Bogs Classic Boots Review
Waterproof rain boots and insulated pull-on boots for work, walking, water & mud
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March 11th, 2024
OUR VERDICT
The Bogs Classic work boots are toasty, waterproof boots ideal for outdoor work or anything you do in the snow, rain, ice, or frigid cold. With 7 mm of Neo-Tech™ insulation and a temperature rating of -40F, these rain boots serve well in mud, slush, ice, and winter conditions.
After testing these boots throughout cold and snowy winters in Maine, Colorado, and Alaska, we feel confident in the durability, warmth, protection, and comfort of these boots. From -30-degree windchill to several feet of snow, we experienced a whole lot of winter in these boots, and are ready to share our findings.
This review of the men's Bogs Classic and women's Bogs Classic II (more on why they're named that way below) will break down the specs, compare the boots to similar models, and help you determine if they’re the right choice for you.
The Bogs Classic is a winner in both our Best Men's Winter Boots and Best Women's Winter Boots guides.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
SPECS
Price: $135 (men’s), $120 (women’s)
Waterproof: Yes
Shaft Height: 13.7 inches (tall), 14.2 inches (high)
Material: Rubber
Insulation: 7mm waterproof Neo-Tech™
Temperature rating: -40F
Footwear closure: Pull on
Sizes: 5 - 16 (men’s), 6 - 12 (women’s)
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MEN’S
| MEN'S BOOTS | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | TEMPERATURE RATING | CLOSURE | WATERPROOF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogs Classic High Men | 7mm Neo-Tech | 12" | -40 F | Pull on | Y | |
| Xtratuf Legacy 15" | $150 | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | 12" or 15" | Not stated (insulated version -10 F) | Pull on | Y |
| Xtratuf Ankle Boots 6" | $105 | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | 6" | Not stated (insulated version -10 F) | Pull on | Y |
| Muck Boot Arctic Sport Boots | $190 | 5 mm neoprene, fleece lined | 13" or 16.5" | -40 F | Pull on | Y |
| Kamik Greenbay 4 | $90 | 8 mm Thermal Guard removable liner | 14.25" | -40 F | Pull on | Y |
woMEN’S
| WOMEN'S BOOT | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | TEMPERATURE RATING | WATERPROOF? | CLOSURE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogs Classic II Boot | $125 | 7mm Neo-Tech™ | 10" or 14" | -30 F | Y | Pull on |
| Xtratuf Legacy 15" Salmon Sisters | $142 | Uninsulated | 12" or 15" | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | Y | Pull on |
| Xtratuf Legacy 6" Ankle Deck Boot | $115 | Uninsulated | 6" | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | Y | Pull n |
| Oboz Bridger 9” Insulated BDry Winter Boots | $210 | 200g Thinsulate | 9" | Not stated | N | Lace |
| Bogs Neo-Classic Tall | $140 | 7 mm neoprene | 13" | -58 F | N | Pull on |
WHAT WE LIKED
Waterproof
Mudproof
Easy to put on and take off for working on a farm/in the yard/dog walks
Arch support
Still warm in negative temperatures
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
Not a fashion statement
Men’s version doesn’t have handles to pull on
BEST USES
The author wearing the Bogs in snow while carrying other winter boots less made for dealing with junky conditions.
You could guess it by the name, but the Bogs Classic are classic, cold states snow boot that I’ve seen from Alaska to Minnesota to New Hampshire.
“They're meant for real winter conditions,” one of my friends told me on a casual -15℉ morning in icy Iowa. “People in the cold states rave about them. They’re great with windchill and deep snow, and super comfy when I’m hiking around the farm all day.”
For Mainers, these boots are a way of life—almost more so than the classic L.L. Bean boots (see our long-term, in-depth review here).
Bogs are meant for the junkiest weather, from the coldest to the muddiest to the rainiest. They’re not fashionable but are quite the fashion staple in rural New England nonetheless.
Close-up on the Bogs outsole.
FEATURES
MEN’S VS. WOMEN’S MODELS
The Bogs Classic High boot is the men’s model, whereas the Bogs Classic II Tall is the women’s. We don't know why they have different numbers, but there is no women's Classic or men's Classic II. In fact, none of the Bogs boots come in identical men’s and women’s models, but the Classic has the most similar crossovers.
The "High" and "Tall" in the name references the shaft height–14.2 inches vs. 13.7 inches. We found the most popular women's models are the 13.7-inch height and the most popular men's models are the 14.2-inch height, so that is what we tested. Aside from height, the boots are almost the same.
Both have a temperature rating of -40 degrees, 7 mm of insulation, and are fully waterproof. Both have DuraFresh technology to prevent odor, Max-Wick to keep feet dry, a self-cleaning outsole, and a BLOOM eco-friendly, algae-based EVA footbed.
The women’s shoe is advertised as having a 90-degree heel for support, as well as Nylon shank in midsole for support and stability. The men’s does not have these features, though it looks similar.
