Winter boots Sorel Conquest

For the past 5 years I have worn Sorel Conquest 2 boots in winter. These are not hiking shoes, but rather hunting or fishing shoes.
The sole is soft, flexible, without a steel insert. That's why I like them. Walking long distances is much more comfortable than in rigid classic hiking boots. Natural walking is also helped by the good shape of the sole (boat-shaped). The foot seems to roll from heel to toe.

The tongue of the boot is integral with the shaft. On the one hand, this protects from snow and water. On the other hand, it is quite difficult to get a foot in a double sock into the boot. There's plenty of room inside - it’s just hard for the foot to slip past the bend of the boot. And if your boots freeze solid and ice over overnight, you won’t be able to put them on without thawing them first.

The boots are warm because they are insulated inside with 400g Thinsulate™ Ultra insulation. This, admittedly, doesn’t do away with the need for thick socks. There is also a drawback to the insulation - it takes longer to dry than a “bare” boot with a leather lining.

Thanks to the thick sole, the boot does not freeze from the ground. The high rubber shell (galosh) protects perfectly against water, wet snow and salt. That's why I often wear these boots in the city when the sidewalks are covered with salty slush.

At the same time, the rubber shell does not interfere with flexing the foot. It is different when rubber covers the entire toe box of the boot (some Columbia and Sorel models), right up to the instep. That much rubber impairs the breathability of the boot and pushes the lacing up, which is bad.
My Sorel Conquest boots have loops at the top of the lacing, which is not comfortable. It is much faster to lace when the top of the lacing is made with hooks. Apparently the manufacturer took this into account and new Sorel Conquest models are produced with hooks. This, by the way, allows you to make the laces shorter (mine are more than 2 meters long).

At the top of the boot shaft there is a small skirt with an elastic drawcord. It is designed to protect against snow. To be honest, I don’t use it, because in the city I wear pants over the boot shafts, and on hikes I use homemade gaiters. If you do decide to tighten this elastic, do not overdo it - this can impede blood circulation and lead to cold feet.

I use the strap at the back of the boot very actively. It helps to securely fix the heel in the boot.
There is no welt for automatic crampons. I use Lucky Vaude strap-on crampons; previously I used Soviet crampons made for the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions (AUCCTU).

Summary

Once again I want to note that Sorel Conquest boots are not hiking boots. They are not intended for extreme hikes, but for active recreation. What's the difference? Hiking is a continuous stay in difficult conditions for a long time, where there is no way to dry your shoes, and you have to defrost them in the morning with your own feet. For hiking shoes, reliability is key. Everyday shoes are made for only a short stay in difficult conditions (1 day), which is always followed by a warm overnight stay, drying and airing.

Despite their many shortcomings, I really like Sorel boots, and they cope well with the tasks assigned to them.
I wear them with pleasure both in the city and on hikes.