Was in Chicago visiting my daughter just before winter this year hit. She was showing off some Northface boots she bought that "looked great" but I could see were not built to withstand "real walkiing through the Chicago snowfalls" that I am used to. Don't get me wrong, Northface DOES make some excellent coldweather gear but the boot's she had were more of a "look at me" style and not for real snow use. Anyway, I ordered these Baffins after some research and when she got them she was really excited. They felt better constucted as soon as she pulled them out of the box.
Since then there have been a few snowfalls where she has walked to the metra trains 6 blocks in the snow and she will only wear these for that walk now. The Northface she bought are just for show.
By the way, these Baffins were $60 cheaper than the Northface. Great value and with removable inserts to swap out when worn or just need to dry out because of persperation.