Best multi-purpose winter boots out there - Sorel Conquest Winter Boot - Men's

I've been wearing Sorel Conquests since taking a job as a skilift mechanic 10 years ago; walking, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling around the mountain I never had cold or wet feet. That first pair lasted me 8 years, I'm on my 2nd pair now and have worn them working outside in temps well below zero at my job as an aviation ground support equipment mechanic and still haven't had cold feet. They're light enough and fit athletically enough for long-distance hiking and snowshoeing, but are rugged and burly enough to last for years of heavy use. The only con I've noticed is the lacing system, they really need a pinch loop at the transition and speed-lace hooks above. I had a local cobbler install hooks in place of the upper 3 pairs of D-rings, and I use Asolo laces because they have very low friction and pull through the D-rings easily.

I have very low arches so I replaced the factory insole with a pair of SuperFeet Carbon, and just the wool layer from SuperFeet White Merino on top of that. That really tightened up the fit so they conform to my feet like my Asolo hikers. I experienced a bit of heel lift in these boots, so I tightened the Achilles strap as tightly as possible then used duct tape to secure the free end of the strap so it didn't loosen. Now when I'm snowshoeing or hiking I buckle the strap and it locks my heel in place so I don't get blisters.

When you start seeing water stains on the leather, use a bit of beeswax to refresh the waterproofing. Pay special attention to seams and stitched areas. Buy a Peet Shoe Dryer and put these on it every night. They're not breathable, so you'll want to dry them every day you wear them. There's nothing like putting on a warm, dry pair of boots in the morning!

These boots are great for winter sports like hiking and snowshoeing, activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling, or just working outdoors in cold weather. They'll accept spikes and strap-on crampons, but they're not suitable for ice climbing or mountaineering. Tubbs and MSR snowshoe bindings fit well. Driving a stick is easy when wearing these, even in cramped vehicles like a Jeep.

You won't regret purchasing these if you like getting outdoors in the winter.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.