When winter sets in and it starts to get wet out, you know it’s time to think about some comfy, warm and waterproof winter boots.
Bogs and Musk are two of the best choices for a boot if you plan on heading out in the wet. They both have rubber/neoprene combination boots that are actually hard to get wet. They are also warm enough on a wet day, or even down to -40 and beyond if you buy the right model.
And they have not forgotten about comfort and style either and have extended their offerings so you have loads of choice too!
But how do you choose between these two bootmakers?
Well, in this detailed comparison review I will show you exactly what each has to offer, and why one is maybe better for you than the other.
Dive right in, or click on the Quick Navigation to jump to the info that interests you most!
BOGS
Women’s
Men’s
MUCK
Women’s
Men’s
Here are some direct one on one boot comparisons so you can see the heights, widths, warmth, and materials directly compared.
Here I break down the most important areas of the boots that you want to know about.
Muck uses a Neoprene bootie material to help keep you warm. It is rated to sub-zero temperatures (with the exact temperature rating of the boot dependent on the model you choose). The upper is also nice and flexible, so if you decide to add extra socks to fight off any cold you tend to feel, they will expand in that area to make space for it.
They also have a cozy fleece lining in some of the lower-temperature models which help add an extra layer of warmth too.
Their boots, depending on the model, usually range all the way down to -40 F / C. However, they do have an extreme model (Arctic Ice Sport) which does down to -60 F / – 50 C if you need that kind of warmth!
Bogs also use a neoprene bootie and have developed their own 4-way stretch material they call Neo-Tech™. They have various arrangements of inner materials offering a range of temperature ratings.
The lighter-weight versions of their boots come with 2mm of Neo-Tech and 2mm of Airmesh. The low-temperature options come with 7mm of Neo-Tech that is usually rated to -40 F / C.
No Winner
In this section, I will go over the general comfort of these boots, then break it down into a few other areas you might be curious about (like sweat and odor reduction).
Bogs are reviewed as being a little comfier than Mucks because they are a touch more flexible. Partly that is due to the higher rubber on some of the Mucks, but also a little in the way they are made. So, if you want more comfort instead of stiffness, Bogs are the way to go.
They also have more of a heel, which if the boot fits you well is a nice bonus in helping keep you locked into the boots when you walk. Bogs also tend to be a touch narrower than the Mucks according to many reviewers. So, those with a wider foot may want to try the Mucks first.
Overall tough, wearers of both boots in almost any model tend to love their boots and wear them for years and years. In the end, it comes down to you, your foot, and how it works out for you.
Winner: NONE
Classic Winter Plaid With Handles
Both these boot makers know how to solve the age-old problem of getting high rubber boots on and off.
First, the neoprene uppers help with a little flexibility that good old rubber boots just don’t have. Next, most of the boots have a nice pull loop on the top to help get them on. And at the very least, a little grip on the heels to put your toe on when getting them off (the first one at least :>).
But, if you really want to take this to the next level, Bogs have a lot of their boots with handles (like the Classic High with Handles) which you are going to love for their ease of on/off!
The only downside is that it’s a potential hole for rain or snow to get in. So maybe not recommended if you are really using these for serious outdoor use.
Winner: Bogs (with their Handle versions)
Warmth feet are great, but when you are walking around a lot inside rubber boots you are always going to sweat, no matter how fancy they are!
So, how do these two companies try to help you sweat less?
Bogs have a new Max-Wick™ moisture-wicking lining you might want to watch out for. They have designed it to help move moisture away from your foot. Be aware though, that It is only in some of their boots.
Muck boots do not have anything that is specifically sweat-reducing. Some of their models in the warmer range do come with a fleece liner which may help a little.
General Tip: One solution for sweaty feet I found on the forums that is worth a try is to use a polypropylene sock liner and a heavy fleece outer sock. The polyprop sock wicks the moisture away from the foot keeping it nice and dry.
Winner: BOGS
Bogs have developed a technology they call DuraFresh which is supposed to help reduce odors by neutralizing them with an enzyme.
Quite often companies use silver to do this, but Bogs say that it is an all-natural, organic bio-technology.
Opposite/below is a quick video from Bogs to show you how the technology works. Whether it is that helps is still open to debate, but in my opinion, anything they do to try and help is a bonus!
Winner: BOGS
The boots from both Mucks and Bogs are super-waterproof. There are very few complaints on any online forum or shop where water is an issue. In fact, they are sometimes too waterproof (which is why the odor and sweat issues are mentioned above).
My only concern, which I mentioned above, is that if you buy one of Bogs handle models, and then go walking in knee-deep powder or streams, you will probably get a little wet! Otherwise, the rubber and neoprene they both use are good to go in any conditions (not fire-walking though :>).
From dozens of reviews and forums that I have read to compile this review, I have not seen any noticeable difference between the two.
The only big difference I can see between the two is that the Mucks have rubber coming up higher on most boots with “may” give some more durability and protection if you are heading into thick bush or brambles (or areas with lots of snakes – another option is snake gaiters).
Both manufacturers make grippy soles for their boots. Sure, there is a difference in tread design (just check out your car vs your friend’s – you will the same thing). Is one better than the other? Often the differences are so small it is almost not measurable.
Below are some examples from both Bogs and Mucks so you can see for yourself.
The only serious difference, apart from the different treads of different models, is that the Mucks Arctic Ice Sports has an impressive new sole from Vibram (makers of some of the best rubber soles around) which features their awesome winter sole: Vibram Icetrek. So, if you are out on a lot of ice, then it’s worth looking at these boots. I have a similar sole on my snowshoeing boots and they are insanely grippy on ice! (having broken my leg before, I am very paranoid about it, and these kinds of sole put me at ease, I can tell you).
Winner: Mucks (If you want grippy ice/snow boots). Otherwise, pretty similar.
Although these kinds of boots are meant for outdoor use in rain, snow, and other ugly weather we all love (NOT), the manufacturers have started to take style into account.
Both Bogs and Mucks have lots of options available that will suit anyone worried about fashion as well as warmth and waterproofing!
For women, it can get super-colorful and creative. For men, a little more subdued, but still with options in color and usually a camo version!
Which one is more stylish, I am not here to tell you, but below are some examples to give you an idea of what is available:
Winner: No Winner
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!