Bottom Line
The Bogs Arcata boots strike a perfect balance between function and fashion. We love how easy these boots are to slip on and off, thanks to their lower height and built-in handles. This feature proves helpful when walking dogs at night, driving to the ski hill before putting on ski boots, or during any activity that requires frequent on-and-off use. We also appreciate the cozy comfort of these boots.
The faux fur lining adds to their aesthetic appeal and keeps our feet warm on chilly nights. Being neoprene, they offer excellent water resistance, provided that snow doesn’t fall in from the top. While they are slightly heavier, they don’t feel clunky for long-term wear.
With a price tag that’s about average among all the winter boots we tested, we believe they represent a great value for anyone seeking a versatile option.
How We Tested
We primarily wore these boots while doing chores on a sheep ranch and walking dogs in the middle of the night. The chores involved dumping buckets of water that froze overnight, refilling them, and helping run goats through a handling system for yearly maintenance. Aside from wrangling goats, we also used these boots at the ski hill and during short winter hikes.
Quick Specs
Bogs Arcata Snow Boot
Best Slip on Boot
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $160
Weight: 3 lb. 1 oz.
Temperature Rating: -58°F
Insulation: 7 mm Neo-tech neoprene
Also Available In: Urban leather tall, urban leather mid, urban leather chelsea
Sizing: True to sizing
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to slip on
- Faux fur is cozy
- Beefy tread
Cons
- Mid-height can let deep snow in
- Heavy
Weight
The Bogs Arcata winter boots are one of the heavier models we tested. When we weighed a size 8 boot on a kitchen scale, it came in at 25.7 ounces, or 1.6 pounds. A heavier weight requires more effort with each step, so this weight isn’t ideal. However, while walking dogs or doing farm chores, we didn’t particularly notice the weight compared to other rubber boots we’ve used before.
These boots feel relatively easy to move in, which can be attributed to their sizing and design. A well-fitting boot means less sliding around, as wiggling increases effort. Additionally, the boots are fairly streamlined compared to other rubber options, making them feel less clunky while walking.
Water Resistance
A major reason to purchase any Bogs boots is their insane waterproof qualities and the Arcata is no exception. We submerged these boots in a bathtub filled with enough water to reach the laces. A rock was placed inside the boot and on the toe to weigh it down, as these boots are quite buoyant. After monitoring them for over two hours, we couldn’t find any signs of moisture inside the boots.
We were also glad to have worn these to the ski hill one day when there were several large puddles in the parking lot. The neoprene construction of these boots ensures that water won’t penetrate the material. Instead, the primary concerns for moisture management are the lower height of this model and foot sweat.
While we did experience issues with snow falling in and melting while walking in powder, we didn’t encounter any problems with sweat. Bogs has its own moisture-wicking system to help keep sweat at bay.
Warmth
One of the benefits of Bogs over regular rain boots is the extra insulation against the cold. During our comparison testing, we found that these boots performed slightly better than average in warmth.
To determine this, we placed the boots in a shaded snowbank. We used a laser thermometer to take temperature readings inside the boot every five minutes for thirty minutes. The lowest recorded temperature inside the boot was 33.9°F. We appreciated that the temperature inside the boot never dropped below freezing.
While wearing these boots to walk dogs in the middle of the night, we found these boots to be warm and cozy. From a mental standpoint, the faux fur makes them feel even warmer. Overall, we were happy with the warmth of these boots.
Comfort
Our experience with the Arcata boots is that they are comfortable to wear, but they lack certain features that make them comfortable for a wide range of foot shapes. Since foot shape and shoe preferences are highly individual, we focused primarily on features that allow a boot to be more customized to the wearer.
One sizing feature we noted is generally lacking in Bogs: half sizing. We prefer boots that offer half sizing, as it makes finding the perfect fit much easier. Additionally, Bogs do not provide boots with a wide toe box, although this style tends to be wider than more specific hiking models, so it’s somewhat less of an issue.
While we didn’t have the opportunity to wear these boots for as many consecutive hours on our feet as some other models, we still wore them for 5-6 hours at a time. Our feet never felt fatigued from walking around, and we appreciate how cozy the faux fur is.
Traction
Although the Arcata boots had an average performance in our traction test, their tread is impressive. To compare the boots in our lineup, we used a device that measures how steep a slope each boot can withstand before losing traction and sliding. This device has a lever arm with a rock on top.
Each boot was placed one at a time on the rock, and then the arm was raised until they slid off. We measured the angle using a protractor. When we conducted this test with the Arcata boots, the angle was about average overall. However, we adjusted the rankings slightly based on our experiences with each boot and the quality of the tread.
In the case of the Arcata snow boots, we appreciate that the tread is quite aggressive. It features various shapes, a good amount of depth, and covers the entire bottom of the boot. These characteristics maximize the surface area in contact with the ground, enhancing overall traction. While using these boots at the ski hill, we found them effective on snow and ice.
Should You Buy the Bogs Arcata Winter Boots?
One of our favorite things about the Arcata is how easy they are to slip on and off. The lower height, combined with the handles, makes them easier to use than the New Classic model or really any of the other boots we tested. This feature makes them great for coming in and out frequently during the winter or as transition boots for another activity like skiing.
These boots are also a bit more stylish than the Neo Classic Bogs or other rubber boots. They can be worn around town or for farm chores. We even enjoy them for winter hikes on packed trails. The one thing we definitely wouldn’t recommend them for is hiking in deep snow, as the shorter height makes them more prone to getting snow inside.
What Other Women’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?
With so many women’s winter boot options, it can be hard to find the perfect winter hiking boot. Here are a few similar options if the Arcata is not quite what you are looking for.
Bogs Neo Classic Tall Review: There’s a reason the Neo Classic Tall boots are popular with farmers and ranchers. These boots are insulated, the height keeps out the elements, and they have better traction than regular rubber boots. Though they aren’t as fashionable or cozy as the Arcata, they are better for use in deep snow.
Blundstone Thermal Women’s Chelsea Review: We like the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea boots because they are easy to slip on and off like the Arcata. These boots have even better insulation from the ground while being fashionable enough to wear around town. The top of these boots is even lower than the Arcata, so that limits their use in snow.
UGG Adirondack III Review: The UGG Adirondack III is a great alternative to the Arcata because it has many similar qualities, such as water resistance and a versatile look. We found that this boot is a bit warmer than the Arcata and has more features to improve fit. However, this boot takes more effort to get on and off due to the laces.
