When I moved to Alaska thirteen years ago, I walked everywhere. I lived in a one room, waterless cabin a couple of miles from the University. Whether it was 30 or -35 degrees, I made my morning trek up the hill to work and classes. The walk, even with fogged glasses, was a peaceful ritual. I didn’t have the gear though. My coat was cotton and my best boots were leather hiking boots.
I didn’t have the money for both a new coat and boots, so I piled on the wool sweaters and set out to find a pair of warm boots. Back then Sorels were everywhere. With plastic bottoms and bright geometric patterns, they made Fairbanks just a little uglier. I bought them because everyone said they were the only thing for someone walking everywhere. They were. In Sorels, my feet never got cold outside, but they’d overheat anytime I was indoors. For years, in cold weather I clomped around spreading the ugly.
Two years ago I retired the Sorels. I had taken to leaving the big boots in the car and wearing clogs around town. Yes, my feet were more comfortable indoors, but ice posed a serious threat. I was pregnant with Coral, and my midwife had just given me a lecture about the dangers of falling.
It was time for me to drop some serious cash on new boots. Steger Mukluks. My life changed. They’re warm enough at -35, light enough to wear all day, and comfortable enough to leave on inside. The bottoms grip snow and ice, so I can move faster. I need to get outside for a half hour every day. In the winter, I showshoe. Stegers are built for it. Best of all they’re quiet. No more clomping. I can’t stop thinking, “I should have gotten these years ago.”
Cedar needs new boots, and I’m so in love with these, I’m actually considering dropping a load of money on a pair for her growing feet. We all need to get outside and if these boots make it possible, they’ll be worth it. I’m also counting on handing them down to Coral. They used to sell Stegers locally at Beaver Sports, but now they’re only available online. If your feet are cold check them out.
In case you’re wondering, I’m an anti-corporate nutcase and I abhor advertising, so this is my review, unsolicited. I’d eat the boots before I’d take money or free stuff for writing about them.
I agree with you wholeheartidly – after some ten years in Alaska, I also decided to get some, and got my husband to buy them for me for Xmas
. Yup, they are expensive, but that winter I didn’t wear anything else. Out with the dogs, I didn’t have to worry about stepping off the path into the snow and getting snow into my shoes/onto the socks.
The next year Martin wanted a pair for himself, and got it as his birthday present, and didn’t wear anything else that entire winter either. We’re in Europe for a year now, and didn’t bring them only because he winter here will be more wet than cold.
One thing I have to confess: I keep my tied in a sorta sloppy way that doesn’t look the best, but makes it possible to put them on and take them off without having to tie them every time. My antifashion.
How decadent is this…I bought a pair last year and love them so much that I’m considering buying a second pair for myself and a pair for husband and child?
I never thought I’d enjoy a boot review so much, particularly as I live in a tropical climate with no hope of ever buying/using these boots.
We LOVED our Stegers when we lived in Fairbanks and I looked forward to putting them on at the start of every winter. It is like getting to wear slippers everywhere you go! They come to fit your foot like a glove and can’t be beat for comfort or warmth.
Alas, we moved to the Midwest last winter and our Stegers may be a thing of the past. Salt dissolves their soft, quiet soles and they can be slippery on the wet, packed snow. I will miss them, as I will miss other special things about Fairbanks. Stegers are the best!
I have those exact same boots in the picture. They sure come in handy durng winter camping in the Superior National Forest and B.W.C.A!
Sasha in MN