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Mommy Gearest

Real life. Real reviews.

Olang boots to the icy rescue

By 242 Comments

You might laugh, but every winter I pull out those ice grippers that fit onto winter boots and keep them by my front door.

I live in the suburbs and without all of the foot traffic you get on city sidewalks, we’re often left with big patches of ice. Not exactly ideal when all a gal is trying to do is pick up the mail but instead slips and slides all the way there — and back.

So I slide on those unsightly ice cleats, pulling them over my lovely UGG Adirondack boots until I look like I’m about to go winter hunting or ice climbing, and walk to the mailbox. Or bus stop. Or neighbour’s. You get the idea.

Best winter boots in Canada

Rockin’ my Zaides! Photos by Miss Q.

Then, because we live in Ontario where it can be four seasons in a single day, I inevitably have to take off the ice grips off. Then put them on. And take them off again. You get the idea.

So when a European brand came along and solved a problem I didn’t even know could be fixed, I jumped at the chance to tell the world about it.

I’ve already raved plenty on my personal Facebook page and shown off my beloved Olang boots in real life. But I wanted to get through some of winter’s icier times before writing a full review for you. I can barely contain my excitement, so here we go…

THE GOOD

No more ice grippers required! Because Olang has built steel studs that grip ice and snow right into the soles of its boots. The flip in and out when you need them to, so it’s easy and convenient to get the support you need to walk along an icy sidewalk one day vs a sunny or slushy one the next.

ice grippers on boots

Ice grippers ready to go in the toe, and tucked away in the heel — just so you can see how easy they are to use!

But in addition to functioning well and keeping you upright in slippery conditions, Olang boots look and feel good too. I’m IN LOVE with my Zaide design and wear them all the time. The Monica design that Olang also sent me are nice but not as edgy. You’ll see when you shop that there are lots of different styles — some of which are more fashion-forward and some that remain a bit conservative.

Olang boots with grippers

A close-up of my Zaide boots, which I LURVE. (Photo courtesy of Olang.)

Every boot, however, is made with Olantex — a breathable membrane that makes them water-resistant. And I’ll add highly water-resistant as I’ve worn both pairs in some of the season’s wettest snow and haven’t had them leak once.

They work. Period. I’ve worn them on lots of different ice between Ontario and Quebec, and they really do work as described.

Olang-boots

Me in my Monicas.

They’re easy to convert when you want the studs in or out.

Even though the faux fur that lines each boot isn’t wool, like what’s inside a pair of UGGs, I have tried to wear them without socks and found that my feet were still quite warm. (I tried this because I hate socks and that’s always why I’ve worn UGGs.)

My Zaide boots are nice and wide, which this girl with bunions appreciates. The Monicas are still doable for me, but they are a narrower fit.

Every pair of Olang boots is rated to -30, so while you may not survive in the Arctic (or Winnipeg on the coldest days) they’re suitable for most of our winters.

These are really good-quality boots. I can tell that both the uppers and soles are constructed well enough to last many winters. And with prices ranging from $188 to $285 per pair, if you get a few seasons out of them, the cost will be well worth it.

Olang boots come with extra liners that are designed to increase insulation.

THE GAFFE

But I can’t use the extra liners with either pair of boots without making them too narrow to wear comfortably. So I can’t tell you if they add heat or not. I don’t typically venture out in anything beyond -30 weather, though, either.

You just know that the little pully that helps flip the studs out of the soles was lost inside of a week. Because it’s small and I’m terribly disorganized.

THE GEARS

4.5/5

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Comments

  1. OLANG, no !! = Terrible quality !
    We bought for my daughter this winter boot model : OLANG BINGO Enfants and in less than a year (1 season use), 2 holes appeared under the boot, at the top of the sole, letting water in. Customer service is terrible and never wanted to help even though the boots were in their original box with plenty of pictures to show their defect.

    NEVER again!

    Reply

    • Wow – so sorry to hear about your experience. I never had any quality issues with my boots, so unfortunately I don’t have the customer service side of things to draw on.

