Can we talk warm winter boots?

[MAIMOM]

We moved from the south to the extreme north with extreme cold temps. This week it has fluctuated between 1 and -40.

 

I have bought boots for my girls...two pair actually and yet the other day we went to the ice sculpture park and had to leave as there feet were freezing. I had thought I purchased boots to keep their feet warm. they have Kamiks like these http://www.sierratradingpost.com/kamik-scarlet-winter-pac-boots-insulated-200g-thinsulate-for-women~p~4632u/?filterString=s~kamiik-boots%2F&colorFamily=04 .

 

They also have Bogs, both rated for -40 and it was only -6 last night.

 

What other boots are there to really keep their feet warm? We will be spending hours outside in a few weeks for a dog race and I want us to be able to enjoy it. I really do not want to buy another pair of boots but I must admit my toes were cold in the bogs last night and I was ready to go too. We wore thick wool socks so I am not sure what else we can do to keep our feet warm.

 

Is it realistic to think I can find boots to cover a 70 degree temp range? Or do we need several pair of boots to cover that? Our boots cover the warmer temps in cold weather but once it drops in the negatives......we need help

[StephanieZ]

I highly recommend "Hot Hands" type warmers. Here is a monster box on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Toe-Warmers-40-pairs/dp/B0007ZF4PE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1388380080&sr=8-3&keywords=foot+warmer

 

We don't live in a super bitter winter place, but we do ski, etc, and these hot hands thingys are the key, IMHO. My youngest is a very skinny kid, as well as being super tough/brave, and i always worried she'd actually get frost bitten on particularly cold days. Just tuck one warmer in each boot, as well as warmers in each mitten (get a box of the hand version, too), and you'll be good to go all day. They last several hours, at least. Even my super skinny kid would be fine all day so long as she was well dressed and had these warmsies in her boots and mittens. :) 

 

The big kids and us grown-ups would use them more sparingly, but I always made sure my little one had warmsies in each glove and boot before going out if it was under 20 degrees or so. (Us tougher and bigger people usually just used them if it was under 10 or so, or really windy, and rarely needed them in our feet, but usually kept them in our pockets just in case . . . )

 

I even carry a couple packs on summer back packing trips in the high mountains for emergencies. One day, we were hiking out of the high elevations in Utah, through continuous hail and thunderstorms, through creeks, etc. . . Even though it was in the 50s, I was still worried about cold injury for my turning-blue-littlest-one, so I broke out the hot hands for her for the rest of the hike, and it was a miracle. Just that little source of heat on your extremeties makes a huge difference so long as you are otherwise reasonably well dressed. Try them. You'll love them. :)

 

ps. Be sure you have great socks on all the kids! If you don't already have fancy "ski" or "snowboard" type socks on all of you, be sure to invest in a good pair for each of you before chucking any boots. Good socks make a world of difference. 

[In The Great White North]

I have a pair similar to these:

 

http://www.zappos.com/baffin-shackleton-black

 

My feet have never been cold in them, even standing around playgrounds or ski slopes.  Baffins are a whole different category of "warm" than Kamiks or Sorrel - they're rated to -148F!  They are also a lot heavier than Kamiks or Sorrels.

[VeganCupcake]

I grew up in central Canada and we usually wore Kamiks or something similar. If you are not moving, your feet will get cold, pretty much no matter what, I think. I did find that a wool felt insole made a big difference sometimes, in addition to whatever insulation was in the boot and whatever socks we were wearing. My dad would cut out foot-shaped insoles and put them in the boots and it made them a lot warmer. I don't know if that type of thick wool felt is still readily available, though--it may have been an old timey kind of thing. :)

[myfunnybunch]

 I really do not want to buy another pair of boots

 

Wait...what?!?!?!?!

 

Sorry, I'm no help as far as what type to buy, but I think you should use the move as an excuse to buy 2 or 3 new pairs. ;)

 

Cat

[Dory]

My kids have all been wearing Bogs. I'm in northern Canada and we have lots of snow in the winter and LOTS of cold. The trick to warm feet has less to do with the boots and more to do with the socks. Layer the socks and put thick wool ones as the last layer (then they don't make your feet itchy). Keep extra socks on hand in case your feet sweat or you get snow in a boot. A damp foot will be a cold foot. Really in cold, being warm is always about layers. A good sole insert sometimes helps as well, but I see that's been mentioned.

