Women’s UGG Adirondack III Winter Boot Review

Bottom Line

The UGG Adirondack III winter boots are versatile: they are comfortable for outings in the city and also perfect for shoveling snow or hiking. The first thing that impressed us about these boots is the recycled wool lining that runs all the way into the boot.

The wool is soft, cozy, and quite warm. This feature helped the boots perform exceptionally well during our side-by-side warmth test. It also contributes to the winter aesthetic when the upper part of the boot is rolled down. The outer portion of the boot is constructed from leather and rubber. These materials are waterproof, and with well-sealed seams, the boots remain completely dry inside in wet conditions.

Unlike some other snow boots we tested, these are reasonably lightweight, making them easy to walk in. With decent tread, these boots can even be suitable for hiking if desired. The upper part of the boot can be rolled up or down, depending on the depth of the snow and their intended use. This flexibility allows for a seamless transition from shoveling snow in the driveway to enjoying a nice dinner in town without needing to change boots.

We acknowledge that these are the most expensive models we tested. However, due to the high-quality materials and the ability of these boots to replace several other pairs, they are worth the price.

How We Tested

We primarily used these boots in more casual capacities such as running errands or at work. At times we wore them for up to nine hours without a break. Temperatures ranged from in the 20’s to room temperature.

Weight

Considering the number of features, the Adirondack boots have a respectable weight. We placed one boot on a kitchen scale to measure its actual weight as part of our side-by-side comparison tests. At 20.3 ounces, or 1.3 pounds, this boot weighed about average overall.

However, many of the boots that ranked higher have a minimalistic design that allows them to shed ounces. This makes the Adirondack boots the heaviest snow boot we tested. When we wore these boots while out and about, the weight was not noticeable either way.

Typically, gear at either end of the weight spectrum is much more memorable and noticeable than in the middle. This definitely describes our experience with these boots regarding weight.

Water Resistance

The UGG Adirondack III is highly waterproof and can resist moisture for over two hours when submerged. To aid in ranking and to better compare the wide variety of models in our lineup, we placed each boot in a bathtub filled with several inches of water. Rocks were used to prevent the boots from floating.

We fully expected these boots to wet out since the water line was slightly above the lower laces, which made us nervous because we did not want the wool to get wet. However, our fears were unfounded, as we found no moisture on the inside of these boots at the end of the test.

These boots also have the advantage of being worn either rolled down or laced up. When laced up, they provide extra protection from the elements and are easier to fit beneath pants.

Warmth

Packed with cozy recycled wool it is no surprise that the Adirondack boots are warm. We put these boots in a snow drift and used a laser thermometer to measure the temperature inside the boot every five minutes. After thirty minutes, we concluded the test. The lowest recorded temperature was 35.8°F, marking it as the second highest in our lineup.

During errands, we found them comfortable and the warmest of the boots we wore to the office. Our feet never became sweaty while being used inside, but it is something to keep in mind for higher output activities. Fortunately, because the upper can be laced up or rolled down, warmth can be managed and adjusted a bit as needed.

Comfort

There are several comfort features that make the Adirondacks a great choice, such as adjustable laces, a cozy interior, and the option to purchase these boots in half sizes. We tallied the number of sizing adjustments and features included with each boot to help illustrate how much the overall fit can be customized.

Since everyone has different feet, and what is comfortable for one person might not be suitable for another, this was the fairest way to rank this category. The UGG boots offer a fair amount of customization. We appreciate that they come in half sizes, which makes it easier to find the best fit.

It would be great to see these boots available in a wide toe box option, especially since they tend to run a bit small due to the leather construction and wool lining. The wool-covered insole can be replaced in these boots if desired to enhance comfort. We also appreciated that the laces can be adjusted to improve the fit of the boot.

In our experience wearing these boots all day, we found them comfortable. We did not experience any foot fatigue at the end of a long workday.

Traction

The Adirondack boots performed well in the traction test, although the tread is not as aggressive as that of a dedicated hiking boot. We used a traction testing device to directly compare the traction of the boots in our lineup. It utilizes a lever arm to raise the slope angle for each boot while it rests on a rock. The higher the angle, the better the traction, as gravity exerts more force on the boot, pulling it downward.

The Adirondack boot performed impressively in this test, achieving one of the highest angles before slipping. We noted a slight deduction, as the tread is commendable, but not as robust as the treads on most of the hiking-specific boots we evaluated. We appreciate the variation in tread shape and size, as well as the spacing between the different shapes.

This design enhances friction with the ground, boosting overall traction. Increased height among the various shapes would further enhance traction for these boots.

Should You Buy the UGG Adirondack III?

One thing we really like about the UGG Adirondack boots is their versatility. They look stylish and are suitable for casual use when the upper is rolled down, while the leather lower is highly functional for hiking or shoveling snow.

These boots are incredibly water-resistant and warm, making them ideal for inclement weather. Although these boots are not as tall as some dedicated snow boots, even when the upper is extended, they still offer a respectable amount of coverage. They can be used in almost any winter setting, but they may not perform quite as well as dedicated winter boots in those situations.

What Other Women’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?

There are many different winter boots that all to take into consideration. It can be a bit overwhelming trying to narrow down the options to find the best for a given situation. Luckily, we have tested the best boots and can provide some recommendations for similar options to the Adirondack boots.

Sorel Caribou Review: The Sorel Caribou is the quintessential snow boot with its snow cuff and leather lowers. It has a fairly similar design to the Adirondack, but it is taller and cannot be rolled down. Unlike the Adirondack, it has a felt liner inside. On one hand, this is beneficial because it can be removed when wet; however, it is not as warm. These boots are more suitable for dedicated use in snow, but they are less versatile due to their heavier weight and fixed height.

Columbia Minx Shorty IV Review: We love wearing the Minx Shorty everywhere we go. This fashionable boot is lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear. The faux fur lining adds coziness, and it’s easy to move in. However, the downside is that this boot doesn’t perform as well in bad weather: it tends to wet out easily and lacks good traction.

Bogs Arcata Snow Boot Review: The Arcata boots may not be quite as fashionable as the Adirondack, but they are still very versatile. The rubber materials are waterproof, and the faux fur adds coziness and warmth. These boots are easier to slip on and off, though they are not quite as suitable for dressing up.