While we have had little snowfall this winter season in my neck of the woods, other geographic areas of the USA have had more, like where my friend WC lives in the Northeast.

WC asked me recently, “what boots do you recommend to wear when shoveling snow?”

My answer…

Chippewa loggers! Well, any loggers would suffice, but the only brand of logger boots that I own are made by Chippewa.

These boots are waterproof and insulated, so they keep your feet warm and dry, even when exposed to very wet snow over long periods of time.

They have Vibram 100 “big lug” soles for great traction. Though my Spouse will tell you that the lugs fill with snow, so you better remove the boots before returning indoors (or take them off immediately upon going inside.)

Finally, these boots are very comfortable. I have worn them all day long and my feet have been happy clods. The cushion footbeds are flexible and easy to walk or stand in for a long time.

Also, for those of us who hate boot maintenance, you really do not need to do anything to keep these boots in good shape other than an occasional wipe-down (to remove road salts if exposed — road salts will cause waterproofing to degrade and even stitching to break.)

As always, once you wear boots in a wet and snowy environment, you need to let them air dry in a well ventilated area, but out of direct sunlight. Also, not in the path of a heat vent. Blown warm air can cause odd shrinkage of leather and may cause the leather to crack or break due to uneven drying. This is why I own more than one pair of Chippewa loggers, so I can give my boots at least one full day to dry between wearings.

If you have to shovel snow, or you like to play in snow, loggers are the best to wear, in my humble and experienced opinion.

Life is short: wear the right boot for the right application.