My go-to for 40+ years have been my Sorel Caribou boots. Two pair total that have each gone 20 years or so. I need a new pair this year, but before I go for the simple replacement, I'm looking for suggestions.

I keep hearing that today's options are lighter weight and just as warm (some, at least). The options I'm offered in most outdoor stores today look more like high-top hiking shoes, not super warm winter boots. I love the Sorel's removable felt liner and I want the same traditional high top for the deep snow, but wouldn't complain if it was something not quite so heavy. I want a boot that can be used while running the snowblower and also while trekking in my traditional snowshoes. Can folks here steer me right?

Consider a pair of NEOS overshoes. You can wear them over a lighter boot or get a felt liner and wear like a pac boot. I've got the Navigators, but the Explorer would also work well for what you describe. My Navigators worked really well for me on a week long trip last spring. I see them on the feet of a lot of dog sled mushers. NEOS overshoes

Mukluks. In your location, where the winter's are cold and dry, Muks are a great solution. Warm because your foot and toes move inside and much lighter than boots.

Check out Steger's Muk's from Ely.