The issuing of extreme cold weather alerts sends icy chills down our spines – literally – and before you know if we’ll be battle snow squalls and white out conditions from our walkway to driveway. When it comes to suiting up to clear said surfaces or walking to and from the office, wearing a pair of sneakers or shiny leather boots will provide your feet with little to no relief from the cold. If you want to see all 10 of your toes come spring you better get one of these winter boots on your feet before it’s too late.
1. Super Sorel
Sorel boots have been around for as long as we can remember and has always been the go-to boot for extreme cold weather conditions. The Caribou is the company’s most popular boot style; made from leather and vulcanized rubber, it is waterproof, comes in four other colours and will keep your toes attached to your feet in -40°C temperatures. Sorel Caribou Boot, $170.
2. Bear Down
Kodiak’s Brackley, another Canadian made brand, has the look and feel of an ultra-durable work boot. Its waterproof leather exterior will keep your feet high and dry, and the slip resistant sole ensures you’re not wiping out on your driveway. Kodiak Brackley Boot, $190.
3. Presenting Pajar
Never heard of Pajar? Well, let us introduce you to this Canadian brand. Founded in 1963, this family owned company combines fashion with high tech performance creating stylish and functional footwear and apparel. Its Munich boot has all the bells and whistles you need to keep your feet frost bite free; a side zipper makes for convenient wear, it’s lined with wool and is water resistant. Pajar Munich Boot, $225.
4. UGGbelievable
Seeing women wear UGGs boots is one thing but on a man they look ridiculous, until now. The Australia brand ups its style quotient with the Butte. Available in three colours; black, brown and grey (pictured), it’s designed with waterproof leather and a moisture-wicking sheepskin lining to withstand extreme cold weather. UGG Australia Butte, $295.
5. Style ECCO
Sartorial-driven guys will like ECCO’s Darren boot. It has a rugged design, appealing to those with refined tastes who want something they can wear on Casual Fridays at the office or on the weekends to watch the football game. Plus, the GORE-TEX lining guarantees protection again whatever Mother Nature can throw at you. ECCO Darren GTX Boot, $260.
6. Cougar On
Ahh… here’s another winter boot that will grab your attention. Cougar is this is the third Canadian boot brand on our list has us nodding our heads in approval at this number; for just under $130, the Baker has a slick design, is waterproof guaranteed and has a warm rating up to -30°C to help you withstand the harshest Canadian winters. Cougar Baker Boot, $129.
7. Après Ski
When you’ve finished tearing up the slopes you’ll want to slip your feet into Rossignol’s Charmonix boot. The French brand has a flare for creating fly footwear that’s not only durable but – hell let’s just say it – fashionable. Rossignol Chamonix Boot, $539.99.
8. Get Your Tims
This is a boot by Timberland. Can you believe it? We nearly couldn’t. Gone are the laces and brushed suede you’re used to seeing. The Chestnut Ridge is designed for instant comfort and durability; the slip-on style makes for easy wear and its full-grain leather is treated to be waterproof. Timberland Earthkeepers Chestnut Ridge Chelsea, $180.
9. Face North
American brand North Face doesn’t only make jackets, they also do footwear. The rugged Berkeley boot has us nodding our heads in approval with its mid-cut boot, old school design flare and, of course, waterproof and Primaloft insulation. The North Face Back-To-Berkeley, $139.99.
10. Columbian Cascade
If have a long drive way, then shovelling the mounds of snow off the surface in sub-zero temperatures is not what you call fun. One of the first things to go numbs is your feet; so, don’t leave your house without donning Columbia’s Cascadian Summit boots. They’re designed to keep your feet warm in -32°C weather thanks to its Thermolite insulation. Columbia Cascadian Summit 2, $54.95.
