Finding the perfect pair of winter boots can sometimes be tricky. That is, when choosing the perfect winter boots or boots, you should compare their attractiveness with how much they suit your functional needs.
As always, it is best to try on the boots and buy them in person, but if you shop online, do your research as much as possible.
1. Decide if comfort is a priority
Do you want to be able to easily take off and put on your boots? Or do you want them to be reliable when you wear them in deep snow? Your decision should be based on how you plan to use your winter boots.
If you are active in winter boots, you probably want them to be very safe on your feet.
If you use winter boots for brisk walks out of the house, for example, to take out the trash, then you will probably need boots that are easier to put on and take off.
Are you planning to regularly cover long distances in the snow, or are you going to use winter boots rarely and for short periods of time? Decide how comfortable they should be based on how they will be used.
If you intend to use these boots frequently, the more reliable and usually expensive model is worth choosing. If you're only going to use them sporadically, you may be able to buy a less convenient and therefore less expensive pair.
One of the main criteria for choosing such shoes is the comfort of the shoe. If it is assumed that you will often put on and take off your boots, it is very important to choose a model that can be put on without the aid of a spoon - preferably with Velcro or zip fasteners, and not laces, which will quickly get boring to tie and untie each time.
2. Buy at the end of the season
Winter items are usually more expensive when everyone goes to buy them at the beginning of winter. However, if you plan ahead, you can get a much better deal.
This principle allows great savings on anything. For example, it is definitely more profitable to buy a bicycle in winter, when there is low demand for them and you can grab a decent discount. Likewise, winter boots become much cheaper in the spring, when sellers are eager to get rid of leftover products. Buy your shoes in advance. Keep it in the box until next season. But you can be sure that you bought it at the best price.
The best time to buy winter shoes is in early spring when stores are trying to get rid of all winter gear. Prices can be much lower than they were just a couple of weeks ago.
3. Choose between insulated or non-insulated boots
You want your feet to be warm enough without getting too hot. Consider the temperature when you put on your boots, whether your feet will sweat.
On sale there are boots with a removable lining that allows you to increase the thermal insulation of the boots - a very practical option that allows you to get by with one pair for the entire season. For example, if you are going to snowshoe or play sports for several hours, your feet will sweat in boots that are too warm, as your body heats up more during activity.
4. Decide if you need waterproof boots
Most people want to use waterproof winter boots. However, there are different levels of waterproofing. Most waterproof boots tend to be less stylish than other boots that are not designed to be used in very wet conditions. However, there are many semi-waterproof and quite attractive boots available.
If the boots are only waterproof and not waterproof, you should consider purchasing additional insoles in case the former get wet.
5. Find out which boot height is right for you
The taller the boots, the better they protect against tall snowdrifts. Taller boots will also improve ankle support, making them more comfortable to walk in. On the other hand, shorter boots will give you more flexibility and will be easier to put on and take off.
Boots that are high enough will protect your entire foot and ankle from snow.
If you don't want your boots to cover your ankles, but at the same time protect you from a thick layer of snow, you can look at shoes with higher heels.
6. Appreciate fashion and functionality
Sometimes the cutest boots aren't the most comfortable or sensible, but they are what you need. Emotionally, that's what you want. To solve purely utilitarian tasks, you want to buy the most comfortable boots, even if they are not very attractive.
If you can't find the perfect, beautiful, comfortable and well-made shoes, you will need to make some decisions about which aspect is most important to you. From our point of view, it is best to purchase two different pairs and wear them depending on the situation.
7. Try on winter boots
Sometimes it can be difficult to order winter boots without trying them on because the size from different manufacturers does not always match your expectations. Some shoe manufacturers vary their sizes based on the assumption that you will wear thick socks in their boots and some will not.
Due to the difference in the size of winter boots, it can be difficult to buy them online. However, if you need to buy something online without trying it on first, seek advice from the consultant on the website. You should also make sure you place your order with a retailer who offers free returns in case you need to switch to a different size.
8. Make sure your boots are guaranteed.
If you buy a pair of quality boots, they must be guaranteed against manufacturing defects.
Boots with a good guarantee are usually more expensive. Think of value as an investment, however, and remember that instead of buying a new pair every year, you can use these boots for years.
9. Decide if you want to pay more for the brand
Don't be fooled by the brand name. Often people do not make the right decision, preferring to focus on the name of the brand or the style of the boots. Unfortunately, this can affect your feet when walking in the snow.
For example, sheepskin boots are currently very popular and fashionable. They are made from the finest sheepskin for comfort and warmth, but they are not made for snow. These boots can be very thick and warm, but they are not waterproof and are easily stained with salt and snow.
On the other hand, there are well-known brand shoes that are known for their quality. Boots that have high quality merchandise may be the most famous for a reason.
10. Compare prices online and in store
When shopping for winter boots, it is wise to look for the best price. Find out the price both in local shops and on the Internet. The advantage of purchasing shoes locally is that you can try them on, get them right away, and you don’t have to pay for shipping. The advantage of buying winter boots online is that you may have more options to choose from, and they may be cheaper even with shipping included.
When shopping, make sure you are comparing the same shoes. Slightly different styles can have different cost and quality.
Even if you want to try on boots in a store, that doesn't mean you have to buy them there.Try them on in the store to find out which size is right for you, or to find out if they suit you at all, and then buy them where you can buy them cheaper. It is quite possible to do this on the Internet.
Advice
- Be sure to dry your shoes after returning home. Snow salt leaves a mark and corrodes boots if not cleaned regularly.
- It is advisable to have different types of shoes that need to be changed so that they do not wear out from everyday wear.
- Most shoe brands have their own websites where you can order shoes.
