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Teva Lenawee Review
March 15, 2012The Good
- Stylish enough to take you from excursion to après
- Very comfortable
- Full lacing allows snugger fit
- Side zip makes them easy to get in and out of
- Waterproof up to the ankle
- Skid-proof sole
The Bad
- Minimal foot and ankle support
- Synthetic upper is not tear-proof
As a winter boot for travelers with limited suitcase space, the Lenawee WP is a smart buy. It’s not built for much adventure (though it can withstand some abuse from the elements and will perform adequately on a short snow hike) but this boot is at its best on cold wintery days in town.
I did lots of walking around on winter days with the Lenawee, in temps ranging from about 20 degrees to 60 degrees, in conditions ranging from 6 inches of fresh powder to slick packed snow.
Overall, the Lenawee WP was a very comfortable boot that is absolutely warm and waterproof enough to get you through light use on any average winter day. The sole is thin and fairly flexible, almost reminiscent of a sandal sole. The lugs provide just enough grip to keep you on your feet on slick snow, but can be quite slippery on a decline. Although long, aggressive snowshoeing excursions are probably not in the cards, this boot was built for everyday comfort and delivers admirably in its category. The faux fur adds a subtle stylishness that makes this boot feel at home for après at the lodge. I did think the synthetic areas of the upper were a bit flimsy and prone to snags, so beware of rocks and tree branches if you’re on the trail. On the upside, the light, flexible construction makes this boot perfect for packing in your suitcase.
The Dunk Test
To test the waterproofing, we dunked the boot in water for 30 seconds. The result: bulletproof up to the ankle.
The Cold Test
For as minimal as the boot seems, the Thinsulate insulation was more than enough for a couple hours in the snow. I wanted to test the standing temperature of the boot, so I stuck my foot in a bucket of ice for 30 minutes. With light wool socks, my feet started getting a bit cold at around 15 minutes, which is about average for lightly insulated boots.
Packability
What made these boots stand out is their ability to compress into a suitcase. Travelling to British Columbia for a ski trip, the Lenawee’s folded into an area not much larger than a pair of shoes. (Bonus: +5 points)
Available: September 2012