bookmark the marketplace playlist, that should make it easier to find what ur looking for.. i saved it on my channel playlists & thats been working good for me..
I wish the team went a bit in more details around what kind of sole technology to look for. The Vibram brand for example used in the UGGs has a line of anti-slip specific soles called arctic grip. Rather than focusing on the brand name of the boot, it's the sole technology that should be tested.
I agree! however i don't think the UGG being tested have the arctic grip sole(which can be recognized by blue slashes on the sole). I believe they're just regular vibram soles.
The best sole I've seen on ice, is the Vibram Icetrek soles for their Fivefingers line in the V-Trek and Trek Ascent Insulated ones. Better than Timberland, Wind River (an old style), and even those ones with ice picks in the soles that you can pop out. But they're not waterproof at all and snow soaks through the canvas and wool if it's slushy out. I generally wear them between 5C and -5C as long as it's dry. I'm looking for something waterproof, but it's hard.
I agree. I think the algorithm was working overtime with me as I just bought winter boots for walking in my meter reading job. Just got some wind rivers from marks and they do not have the ICEFX technology in them 🤷🤦 I got them for winter walking and the ICEFX technology is what I need and I feel like I got inferior boots now
vibram arctic grip is fantastic, i've had two boots resoled with it. vibram fire and ice is nearly as good. For dress shoes and sometimes even boots vibram raptor sole protectors also do a fantastic job. I've never had a slip with any of those soles.
I just bought a pair of Wind River Peak II IceFX. The IceFX soles are strange. The look like they're made with some kind of glass or metal. In any case, sure, most of those boots are nice in most elements but why pay more for a boot that is less capable on ice?
I bought these boots 2 years ago they are phenomenal . Best grip from a winter boot . They are very “gritty” if you run your fingers on the bottom . This is what grips And does a great job 5/5 recommend
Or get slip on traction aids. They go over the whole boot and are basically a bunch of chains that go under the boot. When you dont need them you just slip them off. That is what we use at work where we deal with ice all the time. I also keep a pair in my vehicle. The spikes are nice but you are sorta stuck with them all the time.
I've always wondered if there were any winter boots that actually did a damn thing on ice. Was about to purchase a fresh pair of Sorels for this winter in Montreal but will now go for the Wind River boots instead. So appreciative of this video, CBC!
I have a Sorel boots that I purchased on 2016. My one and only winter boots lol. It's very, very slippery on ice, packed snow or even on just a slightly wet indoor floor. It keeps my feet very warm, yes. And I'll wear them on trails with just snow. But I'll slip if I didn't notice a thin patch of ice or even just a packed snow. I wear ice cleats but it's very annoyinf and noisy to walk on if I hit a sidewalk without any snow lol. It's slippery even on wet smooth floor so it can't be fixed with ice cleats. That's why I came across this video. I think it's time to buy a new pair to replace my 5 year old boots
When its extremely icey like this, you want to put metal ice grips over the boot. They're inexpensive and are truly the only thing that works on ice. I've never seen a boot really work that good on clear ice, besides skates.
IceFX is great for the first 1km of walking, but as soon as that top outer layer of tread wears the smallest amount, it performs no better than any other. I simply put on a pair of crampon spikes as I haven’t found any treads work consistently well.
This comment is not my experience with my Icefx boots. 3rd winter with mine and I am a courier who averages 18,000 steps a day and my boots still grip great.
That is a very dangerous thing, I hate it so much. But there's one situation even worse - when you get +1-3 C for some time, a light rain, and then the frost comes back again and cover everything in a thin and extremely slippery layer of ice. Walking is next to impossible))
All shoes failed. I tried many of them cause I used to drive semi truck. In ice if you jump out most of them failed. Only shoe keep you from sliding or slipping are shoes with metal spikes. Then spikes are problem when you walk on hard floor. So I found only one company which makes retractable spikes and those shoes are perfect. Company is called " Pajar" in Canada.
@@dalentoews3418 no I didn't, I thought about it but don't look that great. They are ok if you only work outdoors or something like that. I don't know I didn't like them. Also it is not that complicated to make in n out spikes on demand. When I was young I was in India 30 years ago. Even at that time I saw retractable spikes technology in combine harvesting machines.
I love Pajar. I was wearing my old Pajar boots for 8 years and got new pair this year. It is high quality boots, made in Canada for Canadian winter. it has real muton fur lining, very warm. For those who live in Europe - it has same highest quality as Salamander boots had in 80-es - but with added great design. Actually, I was so impressed that I even bought Pajar parka this year!! :)
I have 2 timberland 6" boots. The newest is 5 years old and the oldest is 8. The older one is still very good and feels great in winter. The only reason I have a 2nd pair is they were in sale for very cheap. I live in a very snowy and Icy region and the boots are waterproof, have very good traction and insulation. You have to take care of the leather as well. You need to clean and condition them regularly even when in storage.
I agree about Timberland boots. They came through for me on multiple occasions and were well worth the cost 25 years ago during harsh Michigan Winters.
My problem is that I need a boot that: 1. keeps snow out 2. keeps water out 3. keeps warm even in -45° while waiting for a bus 4. doesn't get uncomfortable from an 8 hour shift at a desk 5. doesn't slip on ice 6. doesn't destroy any flooring 7. has a cost of less than $50/year, so if it costs $300 it must last a minimum 6 years 8. allows for full range of motion in the ankle. I also prefer having steel toe, but it isn't a demand.
I have that exact Windriver boot with the iceFX technology ..... It is almost like they put brake pads on the bottom of your boot.....They do work well... I did not slip once last winter.
This is absolutely true. I bought a pair of Wind River boots in 2013 and, even after two Ottawa winters and six Edmonton ones, they still grip pretty well. After eight years, the grip isn't as good as it used to be, but I still feel way more secure on ice in these than in any other pair of boots. I don't know what magic they use to do it, but the grip these have on ice is just stunning. They're also really warm and waterproof. My only complaint is that they only come in wide fit. They still fit well enough with the thin socks I always wear, but c'mon Wind River - start considering us skinny guys with weird, Slender Man-type narrow feet! :P
Did those icefx boots loose some of that grip after a while? I read an article from McGill that mentioned that the durability of the extra grip deteriorates rapidly after 6 months
@@TheBooban WindRiver Backwoods boots with IceFx is one great option with its IceFx soles but also look up Pajar boots (kind of expensive tho) with its IceGripper soles (a ring in the soles that you can flip to have its small spikes stick out or look for IceBug boots from Sweden that has spikes in its soles too. Icebug Review here: th-cam.com/video/D6XDGjzWc5o/w-d-xo.html
I’ve been buying Timberland boots for my husband for years. But the last three pair have failed at the toe. The sole breaks away from the leather upper. Now I’m looking for something else. I’m hoping your comparison will help. Crossing fingers toes n stuff.
