My Baffin’s Chelsea boot. Insulated, waterproof, and great traction. This is my 3rd season with the boot and they are starting to patina real nice. I picked them up brand new with no tags at a thrift store for $30.
Honestly, Artic Grip from Vibram is amazing, got 2 pairs with it and they are my go to, I also have the Meermin one mentioned and they really are awesome and a great buy! The custom fees though are pretty steep.
I have Jim Green Razerback and they are perfect for Snowy/Rainy cold days in the North of Germany, yet cheaper than all the mentioned boots here. They look great with straight-leg Jeans like 501.
Jim Green is good but I don't think any of them meet the criteria of more winter friendly or waterproof than a regular resoleable boot, right? Though I guess you could argue the stitchdown is more waterproof..
I also have Razerbacks and live in Minnesota. They do really great in the snow and sleet. Definitely very water resistant. More so than my iron rangers, for instance. @@Stridewise
Great video! If interested, the "År" in Århus is pronounced similarly to the English word "Or", so the name is more or less "Or+Whos" (pronouncing the o in "whos" a bit faster)
Great list! Here are my favorites here in Montreal, Canada: Solovair chelseas with shearling (Bought new for $175). Paired with thick JB Fields socks. Anfibio leather boots (Bought for $12 at thrift). Solid choice for very snowy days or when snow is melting. Saute Mouton (Bought for $15 at thrift). Shearling lined and the warmest shoes I've ever worn. Wear them when temp drops in the double digits and I have to be out for a bit.
@@michaeldoerksen2841 It is, yes! I picked up a pair recently but haven't had the chance to try them out yet. They are shearling lined as well and look sharp.
@@AzizSiddiqui I thought so. I have a pair of their sneaker style winter shoes and they are great. Not shearing lined but Primaloft lined and still pretty warm
Thanks for shedding light on the Freeman boot. No idea that thing existed and I can see they’re already sold out. The waxed roughout AE is already sold out in my size :/ I might have to try the Hero boot again. I see they offer a wide width now in the black leathers. Thanks Stridewise!
hahah that's the downside of spending months testing out boots, by the time i post the content half the time they're sold out! sorry man, glad it was still helpful!
The Explorer from Thursday Boot is one Great boot for the winter. worth every penny I spent on them. i do about 20,000-40,000 steps a day in those boots on my job and I'm comfortable all day everyday.
Great video as usual. I've changed jobs, but when I was doing a serious blue-collar job, I despised lined "waterproof" boots which assured sweaty, soggy feet. Maybe I'm just a sweaty guy.
I think it depends on your use. I walk a mile each way to work in an office, mostly on sidewalks in the city (like NYC) which can be partially covered in snow and mush. Even when its very cold, I find a nice pair of wool socks to be enough to keep my feet warm without having an insulated boot. In these cases a dressier water proof boot like the Allen Edmond s Patton or Hamilton work very well.
Can you do a review of Anfibio boots, it's a Canadian winter brand with really good looking winter boots and some interesting things like ice grippers soles.
As a Toronto resident who like to travel across the maple leaf. The most important thing about winter boots is traction, find something that has really aggressive lugs or better with ice grip sole. Timbs, Blundstone, and these other boots are good for maybe fall but are really not that practical when you have to walk on thin sheet of ice on top of asphalt. Sorel is better in colder region where they have a lot of snow which help a little with traction, their sole is really not good in urban cities. And unless you are walking somewhere in the negative 10, you really don't need shearling, just a pair of thick wool sock is fine.
@@Stridewise I wear my Razorbacks in the winter and they do really well. Razorbacks are stitchdown construction, and double lasted. Very water resistant. Takes a lot of water to soak through two layers of leather. I can walk through puddles/snow without issue. I put some Sno-Seal on mine as well. As good as any waterproof lined boot imo. Could suggest the AR8 instead if you want a taller boot. They aren't marketed as a winter boot, but they are made for the outdoors and surviving the elements. I'd say they would do as well as any that you mentioned tbh.
My winter boots, Trickers Henry x 2 pairs , and a pair of Stow in C Shade and another pair in Rough out reverse suede, Crockett and Jones Coniston rough out Suede which look better the more battered they get, amazing patina, Grenson Fred triple welt, Ian Harold Chelsea boots and a pair of Timberland Chelsea boots.
