What you need to know before buying Uggs, Bogs or Sorels

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Ugh! It’s only November, but my city’s been well entrenched in winter for a good month already. When you live in a city that’s perpetually snowy, you’ve gotta have good gear. Yeah, it sucks to wear winter boots six months out of the year, but at least we have better options than the Sorels of yesteryear – which brings us to the classic mom debate:  Uggs vs. Bogs vs Sorels. Are Bogs could for winter? Can you get Uggs wet? What are the warmest women’s winter boots? We’ll take a deep dive into each footwear brand.

Yes! It’s still possible to stay warm and look cute in select winter boots. (Photo credit: Emma Dau/Unsplash)

How are Uggs as a winter boot?

I’ve noticed that this WAG favourite has gone by the wayside in recent years. Still, you can’t ignore them just because their major moment has passed. But… seeing how overjoyed Prince Harry was to receive his first baby gift, I’m guessing baby Uggs will be the most popular baby gift and Christmas present this year.

Prince Harry was over the moon when presented with baby Uggs. I would be, too! (Photo credit: Business Insider)

Are Uggs warm? Is the sky blue? Rest assured, Uggs are still super comfy and warm, and I love how you can tromp around in them without wearing any sox. They have a few downsides, however. Sexy, they’re not. Uggs have gotten glam status only because of the hot celebrities wearing them. As a co-worker (male) once remarked, “Nobody really looks good in Uggs – unless they’re naked.”

Ugg didn’t used to have a waterproof solution, which is a big deal where I live. “The problem with Uggs is Calgary. It’s that we live in a slushy, wet winter mess and you’re gonna get salt stains over them,” notes my friend, the IMBer. But the IBMer was talking about the suede boot.

Now, Ugg sports an all-weather collection, delivering comfort and cozy warmth with their wool insole and lining. I’m partial to the Women’s Adirondack II Winter Boot and the UGG Reykir Waterproof Women’s boot is also good for tromping in the slush.

Uggs may be super cozy, but how well does their classic boot hold up to salt stains? It’s not something you want to test…

Are Bogs good for Winter?

Bogs may not be as fashionable as the other boot brands are, but they are pretty warm. (And I say this as someone who regularly walks in sub zero temperatures.) Most importantly, Bogs are waterproof, making them a good bet for when you’re stuck outside in wet snow. So yes, Bogs are good boots for winter. There is a downside though. Bogs can be somewhat slippery as they don’t have a great grip on the soles. If your snow turns to ice, you might want to slip on some ice grips or crampons. Additionally, Bogs look like rain boots kids would wear. Actually, they ARE boots kids wear. I see ankle-biters in them all the time.

“They look like the mother of all winter boots, but when I’m on the playground waiting for my kids – I want my feet warm and I want them dry. I’m done with cold, wet feet,” avows the IBMer.

Bottom line? Bogs are tops for going out in the muck, but they don’t transition well. You wouldn’t want to be caught wearing them by the Fashion Police.

Bogs aren’t beauties, but they will keep you dry.

What’s the advantage of Sorels?

Sorels have gotten a bad rap in the past. That’s because they used to be so very ugly. Most kids growing up in my generation have worn a pair of these clod-hoppers. But look below. Women now wear them on private planes!

As much as I adore my fashion Sorels, my feet get way too hot in them when I’m indoors.

Admittedly, Sorels look way better now than they ever have, but there’s still that issue of the laces. It’s hard to do them up and have them stay done up. These boots are clunky, and the part where the plastic meets the fabric isn’t very flexible, so it can chafe your foot. But, they’re warm, keep your feet dry and have good grip, making them the perfect boot for the ski hill. And if you get the kind without laces, well, Bob’s your uncle! Thought I must admit, these babies you see below may be water resistant, but they certainly were NOT waterproof.

I bought this exact boot a few seasons back, but quickly upgraded to their real winter boots. This one was fab for fall, though.

Bottom line: Heavy duty Sorels are great for short stints or if you’re standing around in one place. I wouldn’t recommend them for a long winter’s walk, though. Their fashion line, however, is another story.

Pro tip for ladies with small feet

Women’s size 5, 6, and 7 translate really well to larger kids sizes! Both Ugg and Sorel have a great kids boots that are less expensive than women’s. Try some on!

Do you have a favourite winter boot? Please comment and let me know what I should check out.

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