      Reply

    • Olang is terrible customer services don’t buy the boots they are bad for the back and the steel pegs are so slippery on ice

      Reply

    • Definitely the UGG Adirondacks – but as far as warmth goes, the Adirondacks are (in my experience) the least warm of all UGG boots I’ve owned. However, they win for water-resistance.

      Reply

  3. I had the Egle boots for 5 blissful years. The heal just started to go so I purchased the Pop – same size as previous pair but now they are too tight and giving me blisters. I guess they run a little small.

    Reply

  4. I purchased the ones you have in the photo (Zaide?)
    After 2 weeks the rubber started peeling and for the price I paid of $285 you would think they would be more durable.
    I went to the store I purchased them and no help.
    Now Im stuck with a pair of $285 boots that look like a cheap pair of Walmart boots. In disappointed
    I do however like the look but I also still slide with the grips out.
    With the rubber continuing to peel off the bottoms the grips mechanism will soon fall out

    Reply

    • Hm – maybe you got a lemon? Mine are two or three years old and have never done that. I think you should contact the company directly if the store where you bought them is unwilling to help.

      Reply

  5. I tried my first pair of Olang boots with the grips for the first time…and I almost fell on the ice …hiden underneet the show.. the grips didnt work on ice…disapointed…they are not cheap

    Reply

  6. I got the Zaide last week. Great look and comfort. However, they’re not as warm as I’d hoped. Waiting 10 min for the bus at -17 and my feet got cold with the insoles and 2 pairs of socks. Maybe they were too snug with all that padding. They’re also narrow with the insoles, which is ok for my narrow feet.

    Reply

    • I would personally remove the insoles (they also make them too narrow for me) and use very warm merino wool socks only. One layer. Often, layering socks (especially cotton ones) is the cause of cold toes.

      Reply

      • Hi, I am interested in getting the Dada Nero Black OC. They say they run a half size small. I am a solid 37, do you think I should get the 38?

        Reply

        • I would if you plan to wear the optional insoles that come with them to reflect more heat onto your feet. I have never been able to wear mine because they make the boots to small.

          Reply

  7. I got the Zaide last week. Great look and comfort. However, they’re not as warm as I’d hoped. Waiting 10 min for the bus at -17 and my feet got cold with the insoles and 2 pairs of socks. Maybe they were too snug with all that padding. They’re also narrow with the insoles, which is ok for my narrow feet.

    Reply

    • I would personally remove the insoles (they also make them too narrow for me) and use very warm merino wool socks only. One layer. Often, layering socks (especially cotton ones) is the cause of cold toes.

      Reply

      • Hi, I am interested in getting the Dada Nero Black OC. They say they run a half size small. I am a solid 37, do you think I should get the 38?

        Reply

        • I would if you plan to wear the optional insoles that come with them to reflect more heat onto your feet. I have never been able to wear mine because they make the boots to small.

          Reply

  8. Hi I slipped this winter and broke my shoulder. I was wondering if u could drive with these boots? Is the grip easy to flip with the key? Can you flip the grip from a standing position? I drive to work but have a 10 minute walk from the parking lot and need a nonslippery boot that is good for walking and driving.

    Reply

    • You can drive with them, though I wouldn’t do it with the picks down. As long as you don’t lose the key like I have, it’s very easy to put the picks up and down. And yes, you can do it from standing as long as you have good balance and bending is easy for you 🙂

      Reply

  9. Hi I slipped this winter and broke my shoulder. I was wondering if u could drive with these boots? Is the grip easy to flip with the key? Can you flip the grip from a standing position? I drive to work but have a 10 minute walk from the parking lot and need a nonslippery boot that is good for walking and driving.

    Reply

    • You can drive with them, though I wouldn’t do it with the picks down. As long as you don’t lose the key like I have, it’s very easy to put the picks up and down. And yes, you can do it from standing as long as you have good balance and bending is easy for you 🙂

      Reply

  16. I really, really like the look of the Scozia boots and they keep your feet warm down to -30°C which is just right for the Prairies. Thanks so much for the chance to win fantastic boots. 🙂

    Reply

  17. I really, really like the look of the Scozia boots and they keep your feet warm down to -30°C which is just right for the Prairies. Thanks so much for the chance to win fantastic boots. 🙂

    Reply

  22. Wow. It’s so hard to choose. I love the Silvia.. but I also love the Marilyn. I have a thing for black boots – and LOVE that these are great on ice – I’ve slipped more than once this winter already!

