Winters in Newfoundland, especially here on the east coast are not always freezing cold. We often have mild spurts which can make a mess of conditions in the woods, leaving bogs, ponds, and brooks flooded with water and slush. A regular rubber bottom Nylon upper boot although warm, will almost guarantee a wet cold foot at the end of a day outdoors in mild conditions.

Last year I went looking for a new pair of boots. I already had a pair of regular green rubber boots with an insulated liner, but found they weren't really all that warm. On the advise of friends I checked out the Dunlop Purofort Thermo+ Boots at Coastal Marine (they are available at many other retailers too). At first glance they seemed very thin and had no liner so I didn't think that they'd live up to their -60F rating. However, I was told that these were defiantly THE boot to have so I picked up a pair.

I wore these boots all last winter, on cold dry days, and mild wet days alike. I've worn them in the woods, snowmobiling, and clearing the driveway and they are awesome. With only a pair of thick cotton socks my feet were always warm and dry and the boots are very comfortable. I also started wearing them last summer trouting, ATVing and out on the salt water for the food fishery, and they excel there too. The thick soles keep your feet comfortable especially when walking on small rocks that normally dig into the soles of cheaper boots. The grips provide great traction in all conditions, and I didn't find them too warm even in the summer. I don't know how the technology works, but it certainly performs awesome.

These boots are safety rated with steel toes, and the SD static discharge symbol. Here are some specs from Dunlop's site:

Warm, light, durable and 100% waterproof. Rated to -60 degrees F with no liner required. Experience flexibility even at low temperatures.

Purofort Thermo+ PropertiesComplies with ASTM F2413-05 Standard
CSA Grade 1 approved Steel Toecap and Midsole
Made of unique microfoam Polyurethane compound making it warmer, lighter and longer wearing
Outstanding thermal insulation, keeping feet warm in cold conditions & comfortable in warm conditions
Superior properties: oil resistant outsole, antistatic, energy absorbent
Anti-bacterial flat lining
Self-cleaning, lug style, rockered sole
Reinforced ankle protection
Easy to put on and remove
Available in U.S. Men's sizes: 6-14

If your looking for a great boot, I highly recommend these. They are not cheap at about $180 per pair, but the value for the dollar is certainly there. They can be used year round recreationally, are ideal as a winter/wet location work boot, and will last a long time with proper care.

Cheers, Mike