Kamik Momentum 3 Review

The Momentum 3 is one of our favorite boots in the testing group to throw on and walk out the door into a blazing snowstorm. For those not interested in the labor of lacing up, this boot has an easy-to-use slip-on design that is supple and warm from the inside out. The ICEKISS rubber outsole is grippy enough to take on a variety of terrain and snow conditions, and with 10 inches of coverage and a sturdy nylon upper, this boot has no problem keeping water and snow from entering the interior. We were even more pleased to see the affordable price tag considering the excellent performance of this boot. All around, the Momentum 3 is a great product for those who need a comfortable, warm, functional boot without spending a small fortune.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Momentum 3 has no publicly claimed quantity of fill power, but based on our field tests, the synthetic Heat-MX liner feels like roughly 200g of insulation. It is one of the easiest boots to slip on and head out for a shoveling or snow blowing session. We tested the Momentum during an unusually cold winter in Lake Tahoe and found the boot to be one of the warmest casual options to throw on before an early morning dog walk. Alternatively, this boot felt too warm on days that hovered around, or above, 30°F.

Kamik claims a cold weather rating of -40°F for the Momentum 3, which we were unable to verify, but from a qualitative perspective, we can confirm the boot kept our feet warm and dry in single-digit temperatures. In our ice bath and snowbank temperature change tests, the boot lost 9.7°F over 30 minutes in an ice bucket, which was a bit more loss than average (though not by much), and 14.5°F after 2 hours of snow bank exposure, which was on the lower end of the spectrum (less loss) compared to the test group.

Weather Protection

With a measured shaft height of 10 inches, the Momentum 3 is one of the taller boots in our lineup. This means more coverage and protection around the ankle, shin, and calf. The DWR treatment on the seam-sealed nylon upper performed well in everything from dry to wet snow and had no problem beading up water along sidewalk puddles and river dunks. Bonus points for the faux fur collar that works as a buffer zone to keep moisture from the interior of the boot.

When we waded into a river for our waterproofing test, the boot remained dry up to 6 inches, at which point water lightly penetrated the interior through the tongue area. Not too bad for a boot with a bungee lacing system. The exterior of the boot dried out fairly quickly.

Comfort and Fit

The faux fur shearling liner of the Momentum 3 coupled with HEAT-MX thermal insulation provides a soft and cozy feel with optimal warmth. The bungee lace system makes slipping in and out of the boot easy, though a standard lacing system would offer a more tailored and supportive fit around the foot and ankle. The relaxed fit is comfortable if used for casual purposes but not quite structured enough for active use.

The fit of the Momentum is true to size, if not a little wide. The EVA footbed is a bit cushier than most of the stock footbeds in this category, adding buoyancy and a more supportive feel under the arch and forefoot. The footbed also includes an odor-control treatment for those who have naturally sweaty feet. While the boot was a favorite in this category, it did not score as high as other options due to its limited versatility. A bit more structure and a tighter fit would provide a lot more confidence when adventuring off the beaten path

Traction

The outsole of the Momentum 3 has a cobblestone-esque tread profile beneath the ball of the foot bordered by square lugs around the edges. Kamik's proprietary ICEKISS rubber tread feels like a more solid rubber compound and performed fairly well across a variety of terrain.

This boot held its own in deep and shallow snow alike, even on inclined pitches of trail or roadways. That said, we felt a lack of traction on slick, icy pavement and wet snow. The rubber on the outsole does not feel as grippy as some of the hikers in our lineup, which have slightly softer rubber compounds. All in all, the Momentum did what we needed of it and will satisfy casual winter wear needs.

Durability

The upper on the Momentum 3 is constructed with high-denier nylon that feels like what you may find on a backpack or bike bag. We tried to scuff up the boot by bashing it against rocks and tree bark but only acquired a few scuff marks on the outsole — pretty impressive.

The faux fur on the upper deflated a bit after several weeks of use, but that didn't affect the interior lining. We did not notice thinning on the outsole after our test period, but because the lugs are not very rugged, we suspect the rubber may wear out quicker than the beefier outsoles found on other boots.

Should You Buy the Kamik Momentum 3?

As far as value is concerned, the Momentum is a worthy purchase for those looking for an affordable all-winter boot. It has 10 inches of snow coverage, is warm in sub-20°F, has good enough traction to get around town or up the sled hill with kids, and is super comfortable and easy to use. If you're looking for a long-lasting, stiff, and structured boot for a wider range of outdoor activities, you may want to spend a little more and look elsewhere. However, at a fairly inexpensive price, you don't have to sacrifice performance for comfort or warmth with the Momentum.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?

If comfort and ease of use are important to you, the Kamik Momentum 3 should be on your list. However, if you're looking for more traction, the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid WP hiker is affordable while remaining warm and serving up more grip and structure for off-road use. The Baffin Chloe is more expensive but has a plush interior with a high collar that keeps snow out and retains solid waterproofing in wetter storms. If the pull-on style is what you're after, the Keen Betty Pull-On is a solid multi-season slip-on option, though it lacks the same warmth and traction you may require during mid-winter snow storms.