winter boots

[spleenificus]

I have to say that I truly love my Sorel boots- great quality and very warm. I don't think you can go wrong with them- just mind the temperature rating when you purchase them so you get something that's adequate for your area.

As for the summer, my only true suggestion is to get something waterproof but breatheable. Many boot manufacturers sell these at good prices. You won't need much insulation per se, but AK is quite muddy in the non-frozen months. (You may even want to look into an inexpensive pair of mud boots, depending on exactly where you will be living... Will help keep you, your clothing and your home/office clean.)

[Glitch]

Boots? BAH! We don't need no stinkin' boots! Real Alaskans go barefoot during the winter.

[rotorhead]

As for you, it's hard to go wrong with Sorels. I've got a pair that's still on the original pair of liners since 1983! OK, so they ARE a bit ratty around the edges, perhaps. Another pair of liners would be handy if you wear them a lot.

Kamiks for the kids, they're the same basic build as the kids Sorels (nylon/rubber outer with synthetic felt inner) but more affordable. Look for them in the used/thrift stores, they're usually in pretty good shape since they grow out of them so fast.

If you're into ice fishing or serious snow-machineing, the bunny boots are still pretty much the gold standard, but heavy. They don't go up very far either, (they top out lower than even duty issue leather boots) so you'll need either snow pants with elastic skirts or some serious gaitors.

Down here in SE we wear XTraTuffs year-round, but it's usually not much below 20*F for long. They do make an insulated model, but I've never tried it. They're quite tall, perfect for slogging through the deep slush/muck and totally waterproof. A pair of felt insoles helps keep them warmer.