How to Choose the Perfect Winter Boots
There’s a reason why keeping your head, hands, and feet warm during wintertime is so important. If just one of these body parts gets cold, the rest of the body struggles to regulate. Don’t let this be so!
Of course, here at Zappos, we emphasize footwear and shoe care to ensure your best winter season yet. The good news? Our comprehensive winter boots guide is chock-full of ways to keep your feet warm and stylish this winter.
Whether you’re ready to hit the slopes, have a formal work event, or just need weather-proof wear without the tear, we’ve got you covered.
Here, we’ll cover the following topics:
- Types of winter boots
- Insulation options
- Gauging winter boot warmth
- Boot heights and tractions
- Waterproofing winter boots
- Winter boot fitting and sizes
Let’s jump in.
Types of Winter Boots
It’s easy to hear “winter boots” and think, snow, but there are multiple other uses for boots beyond braving winter storms. Winter boots are beneficial for the following reasons. They’re:
- Warm
- Waterproof (or water-resistant)
- Versatile for outdoor sports
- Fashionable for work, social events, or gatherings
Whether you’re wearing winter boots for function, fashion, or both, there are three main applications for them:
1. Casual outings
2. Work
3. Hiking
As you shop, keep the intention for your boots in mind, as that will inform your purchase. Here’s a breakdown on various types of winter boots for both men and women depending on their application.
1. Men’s Winter Boots for Casual Outings
Whether you’re off for date night or have to host a laid-back networking event, no one should have to compromise fashion for function.
Equip yourself with an Atlas Cap ankle boot or a Magnus casual leather sneaker boot. Then, once the weather does what weather does, you can refer to our comprehensive guides on how to clean your shoes.
Like other shoe styles, your winter boots style will depend on two things: weather and wardrobe. In this case, let the weather inform the wardrobe so you’re not scrambling for shoes that make you feel overdressed or underdressed.
You’ll know the right call to make, whether that means going for some polished ankle boots, Tundra boots, or waterproof boots instead. (More on waterproofing later!)
2. Men’s Winter Work Boots
The main difference between casual winter boots and winter work boots is that work boots are mostly worn inside (with the former worn both inside and outside).
Our advice? Go with a slick SUPERLAMB, warm Kamik, or some versatile black Bogs. Of course, your fashion preferences will vary based on personality as well as profession.
3. Men’s Winter Hiking Boots
Ready to scale a snow-capped mountain? Or do you just want to take the kids out sledding without the dreaded sopping wet return?
Note that hiking boots are usually lower in height than the boots you’ll need to trudge through heavy snow. Consider the terrain you’ll be traversing before letting your fashion sense decide.
Depending on your mission, we recommend a heavy duty Baffin, outdoor adidas outdoor Adidas, or the trusty Hunter boot.
4. Women’s Winter Boots for Casual Outings
If you’re looking for casual but presentable, we’ve got you covered.
Casual is that Goldilocks happy medium—not too fancy, not too informal—adaptable and comfy. For this purpose, how about some tall-laced leather Bogs, a lower height KEEN, or a stylish, checkered Baffin?
5. Women’s Winter Work Boots
You know the saying, You never get a second chance to make a first impression? It’s true that every day is a new chance to begin again, but it’s hard to come back from frigid, wet feet day one on the job.
Instead, gear up with the savvy SOREL, suave black Blundstone, or mid Kamik. Note that you can find diverse colors and styles of any brand in the vast selection on Zappos!
6. Women’s Winter Hiking Boots
We understand that just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your corner of the world has harsh or heavy snow. Whether you’ve got a wet, dry, or somewhere-in-between winter season, there’s an in-style winter boot for it—we promise!
Check out a solid pair of Oboz, the old faithful Merrell, or suede Colombia to help you trek through whatever comes your way.
Insulation Options
Not all winter boots guarantee the same levels of warmth. Here’s what to know about insulation types.
Look for the following insulators when buying your next set of winter boots:
- Thinsulate
- Sherling
- Wool
- Zylex
- Primaloft
- Aerogel
- Wool
Note that the numbers below don’t indicate weight, but thickness of insulation. From lowest to highest, here are the types of insulation you’ll find in winter boots and when to use them:
- 100g: 40-50 degrees; low-risk movement for errands, getting to and from, and being outside for short periods of time.
- 200g: 30-40 degrees; lightweight and great for sledding outdoors or walking on flat terrain.
- 400g: 15-30 degrees; snowy and wet hiking conditions.
- 600g: Up to 10 degrees; long periods of time outdoors or backpacking.
- 800g: Negative temperatures; extreme weather for outdoor mountaineers and rough terrain.
- 1200g: Negative temperatures; for activities like ice fishing, hunting, and outdoor workers spending extended periods of time in sub-zero weather.
As it pertains to the previous applications—casual, work, and hiking—the first two applications will likely fall between 100g-400g. If you experience harsher winter conditions more frequently, you’re likely suited for 400g and up.
