With winter fast approaching, you’ll soon find yourself trekking through some less-than-ideal conditions. And whether it’s a slippery climb up Mt. “Icy Driveway” or an exhausting expedition across the office parking lot tundra, the proper winter boots can make your journey a little less miserable.
We created a shortlist of some crucial things to look for when selecting the proper winter boots for your lifestyle.
Warmth
Winter is cold! And that’s why it’s essential to select a pair of winter boots with the liner and insulation that’s best suited for you. If you plan to enjoy your winter outdoors; ice fishing, hiking, snowmobiling or doing something else, you’ll likely need more substantial protection than someone who’s simply wearing their boots from the car to the office. We carry many brands of winter boots that are designed to keep your feet warm in frigid temperatures and are must-haves if you plan to spend many hours outside in the snow. Visit our online store to shop brands like Baffin, Sorel, Columbia, Bogs and more!
And for those of you wearing your boots from the car to the office, we have you covered too. Bos & Co is one of many brands we carry that offers stylish winter boots that are tested to keep your feet warm and dry in temperatures as low as -30.
Waterproofing
A winter boot is only as good as its waterproofing because it doesn’t matter how warm your liner is if your feet get wet the second you step in snow or slush. Waterproof boots offer the ultimate protection from the elements and allow you to trek confidently through anything winter throws at you. No more bad days caused by stepping in puddles, just warm, dry, happy feet.
And, if you thought waterproof winter boots only came in “astronaut-esque” styles, then you haven’t seen brands like Blondo, Bos & Co and Remonte. They all offer stylish winter boots that will have you looking good while also keeping your feet dry.
Proper Closure
For many boots, it doesn’t matter how waterproof their exterior is, snow still manages to find it’s way in. If you are planning on hiking through deep snow and slush, you should look for a boot that is seam-sealed and without openings (such as eyelets) where ‘winter’ could potentially seep in— regardless of waterproofing. And if you prefer a waterproof laced boot, look for one with a one-piece tongue that creates a barrier stopping snow and slush in its tracks.
Grip
Walking across snow and ice is never going to be easy. But with the proper winter boots, it can be less challenging. This brings us to our next key characteristic of a perfect winter boot—the outsole or traction. Much like a winter tire, the more sipes and space there is between the “blocks” or “lugs” on the sole of a winter boot, the better it will be at clearing water and gripping snow— providing optimal traction every step of the way. When buying your next pair of winter boots, check out the sole and make sure it looks as grippy as the winter tires on your vehicle. And for extra traction walking across snow and ice, we suggest checking out Olang winter boots. Their patented OC system places a swivelling and folding mechanism on the base of every boot that allows you to get proper traction no matter what surface or incline you may be walking on.
Boot Height
In Canada, we see snow from November to March— and a lot of it! And that’s why the height of your boot is important as well. It doesn’t matter if you have the warmest, most waterproof boot there is, if it’s 6 inches tall and the snow you’re walking through is 12 inches deep, your feet are going to get wet. In deep snow, a tall boot is going to do the best job of keeping snow out. But you don’t always want to wear a tall winter boot, do you? That’s ok too! Consider investing in more than one pair of winter boots this year to give yourself options. One tall pair for shovelling the driveway and going tobogganing with the kids where the snow is bound to be deep, and perhaps one short, stylish pair for wearing to the office, on date night and any other time when the snow is sure to be already cleared.
Comfort
It’s no secret that we are big believers in proper fitting footwear. And that’s why we feel it is a key aspect to look at when selecting your next pair of winter boots. A proper fit ensures your feet will always be comfortable and limits the chance of developing painful blisters— making any distance of walking unenjoyable. Visit any of our locations to have one of our trained staff properly size your foot and find you the proper fit.
With these six key factors in mind, we’re positive you can find the perfect pair of winter boots for your lifestyle and actually enjoy winter this year. Shop winter boots for the whole family online at beckershoes.com or at any of our 15 locations across Ontario and get ready to conquer Mt. “Icy Driveway”.