Perhaps I expected too much, but these are not warm boots. The lacing is an odd configuration and the lace loops are soft leather - one of them broke the first time I put on a boot and I had to return them (Amazon was great with the return). The lace hooks are plastic but so far, they haven't broken. I have trouble getting them snug enough with the way the laces work. I have 2 pair of Merrell Moab and love them but am quite disappointed with these boots.  I see Merrell has a men's waterproof MOAB with insulation (double what is in these shoes) but apparently, that isn't available for women.