    Reply

  23. Wow. It’s so hard to choose. I love the Silvia.. but I also love the Marilyn. I have a thing for black boots – and LOVE that these are great on ice – I’ve slipped more than once this winter already!

    Reply

  28. I love both the Zaide and the Pomona – especially in red. I live in Northern Ontario and I use those slip on ice grips for nearly 4 months of the year. I would love to trade them in for something that still works but is cute as well

    Reply

  29. I love both the Zaide and the Pomona – especially in red. I live in Northern Ontario and I use those slip on ice grips for nearly 4 months of the year. I would love to trade them in for something that still works but is cute as well

    Reply

      • Hi, would you be so kind to tell me if the size of the Olang Zaide runs smaller than usual? I found this information on one site and I don’t know if I should order mine in 38 or 39 european size. And are they on the narrow side, standard or larger? Many thanks

        Reply

        • Hm. I thought I ordered a 9 but will check when we get back from vacation for you whether they’re a 39 or 40. The style I have that laces up is nice and wide but I found the zip up version on the narrow side and couldn’t use the inserts.

          Reply

          • Thank you for the quick response, I have to order tomorrow, so I will choose the bigger size just to be safe 🙂
            Have a lovely vacation!

      • Hi, would you be so kind to tell me if the size of the Olang Zaide runs smaller than usual? I found this information on one site and I don’t know if I should order mine in 38 or 39 european size. And are they on the narrow side, standard or larger? Many thanks

        Reply

        • Hm. I thought I ordered a 9 but will check when we get back from vacation for you whether they’re a 39 or 40. The style I have that laces up is nice and wide but I found the zip up version on the narrow side and couldn’t use the inserts.

          Reply

          • Thank you for the quick response, I have to order tomorrow, so I will choose the bigger size just to be safe 🙂
            Have a lovely vacation!

  70. The style of Olang boots that I would choose is the Futura. I cannot risk falling and injuring my hips further so I greatly appreciate the stainless steel spikes. I also suffer from Raynauds and therefore the multilayer adjustment innersole made of 90% wool with insulating and reflective aluminium film sounds AMAZING to me!!

    Reply

  71. The style of Olang boots that I would choose is the Futura. I cannot risk falling and injuring my hips further so I greatly appreciate the stainless steel spikes. I also suffer from Raynauds and therefore the multilayer adjustment innersole made of 90% wool with insulating and reflective aluminium film sounds AMAZING to me!!

    Reply

  90. I Love those shoes!! I’ve never heard of them. Those are just perfect, just what i need. I’m usally the first to slip. I think I would choose the Magda style. oh i love those shoes.

    Reply

  91. I Love those shoes!! I’ve never heard of them. Those are just perfect, just what i need. I’m usally the first to slip. I think I would choose the Magda style. oh i love those shoes.

    Reply

  96. I love the Viva Bamboos and would wear them all winter in the slippery, cold snowbank of a city they call Winnipeg. LOL.

    Reply

  97. I love the Viva Bamboos and would wear them all winter in the slippery, cold snowbank of a city they call Winnipeg. LOL.

    Reply

  112. These would be perfect for me. I was diagnose with osteoporosis after a fall on ice last year that left me with 2 hair line fractures on my spine. I use ice cleats now and like you is put them on, take them off. These boots look and sound amazing!

    Reply

  113. These would be perfect for me. I was diagnose with osteoporosis after a fall on ice last year that left me with 2 hair line fractures on my spine. I use ice cleats now and like you is put them on, take them off. These boots look and sound amazing!

    Reply

  116. I would love a pair of bamboos! I have my mother a pair for Christmas a couple of years ago, and they’re great for icy days!

    Reply

  117. I would love a pair of bamboos! I have my mother a pair for Christmas a couple of years ago, and they’re great for icy days!

