The weirdo things look so open at the top that snow might fall in when you were snoeshowing etc.

Sorels!

I have no clue about snow boots, but I like the first pair. The Sorel boots look like a classic.

Something about the second pair sticks in my craw... $100 boots with a communist logo (which, in and of itself, will mean you're making a pretty bold statement every time you wear them), most likely made by kids in a sweatshop.

Also, all wool uppers would be beyond miserable in the snow. They'd weigh 20 pounds a piece by the time you got where you were going, and take ages to dry out.

Are you replacing a pair? Or will this be your first real pair?

I've got a pair of those exact Sorels - I've had them for years and always keep my feet toasty. They're great for sledding and shoveling and snowmachining and even snow angels. Love love love them.

I know a lot of women up here in Alaska wear Lobben boots from Norway because they are really super warm.

For playing around in the snow, I pefer something like these. The dawstring at the top keeps the snow out. I like the feeling of walking through knee deep snow, knowing none of it is going in my boots.