 

We have gone as low as -47 a couple times already this winter. And then bounce back up above freezing a couple days after that. We have been snowed in for the last couple days because we had 24hrs of freezing rain and then it dropped to -40 and gave us a foot of snow. It's like a giant skating rink out there right now and my kids are past their waste in the snow now.

[Mrs Mungo]

I do not currently live someplace cold and haven't lived anywhere cold for many years, so I can't help with specific boots. BUT, generally speaking, you need multiple layers all over to keep you warm in cold weather. So, a light sock liner, then a wool sock would be much warmer than just wool socks. If they are getting snow in their boots, then they might also need gaiters to keep snow out.

 

Also, wearing an extra layer (silk or smart wool long johns, for example) under their pants will help them feel warmer, if they aren't already doing that.

[wendy not in HI]

I think it's mostly a matter of acclimation.

 

We moved from Hawaii to South Dakota about 4 years ago (in January).  That first winter was so cold.  I could not get warm.  I bought cute warm boots - I was still cold.  I bought ugly warm boots - still cold.  I wore wools socks - still cold.  I wore layers of warm socks and long johns and I was still cold.  My toes just ached.  And no one else seemed to notice the cold - the neighbor kids didn't even seem to wear real coats, or boots!

 

The next year I was fine.  I was not achy in the cold.  

 

And now after a few years, I own better layers, and the cold doesn't bother me as much. My kids rarely wear real coats or boots, and a fleece jacket really does work for most any weather (above about 7 degrees f if it's not too windy...)

 

I think the dog race sounds like fun.  Layer on the socks and clothes. I think the idea of boot warmers is smart (I wish we had thought of that our first year here).  And maybe you could keep some hot cocoa and blankets in the car for when you need to warm up.  

 

Do you have neck gators?  My chin still doesn't do well in the cold...

 

 

[mom2jjka]

I recently bought a pair of these -

 

http://www.zappos.com/the-north-face-thermoball-micro-baffle-bootie-shiny-tnf-black-tnf-black

 

They are not very pretty, but they are seriously the warmest (and lightest) pair of boots I have ever owned.

 

I was able to go sledding with my kids in below zero weather and my feet were toasty warm ( while they all complained of frostbitten toes)

 

 

[Tammi K]

If you really need to protect against the cold, try Bunny Boots. But, I'm not sure they are sized for kids. We've tried Land's End/LLBean and had some success with boots but I prefer REI for real time expertise and good suggestions. So you might try a camping/ hiking store in your new location as they should have good suggestions for you climate.

 

But, in addition to quality boot, I suggest good quality socks- synthetic or wool,  not cotton and a good sock liner. My kids like the silk ones.

 

One final suggestion, not exactly what you asked for but it might be helpful. My daughter has Raynaud's and still manages to ski all season in minus zero temps with the help of good socks and sock liners and the occasional hot packs. One additional thing her rheumatologist  suggested to keep hands and feet warm was to keep the core warm beyond what you think might be necessary. So, when she feels like she wants to wear a t-shirt under her jacket, that is when she should be wearing a base layer plus a wool layer PLUS a jacket! 

 

Good luck adjusting to your colder environment. We moved to Alaska from Hawaii and now routinely go outside in just a sweatshirt when the temps are in the minus digits. The other day it was -10 and my son said, "It must be a dry cold because it sure doesn't feel that chilly." :lol:    

 

(Just so you don't think we're careless...I have a rule that everyone has a winter coat, hat, gloves tucked in the back even if they don't want to wear it. The weather here can turn on a dime and while we might be silly enough to go out and about our daily business in a sweatshirt I am not foolish enough to tempt fate by not having appropriate wear in the car with us.)

[gardenmom5]

steger mukluks @ www.mukluks.com.  they outfit iditrod and Antarctic expeditions.  (and people who just play in cold temps.) the boots are very durable, and you will get multiple winters out of a pair.   my girls wore theirs all four winters in upstate NY.  my niece attended school somewhere even colder, and they were her most favorite item.

