A good pair of winter boots will take you through the cold and dreary months. There is a reason people should choose boots that are made for winter, and being aware of these reasons is crucial before you go shopping for a pair of boots to wear during the cold season.
Shopping for boots is not an easy task, no matter the time of year, but it can be especially difficult in winter. The change in temperature and weather can dramatically change the type of boot you need to wear. The following are seven reasons you should consider the perfect pair of winter boots to be an essential addition to your wardrobe.
Foot Stability
Stability is a vital reason you need a good pair of winter boots. During the winter, you are going to come across many different slippery surfaces, including those covered with rain, snow, and ice. No one wants to fall and become hurt because of a slippery patch. Choosing a winter boot with a very rugged outsole is crucial. If there is not enough traction, you are going to be slipping and sliding all winter long and this could lead to serious injuries. Avoid slip accidents with the right winter boot.
Foot Warmth
Absolutely crucial when it comes to choosing a winter boot. The inner materials are vital for insulating your foot against the chill of winter. Depending on what part of the world you live in, the winter can wreak havoc on the temperature and cause it to drop deadly low. When temperatures drop really low, you may find your toes take a beating. Frostbite can happen if you wear non-winter boots during cold extremes because they cannot offer the right level of protection. The right winter boots should have a thick insole that is preferably removable. Fur-lined boots are a welcome addition to any winter wardrobe because of their superior way of holding in heat.
Foot Dryness
Keeping your feet dry needs to be an important consideration when you are choosing winter boots. Some winters are wetter than others and wet feet during the winter is a big no-no! If your feet become wet, you can get trench foot which is a serious foot condition that can cause blisters and eventual foot tissue death. Keeping your feet dry depends on a solid waterproof outer membrane. Without this membrane in place, water from ice and snow can seep into your boots and cause your feet to remain wet until you take your boots off. Trench foot is a condition you do not want to have to deal with so it is important to choose a boot that offers superior water protection.
Foot Comfort
Comfort is something most boot wearers darn well realize is extremely important. Not only will the wrong boots cause you pain in the feet, but they can also cause pain and fatigue in your legs and back. Arch support is essential for ensuring your comfort. If you are flat-footed, purchasing an orthotic will help to support your fallen arch and add comfort to your boot. It is wise to try the boots on to make sure they offer ample arch support before purchasing. Everyone has a different arch so purchasing a custom orthotic may be advised if the boot you like is not offering the ideal level of arch comfort and support.
Foot Style
Style is certainly a good reason for choosing a winter boot. You want to look attractive all winter long and there are now more style options than ever before. You know your personal style and it is wise to research the latest winter boot styles that are available so you can choose one that goes with your current wardrobe. Just because your feet need extra protection during winter does not mean you have to skimp on style. Your boots should look just as good as they feel.
Foot Protection
Protection is another reason people wear special boots during the winter months. Not only do you need extra protection from the elements, but you also need to keep your foot in a healthy position. To ensure you do not hyperflex your foot or cause a sprain, the right level of boot strength is needed. It is wise to choose a boot that offers ample ankle support and sidewall protection so your foot does not roll over and cause a painful injury. Reading reviews is an excellent way to learn as much as possible about your options so you can make the best choice.
Foot Control
Foot control is more important than most people realize. If you are wearing the wrong boots, you could find yourself out of control with your feet. Although you should always practice a careful step pattern during slippery conditions in winter, your boot choice has a lot to do with how much control you have. One of the most common reasons people slip and lose control of their footing is because they are wearing the wrong type of boot for winter conditions.
What Should You Look for in a Winter Boot?
There are a few things you need to consider and some of these have been lightly addressed above. One of the first things you should do is properly measure your foot so you know your size. When it comes to boot sizes, getting the right ankle and calf width is essential for both comfort and stability.
If your boots are too tight, they will cut off your circulation and this could be dangerous. If they are too loose, your foot and ankle will not have the right level of support and you could end up with a rollover injury that causes serious damages. Once you know your proper size, consider the following before making a winter boot purchase. We’ve reviewed a great number of good ones right here on Boot Bomb. You can check out The Outdoor Time for another few nice recommendations.
- What is the boot made of? Leather is one of the most rugged natural materials while there is a range of manmade materials that offer much the same level of ruggedness. Knowing what the boots are made of and how this material stands up to the cold and wet is important.
- Is the boot insulated? If the boot is lacking insulation, you are not going to be able to stay warm, especially if you go camping or hiking during below-freezing temperatures. Insulated boots typically have one solid inner construction without a liner that is removable.
- Is the boot durable? The construction of the boot is just as important as the materials. If the construction is substandard, the boot will not even last a single winter. The stitching and adherence are both important for how well the winter boot will hold up during the winter months.
- How is the outer sole? Check the ruggedness of the sole to ensure it will be able to stand up to all of winter’s harsh terrain, including snow, ice, and rain. A rugged rubber outsole should allow you to walk on all types of slippery terrains without losing your footing and falling.
Snow Boots Vs. Winter Boots – What Is the Difference?
While these boot type titles are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some key differences. When purchasing winter boots, you need to know the difference so you can make the right choice for your needs.
One of the prime differences between the two is waterproofing. Snow boots are almost always waterproof while winter boots may or may not be protected. Winter boots, at the very least, should be water-resistant.
Another key difference is the outer sole. Snow boots need an aggressive level of ruggedness to be able to walk through the snow. If you are truly going to be using the boots to hike through snow, choose snow boots over winter boots. This goes for both men and women.
When purchasing boots for winter, considering all the options is vital for the best purchase. You should never purchase on brand alone, but should research the different types to determine which will offer you the highest level of protection, comfort, and stability for the entire winter.
Conclusion
No matter what part of the world you live in, winters are not always kind. Having the right foot protection is a must, whether you are trekking across a frozen parking lot or an unknown terrain.
Choosing the right winter boots involves careful research, trying on different types, and making an informed decision. The choice you make could be dire to your health and protection against injuries caused by slipping and falling.
The right pair of boots will cradle your foot in comfort and protection. The perfect pair of winter boots are meant to ensure you will be able to walk confidently on all types of winter terrain, including sidewalks and pavement areas that are icy in the winter.
A good pair of winter boots are going to cost you up to $400, but when you make the right choice, it will be worth the price. The right boots will provide you with protection for more than one winter.
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