PAJAR Women's Waterproof Leather Winter Boots with Non-Slip Grip Sole - Warm Snow Boots for Hiking, Walking & Cold Weather Fashion

I recently moved, and my new city has extremely cold winters with very heavy snow/blizzards. Typical New England/Midwest winters. I needed a pair of boots that I could wear through freezing puddles of slush, as well as salty and icy roads and knee-high snowdrifts. I sometimes have to walk long distances outdoors for work, so I needed something that was also incredibly warm for our many days of subzero temperatures.I bought these boots after doing a bunch of research and looking at various different varieties of boots. Initially, the boots I wanted were the Sorel Joan of Arctic boots, which weren't available in my size anywhere. I also looked at the LL Bean boots, a pair from Land's End, and a few from Merrill. I eventually settled on these. If I had been able to find the black Joan of Arctic boots I prob would have bought those because I felt like the Joan boots were a bit more trendy-looking. However, I'm now really glad I got these instead. These are higher boots - on me (a shorter person) they end an inch below the knee. The other boots I mentioned are almost all much shorter, going maybe six-ten inches up the calf. That's fine if you're not dealing with freezing winds. I am really glad I ended up with these boots, because that extra height really helps keep my legs warm.I chose these boots because they were rated down to -30, and that's a pretty accurate assessment. They are incredibly warm. I have walked a mile in these, and the other day I waited 40 minutes in -10 degree weather for a bus (outside, standing on a patch of ice) and I really didn't feel the cold at all. The downside to this - and one of the downsides to this boot - is that they do get warm indoors. They don't feel tight or uncomfortable, but your feet might get a little sweaty over the course of the day. But having them has completely changed my experience of commuting outdoors. I've worn them in 1-2" deep puddles of water, and they haven't leaked at all. (I haven't tried wading through really deep water.)The one other con is that they fit a bit narrow. I am a shoe size 7.5 to 8, and I bought the boots in a size 8-8.5. With a pair of lightweight socks on, I can feel the sides of the boot. My feet are on the wider side, but my point is that you should definitely size up, especially if you plan on wearing winter socks.In terms of looks - I have the charcoal gray color. I really wanted the black, but they were out of it. That said, I have later realized that one of the benefits of gray is that it is less likely to show salt stains. This is important, since all the roads here are salted to melt the ice (I'm making it sound like I live in Siberia, but these days it really feels like Siberia would be warmer.) These boots are high, and they definitely look like winter boots. I saw more streamlined boots out there. The canvas feels a bit workman like, and the fact that they come up so high means that dresses/etc can look...well, different, to say the least. I felt like their style profile was not very high, but the other day a friend of mine told me they looked cute, so maybe I am wrong. They are a bit heavier than they look in the picture, in the sense that the material is fairly thick (they're actually really lightweight to wear)Price wise, these were in the middle of the pack for the boots I considered buying. For that price, I think they're extraordinary value. The details really suggest a company that is incredibly familiar with how to make good boots for really cold weather. They're not just high-quality, they're incredibly well-designed. The fleece on the inside (probably synthetic?) is insanely warm and cozy. It feels like your legs are getting a hug. These boots are perfect for college students in cold climates in the US (lots of walking). Pajar is a Canadian company, and this gave me confidence because I figured they would know how to make cold weather boots. Their website features several styles (including a few incredibly gorgeous ones) that are upwards of $400, so this is a good price for the company and the brand.I honestly wish I could give these boots more stars. I am rarely this happy and satisfied with a purchase. They have improved my life way beyond what I initially expected.UPDATE: I've continued to wear these through the winter, and I'm really happy with how they've held up in snow, rain and cold. They've definitely made my life in a snowy city much, much easier.I am going to be completely honest in my review. After reading all the others I had such mixed feelings about this boot. Should I get it, not get it? There was so much contradiction in the reviews I wasn't sure what I was going to get.So, here is mine. I wear a 9 1/2 shoe, so that is what I ordered. It fits perfectly. If you are a woman with wide, or narrow feet take that into consideration. Don't kid yourself into thinking your feet are Cinderella size and you really have the stepsister foot. This boot is for the average foot. I wore this boot all day with no discomfort. If you have arch issues and need inserts, this won't be comfortable for you. There isn't a bunch of support for the foot. Again, this is for the average foot. I live in weather that gets in the negative degrees. There were times when my foot felt a little cold, but with warmer socks I will be fine. It isn't going to feel like you are toasting them by the fire, but your toes won't freeze either. If you get cold easily, or have bad circulation get yourself a good sock, or liner. The material of the foot area doesn't have layers of insulation like an Ugg, or a Bear Paw. I noticed that after wearing the boot a few times it shaped to my foot and became easier to slide on. Wear the boot a few times around the house before deciding that it doesn't fit. You break in other shoes, why would this be any different. Your foot isn't going to feel like it is in a nest of clouds. If that