Kamik Ariel Lo and Rogue Hike 3 Review

Carol McPherson is an Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @cj_mcpherson.

A member of SmarterTravel since 2019, Carol is an eco-friendly travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring historical sites and trying new things (especially new foods!) She’s lived in Boston and Rome, and hopes to call more cities home in the future.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: “Noise cancelling headphones. I can handle a flight of any length if I have my headphones and a good podcast.”

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Hiking trip in New Zealand."

Travel Motto: “You never know until you try!”

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: “Aisle for long-haul flights, window for short. Does anyone pick middle?”

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The days may be getting longer, but anyone living in a cold climate knows that winter weather is just getting started. Whether catching the train or hitting the trails, travelers need a reliable pair of shoes to protect their feet from the mud and snow. Seeking an end to the horror of wet socks, I put two styles from Kamik’s 2022 fall and winter collection, the Ariel Lo and the Kamik Rogue Hike 3, to the test against the worst conditions the season has to offer.

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What is Kamik?

Kamik, a Canadian-based company, has been turning out cold-weather footwear since 1898. They focus on creating winter boots and shoes built to last with an emphasis on sustainable production, from their recycled plastic shoe liners to their old boot upcycling program (just check their list to see if your product qualifies for recycling!)

What Makes Kamik’s 2022 Fall/Winter Collection Different?

No longer does the morning commuter or winter hiker have to choose between style and function. The designs featured in Kamik’s new line will fit any wardrobe and offer the weather resistance and durability needed to brave the elements.

How Do the Ariel Lo and Kamik Rogue Hike 3 Boots Measure Up?

Comparison At A Glance

	Ariel Lo	Rogue Hike 3
Color Options	4	3
Height	6.75 inches	6 inches
Weight	1.9 lbs/pair	2.21 lbs/pair
Closure	Lace-Up and Zipper	Lace-Up and Zipper
Waterproof?	Yes	Yes

Comfort and Fit: 9/10

These shoes need to be broken in, so don’t be disappointed if the fit isn’t perfect at first. After about two weeks of wear, both pairs fit like a dream.

I typically fit into a size 7.5 or 8 depending on the brand. The size 8 Ariel Lo boots were a little large on me, but the Rogue Hike 3s fit well. If you plan to wear thick insulated socks, you may appreciate the extra wiggle room.

Both styles offer ankle support without restricting movement and the combination of zippers and laces makes the fit easily adjustable.

Durability and Performance

There’s no doubt that I will be wearing these boots years down the line. The quality is obvious straight from the box, with thick durable laces, rubber soles with strong grip, and solid construction.

Ariel Lo: 9/10

The Ariel Lo boots carried me through hours of commuting around the drizzly streets of Boston and multiple airport connections. However, I wouldn’t recommend these for uneven terrain or more strenuous activities due to the slight heel.

Kamik Rogue Hike 3: 10/10

Three images from left to right: a person rappelling down a cliff, a top down shot of the Kamik Rogue Hike 3 boots in mud, and a top down shot of the Kamik Rogue Hike 3 boots in water — Carol McPherson

These boots will last you through anything. I took them through thick mud and shallow streams on a winter hike, scrambling over boulders, rappelling 70ft down into a ravine, and— maybe worst of all—Christmas shopping at a busy mall. I tried everything to get these shoes to crack and they withstood it all.

Style: 10/10

The Ariel Los win when it comes to versatility. They look like any other fashionable boot, not like the hardcore water-resistant gear they are. Their clean design makes them easy to style with a business casual outfit, which means you no longer have to swap your winter boots to work shoes when you reach the office after a snowy commute.

The Rogue Hike 3s win when it comes to compliments. I have never had so many people stop me to ask where I got my shoes. Their classic rugged design is perfect to pair with activewear and cozy seasonal outfits.

Cost: 8/10

At over $100 per pair, these are not budget shoes. However, the price point is comparable to similar boots on the market from popular brands like L.L. Bean and Keen, and the high-quality construction guarantees years of return on investment.

	Pros	Cons	Best For…
Rogue Hike 3	Sturdy toe Warm fleece lining Durable	Squeaky on indoor floors Harder to style for everyday wear	Hiking, gardening
Ariel Lo	Easily styled for work or commute Warm Durable	Not suited for very rough terrain/hiking	Wet weather commutes

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