REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Waterproof
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Wobbly sole
Durability isn't great
Not very warm
Columbia Ice Maiden II Review
A budget boot option for warmer climates that is waterproof enough for everyday winter use but lacks traction and stability for deep snow or trail adventures
While the Ice Maiden isn't the most waterproof, the boot wicks away minimal water exposure and is decently comfortable. For the price point, this is a solid mild-winter boot.
Credit: Kati Clark
RELATED: Best Winter Boots for Women of 2023
Our Verdict
While the Columbia Ice Maiden II is one of the most lightweight and inexpensive winter boots in our lineup, we weren't super impressed with the boot's performance in snow conditions. It is a good option for daily errands or a night on the town, but it doesn't hold up on trails with fresh or packed snow and couldn't keep our feet as warm as the majority of the other boots we tested. That said, the Ice Maiden is quite breathable and waterproof. While it may not withstand total water submergence, it wicks away precipitation with ease. If you need footwear that is a bit more casual and won't leave your wallet completely empty, this is one to consider.
Editor's Note: This boot review now includes new sections designed to help you learn more about our favorite boots. The update occurred on February 23, 2022.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Columbia Ice Maiden II | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | |||
| Price | $59.97 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $120 List $120.00 at REI | $150 List $149.99 at Amazon | $65.99 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $140 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Lightweight, waterproof, inexpensive | Good value, ultra warm, great traction, highly waterproof | Ultra lightweight, 12" of leg coverage, bungee cinch laces | Soft liner, lightweight, decent traction, tough nylon upper, cushy PU footbed | Lightweight, flexible, good coverage, adjustable calf |
| Cons | Wobbly sole, durability isn't great, not very warm | Only ankle-high coverage, hiking-specific style, narrow fit | Tough to get on and off, minimal structure | Runs small, not as warm as others | Not the warmest, limited traction, not sturdy enough for trail use |
| Bottom Line | A budget boot option for warmer climates that is waterproof enough for everyday winter use but lacks traction and stability for deep snow or trail adventures | This well-priced boot hits all the marks with a winter-friendly design that maintains great traction, weatherproofing, and warmth | This is one of the lightest boots in our lineup and will keep your legs toasty warm in the coldest temps, but it does lack structure and stability | This is a comfortable and durable boot meant for casual use but isn't quite warm enough for the coldest weather | This lightweight, breathable boot is fashionable for everyday wear but best used for milder winters |
| Rating Categories | Columbia Ice Maiden II | Merrell Thermo Chil... | Baffin Escalate - W... | Columbia Minx Short... | Bogs Crandall II Ta... |
| Warmth (25%) | |||||
| Weather Protection (25%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Durability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Columbia Ice Maiden II | Merrell Thermo Chil... | Baffin Escalate - W... | Columbia Minx Short... | Bogs Crandall II Ta... |
| Maximum Puddle Depth Before Major Leaking | 5" | 6" | 11" | 4" | 10" |
| Measured Shaft Height (from bottom of sole to top of shaft) | 10" | 6" | 12" | 6.5" | 13" |
| Measured Weight (per pair, size 7) | 2 lbs | 1 lb 13 oz | 1 lb 4 oz | 1 lb 4 oz | 3 lbs |
| Type of Boot | Casual winter wear | Winter hiking | Casual winter wear | Casual winter wear | Winter workwear |
| Fit Details | True to size | True to size | Runs small | Runs small | Runs big |
| Lining/Insulation | Synthetic (200g) | M Select Warm (200g) | Thermaplush, B-Tek Heat | Omni-Heat reflective | 3mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation and low-pile faux fur |
| Removable Liner? | No | No | No | No | No |
| Footbed | Techlite | Kinetic Fit BASE | Removable PU | Removable PU | BLOOM EVA |
| Upper Material | Waterproof leather and textile | Waterproof PU-coated leather and mesh | Nylon | Waterproof woven synthetic textile, suede | 52.5% textile/47.5% rubber |
| Toe Box | Leather | Rubber | Reinforced Hex | Nylon and rubber | Rubber |
| Outsole | Omni-Grip nonmarking traction rubber | M Select GRIP | Polar Rubber | Omni-Grip rubber | Rubber |
| Company Claimed Cold Weather Rating | -32°C/-25°F | Not stated | Not stated | -32°C/-25°F | -40°C/-40°F |
| Temp Change in Ice Bath | -13.3°F | -5.2°F | -5.6°F | -9.7°F | -13°F |
| Animal Products? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 12 | 5 - 11 | 6 - 11 | 5 - 12 | 6 - 12 |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Columbia Ice Maiden II is a good option for those who live in warmer winter climates and don't need a heavy-duty winter boot. It's also very affordable, making it a viable option for those who don't want to break the bank on a boot purchase.
