Sorel Intrepid Explorer XT

Bottom line—it keeps me warm like no other boot.

I get cold. Really cold. Really easy. I have spent thousands of dollars on gear that will keep me warm in subzero temperatures. No other snow boot has kept me as warm as the Sorel Intrepid Explorer. They are rated for -100° F.  I've only had them at -20° F so I can't verify the -100° F rating. This is a liner and shell boot.

As long as you get a good fit these boot are comfortable. I have two pairs. The first pair didn't fit well but I had to have something so I used them. The first pair was a size 10. I normally wear a size 9.5 shoe. I was swimming in the size 10 boots.  

The next season I stepped down a full size to a 9 and it's just right. There is room to add a set of battery powered insoles if you want. If you're going to buy a pair of these boots try to find a local source so you can actually try them on. I was unable to find a local source so I had to buy online.

These boots are huge on the outside. Expect your friends to make fun of your "Moon boots". I don't care. I'm warm and still playing outside while everyone else is inside trying to thaw their toes.

Snowshoeing in these boots was interesting. I was on a pair of late model MSR snowshoes. It worked, but the boot is a very tight fit on the bindings and comes into contact with the snowshoe as you lean your foot forward. Because the boot is so large it can be challenging to get it set properly in the binding. If the boots don't fit snug then a long trek or uneven terrain in these boots will not be comfortable. I will only use these boots again for snowshoeing if the temperature is below 0° F.

Because these boots are so large I was able to walk without snowshoes while others in my group were in snowshoes. The footprint of the boot is huge! Traction was good.

Ice fishing is a perfect use for these boots. I've brought up gallons of water with my ice auger and all that water flowed right over my boots. I was dry and toasty warm all day despite drilling multiple holes and a temperature hovering around 5° F.

Because of the thickness of the sole and the interior material you'll stand a good 1" taller. That may affect your center of gravity and balance. Then again, it's not like you're doing ballet in them.

I have seen no negative wear issues. After 50 miles of use they look as good as the day they were new with no stitching problems.

I highly recommend that you do NOT drive a vehicle while wearing these boots. Because they are so large it can be difficult to avoid hitting the accelerator pedal while hitting the brake pedal. I can't imagine trying to operate a clutch also.