Fubuki Niseko 3.0 Snow & Rain Boot

The Fubuki Niseko 3.0 Snow & Rain Boot is a high-cut unisex winter boot rated to -30 °C / -22 °F under ISO 20877:2011. A waterproof EVA shell, wool-blend lining and cleated rubber sole keep feet warm and dry in snow, slush and cold rain, and a drawcord collar sits at the top. Sizes EU 35 to 46 come up large, so between sizes, take the smaller.

What it is

A tall pull-on snow boot, built from an EVA shell with an ABS composite toe cap, lined with a wool and polyester blend and finished with a polyester collar and drawcord. Fubuki was conceived in Niseko, Japan, and founded by two Swedes, and the Niseko takes its shape from the boots worn by northern Japanese fishing and road crews. The 3.0 is the current version, an update of the Niseko 2.0.

Who it's for

Anyone heading somewhere properly cold: a ski week in Hokkaido, a winter in Niseko itself, a Lapland or northern Europe trip, or a season in Thredbo, Perisher, Falls Creek or Mt Buller. They are the boots for the walk from the lodge to the lifts, après in the village, clearing snow off the chalet steps and a snowy evening stroll for dinner. Back home they handle a wet Melbourne or Hobart winter just as well, because a waterproof shell does not care whether the water fell as snow or rain. For winter walks and snowy trails they are a pleasure; for technical hiking, mountaineering or skiing itself, you want boots made for that job.

Key details

• Warmth: rated to -30 °C / -22 °F under ISO 20877:2011. Ordinary socks are often enough; add thicker ones for an extra-cold day.
• Waterproofing: waterproof EVA shell, with a polyester collar and drawcord at the top.
• Grip: a cleated synthetic rubber sole for traction on wet, icy and snowy ground, plus a shock-absorbing heel. On black ice, take care as you would in any boot.
• Insole: a two-layer removable insole in every pair.
• Toe cap: ABS composite, not steel.
• Height: 32.3 cm at EU 35, 36.4 cm at EU 41 and 40.3 cm at EU 46.
• Opening: entrance circumference from 44.8 cm (EU 35) to 52.8 cm (EU 46).

Sizing

The Niseko 3.0 fits large, with room for warm socks and a layer of air that helps keep your feet warm. If you sit between two sizes, take the smaller. Measure your foot from heel to longest toe and match it to Fubuki's foot length:

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

A word on the squeak

Like many boots built this way, the Niseko can squeak or creak a little as you walk. It is the EVA shell rubbing against the ABS toe cap. It is normal, it is not a defect, and it makes no difference to how the boot performs or how long it lasts.

How it compares

We stock the Niseko 3.0 in two heights. This high cut comes up around 36 cm at EU 41 and is the warmest boot in the Fubuki range, so it is the one for deep snow, long cold days and northern-hemisphere winters. The Niseko 3.0 Low shares the same -30 °C rating at about 19 cm tall at EU 41, a lower cut for town, resort villages and wet winters at home.

Looking after it

Wipe the shell with a soft sponge, mild soap and water, and the lining with a damp towel. Let the boots dry at room temperature, which can take a day or two, and keep them away from heaters, fires, drying cabinets and hot sunny windows. Do not machine wash them. Over summer, store them somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sun.