The biggest design difference between the women’s boot and the men's boot is that the women's has handles while the men’s does not. The handles were helpful taking the boots on and off and for moving them from room to room. If you want a men's model with a handle, check out the Men's Bogs Classic Ultra High.
Perhaps the most significant difference, however, is the price. The men’s Classic High costs $145, while the women’s Classic II Tall costs $120.
VERSATILITY
If you don’t want to deal with lacing up your boots every time you go outside in the dead of winter, these are your boots. The Bogs Classic work boots are warm, waterproof, durable, and precisely what you want on your feet in harsh conditions.
Trust us—the author tested her pair on a night where the high reached -10℉ and the windchill felt like -30℉, standing by a fire truck in the dark. Her toes stayed warm.
Compared to other waterproof boots, Bogs has a clean, classic workboot style. From left to right: Sorel Joan of Arctic, XTratuf Legacy, and Bogs Classic.
STYLE
Called the draft horse of the work boot and winter boot world for a reason, the Bogs Classic Boots are far less of a fashion statement than the L.L. Bean Boots but infinitely more functional. (Think: functional enough for farmers in frigid Iowa to wear while doing chores to ensure they’re not going to get frostbitten. One tester does just that.)
That being said, one thing Bogs does, especially with the women's options, is have a variety of colors and patterns. For example, the Blue Multi Winter Berry version of the Classic II is a Zappos exclusive. They also have versions with cacti, vintage floral, and honoring the farm education group, 4-H.
WARMTH AND INSULATION
Bogs Classic Boots are on the lighter side of winter boots, especially when you consider their height. They also pack a punch in the warmth category thanks to their 7mm of waterproof, Neo-Tech insulation.
While the Classic models aren’t lined with fleece like Muck Boots’ Arctic Sport II’s (a close runner-up), they’re still enough to handle everything from soggy coastal Southeast Alaskan winter to a cold Colorado snow season.
FIT AND COMFORT
The Bogs have a contoured fit that helps with comfort, movement, and support for even more grip on icy surfaces. (The better connected your foot is to your boot, the easier it is to maintain traction on slippery ground!)
WHO ELSE LIKES THE BOGS CLASSIC BOOTS
The Bogs Classic High Work Boots earned these ratings: REI (4.5/5), Bogs Direct Consumers (4.5/5), Walmart (4.4/5), Zappos (4/5), Amazon (4.4/5), Nordstrom (4/5), Outdoor Gear Lab (4.5/5).
REI users said it best: “Why did I wait so long to buy these?” From grateful moms who finally found warm, comfortable boots for her teenager who loved the easy-pull-on features, to the Minnesotans who wear these on the daily, REI users loved these winter walkers.
Amazon users made several good points: these boots can be tight on big calves (which our users confirm), but that keeps them snug and comfortable if you ensure the lip doesn’t flip over. They also noted that Bogs run smaller than Muck Boots (or at least, Muck Boots are a bit looser), so keep that in mind when ordering. However, folks from the UK to New York to Canada agree that these puppies are warm and crush the traction.
Outdoor Gear Lab sang it true— “It may be short on style, but it makes up for it in performance.” They’re great in the snow, slush, and everything in between—at a good value.
One of our testers in Iowa wearing the MuckBoots.
BOGS VS. MUCK BOOTS
One of the biggest questions from reviewers was, “Why Bogs over Muck Boots?” The answer is these Bogs are way comfier, super warm, and easier to walk in than the similar Muck Boots we tested, the Arctic Sport II. The Bogs have more insulation (remember that 7mm of the stuff?, albeit no additional fleece found in the Arctic Sport II.
Why some people may prefer Muck Boots: Our research shows that Muck Boots have more reviews overall. There are also more positive reviews for the similar Muck Boot Arctic Sport II’s when it comes to use in harsh winter conditions. The Arctic Sport II’s rubber soles are thicker than Bogs, insulating you more effectively from the cold ground. In our research, we found the Muck Boots offered better arch support and cushion. Testers also liked the fleece lining.
Why some people may prefer Bogs: Bogs Classics have more neoprene insulation (7 mm of it, to be exact–2 mm more than on the Muck Boots). While we liked the fleece lining on the Arctic Sport II, it comes at a cost. The Bogs insulation is thinner, lighter, and easier to maneuver in. While the Arctic Sport II may have better support in the arch, ultimately, we enjoyed walking in the Bogs better due to its lower and more flexible sole.
The Classic also costs $35 less than similar Muck Boots for women and about $20 less for men.
Ultimately, it’s a personal preference and somewhat of a regional preference (some people are die-hard Bogs fans, some Muckboot fans). Our best advice is to choose the boots for your needs and that fit in with your locale.
OTHER SIMILAR BOGS MODELS
While there are a lot of Bogs boots to explore, here are a couple that closely compare to the Bogs Classic Tall boots.