I got Sorels after a hellish winter in 2015. They are a sort of moto boot, high calf length. The traction was part of it but I needed a good higher calf boot for wading through heavy snow, in case I had to walk to work. They are warm and durable but I haven’t worn them much on ice. Good to have a review. I think of Uggs as more of a fashion boot.
I bought helly hansen trainers last autumn.. They were marketed for both city and track use. Not so, any wet flat surface, and I am sliding all over the place. I'm risking my life by wearing them.. I couldn't return them because I wore them on the street, but I'm pretty annoyed about it because they cost a fortune.
The wind river icefx are the only winter boot I’ll wear after fracturing my skull in an icy parking lot. I’ve had them for 2 winters and they really are as grippy as they claim.5 star
Thanks for sharing your story. It's so very important to be prepared for the winter icy season and spending a few bucks for the right boots is a very good idea. I have lots of ice cleats for my many shoes and boots, but this year I also bought some boots with the Vibram Arctic Ice soles on them which should be good on the ice too. I never heard of the Wind river boots, but I will keep them in mind. My only other concern with winter boots is how waterproof they are. When doing snow removal on my property, there is sometimes a few inches of standing water that I am wading through and my Sorels and Merrell and Columbia duck boots both left my feet soaking wet. I wonder if the wind river boots could withstand that water. I did invest in some insulated Muck boots with the Vibram Arctic Ice soles on them and those should be great for cleaning out around my house, but Muck boots aren't exactly the most comfy for daily wear so these Wind River boots peaked my interest.
@@Wigglythegreat2 yes I’ve found the wind river boots to be quite water resistant.although I would say that their main strength is their grip on icy surfaces.
Best winter boot on the planet is the Danner 800g , they are warm fully water proof as in you can stand in a tub of water and have dry feet and a super soft compound soul that even stuck to the ice at jaspers maline canyon.
The solution to icy roads and sidewalks is heated roads and sidewalks like they have in Scandinavia. They're proven to be worth it economically because they save the healthcare system money. Also, people are more likely to go outside during winter because it's less treacherous, leading to improved mental health.
@@nicholassmith7048 "Only" he says. Only in cities. You don't have much of an understanding of physical size, costs, or real world engineering, do you? To say nothing of your lack of understanding of things like heat loss and electrical power draw. You must be a recent product of the education system, just being THAT clueless. Oh, and I bet you're not much at math, either. Do you also believe solar and wind will solve our power needs in future? Now there is gullibility!
I recommend Klompen from Nederlands with woolen socks. For ice condition add spikes. Never again cold feet, falling hammer or ax does not matter. Neighbors might complain if you use them indoors.
My favorite winter work boot didn't make it into the testing of this video. Caterpillar high calf winterized work boots are next level in my humble opinion. Not only do they keep you feet dry, but also warm...sometimes a little to warm. You just have to get past how heavy they are, and a bit of sticker shock. Not the most expensive boot, but they sure aren't cheap at about $200
I got a pair of Timberland Pros from Sears Outlet here in London years ago before it closed. Best boots I’ve had for winter hands down. It says something like “Ice Trax” on the bottom of the sole and they really do keep me from slipping and sliding.
I find Kamik's to be pretty great. Sorel also... but different model shoes than they have here.. they are also superbly comfy also. For winter so long as there is some snow, water, slush, dirt, gravel, whatever to mix with the ice, there is enough to have sure footedness and teaction.. But a pure sheet of ice? Nah.. There is no magic for ice. You need something to bite into the ice surface. I have a pair of Ice-Bugs that absolutely SLAUGHTER it walking on ice. Carbide studs inside donut shaped rubberized tread so studs protrude and do their intended job as you put pressure on the sole by walking.
Why focus on some random pair of boots from a brand name when you should really focus on outsoles and tech used in it? After all its the only thing that gives you grip, unlike a printed logo or the upper.
thank you cbc , i was literally about to waste my money on timberland , thank GOD , yall saved me , i was exactly looking for an anti ice slip boot . ♥️💯 . I love you guys
Thank you for this content. I always had slips and falls every winter. I just thought that was normal. To think there's a brand out there that's so much better in that regard. This is ridiculous. I've been buying the wrong boots for years. How on earth does 'extreme' winter condition not include ice??? We all face that on a daily basis.
I got some Merrel winter boots when I moved to Canada in 2014. They lasted about 7-8 winters in NWO. I chose that brand cause they are really popular for hiking shoes, even in Mexico., and because they had some nice student discount on top of boxing day discount.
Onblack ice, my silver bullet is a pair of sheepskin mocassins. The rough leather grips ice like nothing else. Perfect to shovel every morning. (I bought them for slippers)
Winter boots are supposed to keep your feet warm in cold temperatures, not to grip on wet glare ice. For walking on ice you have to use "grips" that you attach to your footwear. I use the Wind River boots and I agree about their effectiveness. But 99.9% of my walking is done on snow or bare ground, and I carry grips with me just in case. Marketplace seems not to be focussed on reality and I am skeptical of any of their reports.
Really the best for me is to get some rubber cramp ons that can stretch over your shoes. Yes they are a hassle to get on but they work very good on ice
As Canadians, did we all not learn to navigate ice with the cheapest of boots as grade school children? We used to play the game where we tried to kick/push the feet out from one another. The kid that kept his hands in his jacket pockets was the loser as he broke his wrists...
Rubber Sole Dress Shoes - you should have test these for a baseline. These actually did not slip on ice and were amazing, however the only way to get them is to have a shoemaker resole your shoes. The problem is that rubber soles will "burn" your feet and many people cannot wear them for long periods of time.
