Winter Traction Action: Footwear and Accessories for Success in the Snow

Charging into your favorite outdoor pursuits takes the right gear. Winter means warmth, traction and even margin if the weather gets worse. Here are some solid choices to succeed in tough conditions.

Merrell Sugarbush Waterproof: Chainsaw optional

Merrell Sugarbush Waterproof Men's $175.72 - $216.16

Here’s a 3-pound waterproof boot that carries the New England backwoods look into your urban, weekend and travel life. The M Select Dry Merrell technology loaded into the Sugarbush garners positive Active Junky ratings for being able to fight back against rain, sleet and snow while remaining all-day breathable. Testers found the fit ran big (up to a full size) and the insoles to be of workable quality. Hero status goes to the leather itself, a nearly-delectable premium selection that never backs down. Lacing is topped with hooks to allow incremental adjustment and sure knotting. Invisible but indispensable, the lining treatment keeps moisture and odor at bay as this pair of Merrell boots gets better with every wearing. Vibram outsoles add another layer of legacy for traction on everything from tarmac to tundra. For its anticipated longevity, the $230 MSRP is right on the mark.

Best For: All-around, four-season wear in 80% of weather conditions

Icebug Ivalo BUGrip: The slicker sticker

Icebug Ivalo BUGrip $190.96 - $194.98

When 16 engineered carbide tip studs – on each boot – engage, your confidence soars even as others are wishing they’d brought ice skates. This well-styled brand knows winter shouldn’t slow your progress, and Active Junky testers have agreed since their first pair climbed Andean mountain roads while nearby cars struggled to reach Valle Nevado Resort. Front zippered entry is fast and ensures a reliable fit even as the midsole stabilizes the foot without being attention-seeking (as in, making your arch feel it at every step). The upper’s selective use of suede gives the predominantly-ripstop nylon build a more refined look to eclipse other performance options. Sizing is generous, allowing for a thicker sock or heated insole to extend the comfort range. While not waterproof, Icebug Ivalo winter boot shakes off everything except pounding rain or full immersion. In our view, lighter weight and surer traction more than compensate in this foul-weather roadster.

Best For: Urban, commute, winter travel and fitness walking

Wolverine Legend: Accomplishing missions

Active Junky struggled to slot this product in with comparable competitive work boot models. No chance of a one-to-one match-up when a work-worthy, totally waterproof boot laces up to defy any chore or storm. And even turn fair weather into another chance to hike, saw, haul, build or move around the workshop. Testers got bonus energy return and propulsion from Wolverine’s Durashock build (in tandem with the H-Plate suspension) that rolls the foot into forward motion for a level of efficiency completely unexpected in this boot category. In addition, the moisture management and comfort standing still or moving in smaller areas made Wolverine Legend an easy all-day wear. Recognize that this leather boot runs extremely large (by a size) and that the removable Ortholite footbed may not be beefy enough for heavier wearers. 

Best For: Four-season wear to combine hike, work and backcountry powered travel

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Yaktrax Summit: Traction, elevated

Pure genius that adapts to nearly any winter boot, Yaktrax goes off the beaten path with the weighty Summit microspikes. While priced close to $100, this product’s the difference between prevailing and turning back. Or worse. Testers grabbed Yaktrax model thanks to the BOA closure system in charge of locking down 3/8” carbon steel spikes. Active Junky trusts the stainless-steel chain strength and snow-shedding properties underfoot in all but the most vertical environments. In addition, the rubber outerband provides a non-slip, custom fit that’s managed with the dialed-in heel tension knob. If there’s any chance you’ll need to hike, scramble or get out of trouble this winter, head for the Summit. 

Best For: Hike, backpacking, cross-country navigation and back-up during snowshoeing outings

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SOLS Custom Insoles: Adapt to prevail

Download the SIZERIGHT app (yes, it’s worth room on your phone, friends). Take and send photos as the software directs. Go back to civilian life. Until your orthotic inserts arrive, presented more like a gold necklace than a mash-up of foam and plastic. That’s because you’re about to find new life in favorite shoes, expand your choices of footwear (by replacing factory inserts) and be able to stay on your feet longer each day. Testers have tried a wide range of standardized aftermarket shoe inserts and SOLS adds a level of refinement even pre-packaged $50 products can’t match. Of course, there’s a price attached to the process. But a penalty to be paid for accepting your shoes and boots with cheap liners inside.

Best For: Hiking, backpacking and adventure travel footwear

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