 

 

eta: REI is also good - they got their start supplying local mountaineers here in the seattle area. 

[Cera]

I grew up somewhere very cold and we always had sorels or kamiks.  The key is how they fit, not too big but not too snug.  If they are too tight your feet will get colder.  

 

We always pair them with smartwool socks when we go home to visit and hothands toe warmers if we are going to be out all day or it is especially cold.

[WishboneDawn]

You've got Bogs and Kamiks, I don't think the boots are the issue. You need more/better socks to provide more insulation. Feet just suck at producing heat so you should make sure your kids have cotton socks and then wool socks. Maybe even thin dress socks as the first layer and then the other two. As someone else said they need to be dry so always carry extra socks is you'll be out for any length of time.

 

The layering applies to all clothes too. Cotton long underwear, cotton long sleeve tee, wool sweater, coat...that sort of thing. You won't find any piece of outer gear that you can throw over a normal layer of house clothes that will keep you warm for any length of time in the temperatures you're talking about.

 

Layer properly and you can even skip the winter jackets some days.

[LostSurprise]

I own Mucks, and I love them. They're ugly but they are the best boot I've ever owned. There's a great wicking element in them which allows me to wear them summer to winter. (DH sweats a lot more than I do and will not wear them in summer, but he will wear them in spring or fall so it does work well.) A boot can be too warm or if you're active it can create sweat which can cool and make you feel cold.

 

If you have the warm Bogs I don't think insulation is the problem. There have been a lot of good suggestions here. It is important to layer. Living in the North, a good pair (or 3) of wool socks and wool mittens/gloves is vital. If someone sweats easily and the boots are not wicking it away, having sock layers and changing the inside layer as often as needed is important. Moving around is important. Keep those toes flexed and moving. 

 

And what Wendi said could also be true, your family may not have acclimated yet. The cold still feels abnormal to you so your body reacts more strongly even if it is not in danger. This may not be a great year to stand around at a long dog race. You may have to spend some time, walk around, go get warm, walk back, go get warm, etc. Plan for it. Next year may be a better year for long winter activities. 

[MAIMOM]

My kids have all been wearing Bogs. I'm in northern Canada and we have lots of snow in the winter and LOTS of cold. The trick to warm feet has less to do with the boots and more to do with the socks. Layer the socks and put thick wool ones as the last layer (then they don't make your feet itchy). Keep extra socks on hand in case your feet sweat or you get snow in a boot. A damp foot will be a cold foot. Really in cold, being warm is always about layers. A good sole insert sometimes helps as well, but I see that's been mentioned.

 

We have gone as low as -47 a couple times already this winter. And then bounce back up above freezing a couple days after that. We have been snowed in for the last couple days because we had 24hrs of freezing rain and then it dropped to -40 and gave us a foot of snow. It's like a giant skating rink out there right now and my kids are past their waste in the snow now.

Sock layers? hmm...are they called sock liners? Can I google them? We do have good thick smartwool ski socks but we only wear one pair of socks. We wear multiple layers everywhere else so I guess it makes since to layer on feet too. I just never thought of that.

[MAIMOM]

I highly recommend "Hot Hands" type

 

ps. Be sure you have great socks on all the kids! If you don't already have fancy "ski" or "snowboard" type socks on all of you, be sure to invest in a good pair for each of you before chucking any boots. Good socks make a world of difference.

ok I feel so silly. I have a big box of both hand and toe warmers, we just did not use them. I guess I have been keeping them "in case we need them". I like the idea of needing them whenever we are going to be out for a time. We do have good thick socks and I bought good ski socks too! not sure they had there ski socks on....hmmmm not just for skiing.

[MAIMOM]

I grew up in central Canada and we usually wore Kamiks or something similar. If you are not moving, your feet will get cold, pretty much no matter what, I think. I did find that a wool felt insole made a big difference sometimes, in addition to whatever insulation was in the boot and whatever socks we were wearing. My dad would cut out foot-shaped insoles and put them in the boots and it made them a lot warmer. I don't know if that type of thick wool felt is still readily available, though--it may have been an old timey kind of thing. :)

My daughter was just talking about how there is not really a warm insole. We were thinking about looking for a felt insole. I am sure I have seen them at the local outfitters store. I think that may add another layer and then layering socks sounds good too.

