Baffin Control Max
I was in the market for new winter boots as I live in MN and before Thanksgiving we already have had several inches of snow and we have 4” of ice on smaller lakes. For me, it came down to the Sorel Caribou or something from Baffin. After researching I found a fair amount of negative reviews on the Sorel boots since they were acquired by Columbia. With that being said, I decided to search outside of the Sorel brand.Baffin products kept showing up with very positive reviews so I did more digging. For me it came down to the Control max or the Shackelton. As I have never really have snow trickle into my boot, and I likely will not need a boot rated to -100 I decided to save some money and opt for the Control Max. I also should mention I took advantage of a 20% off “Fall Footwear” so I couldn’t pass this up.I ordered a half size larger than my tennis shoe so they would still fit with a big wool sock and they work great. The first time I put them on I was blown away by the comfort. They were more comfortable than my slippers. They hug your foot yet are still flexible and keep it warm in any condition. So far I have not pushed them to the limits but after shoveling a few times and ice fishing once they have exceeded expectations. I should mention that when I was fishing there was about 1” of water on the ice that I hiked through and had no issue with water intrusion.The only con I have (and this is minor) is how bulky they are. Unless it is single degree temps outside I usually wear my flannel or fleece lined fire hose pants from Duluth Trading and I found it somewhat tough to fit the cuff of the pant leg over the boot. Like I said, this is minor.Overall I give these boots 5 stars. I’ve only worn them a handful of times but I think we are in for a long winter here in MN so I’ll be wearing these often.
✔ Verified Purchase
S
SR Reviews
March 16, 2017
Sweet pair of hardcore winter boots
I really loved these things, but they were just overkill for me, so I returned them. Overkill in the sense of bulky. Not heavy, but look like astronaut boots at the end of my skinny legs. I kept a pair of less expensive Baffin pac boots, in black synthetics for shoveling and playing with the kids in the snow, and got a slimmed down pair of Uggs for around town and work. I really wanted to keep these though, they are super high quality, and fit perfectly. Really -- I mean really, really -- warm. The ones I kept are bulky too, but cheaper, and I went with those because I realized they would be of limited use for my purposes. I don't walk a dog through the snow all winter, or snowmobile in Wisconsin or Vt, etc. I'm in the New England 'burbs. It is what it is.
✔ Verified Purchase
Extremely warm!
Excellent quality, and very warm! The only gripe I have is the size. I have exactly an 11 1/8" size foot, so I ordered a size 12, and they are still pretty tight. I'm thinking the manufacturer was trying to make them fit and feel similar to a ski boot which are tight, very warm, and secure. I'm hoping that the material stretches a bit in order to give me some relief. Seeing as they don't for some strange reason offer size and a half's, I know if I bought the 13 inch boots, my foot would eventually start sliding around and give me blisters.Although I don't believe these would be the best for casual walking, they are perfect for snow-blowing or doing any kind of outside work while keeping your feet very warm!Would I recommend them? You bet!
✔ Verified Purchase
R
ron leprell
November 12, 2025
Worth every penny
These are the warmest boots I’ve ever worn
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G
Gonzalo Martinez
January 07, 2026
Quality
This is the best winter boot I’ve ever owned.
✔ Verified Purchase
Warm and comfortable
I bought it for my Northern state hunts. First thing I noticed was how it gently enclosed my leg and foot comfortably and evenly with no pressure points. Walking was cushioned but adequately supported. They held up well to the cold. My first day saw temperatures at -16°f for hours. My feet were never cold. I had Sorel Caribou for years, but these are far more supportive.
✔ Verified Purchase
For the price I would expect a warmer boot.
Just not all that warm, especially in the toes. The liner has a seam at the top (at the top of the foot near the toes) and seems to be the perfect path for coldness to creep in. The portion of these boots above the ankle is very large in diameter and most of the pants, bibs, and coveralls I own will not fit over them, even the pants with zip up bottoms. The reflective surfaces on these boots would probably be ideal for snowmobiling, etc but is undesirable for hunting. They are rather comfortable but only keep my feet warm in moderate temps.
✔ Verified Purchase