Vibram arctic grip is the best type of sole in the winter for ice. Vibram fire and ice is nearly as good. For a good sole protector for your dress shoes that provides good grip, vibram raptor is also exceptional. Just like your winter tires it needs to be a softer rubber, and just like your winter tires it can't freeze up.
@@chrisschulz7300Vibram is a brand of soles, and within Vibram there are several compounds for different conditions. Vibram's "Arctic Grip All Terrain" technology is one of them, for traction on wet ice, along with the "XS Trek Evo" compound that adds durability and improved grip on wet and dry surfaces.
This is why they invented Yaktrax, that work on any boot/shoe, and work wonders on ice. You can take them off easy to not mess up floors. Basically small tire chains for your feet.
Fell in Toronto frozen rain years before and hurt my back, wearing a 6 inch yellow boots. still got pain when driving long. It is true none of them designed for ice walking, but ice is there every year.
i have worn timberland boondocks for about 7 - 8 years and about 4 or 5 pairs of boots in that time and they have been the best for me on ice (I work in one of the busiest arenas in Canada) Up until the past year where I think they changed their products. The newest pair i had the leather was super stiff and the soles made the ice feel like i should have just put skates on instead. This was never a problem before. I ended up giving that pair of boots away and Im still using my old pair because they actually stick to the ice. Especially when they were brand new. You could actually feel them unstick themselves as you walked.... the new ones..... might as well strap hockey pucks to your boots and go for a ride. regardless I know vibram makes the soles and hopefully covid didn't make them cut corners but timberland definitely makes the boot itself and I never had to break in a boot. They were flawless out of the box. No break in period excellent grip and now I wouldn't recommend anyone buy them because something has certainly changed in their manufacturing and i dont feel they are as good as they once were.
just buy integrated spikes in your boots just flip them when you need them. I've been using the same pair RainTex boots for 5 years and still doing the job.
I like how these companies say "That's ice these aren't meant for that." Yet they are charging 200+ dollars for and market for winter. What the hell do you think happens in the winter? Stuff FREEZES! Imagine that. Do not buy from these people unless its at a third party discount outlet store and you get them for 50% or more off.
I am surprised that Pajar boots weren't reviewed. Their Ice Gripper styles have metal cleats that actually dig into the ice and prevent you from slipping! And it's a Canadian brand!
As an EMT I’m Chicago, I fell bringing a patient up a wheelchair ramp, busted out my l5-s1 bam right there. Took a year of my normal life. Take your shoes seriously.
Anti slip tread claims stated by boot companies are under general conditions on any type of flat surface. They don't actually claim it for inclines, declines, or curved surfaces. So their claims are technically correct.
And NOW! MArks and LEquippeur have raised all of the ICEFX boots to 200$ close levels... THANK YOU, CBC!!! They were 100$ two weeks ago. HEY! JOE, what do we do? Make more, or shaft consumers? Let's double the price... WHY don't you do a small segment on HOW companies use your videos to raise prices and gouge consumers???
If you want to walk on ice, put spikes under your boots. Why do you think truck drivers put chains on their semi truck wheels when going through the harsh winter.
I have a set of Merrell boots that supposedly were designed for ice, and they're terrible (worse traction than my older winter boots and my jogging shoes). I wish Bastien boots--or at least Bastien's soles--were still around.
Realistically you need spikes of some sort for ice. Even the cheapest waterproof boots with removable carbide studs added will drastically outperform all of the boots shown in this test
Why would anyone think these shoes would be for wet ice? I'm a Finn and I grew up with cold long winters and only shoes for wet ice is shoes with studs in the soles. The other shoes are for snowy conditions, they'll keep you warm and dry basically.
Exactly. Almost every related story in Canada comes from Toronto that has no idea what real winter is. People in rural areas and those exposed to variable extreme conditions know exactly what works. Also, the majority of manufacturers taget the uneducated focussed on aesthetics, not utility.
So of course the video got me interested in looking at boots from the winning company. But discovered they are only sold by Mark's, which is a Canadian company. And their website is setup only to allow purchases from people in Canadian provinces. So I found a product I like but apparently I'm not allowed to buy since I live in the United States. So I wish they'd test more brands so I'd know if there are any brands sold in the U.S. that are actually worth buying. I absolutely hate slipping on ice. And as I get older, I get even more anxious about trying to not fall down if I can help it.
Welcome to being a Canadian haha we're constantly wanting products that are only sold in the US. Just a fun poke though - I understand the frustration. I did notice that the sole technology is called IceFX and from a quick search it seems several brands use that sole - maybe there's one that exists-in or ships-to the US! As an aside - have you tried ice grippers? I wear mine all the time in the winter :) $10 at Costco.
Never understood why some products are region locked between USA and Canada. I mean going through the Canadian-USA border has the same simplicity as going through line at carnival...
I always liked mark work Wearhouse boots and safety shoes . They have a great sole on ice and snow . Also very warm. This market place station is very knowledgeable. Thank you.
The pedestrian overpass I use daily is a nightmare when it's icy in the winter. It's like a luge. I purchased ice cleats after having 2 falls in the past 5 years.
It should be noted that all of these boots were brand-new and that once there has been some wear and the mold-release compound has worn off traction should improve somewhat. This is like a new tire where you need to put a few hundred kilometers on them before they reach their optimum grip level. It would be interesting to re-run this test with boots that have been used for a month.
At least you have boots that are water porve when I was younger ask boots that water porve and one store said we don't have since in my country we don't rain week after that it's the most rain we ever had
Not really, this test is pretty useless. All it told us is that boots that aren't designed to grip on wet ice don't grip on wet ice. I could have told you that without the need for this elaborate testing rig.
@@nicholassmith7048 I agree, this was probably the worst marketplace I've ever seen. That lady from the business school was such a hater, she was completely misinterpreting the company's description. If you want grip on sheer ice then buy a pair of microspikes that hook on the bottom of any boots.
Thank you Marker Place !!!! I just had a ankle surgery and I’m very worried for what’s about to come during this winter! I’m worried about icy conditions I live in Vancouver, so this is great!!! Thank you I will check them out!!!
So it's really nothing about the brand of the boot, it's about the tread used by the boot brands. Which are often 3rd party brands like vibram, which make treads for many boot brands. you should focus on that more. Windriver did well because of the icefx tread. So any of the failed boots brands, would have passed if they had icefx or vibram artic grip treads. Kinda of a deceiving review by not focusing on the treads used by the boot brands. Cause each brand will have different treads.
