Women’s Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Winter Boot Review

Bottom Line

The Dream Pairs Mid-Calf boots are an excellent budget option for beginners or those looking to save money. When we tested these boots alongside other models in real-world conditions, we found that despite some flaws, they offer good performance for the price.

We were pleased to see that these boots are quite light for their size, weighing only 18 ounces or 1.2 pounds. The lightweight design was noticeable during walking or hiking. We could wear them for hours without experiencing fatigue. Another impressive feature was the traction, which was surprisingly good considering the low profile of the tread.

We do wish these boots had better water resistance and warmth. Some of this is due to materials that are less expensive than those used in other women’s winter boots on the market. We also got a bad blister at one point because the boots lost their shape.

Overall, buyers should be prepared for reduced durability over the long term, correlating with the lower price point. However, we believe most of the other negatives can easily be addressed and that these boots perform well enough to more than justify the price point. If these aren’t the type of winter boots you’re looking for, check out our full list of women’s winter boots.

How We Tested

We wore the Dream Pairs boots around Durango, Colorado, during casual walks, at the office, and on snow hikes. The walk and hike distances were usually around five miles each time, although we also wore them for up to 12 hours during the day.

Weight

The Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Boots are surprisingly lightweight for a taller, snow-compatible boot. When we weighed one, it came in at 18 ounces, just over a pound. Compared to other tall boots like the Bogs Arcata and Sorel Caribou, the Dream Pairs are nearly a pound lighter boot. 

The difference in weight is noticeable on the trail. The lighter design makes it easier to maneuver on snowy and dry surfaces alike. We really appreciated this when playing with our dog during a hike in the San Juan mountains. It also results in less foot fatigue when worn for long periods.

We wore these boots for over 12 hours one day at our office job, and they felt about the same as wearing a regular work shoe. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the weight reduction probably comes from cheaper, less durable materials. However, considering the price point, the lightweight design is a big advantage for these boots.

Water Resistance

For brief or mild water exposure, the Dream Pairs Mid-Calf boots are adequate, but don’t expect them to withstand large amounts. To evaluate water resistance, we submerged each boot from our lineup in a bathtub filled with enough water to cover the toe. We used rocks to weigh down the boots. Every five minutes or so, we checked for signs of water ingress and noted the time when they became wet.

During this test, we found that the Dream Pairs boots were completely wet inside in less than 35 minutes. They had standing water inside at that point and probably wetted out a bit earlier. This is disappointing and would be a serious problem while hiking. 

Based on our experience with these boots, they do stay dry with minimal water. We used them while walking on a recreational path during a light drizzle, and they stayed warm and dry the entire two-hour walk.

Likewise, we deliberately tried to walk through puddles during testing, and they always remained dry during those quick submersions. Overall, we wouldn’t rely on these boots in wet climates or areas with large amounts of standing water, but they are adequate for snow or drier conditions areas.

Warmth

Although the Dream Pairs website claims a temperature rating of -25°F, the Mid-Calf boots fell short in warmth during testing. To evaluate warmth, we placed these boots in a snow drift to monitor the internal temperature over 30 minutes. They started fairly warm, but the inside temperature quickly dropped, placing them near the bottom of our lineup.

In real-world conditions, we found the warmth to be sufficient for moderate winter weather. Walking around town in drizzle, shoveling snow, and hiking in sunny conditions near Durango, Colorado, were all comfortable while wearing the Dream Pairs boots. The faux fur and knitted collar also provide a cozy feeling of warmth. However, for extreme conditions or situations where warmth is critical, we would likely opt for another option.

Comfort

Comfort with the Dream Pairs Mid-Calf boots can vary depending on usage and limited features. We ranked each boot based on the number of comfort features to provide a fair comparison across our lineup. We appreciate that the Dream Pairs boots are available in sizes 5-12 and can be returned if they do not feel comfortable.

The ability to adjust the fit with laces and the faux fur lining are also positive aspects of this model. Additionally, the knit collar offers a unique comfort feature. However, improvements could include offering half sizes, removable inserts, and a wider toe box. 

Our experience walking and hiking in these boots was very inconsistent. Some days, we could walk for hours without any foot fatigue or rubbing. However, on one occasion, we experienced severe rubbing on the Achilles tendons of both feet while wearing these boots.

During a five-mile walk in rainy conditions, blisters formed that took over a week to heal. We were able to wear these boots again without rubbing afterward, but we recommend wearing thicker socks with them to prevent blisters. Since the blisters were caused by material quality and craftsmanship issues, where the boot shaft folded inward, we deducted some points from the Dream Pairs boots to reflect this problem.

Overall, we believe that being aware of the limitations of budget boots and adjusting layering accordingly can help reduce some of the negatives for those seeking an affordable option boot.

Traction

The Dream Pairs Mid-Calf boots have average traction with lackluster tread. When evaluating traction, tread pattern is important. Specifically, we look for increased surface area to improve grip on slick surfaces.

The Dream Pairs boots don’t have much tread height, although they do have a fair amount of texture. We didn’t expect much grip, but we were surprised to see an average performance during our side-by-side traction test. When we placed these boots on the rock of the traction arm and lifted, they stayed put long enough to beat half of the boots in our previous test lineup. 

While wearing these boots on ice patches around Durango, Colorado, we found their performance to be unremarkable. Nothing notable stood out, whether good or bad. The same was true when hiking on snowy trails near Purgatory ski area. Our overall experience with the Dream Pairs boots on slick surfaces was neutral.

Should You Buy the Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Boots?

The Dream Pairs aren’t perfect, but there’s a reason we listed them among the best winter hiking boots: value. These boots cost 2-5 times less than other boots in our selection.

They offer an affordable option that still performs well, making them a good choice for beginners or those needing something for now. We recommend them for people who need a boot that works in snowy or dry conditions and who don’t mind replacing them eventually when they wear out.

What Other Women’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?

We’ve tested many boots, so if you’re unsure about the Dream Pairs, check out some of these other options from women’s winter boot gear guide:

Sorel Caribou Review: Tried and true, the Sorel Caribou boots are a classic winter choice. Similar in design to the Dream Pairs, but made with higher-quality materials, those with a larger budget might want to splurge or upgrade to these instead.

Ugg Adirondack III Review: Another boot with a similar design, but a higher price, the Ugg Adirondack boots score well in our tests. The wool lining makes these boots incredibly warm, and they performed well in the water resistance test. Just be prepared for the additional cost materials.

Columbia Minx Shorty Review: The Columbia Minx Shorty boots are another favorite budget option of ours. Like the Dream Pairs, they tend to wet out quickly and aren’t as warm as some other choices. However, they are comfortable and lightweight, offering a lot of value table.