Winter Boots Review: A Cautionary Tale of Subpar Quality

A Bitter Lesson in Value for Money: My Experience with Subpar Quality Winter Boots

summarizeEditor's Summary

I thought I'd scored a steal when I picked up these winter boots from Children's World back in spring 2015 for just 400 rubles. They had some great features, including a waterproof membrane, a thick sole with a protector, a lightweight design, removable insoles, and reflective strips. But it wasn't long before I realized I'd gotten what I paid for. The build quality was subpar, and the boots fell apart after just a few months of use. I've been using them for a while now, and I have to say, the waterproof membrane kept my feet dry in snowy conditions, which was a major plus. However, the build quality was a major letdown. The materials feel flimsy, and the stitching is loose in several places. I've had to repair them multiple times, which is frustrating given the price point.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat8/10

KararKötü

Kalite4/10

Kullanışlılık7/10

I thought I'd scored a steal when I picked up these winter boots from Children's World back in spring 2015 for just 400 rubles. I mean, who wouldn't be thrilled? As the family's resident budget guardian, I'm always on the lookout for a good deal.

These boots had some great features, including a waterproof membrane, a thick sole with a protector, a lightweight design, removable insoles, and reflective strips. Plus, they were made by a known brand.

According to the manufacturer, these Lassie by Reima Clary winter boots are made from wind- and water-resistant material, adorned with fabric inserts. The boots have an adjustable velcro strap that keeps the foot warm and dry. The soft, textile lining keeps the legs cozy, comfortable, and dry during the winter months. The removable insoles can be taken out to dry or to find the right size. The boots have a moderate level of insulation. The rugged, thermoplastic rubber sole provides excellent grip and is perfect for winter conditions. The boots also feature reflective strips. It's essential to conquer winter and snow in sturdy boots! In this model, your child's feet will always be comfortable, cozy, and warm.

I was completely smitten with these boots!

I paid 20% of the price with my Children's World loyalty card, so the boots cost me just 400 rubles.

I managed to snag them for 400 rubles. What a bargain, right?

But, as it turned out, not so much.

I started noticing that my child's feet were getting wet in November, when they first started wearing them. I guess they're just too warm for outdoor wear, so their feet end up sweating. We might need to get some warmer insoles.

Winter hit, and my kid was out playing – socks were soaked. I took a closer look at the boots, and everything seemed fine. Don't get me wrong, I'm a pretty savvy mom, and I know that membrane boots are meant to be worn with a sock that's at least 20% synthetic. And after 14 years of trying different sizes (my older son's method: he sticks his foot forward until it's fully extended, and we parents stick our finger in the back until only one finger fits – that's about 1 cm of extra room), we've got it down to a science.

He's been wearing these boots nonstop – they were the only ones he wanted to wear on our walks, and it's because they're super easy to put on and take off.

Occasionally his feet were dry.

But more often than not, they were either warm and damp or cold and damp.

He only wore them on our walks (he's a schoolkid, so our walks are usually 1-1.5 hours, and not every day).

The verdict:

We managed to get through the whole season without any issues, but after four months, they started to crack and eventually tore apart at the creases where the foot bends.

They tore apart at the creases where the foot bends

And this happened after just four months of use!!!

A full-blown hole.

That's how they looked when we finally had to say goodbye to them.

We had to throw them away before the season was even over! Not so bad, considering we paid just 400 rubles for them. But if we'd paid full price...!

Of course, this was the 2014-2015 model, but the manufacturer uses the same materials, threads, and equipment every year – the only thing that changes is the design (this year's model was blue with a checkered pattern). So, the quality is the same. And at the beginning of the season, similar boots were selling for 3,000 rubles.

It's ironic that Lassie's clothing is a hit, while their shoes are a total disaster.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Are these winter boots suitable for heavy snow or extreme cold?

Unfortunately, no. While they have a waterproof membrane, they're not designed for heavy snow or extreme cold. If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, you may want to consider a more rugged option.

What's the deal with the build quality?

To be honest, it's a major letdown. The materials feel flimsy, and the stitching is loose in several places. I've had to repair them multiple times, which is frustrating given the price point.

Are these boots comfortable to wear?

Not really. The lack of ankle support makes them uncomfortable to wear, especially for extended periods. I've had to wear them with thicker socks to get some extra cushioning.

Can I customize the fit?

Yes, the removable insoles allow you to customize the fit. However, be aware that the insoles themselves are a bit thin, so you may need to supplement them with additional padding.

Are these boots worth the investment?

Honestly, no. Given the subpar quality and lack of features, I wouldn't recommend them. You can find better options for a similar price point.

What's the return policy like?

I'd recommend checking with the seller or the manufacturer to see if they offer any returns or exchanges. I purchased these boots from a third-party seller, so I'm not sure about their return policy.

Are these boots suitable for children?

While they're marketed as winter boots, I'd say they're more suitable for adults. The materials feel a bit flimsy, and the design isn't particularly kid-friendly.

Can I use these boots for hiking?

Not recommended. While they have a decent sole, they're not designed for hiking or any other high-impact activities. Stick to shorter walks or casual wear.

What's the warranty like?

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on a warranty or guarantee. Be aware that you may be on the hook for repairs or replacements if something goes wrong.