So its up to the consumer to research what tread each model of each brand has before purchasing? How does that make sense? If a brand (lets say Timberland) misleads the consumer by making written promises in the packaging is it the fault of the tread manufacturer that Timberland is making false attributes claims about a product that is sold with under the Timberland brand? I dont think so!
I know where you’re coming from but I dont think that’s right. You buy a boot, you buy the WHOLE thing, you dont do research where the sole, the buttons, the ties come from, they promise something, they should be able to deliver it. If you buy pants, are you suppose to know what kind of zipper it comes with? No
i have timberlands diferent model than on video they look great and are confortable but not fully save on snow i had vapormax nikes and they where more stable on snow .
Why no testing ( or mention ) of Canadian (QC) company PAJAR? Almost everyone I know in QC owns PAJAR boots!! They are pricier yet they also have retractable cleats.
I've been terrified to walk in snow since I fell almost 2 years ago and tore my hamstring walking in deep snow. Was laid up for months and time off work. There was a bit of melt in the day which created ice underneath that I couldn't see. I was wearing "winter boots" and my foot went straight out front and I went down. Comforting to see its not just me but these boots should definitely not be marketed in Canada as they are. Thanks for this info
I sprained my ankle in a similar situation and it was an horrible period of recovery. I had to cancel my school semester and fell into a depression. Now I am the slowest person to walk on ice because I don't want to take a chance anymore. I would rather spend three times the usual time to go places than risking injuring myself again.
So it’s not just “Wind River” boots for the win. It’s this ICEFX tech on the sole & they’re available on other brands as well. So good on this pair for not sucking in this Marketplace test but it is a wee bit misleading to not just say “ look for winter boots with ICEFX technology if you want to avoid slipping on ice”.
CBC marketplace does good work but they tend to focus a lot on brands and Big Corporate and their boisterous claims rather than things like exact materials and the whys. I wish they would go further with educating consumers rather than just "exposing" things.
It's the brand comparison that will grab people's attention. If they don't put UGG, Merrel etc in the description, would people bother to watch it? We can draw our own conclusion after watching the video.
baffin trappers are the best and cheapest winter boot for any serious outdoorsman. Wore them for years in -40 northern canada. If you dry your liners every night your feet stay toasty warm all day. don't need a lab, just ask someone who works outdoors in the winter
I love these marketplace series. I wish it has it’s own channel, it’s so hard to look up marketplace videos on this channel.
I love these too. As useful as the America's Test Kitchen product rating videos (and that's high praise!).
bookmark the marketplace playlist, that should make it easier to find what ur looking for.. i saved it on my channel playlists & thats been working good for me..
Agreed!
Go on their playlist
Go to their playlist or go to their channel and type market place in the search bar
I love how she says “fail both ways!”
She seems to really enjoy that
Gave me dating anxiety....
Haha!
Yes she reminds of the lady used to say:
"You are the weakest link...good bye"
😂
I wish the team went a bit in more details around what kind of sole technology to look for. The Vibram brand for example used in the UGGs has a line of anti-slip specific soles called arctic grip. Rather than focusing on the brand name of the boot, it's the sole technology that should be tested.
I agree! however i don't think the UGG being tested have the arctic grip sole(which can be recognized by blue slashes on the sole). I believe they're just regular vibram soles.
The best sole I've seen on ice, is the Vibram Icetrek soles for their Fivefingers line in the V-Trek and Trek Ascent Insulated ones. Better than Timberland, Wind River (an old style), and even those ones with ice picks in the soles that you can pop out. But they're not waterproof at all and snow soaks through the canvas and wool if it's slushy out. I generally wear them between 5C and -5C as long as it's dry. I'm looking for something waterproof, but it's hard.
Yes. And the women's UGG Adirondacks switched to spider rubber soles from the Vibram. Not sure if that means anything.
I agree. I think the algorithm was working overtime with me as I just bought winter boots for walking in my meter reading job. Just got some wind rivers from marks and they do not have the ICEFX technology in them 🤷🤦 I got them for winter walking and the ICEFX technology is what I need and I feel like I got inferior boots now
vibram arctic grip is fantastic, i've had two boots resoled with it. vibram fire and ice is nearly as good. For dress shoes and sometimes even boots vibram raptor sole protectors also do a fantastic job. I've never had a slip with any of those soles.
I think most of the boots are nice in most elements. Spiked bottoms would be recommended
I just bought a pair of Wind River Peak II IceFX. The IceFX soles are strange. The look like they're made with some kind of glass or metal. In any case, sure, most of those boots are nice in most elements but why pay more for a boot that is less capable on ice?
I bought these boots 2 years ago they are phenomenal . Best grip from a winter boot . They are very “gritty” if you run your fingers on the bottom . This is what grips
And does a great job 5/5 recommend
I really love the marketplace series, been constantly watching it for 2 years.
I live in the States and love watching their investigations
You guys are doing some important work here, thank u.
I would definitely recommend putting spikes on the soles when walking on ice.
@kshamwhizzle I feel seen.
Or get slip on traction aids. They go over the whole boot and are basically a bunch of chains that go under the boot. When you dont need them you just slip them off. That is what we use at work where we deal with ice all the time. I also keep a pair in my vehicle. The spikes are nice but you are sorta stuck with them all the time.
I've always wondered if there were any winter boots that actually did a damn thing on ice. Was about to purchase a fresh pair of Sorels for this winter in Montreal but will now go for the Wind River boots instead. So appreciative of this video, CBC!
I have a Sorel boots that I purchased on 2016. My one and only winter boots lol. It's very, very slippery on ice, packed snow or even on just a slightly wet indoor floor. It keeps my feet very warm, yes. And I'll wear them on trails with just snow. But I'll slip if I didn't notice a thin patch of ice or even just a packed snow. I wear ice cleats but it's very annoyinf and noisy to walk on if I hit a sidewalk without any snow lol. It's slippery even on wet smooth floor so it can't be fixed with ice cleats. That's why I came across this video. I think it's time to buy a new pair to replace my 5 year old boots
Look for specifically vibram arctic grip, its the gold standard grip for boots.
