How do I choose the best snow boots?
When choosing a good snow boot, think about where you will be wearing them and the features or functions you need. For example – do you prefer comfort over style? Are you picking a pair that’s insulated and/or waterproof?
It’s most important to ensure that your snow boots fit your lifestyle, but with so many options and styles to choose from it can be difficult to know which boots are right for you. One thing is for sure: You need boots capable of keeping your feet insulated and dry when walking, skiing or sledding in the snow.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN SNOW BOOTS?
When shopping for snow boots, you should look for:
- Waterproof protection
- Warm insulation
- Strong support
- Good grip and outsoles
- A snug but comfy fit
WATERPROOF
There are a number of factors in shopping for snow boots, but one of the most important is how waterproof the boots actually are. Our winter boots are designed to offer waterproof protection, while ensuring your feet stay warm and protected from the elements.
The majority of our waterproof boots are fully seam-sealed and made of specially treated leathers and fabrics to keep your feet snug and dry in winter weather conditions.
INSULATION
As well as keeping your feet dry, good snow boots should provide ample insulation. When searching for boots that will perform well in the snow, you should make sure the pair you choose has been crafted with insulating fabrics that promote and retain warmth for long periods of time and perform through long exposure to cold or freezing temperatures.
SUPPORT
Another important factor when shopping for snow boots is support. Snowy conditions, icy surfaces and uneven, frozen ground make it difficult to walk in the snow, so having winter boots that offer great ankle support is of utmost importance. Our Men’s 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boots use our exclusive anti-fatigue technology to provide standing comfort, shock absorption and energy return in all conditions.
GRIP
Your snow boots should also be comfortable and have an excellent grip to avoid slipping on ice; essential for winter walking and snow-based activities. We use technologies such as deep rubber lug outsole designs, Gripstick™ rubber and Vibram® rubber outsoles for maximum grip and to minimize slip.
HOW SHOULD MY SNOW BOOTS FIT?
Your snow boots should fit snugly to your feet, keeping them warm and supported. A loose-fitting boot can offer greater warmth and comfort but could cause problems with walking long distances. In contrast, your boots should not be fitted too tightly as this can cause problems with circulation and walking.
When shopping for snow boots, you should try to strike a balance between a tight and loose fit to ensure that when you are using your boots outdoors, that they are fit for purpose. When trying on snow boots, you should wear the same type of socks that you would wear with the boots once purchased; this will give you a better idea of how the boots will fit and feel in a real-life situation.
Once you’ve found a pair you like and that fits well, you should run a few tests to double-check the fit of your boots. Try lightly kicking a wall with the boots on to check how much room you have in the boot; if your toes hit the end of the boot, you could have too much room. This could cause rubbing, so you may want to consider a smaller size. Wiggling your toes in the boots is also a great way to check the fit; you should be able to do this easily without any pressure on the toes or wider parts of your foot.
When testing your snow boots, always make sure you’re standing upright and the boots are fastened as they would be when wearing them outdoors. This ensures you will get a more accurate representation of how your boots will perform when in use.
WHAT ARE GOOD SNOW BOOTS?
A good pair of snow boots should combine all of the above factors. In addition to the technology and comfort features that should be present in a good snow boot, the fit should also be considered.