Sorel Caribou
The Sorel Caribou ($110 as of December 2009) is the classic winter snow boot and commonly seen on locals in cold mountain towns. A nubak upper leather is stitched to a rubber lower. The insulating liner boot has four layers of 9 mm ThermoPlus insulation and is rated to minus 40 degrees. The top of the liner boot is fitted with a wool snow cuff to prevent snow from going into the boot. The sole of the rubber bottom has a deep tread to help with traction in snow. The laces go through four D rings, making it easy to tie the boots even with gloves on.
North Face Nuptse
If Arctic cold temperatures have you worried, look no further than the North Face Nuptse ($170), which has a knee-high upper made with rip-stop nylon from recycled plastic and insulated with 550 down, making it exceptionally warm. An added benefit of the down upper is the boot is much lighter than standard snow boots. The boot sole is made with North Face Winter Grip rubber in a snowflake pattern, providing very good traction in deep snow.
Nike ACG Valenka 2
The Nike ACG Valenka 2 ($120) has a stylish gray black wool upper with a button closure, making it easy to close the boots even with mittens or gloves. The wool provides good insulation. The bottom sole has a waffle lug traction for good grip on snow and ice.
Sorel Glacier Snow Boot
The Sorel Glacier Snow Boot ($140) is a lightweight version of the classic Caribou boot. Instead of the stiffer leather upper, the Glacier Snow has a built-in nylon gaiter upper with a drawstring closure at the top to prevent snow from leaking into the boot. The removable inner boot has 13 mm of ThermoPlus insulation, making it exceptionally warm. The three ring lace system is easy to use with gloves and keeps the boot secure over the forefoot while providing more flexibility in the ankle. The rubber lower boot has Sorel's AeroTrac pattern, for good traction in snow and ice.
