As a born-and-raised Montrealer and a self-professed fashionista, I‘ve had a long love affair with Pajar Canada. This homegrown brand has been my go-to for stylish, high-performance boots and outerwear since my university days trudging through slushy streets and braving blizzards. Nearly two decades later, Pajar is still the first place I turn when the temperatures start to dip and I want to bundle up without looking like a marshmallow.
Maybe you‘re already familiar with Pajar Canada, or maybe you‘re just discovering this iconic brand for the first time. Either way, I‘m here to give you my honest, unfiltered opinion on what makes Pajar so special, and why I think every Canadian (and really, anyone who deals with cold winters) should have at least one pair of Pajar boots in their closet.
What is Pajar Canada?
First, let‘s start with the basics. Pajar Canada is a Montreal-based company that has been designing and manufacturing premium winter boots, coats, and accessories since 1963. The brand was founded by Paul Golbert, a master shoemaker who honed his craft in France before immigrating to Canada and starting the business with his wife Odette.
Over the past six decades, Pajar has become synonymous with high-quality, fashionable winter wear that can stand up to the harshest conditions. While the company has expanded internationally and now sells its products in over 40 countries, Pajar remains proudly Canadian and family-owned to this day.
One of the things I admire most about Pajar is their commitment to craftsmanship and domestic manufacturing. While many brands have outsourced production to cut costs, Pajar continues to make the majority of its products by hand in their Montreal factory. This allows them to maintain strict quality control and support the local economy.
What Makes Pajar Canada Stand Out?
So what sets Pajar apart from other winter boot brands? In my opinion, it comes down to three key factors:
1. Unparalleled Performance
When it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry in sub-zero temperatures, Pajar is in a league of its own. The brand uses only the highest-quality materials and advanced technologies to create boots that laugh in the face of snow, slush, and polar vortexes.
Many Pajar boots are rated to withstand temperatures as low as -40°C (which, if you‘ve ever experienced a Montreal winter, you know is no joke). They achieve this through features like:
- Waterproof leather and suede uppers
- Seam-sealed construction to keep moisture out
- Thick, genuine shearling linings for insulation
- Feltpac and Comfortpac removable footbeds for added warmth
- Slip-resistant rubber outsoles for traction on ice and snow
I‘ve worn my Pajar boots in the worst winter conditions imaginable—we‘re talking knee-deep snow, freezing rain, and wind chills that make your face hurt—and my feet have always stayed toasty and dry. It‘s like wearing a little furnace on each foot!
2. Style Meets Substance
A lot of winter boots out there are either super cute but totally impractical, or warm but embarrassingly clunky. Pajar is one of the few brands that consistently nails the perfect balance between style and functionality.
Whether you‘re looking for a sleek, knee-high leather boot, a trendy lace-up hiker, or a classic duck boot, Pajar has you covered. They offer an impressive range of designs for both men and women, in neutral shades and eye-catching colors.
I especially love how Pajar incorporates luxe details and textiles into their boots. We‘re talking genuine fox fur trims, Italian leather uppers, Swarovski crystal embellishments—little touches that elevate the boots from utilitarian to fashion-forward.
The brand‘s attention to aesthetics extends to its outerwear as well. Pajar‘s parkas and puffers have a streamlined, fitted silhouette that‘s far more flattering than the Michelin Man-esque styles you often see. And don‘t even get me started on their adorable matching dog coats!
3. Accessible Luxury
Let‘s be real: Pajar Canada‘s boots and coats are an investment. You‘re not going to find a pair of these bad boys in the clearance bin at Walmart.
However, when you compare Pajar‘s prices to other high-end winter wear brands, they‘re actually quite reasonable. A pair of Pajar boots will typically run you between $200 to $500, depending on the style and materials. When you consider that these boots will last you for years (my oldest Pajar boots are going on 8 winters now and are still going strong), it‘s a smart investment.
Plus, Pajar frequently runs promotions and seasonal sales that make their products even more accessible. Right now, for example, they‘re offering 15% off your first purchase when you sign up for their email newsletter. They also have a dedicated Sale section on their website where you can score past-season styles for up to 50% off.
If you‘re not ready to commit to a pair of boots just yet, I highly recommend starting with one of Pajar‘s men‘s or women‘s parkas. They‘re a bit more affordable than the boots (prices start around $300) and will give you a taste of the brand‘s quality and performance.
How Pajar Canada Compares to Other Brands
Of course, Pajar Canada isn‘t the only player in the premium winter wear game. So how does the brand stack up against some of its main competitors? Let‘s take a look:
| Brand | Price Range | Avg. Customer Rating* | Made In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pajar Canada | $200 – $500 | 4.6 / 5 | Canada |
| Sorel | $100 – $300 | 4.2 / 5 | China, Vietnam |
| UGG | $150 – $400 | 4.0 / 5 | China, Vietnam |
| Canada Goose | $500 – $1500 | 4.8 / 5 | Canada |
| The North Face | $100 – $400 | 4.4 / 5 | China, Vietnam, Bangladesh |
*Based on reviews from brand websites and major retailers
As you can see, Pajar Canada falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of price, but stands out for its high customer satisfaction ratings and made-in-Canada construction. While brands like Canada Goose may have a slight edge in terms of performance (and a much higher price tag to match), Pajar offers comparable quality at a more accessible price point.
The Bottom Line
If you‘re looking for winter boots or outerwear that will keep you warm, dry, and stylish through even the harshest conditions, Pajar Canada is a brand you can count on. With almost 60 years of experience designing gear for unpredictable Canadian winters, they‘ve perfected the art of marrying fashion and function.
Yes, Pajar‘s products are an investment. But in my experience, they‘re an investment that pays off in spades. I‘ve owned countless pairs of Pajar boots and coats over the years, and they‘ve never let me down. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and performance are unparalleled.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Pajar Canada has legions of devoted fans who swear by the brand‘s quality and style. Just take a peek at some of these rave reviews:
"I‘ve been wearing Pajar boots for over a decade now and I can‘t imagine buying any other brand. They keep my feet so warm and dry, even when I‘m shoveling snow for hours. And they‘re so cute too! I get compliments on them all the time." – Jennifer L., Montreal
"I bought my first pair of Pajar boots last winter and I was blown away by how well they held up. I walk to work every day, so I need boots that can handle a lot of wear and tear. My Pajars still look brand new after a whole season of heavy use. Worth every penny." – Mark R., Toronto
"I love how Pajar incorporates real fur and shearling into their designs. It‘s not just for looks—it actually makes a huge difference in terms of warmth. I used to dread going outside in the winter, but now I look forward to it because I know my Pajar coat will keep me toasty." – Sarah P., New York City
In sum, if you‘re ready to invest in winter gear that will last you for years to come, Pajar Canada should be at the top of your list. Trust me—your feet (and your fashion sense) will thank you.
