Comfortable warm boots avaiable in wide sizes
As someone with a large, and wide, foot, I sometimes struggle with finding footwear. New Balance has always been a major help here as they are one of the few manufactures with wide widths. I have especially struggled to find a good pair of snow boots in wide widths. None of the well known boot brands sell in wide widths. Or if they do, they have only one style that doesn't met my needs (such as being too low in the ankle).Given the above, I was so excited to see these boots from New Balance when I did another search in October 2016 for new boots. I immediately ordered a pair. They are incredibly comfortable, feeling more like a sneaker than a boot. And having used them for one and a half winters (including this year's very snowy and wet winter), I can say they are very warm and waterproof. I have not used them in highly wet areas like the woods or near creeks. Just in the yard when playing with the dog and when clearing the driveway. In those conditions, they have held up extremely well.I suspect they'd do OK in harsher conditions. But it's just not something I have experience with.Regarding the more basic things, they tie up nice and snug. So no snow gets into them, even when stepping in deep drifts. They are comfortable with medium weight socks. I have a pair of (very) heavy weight boot socks that make these boots feel a little too snug with. But that's more due to the sock which easily changes my foot size by at least 1/2 a size. If I was in a situation where I was planning to wear them for long periods with those heavy weight socks, I'd by a pair the next size up. I think that'd be the case with any boot. These are plenty warm with the medium weight socks. And they are warm enough even with regular tube socks for an hour or two while clearing the driveway. The "tab" on the back makes them really easy to take off as you can step on it as you pull your foot out.I liked these so much, I just bought a second pair (Feb 2018) to keep in the car in my emergency supplies kit. I highly recommend these boots.
✔ Verified Purchase
B
Brian D.
February 18, 2017
Outstanding walking boots.
Perfect fit, bought during the extremely cold winter months (got down below 0F a few times) as my Security Officer job requires 7-10 miles of walking a night the majority of which is outside. Even walking through somewhat deep snow a few times no moisture got in. Kept my feet very warm, and now that it's in the 50s and 60s some nights they are staying cool. What an outstanding balance of heat retention/insulation/ventaliation.They're super comfortable, I finish my shift feeling like I wore New Balance or Nike sneakers. They're super light weight too. I really can't even think of anything bad to say about them! The lip on the back throws some people off of buying, but I can say that I rarely notice it's there except when taking the boots off, at which times it's a huge help. I have brushed it against metal stairs when going down from mezanine areas during inside patrols, but it rarely happens and doesn't hurt anything.
✔ Verified Purchase
R
Richard H. Ho
November 24, 2017
Good winter boots
The boots look very well made and sturdily constructed. While I haven’t had the opportunity yet to wear them in winter weather, these boots appear to have good traction for snow. It is definitely warm for the job.The width appears to be slightly narrow for my foot, but tolerable.
✔ Verified Purchase
Awesome Boots
I have been surprised on how well these boots perform in cold weather. This is not a boot that you want to wear at temperatures above about 40 degrees (too warm). The lowest temps I have tested them at so far with is low 20's, and my feet were very comfortable. I have tested them with different socks and found that they make a huge difference in warmth (warmest has been a mid-weight wool blend hiking sock). These boots are very light weight making them ideal for winter hikes, dog walks, etc. I ordered them in 2E based on some of the reviews stated that they ran a little small, and they fit perfect. I'm not sure want NB Heat is made up of but it delivers in cold weather. This is a great boot for anyone that is active during the winter months and I highly recommend them.
✔ Verified Purchase
One Star
Good boot....but NOT a wide...if you want a wide boot, pass on these
✔ Verified Purchase
R
Robert L. Cox
June 01, 2020
Poor Quality
I've worn New Balance walking shoes for years and have always been happy with my purchase. I've been looking for hiking boots to wear while riding my motorcycle. We tend to stop a lot in the Smokey Mountains and take short hikes. There had been some reviews saying there was a problem with the shoelace hooks but do to my past experience with New Balance I decided to take a chance.These boots fit well and were very comfortable. They are a very nice hiking boot. Unfortunately after only five weeks of occasional use The right boot lost the top inside hook. Unfortunately I missed the return period by one week so I can't return them. I like these boots but I have no choice but to trash them.
✔ Verified Purchase
I can say that these are extremely comfortable, seem to be waterproof and are warm
After several weeks of daily use for 1-4 hrs per day on paved and unpaved surface, I can say that these are extremely comfortable, seem to be waterproof and are warm. For a tall boot they are lightweight and they appear to be (so far) well made. However, I doubt they would stand up well if used for hiking in really rough country. I have, however, worn them on manicured trails and made some side excursions into brush and they seem none the worse for wear. Another point: the seem sturdy but they ain't heavy-duty vibram. Bottom line: great for walking the dog on pavement and well-manicured trails and light vegetation. But if you're hiking in the back country these probably aren't the item for you. I didn't expect them to be and so far, I'm very happy with these boots.
✔ Verified Purchase