Performance Comparison
The shaft of the Ice Maiden II is very soft which makes the boot flexible but limits its stability and security.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi
Warmth
The Ice Maiden II has a warm and fuzzy interior with a slipper-like feel. With 200 grams of insulation, it can keep your toes warm through wintery conditions, though it didn't maintain warmth for as long as we had hoped in our field tests. After trudging through fresh storm snow for an hour, our feet were quite cold. At only about 1/2 inch, the lack of thickness in the rubber sole means less insulation and thus a limited ability to retain heat. The Ice Maiden II has a cold-weather rating of -25 degrees Fahrenheit / -32 Celsius, temperatures we weren't able to test in, but based on our time in the field, we wouldn't expect this boot to provide enough warmth in such cold conditions.
The fur collar on the Ice Maiden keeps the legs warm and snow from getting inside.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi
Weather Protection
We were satisfied with the weatherproofing on the Ice Maiden regarding keeping snow out of the interior and our feet dry. The boot offers 10 inches of upper to keep the leg protected to the mid-shin, and the fur collar helps to stop snow and keep it out of the interior. The waterproofness is also impressive but not as robust as some of the tighter, seam-sealed constructions on more expensive boots. When river wading, flowing water easily worked its way into the tongue and through the laces at about 5 inches from the base of the boot. The exterior wicked away water from the outside, making it a viable option for rain and snow, but the Ice Maiden is not the best option for exploring wet or muddy trail areas.
We waded into the Truckee River to see how the Ice Maiden handled extreme water conditions.
Credit: Kati Clark
Comfort and Fit
The Ice Maiden II has an interesting feel compared to the other boots in our review. The midsole structure that hugs the outside of the foot has a cardboard-like feel. The boot feels fine once you walk around in it for a bit, but the out-of-the-box fit is somewhat uncomfortable.
The insole from the Ice Maiden II is decent, but not overly impressive or plush.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain
The faux fur interior is soft and plush, so the boot has an overall slipper-like feel. The laces are simple and easy to tie up. The Techlite footbed and midsole are good for narrow or wide feet but lack structure and support. Overall, the comfort and fit of the Ice Maiden II is good but not great. It's not our first choice, but we can't complain too much about the poor fit for such a low price tag.
The tongue and laces of the Ice Maiden are low quality, but we had no problems during the testing period in regards to durability and basic performance.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi
Traction
The Omni-Grip non-marking traction rubber on the Ice Maiden II is a solid outsole that provides good traction on trails around town but falls short compared to the capabilities of the lugs on hiking boots and burlier boot designs. We weren't entirely confident on slippery snow or icy surfaces, particularly on an incline, but the boot is capable of keeping you right-side-up in more mild conditions.
The Ice Maiden has great traction on dry and wet surfaces but only decent traction in snow.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi
Durability
The waterproof leather and nylon exterior of the Ice Maiden II does not feel burly enough to outlast multiple seasons of heavy use in snow-induced conditions. Still, it will likely withstand many seasons of light use. The absence of a stiff shaft backing the heel area will likely allow the upper to loosen and soften over time. The Omni-Grip rubber outsole should be strong and durable enough to withstand hundreds of miles of walking but is thin enough that the heel is likely to wear over time.
Durability is fine on the Ice Maiden, about what we would expect from something in this budget price range.
Credit: Rachel Dobronyi
Should You Buy the Columbia Ice Maiden II?
We weren't super impressed with the Ice Maiden II. That said, it's a decent option if you want to save some money, and the solid 200 grams of insulation and 10" of coverage maintains a decent amount of warmth. It'll even keep you upright on most slippery trails. We would recommend this boot to those who live in warmer winter climates and need it to get them through errands, work, or average everyday activities. The Ice Maiden II is a solid option for those that don't want to break the bank on a boot purchase. It may not have excelled in any particular category, but it gets the job done and will keep your feet warm during everyday activities. If you're hoping for superb warmth or a boot with versatile functionality, you may search for a burlier boot with similar coverage, though you'll undoubtedly pay more.
What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?
While it looks like a warm boot, it doesn't offer as much warmth as the UGG Adirondack III, which has better weather protection and traction. It also has better durability and fit with a lighter design making it more suitable for most activities over the Maiden. The Ugg fits well and is less bulky, making it easier to drive and walk. Indoors or outdoors, it is the better boot. If hiking is the plan and you need something designed for hitting the trails, the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid WP is our standout favorite with impressive warmth and traction; it can keep you going down the trail all day with impressive warmth.
—
Liz Chamberlain
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