Kit review: Hi-tec snow boots

In Scotland and the north-east of England, we’re already enjoying the snow. If weather forecasters are right, the next 48 hours could see snow reaching southern areas and even more snow up north. Of course, not everyone will be as delighted as me about snow (I like the white stuff because it’s pretty and it means I can look forward to a few snowboarding outings) but it has given me a chance to test a pair of snow boots.

Hi-tec St Moritz Women's snow boots

Thanks to the folks at Go Outdoors, I have a pair of Hi-tec St Moritz 200 Women’s Snow Boots neatly placed at the door ready for every trip into Scotland’s big freeze outdoors. We’ve had snow, that has turn to ice, and more snow and now snow, slush and ice. The boots have been well used over the past week or so!

According to the blurb: The Hi-Tec St Moritz 200 Snow Boots use Hi-Tec’s Thermo-Dri waterproof technology to make them an ideal casual winter boot. With a fleece-lined upper and Thinsulate insulation, feet are kept warm and dry in winter weather, while the faux fur collar provides additional warm and style. The St. Moritz comes with a removable EVA sockliner, a moulded footbed with a moisture wicking lining that keeps feet fresh and dry. The durable carbon rubber outsole and toggle lace up fastening provides extra protection and support, making this boot ideal for winter fun.

My thoughts on the Hi-tec snow boots

In my opinion: The boots are brilliantly warm. Pulling on the boots feels like you’re popping your feet into a pair of big slippers. I have slim feet so I found I could get the boots on without need to undo the laces and toggles but for people with wider feet (like most of the rest of the population) you will need to sit down for a few minutes to sort the laces. This isn’t a major hassle but something worth noting in you’re rushing to get the kids from the school gate.

Grip and security underfoot is vital and the Hi-tec boots do just that. Without feeling too clumpety, the snow boots provide sure-footed walking on snow, although walking on ice will require something a little more grippy. There will be few boots that can cope with ice so I’ recommend attaching some form of ice grip. Read my blog about ice grip ranges.

But these are snow boots and they do exactly as they say on the label. They keep feet warm and dry in snowy conditions. I sploshed through a few puddles during my dog walks and I didn’t feel even a tiny bit of wet on my feet.

I can see that the boots will be long-lasting thanks to robust soles and toe covers although only time will tell how the lighter-coloured outer and faux fur stands up to many hours of walking, mucky snow and rain. I’d personally prefer a boot in a darker colour because I’m not so keen on boot cleaning after every outing.

Priced at £67.50, the Hi-tec boots seem a great buy and would last a good few seasons I reckon. There is a kids’ version of St Moritz Snow Boots, too, at £45. Little Miss has worn Hi-tec snow boots before and they are a firm favourite for cold weather.

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