The Boots Columbia Women’s Snowtrot mid is easy to like on paper: a puffy, waterproof, fleece-lined winter boot that weighs under a pound and a half per pair, costs less than most winter boots, and looks closer to a sneaker-boot than a clunky snow boot. Then you read the reviews, and a pattern jumps out: great warmth and comfort once the boot is on, but a lot of people struggle to get it on, and a lot say it runs small.
The Short Answer about Boots Columbia Women’s Snowtrot mid
- What it is: a mid-height, puffy, waterproof winter boot with 200 g of insulation, a fleece interior, an inside (medial) zipper, and a lightweight cushioned midsole.
- Price: $120 is the list price Columbia now shows, down from $130 on an earlier page. I saw $90 on a Columbia sale page and $108 at Zappos.
- Weight: about 13.5 oz (roughly 383 to 385 g) per boot in a women’s size 7.
- Sizing: a lot of reviewers say it runs small and narrow. A Wide width is available.
- Warmth: Columbia rates it “medium warmth,” not extreme cold.
- Biggest complaints: it can be hard to get on, the zipper snags on fabric, and some reviewers found the traction weak on ice.
Quick Specs
| Detail | Women’s Snowtrot Mid Boot |
|---|---|
| Insulation | 200 g, plus a fleece interior |
| Thermal lining | Omni-Heat reflective lining with silver dots, placed below the fleece |
| Waterproofing | Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable construction |
| Midsole | TechLite foam |
| Outsole | Adapt Trax rubber with a hike-inspired tread |
| Closure | Medial zipper |
| Weight | 13.5 oz (about 383 to 385 g) per boot, women’s size 7 |
| Warmth level | Medium warmth, per Columbia |
| Best use (Columbia’s label) | Ski and snowsports; terrain listed as wet, dry, and mud |
| Widths | Standard (medium) and Wide |
| Sizes | 5 to 12, including half sizes, on the pages I saw |
One data-quality note: Zappos’ spec line lists the weight as “12 lbs 8 oz,” which is clearly a typo. Columbia’s own spec says 13.5 oz per boot.
What the Ratings Actually Show
The numbers vary a lot by retailer, and the Mid scores lower than its sibling, the Snowtrot Shorty:
| Boot | Retailer | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowtrot Mid | Zappos | 3 out of 5 from 37 reviews | A fit survey line showed 71% saying it runs a half size too small |
| Snowtrot Mid | Dick’s Sporting Goods | 2.1 out of 5 from 11 reviews | Only 22% recommended it |
| Snowtrot Shorty | Dick’s Sporting Goods | 4.4 out of 5 from 49 reviews | 87% recommended it |
| Snowtrot Shorty | REI | 4.2 out of 5 from 26 reviews | Reviewers say a shoehorn helps |
A few cautions. These are small samples. Many reviews on Columbia, REI, Backcountry, and Walmart are labeled “collected as part of a promotion,” meaning they were incentivized. And the low Mid scores are driven mostly by fit and ease-of-entry complaints, not by warmth or waterproofing, which reviewers who got the boot on tend to praise.
Sizing: The Number-One Issue
The most consistent theme across retailers is that the Snowtrot Mid runs small, and many reviewers also call it narrow:
- A UK buyer returned a pair because the sizing was very small and “way too narrow.”
- A US buyer who usually wears an 8 ordered a 9 after reading reviews and liked the result.
- Another reviewer who sized up a full size in closed shoes couldn’t get their foot inside at all, even though the boot looked bigger than their foot.
- One Walmart reviewer went up half a size and got a perfect fit, but has very wide feet and found it tight after a long day. They also said the Wide is narrower than Columbia’s usual Wide.
Sizing Decisions at a Glance
| Your situation | What reviewers suggest |
|---|---|
| Average foot, thin socks | Order a half size up, per many reviewers, and check returns |
| You’ll wear thick winter socks | Try a half to full size up, and test with the socks you’ll wear |
| Wide feet | Choose the Wide width, though one reviewer found it narrower than other Columbia Wides |
| High arches or a high instep | Be cautious: reviewers say the opening and the fabric between the zipper sides don’t stretch enough |
| Narrow feet | A boot that’s too big may still feel snug at the ankle, so try before you commit |
The Zipper and the Getting-It-On Problem
Many one- and two-star reviews point to the same design detail: a fabric piece connects the two sides of the zipper even when it’s fully unzipped, and it doesn’t stretch. Reviewers say that makes the opening tight, and some found it impossible to slip on. Other reviewers say the zipper snags on the inner fabric.
The workarounds reviewers mention:
- Tug the tab and the top of the zipper while zipping or unzipping, which one Backcountry reviewer said fixes the snag.
- Use a shoehorn, which a Shorty reviewer said solved the entry problem on that style.
- Try them on at home before wearing them outside, as one reviewer wisely did.
- Check the return policy before wearing them in the snow.
Warmth and Weather: What 200 g Really Means
Columbia combines three warmth features: 200 g of insulation, a fleece interior, and an Omni-Heat lining, whose silver dots are designed to reflect body heat. The brand rates it “medium warmth.” Reviewers who could get the boots on generally call them warm and cozy, and some say they only needed a light sock. Others weren’t sure how warm they’d be for a trip to Iceland or Lapland.
