Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid Review

These outdoor work boots don't have laces, but they still achieve a decent fit with a slip-on design. They are nearly impenetrable to weather and last a long time — a pretty ideal combination of features for popping in and outside for chores.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Arctic Sport Mid uses neoprene for insulation. This porous foam-like material allows small pockets to fill up with warm air from the user's body, which insulates the feet. Insulation is also included in the thick foam soles that separate the feet from the cold ground. Overall, these are decently warm boots, but when the temperatures dip below freezing, we wear thick warm socks to add additional warmth.

The shaft of the boot doesn't close snugly against the shin, which allows warm air to escape and cold air to get in. Also, neoprene isn't the most insulating material, so these boots just aren't as warm as other winter boots on the market. This extra room allows you to use thick socks, and if you spend extended periods outside in cold temperatures while working in these boots, you'll want to layer underneath.

Weather Protection

These boots are designed to keep all water out, and they do this reliably. The boot's outer shell is made from sturdy rubber that is absolutely waterproof, and there are no seams or joints where water could enter. If you anticipate splashing through puddles, stepping into deep piles of compost, or trudging through deep, wet snow, these boots will keep you dry at all times.

With a shaft height of 13 inches, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport is made for deep, sloppy conditions and dirty puddles of, well, muck. We found that the neoprene upper shaft is also waterproof, though we wouldn't want to stand with the neoprene submerged all day since it will eventually soak through, but only after many minutes of submersion. Still, these boots deliver the best weather resistance out of any that we have ever tested.

Comfort and Fit

The Arctic Sport manages to deliver a relatively comfortable and precise fit despite its slip-on design. The neoprene upper stretches slightly when you slide your foot in, which allows the ankle area to remain tight to lock the foot into place. The footbed and sole are padded and generically contoured, creating good comfort for a work boot.

The toe box on these boots is quite roomy, though not in a bad way, as is sometimes the case with other slip-on work boots. The fit throughout the foot is medium-to-wide, meaning that users with narrow feet may slide around a bit. This makes the boot less suitable for long walks and winter hikes, but for chores around the yard in muddy or snowy conditions, these boots are plenty comfortable.

Traction

The Arctic Sport Mid does not have an adequately grippy sole for slippery surfaces. The rubber isn't as sticky as the rubber on other winter boots, and the tread pattern is not aggressive. There is a lot of negative space, but the lugs aren't sharp enough to bite into the ground where the negative space ends. The lugs are actually rounded, which doesn't help provide traction on uneven terrain.

We used these boots while shoveling sidewalks, putting on ski boots in icy parking lots, and even when helping friends frame a house in early winter snowy conditions. They have enough traction for simple tasks like shoveling and taking out the trash, but if ice is expected or slippery worksite conditions exist, we wouldn't trust these boots to keep us upright.

Durability

The Arctic Sport is built to last. Neoprene is an exceptionally durable insulating material, so these boots will provide the same level of warmth for years to come. The rubber outer is thick and durable, and we have never seen any wear and tear on this part of the boot. The neoprene upper shaft is covered by a thin fabric that can rip if snagged on sharp objects, and we've seen this happen on one pair of boots worn by a full-time farm worker, but for the average user, these boots won't break down anytime soon.

The key to the durability of this boot is its simplicity. There aren't many seams or connections that can break down and fail over time, and most of the components are connected with glue that has been proven to last ages. There are even rubber reinforcements around the heel, which is an area that sees lots of wear and tear from users taking off their boots without using their hands. Even the pull tab at the rear of the upper shaft is reinforced with a thin rubber strip that connects to the main body so that the fabric covering the neoprene doesn't rip after many times pulling this tab.

Should You Buy the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Mid?

These are great for anyone who wants a pair of slip-on winter boots for outdoor chores or heavy-duty work in winter conditions. They are easy to put on and take off and will protect your feet in deep snow and puddles. These boots are indispensable if you spend a lot of time in wet winter climates. However, if you are looking for a warm and comfortable winter boot for running errands and walking around town in cold and snowy climates, a more traditional winter boot is likely more appropriate. And, with such a high price tag, and very little style, we think traditional winter boots are more versatile.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?