Gauging Winter Boot Warmth
The previous insulation types will help you gauge boot warmth. It’s safe to say the less insulation, the less warm they’ll be. Of course, your need for warmth will always depend on the use of the boots.
The level of warmth isn’t as measurable as the insulation, as it also depends on sock type, activity type, and body circulation. You’ll notice some winter boots come with sheepskin or wool for extra warmth, like these Colombia or Bogs boots.
For warmth, refer to the above insulation guide. However, consider sock type and other precautions regardless of boot grade. Warm boots don’t always mean thin socks. Still gear up as you otherwise would to ensure being safe, not sorry.
Boot Heights and Tractions
When choosing in-style winter boots, there are multiple heights and tractions to consider. Let’s start with height.
Boot Heights
1. Low height: 6-7 inches for hiking or social events
Peep these Helly Hansen, Easy Spirit, or Easy Spirits, or The North Face.
2. Medium height: Up to 10 inches to better block snow and ice
Try out these Wolverine Heritage, UGG, or Kamik.
3. Max height: 11-15 inches for fashion purposes or hard-core adventuring
Check out these tall SOREL, L.L. Bean, or Hunter (sherpa style).
Remember that each brand offers multiple types of shoes and heights, so the possibilities are endless! Simply use Zappos’ search and filter features to narrow down keywords, such as Winter boots tall height women.
As an aside, you never want to overheat when you’re outdoors, even in cool temps. Sweating leads to freezing, so you may not always want the max height option.
Similarly, there are taller boots that aren’t warm but are super fashionable. Those work well depending, again, on wardrobe and weather.
Before, we mentioned that the thicker the insulation, the warmer the boot. Here, it is not necessarily true that the taller the boot, the warmer it is. It’s also not true that the taller the boot, the better the traction. Speaking of traction…
Boot Tractions
Traction is non-negotiable when using winter boots for hiking to prevent injury and ensure safety. The biggest rule of thumb is knowing that casual, fashionable winter boots have the least traction, whereas hiking boots will have the most.
Going back to the insulation guide above, you can trust that hiking boots will have the appropriate amount of traction for their use. In other words, standard hiking boots will have standard traction and the heavier duty winter boots (to ice fish, for example) will have the most amount of traction.
When sporting high fashion winter boots—like Stuart Weitzman—just know you’ll want to be extra mindful of slippery spaces.
Waterproofing Winter Boots
First thing’s first. When waterproofing your boots, know there’s a difference between waterproof and water-resistant.
Simply, waterproof ensures you can submerge your feet in yuck and muck for long periods without concern. That’s what they’re meant for!
Water-resistant boots are best for short-term splashes and mist, but they’ll eventually seep if drenched.
Generally, waterproof winter boots will be a bit stiffer than water-resistant ones, so choose accordingly. Waterproof boots are a bit less breathable, too, so that you can fend off whatever weather gets thrown your way.
1. Remove Dried Debris
Take a microfiber cloth or shoe brush to wipe away dried debris. A clean toothbrush will always do the trick, too.
2. Soap and Water Solution
If you have dirt caked on, you can either soak your boots (if they’re waterproof in nature), or prepare a soap and water solution. You can use a dab of dish soap or laundry detergent for ease.
3. Let Dry
Once these boots are spick and span, let them dry naturally. For specific materials such as leather or suede, use our other tutorials for more in-depth cleaning processes.
4. Apply Oils, Sprays, Waxes, and More
If working with leather boots, oils like mink, mineral, or neatsfoot oil are great waterproofing options. Use a soft, clean microfiber cloth to apply a thin layer to all areas of the shoe. Reapply monthly or simply after use.
If you’re not a fan of oil, try a waterproof spray instead! These work well for boots that use synthetic materials. When spraying, simply be mindful of your environment. Cover the floor with newspaper to avoid more mess.
Stay a foot or two from the shoes when spraying and spray a light coat to start. Apply a second coat if necessary, then reapply the same way you would the oil—monthly or after use.
If neither of these options work for you, there are also waxes, shoe creams, and seam sealants to consider. Always start with a waterproofed boot, then equip yourself with these products to keep them in tip-top shape.
Winter Boot Fitting and Sizes
The biggest rule of thumb (or toe) when sizing yourself for winter boots is to size up! There are a couple of reasons for this. First, always account for thicker socks. Second, internal insulation always takes up space.
If you buy the same boot size as you do sneakers, your toes likely won’t have room to breathe and this can disrupt comfort and circulation. When hiking, you should have some space to move in the event of heat in the feet (which results in them taking up more space).
You can size up anywhere between half a size or a whole size depending. Every brand is different, so experiment with sizing based on your preferences. If shopping online, do your research regarding brand sizing to see if they run big or small first.
Wise Winter Wear
By now, you should be feeling ready to welcome winter and all it has to offer. Staying warm, prepared, and fashionable makes for a memorable winter season.
Simply keep this winter boots guide handy before you buy to make the most informed decisions. Speaking of buying…we can’t wait to see what you choose! Hop onto the Zappos for in-style winter boots that will suit you for seasons to come.