Best Winter Barn Boot/Shoe-- 2020 Edition

[woodstock]

So I’m on the search for new winter barn chore boots/shoes, dang it! The super awesome, brand new with tags Columbia boots I got at Goodwill last summer cracked all across the foot bed during their maiden run this morning. So…I’m on the search for something. What is everyone’s favorites these days? I have Muck Boot Co boots (paddock boot style and the tall riding style) but don’t find them warm enough for the really cold days. I’ve never tried the “Arctic” version-- are they really warmer?

I know folks have loved the Sorels in the past-- but Columbia bought them out some years ago and I don’t presently have much confidence in Columbia as a whole.

So— what is everyone loving these days for the super cold days?

[Mango20]

Columbia does have a pretty good replacement guarantee, if you want to pursue it. It’s a little bit of a grey area since you didn’t buy them new, but that’s your call. I once had a pair’s shoelace cleat snap off. I sent them in for repair or replacement, and they sent me back a brand new pair. That said, the plastic/rubber outer coating on the foot part of the boot cracked apart probably 2 years later.

After that, I decided to just take it down a price point level and bought some Kamik boots, which have survived well ever since (I don’t use them for daily chores, just when it’s very cold or I’m plowing snow).

[enjoytheride]

Noble Outfitters mud cold front. The difference in them and my old neoprene and rubber muck boots is very obvious. They are even warmer than my winter paddock and tall boots from Ariat.

[2DogsFarm]

If Columbia is anything like Timberland, I had a similar experience as @Mango20
Bought the Timberlands at a Burlington Going Out of Business sale.
They lasted around 3yrs before cracking across the sole.
Heavy daily Winter use in the barn with zero maintenance.
I returned them.to Timberland & got a brand new pair. Those had about the same lifespan, same problem, but I wasn’t nervy enough to try the return again.

Now I get Youth boots from TSC.
Under $20 on sale.
I wear a woman’s 8, but the Youth 6 fits fine, with room for heavy socks.
They are waterproof to the ankles & water resistant above. Mid-height, toasty warm & lightweight.
They last around 3yrs too & then it is the lining that gets shredded, boot outside is still doing the job.

[shortenmyreins]

I wear my Muck Boot Arctics in temperatures down to -40 with a single pair of socks in them. They are definitely warm! I think mine are 5 or 6 years old and I just noticed a couple of cracks in the rubber after I started wearing them at the beginning of this winter. I’ll need to patch them before things get wet in the spring. I think I can use the stuff that is used to repair wetsuits and hip waders to do so but I haven’t really looked into it yet.

[SimpleSimon]

I used to wear Muck Boots and found them warm, however, the lining would wear out at the heels fairly quickly and start destroying my socks. This fall, I purchased Nobles and have been much happier with them than the Muck Boots. The seem to be the same material - perhaps they just fit me better and so there is less friction.

[stb]

I like the Noble Outfitter boots better than the muck boots too.

[woodstock]

Thanks for the suggestions All!

[NYFarmgirl16]

@enjoytheride

Noble Outfitters mud cold front. The difference in them and my old neoprene and rubber muck boots is very obvious. They are even warmer than my winter paddock and tall boots from Ariat.

Totally agree!! And their warranty is excellent. 1 year. I have had to use it too, and no issues with the company. Super comfortable and I wear all 3 heights, depending what the weather. From minus temps to high heat, these boots are the best.

[seabreeze]

I like Ariat Terrains (the waterproof ones). I find them very warm.

[one1horse]

I’ve had Muck Boots, Bogs and the Nobel Muds. The Nobels are my least favorite, and I was really disappointed in my experiences with them, I wanted to like them so bad! The lining in the heels of mine broke down in less than a season (I only wore them doing barn chores on Saturdays) which caused the boots to start chewing up my socks. Not a deal breaker I guess, but then the next season the spur rest separated and ripped off the back of both boots making them no longer water proof.

I replaced them after a year of use and went back to Bogs. Tried and true, warmest of the three brands I’ve tried and easiest to get on/off.

[CanteringCarrot]

I’ve got a pair of Muck Boot “Scrub” boots for what seems like forever. They have some surface cracks and wear on the inside, but are still totally wearable.

I have a pair of the Artic boots and they are fantastic. I always have cold feet and these are great. With a thinner wool sock, my feet are never cold. The only problem is the top has this fuzz/fleece around the edges which is kind of a stupid design because everything sticks to it. Just little bits of hay and whatnot. But that’s a small issue. I’ve had them for about 3 years now.

[BayBondGirl]

I love my Bogs, I had a pair that lasted a couple years of full time barn work and purchased a replacement pair when those finally had more holes that I could seal. I find them comfortable in the winter, although they have very minimal grip on icy pavement.

[woodstock]

Thanks everyone! I’ve ordered an assortment that are coming my way to try The Nobel boots, Ariat Conistons, and a mess of different LL Bean boots. We shall see what ends up being the winner!