I bought a pair of Columbia boots at the outlet mall and they are the best I have ever owned. Going on 10 years now. I wear them snowmobiling in the U.P. and the windchill there is 40 below zero F some days.

I have had the same Columbia winter gear for 20+ years. Has held up better than a Land's End coat, but since that had a lifetime warranty I took it back to the store and got a broken zipper replaced. I have also heard good things about L.L. Bean, but I am not sure what you have access to.