Bogs Amanda Plush Review

With a dual-density EVA footbed and gel cushioning, the Amanda Plush is adequately comfortable for casual outings, ranking above average across the board except in style and warmth, where this competitor leads. The rubber outsole has integrated “rebound technology” to help long-term comfort and also has an added shank for foot support. The manufacturer boasts the insulation is designed to keep feet warm in temperatures as low as -13 degrees F. While we did not test these boots in such cold conditions (yet!), these boots are markedly warm. We applaud the design with a Top Pick Award for Style and Warmth.

Performance Comparison

Weather Protection

As measured from the floor, the shaft of the Amanda is 10.5 inches on the size 8 and reached the base of the calf on our lead tester. This offers satisfactory weather protection, but not as much as some of the others that are much taller. The cutouts for handles also diminish the flood height to 8.25 inches, further lessening their overall protection score.

The circumference is somewhat adjustable since the laces can be tightened or loosened. We measured the circumference to range from 13 to 14 inches. Being able to cinch the circumference even closer against the calf helps protect the lower leg from the weather. And, as long as you don't step into knee-deep water, our testers don't think the cutouts sacrifice much when the intended use is rather casual.

Comfort

The faux-fur lining and removable cushioned insole create a soft and comfortable feel. Particularly cozy on colder days, the weight and fit of the Amanda are what detract from the all-day wear experience. At 3.3 pounds, they are on the more cumbersome side for how tall they are. Even carrying the boots by the handles feels heavy after a while, and the size of the cut-outs cramps the fingers. In the most practical cases, you're not likely to be carrying them very far. Running a tad large in size, we found the overall fit to be looser than we prefer, especially when, due to the added insulation, we didn't want to wear thick socks.

Having a decent circumference and shorter shaft allows you to step into and out of the Amanda easily. The main comfort issue we found during our tests regards the rubber tongue. While attached to help protect against premature flooding (something we very much applaud), the tongue is not lined with faux-fur like the rest of the boot. When you don't wear tall enough socks, the tongue irritates the shin and leaves red marks. Additionally, with the laces cinched tight, the tongue folds strangely and protrudes back against the shin as well.

Traction

Not one of its strong suits, this competitor scored rather average in traction as compared to the rest of the group. This means that use is best and most reliable across flat surfaces and in casual settings. The stability this product provides works just fine for its intended environment — cold, wet city streets.

We find that having both a bigger foot box and a curving upwards toebox lessens foot sensitivity and traction while on inclines and across slippery rocks. Again, the tread on the Amanda Plush is notable but not as outstanding as the other award-winners in this review.

Warmth

Built for use in colder environments, the added insulation is a combination of the 3mm waterproof Neo-Tech and the thick faux-fur lining. Having more specificity towards warmth currently ranks this model above the others in the fleet. On the flip side, this means that these boots are the first to be deemed too warm over the others when temperatures and activity rise. Even sitting in them while doing work inside, our lead tester was unable to tolerate keeping them on for too long. They are truly outfitted for the frigid outdoors.

During our tests, however, we noticed the lining come off onto our socks. Even while carrying, our fingers inadvertently pulled out small strands of faux-fur. Durability, in this sense, is surprisingly subpar for this brand, and we wonder how long the faux-fur will last. Another surprising event that took place was during the cold river test, where we stood in the water for several minutes. While we found the Amanda to insulate better than those without any insulation at all, we still felt the cold more quickly than we did in a neoprene option.

Style

The appeal of the design is one of our favorites. For the pair that we tested, the matte blue is chic and feminine. Being able to utilize the laces to widen the mouth is a bonus for baggier pants, and tightening the laces is easy-enough when wearing leggings or shorts with tall socks. The color matches well with a variety of wardrobe choices, and the mid-height is in a nice sweet spot for not overwhelming the leg with rubber. The laces, mold features, and faux-fur all help distract the eye from the fact that they are rain boots, which offers all the more versatility. Even the handle cut-outs add a stylistic feature for showcasing any fun socks you might be wearing.

While something relatively fashionable might not be the preference of those wanting a more unassuming, traditional look, we commend that the trendiness doesn't compromise the overall function of the Amanda Plush. Ranking just as high as the other elegant options we've reviewed, this pair is nonetheless unique for its combination of design features.

Fit

Bogs offers whole sizes from 6-11 for this model, and we find that the fit runs a tad large. Our lead tester is a US women's size 7.5, and so we sized up per our typical experience with the brand and per recommendations on the manufacturer's website. The foot box seems longer than expected, and the flexible rubber, in tandem with the laced shaft, leaves a greater sensation of bagginess and width. Based on these findings, we would have preferred sizing down instead. Those with wider feet might feel otherwise, however. Too, being more thickly lined and notably warm, wearing thicker socks to help fill in the space is too hot of an option for mild to moderate temperatures.

Value

Manufactured in China, the Bogs Amanda Plush lists on the higher end of the cost spectrum for what we've tested thus far. We find this to be rather standard for a pair of mid-height boots and a fair price for the design quality and overall function.

Conclusion

A Top Pick winner for style and warmth, these boots are not only practical but more than adequate for rainy day needs, particularly in colder environments. We applaud the unique blend of fashion and waterproof reliability. With a few setbacks in fit and fairly average scoring in comfort and traction, they are still a quality choice.