Views: 33
Last winter, my boyfriend and I headed to his family’s cottage for a February weekend—my first snowy trip up north and my first time meeting his mom. I climbed into the car wearing slightly scuffed pleather Chelsea “winter” boots, blissfully unaware they were about to betray me. Somewhere along Highway 11, as snow whipped sideways across the windshield, I began to question my choices—but silently assured myself they’d hold up. After all, it’s literally my job to know how to dress; surely I could outsmart a little weather. I could not. By the time we arrived, the season’s biggest snowstorm had blanketed everything in white, and my boots were already losing their shape. When I learned a three-hour snowshoe trek was on the agenda, I nearly asked if there was a spectator option. His mom, equal parts amused and concerned, kindly lent me a spare pair she kept at the cottage—mercifully, we were the same size. Not exactly the first impression I’d hoped for, but at least I survived to tell the tale.
My boyfriend and I mid-way through our snowshoe trek. By this point, I was deep in thought about what my next winter boot purchase would be. Photography courtesy of the writer.
Needless to say, I made a promise to myself at around hour one of that hike that I would never underestimate the need for proper winter boots again. Cessi Treñas, our Head of Digital and Social, also knows how it feels to be let down by her footwear choices in a snowstorm—a uniquely humbling experience when you’re from the Philippines and your cold tolerance was never meant for -30°C weather. This year, the two of us are approaching winter footwear with a newfound respect—and a requirement for non-negotiable insulation. We set out to test three of the best winter boots on the market—from Canada Goose, Maguire, and Sorel—under true Canadian conditions. After several days of wear-testing, we rated each pair out of five for grip, warmth, composition and style. The goal: to find winter boots that marry the stylish sensibility of my doomed Chelseas with the technical credibility of true snow gear. Spoiler: We came away pleasantly surprised—read on for our ratings.
Canada Goose Kyla Zip-Up
Design by Danielle Campbell
Grip: 5 Warmth: 4 Composition: 3.5 Style: 5
Overall: 17.5/20
At first glance, these boots look super sleek, and although they somewhat are, a closer glance at the chunky sole quickly reminds you that they mean business. I playfully nicknamed them “my stompers” because the extra height and solid footing made me feel confident trekking through snow and icy streets (yes, they’ve saved me from several potentially embarrassing slips already). They’re crafted from durable leather with a protective rubber wrap and finished with a plush shearling lining for added warmth. Although they’re rated for temperatures as low as -5°C, I’ve worn them in even colder conditions and remained fully comfortable. Their clean, understated design also makes them surprisingly easy to style with just about any cold-weather outfit. The zipper allows for a quick and mostly easy slip-on, though I found it a bit hard to pull up at times, especially with thick socks. Another aspect to note is these boots do have a little heft to them—which is totally fair given the protective construction—but I quickly got used to it. Many reviewers also suggested sizing up, and I’m glad I listened. Between the thick sole, snug lining and added weight, the fit can feel tighter than it looks, so the extra room is essential for comfort.
Nevertheless, thanks to their robust construction, these boots had me feeling warm, secure and steady, while the shaft height offered solid ankle support—a definite bonus on icy streets. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone who wants serious grip and stability without giving up on style.
[cta affiliate=”skimlinks” align=”center” format=”button” url=”https://go.skimresources.com?id=130X979127&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadagoose.com%2Fca%2Fen%2Fpr%2Fkya-zip-up-boot-1040W.html”]Shop Now[/cta]
Maguire Vigo Boots
Design by Danielle Campbell
Grip: 5 Warmth: 5 Composition: 4 Style: 5
Overall: 19/20
A winter boot for those who want the grip and the warmth, but none of the typical bulk and heft that typically comes with a snow shoe. This new Maguire release is crafted from soft, water-resistant (not waterproof!) leather and is made recognizable by its narrow silhouette. Wear it with a long enough hem, and it looks deceptively loafer-like. Since getting my hands on these, I’ve worn them more times than I can count. The dark brown colourway is a refreshing departure from the typical black boot (though they have a black and olive green version, too). True to the shoe’s sleek look, the rubber sole is also lighter than most winter boots I’ve tried. It has good grip too; I’m glad to report that I haven’t slipped on a patch of black ice while wearing these. The entire shoe’s interior is lined with sheepskin shearling—and as nice as it is to have toasty toes, the lush lining makes the shoe fit more snug. I have wider ankles, so on longer days, I’d find that the zippers would begin to come undone due to the tight fit around the ankles. That said, this is a great option to have in your winter boot rotation, but you may want to size up. — Cessi [cta affiliate=”cj” align=”center” format=”button” url=”https://maguireshoes.com/products/vigo-dark-brown-winter-boot”]Shop Now[/cta]
Sorel Ona Ave Alpine Boots
Design by Danielle Campbell
Grip: 5 Warmth: 5 Composition: 4 Style: 4
Overall: 18/20
These boots were a refreshing departure from my usual winter footwear choices. At first glance, their silhouette reminds me of the high-top sneakers I wore in middle school, but the warm tan hue and playful faux fur trim elevate them into something much more stylish and modern. Waterproof and lined with cozy insulation, the Ona Ave Alpines kept my feet toasty on chilly neighbourhood walks and even through ankle-deep snow. The lace-up design might cause some hesitation for people who prefer slip-on styles, but I didn’t run into any problems and found the laces stayed secure all day. The boots are also surprisingly light and very easy to walk in, making them great for long city strolls or more intense outdoor adventures (I’m already looking forward to my next snowshoe trek in these!). The sole provides excellent grip on icy surfaces without feeling overly bulky, and the padded shaft gives good ankle support. I found that the combination of insulation, lightweight construction and thoughtful materials strikes a solid balance between performance and casual style. While they’re not the fanciest winter boot around, they’re a great option for anyone looking for a pair that can handle snow and ice while still being cute and easy to style with everyday winter outfits. [cta affiliate=”skimlinks” align=”center” format=”button” url=”https://go.skimresources.com?id=130X979127&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sorelfootwear.ca%2Fen%2Fp%2Fona-ave-alpine-womens-waterproof-boot-2088311.html%3Fdwvar_2088311_color%3D226″]Shop Now[/cta] Continue Reading