They're Oak Street's! I wrote a whole review here stridewise.com/oak-street-loafer-review/ they're in the best loafers video too ua-cam.com/video/_QmeWecq2jY/v-deo.html
If it's icey you absolutely NEED micro spikes or some other traction aid along with the boots. Ice or really hard packed snow doesn't care about rubber or vibram. you'll be on your back groaning before you know what happened. Solid list though.
I can recommend crampons that snap on for really icy days (black ice, smooth ice), a lot of people here in the Swiss Alps keep a pair in their winter jacket to pop on when it gets scary slippery, which it does more and more often now with the huge temperature swings we experience now.
Oddly enough I was just looking for winter boots for casual wear... something slightly bigger for thicker socks 😂 Though ideally ones more easily available in the UK
I have both the Thursday Captains and the Duke. Any opinions are one that will hold up better in the winter? They look to have the same outsole, so perhaps it would come down the Rugged and Resilient Leather vs the WeatherSafe suede?
I grew up in Canada and currently live in Connecticut. Best winter boots I’ve ever had are my 9” Bean Boots with a Pimaloft lining. Comfortable, warm, waterproof if you wax the stitching at the bottom of shaft, and LLBean will recraft them for about $60-$70. They are a much better choice than Sorel. I know Stridewise hates the look of the Bean Boot, but there are options that are darker and more subtle, and it’s not like the Sorel is so much nicer looking.
Good point. I've rarely visited a thrift shop that didn't have a couple pairs on offer for about 10 bucks. Even if new, they're not terribly expensive. It comes down to a style choice for many, though.
Are any of these better or worse with salt? The problem I have is more about how the salt when it snows destroys boots rather than the snow itself. Makes me hesitant to buy an expensive winter boot
I want to buy Rancourt's but the customer service is bad and I'm just worried that I'll order a $500 pair of boots that might not fit and not show up for a month. They seem to be on the edge of bankruptcy.
I will have a hard time for me to wear my Russell's in the snow and slush. Still waiting for them to arrive and next to my Nick's Americana they where not cheap. So, I will be careful with them. I know that sounds silly. I will use My new Thursday Challenger boot for winter use. They have the CF Stead Rambler leather with the thick soles and they will work out fine I am guessing. Thanks for another good review.
Haha wear your boots how you want! Like I said these are all boots that are more waterproof and/or warm than a regular goodyear welt, Russell is in there because of the double vamp - plus they're so damn comfy
@@Stridewise I tired them on at factory in Berlin. They fit perfect. It's just paying so much and wanting to take care of them. I will wear them this winter, it's dumb not too. enjoy your channel very much.
Timberland boots are extremely sweaty. I have a pair and won’t be buying another one after they’re done. The cork midsole sucks as well after a while because it breaks apart.
They either peel off the cemented sole or part of it and cement on a new sole, or add a false/speed welt with cement, fill and cement on a mid-sole or outsole, and go from there.
This is off topic regarding this video but could you please do a video on how to find men's jeans THAT ARE NOT LOW RISE!!! I cannot stand how men's overall pants fashion nowadays has gone the way of low-rise waist. It is becoming increasingly hard to find mens jeans that aren't low rise. I haven't seen any mens fashion influencers speak on this problem. Many of the current jeans companies don't advertise that their jeans adopt a low rise design, so you often don't know it until it gets to your house and try them on. I just want regular waisted jeans!!!!
ugh you know I have a pair but ran out of time to feature it - no one would watch a 20 minute video on boots, Jake! I have to make sacrifices but I think I did good putting in 4 under 250
Personally I would remove both Sorel and Blundstone from that list, there are much better alternatives like Kamik and Baffin (for the Sorels) and Redback et cetera for the Blundstones.
@@Stridewise Can’t say for sure, but as a Canadian who walks most places during the winter, wool socks in leather or canvas shoes/boots does the trick for me.
Yeah these videos are funny bc I don’t want to pretend the expensive boots don’t exist but also I know most can’t afford. But hey I put in 5 boots under 300!
I won't go anywhere when it's icy without Vibram's artic grip soles now (have Danners but tempted by those Rancourts). Falling on your ass is a worse look than wearing normal winter boots.
