The Magic of Bogs Footwear

Even though you can’t see them, I’m wearing Bogs Boots under all that snow.

This past Christmas we were buried under several FEET of snow. When there’s that much snow, you have to have good boots. Lucky for me Bogs Footwear sent me and Big E a pair of their insulated winter boots to review. I can tell you they rose to the challenge.

I was first introduced to Bogs Footwear by my sister in law. When I told her I was reviewing them for my blog she was more than enthusiastic. She sent me this note on facebook.


I like Bogs boots. Not cheap, but they are both rain and snow boots, so I only have 1 pair for all inclement weather. They last forever and don’t split (we ran through a lot of rain boots that way before). They also have good traction.

They have handles on the side of the boots for the kids, so they can get them on and off easily themselves. They are very flexible (I don’t like stiff winter boots). They don’t get too hot in warmer weather, but keep feet toasty in the winter. My kids love them, I think they’re magic. They come in toddler sizes, kids, and adults. Every member of our household has a pair.

Magic? That’s high praise. 

Overall I’ve also been impressed with these boots. They’ve become the only boots I wear now because they are stylish enough to wear with skinny jeans and sturdy enough to take on rain, snow, sleet or hail. Okay, I’ve only tried them in rain and snow, but they are waterproof and rated up to -40F so I’m pretty sure they’d handle sleet and hail just fine.

 

Plus they’re cute. I like my feet to make a fashion statement, especially when the world around is so colorless and blah. Thanks Bogs Footwear.

Sometimes I have been cold even though the boots are rated at -40F. If I’m walking, chasing, climbing, playing or moving my toes stay warm and toasty, but riding on a snow machine or on occasion in the car my feet feel cold inside the boots. These boots come with efficient insulation that’s not bulky. In my opinion the insulation works best when it traps your own body heat.

Also, I wish I had requested one size smaller. I bought one size up thinking I would need the extra space with my thick winter socks, but Bogs Footwear run true to size.


 

Big E opened his boots on Christmas morning and immediately put them to use climbing up the roof and jumping into the massive snow piles at our house. He’s worn them every day since. I like that the pattern is bright and recognizable too. We were at a busy children’s museum and his boots were the only way to keep track of where he was. 


Pros:

  • Sturdy, durable, waterproof 
  • Handles for getting on and off easily
  • Beautiful designs and colors
  • Rated for rain and snow up to -40 degrees
  • High quality construction
  • Efficient insulation that’s not bulky

Cons:

  • Cost $110-140 is not cheap for adult boots ($40-80 for toddler/kids)
  • The foot bed insert can pull out if you wear them without socks (I know it’s winter and I should always wear socks but sometimes I just have to run out quickly to my car).
  • Feet can feel cold if you’re stationary in the cold
Overall I’m very impressed. Maybe my sister-in-law was right. Maybe Bogs Footwear IS magic.

Update: I parked in a puddle yesterday and stepped out into 4+ inches of icy cold street water. It completely covered my feet which were luckily in my Bogs. I did not get even a tiny bit cold or wet. Talk about Waterproof.



WinterKids.com Giveaway Announcement

Today I asked Big E, “What’s your favorite season?” He said: “Winter because you can make snowballs and snowmen and throw the snowballs at the snowmen.” I love his reason, even though it’s not one I had considered.

Getting outdoors when it’s cold outside can be tough, but having good gear makes it easier. As a child I remember sledding with plastic bags over tennis shoes because there weren’t enough boots for my eight siblings and me. It wasn’t fun.

This year I’m happy to connect with WinterKids.com. Their collection of brand name kid gear is awesome – Burton, Obermeyer, Patagonia and The North Face. Plus their holiday gift guide has 100 great ideas for Winter Kid gifts and right now they’re having a clearance sale with items up to 70% off!

In honor of the season, WinterKids.com is sponsoring next Wednesday’s #OutFam twitter chat by offering a Burton lunchbox giveaway for one lucky participant. Just sign on to Twitter from 2:30 – 3:00pm MST and follow the outdoor family hashtag #OutFam for a chance to win. I’ll be hosting at @MountainMomTots and we’ll be talking about Family Winter Adventures.

Here’s a quick preview –  My top tips for keeping Winter Kids warm.
1. Insist on a bathroom break before putting on snow pants.
2. Bib overalls keep snow out of waistbands.
3. Every coat should have its own pair of mittens in the pockets.
4. One pair of warm socks should be enough. If it’s not, get better socks and snow boots.
5. Teach tots early to zip and fasten as much as they can on their own.

WinterKids.com sent me one of their adorable Burton lunch boxes and little g immediately put it to use as a purse for her My Little Ponies. Even at three she could see how stylish it is. But I’m looking forward to using it as intended. With Big E’s allergies we bring our own food everywhere and a quality insulated lunch box is important. Plus I like the velcro straps on the back and zippered front pocket.

Join the #OutFam crew on twitter next Wednesday to discuss keeping kids warm in cold weather. Just by participating you have a chance to win! Open to US residents.

I’m Thankful for Snow, But I Wasn’t Always

I used to hate the winter. Shoveling snow, treacherous driving, the cold, the layers – it seemed like there was no redeeming part of being surrounded by snow and ice.

Growing up on the flat lands of Nebraska and Wisconsin didn’t allow for much exposure to downhill mountain sports. One of my first downhill skiing experiences was down a converted garbage dump and I wasn’t very good at it. So as an adult when I moved to the Wasatch mountains in Utah they seemed surreal at first, like a set on a movie screen. Nothing could be that big.

Years passed. I got married. I still disliked the snow. Then something changed. I watched the Winter X games on TV. The snowboarders, skiers and snowmobilers blew my mind with their tricks, flips and wide faced smiles. I wanted a piece of that joy.

At that time my husband and I desperately wanted a baby. We had tried for 6 months, then a year, then a year and a half and couldn’t get pregnant. After watching the X games I decided if I couldn’t have a baby like I wanted then I would do something else that really wanted. Learn to Snowboard.

Thanks to a Womens Workshop at Brighton resort I did just that. The first lesson I didn’t even make it on the lift. I fell a lot and was sore by the end but I came back the next week and did it again. Then I signed up for the following month.

Something changed in my attitude. Suddenly I had a reason to love the snow. The joy and thrill of gliding down the mountain was new to me and I relished it. That thrill was only possible if the storms kept coming. Snow created so much joy that eventually I became a snowboard instructor and moved my whole family to live within walking distance of a ski resort.

Now my kids are learning to ski and I can hardly wait to see them catch a bit of that joy. Since I’m pregnant this season I will have to sit out. I’m so sad to miss out on the best thing winter has to offer. Snowboarding.

Between Seasons Bump

I woke up this morning to a thick layer of ice on my deck. Last night I heard thunder and rain pounded against my roof. Last week we wore t shirts and basked in the sun while playing at the park.

We are officially on the bump. It’s no longer winter, but not quite spring.

Part of me mourns the lost winter, part of me loves the sun. My tots plead daily to go outside. Little g by her actions of constantly bringing shoes to me and E by just walking out the door with no shoes at all.

This time of year is awkward. Do we wear winter coats or t shirts? Pull out squirt guns (E asks daily) or go skiing?

Soon flowers will bloom and birds will twitter. I’m excited for the time when I won’t even think twice about walking out without a jacket. The weather will be warm, unlike today when E said his sandbox toys were all frozen. For now we’ll make do, and someday soon we’ll be over the bump.