Columbia Women's Discontinued Ice Maiden II Hiking Boot

As someone who lives in a cold/snowy climate (at the base of the mountains in Utah) and who participates in a lot of outdoor winter activities, I did a lot of research before buying a pair of winter/snow boots. I'm always thrilled when I get it right on the first try without having to send anything back. These boots are worth every penny. I have come to be a major fan of Columbia outerwear in general and these boots were no exception! From the moment I put them on I knew I would love them if they kept the warmth in and the wet out- which they do! These boots are extremely comfortable! I can wear them all day and don't want to take them off! They aren't a fashion accessory but aren't ugly either which is nice. I bought them to do a job, not look darling, but I actually really like the way they look as well. They look just fine under my jeans. They fit great and are "substantial" without being super clunky and are surprisingly light. Most importantly they keep your feet warm and keep any and all moisture OUT! You could trudge around in sleet, snow, puddles, mud for hours and stay toasty and dry, and I have chronically cold feet so I would know! The tread is really substantial as I mentioned and I feel totally comfortable hiking in these in winter or just hanging Christmas lights on a ladder outside. I can't praise these boots enough! If you're look for the cutest and least boot looking waterproof boots in the world, these are not for you, but if you want a real winter work horse boot that you can actually wear under boot cut jeans to work and not look completely silly, these are a winner! I love them and they have survived 2 full winters with me and still look new! See my pictures to compare what this boot looks like next to a regular shoe. I am a true 8.5 size.

Coming from Florida, I did a lot of research and preparation before taking a Feb trip to the winter carnival in Quebec City. I knew I’d be outside all day plying in the snow, sledding, walking, etc. My regular size is an 8, sometimes a 7.5, and slightly wide (or at least not narrow). I bought these in every variation of possible size that sounded like it could fit me after carefully reading the reviews, and after trying them all on (regular and wide 7.5, 8, even 8.5), the 8 wide fit the best. I also bought a few other styles for comparison but this was by FAR the best style, warmest, and most comfortable. They’re so lightweight too. I walked for 8+ miles a day, and didn’t have to break them in - they were comfortable immediately out of the box and never pinched or hurt anywhere. Also they are totally waterproof. I was in knee-deep snow often, and it even rained for a whole day and I was totally dry. The ONLY time I ever felt cold was coming through the bottom of the shoe when standing still for too long (at a nighttime parade specifically) - and I’ve since learned about the little warming things you can put in your shoes or gloves - but even just moving in the slightest or walking around warmed right back up. These were absolutely by far the best bang for the buck, and I looked around and tried on different styles for months prior! I wasn’t looking to make a hefty investment, I just wanted a reliable winter shoe for cold weather vacations that would last and keep me warm, especially as someone not accustomed to that weather. I wore them with wool socks, not even super thick ones or doubled up, and they were perfect. Also worth noting that they didn’t make me hot when inside like at restaurants or airport travel etc. They’re easy to clean, and super cute too! I got the black on black. 10/10 would recommend these to anyone!

The media could not be loaded. UPDATE! These boots are as awesome as I thought they would be. The time I spend in the snow shoveling, walking, or playing in it with the littles shows me just how well made and waterproof they are. I needed a fairly soft side to a boot, because I have a plate on the outside part of my ankle and it rubs on stiffer sided boots. These are best pair of boots I think I’ve ever owned. Water just slides right off. My feet have never gotten cold. Ihave a feeling I’ll be wearing these for quite a few years. So worth the purchase! Truly.I’m looking for a comfortable boot that won’t rub on the plate in my ankle. I just received them today in September so I haven’t had the chance to test them in the cold yet, but I’ve walked around the house in them all day and they are probably the most comfortable boots I’ve worn. Very nice fitting and looking pair of boots. I wear a 6 1/2 shoe and bought a 6 1/2 and they fit perfectly. I will try to remember to come back and update on how they feel in the snow and cold here in Maine in a couple of months. Happy with my purchase.

I have rather large feet and these don't make my feet look really huge because of how they are cut, but yet are still very comfortable and allow me enough area to move my toes around a little but still not sliding around in the boots. They were very stiff when I first got them but after wearing them around for walks with my dogs in the snow I am finding them loosening up some and more flexible. They are also very nice and warm, and I have been quite comfortable with thin socks on and 10 degree days outside in the cold.