@@shakilmirza4368 Sperry Men's Cold Bay Sport Ice?
When its extremely icey like this, you want to put metal ice grips over the boot. They're inexpensive and are truly the only thing that works on ice. I've never seen a boot really work that good on clear ice, besides skates.
Buy some cleats
Can you please also do one for jackets in extreme winters?
Taiga best one cheap
Outdoor survival canada
especially wind and wet proof
Yes please 😊
North Face... awesome jackets.
For wet ice you need boots or slip-ons with metal studs.
Totally. ^^
IceFX is great for the first 1km of walking, but as soon as that top outer layer of tread wears the smallest amount, it performs no better than any other. I simply put on a pair of crampon spikes as I haven’t found any treads work consistently well.
This comment is not my experience with my Icefx boots. 3rd winter with mine and I am a courier who averages 18,000 steps a day and my boots still grip great.
@@bigb7422 that is actually excellent performance. Perhaps I will give them another try
The ice that always gets me is the ice hidden by a dusting of light powdery snow. No boot will stop that, crampons are the best bet.
That is a very dangerous thing, I hate it so much. But there's one situation even worse - when you get +1-3 C for some time, a light rain, and then the frost comes back again and cover everything in a thin and extremely slippery layer of ice. Walking is next to impossible))
All shoes failed. I tried many of them cause I used to drive semi truck. In ice if you jump out most of them failed. Only shoe keep you from sliding or slipping are shoes with metal spikes. Then spikes are problem when you walk on hard floor. So I found only one company which makes retractable spikes and those shoes are perfect. Company is called " Pajar" in Canada.
Have you considered the slip on boot chain options.
@@dalentoews3418 no I didn't, I thought about it but don't look that great. They are ok if you only work outdoors or something like that. I don't know I didn't like them. Also it is not that complicated to make in n out spikes on demand. When I was young I was in India 30 years ago. Even at that time I saw retractable spikes technology in combine harvesting machines.
How about Olang?? Have you used their boots??
@@LunaPaloma77 yes I saw that name too online . But I just ordered from Pajar and those are ok shoes.
I love Pajar. I was wearing my old Pajar boots for 8 years and got new pair this year. It is high quality boots, made in Canada for Canadian winter. it has real muton fur lining, very warm. For those who live in Europe - it has same highest quality as Salamander boots had in 80-es - but with added great design. Actually, I was so impressed that I even bought Pajar parka this year!! :)
I have 2 timberland 6" boots. The newest is 5 years old and the oldest is 8. The older one is still very good and feels great in winter. The only reason I have a 2nd pair is they were in sale for very cheap. I live in a very snowy and Icy region and the boots are waterproof, have very good traction and insulation. You have to take care of the leather as well. You need to clean and condition them regularly even when in storage.
I agree about Timberland boots. They came through for me on multiple occasions and were well worth the cost 25 years ago during harsh Michigan Winters.
New Timbs are nothing more than a brand name. They have ok leather and the rest of the construction is just cheap.
@@thomaschristopherwhite9043 I have to agree. I you look at their new line of shoes. They're all for looks and not function.
How do you condition them even in storage?
@@1anre I have those leather conditioners that doesn't stain and store them in a cool dry place. You can also wrap them in tissue paper.
My problem is that I need a boot that:
1. keeps snow out
2. keeps water out
3. keeps warm even in -45° while waiting for a bus
4. doesn't get uncomfortable from an 8 hour shift at a desk
5. doesn't slip on ice
6. doesn't destroy any flooring
7. has a cost of less than $50/year, so if it costs $300 it must last a minimum 6 years
8. allows for full range of motion in the ankle.
I also prefer having steel toe, but it isn't a demand.
Getting good boots like that for at a cost of 50 dollars a year is pretty hard.
I’m not surprised wind river brand is the winner. I live in Northern B.C and this brand of boot is totally the best by far!
I have that exact Windriver boot with the iceFX technology ..... It is almost like they put brake pads on the bottom of your boot.....They do work well... I did not slip once last winter.
But does that stuff wear off like the "non-stick" elements wearing off the so-called non-stick frying pans?
@@ericyuan9718 This will be my third winter and the boot still look new..... But I do take care of them...(wipe them down after use)
Where did you buy them?
Where did you buy them? I’m in the U.S. and can not find them online.
@@TheTuellfamily same here! 😅
This is absolutely true. I bought a pair of Wind River boots in 2013 and, even after two Ottawa winters and six Edmonton ones, they still grip pretty well. After eight years, the grip isn't as good as it used to be, but I still feel way more secure on ice in these than in any other pair of boots. I don't know what magic they use to do it, but the grip these have on ice is just stunning.
They're also really warm and waterproof.
My only complaint is that they only come in wide fit. They still fit well enough with the thin socks I always wear, but c'mon Wind River - start considering us skinny guys with weird, Slender Man-type narrow feet! :P
Where did you buy them? at what store?
@@survivalistnomad9507 marks
I am a courier. I bought a pair of the icefx boots the day after I saw this episode last year. Best footwear purchase i have ever made.
Did those icefx boots loose some of that grip after a while? I read an article from McGill that mentioned that the durability of the extra grip deteriorates rapidly after 6 months
@@uuuuuuuuuuuuu8379 3rd winter with them now and there might be a very slight loss of grip. I totally still recommend any boot with that icefx sole.
I just bought a pair of Wind River Peak II IceFX boots on sale. They're amazing!
where?
@@lk6015 IceFX soled boots are only sold at Mark's Workwarehouse.
So, Wind Rider is the only real winter boot in the whole world?
@@TheBooban WindRiver Backwoods boots with IceFx is one great option with its IceFx soles but also look up Pajar boots (kind of expensive tho) with its IceGripper soles (a ring in the soles that you can flip to have its small spikes stick out or look for IceBug boots from Sweden that has spikes in its soles too. Icebug Review here: th-cam.com/video/D6XDGjzWc5o/w-d-xo.html
This is why I always buy stylish boots with good traction and a separate pair of spike shoes for these “extreme” conditions
I’ve been buying Timberland boots for my husband for years. But the last three pair have failed at the toe. The sole breaks away from the leather upper. Now I’m looking for something else. I’m hoping your comparison will help. Crossing fingers toes n stuff.
Did find something good ?
