Areliable pair of winter boots is as essential as a hat, coat, pants, and gloves. Your feet need protection from the elements, too! When winter hits, you want boots dedicated to keeping your feet warm and dry, with enough tread to prevent slipping on slick streets and snowy locales. A great option for burly winter boots that could become your go-to for the coldest and snowiest conditions are the Baffin Chloe Women’s Boots ($185), currently on-sale for as low as $92 at the time of publishing.
We got the chance to test as many winter boots as we could get our hands on and feet in this season, and these Baffin boots proved their worth as some of the warmest on offer. Unsurprising, given Baffin’s longstanding reputation as a warmth-focused winter footwear brand from Canada. Check out our Buyer’s Guide for the Best Women’s Winter Boots to see how they stack up against the competition, and read on to see how these beefy Baffins shine when the snow hits.
Pros | Cons |
The removable liner dries easily | Narrow footbed |
Easy on and off | Style runs slightly small |
Technical warmth | Burly/bulky style |
Waterproof sole and toe box |
First Impressions of the Baffin Chloe Women’s Boots
When I first saw these burly boots from Baffin, I was drawn to their classic style. They boast an 11-inch shaft, rubber sole, and toe box that can be submerged in slush and remain waterproof up to the stitch line. This rubber waterproof portion sits above my heel and goes about halfway down the top of my foot, past my toes. They are constructed with a natural suede leather upper with faux-fur snow collars that provide an extended barrier against harsh winter weather. The removable liner is plush, and the easy lacing system, with a quick pull toggle, allows me to put these on quickly. They remind me of a shorter version of the Sorel’s Joan of Arctic boots but with a much thicker sole and hearty traction.
CHECK PRICE ON REI
Notable Features of the Baffin Chloe Women’s Boots
Weight: 2.9 lbs per boot
Insulation: Synthetic Thermaplush
Boot Height: 11-inch shaft
Closure: Lace-up with quick-pull toggle
Upper Material: Suede leather and natural shearling
Lining: B-Tek foam layer, PolyWool blend layer
Outsole: Grippy rubber
Burly Design
Built for harsh climates, the Chloe boots shine as a burly, weatherproof option, boasting features designed for maximum warmth. The 11-inch shaft shields ankles and calves from the cold, while the leather and natural shearling upper provide an extended barrier against the elements. These boots were our testers’ go-to’s for shoveling the deck and driveway as the snow stacked up.
Easy to Tighten Lacing System
The quick-pull lacing system with an adjustable toggle makes them easy to put on and take off, even while wearing gloves. While the narrow footbed might be a concern for some, we suggest sizing up by half to mitigate the problem. The Chloe’s undeniable warmth, weatherproofing, and quality construction make them a great choice for women who need a burly boot.
Removable Liner
I love how the removable Thermaplush liner of the Baffin boots effectively traps heat, keeping my feet and calves warm. However, it proved breathable enough to prevent overheating while shoveling snow outside the cabin. Made with Baffin’s propriety B-Tek foam and PolyWool blend lining, I was impressed with the multiple layers of cozy insulation.
As noted above, the liner can easily eject from the boot’s shell when taking it off. Truthfully, I almost always remove the shell first, then the liner, when taking these boots off. I found them easier to take off in two steps. First, the shell slides off easily and keeps all the wet moisture away. Then, I remove the liner and set it aside somewhere dry and warm.
When putting these boots back on, I found it easier to pop on the liner to my socked feet, then pull the shell over the liner, pull the quick-pull toggle, and get going on my way. I did have slight difficulty putting the boots on when the liner was already inside. For some reason, they didn’t glide on as easily and were annoying to put on and off if I skipped this liner-first step.
Drawbacks of Baffin Chloe Women’s Boots
Some may be wary of the removable liner, as it is an additional part of the boot that can get misplaced, damaged, or dirty when outside the shell. However, it can also be washed, a major plus. Additionally, I found the cinching cord to be unnecessarily long when fully tightened, needing to be tucked into the top of the boots. Thankfully, a couple of extra knots can quickly remedy this issue.
It’s also worth noting the sizing on these boots. They run on the smaller size, and fit a bit narrow, so it’s a good idea to try before you buy or size up a half size if you’re in between sizes. Because of this sizing issue, I was able to feel the seam of the liner on my toes. Thankfully, after several wears and when using thicker socks, this became a non-issue.
Finally, the liner and outer boot require a bit of extra care when storing. If left outside, or in a car overnight, the rubber toe gets quite cold, and is hard to warm back up. Additionally, you will want to make sure to put the liner back inside of the shell if you’re going to store the boots in any such cold conditions, as the shell otherwise has a tendency to freeze and collect condensation on the inside, which is the last thing you want when you go to put your boots on in the morning.
Final Thoughts
The Baffin Chloe Women’s Boots are an excellent choice for a burly and warmth-forward winter boot. Furthermore, they’re super budget-friendly if you can find them on sale. Currently, they are priced at REI for around $90, which is a steal for the quality and craftsmanship. They excel in short spurts of winter activities, from shoveling the driveway to playing in the snow. However, the style is slightly aggressive for everyday wear, especially the burly rubber toe-box. These boots don’t come in half sizes, and since they run small, it’s a good idea to size up or try before you buy if possible.