Columbia Sportswear Rope Tow II Kids’ Boots

If you plan on taking your kids out in below freezing temperatures, you need to invest in a good set of boots. We bought two pairs of Columbia boots for our older kids last year and this year they are in use by their siblings. They’ve handled winter camping, snowshoeing, and hiking in  -15 degree Celsius weather and our kids never complained. The feet were warm and dry. These were not freebie items for review, they were investments on our part… and they paid off. Here’s a look at the first pair: Columbia Sportswear Rope Tow II Kids’ boots.

 

Columbia Sportswear Rope Tow II (Now updates as the Rope Tow III) – Rated for -25 degrees F (-35C) comfort

• Waterproof rubber foot
• Quilted, abrasion-resistant nylon and suede shaft and tongue
• Cozy fleece lining
• Comfort rated to -25°F (-35 C)
• Bungee lace closure system
• Omni-Grip® traction rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs
• Insulation: 200g insulation
• Upper: Suede and nylon
• Lining: Textile
• Midsole: TechLite®
• Outsole: Omni-Grip® non-marking rubber
• Height: 6″
• Weight (pair): 1 lb. 4 oz.
• MSRP: $60 USD – We paid $24 off season at the Sierra Trading Post

Testing

We are on our second year in these boots and they are still performing strong. We expect to pass them on to the third kid next winter too.

What do we think?

Let’s just start with what inspired me to write a review of these boots. Today we wanted to go snowshoeing as a family in -10 C weather (14 F for our american readers). Today we got 100 yards before the kid without the Columbia boots complained of the cold. That’s right, the no-name felt lined boots we bout for Jr. Adventurer #4 started complaining that his feet were cold. Again. This was the second day this week that he complained about his feet being cold. So, I’m already looking for another pair of Columbia boots, because otherwise we won’t be getting out any more this winter. Le Sigh.

Last year we went snowshoeing in -20 C weather (-4 F) and the kids didn’t complain about the cold at all, even after a couple hours in the mountains. The boots are excellently warm and incredibly comfortable. The 200 Gram of insulation does the trick. In wet snow the waterproofing keeps the kids’ feet dry and cosy, which just adds to the comfort.

The fact that these boots use a Bungee lace system is a bonus. They get a better fit, and we don’t have to help our boy put them on.

The grip is fantastic as well. the omni directional lugs on the Omni-grip outsole do a great job of keeping traction on the sledding hills as well. And that’s essential.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for boots that will last and that you can pass on next year, check out the Rope Tow II (or the newer Rope Tow III) by Columbia. They have been a great investment for our kids. Nothing ends a winter adventure quicker than cold feet, so exchange the discomfort of cheap winter boots for a solid pair of Columbia Rope Tow IIIs, or wait for our review of the Bugaboot Plus IIIs for older kids.