North Face Snowkat II
The North Face Snowkat II is a winter version of a popular hiking shoe that retails for $119 as of December 2009. The boot is constructed of nubak and suede leather, and has a HydroSeal liner boot to make it waterproof. To improve warmth, the boots have 200 g of PrimaLoft insulation. The deep tread of the boot is North Face's Winter Grip, a softer rubber that is designed to provide exceptional traction on snow and ice. The boot has an attachment for a gaiter and is compatible with snowshoes. You can select from two color schemes, khaki and cherry, and demitasse brown over gravel brown.
Merrell Winterlude 6
The Merrell Winterlude 6 retails for $110 and has padding around the ankles to increase comfort. Warmth is greatly increased by a combination of Polartec 200 Series insulating lining and 200 g of PrimaLoft insulation. The liners are treated with an anti-microbial to prevent bacteria in the boot. Most boots lose a substantial portion of their heat through the soles; to prevent this, the Winterlude 6 has Active Heat insoles, which have silver film layered between polyester insulation, to reflect heat back into the boot. The Vibram sole provides good traction in snow and ice.
Keen Blackcomb
The Keen Blackcomb retails for $119 and has a waterproof liner boot and 200 g of insulation to keep your feet warm and dry. The toe guard increases abrasion resistance and helps protect against bumps. The footbeds and the soles are made with EVA foam, making the boots comfortable for all-day walking, and the insoles have a heat shield to prevent heat loss through the soles. The rubber outsoles have a deep lug tread to increase traction on snow and ice.