BOGS NEO-CLASSIC TALL (WOMEN’S)
Price: $140
Weight (per boot): 3.42 oz
Waterproof: Yes
Shaft Height: 14 inches
Material: Rubber
Insulation: 5mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation
Temperature rating: -58F
Footwear closure: Pull on
Sizes: 6 - 12
The Bogs Neo-Classic Tall, which is only available as a women’s boot, has an impressive temperature rating of -58F. It’s super lightweight, has a contoured eco EVA footbed with gel cushioning, BioGrip slip-resistant outsole, DuraFresh anti-odor technology, and the insole is designed to adjust to your foot width. At $20 more than the Classic II, this model is ideal for folks who need protection from extreme cold.
BOGS NEO-CLASSIC TALL
BOGS CLASSIC HIGH (MEN’S)
Price: $150 (men’s), $140 (women’s)
Weight (per boot): 5.03 oz (men’s), 4.72 oz (women’s)
Waterproof: Yes
Shaft Height: 15 inches
Material: Rubber
Insulation: 7mm waterproof Neo-Tech™
Temperature rating: -40F
Footwear closure: Pull on
Sizes: 4 - 16 (men’s), 6 - 11 (women’s)
The Bogs Classic High boot is essentially the Classic Tall boot with another 1.5 inches of calf protection. The midsole is a little different too, as the Classic High is instead constructed with rubber sponge for cushion and warmth. Both men’s and women’s have handles for easy slip-on. We aren’t sure why the price is different between men’s and women’s despite them being the same boot.
BOGS CLASSIC HIGH
SIMILAR BOOTS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
MUCK BOOT ARCTIC SPORT BOOTS
Price: $180 (men’s), $150 (women’s)
Weight (pair): 2.5 lbs (men’s) 1.75 lbs (women’s)
Waterproof: Yes
Shaft Height: 16. 9 inches (Tall)
Material: Rubber
Insulation: 5mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene and fleece
Temperature rating: -40F
Footwear closure: Pull on
Sizes: 5 - 15 (men’s) 5 - 11 (women’s)
Winner of our Best Men’s Winter Boot for Working Outside in our men’s winter boots guide, the Muck Arctic Sport boots are durable and warm. We broke down the major differences between the Bogs Classic Tall and the Muck Arctic Sport Boots in our Bogs Vs. Muck Boots section, but the short of it is the Muck is a more popular men's boot for it’s comfortable fleece lining and thicker rubber sole for better insulation. The Bogs, however, are lighter in weight and offer 2 mm more insulation, just without the fleece. Our women's testers preferred the lighterweight boot and more insulation offered by the Bogs.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
XTRATUF LEGACY
Price: Varies
Weight: Varies
Waterproof: Yes
Shaft Height: 12 or 15 inches
Material: Rubber
Insulation: Available in insulated models, but we prefer the uninsulated
Temperature rating: None stated
Footwear closure: Pull on
Sizes: 5-15 (men's), 6-11 (women's)
Designed for commercial fishers on the Alaska coast, the Xtatuf line of Legacy boots are the best waterproof boots around. They aren’t the warmest–we recommend the uninsulated boots since the insulated ones are quite bulky–and they aren’t the cheapest–the women’s Salmon Sisters 15” Legacy Boot costs $160. However, if waterproofness is your top priority, these are worth looking into. We have a full product review you can read here.
XTRATUF LEGACY
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Price: $100
Weight: 3.6 lbs
Waterproof: Yes
Shaft Height: 11.25 inches
Material: Leather, suede
Insulation: HEAT-MX™ 145 sustainable thermal insulation liner
Temperature rating: -40F
Footwear closure: Lace
Sizes: 7 - 14
The Kamik Nation Plus men’s winter boots, which won our award for the Best Winter Boots for Hiking in our men’s winter boots guide, boasts snow tire-like tread and grippy-rubber soles. They’re waterproof, warm, and only $100. While the Kamik Nation Plus boots have seam-sealed uppers and waterproof outsoles, they are not entirely waterproof.
KAMIK NATION PLUS (MEN’S)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
Cold is no stranger to me. I grew up in Colorado with New York-expat parents and spent winters in Alaska before settling in Maine. I’m no stranger to cold feet. I wouldn’t give up the cold for a sunny beach day, ever—but I do prefer to keep my toes warm.
I’ve skied for most of my life, from New England hills to hometown Colorado resorts, and backcountry adventures in Japan, Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. Additionally, I’ve been a backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting guide in Alaska and Colorado; many of my “summer” seasons up north began when there was snow on the ground and ice blocking my boats from going downriver. Spending years on volunteer fire departments in Alaska and Maine have sent me out on Search and Rescue calls on frigid winter nights, ambulance calls in 4’ snowdrifts, and fire calls where water would freeze as soon as it left the hose.
My gear expertise stems from gear reviews for outlets like Backpacker Magazine and REI Co-op, 6 years of guiding, 3 decades of cold-weather adventures, and a plethora of gear-head friends. In addition, I’ve written outdoor lifestyle pieces for REI’s Uncommon Path Magazine and Powder 7 Ski Shop’s Lift Line Blog. (For additional publications and upcoming articles, check out my website.)
You can see all my Treeline Review articles on my author page.
