By CHELSEY MAGNESS
Form-fitting, sleek, warm, sporty, sexy, and fast. Those adjectives rarely apply together in reference to footwear. But my winter trompers of choice this year, the Uma Trois boots from Salomon, take on all those descriptors with pride. The hybrid boot rides the performance/style line as good as anything I’ve ever pulled on over wool socks.
In Bend, Ore., my home town, I bike everywhere on errands during the week. These low-profile boots are perfect for semi-casual rides with platform pedals. Hiking in snow, the boots’ Thinsulate insulation and softshell outer fabric keep me warm almost from the knees down.
The boots zip on and hug my calves. There’s a leather footbed for comfort. Underfoot, the Uma Trois have a tech outsole, Salomon’s Contagrip pattern, which grips with a trail-runner-like grid that’s fast enough for casual winter runs.
As a bonus, the boots are stylish. They work well for general winter use, but they don’t scream “snow boots” like more traditional models I own.
All plusses aside, the Uma Trois boots are not made for anything too serious outside. Climbing, winter camping, or even just long day hikes in deep snow are out. The boots are not crampon compatible and they are not waterproof — they are softshell boots that balance warmth with letting your feet breathe.
Fit is on the narrow side. You want a slender foot for these. Also, women with large calves might think these boots too snug on the legs.
At $144 retail, the Uma Trois are not cheap, though fairly priced. They are super comfy and super stylish. Salomon makes good footwear, too, so these “sleek, sexy, fast” boots should last you for years.
—Chelsey Magness is a reporter for GearJunkie.com and a member of our adventure-racing squad, Team GearJunkie/YogaSlackers. She is based in Bend, Ore.
