Hi All,
I'm on the lookout for high quality snow boots for my partner and myself for an upcoming ski trip. I am having trouble locating a brand or shop that isn't a massive ripoff e.g. North Face.
So far, any good and reasonably priced options are based in the US but shipping and potential taxes would kill it.
Anyone knows of a reputable and reasonably priced option, either online or physical shop in Adelaide?
Thank you.
You can wear a normal boot (if you have one) and put one of those spike grips on. Then go to Ninewest or any shoe shop and get a bottle of waterproofing spray.
Snow spike grips can be bought cheaply on ebay for $5 to $7. Just remember to remove them when you walk in indoor areas like hotel lobbies/restaurants or else the staff will give you a death stare.
What exactly are you using the snow boots for?
Erm, walking in the snow?
I am a member of a ski lodge, I go to the snow very regularly. i also go on an annual ski holiday in the northern hemisphere every year, I've been to japan, USA, Europe etc. In short I've seen plenty of snow and see it often. If you are going skiing your ski boots or snowboard boots will be waterproof and warm. Most of the time you are on the snow you will be wearing these. For the times after skiing, maybe going to the pub for a drink or out for dinner at the ski resort just wear sneakers or shoes. If you are worried about getting wet feet get a set of those outdoor sneaker type shoes from Rays outdoors etc. The 'Snow Boot' things you see at Anaconda etc are for little kids and newbs. My teenage son gets around in those cheapo cotton vans shoes all the cool kids wear. As others have said, if you are going to a ski resort they keep most of the paths and roads reasonably well cleared.
If you are planning on doing some cross country hiking in the snow you will obviously need something much more serious. if you intend working outdoors at the snow get a set of Sorels. For a ski holiday you are better of using that money for a decent jacket and ski pants.
I bought a pair of cheapie $10 ugg boots from Rivers in Adelaide, then sprayed them with water proofing. Worked a treat for walking gear to the lodge and also stuffed around tobogganing etc. Was in July at Hotham, so was wet snow. Better than expected. Saves packing weight and hey, u have a pair of uggies! Got a pair of snow hiking shoes from Aldi, but haven't tried them yet..but if I can convince a mate to join me, I'll be trying them on the weekend!
Snow boots are interesting, if you are not planning to use it multiple times, you could do without, most ski resorts are pretty good with treating their walking paths. In saying that snow boots does not protect people from slipping and falling over and some shoes work just as well as snow boots.
Key points for snowboots are rubber soles
* vibram is a trademarked rubber sole, so anything that has vibram would give you better grip than normal rubber composite soles.
Waterproofing isn't as important as most paths the snow are quite compacted if there is any and you won't be covering your entire shoe with snow. As an intermediarry assist for water proofing you can waterproof your shoe using waterproofing sprays (may not last long).
If you do decide to not get boots or can't find any, any shoes which doesn't have a flat sole will be fine, contrary to believe aggressive hiking shoes may not be the best choice as their soles tend to give you too little traction based on their spiky soles to dig into the ground.
In saying that, maybe aldi might have another ski sale although that usually happens mid year in australia.
If not best bet is to try some outdoor outlets such as mountain designs, they have may have "some" snow boots.
Ozbargain list some snow boot sales at various online/brick and mortar stores.