really cold and deep snow. Not great for walking on sidewalks or exposed trails. But I personally think they are super cute and anytime I see someone wearing them I think... they are a true northerner.
Central Minnesotan here-a couple years ago, I gave up trying tying to find a unicorn boot, and instead bought three pairs of boots and it’s been life-changing in a great way. I live in my non-insulated Blundstones for fall and winter lifestyle boots. (Note, they are hard as hell to get on for a month or so, and I was discouraged at first, but they will eventually break in beautifully). I also use them as my “work boots” in the summer.
I also bought an insulated and non-insulated pair of Danners for outdoor use, and I wear them both a ton depending on the outdoor temperature/conditions.
I love Sorel boots! I would go with option 1; cute yet versatile. Hot honey is a staple at our hour we put it on pizza, toast, sandwiches, it just”completes” the bite. 😋
I love my (basic) LL Bean boots but with correct/good socks! They keep your foot dry and you can decide on warmth level based on your socks. I’m on my second pair after my first pair lasting 4 winters when I was in college and I love the traction they provide
My daily Minnesota winter boots are Keen! I didn’t know my feet could be that warm. They have a few great options (including some new styles) but I like the Elle!
*immediately googles* AND OMG THESE SEEM AMAZING
And this one regarding parenting!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/couple-things-with-shawn-and-andrew/id1485740243?i=1000628588365
They have the author of “Habits of the Household” and his wife on - I already have the book and can’t wait to read it now I. Er you’d love it!
Also can confirm Sorel makes amazing boots!!
Loved this podcast regarding motherhood ❤️
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-1000-hours-outside-podcast/id1448210728?i=1000626793497
Duluth girl here MN/WI native. I have various pairs. My heavy duty pair are BOGS. While they don’t get points in style they go all the way up my calf and are are absolutely wonderful for shoveling, trudging through deep snow with the dog, an everyday utilitarian boot. My heavy duty Cabelas stay in my car in case I’d find myself pushing the car out of places it gets stuck, I’ve also used them for ice fishing but BOGS would work here too. I have bean boots that are uninsulated so good for fall but more difficult to slide on. I feel like a Sorel ankle boot with a heavy duty taller boot are a good combo for our crazy winters? Shorter boots aren’t as good for sledding or making snowman ⛄️ 🥰
Okay the Sorel front runners are CAAA-UTE! I moved back to the west coast but if I ever need a pair, WOW.
I lived in Rochester, MN for a few years & I got a pair of Blundies that worked wonders, but it’s not quite as snowy down there. I wore my regular ones with thick socks & my feet were always toasty! They also have one called their Lug boot that have chunkier soles with more traction, which probably sounds like if that’d be better.
Buttttt they’re pricier than the Sorels, so idk! And they both have the sleeker ankle look that is so so cute. Ahhh, so many options! Can’t wait to hear about which you pick!
I live in Edmonton, Alberta - it’s very cold and snowy here! Winter is October to April ish.
I love my blundstones for errands and running around or walks where I’m on paved paths etc. def get the waterproof ones & you can also get a different insole that’s warmer.
I will say I also own sorrels for if I’m going to be playing in the snow. A full ugly snow boot pair but I think both are necessary!
Good luck with your boot purchase! I own the Sorel Chelsea boot (option 3) and I love them for getting to work on non-snowstorm winter days! When it’s actively dumping snow or when going snow-shoeing, I want something a bit more heavy duty, though. I own “Vasque
Laplander UltraDry Boots” which I got via an REI sale. They’re not winning awards in the cuteness department but they’re very functional!
https://www.rei.com/product/155930/kamik-snowgem-winter-boots-womens I got these last year for the wisconsin winters and I needed something waterproof, flippin warm (I shouldn’t need 4 pairs of socks to keep my toes warm!!) but also cute !! I also wanted something that I could actually play in the snow with my kid in, and not have snow go into my ankles (the. Literal. Worst.) I have LOVED the Kamik Snowgem boot and they have a shorter option if that’s more your vibe!
Ok had to drop my fave boot rec as a fellow Minnesotan. And have to say also- I feel like winter boots need categories if you’re a northern gal. Like true snow boots are a need. Then something also cute and warm. And then just the cute and not worry about warmth so much but should have traction. lol. So these fit kinda second and third category (although sometimes the first one too). Crazy expensive but totally worth it imo. I got mine used and have had them for 7 yrs now and still going strong! Satorisan Tewa boots with the wool insides! They are unbelievably warm, have really good traction and are also pretty cute. Huzzah!
Ugh, LIZ. You are reading my mind. When debating, I think I landed on one cute (but still practical) pair and one HEARTY and intense pair.... an investment, but obviously worth it!
Agree with this sentiment of needing a few categories of winter boots for Midwest life.
I have Cabelas boots for actual snow activities (playing with kids, sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, etc). But I also struggle to find warm, yet cute boots for more casual wear. Will have to look into everyone’s suggestions!
I am so excited to look into everyone's recommendations, as well!
Not going to lie. I actually love those too cool for school boots!!! But truly the choices you have are o hard to pick from! I loved them all.
Can't wait to check out that podcast. I am also a big podcast girly. Current favorites are We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, & Know Thyself with Andre Duqum... Side note, your sisters pod comes in super handy with my small business many many times!
Anyways, thanks for this light hearted but hardy share (as per usual :)
Absolutely love these Sunday RESET emails 🥰 I just started following Freakonomics Radio — thank you for the rec!
Also, this is silly, but do you have a link for the pink sweater you’re wearing under the “Embrace” portion of the email?! I’ve been on the hunt for one just like that for weeks to no avail, and when I saw that photo of you I was like “Ah! Thats perfect!”
If you have an affiliate link for it, send that over so I can support ya :) Xx
Suggestion: if the boots you prefer are not warm enough then buy some warm and toasty socks to wear with them!
I have the older version of option 1 boots and they are my all time favorite boot! My not cute, but used ALL the time winter boot are the Arctic ice muck boots.