I got Sorels after a hellish winter in 2015. They are a sort of moto boot, high calf length. The traction was part of it but I needed a good higher calf boot for wading through heavy snow, in case I had to walk to work. They are warm and durable but I haven’t worn them much on ice. Good to have a review. I think of Uggs as more of a fashion boot.
The downside is very heavy
8:15 windriver
I bought helly hansen trainers last autumn.. They were marketed for both city and track use. Not so, any wet flat surface, and I am sliding all over the place. I'm risking my life by wearing them.. I couldn't return them because I wore them on the street, but I'm pretty annoyed about it because they cost a fortune.
The wind river icefx are the only winter boot I’ll wear after fracturing my skull in an icy parking lot. I’ve had them for 2 winters and they really are as grippy as they claim.5 star
Thanks for sharing your story. It's so very important to be prepared for the winter icy season and spending a few bucks for the right boots is a very good idea. I have lots of ice cleats for my many shoes and boots, but this year I also bought some boots with the Vibram Arctic Ice soles on them which should be good on the ice too. I never heard of the Wind river boots, but I will keep them in mind.
My only other concern with winter boots is how waterproof they are. When doing snow removal on my property, there is sometimes a few inches of standing water that I am wading through and my Sorels and Merrell and Columbia duck boots both left my feet soaking wet. I wonder if the wind river boots could withstand that water. I did invest in some insulated Muck boots with the Vibram Arctic Ice soles on them and those should be great for cleaning out around my house, but Muck boots aren't exactly the most comfy for daily wear so these Wind River boots peaked my interest.
@@Wigglythegreat2 yes I’ve found the wind river boots to be quite water resistant.although I would say that their main strength is their grip on icy surfaces.
@@derekcox6531 Thank you
Oh my days, that pretty serious.
I am just learning about wind river's winter boots efficiency for the first time here
Best winter boot on the planet is the Danner 800g , they are warm fully water proof as in you can stand in a tub of water and have dry feet and a super soft compound soul that even stuck to the ice at jaspers maline canyon.
The solution to icy roads and sidewalks is heated roads and sidewalks like they have in Scandinavia. They're proven to be worth it economically because they save the healthcare system money. Also, people are more likely to go outside during winter because it's less treacherous, leading to improved mental health.
No, we can't have nice sensible Scandinavian things here. No sovereign wealth funds and no warmed sidewalks!
Yeah, and you can fit about 30 or 50 Scandinavias into Canada, size wise. What do you suppose it would cost?
@@alan4sure we only need to install them in the cities and towns, where the vast majority of people in Canada live.
@@nicholassmith7048 "Only" he says. Only in cities. You don't have much of an understanding of physical size, costs, or real world engineering, do you? To say nothing of your lack of understanding of things like heat loss and electrical power draw. You must be a recent product of the education system, just being THAT clueless. Oh, and I bet you're not much at math, either. Do you also believe solar and wind will solve our power needs in future? Now there is gullibility!
I recommend Klompen from Nederlands with woolen socks. For ice condition add spikes. Never again cold feet, falling hammer or ax does not matter. Neighbors might complain if you use them indoors.
My favorite winter work boot didn't make it into the testing of this video. Caterpillar high calf winterized work boots are next level in my humble opinion. Not only do they keep you feet dry, but also warm...sometimes a little to warm. You just have to get past how heavy they are, and a bit of sticker shock. Not the most expensive boot, but they sure aren't cheap at about $200
Well Caterpillar, plus work boot. Those will be super high
the best thing to do is to carry a pair of cleats that you can put on or off your boots or shoes when need it
I got a pair of Timberland Pros from Sears Outlet here in London years ago before it closed. Best boots I’ve had for winter hands down. It says something like “Ice Trax” on the bottom of the sole and they really do keep me from slipping and sliding.
I'm in Canada, never had trouble walking on ice with Sorel boots 🤷♀️
Looking up the coefficient of static friction between rubber and ice would have saved you a lot of time.
Simple physics
But then it wouldn’t be entertaining to watch
I find Kamik's to be pretty great. Sorel also... but different model shoes than they have here.. they are also superbly comfy also.
For winter so long as there is some snow, water, slush, dirt, gravel, whatever to mix with the ice, there is enough to have sure footedness and teaction.. But a pure sheet of ice? Nah.. There is no magic for ice. You need something to bite into the ice surface.
I have a pair of Ice-Bugs that absolutely SLAUGHTER it walking on ice. Carbide studs inside donut shaped rubberized tread so studs protrude and do their intended job as you put pressure on the sole by walking.
As someone who lives with a physical disability these safety checks are crucial! Woohoo I wear Windriver boots!
Where can I find them?
@@mkim4091 Marks if you are in Canada
@@AAA-hz7fh i saw Marks online selling them. Thank you.
@@mkim4091 I can't remember where I got mine. I think I got mine from Walmart! Marks is a better place for better quality boots
Windriver ICEFX for the win.
“Synthetic quartz imbedded into the rubber”, “flexible sole”.
Why focus on some random pair of boots from a brand name when you should really focus on outsoles and tech used in it? After all its the only thing that gives you grip, unlike a printed logo or the upper.
unless your wearing spikes NOTHING grips ice
My Asolo boots never let me down.
Warm and dry feet no matter what the conditions!
Thats great. But they are testing grip on ice. Warm and dry are not being tested here. So are they good on ice?
Nice to see a piece from CBC that is not politically biased, great video.
thank you cbc , i was literally about to waste my money on timberland , thank GOD , yall saved me , i was exactly looking for an anti ice slip boot . ♥️💯 . I love you guys
Pajar with ice grippers. The best I have ever worn.
Thank you for this content. I always had slips and falls every winter. I just thought that was normal. To think there's a brand out there that's so much better in that regard.
This is ridiculous. I've been buying the wrong boots for years. How on earth does 'extreme' winter condition not include ice??? We all face that on a daily basis.
If it's a daily occurence then that is not extreme. "Extreme" should be reserved for infrequent and high severity events.
@@dmctaggart360 ikr?!!
@@dmctaggart360 What if you live in extreme climate conditions?) Like when -50 ... 60 C is a norm for a regular winter day))
Never heard of Merrell, Red Wings until I sold used clothes/boots, customers loved them because stylish and durable!
