How to choose winter shoes?

For many, winter is a time of endless compromises between stylish appearance and comfort. And winter shoes are no exception. Everyone who follows fashion trends often chooses boots or boots presented on the pages of famous glossy magazines, forgetting about the practical side of the issue. A beautiful picture attracts admiring glances, which increases the desire to buy a fashionable model rather than a warm one.

But will this choice be the right one? Naturally, the appearance of winter shoes is one of the main selection criteria, but it should not be decisive. After all, by choosing shoes solely based on appearance, you expose your feet to the risk of frostbite and injury. And frostbite on the feet, in turn, causes more severe consequences, such as flu and colds.

Well, everyone will agree that it is impossible to look confident and attractive if your feet are constantly freezing, getting wet, or experiencing other discomfort from the cold. Fortunately, finding the best shoe option that combines comfort and style is not at all difficult. To do this, just follow a few simple tips, which we will discuss below.

Pay attention to insulation

Winter is the time of year when the thermometer rarely rises above zero, and outside the window we periodically see snowdrifts and slush. Your main task during this period should be insulation, including your legs. To achieve this goal, it is worth buying shoes with the right insulation:

• natural fur;
• faux fur;
• natural printed fur;
• artificial insulation;
• material used in Euro-winter models.

To choose the best option for yourself, you should consider each of them in detail.

Natural furs

The material is considered one of the best insulation materials, as it perfectly retains heat inside boots without creating a “greenhouse” effect. An air layer is formed inside shoes with such insulation, which prevents the foot from cooling. Thanks to the down, normal air exchange is also maintained.

Proper air circulation in shoes prevents feet from sweating and, accordingly, prevents the occurrence of various diseases. Another important advantage of natural insulation is the ability to safely wear fur boots even in severe frosts.

Faux fur

It is not the most successful option for insulation, since it retains heat worse and cannot provide full air exchange. In such shoes, your feet sweat and then get very cold, which does not have the best effect on their health. You can distinguish faux fur from natural fur by its unnatural bright reflection.

Natural printed fur

The insulation is the same fur, but in this case it is sewn onto a fabric base. It is easy to distinguish it from the previous material - you need to push apart the pile in the inside of the shoe and see if the threads are visible. Boots with such fur will be an ideal option for slightly lower temperatures and severe frosts. The main advantage of natural printed fur is that it dries quickly after getting wet.

Artificial insulation

This material is a fairly common insulation option. An example of this would be Thinsulate. Most often, shoes with artificial insulation are made by manufacturers specializing in the manufacture of shoes for active activities. This is explained by the fact that such insulation materials dry faster and are less susceptible to moisture.

We have figured out the types of insulation. Next, let's look at other features of winter shoes.

What should high-quality winter shoes be like?

To choose the right model for the winter season, you should pay attention to the following elements:

• insole;
• sole;
• firmware;
• material;
• lacing

Each of them must meet certain criteria, otherwise the shoes will not provide the necessary level of warmth during the cold season.

Insoles

When choosing winter boots or boots, you need to carefully examine and feel the insole. It should be dense and insulated, which allows you to retain the necessary heat inside. If the insole is thin and fragile, then cold air will easily penetrate inside the shoe and cool the foot.

Sole

Winter shoes with improper soles are often the main cause of injuries and damage. Before purchasing your favorite pair, you should take a look at the bottom of the product. Smooth soles in this case are strictly prohibited. It does not create traction with the surface, so falling is simply inevitable.

Good winter shoes must have a tread that will prevent slipping, protecting you from injury. Additional elements of protection against falls can be wide, stable heels, as well as elastic soles.

This heel ensures even distribution of weight, which allows you to maintain balance while sliding. The elastic sole is advantageous in that it will not turn to stone in severe frosts.

Firmware

Securely attaching the sole to the upper part of the shoe is the key to long-lasting and reliable wear. This applies to all types of shoes, including winter options. To check how firmly the materials are fastened together, you need to inspect the stitches. The shorter the length of each of them, the worse it is for the shoes. There is a high probability that the products will tear quickly.

Material

For the winter period, you should choose shoes made of genuine leather. Naturally, you will have to pay a lot of money for such products, but it is worth it. Once, by spending a large amount, you will save yourself from unnecessary expenses on repairing low-quality models, or even purchasing a new pair. 

If you choose a leather substitute or low-quality leather, be prepared for the fact that after just a few weeks of wear, cracks will appear on the shoes. They are the reason why your feet get wet and freeze quickly.

To save yourself from such consequences, you should always check the quality of the material. To do this, you need to bend the toe of the shoe towards the shaft and immediately release it. The faster the crease is smoothed out, the higher the likelihood of purchasing high-quality shoes.

Lacing

When choosing winter shoes, you should also pay attention to the quality of lacing and tongue fastening. It is these elements that prevent snow from getting into shoes and boots. In high-quality models, the tongue on the sides is reinforced with additional special inserts.

How to choose the appropriate winter shoe size?

When searching for suitable models for the winter, it is worth considering not only the characteristics of the above elements, but also the size. In the case of winter models, choosing the right size becomes a little more complicated, since you should remember the small margin that is needed for insulation.

In addition, you should carefully study the features of your feet, since this factor often becomes decisive when choosing shoes. If you buy shoes in regular stores or on the market, you can determine the appropriate model by trying them on.

But if your choice is an online store, then you need to know:

• width of the boot;
• lifting height.

It would be a good idea to try on several models without fasteners and determine whether they suit you or not. As for the width of the boot, it is determined by measuring the circumference of the leg. This parameter must be checked with online store managers.

Equally important for determining size is the rise of the leg. If you have a high one, then you have probably repeatedly encountered problems in the process of choosing a suitable pair. In this case, models that have lacing or a zipper may suit you.

Features of trying on winter shoes

In order not to make a mistake with the shoe model for the winter, you need to try it on correctly. The optimal period for fitting is considered to be the second half of the day. It is at this time that the legs become tired and partially swell, which contributes to the enlargement of the foot.

It is also important to consider the way you wear your shoes. For example, if you are used to tucking jeans into boots or boots, then it is better for you to choose a model with a wide top. You can also try on several sizes of the same model at once, and choose the option in which you are most comfortable.

To summarize this article, I would like to note that winter models are a special category of footwear, which is subject to a number of requirements. And if you don’t follow them, you endanger your health and the health of your loved ones. Therefore, every time you want to buy boots or boots for the winter, do not be lazy to read this material. This will help you choose not only safe, but also comfortable shoes to wear.