is what you are expecting, not going to happen. Now, for the shaft of the boot. If you have muscular, or thick calves make sure that you measure yourself before you buy the boot. The measurement are listed in the details. You can't make something fit if it is too small for you. If you have other boots in your wardrobe and all of your boots sag around the ankles, don't think these will be different. How tall the boot is on your leg will depend on your leg. Again, check the measurements. Everyone's legs are different, it will fit differently on everyone. Mine hit me about mid calf. I haven't had any issue with bunching. I am guessing that it again has something to do with leg/ calf sizes.I walked thru puddles and stood in 6 inches of snow and didn't experience any seeping. I would take a moment after getting your order and check the boot for any manufacturer defects. Someone is bound to get a bad pair that slipped thru inspection. The shaft of the boot is warm. Living in North Chicago we get strong winds. I didn't notice any discomfort from that on my shins and my legs stayed warm. Putting on and taking off the boots is no different that any other boot that laces. If this is a struggle for you, or you need a zipper then don't get these. I slipped mine on, didn't bother to lace them and then shoveled snow for about a hour. The boots stayed on and didn't slip.Traction is good. I haven't walked on ice, because you need skates for that, not boots. So, if you are walking thru snow, packed, or fresh, it does the job. Overall, I give these 5 stars. It does the job. I am not sliding outside, my feet stay warm, and the fit is right.I live in a cold climate where it gets to -20 below or more. This boot is definitely warm, it doesn't come all the way up to the knee, but a few more inches below the knee. I'm 5'4" 145 lbs, and have found these boots very tight on my calves and a little snug for my wide feet, but do-able if I don't wear a thick wool sock. Instead of sending them back, what I've done to get them on, is fold them down over themselves, then rolled them back up over my huge calves. Lol. Sigh. I'm not saying this is for everyone, but works for me instead of returning them. I've only owned then for about a week so far. One other thing I've noticed is the rubber bottoms. These particular boots have a hard rubber on the bottom, which makes them a little bit more unsteady on the ice. They are ok walking in snow but I wouldn't recommend them for walking on very slippery ice for long distances because of the rubber being so hard. But hey, the rubber will probably outlast the boot itself. So there you have it, my opinion of these these boots for what it's worth.This boot is exactly what I was looking for. The fit is perfect and true to size for me, even with a thick pair of socks on. The boot is light for a winter boot, the lining is warm and cozy, and the drawstring at the top will be helpful when the toronto snow comes. Previous to this pair, I tolerated the joan of arc sorels for two years - sorel is the worst boot with an inexplicably good reputation. The sorel's: cut into my heel, were heavy, fit weird, leaked so my feet were always slightly wet, and squeaked when I walked. I felt like a monster wearing them. I am so happy to get these pajar's for such a great price. My boyfriend has a pair of pajar snow boots and has not had any problems, and a friend of mine has a pajar parka that I always compliment her on; I overall associate this brand with quality. Since I purchased the boots in Summer, I wil update my review in the winter if I experience any problems that would decrease my rating.Edit August 2021: I'm updating my review late. These boots lasted for three wintera and then started leaking. I replaced them with ll bean boots. I realized I don't walk in high snow enough to warrant the higher snow boot. The ll bean boots, purchased with shearling inserts, are a quality upgrade that I hope will last for at least a decade, as promised because I don't want to repurchase items every few years. Especially expensive ones.VERY VERY UNHAPPY with these boots !!!!! The tops of the feet the "leather" is cracking and I've only had them for 2 months. I was VERY DISMAYED when I found out they are made in China. The company should be ASHAMED to put that they are Canadian -- DON'T BUY THESEproduct is very nice on first impression. wearing them is slightly awkward at first as they are very tall and go quite high on the leg but very warm .they can go under some pants but mostly tuck skinny pants in . colour is all navy except the black rubber foot part so they are navy I was expecting both black and navy. maybe more black incorporated . overall excellent fit . mine are a 42 so an 11 and it's true to size I would say . in ordered from the bay originally and sent wring size in a different style but was very small 10 compared to the 11 i just ordered here which are very comfortable for my wide feet .Great first winter, warm waterproof terrific.Second winter: Since March these have worn through completely so that my heel is right on the rubber and freezing at even at just -5C (which we all know is not really very cold).I was hoping that I would’ve got more than 1.5/2 winters out of them :(Ich war auf der Suche nach einem richtig dicken, gefütterten Boot, der aber trotz allem noch schön aussieht und nicht wie Skistiefel. Hauptsächlich wird er für Winterwanderungen oder für Weihnachtsmärkte eingesetzt, da ich sehr schnell kalte Füße bekomme, die dann gar nicht mehr warm werden und das nervt. Von der Marke Pajar Grip hatte ich bis dahin noch nie etwas gehört - bin aber total begeistert. Der Stiefel ist durch und durch gefüttert. Von der Größe her habe ich wie immer eine 39 bestellt. Der Schuh hält warm und ist wasserfest. Er ist für einen so warmen Winterstiefl nicht mal sehr schwer. Zu Reinigen (Salzränder, etc.) geht er sehr gut, durch den Gummi vorne und die glatte Oberfläche am Schaft sehen sie nach 2 Wintern immer noch aus wie neu.