If you're contemplating a visit to Norway between October and April to see the Northern Lights or for any other obscure reasons, you'll likely encounter significant snowfall and when venturing further north, temperatures plummeting far below zero. Celsius that is.
Consequently, appropriate footwear is rather essential. In this article, I'll present you the best snow boots you could or should consider putting on your feet during the cold months in Norway. And I base that on what is popular amongst Norwegians. So, for those planning a winter-wonder expedition to Norway, this article is for you.
Kamik: My Personal Choice
3 winters ago I treated myself to a pair of tall Kamik boots, the Alborg ones. And I have to admit that the first reason for my purchase was the price. They're very affordable, yet excellent in quality compared to the other brands mentioned in this article.
The thick rubber soles provide excellent grip, and the felt lining ensures my feet remain wonderfully warm. A useful tip: I deliberately purchased them a size larger. This might sound peculiar, but I adore wearing woollen socks. On the coldest days, I'll even layer two pairs. This is particularly crucial when spending an entire day outdoors in temperatures as low as -15 degrees.
About Kamik
Kamik is a Canadian footwear company with a storied legacy of producing winter boots designed to withstand brutal cold conditions. Established in 1898 in Montreal, Quebec, this family-owned business has specialised in creating boots capable of enduring extreme Canadian winters.
Why would one buy a pair of Kamik snow boots?
Cold Weather Performance: Engineered to perform in temperatures as low as -40°C, these boots utilise specialised insulation materials that maintain foot warmth in extremely harsh conditions. And that's what you want when you're out all night watching the Northern Lights.
Waterproof Construction: Crafted from waterproof rubber and synthetic fabrics, they ensure my feet to remain dry in snow, slush, and wet environments.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Recent years have seen Kamik develop a strong commitment to sustainability, with many boots made from recyclable materials and initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. Although it might not be your first priority, it maybe should be.
Affordability: As I mentioned, I bought them for their price/quality ratio. Kamik is offering high-quality winter footwear at an accessible price point. At $112 they're not exactly expensive.
Helly Hansen: A Norwegian outdoor icon according to... Norwegians
Want to blend in? It won't take long until you see someone with a pair of Helly Hansen boots or a Helly Hansen raincoat. And that's for good reason. Because Helly Hansen is a somewhat of a household name in Norwegian outdoor culture. Not only does the brand embody a certain national pride, but it's also one of the finest manufacturers of boots that keep you warm and dry during winter. If you're planning a winter journey to Norway, a pair of Helly Hansen snow boots is certainly worth considering.
About Helly Hansen
A renowned Norwegian outdoor clothing and gear company with a rich maritime heritage, Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen. 'Aye!'.
Originally creating waterproof clothing for sailors and fishermen in harsh marine environments, the company has evolved into a global brand known for high-performance outdoor and winter wear.
Key attributes of Helly Hansen boots include:
Advanced Weather Protection: Leveraging their maritime roots, these boots employ cutting-edge waterproofing technologies to keep feet dry and warm in extreme conditions. It is the go-to brand for fishermen too.
Superior Insulation: Incorporating high-performance technologies like PrimaLoft®, they provide exceptional warmth without unnecessary bulk.
Professional-Grade Quality: With origins in outfitting maritime professionals, Helly Hansen brings an industrial-strength approach to footwear... and their jackets!
Innovative Traction Systems: In simple words; reducing slipping and sliding to a minimum.
Sorel: Another Canadian Favourite
Sorel is another Canadian brand ubiquitous in the Norwegian streetscape and known for excellent and rahter stylish winter boots. Take a quick look around in Oslo on a rainy or snowy day and you'll understand what I am talking about. Founded in 1962 in Ontario, they specialise in high-quality winter boots designed for extreme conditions, pioneering a unique boot design combining rubber bottoms with leather uppers.
Sorel's snow boots could be considered because of:
Cold Weather Expertise: Engineered for temperatures as low as -40°C with a genuine understanding of winter footwear functionality. These types of temperatures are rare in Norway, but better be prepared.
Legendary Waterproof Construction: Pioneering seam-sealed, waterproof designs that create an impenetrable barrier against moisture.
Exceptional Insulation: Using advanced materials like felt and microfleece, with practical removable liners.
Durability: Built to last, using premium materials and reinforced construction. And they do last. The proof is my set of rain boots that I have owned for almost 10 years.
Style Meets Function: Blending performance with fashion, appealing to both outdoor enthusiasts and style-conscious consumers.
UGG: From Schoolyard Trend to Fashion Staple
I remember a progressive girl during my highschool period returning to school after summer holidays wearing UGGs, which initially provoked some giggles. However, her foresight must now be acknowledged. UGG is now a ubiquitous brand, particularly popular in urban areas around Oslo – though more as a fashion statement than serious winter footwear. So if you're planning on hitting Oslo's more expensive shopping alley's in particular, you might want to consider some of these style icons. And they're incredibly popular around here.
About UGG
Founded by Australian surfer Brian Smith in 1978, UGG began by introducing Australian sheepskin boots to the American market. While not traditional snow boots, they offer (some) winter-friendly qualities:
Superior Insulation: Natural sheepskin provides excellent thermal regulation.
Comfortable Materials: Soft, wool-lined interior that moulds to the foot.
Versatile Des... No, a really cool Design: Fashionable and adaptable across settings.
Lightweight Construction: Easy to wear for extended periods.
Water-Resistant Properties: Offering some protection in light snow. But slush and rain are the enemy.