I got some Merrel winter boots when I moved to Canada in 2014. They lasted about 7-8 winters in NWO. I chose that brand cause they are really popular for hiking shoes, even in Mexico., and because they had some nice student discount on top of boxing day discount.
Onblack ice, my silver bullet is a pair of sheepskin mocassins. The rough leather grips ice like nothing else. Perfect to shovel every morning. (I bought them for slippers)
This is great! Thank you for making this video.
Winter boots are supposed to keep your feet warm in cold temperatures, not to grip on wet glare ice. For walking on ice you have to use "grips" that you attach to your footwear. I use the Wind River boots and I agree about their effectiveness. But 99.9% of my walking is done on snow or bare ground, and I carry grips with me just in case. Marketplace seems not to be focussed on reality and I am skeptical of any of their reports.
the marketing says "winter harsh elements' so they are supposed to fulfill that promise
Really the best for me is to get some rubber cramp ons that can stretch over your shoes. Yes they are a hassle to get on but they work very good on ice
As Canadians, did we all not learn to navigate ice with the cheapest of boots as grade school children? We used to play the game where we tried to kick/push the feet out from one another. The kid that kept his hands in his jacket pockets was the loser as he broke his wrists...
Canadians be wearing sneakers in a Saskatchewan winter 😂
Rubber Sole Dress Shoes - you should have test these for a baseline. These actually did not slip on ice and were amazing, however the only way to get them is to have a shoemaker resole your shoes. The problem is that rubber soles will "burn" your feet and many people cannot wear them for long periods of time.
Vibram arctic grip is the best type of sole in the winter for ice. Vibram fire and ice is nearly as good. For a good sole protector for your dress shoes that provides good grip, vibram raptor is also exceptional.
Just like your winter tires it needs to be a softer rubber, and just like your winter tires it can't freeze up.
Idk I didn't like my vibram soles they didn't feel quite as grippy as my work boots so I just wore those instead for the entire winter
There's a difference between vibram and vibram Arctic
@@chrisschulz7300Vibram is a brand of soles, and within Vibram there are several compounds for different conditions. Vibram's "Arctic Grip All Terrain" technology is one of them, for traction on wet ice, along with the "XS Trek Evo" compound that adds durability and improved grip on wet and dry surfaces.
Great video - would be nice to see more boots that worked though
Some boots have rubber soles which needs breaking in time. Some of these boots might perform better after a breaking in period, in my opinion.
The best non-skid shoes I have are Converse Winter Chuck 2s
This is why they invented Yaktrax, that work on any boot/shoe, and work wonders on ice. You can take them off easy to not mess up floors. Basically small tire chains for your feet.
yaktrax are great..Florida was also invented for icy conditions..lol
yep, im bying the Timberlands
Now do winter jackets!
Ironically, the one which claimed the least, did the best.
Fell in Toronto frozen rain years before and hurt my back, wearing a 6 inch yellow boots. still got pain when driving long. It is true none of them designed for ice walking, but ice is there every year.
Windrover it is!
i have worn timberland boondocks for about 7 - 8 years and about 4 or 5 pairs of boots in that time and they have been the best for me on ice (I work in one of the busiest arenas in Canada) Up until the past year where I think they changed their products. The newest pair i had the leather was super stiff and the soles made the ice feel like i should have just put skates on instead. This was never a problem before. I ended up giving that pair of boots away and Im still using my old pair because they actually stick to the ice. Especially when they were brand new. You could actually feel them unstick themselves as you walked.... the new ones..... might as well strap hockey pucks to your boots and go for a ride. regardless I know vibram makes the soles and hopefully covid didn't make them cut corners but timberland definitely makes the boot itself and I never had to break in a boot. They were flawless out of the box. No break in period excellent grip and now I wouldn't recommend anyone buy them because something has certainly changed in their manufacturing and i dont feel they are as good as they once were.
Typical
just buy integrated spikes in your boots just flip them when you need them. I've been using the same pair RainTex boots for 5 years and still doing the job.
I like how these companies say "That's ice these aren't meant for that." Yet they are charging 200+ dollars for and market for winter. What the hell do you think happens in the winter? Stuff FREEZES! Imagine that. Do not buy from these people unless its at a third party discount outlet store and you get them for 50% or more off.
I am surprised that Pajar boots weren't reviewed. Their Ice Gripper styles have metal cleats that actually dig into the ice and prevent you from slipping! And it's a Canadian brand!
As an EMT I’m Chicago, I fell bringing a patient up a wheelchair ramp, busted out my l5-s1 bam right there. Took a year of my normal life. Take your shoes seriously.
What type of boots do you wear now ?
Anti slip tread claims stated by boot companies are under general conditions on any type of flat surface. They don't actually claim it for inclines, declines, or curved surfaces. So their claims are technically correct.
BAFFIN BOOTS are excellent. At least the older ones were. Still using 10 year old boots. Foam liners. Excellent for warmth and light weight.
Have to tell a brand from Finland, POMAR, they are really well made for walking on snow. Finnish brand.
And NOW! MArks and LEquippeur have raised all of the ICEFX boots to 200$ close levels... THANK YOU, CBC!!! They were 100$ two weeks ago.
HEY! JOE, what do we do? Make more, or shaft consumers? Let's double the price...
WHY don't you do a small segment on HOW companies use your videos to raise prices and gouge consumers???
It was $60-80 now the site listed it as $159.99. They just doubled the price. Doesn't seem like Marks is an ethical place to shop.
If you want to walk on ice, put spikes under your boots. Why do you think truck drivers put chains on their semi truck wheels when going through the harsh winter.
I have a set of Merrell boots that supposedly were designed for ice, and they're terrible (worse traction than my older winter boots and my jogging shoes). I wish Bastien boots--or at least Bastien's soles--were still around.
Realistically you need spikes of some sort for ice. Even the cheapest waterproof boots with removable carbide studs added will drastically outperform all of the boots shown in this test
For this winter I have got ROSSIGNOL. 400 EUROs. Amazing design and comfort. Don't know about ice. Yet
Why would anyone think these shoes would be for wet ice? I'm a Finn and I grew up with cold long winters and only shoes for wet ice is shoes with studs in the soles. The other shoes are for snowy conditions, they'll keep you warm and dry basically.
