Buying winter boots might seem like a no-brainer to some, but others want to make sure that they spend their money on a high-quality style that never lets them down. Here is your ultimate guide to buying winter boots that are both stylish and functional.
1 – Style
No boot in the world is going to suit your needs (or even make its way out of your closet) if you don’t like the way it looks. No matter how nice the price tag or the number of warm, protective features a boot offers, if it isn’t stylish, then it isn’t worth your money. The good news is that there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of options. Try narrowing down your selection by finding the features that you want most (warmth, comfort, waterproof, etc.) and then considering the aesthetic appeal.
2 – Warmth
Winter boots should keep your feet warm at all times. After all, if your feet are cold, the rest of your body soon follows. In most cases, you will want to pay close attention to the lining material in the boots. Materials like acrylic, wool, and even polypropylene act as insulation to trap your body heat and keep the cold from getting in. Boots with Thinsulate protection are also a great choice when you do not want a boot with a lot of lining.
3 – Comfort
Comfort is always important, whether you are buying boots to wear to the office or you need a good pair of warm work boots for outdoor tasks. Look for a boot that supports the arch of your foot and offers a good lacing system so you can customize the fit. Be especially careful with boots that you simply pull on rather than lace up; these offer beautiful style, but they may lack a little in terms of comfort.
4 – Waterproofing
Waterproofing is a necessity for anyone who works outside in the winter, but even if you do not, you want a boot that will keep the slushy snow from soaking your feet. If you need protection from snow, ice, sleet, and rain, look for a boot with a gusseted tongue and a cuff that keeps snow from entering. If you work outside, consider looking for a winter boot with a gaiter that extends up your calf (sometimes to the knee) to block even more wetness and give you more warmth.
5 – Traction
One of the biggest things to consider in your boot purchase is the traction. Oftentimes, beautiful dress boots offer little to no protection from slips and falls. You need to pay attention to the size of the lugs on the soles of the boot. The larger and deeper the lugs, the better traction you’ll get. What’s more, although many manufacturers make the soles out of rubber, remember that not all rubber is the same. Some tends to harden in cold temperatures, especially rubber mixed with carbon, causing slickness on ice.
There is certainly a lot that goes into buying winter boots, but as long as you understand the different features they offer, you can make educated decisions based on your unique needs. Someone who works outside in the cold needs much different boots than someone who walks from a car or cab into an office each day, but warmth, waterproofing, and comfort are always important factors.
