Gear Review: Kamik Champlain Winter Boots

There are a few qualities to look for in winter footwear. For me, however, convenience and comfort are where it’s at for boots.

I’ve been trying out a pair of Kamik Champlain boots for about three months now for this review, and I have no reluctance to say almost anyone who spends time outdoors should have a pair of these. The Champlain Boots by Kamik are lightweight zip-up boots that can basically go anywhere, anytime.

product photo: Kamik Champlain 3 boots black

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The Convenience Factor

I wanted to try the Champlain Boots (now Champlain 3) just for their overall convenience. I live here in the Arctic Circle, where winter lasts up to eight months or so a year. Thus, you can soon grow very tired of constantly lacing up and untying a standard boot. It likely takes me about 5 to 10 minutes to get ready to go out when the weather is seasonably cold, and every bit of time saved grows more important as the winter wears on. Also, since people where I live, expect you to remove your footwear during the winter when you visit, a zip-up boot certainly gets full marks for convenience compared to tying and untying.

I suspected the Champlains would be an excellent all-around boot that I could use for anything from going to work to a bit of light snowshoeing. But it turns out these boots are way better than that.

As a Snowshoe Boot

While they’re not quite as suitable for long-distance snowshoeing as a lace-up boot, the Kamiks can easily be used for anything from one to three hours at a time. In addition, a few qualities make them good in the snow.

First, these boots are warm, with Kamik’s HEAT-MX™ sustainable thermal insulation. These boots cover Arctic temperatures with a rating down to -40 C/F.

Second, the grip provided through the Snowtread synthetic rubber outsole and deep self-cleaning lugs is also excellent on these boots. Although, like anything, they’re not entirely foolproof.

Third, the Champlain Boots are comfortable and offer a surprising amount of support for the weight. For example, they’re snug enough that my foot doesn’t rattle around in them, particularly after I added an extra insole. In fact, it took a few weeks for me to loosen these boots up sufficiently to zip them up properly. I was not really expecting that, and that’s one reason why they’re usable boots for snowshoeing or hiking. I expected a looser, sloppier fit (and some other reviews have mentioned this concern with the fit and zipper). Though, I didn’t get it. However, in light of this, trying them on beforehand might be helpful to double-check the fit for your foot.

Finally, while the appearance of the boots is secondary to practicality for me, it sure doesn’t hurt that the basic black of the Champlains and a slim profile make them perfectly well-suited to work purposes.

Read More: There’s No Room for Cold Feet With Kamik

two people snowshoeing with dogs under orange/red sky

The Kamik Champlain zip-up boots provide warmth, grip, and comfort for 1-3 hrs of recreational snowshoe outings. Photo: Timothy Giilck

Considerations

If I had to pick one thing to improve on the boots, it would likely be to beef up the support just a little. I also have a pair of Kamik Snowcliff boots (now discontinued) that don’t offer as much support as they could, so this is likely something that could be improved in future models.

Though, if any additional concerns arise, Kamik offers a one-year warranty on the product if it is defective.

Read More: A Cold Weather Boot Bout: KEEN, Kamik, and Sorel

Overall

The Champlain Boots (now Champlain 3) have become the boots I wear most frequently now. The warmth, grip, and comfort make them useful for 1-3 hr recreational snowshoe outings. Now, I save my lace-up boots almost exclusively for longer-distance hiking, walking, and snowshoeing weekend activities.

Now, I’m going to jump into my Champlains and hear my back and hands thank me.

Have you tried these boots? Please share your thoughts or review of the Champlain 3 Boots by Kamik in the comments below.

Read Next: Snowshoeing Footwear: Tips for Choosing Your Boot

This article was first published on Feb 2, 2014. It was most recently updated on June 29, 2022. 

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3 Comments

  • I purchased a pair of these boots in January in Jackson Hole, WY. I have exactly the same problem with the zippers described above. I do not recommend these boots. I will pursue the warranty.

  • Yes they bare comfortable, but i have a problem with the zippers not staying up, Is there a solution for this? I just bought them this year. 2019, made in China

    • I’m sorry to hear that Robert. I reached out to the writer who tested these and he did not have trouble with the zippers staying up. I wonder if your zippers are faulty in some way? They do offer a year warranty on the product if it is defective. Here’s their FAQ on how to contact them regarding a defective product. https://www.kamik.com/b2c_us_en/faq/ I hope that helps and the zippers get fixed!

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