Exactly. Almost every related story in Canada comes from Toronto that has no idea what real winter is. People in rural areas and those exposed to variable extreme conditions know exactly what works. Also, the majority of manufacturers taget the uneducated focussed on aesthetics, not utility.
Keen also has similar boots with excellent traction on wet ice.
So of course the video got me interested in looking at boots from the winning company. But discovered they are only sold by Mark's, which is a Canadian company. And their website is setup only to allow purchases from people in Canadian provinces. So I found a product I like but apparently I'm not allowed to buy since I live in the United States. So I wish they'd test more brands so I'd know if there are any brands sold in the U.S. that are actually worth buying. I absolutely hate slipping on ice. And as I get older, I get even more anxious about trying to not fall down if I can help it.
Welcome to being a Canadian haha we're constantly wanting products that are only sold in the US. Just a fun poke though - I understand the frustration. I did notice that the sole technology is called IceFX and from a quick search it seems several brands use that sole - maybe there's one that exists-in or ships-to the US! As an aside - have you tried ice grippers? I wear mine all the time in the winter :) $10 at Costco.
Just download a VPN, then send your purchase to any friend/family that’s in the US.
Never understood why some products are region locked between USA and Canada. I mean going through the Canadian-USA border has the same simplicity as going through line at carnival...
amazon maybe?
I always liked mark work Wearhouse boots and safety shoes . They have a great sole on ice and snow . Also very warm. This market place station is very knowledgeable. Thank you.
The pedestrian overpass I use daily is a nightmare when it's icy in the winter. It's like a luge. I purchased ice cleats after having 2 falls in the past 5 years.
Wind River boots are excellent for the winter.
It should be noted that all of these boots were brand-new and that once there has been some wear and the mold-release compound has worn off traction should improve somewhat. This is like a new tire where you need to put a few hundred kilometers on them before they reach their optimum grip level. It would be interesting to re-run this test with boots that have been used for a month.
They are brand new with stickers still on them !
Look better !
At least you have boots that are water porve when I was younger ask boots that water porve and one store said we don't have since in my country we don't rain week after that it's the most rain we ever had
This Is very interesting, really shows you what boots are worth your money. Cbc out here helping us with our buying
Not really, this test is pretty useless. All it told us is that boots that aren't designed to grip on wet ice don't grip on wet ice. I could have told you that without the need for this elaborate testing rig.
@@nicholassmith7048 I agree, this was probably the worst marketplace I've ever seen. That lady from the business school was such a hater, she was completely misinterpreting the company's description. If you want grip on sheer ice then buy a pair of microspikes that hook on the bottom of any boots.
5:01 : "aboot"
Ha! Canadian spotted!!! 😎
Thank you Marker Place !!!! I just had a ankle surgery and I’m very worried for what’s about to come during this winter! I’m worried about icy conditions I live in Vancouver, so this is great!!! Thank you I will check them out!!!
Buy the boots with spikes. I have a couple of pairs and I walk fearlessly on slippery ice.
So it's really nothing about the brand of the boot, it's about the tread used by the boot brands. Which are often 3rd party brands like vibram, which make treads for many boot brands. you should focus on that more. Windriver did well because of the icefx tread. So any of the failed boots brands, would have passed if they had icefx or vibram artic grip treads. Kinda of a deceiving review by not focusing on the treads used by the boot brands. Cause each brand will have different treads.
So its up to the consumer to research what tread each model of each brand has before purchasing? How does that make sense? If a brand (lets say Timberland) misleads the consumer by making written promises in the packaging is it the fault of the tread manufacturer that Timberland is making false attributes claims about a product that is sold with under the Timberland brand? I dont think so!
I know where you’re coming from but I dont think that’s right. You buy a boot, you buy the WHOLE thing, you dont do research where the sole, the buttons, the ties come from, they promise something, they should be able to deliver it. If you buy pants, are you suppose to know what kind of zipper it comes with? No
i have timberlands diferent model than on video they look great and are confortable but not fully save on snow i had vapormax nikes and they where more stable on snow .
Why no testing ( or mention ) of Canadian (QC) company PAJAR? Almost everyone I know in QC owns PAJAR boots!! They are pricier yet they also have retractable cleats.
Pay just a little bit more and acquire a pair of Asolo Boots, GTX, Vibram soul. Asolo GTX Fugitive Boots specifically.
If anybody should know winter boots, I'd guess it would be Canadians! Cheers from the USA! :)
Micro spikes. I keep a pair by my door, and a pair in the jeep.
I've been terrified to walk in snow since I fell almost 2 years ago and tore my hamstring walking in deep snow. Was laid up for months and time off work. There was a bit of melt in the day which created ice underneath that I couldn't see. I was wearing "winter boots" and my foot went straight out front and I went down. Comforting to see its not just me but these boots should definitely not be marketed in Canada as they are. Thanks for this info
I sprained my ankle in a similar situation and it was an horrible period of recovery. I had to cancel my school semester and fell into a depression. Now I am the slowest person to walk on ice because I don't want to take a chance anymore. I would rather spend three times the usual time to go places than risking injuring myself again.
Ice F/X soles are awesome. Should be mandatory in Canada. Would save millions in medicare costs.
So it’s not just “Wind River” boots for the win. It’s this ICEFX tech on the sole & they’re available on other brands as well. So good on this pair for not sucking in this Marketplace test but it is a wee bit misleading to not just say “ look for winter boots with ICEFX technology if you want to avoid slipping on ice”.
CBC marketplace does good work but they tend to focus a lot on brands and Big Corporate and their boisterous claims rather than things like exact materials and the whys. I wish they would go further with educating consumers rather than just "exposing" things.
@@dragonswordstriker well said 👍
It's the brand comparison that will grab people's attention. If they don't put UGG, Merrel etc in the description, would people bother to watch it? We can draw our own conclusion after watching the video.
My 35 yr old Sorels work great! Although I think 'Kaufman' in Kitchener made them.
Investigate simply green home services.
baffin trappers are the best and cheapest winter boot for any serious outdoorsman. Wore them for years in -40 northern canada. If you dry your liners every night your feet stay toasty warm all day. don't need a lab, just ask someone who works outdoors in the winter
Didn’t test enough brands.
Thanks, I will stuck with my Pajars :)