Women’s Bogs Neo Classic Tall Winter Boot Review

Bottom Line

The Bogs Neo Classic Tall have a reputation as a great work boot during the winter due to their watertight design, good tread, and moderate insulation. We found that the seamless neoprene lower combined with the tall boot height makes these boots the best we tested for keeping feet dry in various weather conditions.

While they possess a moderate level of insulation, they are not as warm as some other boots we tried; however, this level is sufficient for activities requiring a lot of physical exertion. They are slightly heavier, which is expected due to the boot’s size.

Selecting a pair that fits properly can help alleviate the heaviness or clumsiness associated with a sturdier model. We also appreciate that these boots come at an average price point among all the women’s winter boots we tested, translating to good value for the money spent, thanks to their reliable performance. Overall, we really like these boots for winter work and would happily recommend them.

How We Tested

Our experience with Bogs goes back about 10 years. While working on a sheep ranch, we met several ranchers who use these boots daily. We got our first pair of Bogs while caring for sheep and goats in various types of harsh weather in northeastern Colorado. During our testing, we took these boots back to the same sheep ranch and wore them while walking dogs, skiing, traveling in the mountains, and just for everyday use around town.

Weight

As a larger, heavier-duty boot, it’s no surprise that the Neo Classic Tall winter boots are among the heftiest we tested. We placed one boot on a kitchen scale for measurement, and it weighed in at 27 ounces, or 1.7 pounds.

The heavy-duty soles, combined with the extra fabric required to make the boot taller, all contribute to the weight. There’s a noticeable difference when wearing work-style boots like the Bogs compared to a smaller, more fashionable shoe.

More effort is needed to walk, especially if the boots are too large. Our experience shows that they do feel heavier than more minimalist shoes. However, this is quite tolerable and well within the limits of other waterproof rubber boots we have used in the past.

Water Resistance

One of the biggest advantages of wearing Bogs is that they keep water out indefinitely. Thanks to their seamless neoprene construction, these boots are extremely watertight. The tall height of the boots makes a huge difference as it is harder for moisture to enter from the top. The top fits much better than less expensive rubber boots, like rain boots. For extreme conditions, rain or snow pants can fit over the top to keep out the elements.

During our side-by-side test, we placed these boots in a bathtub filled with several inches of water. These boots are very buoyant, so we added a rock inside the boot as well as on the toes. We checked for any signs of moisture every five minutes for over two hours but could not find any evidence that these boots would wet out. In our experience using these boots for farm work, they remain dry indefinitely.

When we owned these boots in the past, they were extremely reliable until the boot itself finally wore out and developed holes from bending down. Overall, this boot is our first choice in situations where feet need to stay dry for long periods.

Warmth

The Neo Classic Tall boots feature thick soles but lack wool or other cozy materials to keep your feet warm. During the comparison test, we placed these boots in a shadowy snow drift and measured the temperature inside using a laser thermometer. Every five minutes, we recorded temperature readings until the boots reached a low point. The lowest reading we recorded for the Neo Classic Tall boots was 32.4°F, which is quite chilly as it’s just above freezing. However, all the boots fell between 31° and 37°F. It’s also important to note that body heat from your feet and legs can help keep these boots warmer, especially when paired with a good pair of socks.

Additionally, the extra coverage of the lower leg, thanks to the tall height of these boots, contributes to overall warmth. Generally, when we wear these boots, we are active, doing things like chores or shoveling snow.

Our experience has been that they are more than adequate in those situations, even during blizzard conditions. On the few occasions we’ve worn them while sitting outside in cold weather, we were more concerned about our core being cold than our feet. While it would be great if they were cozier and had slightly better insulation, they still get the job done.

Comfort

While we love wearing Bogs, they lack many comfort features that guarantee a good fit for everyone. The issue with comfort is that it is highly subjective. Different individuals have varying foot sizes, shapes, and fit preferences, making this category a bit challenging to rank.

To address this, we assigned points to each model based on the number of available customizations. Unfortunately, the Neo Classic Tall boots offer limited options. Features like half sizes and a wide toe box would help ensure buyers can find the best fit.

Additionally, since this model is a rubber boot, the fit cannot be adjusted with laces. The good news is that the insole is removable, allowing for the addition of a more comfortable or supportive orthotic if needed.

In our past usage and testing of these boots, we found them to be comfortable. Based on our experience, rubber boots generally have a wider toe box, which could be a pro or con depending on the individual. The rubber sole also aids in comfort by absorbing impact while walking. Throughout a day spent on our feet, we have not experienced significant foot fatigue. Just keep in mind that this may not hold true for everyone.

Traction

The tread and traction performance of the Neo Classic Tall boots is somewhat disappointing, considering they are designed specifically for slick conditions. We placed these boots on our traction device, which measures the angle at which a boot loses traction. The results from this test were fairly underwhelming, showing an angle measurement that falls below average.

We also took into account the design and materials used for the tread on each boot when creating our rankings. The tread shape on these boots is not particularly aggressive, which is surprising given their intended use in wet or snowy conditions.

The good news is that the material itself is fairly grippy, and the bottom of the boot features many small divots that help increase contact with the ground. In our experience, these boots offer better traction than a traditional rubber boot, but they can still be slippery on ice or wet concrete. Overall, the traction is acceptable, but not exceptional.

Should You Buy the Bogs Arcata Winter Boots?

We really like the Neo Classic Tall boots, but they are better suited for some situations more than others. Our past experience with these boots comes from wearing them while working on a ranch in the winter. They are a great choice for outdoor work, whether shoveling snow or throwing hay, thanks to their waterproof nature, moderate insulation, and height that keeps out snow.

They can certainly be used for hiking, although the range of motion is not as good as most hiking-specific boots. We have proudly worn them around town for winter errands, but buyers should realize that they are not the most fashionable boots we tested. We only wear these to our office job when the weather is really bad.

What Other Women’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?

There is so much variety between winter boots that there is a model for almost any occasion. We tested the 10 best winter boots and would recommend the following models if the Bogs Neo Classic Tall isn’t quite what you are looking for.

Sorel Caribou Review: The Sorel Caribou is well-known as a solid winter boot. Like the Neo Classic Tall boots, they are incredibly water resistant and have similar warmth. We like that the felt liner is both cozy and easy to remove. However, these boots have a tendency to feel heavy and clunky, particularly if not sized correctly. Overall, they are a good alternative for working outside or being active in the winter.

Bogs Arcata Snow Boots Review: The Arcata boots blend the strong weather-resistant features of the Neo Classic Tall boots with an aesthetic that is more appealing to wear around town. The Arcata is extremely waterproof and even a bit warmer than the Neo Classic Tall. The shorter height has both pros and cons: it is easier for moisture to get in the boot, but they are also much faster to take on and off. The lace and color design paired with the cozy faux fur make these ones a bit more stylish. 

UGG Adirondack III Review: We like the UGGs because they are incredibly warm. Thanks to the recycled wool lining, they are very cozy to wear. Because the top can be rolled up and down, they are also versatile for different situations. Like the Neo Classic Tall, they are also very waterproof on the lower half of the boot. They are not as well suited for hard work, but are much more stylish to wear around town.