How to pick the right footwear for winter

When selecting winter shoes, there are four primary features to consider: warmth, comfort, waterproofing, and traction. While there are many additional features to take into account, like style, ankle support, and toe protection, it's vital to ensure the basics are met before delving in to more advanced specifications.

Selecting warm winter footwear is of paramount importance; the crux lies in determining the exact level you require, based on your intended use and location. While the majority of winter shoes come with a basic lining to retain heat and fend off the cold, there's a broad spectrum of protection levels depending on the specific footwear.

To assist in your winter footwear selection, some shoes offer temperature ratings, indicating the cold thresholds they're designed to handle. While this rating is a beneficial guideline, it's important to remember that other variables, such as activity intensity, the socks you're wearing, and your perspiration rate, will also affect its performance.

Generally speaking, winter shoes with 200 to 400-gram insulation are deemed to offer light to mid-level warmth, making them appropriate for autumnal conditions.

For typical winter conditions found in the UK, shoes with 600-gram insulation provide an optimal level of protection against temperatures close to freezing, ensuring your feet remain warm and dry. Insulation thickness can exceed a thousand grams, tailored for extremely cold environments – typically reserved for activities in truly icy conditions, such as ice fishing.

There are primarily two kinds of insulation: synthetic and natural.

Understanding the difference between waterproof and water-resistant boots is crucial.

Waterproof winter footwear signifies that your boots can be fully submerged in water whilst keeping the interior entirely dry. However, waterproof boots tend to be comparatively rigid, sacrificing comfort and breathability to ensure complete dryness. Such impermeability can lead to unpleasant odours or even infections, making these boots less ideal for prolonged wear during high-intensity activities.

On the other hand, water-resistant boots can fend off water only for a certain duration before it starts to seep in. This duration varies based on the material, brand, and linings. A notable advantage is their breathable fabric, which allows internal moisture to evaporate, fostering more sanitary conditions and rendering them suitable for extended wear.

At a fundamental level, the material, particularly that which covers the top of your foot, should be both water-resistant and durable to withstand freezing, wet, and snowy conditions, inclusive of sleet, hail, and frost. Most cold-weather winter footwear typically incorporates rubber or PVC for moisture resistance. For optimal results, boots crafted from nylon or leather are recommended as they effectively repel water.

While most winter boots feature rubber soles that fend off moisture, it's crucial to ensure they provide the traction needed to remain stable on icy or wet snow. Boots equipped with bumps and crevices offer the necessary grip and anti-slip features to keep your feet securely on the ground.

Snow boots are typically soft and don't become rigid upon contact with low temperatures, unlike standard footwear. This quality ensures a better grip on slippery or icy terrains. Their lug patterns are also designed to prevent snow accumulation in the crevices. Whilst hiking boots provide optimal traction, everyday winter boots might be less adept at preventing slips. The anti-slip soles not only cushion the impact but also distribute weight more evenly, aiding in injury prevention.

To find the best winter shoes for your needs, select a pair tailored to the activity you'll be undertaking. This involves considering the intensity, duration, and weather conditions. By doing so, you'll ensure the right level of protection without overcomplicating things with features you won't need for, say, a city walk. Ask yourself about the lowest temperatures you'll face and whether you'll be static or on the move. This will guide you in discerning the exact features you require.

For winter hiking boots, prioritise enhanced durability, superior insulation, winter-specific traction, and ankle support to aid with ascents and descents. Additionally, consider how much flexibility you need. At some point, the thickness of the insulation might render the boot too stiff and uncomfortable for its intended use.