Could Vivaia’s Terry Snow Boots Get Me Through Weeks of Below Freezing Temps? Here’s the Verdict

Fast Facts

• Size range: US 5 to 11
• Colors: 2
• Shaft height: 5.9 inches 
• Heel height: 2.24 inches 
• Waterproof: no (water-resistant)

How I Tested the Vivaia Terry Boots

New York has seen record snow and frigid temperatures as of late. In fact, I don’t think it’s crested above freezing since we had our crazy snowstorm a few weeks ago. Shorthand: I currently live in Antarctica. This past weekend had “feels like” temperatures in the negative teens. Snow—now packed down to ice—is still everywhere. In a bid to stay warm, I’ve been lacing up the Terry boots to see how they would hold up in slush, slippery, hard-packed snow and howling wind. I evaluated them on the PureWow100 scale, rating the boots for warmth, comfort, design, grip and value.

Faux fur is not something I typically gravitate towards, I’ve always been skeptical of its insulating properties. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised that the Terry boots were so cozy. The faux fur is plush and soft, making these shoes something I’d definitely gravitate towards over Bean boots on extra-chilly days. 

The brand suggests sizing up, however, I found that doing so made them almost too roomy. Unless you’re wearing extra-thick socks, I think these boots are true to size. You can wear them with medium-weight socks and still be plenty warm. Take it from someone whose extremities are cold (and often slightly blue) when the thermostat dips below 75F. I went with the half size up just because I wanted the option of wearing super-thick socks, especially if I took these boots out in the countryside.

The Design Is Both Stylish and Practical

The Terry boots are pretty heavy-duty, as far as fashion footwear goes, but the design keeps them feeling fun. A lug sole provides a 2.24-inch height boost, and the faux fur lining extends around the opening and shaft. There’s also a handy pull-tab to help you get them on; and yes, I needed it. As for the grip, I was pleased to discover that they held their own against my Bean boots’ gridlock rubber sole. I didn’t slip around any more than I do in my Bean boots. In some instances, like when I walked through a pile of mushy snow, I thought they had better traction, and the rivets in the sole provided a stable grip when wading into snowbanks.

There aren’t major cons but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you have flat feet like me, you’ll find the footbed a little lacking. However, if you size up half a size, you can easily accommodate arch supports. The other thing to note is that the lug sole is, well, chunky. The Terry boots are a lot more unwieldy than my Bean boots, so maneuverability is something to consider.

My biggest gripe is that the boots are not machine washable, unlike many other Vivaia styles. Personally, this is a shoe I’d want to wash, given the slushy streets and inevitable splashes—especially on the faux fur. While the boots are water resistant, that didn’t stop my pair from accruing some salt stains that I’ll have to sponge off. 

The Bottom Line 

Vivaia’s Terry boots are warm and insulated, with a water-resistent upper that withstands light rain, snow and the slushy aftermath that follows. They can handle freezing temperatures and leave ample room for thick socks. In short, they’re a solid compromise between style, functionality and comfort.