I'm in the market for a new pair of winter boots and noticed Merrell's Norsehund Alpha waterproof boots. My problem is warmth is abnormally critical for me so I need something really warm yet breathable. I have an old pair of Merrells and I really like them but they are on their way out.
I'm wondering if anyone has tested the Norsehund Alpha? I suspect that they might be a better winter boot for camping but not any serious backpacking.

Ontario, Canada where the winters are cold.

I use these Danner boots year round. Be sure to read the reviews when you look at the webpage.

They are so waterproof I walk through streams with them and they do not get wet inside. They are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They last about 1,500 miles if you put Shoe Goo on the very back of the heel.

The boot is comfortable right out of the box and needs no breaking in.

This is the best selling non-issue boot our troops in Afghanistan wear.

Ask this question on www.wintertrekking.com Most of its members are in Canada. They are out in down to -40C weather and know a lot about winter boots. Visit the forums and read the articles on boots to see what they are wearing. Many of them wear mukluks such as Stegers.

I wear an issued military cold weather boot. I believe they are made by Bellville. But, I don't live in Ontario.

These really are only good to 0F (-17C), if you are moving. Anything below that, and they start getting cold fast. If you are just standing around, they get cold under 20F (-7C).

I want to upgrade to something much more warm for standing around in camp, or sitting on a frozen lake. I have been reading the site that Tom linked to. They are pretty knowledgeable about the subject. Here are some choices to consider, but like Tom said, ask your question on that forum. Most are from Canada, and know what it takes up there.

Here is the Canadian Forces Mukluk

The Steger Mukluk
[img]http://outside-blog.away.com/.a/6a00d83453140969e2017d3c301b1c970c-640wi[/img]
And the ECW True North Boot

Thanks guys, I'll look into what you all have suggested.

Merry Christmas and God Bless.

For just standing around, maybe a Baffin or the Mickey Mouse boots Heather has. I don't think either one would fit into a modern snowshoe binding though. That also goes for the ECW boots as well, just too big.

I like Merrells too and have noticed those same boots as well. They have an alpha and a beta, with the alpha having liners which I am particularly interested in. Problem is they seem to be too new to have any reviews and its hard too tell if their -50 rating is for standing around or being active. And the wintertrekking site the others are talking about is packed with info more or less tailored to you.

chris

Merry Christmas eve eve!

So I just picked up two totally different types of winter boots.One or both are going back once I've decided.

The first one is the Merrell Norsehund Alpha http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/28995M/69242/Mens/Norsehund-Alpha-8-inch-Waterproof:

A more bulky/warmer boot but might be better for snowshoeing/hiking on trails. Vibram sole. Awesome tread.
Craftsmanship is pretty bad though,(made in China). Merrell has gone down in quality it seems.

The other is the Lowa Nabucco gtx mid
http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=4105340999&Category=10&Type=M

Its Pretty warm, not sure about hikeability in snow compared to the Merrells though.
Just worried about getting a town boot when I really need a more winter hiking boot.

I know you guys directed me to the other site and so
I'm posting this same question on the other site too. Just looking for multiple opinions as I'm new at this.

Thanks.

I use my Bunny Boots (aka Mickey Mouse) snowshoeing without problems.

I also have a pair of Baffins - supposed to be good to -100F, but don't keep my toes warm, no idea why. Thinking of saving up my pennies and buying some brand or local made mutluks to replace them. Bunnies are all sorts of awesome, but don't breath and the tred isn't so great on the snowmachine.