****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
As a sufferer of Reynaud's (my feet lose circulation and get icy cold in wool socks in my 70 degree house), I've searched and searched for boots that will protect my feet through sub-zero Michigan winters. It's been a losing battle. Uggs are the closest I've come and they do keep my feet warm (unless I'm out for hours) but I've always been frustrated by the terrible traction and treads and also by the fact that they aren't waterproof (even when you spray them). Plus, after a winter of snow, ice and salt, they just look stained and grungy. Not ideal. Enter Bogs. My son has a pair and his feet always seem toasty warm but I can't trust people with "normal" circulation. I read a recent review here of another Reynaud's sufferer who liked her Bogs so I thought I'd give it a try (thank you, to that reviewer!!!!). I have not been disappointed! I received these last week, just a few hours ahead of our freakishly early snowstorm, so it was great timing. I put on a thin pair of wool socks and took the dog for a walk. Feet stayed warm the whole time. So I tried again, on a colder day (below 32 degrees). Took the dog for a walk in deep snow (something I can't do in Uggs) for over 45 minutes and my feet were toasty the entire time. Unheard of!!! I love that these are waterproof, the tread is decent, even on the ice, and they are nice and tall, hitting slightly above mid-calf. I'm completely sold (so far anyway--I'll write another update when the temps drop into the teens and below zero). One slightly negative comment is that in deep snow some of the snow can fall into the holes in the sides of the boots and dampen your ankles a bit. Nothing that really bothered me as my feet were still warm, but just a caution to avoid going in REALLY deep snow with these. They are wide enough around the top as well that snow can spill over the sides (but I was wearing leggings and have skinny calves). A few notes on fit: I got the Plimsoll and the classic Bog both in size 9. The classic Bog fit great, while the Plimsoll was much too small around the toe and too snug against my heel. I ordered up a size and got the Plimsoll in a 10 (which I have NEVER worn--I'm never bigger than a 9) and they fit perfectly. So, order a size up, especially if you want to wear anything thicker than a thin cotton sock with these. Also, the fit is entirely different from the Classic. I personally like it more--it's less clunky and more feminine than the classic, but it does cradle your foot a bit more. Actually, I wore both around the house for quite a while to decide which I liked better and ended up getting a small blister on my heel from the size 9 classic Bog, but the size 10 Plimsoll is heaven. I honestly can't believe how much I love these boots! I'll post another update after a few more months of winter.i loved these boots and wanted to keep them, but they run really small and I was very sorry that I had to return them. I wear a size 8-1/2, and so ordered a 9, but it was way too tight! They fit more like a size 7! I would have to order a size 10 if I wanted these. I changed my mind and did not order a size 10 to replace them, b/c I read the reviews and they said they did not keep your feet very warm. if only they would make some of these warmer and the right sizing!Note: I did end up trying the size 10, and it was actually warm and very comfortable, but too big and clunky. The 9's were too tight. So I am between sizes on these and cannot wear the plimsol bogs at all. I am very unhappy about this because I really like these boots and the style and performance of them.Perfect for mucking around doing outside chores, maybe even a short, easy hike. However, my experience is they are NOT beneficial as cold weather boots as advertised.Pros:Well madeEasy on/offSolid foot bedComfortable with medium to thick socksCuteCons:Pressure on outside ankle (but that’s normal for me with rain boots/roller skate - sturdy boots)7mm insulation is NOT helpful in mildly cold weatherI gave 3 stars because these boots absolutely do NOT protect my feet from the cold. The boots are advertised as wearable to -40°/40° (°C? °F? This makes no sense.). However, my toes because completely numb as I was cleaning out my Ford Excursion on a beautiful 40°F day. Most of the time, I was IN the vehicle, not standing on the snow covered ground. I mention this, because another customer with Raynaud’s Syndrome said these boots keep her feet warm. This encouraged me to make the purchase. I’m highly disappointed, as I’ve yet to find anything (boots or socks) that help me. I will keep my Bogs since they’re comfortable as rain boots and for mucking around when it’s muddy out.My fourth pair of Bogs--I love them.First thing to know about Bogs is to order one whole size larger than you normally wear, which means that if you wear a half size, you may have trouble with fit. I am a size 8, and a Bogs 9 fits perfectly.I have had two pair of the "Classic" style, and this is my first try of the Plimsoll--I love the more fitted footbed--it gives better support. Only downside is that it will not be as easy to slide off and on as the roomier Classic, but that's what a boot jack is for.I wear my Bogs as a barn boot, mucking stalls and sloshing through all types of weather for three seasons. (I have the Urban Farmer style for summer--much cooler.) They last for two full years before the rubber starts to split and the sole feels thin. The Urban Farmer seems to be holding up even better, and perhaps the Plimsoll will too, since the rubber on it is similar. No matter, though, because two full years of use and abuse is pretty good in my opinion. And then I get to choose another cute style : )I love Bogs boots for the barn! They are warm in the winter and comfortable in the summer too. I just bought the Plimsoll Plaid Tall winter boot and was surprised at how "snug" they are.... They seem to be much smaller than my other Bogs that I've bought in the past. I am a 7 to a 7 and 1/2 normally, but the 8 that I ordered is kinda tight. I would suggest ordering a full size and a half up from your regular shoe size.I just got these boots and they seem like they will be great for winter. I usually wear a size 9 in pretty much all shoes, but I took the advice of previous posters and ordered up a size. They still seemed a bit snug when I first put them on, but I wore them around the house to break them in and they are now more comfortable. All in all they are great boots, you may just need to order up a size.
