Men’s BOGS Bozeman Tall Winter Boot Review

Bottom Line

The BOGS Bozeman Tall is among the warmest, most durable, and most weather-resistant boots that we have tested, so they are one of our favorite winter hiking boots for men.

The Bozeman is designed for those who spend all day in wet and cold environments – whether that’s on the ranch, the job site, or the trail. We tested these boots crossing creeks in single-digit temperatures, splitting wood, and clearing brush from local trails. They are extremely durable, holding up to glancing blows from the splitting maul and firewood dropping on them. We were particularly impressed with their ability to protect our feet from the rigors of hard work.

Though convenient, the handles on the shaft of the boot do decrease the weather resistance and let in debris like sawdust and wood chips. Their extreme durability also comes at the price of weight. We won’t be taking these boots on any long hikes, but the Bozeman is perfect to wear all day and keep our feet warm and dry.

comfort

Immediately after putting these on the Boggs Bozemans, we were impressed with how comfortable they were. Dual cushions cradle the heel and Achilles, keeping our feet locked in place while walking. Although this eliminated some of the clomping common to rubber boots, these boots still had a loose fit that lacked the stability needed for long hikes. Those with wide feet will feel more comfortable in these than those with a narrow foot shape.

The opening for the boots was plenty wide enough to slip on easily, but that meant walking in them caused the mouth of the boots to slap awkwardly, alternating from shin to calf.  Still, we especially appreciate their comfort when we’re working on our feet or standing in place for long stretches of time. The insoles are extremely comfortable, and the midsole is soft and supportive for hours spent standing.

warmth

The rubber lowers combined with the thick neoprene shaft provide unparalleled warmth not often seen in rubber boots – even when wet. Paired with a winter-weight sock, you are sure to be warm in these boots all day. We tested these in single digits to above freezing and found these boots to be most comfortable in the single digits to teens. We quickly overheated and became sweaty in temperatures around freezing, so we recommend saving these boots for some of the coldest days of the year.

The BOGS Bozeman has a roomy fit that leaves extra space in the toes for dead space insulation. The wide cuff on these makes sliding in and out of them a breeze, but we did find it a weak point for cold air to enter. When wearing this boot, plan to use a tall sock to keep your feet the warmest.

traction

The Bozeman’s tread is clearly designed with work in snow and mud in mind. The lugs’ wide spacing provides plenty of negative space to grip loose and slippery surfaces. With a unique tread pattern of sharp-edged and closely spaced ridges of lugs at the toes and heels, we found climbing up ladders and other precise movements secure without slipping.

Whether it is mud, ice, deep snow, or packed snow, the Bozemans provide a strong grip throughout. Even though the main texture of the lugs is rounded off and lacks the sharp gripping edges at the toes and heel, this still provided adequate traction across a variety of surfaces and conditions.

weather resistance

The weather resistance of the BOGS Bozeman Tall is top-notch. The waterproof neoprene construction keeps feet protected and dry even when fully saturated. A rubber lower boot combines seamlessly with the neoprene upper using BOGS’ Seamless Construction technology, which eliminates seams and weak points for moisture to enter through.

The cutout handles in the cuff lower the shaft height. That makes the boots easier to pull on and off, but it reduces their waterproof coverage. While working on a local trail in deep snow, wood chips, sawdust, and deep powder snow entered through these points. Taking care not to reach the uppermost height of the boots easily ameliorates this problem. Although the handles render the shaft height on these boots shorter than others we tested, their height is still more than ample for most uses and situations.

durability

The Bogs Bozemans shine with their ability to take a beating and keep on working. When using these cutting and splitting firewood, they suffered repeated glancing blows and came away with only minor scrapes and scuffs. The boots provide enough structure and integrity that even under these blows, our feet were safe and protected from harm. The rubber and neoprene materials are nearly impenetrable and hold up day after day.

We did notice some wear along the outside edges of the boots after using them on a hillside for multiple hours. Kicking the edges of the boots into frozen ground repeatedly started to wear away some of the edges of the lugs. Although this soft rubber compound provides great grip, it may wear quicker if using these boots on sharp or abrasive surfaces.

Should You Buy the bogs bozeman tall?

If you’re looking for an extremely durable boot for chores, ranch work, or wet and cold conditions, then the BOGS Bozeman is the boot for you. The boot’s tall neoprene shafts provide high levels of weather resistance, durability, and warmth. With their extreme durability comes increased weight, so these probably are not the best boots to take on long hikes or climb your local peak. Their roomy fit is a little sloppy and clunky on narrow foot shapes but fit those with wider feet perfectly. For one boot to wear in the yard, in the creek, or on the job site, grab the BOGS Bozemans. They’re guaranteed to keep your feet dry, warm, and protected from whatever you can drop on or throw at them.

what other winter boots should you consider?

Check out our full guide to the best winter hiking boots for men.

Sorel Caribou Review – For the coldest of the cold days, we reach for the Sorel Caribou. Providing even more warmth than the Boggs Bozeman, grab these boots for those deep winter days well below zero.

The North Face Chilkat Review – If you like a tall shaft height but want a more hikeable boot with a trimmer fit, the Chilkat is a tall winter boot that is light and supportive enough to venture out onto the trails.