Most people don’t know that online shopping for hardcore winter boots is a thing and, I have to admit, I didn’t either. But when Muck and Bogs came across my radar, I had to give them a shot.
They’re often compared and people try to find out which one is the more superior boot, mainly because they’re the most well-known boot brands on the market at the moment. But is there really a clear answer as to which boots are better?
Well, it’s complicated. There are a lot of factors that come into play like how much are they waterproof, comfort levels, ease-of-use, durability, quality, flexibility, and more. Thing is, it all depends on what you might be looking for.
So, what follows is an analysis of both brands and a direct comparison. Use the table of contents to navigate through the article.
Note: Whatbrandreview is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more.
Any Differences Between Muck & Bogs?
Both brands offer 100% waterproof boots, sub-zero boots, women boots, men, kids, and a few other categories.
What they differ in is comfort levels, warmth, and ease-of-use. Most of their materials are the same, but they have certain trademarked combinations of materials that they use to achieve different temperature ratings.
For reference, they use the same neoprene material on most of their winter boots. This is a really interesting rubber composites and its commonly used for water suits and stuff that requires temperature control.
Some of the other materials though are their own formulas. For example, Bogs uses a unique composite of materials to have an edge over the competition in terms of flexibility and temperature ratings.
Some Muck boots have a -60°F rating which is damn impressive. Bogs usually cap out at -40°F.
Side-By-Side Comparison
To have an idea with what you’re getting into with both brands, we thought it be best to compare them side by side and rank them arbitrarily on variables which are usually important to customers looking for some rugged winter boots.
Here is the comparison table of Muck and Bogs:
| Muck VS Bogs : Winter Boots Comparison |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Temperature Rating | -60 F | -40 F |
| Price Point | Affordable – $$ | Cheap – $ |
| Quality | Impressive – 5/5 | Impressive – 5/5 |
| Comfort | Good 4/5 | Very Good 5/5 |
| Flexibility | Alright – 3/5 | Good 4/5 |
| Ease-Of-Use (Put On & Take Off) | Alright – 3/5 | Good 4/5 |
| Return Policy | 30 – Day Return Policy | 30 – Day Return Policy |
| Warranty | 1 – Year Warranty for Manufacturing Defects | 1 – Year Warranty for Manufacturing Defects |
| Website |
The gist of it is that the extremes of both brands are different. Meaning, Muck’s extremes are for people that require boots that can handle extreme temperatures for longer periods of time. So, people that work in really cold areas that need some professional grade winter boots.
On the other hand, Bogs is more suited for the average customer. It can withstand extreme temperatures, but they’re also very comfortable, flexible, and cheap.
However, this is somewhat true but truth is both brands are very similar. We’ll touch on this in the head-to-head comparison below.
Muck Review
Muck is pretty damn impressive all things considered. What the brand usually exceeds in is professional grade winter boots. Boots that can withstand anything basically.
Now, if you’re not looking for that type of boots and you want something for your typical winter holiday, there are options for that as well. The boots aren’t as cheap as Bogs for example, which is unfortunate since they’re really similar.
In terms of features, Muck’s boots are pretty packed. There are the following options available for boots: -60 F rated boots, breathable meshes, cool weather lining, dual-density footbed with memory foam, protective toe guard, slip resistant, steel toe, and a couple of others.
Customer reviews about the boots being true-to-size have been somewhat inconsistent though. For some, the boots are true-to-size and for some, they don’t even come close.
There isn’t really a size guide available either. However, with a flexible return policy, there’s really no reason to fret about this, it’s just a minor inconvenience.
To sum up, I think the price and the true-to-size thing are the biggest drawbacks. But it’s understandable that the quality is representative of the price and vice versa. And about the true-to-size thing, it’s hard to say really, but we definitely saw more customers with little to no issues with fit.
So, let’s go over the pros and cons for Muck:
PROS
- Really durable
- Professional-grade boot options available
- Amazing soles
- Flamboyant designs
- 1-year warranty
CONS
- Some customers reported issues with fit
Bogs Review
Bogs is a good all-around brand for winter boots. The main keywords for Bogs are: quality, comfort, flexibility, and ease of use.
Now, some of their models come with little holes on the upper part which is why we gave a 4 out of 5 for ease-of-use. Handles make it really easy to slip them on. But most of their models don’t have them. Either way, how easy to put on can winter boots actually be really?
They have similar number of models and design-wise, I would say Muck is a bit braver. There aren’t really any models that stand out as trendy or flamboyant. But this, of course, falls under the taste category. Some like em, some don’t.
I was a bit disappointed with some of the sole designs. Truth is, they’ve tried some unconventional outer sole designs and your mileage may vary in terms of being anti-slip. Granted, some of their soles are really special, it’s just exceptions which are not for everyone.
Their best-sellers usually have a stellar customer review rating, most often above 4.5 stars out of 5. These metrics aren’t just from the official Bogs site, but also third-party review sites or other retailers.
Bogs boots are usually great value. They’re very cheap for what you’re getting, which means price-to-performance is really good.
Here are the pros and cons for Bogs:
PROS
- Great value
- Unique upper part design with handles
- Highly comfortable
- Very flexible
- 1-year warranty
CONS
- Some outer sole designs are questionable
Head-To-Head – Muck VS Bogs
Usually, at this point, it’s really easy to explain and pinpoint the winner… Not in this case though.
Truth is, both of these companies have pretty similar models and pretty similar technology. It’s just the extremes which really differentiate them.
For your average winter trip on the mountains, I would recommend Bogs. Reason being, in my opinion, they’re more comfortable to wear, they’re very flexible, and they’re dirt cheap. But they also have professional-grade boots if you need them and at a good price too.
But the winner in terms of being the most rugged and able to withstand anything boot is Muck. Boots like the Artic Pro Steel Toe are boots which are designed for the harshest conditions imaginable.
If you’re one of those people that need a boot like that, I would say it’s worth the extra couple of bucks to go with Muck. In any other case, Bogs is better.
Verdict: Hardcore Winter Boots
To clear up any confusion or to help anyone that’s on the fence about these boots’ durability, practicality, and comfort: They’re no joke.
It seems like Muck and Bogs got the memo about quality over clever marketing.
Either way, the best deal overall in our book is Bogs. It has a higher price-to-performance ratio and it’s a damn good boot. But if you’re looking for something that can withstand the harshest conditions on the planet, go with something like the Artic Pro Steel Toe from Muck.
READ NEXT : Havenly VS Modsy: Best Interior Design Service