    Reply

  118. I am crazy for the Red Monica boots! Our street is a cul-de-sac with no sidewalks and it is always plowed last. Often it is practically a skating rink and too dangerous to take my dog for a walk. He’d pull me down in a heartbeat. I can’t get over how the ice grips just flip into place! So smart.

    Reply

  119. I am crazy for the Red Monica boots! Our street is a cul-de-sac with no sidewalks and it is always plowed last. Often it is practically a skating rink and too dangerous to take my dog for a walk. He’d pull me down in a heartbeat. I can’t get over how the ice grips just flip into place! So smart.

    Reply

  124. I am not familiar with this company but i love that theyre Canadian, Id rock the brown zaide or black fashion Cute and so great for Ontario winters

    Reply

  125. I am not familiar with this company but i love that theyre Canadian, Id rock the brown zaide or black fashion Cute and so great for Ontario winters

    Reply

  134. Thanks. They all look nice. I would choose a pair of SILVIA’s for myself, they look very warm with a nice tread.

    Reply

  135. Thanks. They all look nice. I would choose a pair of SILVIA’s for myself, they look very warm with a nice tread.

    Reply

  140. I love all the ladies boots however I got new boots this year and my hubs Needs a new pair …yesterday! would love to get him NEBRASKA they look comfy and great!

    Reply

  141. I love all the ladies boots however I got new boots this year and my hubs Needs a new pair …yesterday! would love to get him NEBRASKA they look comfy and great!

    Reply

  146. I think the Lucy boots and I could be best friends. And I live in Winnipeg, but that wouldn’t stop me from getting these boots. In fact it was above zero for a few days and now everything turned to ice. Walking is hazardous. Was just thinking today, I need better boots and here they are!

    Thanks for the review.

    Reply

  147. I think the Lucy boots and I could be best friends. And I live in Winnipeg, but that wouldn’t stop me from getting these boots. In fact it was above zero for a few days and now everything turned to ice. Walking is hazardous. Was just thinking today, I need better boots and here they are!

    Thanks for the review.

    Reply

  150. I want the Gottardo boots. I will up north and -30 weather will soon be coming. I have already fallen once this winter. Those boots would help 🙂

    Reply

  151. I want the Gottardo boots. I will up north and -30 weather will soon be coming. I have already fallen once this winter. Those boots would help 🙂

    Reply

  154. I love the Futura they are perfect for my walks and sledding with the grand kids thanks for the chance to win 😉

    Reply

  155. I love the Futura they are perfect for my walks and sledding with the grand kids thanks for the chance to win 😉

    Reply

  164. The Bamboo Black 250 defo looks So coooool hope they have them in wide 9/half to 10 size thanks for the chance #OLANGBOOTSCANADA

    Reply

  165. The Bamboo Black 250 defo looks So coooool hope they have them in wide 9/half to 10 size thanks for the chance #OLANGBOOTSCANADA

    Reply

  168. WOW – so many awesome boots to choose from.
    I need a very good sturdy SAFE boot as I just fractured my ankle before xmas and now am a bit scared of falling again.

    I would choose the SILVIA boot as I need a boot with a higher back to now keep my leg in stable condition for walking. It will still be awhile before I can walk but want to be prepared.

    thanks for the LOVELY chance to win @Mommygearest.com. ??

    Reply

  169. WOW – so many awesome boots to choose from.
    I need a very good sturdy SAFE boot as I just fractured my ankle before xmas and now am a bit scared of falling again.

    I would choose the SILVIA boot as I need a boot with a higher back to now keep my leg in stable condition for walking. It will still be awhile before I can walk but want to be prepared.

    thanks for the LOVELY chance to win @Mommygearest.com. ??

    Reply

  174. What a fabulous idea. I mean, I nearly wiped out on the sidewalk the other day. This would solve that problem. Hard to pick a favourite but I would go with the Nora or the Zaide.

    Reply

  175. What a fabulous idea. I mean, I nearly wiped out on the sidewalk the other day. This would solve that problem. Hard to pick a favourite but I would go with the Nora or the Zaide.

    Reply

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