I have a variation of the Vibram Arctic sole on my Hanwag winter hiking boots, made for them, they are amazing, they kept their anti-slip on ice properties a whole winter with very heavy wear, lots of it on pavements. Those Rancourts look like a perfect heritage style winter boot. I absolutely love my Russel Moccasin Backcountry boots in the standard ready to wear Walnut Timberjack, but they are not really a winter boot, IMO, except for mild winter weather. At 10°C and below my feet start getting cold if I'm standing around, mostly because there is not a lot of sole to insulate from the cold ground, also because they are not insulated. I highly recommend them but just be aware of their limitations. As a Canadian who grew up wearing the Sorel Caribou, which used to be an inexpensive but extremely well made and warm winter boot, I can only say I'm disgusted with the crappy modern version, it uses cheap materials, is not that warm, is not very water resistant, and will fall apart pretty quickly (the rubber vamp separates from the leather shaft). With the old boots you could get at least a few winters wear with the felt liners and then just pop in a replacement, the boots commonly lasted 10 + winters. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR BUSINESS. Get a pair of Baffin ones instead, for less money, they stepped up when Sorel lost the plot, or get a pair of Kamiks, these are also what Canadians use if you want a real boot of this style to work and play in. LL Bean still makes a great insulated Duck boot as well. But seriously, life is too short for the Sorels, if you need a real winter boot, get a real winter boot.
Agree, the modern Sorel's are cheap garbage. I still wear the 30 year old Caribou Boots my dad passed down to me. They are constructed of natural rubber and heavy leather, and the booties are thick wool felt which is topped with shearling. None of that synthetic garbage. These boots are super warm and have maintained their waterproofness.
I'm not falling for your shenanigans. You've already made my Black Friday season very expensive this year.
Stridewise, enemy of wallets and wives around the world
He even shilled side zip boots!! Get outta here 😂😂😂
@@Stridewise A wiseman(?) once said....."I might end up living under a bridge, but at least I'll have some really nice footwear". 😁
Man, your new jeans and pants choices looks so much better now, glad that you opted out for wider more high waisted fits, love it
Hey thanks! Derek Guy has influenced me haha. Working on a comparison of my new wider leg chinos from J Crew and Buck Mason!
Why do you even care what kind of pants another dude wears?
@@whereRbearsTeeth well menswear channels tend to be about what men wear
Been a follower for years, you never fail to disappoint!
Alright! Thanks for sticking around Paddy
My Baffin’s Chelsea boot.
Insulated, waterproof, and great traction.
This is my 3rd season with the boot and they are starting to patina real nice.
I picked them up brand new with no tags at a thrift store for $30.
That's a great one....
Honestly, Artic Grip from Vibram is amazing, got 2 pairs with it and they are my go to, I also have the Meermin one mentioned and they really are awesome and a great buy! The custom fees though are pretty steep.
I have Jim Green Razerback and they are perfect for Snowy/Rainy cold days in the North of Germany, yet cheaper than all the mentioned boots here. They look great with straight-leg Jeans like 501.
Agree. Jim Green is a great choice
Jim Green is good but I don't think any of them meet the criteria of more winter friendly or waterproof than a regular resoleable boot, right? Though I guess you could argue the stitchdown is more waterproof..
I also have Razerbacks and live in Minnesota. They do really great in the snow and sleet. Definitely very water resistant. More so than my iron rangers, for instance. @@Stridewise
Great video! If interested, the "År" in Århus is pronounced similarly to the English word "Or", so the name is more or less "Or+Whos" (pronouncing the o in "whos" a bit faster)
Great list!
Here are my favorites here in Montreal, Canada:
Solovair chelseas with shearling (Bought new for $175). Paired with thick JB Fields socks.
Anfibio leather boots (Bought for $12 at thrift). Solid choice for very snowy days or when snow is melting.
Saute Mouton (Bought for $15 at thrift). Shearling lined and the warmest shoes I've ever worn. Wear them when temp drops in the double digits and I have to be out for a bit.
Isn't Pajar from Quebec as well?
Dang, those are great suggestions
@@michaeldoerksen2841 It is, yes! I picked up a pair recently but haven't had the chance to try them out yet. They are shearling lined as well and look sharp.
@@AzizSiddiqui I thought so. I have a pair of their sneaker style winter shoes and they are great. Not shearing lined but Primaloft lined and still pretty warm
Will 2nd the Russell moccasin. Absolutely LOVE them and my feet are warm in the Wisconsin winter. Worth every penny and damn do they look good!
Great video! Things are pretty dry and relatively warm down here in Alabama, but great content for those who live in or frequent colder areas 👍
So glad to see! Did you consider Anfibio from Quebec? City style, though I’ve never worn them.
Thanks for shedding light on the Freeman boot. No idea that thing existed and I can see they’re already sold out.
The waxed roughout AE is already sold out in my size :/
I might have to try the Hero boot again. I see they offer a wide width now in the black leathers.
