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Snow, slush and salt are inevitable come winter, but a great pair of boots can go a long way in making the coldest, wettest days of the year more bearable. Like a good coat or a cozy loungewear set, there’s something comforting about slipping on comfy winter boots when things get chilly. Good news: There’s no shortage of homegrown brands who have taken it upon themselves to keep our feet warm and dry through it all. Our picks of Canadian winter boots have what it takes to brave just about any storm.
(If you’d like to read more about how we define “Canadian” products here at Chatelaine, here are the factors we consider.)
Maguire Estrella Lined Boots, $370
If you’re looking for sleek winter boots made for city living, Montreal-based brand Maguire offers several shearling-lined leather designs that could pass for everyday footwear. Handmade in Portugal, the Estrella boots won us over with their trendy zip-up front and all-terrain sole that come in an array of different colours. This navy and black combo is a chic and understated pick.
Baffin Tornio Women’s Boots, $180
Hailing from Stoney Creek, Ont., Baffin makes winter gear designed for the world’s coldest climates. Their boots are engineered and tested in Canada, with some styles manufactured here. The lightweight construction, waterproof material and slip-resistant sole bring high-performance tech to the stylish platform silhouette.
This style comes in black, white and a cool green hue that will look great whether you’re hitting the trails or trekking through the city.
Aldo Frostine Chelsea Boots, $100
Iconic Canadian footwear brand Aldo is best known for its runway-inspired styles, all of which are designed in their Montreal office. With its waterproof quilted upper and comfy Pillow Walk insoles, this snow-proof take on the Chelsea boot is the perfect blend of cute and cozy.
La Canadienne Powder Shearling-Lined Suede Boots, $300
Since 1987, Montreal-based brand La Canadienne has specialized in keeping your feet dry no matter the season. Proof that you don’t need to compromise on style to be comfortable in the winter, these boots feature a suede upper and a rubber base, plus a shearling-lined interior for warmth.
Manitobah Kokom’s Waterproof Half Mukluks, $300
Founded in 1997 by Métis entrepreneur Sean McCormick, Winnipeg-based brand Manitobah is best known for its moccasins, though its mukluks (soft hide boots) are equally noteworthy. These suede mukluks are trimmed with rabbit fur and lined with sheepskin for comfort. This style was designed by Cree artist Rosa Scribe, who was inspired by her grandmother’s colourful bead work.
Kamik Lea Lo Winter Boots, $150
This Montreal-based brand has been making winter boots for over 125 years, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about the craft. Over 70 percent of their products are made in North America, including in factories in Quebec and Ontario. The hiking boot-inspired Lea design is both stylish and warm, rated for temperatures as low as -30C.
Anfibio Bree Lace-Up Boots, $410
These lace-up winter boots by Montreal-based brand Anfibio are manufactured in Canada from full-grain waterproof leather. They feature retractable crampons to tackle icy surfaces and are lined with a cushioned sole and wool to keep feet toasty warm. This style is also available in black and chocolate brown.
Call It Spring Arktik Boots, $55
These heavy-duty winter boots were designed in Montreal to withstand temperatures as low as -20C. We love the lacing, which gives them a cool utilitarian touch, and the drawstring at the top that can be tighten to keep snow out.
For affordable footwear that doesn’t skimp on style or quality, look no further than L’Intervalle. The brand designs its shoes in Montreal, and manufactures them in small factories in factories across Europe and South America. With their Ugg-like silhouette, soft suede and hefty sole, the made-in-Portugal Primord boots are our current faves.
