Wolverine ShiftPlus Polar Range BOA Review
During late winter and early spring of 2020, I tested the Wolverine ShiftPlus Polar Range BOA, wearing the boots for hundreds of hours over the course of 30+ hikes. From solo missions to family-friendly hikes, I took them out in all types of weather conditions (snow, slush, downpours, cold, warm) and on every type of terrain (cruiser trails, steep rocky singletrack, slick third-class slabs, and wet, mucky swamps). Here are my impressions of a boot that both Backpacker Magazine and Outside Magazine ranked among the best winter hikers for Winter 2020-2021.
The ShiftPlus is the perfect boot for moderate winter hikes and snowshoe outings. Waterproof and breathable, with 600 grams of Primaloft Gold Aerogel insulation, the Shift offers plenty of warmth for even the coldest days. It doubles as an outstanding choice for commuting to the ski slope (or work) on snowy and slushy days. Depending on your temperature tolerance, the boot is great until the temperatures warm into the mid-50s (at which point they get a little warm) or drop into the teens (which was the lowest the temps got during my testing period).
Between the cushy lining, padded-yet-firm footbed, and low-density midsole, these boots were super-comfortable right out of the box, staying that way during the hundreds of miles I’ve hiked in them so far. They have a sneaker-like fit and require no break-in. The sizing seemed true.
If you intend to use these boots on something harder than cruiser winter trails, you’ll likely max them out quickly. Last March, for example, I decided to hike up the steepest trail that still had snow at the local ski slope. Because the toe of the boots is so soft and sneaker-like, it was difficult to kick steps in the hardpack and I had to convert to French technique pretty quickly. Similarly, in April I found that the thick, high soles made them “feel” a little sketchy as I descended a wet, chimney-like feature on a rocky descent of one of my favorite Blue Hill hiking trails. (The traction of the ShiftPlus, however, is quite good on moderate terrain.)
The BOA lacing system is awesome for on-trail adjustment, but I found it finicky when trying to get the boot on and off my foot at home. My issue was getting the BOA lace to release easily, although I did eventually figure out that pulling harder would prompt it to release.
The waterproofing on the ShiftPlus was excellent. I walked through numerous puddles and streams during the testing period and my feet never got wet. However, you do have to be cautious about water and snow sneaking in the boot top. During a few heavy downpours, it seemed that rain coming down my pants had a tendency to sneak in the boot this way, no matter the countermeasures I attempted.
The ShiftPlus is going to continue to have a place in my winter footwear arsenal. And the next time I show up in them, I know that Tim Peck is going to be super-jealous. Check them out.
Review by Doug Martland
