Fubuki Niseko 3.0 Low Snow & Rain Boot

The Fubuki Niseko 3.0 Low Snow & Rain Boot is an ankle-height unisex winter boot rated to -30 °C / -22 °F under ISO 20877:2011. It has a waterproof EVA shell, a wool-blend lining, a cleated rubber sole and a drawcord collar. Sizes EU 35 to 46 fit large, so if you are between sizes, take the smaller.

What it is

The short version of Fubuki's Niseko, cut to just above the ankle: an EVA shell, ABS composite toe cap, wool and polyester lining and rubber sole, with a polyester collar and drawcord at the top. The Niseko design comes from the work boots of northern Japanese fishing and road crews, and Fubuki itself began in Niseko, Japan, founded by two Swedes. The 3.0 Low is the current model, updated from the Niseko 2.0 Low.

Who it's for

People who want proper winter warmth without a tall boot to wrestle with. Slip them on to duck out of the lodge for coffee in Thredbo village, wander Hokkaido's snowy streets between ski days, walk the dog on a frosty Ballarat morning or splash through a wet Hobart winter. They are made for life around the snow, not on the skis, and they suit winter walks on snowy paths more than technical trails. When the snow is deep, or you will be standing in it all day, the high-cut Niseko 3.0 is the better pick.

Key details

• Warmth: rated to -30 °C / -22 °F under ISO 20877:2011. Normal socks are often enough; thicker socks for a bitter day.
• Waterproofing: waterproof EVA shell, with a polyester collar and drawcord at the top.
• Grip: cleated synthetic rubber sole for traction on wet, icy and snowy ground, and a shock-absorbing heel. Black ice still calls for care in any boot.
• Insole: two-layer, removable, in every pair.
• Toe cap: ABS composite, not steel.
• Height: 15.3 cm at EU 35, 19.4 cm at EU 41 and 23.3 cm at EU 46.
• Colours: black, yellow, olive, sand, pink, red and white.

Getting the size right

The 3.0 Low is roomy by design, leaving space for warm socks and air that helps hold warmth. Between two sizes, go down. Measure heel to longest toe and match it to Fubuki's foot lengths:

• EU 35: foot 22.5 cm, boot inside 23.3 cm
• EU 36: foot 23.2 cm, inside 24.0 cm
• EU 37: foot 23.8 cm, inside 24.6 cm
• EU 38: foot 24.5 cm, inside 25.3 cm
• EU 39: foot 25.2 cm, inside 26.0 cm
• EU 40: foot 25.8 cm, inside 26.6 cm
• EU 41: foot 26.5 cm, inside 27.3 cm
• EU 42: foot 27.2 cm, inside 28.0 cm
• EU 43: foot 27.8 cm, inside 28.6 cm
• EU 44: foot 28.5 cm, inside 29.3 cm
• EU 45: foot 29.2 cm, inside 30.0 cm
• EU 46: foot 29.8 cm, inside 30.6 cm

That little squeak

Boots made this way can creak or squeak slightly underfoot. It comes from the EVA shell rubbing the ABS toe cap, it is entirely normal and it has no effect on the boots' performance, durability or appearance.

How it compares

We carry the Niseko 3.0 in two heights. The Low stands about 19 cm at EU 41 against roughly 36 cm for the high cut, and both carry the same -30 °C rating. Fubuki's warmest boot is the high cut, thanks to the taller shaft, so pick that one for deep snow and long days standing out in it.

Looking after it

Clean the outside with a soft sponge, a little mild soap and water, and wipe the lining with a damp towel. Air-dry at room temperature for a day or two and never put them near a heater, open fire, drying cabinet or a sunny window. Hand clean only, no washing machine. Store them cool, dry and out of the sun over summer.