[Mrs Mungo]

You've got Bogs and Kamiks, I don't think the boots are the issue. You need more/better socks to provide more insulation. Feet just suck at producing heat so you should make sure your kids have cotton socks and then wool socks. Maybe even thin dress socks as the first layer and then the other two. As someone else said they need to be dry so always carry extra socks is you'll be out for any length of time.

 

The layering applies to all clothes too. Cotton long underwear, cotton long sleeve tee, wool sweater, coat...that sort of thing. You won't find any piece of outer gear that you can throw over a normal layer of house clothes that will keep you warm for any length of time in the temperatures you're talking about.

 

Layer properly and you can even skip the winter jackets some days.

I disagree with wearing cotton as a base layer. It will hold moisture close to your skin and make you feel colder. You need something that will wick moisture away from your skin and/or be warm even when moist. Most sock liners and base layers are synthetic, silk or wool.

[MAIMOM]

So you might try a camping/ hiking store in your new location as they should have good suggestions for you climate.

 

But, in addition to quality boot, I suggest good quality socks- synthetic or wool, not cotton and a good sock liner. My kids like the silk

 

One additional thing her rheumatologist suggested to keep hands and feet warm was to keep the core warm beyond what you

 

foolish enough to tempt fate by not having appropriate wear in the car with us.)

Tammi k I do not think you are careless at all? it sounds like you have acclimated to your new

home. We too have noticed that we are handling much colder temps with less clothing as we get a little more used to living here. We have done a lot of reading and know the saying for where we are is "cotton kills" so we invested in cuddle duds in two thicknesses for us girls and wool sweaters. My DD is very skinny but her hormones seem to have made her more prone to sweating so she hesitates to wear too many layers afraid she will sweat and then get cold.

 

I think our feet may have gotten warm on the drive which aided them getting cold. I did not think about bringing socks to change into if we needed.

 

I think another thing we have to get over or used too is the concept of warmer. We had all talked about how much warmer Sat was, and it was warmer by 30+ but it was still 40 degrees below freezing....so still really cold. my son did not wear his base layer under his lined jeans....he is in HS so I did not think to ask if he had his long underwear on....from now on I will pester him ( rolling smile here but I cannot figure out where to get smiles) good thing for us, dad had emergency clothing in his kit so he was able to give our son another top layer.

 

I think we all learned lessons we will not soon forget. Instead of looking quickly at more boots I will take the suggestions here and go to out local outfitter and get if felt insoles for the boots we have! sock liners and remember to use the toe warmers we have. oh! carry changes of socks too!

[Dicentra]

We live in the same general climate - the highs for the next few days doesn't go above the -20C range and the lows for the next few nights are all around -40C with any windchill making it even colder.

 

I might be in the minority but I don't find Bogs to be warm at all.  They do OK down to around -15C - any colder than that and my feet are freezing.  I have some older Sorel boots that I'm not sure they sell anymore - they're called Sorel Glaciers and they're rated to -100C.  The company also changed hands around 10 years ago and the Sorel boots they make now are not nearly as well-made and warm as the older ones.  My feet have never been cold in my older Sorels but the sole on them must be about 2 to 3 inches thick and the boot liner is around an inch thick and made of themal felt.  They must weigh around 5 pounds each - not exactly made for running or moving quickly. :)  I don't find Kamiks to be that great either but, again, that might just be me.

 

Baffin boots are quite warm.  I think you've already gotten the best advice - make sure ANY boots are on the looser side and wear multiple layers of socks.  Make sure they're good quality socks that will wick sweat away from your foot.  If your feet get wet from sweating, they'll start to get cold.  It really is a science :) - you have to keep your feet warm enough but not so warm they sweat and if they do sweat, you have to make sure to keep the moisture away from your skin.  The sock liners are a great idea - I think mine are from MEC (if you're in Canada) but you should be able to find them other places.

 

I've found that most boots advertised as "winter" boots aren't referring to our kinds of winter. :)

[MAIMOM]

I disagree with wearing cotton as a base layer. It will hold moisture close to your skin and make you feel colder. You need something that will wick moisture away from your skin and/or be warm even when moist. Most sock liners and base layers are synthetic, silk or wool.

