Sorel Women's Tofino II vs Columbia Red Hills Omni-Heat Snow Boot

The Columbia Red Hills is the warmer, more technical boot: 200g insulation plus Omni-Heat reflective lining, Omni-Tech waterproofing and Omni-Grip traction. The Sorel Tofino II is the better-looking, more casual boot, with a quilted shaft and faux fur cuff, but only 100g insulation. Owners of the Columbia praise warmth and dryness but often say it runs small and narrow, so size up. The Sorel rates well with 650 ratings at 4.3 and suits everyday winter wear more than deep cold.

• Choose the Sorel Tofino II if you want a stylish everyday winter boot with a quilted shaft and faux fur cuff, and you mostly face slush, sidewalks and moderate cold.
• Choose the Columbia Red Hills if warmth in real cold matters most and you want reflective lining, 200g insulation and aggressive Omni-Grip traction for snow and ski-town use.