Living up high on the continental divide like I do you need warm boots. Whether for hiking, walking the dogs, snow biking, shoveling, etc. I have been through a few now, the best being Vasque Arrowhead Ultradry boots. Their combination of insulation and fit are amazing.
But to get to these I made some mistakes along the way. I bought a pair of Sorels and was disappointed when they split wide open in the toe after a few months of use.
I then picked up a pair of Canadian made Kamik’s. They broke on the first wear when I was lacing them up and a lace loop pulled out.
I decided that I had to go a different direction, I went with a boot like I never owned before; the Vasque Arrowhead Ultradry. It’s amazing, I have warm feet on hours long hikes in the snow.
When you first get them you might be surprised to see some things on the boots. First is that the laces have a zip on cover. I was a bit concerned that this would be an area to fail. After 2 months of daily use they have shown just no signs of weakness.
The next thing that you’ll notice is the very thin laces that you don’t tie! They call it a Kevlar single pull lace system. I have to say they make lacing up super quick and don’t loosen on the hike. That said, the little rubber nub that you pull to tighten the laces which also covers where they are stitched together has gotten a bit loose and you have to work it back over the spot where the laces are stitched together.
The Vasque Arrowhead Ultradry keeps your feet warm with 200gram Thinsulate insulation.
These have a very aggressive sole which keeps you from slipping on the snow and ice.
Why these are better than any pac boot for actually hiking, snow shoeing, snow biking, etc. is because they are actually hiking boots for winters. With a Sorel your foot is just sorta floats in a big clod stomper and then they crack! I really think these boots are amazing. My feet would go numb on a snow bike ride or snow shoeing about 20 minutes in with pac boots on, with these I am good for 4 hours!
The cover is not 100% waterproof, if there is a spot for friction like the binding on your snowshoe or the gaiters on your pants, they will appear to soak in a bit of moisture. Although nothing has ever gotten my feet wet, so that is just superficial melting in the lace cover.
You should go get them now if you want warm feet while outside in the winter.
Vasque Says: http://www.vasque.com/vasque-shoe/7822-vasque/7822-vasque-mens-arrowhead-ultradry%E2%84%A2-rooibostea-magnet
The Arrowhead UltraDry™ is an athletic, 8-inch backcountry burner. As you’d expect, building an agile winter performance boot takes more than insulation.Loaded with dedicated snow features, it includes a full-coverage shroud which shields the gussets from ice and crud. The asymmetrically-zipped boot top and single-pull Kevlar® lace system keep the boot smooth for snag-free snowshoeing and scrambles. UltraDry™ locks out moisture, a reflective lining locks in heat, and the highly technical Venture outsole with ColdHold Compound locks you down in the backcountry.
- Weight: 2lbs. 12 oz. (1256g)
- Outsole: Vasque Venture with ColdHold Compound
- Last: Perpetuum
- Midsole: Molded EVA and TPU Shank