Put that together, and the Snowtrot Mid suits:
- Commutes, dog walks, errands, and travel in cold, wet weather
- Light to moderate snow and slush
- Winter trips where weight matters, since it’s light
It’s less suited to:
- Very cold climates or long periods standing still, where a boot with more insulation may be better
- Deep snow, since it’s a mid-height boot with a zipper
- Standing in deep water. Columbia describes the construction as waterproof-breathable, but doesn’t give a submersion rating, so test the boots in a puddle at home before relying on them.
Traction on Ice
The outsole is a rubber compound with a hike-inspired tread, and reviewers disagree about it. One said the boots were “great in the snow and ice.” Others reported slipping, with one saying they’d never slipped more in any Columbia boots, and others calling the material slippery. If your winters are icy, consider a boot built for ice, or clip-on traction devices.
Mid vs. Shorty vs. Other Snowtrots
Columbia sells several Snowtrot styles, and the Shorty’s better reviews are worth noticing:
| Style | What it is | What’s different |
|---|---|---|
| Snowtrot Mid | Mid-height puffy boot, medial zipper | 200 g insulation, Omni-Heat, Omni-Tech |
| Snowtrot Shorty | A shorter bootie | Omni-Shield treatment, Sherpa-fleece collar, higher review scores |
| Snowtrot Ease, Unwind, Slush, Rogue | Other Snowtrot styles, some shoes rather than boots | Check each listing for height, closure, and insulation |
If the Mid’s opening is your worry, the Shorty gets higher ratings, though reviewers still say it takes a little effort to get on and recommend sizing up half a size.
What It Costs
| Retailer | Price I saw | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia.com | $120 list, with a $90 sale price (25% off) | An older page showed $130 |
| Zappos | $108 | MSRP $120, 10% off |
| Famous Footwear | $119.99 | Out of stock in the snapshot |
| eBay listing | $92.95 | A Black pair in size 7.5; check condition and returns |
| Columbia Canada | $150 CAD, with a $90 CAD sale price | For reference |
Columbia’s page also mentioned an extra 30% off for members on sale styles during a promotion, so prices move. A rough cost per winter shows how the price works out if you wear them for several seasons:
| Price | Per winter over 3 winters | Per winter over 4 winters |
|---|---|---|
| $90 | $30.00 | $22.50 |
| $108 | $36.00 | $27.00 |
| $120 | $40.00 | $30.00 |
| $130 | $43.33 | $32.50 |
Popular sizes and colors can sell out as winter approaches, so if you find your size at a good price with free returns, that’s worth noting.
Care Tips
- Dry them away from direct heat, like radiators, which can damage materials and glue.
- Remove the insoles to dry them after wet days.
- Spot clean the upper with a soft brush and mild soap, following the care tag.
- Keep the zipper track clean and free of grit and salt to reduce snags.
Styling the Snowtrot Mid
The boot’s puffy, sporty look works best with casual cold-weather outfits. With jeans, it’s easiest to wear the jeans over the top of the boot or neatly cuffed, and our guide to styling dark wash jeans covers how to balance a bulkier shoe with denim. If you’re pairing boots with other fits, our guide to flattering jeans styling for plus-size fits covers hem length and proportion. For a comfy weekend look, an oversized hoodie works well with a chunkier boot, and our guide to styling oversized hoodies covers keeping proportions balanced.
For days when snow boots are too much, our guide to the best sneakers for women includes fit tips, like trying shoes on later in the day and wearing the socks you’ll actually use, that carry over to buying boots.
Who Should Buy the Snowtrot Mid
May be a good fit if:
- You want a light, warm boot for commuting, dog walks, and winter travel
- You’re comfortable sizing up and want a boot with a sneaker-like feel
- You’d like a lower price than most winter boots
Probably not for you if:
- You have high arches, a high instep, or trouble with tight openings
- You need a boot for very cold temperatures or icy sidewalks
- You want an easy slip-on without fuss
- You can’t try them on or return them easily
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Columbia Snowtrot Mid boots run small?
Many reviewers say yes, and a Zappos fit survey showed 71% saying a half size too small. Several reviewers sized up a half to a full size, and a Wide width is available.
Are Columbia Snowtrot Mid boots warm?
Reviewers who could wear them generally call them warm and cozy. Columbia rates them medium warmth, with 200 g of insulation and an Omni-Heat lining.
Are they waterproof?
Columbia lists them as waterproof with Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable construction, and many reviewers found them waterproof in snow and slush. There’s no submersion rating, so avoid deep water.
Why are they hard to put on?
A fabric piece connects the sides of the medial zipper and doesn’t stretch, which makes the opening tight, especially for high arches. Tugging the zipper’s top tab or using a shoehorn helps some people.
How much do they cost?
Columbia lists $120, with sale prices around $90 to $108 at retailers. An earlier Columbia page showed $130.
Are they good on ice?
Reviews are mixed. Some found good traction, and others reported slipping, so consider ice-specific traction if you face icy sidewalks.
How much do they weigh?
About 13.5 oz (roughly 383 to 385 g) per boot in a women’s size 7, which is light for a winter boot.
Is the Snowtrot Shorty better?
It scores higher on Dick’s (4.4 out of 5 from 49 reviews) and REI (4.2 from 26), though it’s a shorter bootie and still takes a little effort to get on.
