Columbia Sportswear Company is the name active people recognize as being synonymous with great gear! Recently, I was granted the privilege of testing the Bugabootoo and Siberiak boots for women.


Both boots went from ski slopes to snow shoveling to mid-winter melt down comfortably and effectively. From 8 inches of snow to 5 inches of muddy water, my feet stayed dry and warm! My friends and co-workers were cold, wet and of course, mostly miserable. I would like to say to Mother Gert "Thanks for forging the way for great boots and great business women!"


The Bugabootoo boot features a waterproof full-grain leather upper with 200 gram Thermolite insulation with an injection molded waterproof shell. The seams are double latex sealed for complete water protection. The general temperature rating guideline is -25 degrees Fahrenheit. The directional deep lug pattern on the sole is wonderful for traction and durability. It is suggested that you order a half size larger for a great fit.



The Siberiak boot also features a waterproof full-grain leather upper with an injection molded waterproof shell. When the going gets deep and colder, this is the boot to look for. It is 12 inches in height compared to the 8 inches in the Bugabootoo boot. The Siberiak features a removable liner of 1,000 denier Hammerhead Oxford nylon sport, 400 gram Thermolite and wool felt insulation resulting in a general temperature rating of -45 degrees Fahrenheit. The carbon rubber outsole also has the same great features as the Bugabootoo. I enjoyed great flexibility and comfort in both boots.

Keep in mind that the general temperature guideline rating is just that, a guideline. Your comfort experience will vary with different weather conditions, exposure time, proper clothing wear, your metabolism and health condition and activity levels. But rest assured, you would have a great boot to work with.

Since I got a little muddy during our meltdown in good old Pennsylvania, I was able to give the clean up instructions a whirl. It was a piece of cake! A damp cloth, a few minutes and the dirty boots looked as good as NEW.

About Columbia:
Gert Boyle, also known as Ma Boyle, has achieved the incredible since 1970 when her husband, Neal, died suddenly. Taking the family run Columbia Sportswear Company global, required her tenacious efforts and dedicated smarts. Columbia gear can be found in over 30 countries today. There is also 8 outlet stores in the U.S.; located in Oregon, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Of course, my favorite is in Lancaster, PA, which is about an hour or so from home. Visit an outlet today and you will absolutely NEED something there that you probably didn't even know was available.

Keep in mind that Columbia and their employees are also actively involved in outdoor education- Outward Bound; conservation; reading programs-SMART Start Making a Reader Today; and Rethreads, which provides clothing to people in need all over the world. Ma isn't the only one looking out for you and others at Columbia Sportswear!

Call 1-800-MA-BOYLE (622-6953) or visit www.columbia.com for more information on purchasing the Bugabootoo and Siberiak boots for women and lots more great gear from Columbia Sportswear Company.



By: Lynne England