Are you an avid outdoors person looking for the best winter boots?  Consider the Columbia Bugathermo boots with the world’s first built-in heating system.  No matter what conditions you might encounter in the great outdoors the Bugathermo can match them head on to keep you warm and toasty.  Long gone are the days of ice cold feet and miserable dispositions.  Spending a lot of time outside, I have tried many winter boots throughout the years as most of us have.  Some are good but none have been great.  However, last year all of that changed when I found out about the Columbia Bugathermo.  Getting my hands on a pair of these was no small feat as they sold out quickly across the nation.  But my persistence paid off in dividends. Now, down to the nitty-gritty of the key features and why I think these are the best winter boots.

Key Features

The Nubuck split leather uppers are waterproof, however I treated mine with Nikwax and let cure of 24 hours before taking out in the weather as I always do.  The cut is high, just above the ankle, which will keep the snow out but if you should need to attach a gaiter there is a convenient rustproof hook on the top of the boot for an easy attachment.  Also, all of the hardware on the boot is rustproof which is sure to increase the longevity.  The lacing system is a Speed Lace that allows for a convenient, easy entry and exit with a swift motion.  However, I wore these several times before they broke in and the movement became second nature.  The mid sole consists of a proprietary material known as Techlite.  Its injection molded with a nylon shank for additional support and made the boots feel stiff at first.  The outsole offers lugged, dual density traction patterns that Columbia calls Omni Grip.  It conforms to ice and snow that allows for a stable platform.  Sure to rival any Vibram sole on the market which I have sworn by for years.  I thought it performed very well and never felt as if I didn’t have sure footing.

An innovative 3 temperature heating system operates off of a rechargeable lithium battery which comes with an easy-to-use USB adaptor that you can plug directly into a wall socket or charge from your computer just like your cell phone.  Be sure to follow all of the instructions before using and charging for the first time to benefit from and receive the best possible performance.  The lowest setting is reported to provide up to 8 hours of heat in extreme cold.  My feet stayed warm and cozy in below temperature conditions and since I was able to control the settings directly I found that they did not get overly hot enough to cause them to sweat even as my activity level increased.  I do recommend wearing a synthetic sock though with moisture wicking properties as well as pre-heating the boots at least 5 minutes before going out in the frigid cold as I believe this helped them to perform better.

The interior of the boots contain 200g of Thinsulate along with a thermal insulation technology that Columbia calls Omni Heat.  This is a patented system that works with your own body to offer superior heat management.  The dotted lining helps to regulate temperature by reflecting and retaining the warmth your body generates but helps to dissipate excess moisture while maintaining a high level of breathability.  Columbia states that 50% of the content is recycled and will retain 20% heat on average.  Those are some stats I can get behind.  The anatomical contoured footbeds contain Techlite for additional cushioning and comfort while providing shock absorption.  They have also been treated with a microbial AgION anti-odor agent to prevent any unwanted smelly build up.  I never felt like my feet were damp which is key in keeping them warm and the footbeds provided much needed support and stability.  After many hours I did not experience sore or tired feet like so many other hiking boots.

My final conclusion, the boots were extremely lightweight, waterproof/breathable, comfortable, flexible, warm and easy to quickly put on or take off.  Therefore this is why I am putting these at the top of the list for the best winter boots available on the market today.  Although I did need to purchase one piece of equipment as I was surprised that these did not come with more charging options.  I picked up a car USB adaptor at my local big box store for $20.  This enabled me to convert USB/DC and gave me the ability to charge the boots from my car’s cigarette lighter.  As we all know the great outdoors doesn’t have wall outlets and I will rarely bring my laptop on excursions as that is the main reason for being outside in the first place to get away from it all.

Some of the activities I participated in while wearing the Bugathermo were:  snowshoeing, sledding, hiking, snow shoveling (not fun), snowmobiling and doggie walking duty.  As all of these involved different levels of activity yet I found the boots performed to my expectations splendidly.  Also another thing to note is the Bugathermo is offered for Men and Women with different colors.  However, ladies if you looking for a more streamlined heated boot, don’t despair, Columbia has that covered in the Women’s Snowfall Thermo. Perhaps I will get that one next and be back with a review of those since they look so comfortable and sleek.  Winter boots brands I have previously owned:  Montrail, Redwing, North Face, Sorel, Merrell, Blondo, Asolo, and Vasque to name a few.

Best Winter Boots

By:  Tracy G.

I am an outdoor enthusiast and have spent a lot of my free time over the years participating in a variety of activities.  Lately,  I have decided to share some of my knowledge regarding my endeavors in hopes of helping others to find the right equipment and gear.