Headed to Banff first week in March for spring break where in addition to skiing will be doing some hiking, tubing, maybe snow mobiling, etc. Reading online it sounds like waterproof insulated boots are key.
Looking at online reviews brands like Sorel, north face, Columbia etc get mixed reviews on actually being waterproof (even though advertised to be) or quick destruction of rubber sole material so I was contemplating these lacrosse boots. Any recommendations from the outdoors board on waterproof winter snow boots?

https://www.lacrossefootwear.com/men/outdoor/winter/aero-insulator-14-brown.html

I have Columbia pac boots and they're great. Those are all good brands and you can't go wrong. That said, they're all going to be plenty waterproof if they are rubber pac boots. You won't be trudging around in wet snow most likely. They'll all keep you plenty dry in snow conditions.

I have a pair of Keen slip ons (about the height of high tops) that I have worn almost every day all winter for the last five years. They are totally waterproof and keep my feet warm and they aren't just rubber boots. They actually look nice with jeans. I want them to fail so I can justify getting a new pair but these look practically new.

ETA - I also have a knee high pair of Bogs that are good for deep snow and ultra cold but I don't think you need anything like that.

Schnee's are my favorite and the best out there are far as I know. These will be the best boots you ever own.
https://schnees.com/schnees-boots/schnees-pac-boots/

I also have a cheap pair of Sorrels that are ok for around town.

Baffin

Mucks arctic ice

I've been using some Red Wing steel toe insulated waterproof oil resistant non slip boots for three years here in Minnesota, and they haven't let me down yet. They were spendy at around $400, but will probably last another decade before they quit. Apart from them, I'd recommend some Sorrel arctic boots - think heavy felt lined barn boots. As long as you get at least above the ankle, quarter calf or higher, you'll be plenty warm and dry.

I have had bad luck with LaCrosse boots. They loose their ability to keep out water way before the boot is worn out. Same for Irish Setters. I just took a pair of Irish Setters to goodwill. Comfy as can be but walking through a pasture with morning dew would soak your socks.

Deutscher_Aggie1 said:

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I've been using some Red Wing steel toe insulated waterproof oil resistant non slip boots for three years here in Minnesota

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Mr German

I also have a couple of good Red Wing choices, depending on the application. I will clarify my recommendation of Baffin to include; if I will be outside all day without a reliable 'warm up' location, I wear my Baffins. As you cite, price is noticeably greater than some of the others mentioned. The Baffins are my January boot.

Baffin.com

I like 10" Bean Boots.

If you're going snowmobiling your outfitter probably provides boots. As far as the rest, I wouldn't going hiking in CA that time of the year.

All that said. Best winter boots I've ever owned have been Hoffman's. I'd get something from their thinsulate line. I've owned plenty of winter boots and been hard on all of them. Second favorite and a good bang for the buck if they still make them would be Sorel Conquest.

But if you're only going on VaCa and need boots for a one time use, go to Sierra Trading post and get what's on sale.

Lived in Wyoming a while. Get yourself a pair of muck boots with the artic sole and thank me later.

LL Bean duck boots for my vote. Worked perfect for walking in the snow in Chicago for 7 years.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/43351?page=mens-bean-boots-by-llbean-10in-shearling-lined

Any neoprene + rubber boot should work nicely.

Thanks for all the suggestions

My friends up north recommended Sorel boots when I went up there, they were in some serious snow and they worked great

Just got back from a field assignment in Wyoming. Thankfully we left two days before that storm hit. Work bought all of us Bogs. If I were still up there working, those would be on my feet, and my feet would be warm and dry.

Not going to dispute anything posted on this thread... But the locals, and all of the workers I saw were wearing Bogs.

Here is what is currently in my closet.

https://www.bogsfootwear.com/shop/style/72132-001.html

I live in Calgary and it depends what you are going to do in the boots.

For around the city, walking the dog, or even lighter hikes in the snow ( when I won't be in anything deep or over the top of my boot) I wear a pair of Danner Mountain 600s and some good socks


For deeper snow, or really cold weather I wear Sorels



Neither is cheap, but warm feet go a long way for a Texan up in Canada