Thanks Stridewise!
hahah that's the downside of spending months testing out boots, by the time i post the content half the time they're sold out! sorry man, glad it was still helpful!
Danner Mountain Light for the win
The Explorer from Thursday Boot is one Great boot for the winter. worth every penny I spent on them. i do about 20,000-40,000 steps a day in those boots on my job and I'm comfortable all day everyday.
Great video and really helpful, thanks!
Great video as usual. I've changed jobs, but when I was doing a serious blue-collar job, I despised lined "waterproof" boots which assured sweaty, soggy feet. Maybe I'm just a sweaty guy.
You're not alone!!
Definitely wise choices and saved another man's wallet for this Holiday season
I think it depends on your use. I walk a mile each way to work in an office, mostly on sidewalks in the city (like NYC) which can be partially covered in snow and mush. Even when its very cold, I find a nice pair of wool socks to be enough to keep my feet warm without having an insulated boot. In these cases a dressier water proof boot like the Allen Edmond s Patton or Hamilton work very well.
i’ve been waiting for this vid❤❤
What do you think of Panama Jack ? I'm looking into their boots they look promising
Can you do a review of Anfibio boots, it's a Canadian winter brand with really good looking winter boots and some interesting things like ice grippers soles.
I enjoy my mugg sneakers from Goral. Super warm. I am looking at duckfeet for actual boots though.
I need something that can take crampons, these are nice for a cold wet day. I still think wellies would be a better choice
As a Toronto resident who like to travel across the maple leaf. The most important thing about winter boots is traction, find something that has really aggressive lugs or better with ice grip sole. Timbs, Blundstone, and these other boots are good for maybe fall but are really not that practical when you have to walk on thin sheet of ice on top of asphalt. Sorel is better in colder region where they have a lot of snow which help a little with traction, their sole is really not good in urban cities. And unless you are walking somewhere in the negative 10, you really don't need shearling, just a pair of thick wool sock is fine.
Thursday boots yes 🎉 I guess I’m going to have another pair of Thursdays ✅✅👍
Really should have thrown some Jim Greens into the list. Budget friendly and water resistant. Mine have served me very well in the winter.
are any more winter friendly than regular resoleable boots though? that's the angle with this video
@@Stridewise I wear my Razorbacks in the winter and they do really well. Razorbacks are stitchdown construction, and double lasted. Very water resistant. Takes a lot of water to soak through two layers of leather. I can walk through puddles/snow without issue. I put some Sno-Seal on mine as well. As good as any waterproof lined boot imo. Could suggest the AR8 instead if you want a taller boot. They aren't marketed as a winter boot, but they are made for the outdoors and surviving the elements. I'd say they would do as well as any that you mentioned tbh.
Your living the dream man.
My winter boots, Trickers Henry x 2 pairs , and a pair of Stow in C Shade and another pair in Rough out reverse suede, Crockett and Jones Coniston rough out Suede which look better the more battered they get, amazing patina, Grenson Fred triple welt, Ian Harold Chelsea boots and a pair of Timberland Chelsea boots.
How do you like the Fred?
@mr.mr.5953 yeah great boots
FYI å makes an o sound like in "oar". So Århus sounds like "Oarhoose"
Whore house?
what jeans are you wearing in the blundstone 584 at 3:36? beautiful fit!
those are left field nyc's smokestack jeans - good eye, it's their newest and coolest fit
0:04 what loafers are these if you don’t mind my asking? These look perfect.
They're Oak Street's! I wrote a whole review here stridewise.com/oak-street-loafer-review/ they're in the best loafers video too ua-cam.com/video/_QmeWecq2jY/v-deo.html
If it's icey you absolutely NEED micro spikes or some other traction aid along with the boots. Ice or really hard packed snow doesn't care about rubber or vibram. you'll be on your back groaning before you know what happened. Solid list though.
I screw in sheet metal screws into the souls of 1 pair of my boots just for ice
I can recommend crampons that snap on for really icy days (black ice, smooth ice), a lot of people here in the Swiss Alps keep a pair in their winter jacket to pop on when it gets scary slippery, which it does more and more often now with the huge temperature swings we experience now.
@adamr63 I live in Northern Norway. I'm quite familiar 😏🇳🇴
@@not-a-raccoon I'm sure you are !
Not if your boots have Vibram's Arctic Grip outsoles, or the equivalent from another brand. Those rubber soles grip ice like Velcro.
Hey Nick, love it. What’s the green flannel you are wearing in the last couple segments?
