Winter enthusiast, brave commuter or just working outdoors, our winters make waterproof boots an absolute necessity. Keeping warm and staying dry can make all the difference in your well-being and, in some cases, between life and death, when temperatures get worse.
But just because you need something useful doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your elegance. There are countless waterproof winter boots to suit your needs, if you know what you’re looking for. Which waterproof winter boots to choose?
Know thyself, then know the snow
To know which type of winter boot to choose, you must first start by understanding how you will use them.
- If you’re just commuting from home to the car or commuting on public transport, what’s wrong with wearing knee-high boots, which isn’t necessarily a necessity?
- For quick trips, consider ankle-high waterproof neoprene or leather boots that wear over your office shoes so you can tackle unexpected puddles and get into the meeting room with ease.
Stay Prepared
If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy nature on your weekend in a cottage, or on a hike in the countryside, whatever the weather conditions, you must be prepared for the unpredictable.
With winters like ours, we should not forget:
- Humidity and sudden temperature changes.
- Prolonged periods at low temperature.
- Slippery surfaces.
- Deep snowdrifts.
In this case, you need boots that are mid-calf or higher to make sure you can face Mother Nature.
Many boots made for outdoor enthusiasts like backcountry hikers, snowboarders, and snowshoe enthusiasts may seem over the top and yet their features won’t be too much for a weekend in the countryside.
- They include a waterproof upper part and double stitching at the most vulnerable points to guarantee their maximum durability while ensuring that they will stay dry.
- Some boots in this snowy season style make use of a drawstring closure to ensure that snow doesn’t get inside your boots should you happen to sink deeper than you thought. It’s normal, it happens to everyone!
If you work outside
Finally, if your career requires you to brave the elements instead of huddled around a warm fire, your waterproof winter boots might just become one of your essential tools.
- Stable and solid walking surfaces to help you keep your balance on construction sites and the most treacherous country roads.
- Look for boots with indentations that remind you of motorcycle tires to ensure you keep your footing no matter what angle you cross.
- Also opt for boots with waterproof uppers and lace holes to prevent snow infiltration if you have to brave the elements for long periods of time.
- Finally, choose boots with sufficient insulation, high enough to cover your legs up to mid-calf, as well as to protect and insulate you as best as possible.
Bring it all together
If every pair of boots was sold with a plane ticket to Florida, we wouldn’t need to prepare for winter like we do every year. However, with the current snowstorms doing their best to catch us off guard, it makes more sense to stay warm and dry to make the most of this season.