Mrs Mungo I agree. Cotton works in many places but not in the cold. Here the motto is "cotton kills" because it keeps the wet near your skin. We have silks, well, we have lots of base layers in multiple thicknesses...our bodies were nice and snug. We have glove liners and good mittens so our hands even stayed warm......sock liners, I had not thought to layer socks. my husband ensured we bought our boots a little bigger or loose so layering will not be a problem! I just did not think about it.

[MAIMOM]

This may not be a great year to stand around at a long dog race. You may have to spend some time, walk around, go get warm, walk back, go get warm, etc. Plan for it. Next year may be a better year for long winter activities.

Oh, I do agree with you that next year will hopefully be better. This year the race starts here so neighbors say it is good to be able to see all the sleds as they leave. Fortunately for us the river is not far from our house so we will not be away from changes of socks, more toe warmers or even just allowing a cold person to go inside to get warm.

 

Do your mucks have a liner in the footbed? We did buy the mucks rated to -40 so they are supposed to be very warm...it just seems the rubber gets cold and them so do our feet.....it could be we just end to layer socks, I had not thought to do so. It could just be we need to acclimate more or use toe warmers....heck, it could be a combination of everything mentioned by everyone :)

I was just wondering if investing in an insole would be a good place to start

[MAIMOM]

Wait...what?!?!?!?!

 

Sorry, I'm no help as far as what type to buy, but I think you should use the move as an excuse to buy 2 or 3 new pairs. ;)

 

Cat

Cat thanks for the fun! I have heard it said a girl cannot have too many shoes....does it hold true for boots as well? hahaha

[MAIMOM]

We live in the same general climate - the highs for the next few days doesn't go above the -20C range and the lows for the next few nights are all around -40C with any windchill making it even colder.

 

Baffin boots are quite warm. I think you've already gotten the best advice - make sure

 

ANY boots are on the looser side and wear multiple layers of socks.

The sock liners are a great idea

 

I've found that most boots advertised as "winter" boots aren't referring to our kinds of winter. :)

 

 

Dicentra, we do live in similar climate and I agree with your statement about winter boots. Most of the locals wear bogs up here, that is why we bought them but as has been mentioned we are still acclimating. They do not have any felt lining so our feet feel cold. I am going today to the outfitter to see about adding insoles and getting sock liners. Basins will probably be he next boots we look at. We have a few more years here warmer weather is still months and months away. I am so blessed to have a DH that does not give me a hard time about buying clothing and shoes. He is all for investing in quality gear that we need.

 

Thanks for your input

[MAIMOM]

I think it's mostly a matter of acclimation.

 

We moved from Hawaii to South Dakota about 4 years ago (in January). That first winter was so cold. I could not get warm. I bought cute warm boots - I was still cold. I bought ugly warm boots - still cold. I wore wools socks - still cold.

 

The next year I was fine. I was not achy in the cold.

 

And now after a few years, I own better layers, and the cold doesn't bother me as much.

My kids rarely wear real coats or boots, and a fleece jacket really does work for most any weather (above about 7 degrees f if it's not too windy...)

 

I think the dog race sounds like fun. Layer on the socks and clothes. I think the idea of boot warmers is smart (I wish we had thought of that our first year here). And maybe you could keep some hot cocoa and blankets in the car for when you need to warm up.

 

 

Do you have neck gators? My chin still doesn't do well in the cold...

Wendy, we do have neck gators. I love mine! layers...that is our key and using the warmers I bought not just having them on the shelf in the coat closet....feeling sheepish here...duh. I bought them but did not think to use them. I am hoping next year we will all feel warmer. really our core and hands are warm it's just feet. I laughed out loud reading about cute boots feeling cold and ugly boots feeling cold..just cold feet. That is how I feel! it seems no matter what boots I buy our feet are cold. Except the guys, they have sorel boots with a thick liner, not pretty but they say warm.

