Boots are a necessity of country life. Work boots, mud boots and snow boots line closets and stand at attention behind doors. During the winter months, our shouse is awash in boots. Because our winters are a mixture of freezing temperatures and mini "thaws", our snow boots are nothing if not constantly wet. On top of that, we have active children, so we always make sure to have at least two pair of snow boots and one pair of mud boots apiece. That way, while one pair dries behind the cookstove, the other can be in use. The problem with this system is the shear multitude of boots. Just think, 3 pair boots each times 5 children - that is 15 pair of boots - not even counting Sir Knight and I!
One year we tried to make do with one pair of snow boots and one pair of mud boots. We thought that would keep feet dry when it was wet outside and warm when it was cold. It worked, mostly - but it was still challenging trying to keep up with so many boots and the children inevitably slipped on their mud boots when it was wet (and cold - think slush) and their feet would freeze, no matter how many pair of socks they wore. Or, they would pull on their snow boots and end up with wet (and cold - think slush) and freezing feet (again!).
This year, I decided to go out on a limb and try something new. Bogs. The theory was that we would have one pair of boots for the winter, rather than three. Bogs are waterproof (unless the water or snow goes over the top!) and good to -40°. Mud boots and snow boots, all in one convenient package!
First, I bought Bogs for the little children. I thought if they could make it through 5 and 7 year old, rough and tumble country kids, they could make it through anything. Master Calvin, Princess Dragon Snack and I sat at the computer and went shopping. Calvin chose a pair of sensible black boots and Dragon Snack chose a flashy pair of purple boots with a riot of flowers emblazoned on them.
The boots arrived and were opened in a flurry of excitement (the children had never had brand new boots before!) and fit perfectly. That was in September. They haven't been off their feet since. Well, maybe to sleep, but really, that's about it! The kids LOVE them. Never have they complained of their feet being cold - not even once. The only time they have had wet feet has been when they tucked their snow pants into their boots and snow filled their boots. Oh, and there was that one time Master Calvin waded in a mud puddle that was up to his waist - but that probably wasn't a problem with the boots.
After a successful trial run with the littles, Miss Serenity ordered a pair of Bogs. She chose my favorite color, OD green! Again, the Bogs passed the test. Serenity is harder on boots than any of our children (she's all go - no quit) and her boots still look like new (except for the mud). She did trip over some barbed wire that was hidden in the snow and ripped a small hole in the top of her boots, however they still seem to be waterproof. We will take them to Les Schwab Tire the next time we are in town and have them repaired (they put on patches, like they would fix a tire).
Sir Knight is up for Bogs next. We will continue to buy boots, one pair at a time, until the whole family has been shod. I love the fact that we now only require one pair of boots rather than three (our shouse is only so big!) and the kids love the fact that they have warm, dry feet.
Good boots are non-negotiable. Bogs have met and exceeded our expectations. The only down side of Bogs are the price. Generally, I buy snow boots at thrift stores, garages sales or through Ebay and I have to admit that it was somewhat difficult for me to sit down and order expensive boots online. However, I am convinced that in the long run we will be saving money. Not to mention, the Bogs seem to be constructed well enough that we will be passing boots from one child to another (well, maybe Master Calvin won't really want to wear Princess Dragon Snack's purple boots). From what I have seen, Bogs will wear through many a fall/winter season.
If you live in the country (or in the city, for that matter) and need a good, solid pair of mud/snow boots, Bogs just might the the boot for you. I know that I will be stocking up (as I am able) so that I can keep my family's feet warm, dry and well protected.