Wave goodbye to bulky handwarmers stuffed in your boots to keep warm, and hello to Columbia’s new heated boots! Last winter Columbia created the world’s first heated high-performance winter boot. This season they’ve vastly improved the original design, making them lighter and and increasing their heating capabilities to keep you toasty, even in sub-zero conditions.
The men’s Bugathermo Techlites are rugged, waterproof and built for winter trekking. 
The cute, waterproof women’s Snowfall Thermos are ideal for snowshowing, snowmobiling or playing in the snow.
Both feature a single-button heating system, rechargeable batteries and three heat settings. The battery lasts for hours on a single charge and tucks into a hidden panel on the outside of the boot, but is easily removable for wear in warmer weather. Plus, antimicrobial, moisture-wicking liners prevent stinky, sweaty feet. Sounds great…but do these boots actually deliver in cold weather?
We found they were slow to heat initially, but once warm they cranked out hours of steady warmth. On high power the battery lasted for about three hours; it lasts much longer on low, but this setting does little to keep your toes warm. On sizing the Snowfall’s ran a bit big, so try them on before buying. Bottom line, if you’re time outdoors in winter is minimal, these probably aren’t worth the investment. But if you’re outside often and constantly subject to numb feet, they’re a lifesaver! Men’s Bugathermo $350, Women’s Snowfall $325 columbia.com