[AK_Mom4]

I think someone mentioned it up thread, but I will echo it - keep the core warm.  A warm wool cap and a neck gaiter/scarf to keep the heat inside the jacket, make sure the jacket cuffs are pulled over the mitten tops or vice versa - no gaps to let in cold.  Keeping the core a little warmer means better circulation to the feet and hands.  A nice loose wool sweater over thermals and under a jacket traps the warm air in nicely.

 

Layered socks are good - for kids, you can even put a pair of huge wool socks over the outside of the boot if they can't fit another layer inside. Pull the sock tops right up over the bottom of the snow pants.  Actually I have done this for myself when I knew I was going to stand around outside for a long time.  Looks dorky, but really helps keep things warm. 

 

 

[Tammi K]

he is in HS so I did not think to ask if he had his long underwear on....from now on I will pester him ( rolling smile here but I cannot figure out where to get smiles)

Oh Mom, maybe you should call it a BASE LAYER instead of long underwear. HS boys do not like to talk about underwear with their moms. :blush:

[Mama Geek]

http://mcmazingtales.com/bunnybootstemp/

 

I have no idea if you can find these in kids sizes or not, they are ugly and big and bulky, but it was what we bought and wore in Alaska when it was really cold.

[Vida Winter]

We live in a cold area, and I love my Sorels although they are heavy. For chores we love our Bogs in all seasons. In the future I'll check out some of these suggestions -- the North Face boots at Zappos are cute and lightweight. For serious cold, I'd stay away from Land's End.

[trulycrabby]

Thanks for the Baffin recommendation, I just ordered a really cute and hopefully warm pair from 6pm. :)

[skimomma]

I'm going to repeat what others have said.  Cotton is NO GOOD in cold.  Not at all.  Especially for base layers/socks.  Sorels are the go to brand in my cold cold region but really you will be cold in any boot if you are not moving and your core is not warm enough.  I actually put away every pair of cotton socks when putting away the summer clothing.  We wear wool 100% of the time in winter.  We also have poly-pro long johns which we wear every day. I have Raynaud's and find that I must carry hand warmers to stuff in mittens or boots for emergency situations.  They make rechargeable ones (you boil them in water) which cuts down on the cost and waste.  And you probably already know this, but mittens are far more effective than gloves.  I don't even own gloves anymore….they are pretty useless for me.

[skimomma]

We live in a cold area, and I love my Sorels although they are heavy. For chores we love our Bogs in all seasons. In the future I'll check out some of these suggestions -- the North Face boots at Zappos are cute and lightweight. For serious cold, I'd stay away from Land's End.

 

I am not usually a North Face fan but I have a pair of boots that were remarkably warm, light, comfortable, and stylish.

[WishboneDawn]

I disagree with wearing cotton as a base layer. It will hold moisture close to your skin and make you feel colder. You need something that will wick moisture away from your skin and/or be warm even when moist. Most sock liners and base layers are synthetic, silk or wool.

You're right off course. Cotton advice retracted. :)

[catz]

You definitely need to invest in smart wool socks (or other high quality wool sock). We have had Kamiks, sorels, uggs, etc and the high quality boots all work well when paired with good warm socks. They make a HUGE difference. We live in MN and are very familiar with this dilemma. You also cannot expect to just sit still and stay warm either. Get good long underwear too and layer up. :)

[redsquirrel]

You have the right boots. I agree with keeping cotton away from skin. Thin cotton socks over wool is a great way to keep feet warm. Moving around helps a great deal. If you stand, your feet get cold and that is just how it is. I love long underwear. I got myself and the boys some from Target called cuddledowns (?). They are some synthetic material and I find them very warm. I like them because they are thin and silky yet warming. I don't feel like (or look like) I am wearing thick layers, but I sure am warm.

 

Warning: If you put a bunch of socks on and then shove your feet in your boots and the boots feel tight then your feet will get cold faster.  Blood needs to circulate to feel warm.

 

You also need to acclimate. What feels cold at first won't feel as cold in a couple years. It is like when I have southern guests and they put on a sweater when it is 60 degrees. I am still in shorts and loving the weather.

 

And, to repeat the advice of my ski instructor when I was 10: If your feet are cold, put on a better hat. I have no idea if that is true or not, but it is what I tell my kids when they whine about being cold. Most of the time their coat isn't zipped, they forgot gloves and their hat is in their pocket.