Kamik Olivia Review

With a removable, mesh-lined insole, the Kamik Olivia is an EcoLogic rubber boot with recyclable soles. EcoLogic is a plant-based, 100% recyclable rubber that provides durability and a sustainable option for the rain boot market. The Olivia is a fairly simple, yet versatile boot with ample traction to keep you steady and dry.

Performance Comparison

Despite a stiffer shaft than the others, all-day comfort was high with the Olivia.

Weather Protection

Measuring 14 inches from the ground, these boots aren't as tall as the 16-inch Hunter Original. Nonetheless, with a shaft that hits the top of the calf, weather protection is still a high score for the Olivia. With a circumference of 15 inches at this height, the shaft is narrow enough to help prevent water from sneaking in. This snug circumference was deemed uncomfortable for some reviewers with larger calves.

Weather protection is high with the Kamik Olivia.

Comfort

The biggest drawback for these boots is in their relative stiffness. Being taller and thicker than the Kamik Heidi, the Olivia is not as flexible. This means driving and general all-day wear is a tad more cumbersome, but just a tad. They are still a very comfortable pair to walk around in, to put on and take off, or lug around. The footbox, at a size 8, was just roomy enough for a 7.5 foot with thick socks. As is common, heel slippage did occur with these, and only on inclines did the front of the shaft press into the shin slightly.

The Kamik Olivia had a slim circumference relative to its shaft height, which made wearing anything but leggings a challenge.

Style

With a matte, sleek look, the Olivia blends traditional with modern. The molded accents (not as smooth as on the Hunter Original), coupled with the buckle, give off the horseback riding boot vibe, but not so much that versatility is limited. Wear them with skinny jeans, leggings, or long socks and a dress. The only catch is that, since the circumference is narrow relative to its height, it is more difficult to wear pants without them bulging or looking baggy around the top the of the boot, like a muffin top.

The accessory buckle and molded detail of the Olivia.

Traction

With pronounced tread, these soles performed the best across flat surfaces, with above-average scores in the snow and on grassy inclines. They did not fare as well as the more sensitive Kamik Heidi, but they ranked similarly to the UGG Shaye, meaning the icier things got, the worse our confidence became. If you want a pair with more off-the-beaten-path capabilities, check out the women's Xtratuf Legacy.

The tread on the Olivia was very similar to the Kamik Heidi. However, due to the stiffer shaft and taller height, walking around in the Olivia wasn't as sensitive or tactile as the Heidi.

Warmth

The thicker rubber of the Olivia helps maintain heat quite well in temperatures dropping below 50F. They even held up when walked across the snow, but only for a short period. Not meant for winter, the thin lining is all you get. Best for temperatures fluctuating between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it's easy to adapt sock thickness to your preferred comfort. The footbox felt a little cramped with our thickest socks, but it wasn't enough to prevent us from wearing them all day. Compared to the Sloggers Rain and Garden Boot and even the Heidi, the Olivia scored much higher for warmth. Keep in mind, however, that higher warmth ratings mean sweatier feet if your environment is consistently warmer or if you plan to do a lot of outdoor activity in them.

The Olivia performs fairly well in colder temperatures.

Fit

Kamik offers whole sizes from 6-11 and runs true to size. If you wear a half-size shoe, it is recommended to size up. The fit is generous enough to wear thicker socks, but not so much that you're feet swim when wearing thinner ones. Again, the main gripe with the Olivia is the circumference of the boot opening. Being at the height that it is, the opening is right in line with the widest part of the calf. This can be very uncomfortable or even unwearable for people with calves any wider than 14 inches in circumference. The buckles are non-functional and do not adjust the opening of the boot, so make sure you know your measurements when considering this boot.

The front of the shaft flexed into our shins with incline, but it wasn't enough to discourage us from wearing the Olivia, even for short periods in the white stuff.

Best Application

A practical and affordable boot, they are ideal for general wear in mild-weather environments with potential in and around light snow. There is no added insulation, however, so they will keep you comfortable for long periods of time in temperatures fluctuating from 40 - 70F.

Value

Designed and manufactured in Canada, the Olivia is cheap without skimping on quality and performance. We think this is a great value for rainwear, especially due to the sustainable practices of Kamik, a celebrated company whose recycling practices are nearly unmatched in this market.

Conclusion

If only these boots were a tad taller or a tad shorter to hit that sweet spot for its circumference. Despite this drawback, the Olivia is an exceptional boot that provides ample weather protection, traction, and warmth. A cute boot for all your across town needs, they are durable and dependable.