Our local outdoor store is in the process of selling all their remaining winter gear and they have a couple insulated winter boots on sale. One is Columbia Bugaboot Omni-Tech on sale for $60.00 and the other is North Face Chilkat boot on sale for $60.00. I had the oportunity to do some winter hiking in RMNP this past Feb and LOVED it (cept for my feet got cold and damp in my light-weight hiking boot). So I am planing ahead for next winter (and wanting to take advantage of the sale)and was wondering if anybody has used either of these boots for hiking or has any suggestions? As far as I can tell by reviews both boots are very comparable..... Thanks

This page might be helpful:

http://wintertrekking.com/index.php?action=article_view&a_id=18

I've seen these in the stores, but never used them. Depends on what you mean by winter as to whether they will be warm enough. I've used Sorels in Yosemite as well as plastic ski boots (Garmont Excursions). For really cold weather, you need something that looks like a moon boot.

If you do get a pair, make sure you have plenty of room for a heavy sock like a Patagonia, Smartwool or Thor-Lo.

Hi
Besides not being wet, the best thing you can do to warm up your feet is too insulate your legs.
I took a guy snow camping who had these -60 PAK boots and he was bitching about his feet being cold. Since I sledded in, I pulled out a spare pair of TNF heavy down pants that I brought for him. About ten minutes after he put them I said "hey hows yer feet?" He looked at me sort of startled and said "OMG they're warm!!!" BTW I was wearing my old REI goretex shelled goose down bibs that are about 20 years old now.
Jim