Bogs Classic High Winter Boot Review

As a taller, beefier version of our Editors' Choice winning Bogs Classic Ultra Mid, it seems as though the Classic High should be just more of the same. You could be forgiven for coming to that conclusion. However, a couple details make these two products different enough, and tilt the balance in favor of the Ultra Mid.

Performance Comparison

The Bogs Classic High is exactly that: A classic, high-top rubber boot. Bogs adds their signature neoprene insulation to stretch functionality into winter.

Fit and Comfort

Bogs equips all their kicks with an ultra smooth liner fabric that slips on easily, even for short trips outside with no socks at all. This slick lining makes them easy to put on and off and a provides a super comfortable fit. As compared to the Ultra Mid, the Classic High fits more narrowly. The Ultra Mid is already on the narrow end, which makes this product fit too narrowly for most people. If you have super skinny feet, this could be a benefit to you.

The Classic High in action in an unseasonably warm Ouray, Colorado.

Warmth

Because of the narrow fit, those with average to wide feet will feel confined in the Classic High. This product, as compared to the Ultra Mid, is a classic exercise in fit and how it affects foot warmth. They both have exactly the same insulation. However, in our head-to-head (foot-to-foot?) testing, the foot in the Classic High consistently got colder. The close fit of the Classic prevented warming blood from reaching the wearer's toes. As compared to the other products in our test, the Classic High offers middle of the road insulating value.

Walking in winter boots keeps the feet warm and dry. While the rubber on the Classic High didn't grip ice as well as its competitors, the deeper lugs held their own in softer snow conditions.

Water Resistance

With the burly rubber and neoprene construction and uninterrupted high top, these are tied with the Top Pick winning Baffin Arctic for the best water resistance. This is the only category in which the Classic High beats out the Ultra Mid.

Traction

Interestingly, in our foot-to-foot testing, the Classic High didn't grip as well as the Ultra Mid. The soles look different, but one wouldn't be wrong to assume they were made of the same material. However, on smooth, cold ice and softer snow the Ultra Mid grips at least a little better than the Classic High.

The sole compound and shape of the Classic High does the job, but other products grip better on ice.

Ease of Use

We love slip on boots. As compared to most of the products in our test, the Classic High is super convenient. The ankle opening is just the right size to allow easy entry while still fitting under all but the most hipster of pants. With smooth socks, one can put the boot on without even bending over. Again, in comparison the the handle-equipped Ultra Mid, the Classic High isn't quite as easy to get on and off. Those big holes in the cuff of the Ultra Mid make it quite a bit easier to enter and exit.

Most winter boot use looks like this: outdoor chores in the cold and snow. For your standard application, a pull-on boot like the Classic High will serve you well. If you also tromp into deeper waters and have very narrow feet, this could be the best product for you.

Style

While trendy, no one will say the Bogs boots are all that stylish. For now, you'll fit right in, as the Bogs brand is doing well. However, the barn boot style isn't going to turn many heads, one way or another.

A selection of 2015 tested boots. From left to right: Kamik NationPlus, Lowa Oslo GTX, Bogs Classic High, Salomon Toundra Mid WP, and Bogs Classic Ultra Mid.

Best Application

Because of the more constricting fit, slipperier sole, and lack of pull-on handles, we generally recommend the Ultra Mid over the Classic High. However, if you like the idea of slip-on rubber insulated boots, have narrow feet, and need additional inches of water resistance, the Classic High can be worth it.

Value

These boots will last a long long time. The combination of top scoring durability and a price near the bottom of our review roster gives this product an excellent overall value.

Conclusion

If it were not for the Bogs Ultra Mid's subtle advantages, and the significant value of our Best Buy winning Kamik NationPlus, the Classic High could win an award. As it is, for narrow-footed testers needing deeper water protection, the Classic High is an excellent choice.