*Gear Review* Bogs Boots

I am always searching for a great pair of boots to keep my feet warm and dry.  I feel like you can definitely skimp with some gear, but boots and gloves are worth spending a little money for.  Bogs are certainly the rage right now in the outdoor world, and I was thrilled to have a chance to give them a try!


Truth be told, I have actually been putting off this review for a little bit because I was having troubles with my Bogs keeping my feet warm.  I wanted to be sure I tested them again and again before I posted my final results here (because that is only fair to you all AND to Bogs!)  Please note that this review is my own personal experience.  Your own experience could certainly be different (and I would LOVE to hear about it in the comments!) 

Classic High Tuscany Boots (retail $100)

What I love:
- Easy-on (I grab them and go!)
- The handle (makes carrying them and putting them on a cinch.)
- They have incredible arch support and are very comfortable (not something I was expecting.)
- The width: Bogs are made with four-way stretch Neo-Tech that accommodates all shapes of feet.  Perfect.
- The height.  Plenty of room around the calf for tucking pants in, leaving the ability for lots of high-snow-pile jumping!
- The colors/patterns available.  
- The traction (I feel comfortable wearing them, walking on ice/snow AND carrying my kids.)


What I am not so crazy about:
- As any boots, the comfort rating has a lot of different factors and is a bit subjective.  These boots are absolutely NOT good for depending on without good socks.  I have worn them with very thin wool socks at 20 degrees and been quite cold standing still.  Frustrated, I contacted them and then checked out their FAQ page.  Here's what I found, "Bogs Classics are designed with 7mm of Neo-Tech insulation, which is equivalent to wearing 2 pairs of wool socks and comfort rated to -40F. 

In order to determine the ratings, we use a cold box test method. The test is done by putting stainless steel balls into the boots and wire probes down inside. The boots are then put in a freezer and the temperature reduced every 30 minutes. When the boots show more than 10 degree variance from the ambient temperature when the test started failure is reached." 

In Conclusion:
Despite my frustrations with how warm they kept my feet in certain conditions (and dependent on the socks I wore,) they are certainly the boots I grab for daily.  I know the cold-factor is really huge when it comes to winter boots, but I think they are great in so many other aspects.  Let me be clear that when I am moving (or at least not just sitting in the cold for long periods of time) and wearing mid-weight wool socks, the boots are excellent.  I just personally would not trust them for adventures like snowmobiling or watching a dog sled race.  


I also don't know if I would put them on my child for most of our adventures.  I have not tested the children's Bogs, but they seem to be too dependent on outside conditions (and factors such as socks) for me to be sure my child was staying warm.  That said, I LOVE the handles and the fact that J would be able to put his own boots on.  


I want to know what you think!  Anyone have Bogs they love or aren't so crazy about? Anyone tried them for their kids?


Bogs provided me with a pair of boots to test and review.  As always, the opinions here are completely and honestly my own!  Additionally, some of these links are affiliates.  You can find my disclosure here.