Bogs Crandall II Tall Adjustable - Women's Review

The Bogs Crandall II Tall is a comfortable and flexible boot for errands and long workdays. We found it exceptionally easy to move in, with great coverage and solid waterproofness. Unfortunately, a lack of structure in the upper and an absence of lugs on the outsole made it difficult and somewhat nerve-wracking to walk on icy or snowy surfaces, particularly those that were uneven or on an incline.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

Warmth was not a strong suit for the Crandall compared to the other winter boots. The 3mm Neo-Tech membrane and low-pile faux fur were enough insulation to stay warm through late fall days and early winter storms in California. Still, the boot's warmth capabilities fell short in colder winter temperatures. Luckily, the Neo-Tech waterproof membrane is highly breathable and water-resistant, so our feet stayed dry when strolling through wet conditions.

The 1-inch rubber outsole insulated our feet from the cold ground and puddles. Still, the rubber around the midsole is not thick enough to maintain insulation for longer than an hour unless you're actively moving. Thanks to an adjustable calf feature, the upper shaft is roomy, leaving plenty of space to tuck your pants in but too much space to keep out cold airflow.

The Crandall II showed a significant temperature change in our ice bath tests and became one of our last choices on snowier, colder winter days. If you live in a warmer climate and need a boot to get you from point A to point B on winter days, this will do the trick, but it won't provide the same level of traction or warmth that you will find in other boots in our lineup.

Weather Protection

The Crandall II Tall scored amongst the best in weather protection thanks to the high shaft, though some notable shortcomings derive from the boot's looser fit. The boots are perfect for light snow and rain days that don't require a bulky base or burly fur insulation. These boots excelled in puddle tests, and the black exterior seemed to expel mud, dirt, and water.

A rubber strap and a flexible neoprene panel are built into the rear top shaft, creating space for those with larger calves, and the strap can easily be cinched down for those who want a tighter fit. We love this feature, but if you're not diligent about fastening the strap down, there is enough space for moisture to sneak its way into the boot if you're traveling through high snowdrifts. Otherwise, the tall structure kept our pants dry throughout the testing period, no matter what we did.

Comfort and Fit

The Crandall II may not have a warm and fuzzy liner, but the lightweight upper and cushy sole had us feeling like we were walking on a cloud. We wore this for an entire workday without complaints. However, the footbed and toe box felt a bit roomy for our testers with a high arch and narrow foot. For those with wider feet or wider calves, you will probably love the fit of this boot. Luckily, the boot is light enough to not weigh you down between steps. All in all, this is a great option for those in search of a stylish, lightweight, over-the-pant boot.

Durability

We frequently see neoprene in work boots and rain boots intended to provide a high level of waterproofness. Neoprene is used in wetsuits, scuba suits, and other water-resistant apparel and footwear. It's super reliable and rip-resistant. Depending on the frequency of use and the conditions the neoprene is exposed to, you can expect this material to last through many years of wear.

The low pile faux fur lining the upper of the Crandall II Tall is soft, pliable, and lightweight. It contributes to consistent flexibility and comfort with all-day use but is not entirely conducive for winter conditions and terrain. The upper materials mixed with an absence of a proper shaft behind the heel leave little to no structure to keep your ankles from rolling on uneven terrain. While we expect the boots to last for many seasons, they may not stay strong through heavy use on rough terrain.

Traction

The outsole pattern on the Crandall II Tall is a bit of a letdown. There are no protruding lugs to accentuate grip on icy or snowy surfaces. Based on our assessment of the warmth and weather protection features, the criss-cross wave pattern on the sole makes sense for use on wet pavement but not so much for uneven snowy surfaces. We found ourselves slipping around quite a bit on off-roading trail hikes.

Should You Buy the Crandall II Tall?

Unfortunately, the Crandall II Tall didn't excel in any one category, though the weather protection and comfort are notable exceptions that pleased us on wetter winter days. This boot is a great option if you want to spend a little less on an everyday option that keeps your feet dry and feels light as a feather. The Crandall II Tall falls on the lower end of the pricing spectrum for our winter boot lineup. We felt a bit indifferent about the boot in the performance comparison process as you could spend a little more money and get a warmer, more versatile boot. Still, while it's not the best winter footwear for the colder climates, it's a solid option for fall, spring, and warmer winter days. For this reason, we feel it has good value as an all-day comfort boot.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?

If you need to spend a lot of time in the cold or doing chores outside in winter, the Muck Boot Arctic Ice Tall AGAT - Women's is really the better option and well worth the added expense. The Muck offers more warmth and weather protection, making it the one for those who will be outside in the serious cold or serious muck. It suffers slightly for comfort compared to the Bogs, but it has better durability and traction, making it a problem we can overlook for the benefits the Bogs doesn't possess. If you need something with a little more precision for driving or walking but don't want to sacrifice warmth, the UGG Adirondack III is an excellent choice for an all-around boot that provides good traction and fit, making it suitable for all kinds of activities outside no matter what the weather.