Women’s Columbia Ice Maiden IIWinter Boot Review

Bottom Line

Thanks to its lightweight construction, numerous adjustment features, and budget-friendly price, the Columbia Ice Maiden II is an excellent choice for winter boots on the go. We appreciate that this boot is the lightest option among the tall boots we tested. This can be attributed to its minimalist design, making it easy to walk in. It also offers a wide range of adjustment points for comfort, including half sizes, wide toe box options, removable inserts, and adjustable laces.

However, we were somewhat less impressed with its water resistance and insulation. After 45 minutes, the inside of the boots became wet, and the temperature inside dipped below freezing during our side-by-side tests. Additionally, the traction is not as good due to a smaller tread compared to most other winter boots in our lineup.

While these factors reduce the Ice Maiden’s overall winter performance, they still provide enough usability for running errands around town or dealing with a snowy commute. They are stylish and affordable, which is a significant advantage. Buyers should consider their intended use and limitations before purchasing these boots.

How We Tested

Thanks to the chic design of these boots, our gear tester mainly wore them during their office job throughout the winter. As a teacher, they spend most of their 9-hour workday on their feet. Our main tester also used these boots for walking dogs and running errands around town.

Weight

One of the standout features of the Columbia Ice Maiden is its moderate weight for a tall boot. We placed this boot on a kitchen scale, and one boot weighed 16.2 ounces, or just over one pound. This makes it the lightest calf-height boot we tested, ranking fourth overall.

Our experience wearing these for walks and to the office was consistent. Compared to other boots we tried, these have a more minimalistic and less structured feel. After a long day, they don’t feel heavy or difficult to walk in.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is not a strong point for the Ice Maiden due to the fabric it’s made from and the waterproofing. When we placed this model in a bathtub filled with several inches of water, it was one of the few boots that got wet before the two-hour mark.For the Ice Maiden boots, it took about 45 minutes for moisture to seep into the inside of the boot. Though the boot is made of waterproof leather, it doesn’t feel as thick or durable as some of the other leather models we tested. The leather has a more suede-like texture: soft and pliable.

Nevertheless, it’s disappointing that the boot didn’t stay dry for longer. However, since the boots are primarily designed for use around town or in the office, the lack of water resistance may not be critical.

They resist water sufficiently to handle walking through puddles or snow throughout the day, but not for prolonged immersion. For the average wearer, this will likely be adequate to keep their feet dry.

Warmth

The Columbia Ice Maiden boots lack the insulation and design to make for a very warm boot. We placed these boots, alongside others in our lineup, in a snow drift for side-by-side testing. Every five minutes, we used a laser thermometer to measure the temperature inside the boots. After 25 minutes, we recorded a temperature of 31.8°F inside of the boot. This recording is close to the coldest temperature that we measured. Not a great outcome for this boot.

Realistically, this boot does not offer as many features for warmth as some of the other boots we tested. For instance, the sole of these boots is thinner than that of others in our lineup. The leather material around the toes is also less insulating compared to the designs of some other boots.

Lastly, the insole of this boot is not as thick or warm as many others we tested. We found the warmth to be adequate while wearing these boots around town on sub-freezing days. Our toes never got cold, but we also do not believe they would remain comfortable in sub-zero temperatures. It is important to consider when and where these boots will be used to ensure they meet the buyer’s standards.

Comfort

Features such as half sizes, wide toe box options, and lace adjustments make the Ice Maiden a good choice for comfort. We tallied various comfort and adjustment-related features to account for the different foot shapes people have.

The Ice Maiden boots offer numerous customization options, which can help ensure comfort for a wide range of individuals. While wearing these during long days at the office, we found that they are generally comfortable.

We only experienced one day when our tester’s feet felt fatigued by the end. This issue could likely be addressed by using a high-quality orthotic insert.

Traction

Unfortunately, the small tread on the Columbia Ice Maiden boots does not provide as much traction as other boots in our lineup. When we tested these boots on our traction measurement device, they recorded the lowest degree of measure. This means they began to slip on even the slightest slope.

The measurement seems very accurate since the tread appears quite small and slick at the bottom of the boot. Traction relies on friction, and friction can be increased with more surface area. These boots do not have much surface area, which is why they do not grip the ground effectively.

This aligns with the intended function of these boots, as they are not designed to be as rugged as many of the other models in our lineup.

Should You Buy the Columbia Ice Maiden II?

These boots are a fantastic choice for wearing around town or when both fashion and function are needed. The faux fur, suede leather, and high laces complement a variety of outfits. These boots offer enough functionality to be worn outside in inclement weather.

Thus, they make a great choice when going in and out of doors. We probably wouldn’t use them for long hikes or long hours working outdoors, but they can still handle the basics such as shoveling.

What Other Women’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?

There are so many different winter boots to choose from, and we have tested many of them! Here are a few similar options to help narrow things down.

Columbia Minx Shorty IV Review: Very similar in warmth, water resistance, and customization, the Minx Shorty is a great alternative to the Ice Maiden. We like that this boot is even lighter on the feet thanks to the shorter height and minimalist design. They, too, are stylish and a great choice to wear around town. This is a great alternative for those who just want a slightly different style boot with similar performance. 

Bogs Arcata Snow Boots Review: The Arcata are a slightly more robust version of the Ice Maiden boots. They trade a bit of style for better water resistance and warmth. They are also slightly heavier but are even easier to slip on, thanks to the handles on the tops of the boots. 

UGG Adirondack III Review: Another lace-up option, the Adirondack boots weigh a bit more but have better water resistance and warmth. We like this boot because it comes with the option to roll the top down or pull it up straight, depending on the look that is desired.