I live in Minnesota where it gets mighty chilly, so I was excited about this "Omni Heat" insulation. I wanted to take them for a test, so I put them on while I was driving. My cars heat wasn't working at the time so I figured it would be a good test to see if they kept my toes warm during my commute. I definitely noticed the warmth on my ankles, but my toes were painfully cold. Now, it wasn't a record setting cold day, only about 20F. And I wasn't even walking in the snow!

The idea is great, and I don't deny that it works, the problem is that this special insulation only extends down the ankle. Now, in my experience, I rarely have a cold ankle problem. It's my toes I care about!

Onto the sizing issue everyone keeps reviewing. I tried these on in a store before purchasing them for less on Amazon. I'm usually a 7.5, but in the store the 8 fit just the way I wanted it to (I even took a picture so I wouldn't forget). When the size 8 boots arrived from Amazon they were definitely smaller. I think their sizes are just inconsistent.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention how uncomfortable they are. It's like you've got plywood strapped to the front and back of your leg with your skin being pressed in on by the edges as you walk. Whether they would loosen up, I don't know, I didn't keep them long enough to find out.

In all honesty, they're only getting a star because I like the way they look so much.