Customer Reviews

Chippewa® Waterproof Arctic 50® Boots Brown, BROWN, 7.5MW

5 star:		(4)
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My first ones I bought in 1978 from believe it or not Sears. They have never allowed my feet to be cold or wet in every condtion possible. Only recently has the leather just above the back of the heel given way after 32 years. There is hardly any wear on the soles at all. Amazing I can't wait to get a second pair.

My first pair of these lasted 17 years! They would have lasted forever but my feet outgrew them. I used to be a land surveyor and would have to cross rivers and stand for long periods of time in deep snow. My feet never got wet or cold even when I was up to my waist in water. I've tried the newer technical type boots by Keen and Solomon but they just do not compare to Chippewa. You can even attach ski's to these boots! If you work or play in cold temps these are the boots you want!

There is nothing I can say negative about this boot.

You will NEVER be wet or cold in these boots.

And they will last forever if properly cared for.

I used to work for a surveyors company as well.

In ten years I went thru two pairs.

And I was very rough on them with little care other than some Danner boot dressing on occasion.

BUY THEM! You will not regret it.

Please first see my review for the Chippewa 29416 boot to get a feel for how great I think these boots are. For most people, the 29416 is all the boot they'll ever need. But I deliver heating oil during the winter and when it snows and the roads are salted pools of icy slush water build up along the road curbs, which is where I must stand to work with my truck. In these instances the 29416s are not completely waterproof, and the little bit of water that leaks in negates all the insulation and my feet freeze. Bad.

So after all of these years I said: Not this winter. I first tried to order the LL Bean "Duck" boots that they've been making for about a 100 years. But I did so with trepidation because I worried the rubber sole would not have the support I need and receive in a regular work boot. I worried that while probably perfectly adequate for hiking or trudging around, maybe not so much for actual 40 hour weeks of work. But I never got the chance. Turns out those boots have become all the rage this year with college kids and they were back-ordered until spring.

So a little further research brought me to the Artic 50s (model 25492).

When you first open the box you'll behold these boots with amazement. The craftsmanship, the leather, the stitching, the heft, the design. The real lamb shearling lining. Removable woolen sole inserts. The composite sole, complete with duck bill toe for attachment to ski bindings. You'll know immediately that these boots were not made in China, or Burma or any other such place. And then your next thought will be what a shame it would be to wear them! There isn't a finer work boot made anywhere and when you hold perfection, the temptation is to put them on display, rather than on your feet.

But on my feet they went. Last night my wife warmed them up and liberally applied Sno-Seal and today, Saturday, off we went for a half a days work. As usual the first hour was pretty brutal on my feet, despite the fact that the laces were totally loose. But hours 2-4 got a little better, but by noon time it was definitely time to get my feet out of those boots! Next Saturday will go far smoother, and after the 3rd Saturday everything will be comfort and joy, I am sure. I always order Chippewa a half-size larger than normal. I've never worn wide shoes, so I go with the single E, but I did wonder today if maybe I shouldn't try the EEE width? Would the breaking-in be easier, or once broken in, would they be too lose? Hard to know in advance because the boot your break-in doesn't fit anything like the boot when new, and at these prices one would hate to make a mistake...

These boots are cold weather only I'd think, unlike the 29416. And if you were to buy a pair for winter outdoor leisure activities (as opposed to work), I'd bet a pair could last a lifetime. I'd also bet these would be some fine footwear for anyone living in Alaska.

I know, I know. Are they really waterproof in the ice water slush? Don't know yet, but I'll be back if and when we get any real winter weather in New England this year and let you know.