That's actually a wool jacket from Heat Straps! ktku.co/fw
The letter "Å" is spelled like the letter "O" in "Old".
And the letter "Y" is spelled almost like the letter "Y" in "Lewinsky".
Århus = Orhys
I'd never wear a crepe sole boot on an icy surface. They are tricky enough when it rains.
That's fair!
Oddly enough I was just looking for winter boots for casual wear... something slightly bigger for thicker socks 😂 Though ideally ones more easily available in the UK
Is that the Left Field NYC coat you're wearing in the Meermin section? I just picked one up!
I have both the Thursday Captains and the Duke. Any opinions are one that will hold up better in the winter? They look to have the same outsole, so perhaps it would come down the Rugged and Resilient Leather vs the WeatherSafe suede?
Why not the bean boot by LL bean
Yeah I'm Canadian and I've been wearing my Bean Boots for the last decade in the winter. Best winter boots I've owned.
I grew up in Canada and currently live in Connecticut. Best winter boots I’ve ever had are my 9” Bean Boots with a Pimaloft lining. Comfortable, warm, waterproof if you wax the stitching at the bottom of shaft, and LLBean will recraft them for about $60-$70. They are a much better choice than Sorel. I know Stridewise hates the look of the Bean Boot, but there are options that are darker and more subtle, and it’s not like the Sorel is so much nicer looking.
Best winter boot imo
Good point. I've rarely visited a thrift shop that didn't have a couple pairs on offer for about 10 bucks. Even if new, they're not terribly expensive. It comes down to a style choice for many, though.
Because it’s ugly and this is specifically a list of good looking winter boots #notsorry
Are any of these better or worse with salt? The problem I have is more about how the salt when it snows destroys boots rather than the snow itself. Makes me hesitant to buy an expensive winter boot
Waterproof....blech. *Might* keep water out: will definitely keep water in.
What are the jeans you are wearing with the Russel Moccasin Backcountry Boot? The wide fit is wonderful!
those ones are the relaxed straight fit from Oni, got it in their 20oz secret denim for winter :)
@@Stridewise super cool! thanks so much for responding :)
What about that green flannel?
That's a wool jacket from Heat Straps - size down! ktku.co/fw
I want to buy Rancourt's but the customer service is bad and I'm just worried that I'll order a $500 pair of boots that might not fit and not show up for a month. They seem to be on the edge of bankruptcy.
Check out Jim Green boots man
00:17 - I’ve always wanted a casual gerbil.
God damn it I’m trying real hard to enunciate “ durable “ but I still get the gerbil comments lolol
😂😂😂
The Bean Boot may be ugly but they still resole them in Maine for like $50 still if im not mistaken
Better looking than these homely Sorrels that are only suitable for a wintertime Upper East Side walk of shame.... 😂
I will have a hard time for me to wear my Russell's in the snow and slush. Still waiting for them to arrive and next to my Nick's Americana they where not cheap. So, I will be careful with them. I know that sounds silly. I will use My new Thursday Challenger boot for winter use. They have the CF Stead Rambler leather with the thick soles and they will work out fine I am guessing. Thanks for another good review.
Don't worry at all about snow and slush, unless there's salt involved. That, I'd avoid.
Haha wear your boots how you want! Like I said these are all boots that are more waterproof and/or warm than a regular goodyear welt, Russell is in there because of the double vamp - plus they're so damn comfy
@@Stridewise I tired them on at factory in Berlin. They fit perfect. It's just paying so much and wanting to take care of them. I will wear them this winter, it's dumb not too. enjoy your channel very much.
Timberland boots are extremely sweaty. I have a pair and won’t be buying another one after they’re done. The cork midsole sucks as well after a while because it breaks apart.
when will nick realize how amazing he looks with the straight cut jeans he wore with the russell boots
instagram.com/p/DDQA6jVviCW/?img_index=1
here they are! slowly phasing out the tapers
@ they look incredible! they really show off ur jacked legs
Brand of the flannel at 1:14 please?
Thats Filson mackinaw cruiser! that colorway wasn't popular though, I don't know if you can find it anymore :/
I’ve seen cobblers make a timberland boot resolable. Can you help me understand that?
They either peel off the cemented sole or part of it and cement on a new sole, or add a false/speed welt with cement, fill and cement on a mid-sole or outsole, and go from there.
