My son is heading off to college in another month to an area that'll get much snowier than it gets where we live. We're starting to buy all of the things he'll need to take with him, but one thing I have no clue on is who makes good winter boots.

Any good recommendations for something he can wear walking to campus? Preferably something that'll keep his feet warm when he's outside, but not turn into ovens when he's sitting in class after he gets there.

I always just wore my combat boots, but I'm sure there's much better stuff out there now.

Where are you going to find them to try on? Waterproof hikers should vet you between classes.

I was hoping somebody like 5.11 or Timberland made something. There are boot stores around that carry regular stuff, even in summer. I figure, if nothing else, we can see how a brand's sizes run.

I like my Sorel Caribou boots. You can wear them untied indoors to keep them from becoming ovens.

I found gore-tex, thinsulate, good socks and a set of gaiters can go a long way but everyone is different.
For me standing around on a work site on concrete or steel grate will make my feet go cold no matter what I have.

I don't have much experience but I do really like my Lowa Zephyrs, light weight comfortable to walk in and I believe they make a gortex version, I went non gortex