Living in Jackson Hole, I consider myself to be somewhat of a winter boot maven. The Ahnu Women’s Northridge Insulated Boots stand out compared to the many other insulated boots I’ve owned because they are extraordinarily light and comfortable. Rather than being made to trudge around in the snow, ice, slush, and cold, they are made for confidently walking, hiking, or strolling about in these conditions.
Getting in and out of the Ahnu Women’s Northridge Insulated Boots is easy thanks to inside-leg side zips that are nearly full length. At the end of a long day of skiing, I love sliding right into them after having struggled with my stiff alpine boots. Because the calf opening is sleek and fitted, ski pants gaiters (and boot leg pants) fit right over them, resulting in a lower-profile and less clunky look than other winter boots.
Compared to my rubber bottomed, fur-topped Sorel boots, or my stylish sweater-knit Uggs, I feel like I can actually walk for miles in the Ahnu Women’s Northridge Insulated Boots with happy feet because of their fit and lightness (they weigh in at just over a pound).
I have a pair of Ahnu hiking boots and a pair of their trail shoes; the Northridge Boots have a very similar build and feel, boasting Numentum Hike technology that encourages natural foot biomechanics while providing support and protection. This means that the boots are light yet stable, forgiving yet supportive (especially in the arches and side-to-side), with a Vibram outsole that provides great traction on snow. The Northridge Boots have excelled in all my snowy, wintertime activities like walking the trails outside of town, tromping through a foot of fresh snow between the house and driveway, strolling the icy streets around town, and getting to and from the ski area.
With 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, the Ahnu Women’s Northridge Insulated Boots offer a perfect amount of warm without being over the top. They are also waterproof and breathable, including the zipper, so my feet stay dry and warm. Although the tongue of the boot is detached in the boot’s upper half, snow didn’t get in the front of the boot, even in deep snow–probably because the laces allow for a snug, custom fit that can accommodate skinny jeans or long underwear with equal ease. While I would call the overall aesthetic of the boot more sporty than fashionable, I really like how they look and receive compliments on them all the time.
The Ahnu Women’s Northridge Insulated Boots are available for women in half sizes from 5 – 11 in Red Mahogany, Winter Smoke, Brindle, and Black. The Black color is solid with a quilted leather lining, and the other colors are patterned with a faux fur lining.
Bottom Line: A nimble-footed, insulated boot for getting around in the winter in style and comfort.
Manufacturer’s Site: http://www.ahnu.com
$160 – 185 at REI. On sale for $128.93. Also on sale at Amazon.