Still cannot find an ultimate SKIDPROOF pair of boots
This is off topic regarding this video but could you please do a video on how to find men's jeans THAT ARE NOT LOW RISE!!! I cannot stand how men's overall pants fashion nowadays has gone the way of low-rise waist. It is becoming increasingly hard to find mens jeans that aren't low rise. I haven't seen any mens fashion influencers speak on this problem. Many of the current jeans companies don't advertise that their jeans adopt a low rise design, so you often don't know it until it gets to your house and try them on.
I just want regular waisted jeans!!!!
TCB, Sugar Cane, Wrangler, and even Naked & Famous (True Guy) have cuts that will probably work for you.
no cheaney tiger moth 2, blasphemy. love mine
if only allen edmonds made that boot in black leather i’d be all in
Doesn’t look like Meermin carries that wax suede version any longer 😭
Where is your accent from?
I’ll gladly take my Danner boots.
ugh you know I have a pair but ran out of time to feature it - no one would watch a 20 minute video on boots, Jake! I have to make sacrifices but I think I did good putting in 4 under 250
Personally I would remove both Sorel and Blundstone from that list, there are much better alternatives like Kamik and Baffin (for the Sorels) and Redback et cetera for the Blundstones.
There aren't any insulated Redbacks though, are there?
@@Stridewise Can’t say for sure, but as a Canadian who walks most places during the winter, wool socks in leather or canvas shoes/boots does the trick for me.
Denmark mentioned raaahh and Å is a double A så its Aarhus
Man are those russell moccasin boots handsome but their price point puts them out of the reach of I would wager atleast 50-75% of buyers.
Yeah these videos are funny bc I don’t want to pretend the expensive boots don’t exist but also I know most can’t afford. But hey I put in 5 boots under 300!
@@StridewiseI get it but at the same time if you only showed the inexpensive ones guys like me wouldn’t watch.
@@Stridewise Too true. You always do good with your list videos to have various pricepoints and I appreciate that.
Sorels are no good for -40°. They used to be prior to around 2010. But at that temperature, nobody cares about style, hence bunny boots.
Thursday Boots.....the McDonalds of the Goodyear welt.
Red Wing 2475
"Casual gerbil" 0:17
I won't go anywhere when it's icy without Vibram's artic grip soles now (have Danners but tempted by those Rancourts). Falling on your ass is a worse look than wearing normal winter boots.
We need an under 100$ section for us broke blokes
Åå is just O
Lems has some good boots under $200
So-rel. not Sorrl…
I’ll pretend that’s just my accents fault
Vee-bram
Problem is most of the shoes look bland and the one nice one is $700.
Winter boots for Uber Wealthy, others don't bother. $500, $750. 😅
$500 is not uber wealthy. Especially for something that will last for decades.
Å is pronounced like the o in dog
Sorry not ARHUS.....it should be pronounce ORHUS because of the Å but i understand you are not from Scandinavia....so that is ok😂
Don't forget about salt! This will destroy and/or change the shape of your boots!
New yorkers wear timberlands. Lol.
Some mid recommendations
I have a variation of the Vibram Arctic sole on my Hanwag winter hiking boots, made for them, they are amazing, they kept their anti-slip on ice properties a whole winter with very heavy wear, lots of it on pavements. Those Rancourts look like a perfect heritage style winter boot.
I absolutely love my Russel Moccasin Backcountry boots in the standard ready to wear Walnut Timberjack, but they are not really a winter boot, IMO, except for mild winter weather. At 10°C and below my feet start getting cold if I'm standing around, mostly because there is not a lot of sole to insulate from the cold ground, also because they are not insulated. I highly recommend them but just be aware of their limitations.
As a Canadian who grew up wearing the Sorel Caribou, which used to be an inexpensive but extremely well made and warm winter boot, I can only say I'm disgusted with the crappy modern version, it uses cheap materials, is not that warm, is not very water resistant, and will fall apart pretty quickly (the rubber vamp separates from the leather shaft). With the old boots you could get at least a few winters wear with the felt liners and then just pop in a replacement, the boots commonly lasted 10 + winters. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR BUSINESS. Get a pair of Baffin ones instead, for less money, they stepped up when Sorel lost the plot, or get a pair of Kamiks, these are also what Canadians use if you want a real boot of this style to work and play in. LL Bean still makes a great insulated Duck boot as well. But seriously, life is too short for the Sorels, if you need a real winter boot, get a real winter boot.
Agree, the modern Sorel's are cheap garbage. I still wear the 30 year old Caribou Boots my dad passed down to me. They are constructed of natural rubber and heavy leather, and the booties are thick wool felt which is topped with shearling. None of that synthetic garbage. These boots are super warm and have maintained their waterproofness.