Whether hitting the office, shuffling from car to chairlift or slogging in the frozen woods, a good pair of boots is requisite footwear for surviving the winter. To give you a jump start to the season and help you pick the right pair, we have narrowed down some of the most important factors to consider when buying.

Winter Boot Styles

When the temperature drops, walk in comfort with a stylish pair of men’s winter boots designed to last. Being familiar with some of the most popular boot styles will help you make an informed decision much easier and quicker. Chelsea boots are a type of leather slip-on boot that gained popularity in London in the 1960s and has recently made a comeback. 

In terms of style, these winter boots are the must-have shoes for the fashion forward man. On the other hand, their leather outer shells give enough weather resistance, and the elastic patch that allows the boots to extend to slip on easily and then retract for a secure fit prevents water from penetrating.

The best part? They can transition from looking stylish indoors and around the city to being relatively effective in colder winter climates. They can even be used for light-duty chores and outdoor work. Pac boots, on the other hand, feature thick rubber soles, plenty of insulation, and calf-high uppers. 

Their name is derived from the Pac, or moccasin slipper, which was usually worn within an outer boot layer and included a rubber shell around the foot and tall leather uppers to protect the leg from heavy snow. They are frequently made up of a soft, insulated liner that slips within an outer waterproof shell, or an insulating layer attached beneath a weather-resistant shell material. 

Aesthetics is the only downside of these boots, and many men often find this style too bulky and clumsy. Insulated winter hiking boots are designed to keep your feet warm and dry on the trek throughout the winter. They fit considerably better than Pac boots and feel more like sneakers or summer hiking boots. They also feature less insulation than Pac boots because your feet naturally generate heat during exercise. 

They use waterproof materials, but the uppers do not extend as far up the calves, allowing you to walk with greater comfort and flexibility. They also have high-traction soles that help them grip slippery paths and icy areas. These boots are ideal for busy winter activities such as outdoor work and chores on dry surfaces, winter hiking, and everyday use when the snow isn’t too deep. Last but not least, slip-on boot designs do not have a lacing system. 

They frequently have huge handles or pull tabs to assist with putting them on, as well as a loose enough cuff to allow a foot to go straight in. Slip-on styles are produced from a variety of materials, including rubber, neoprene, leather, textile, and sheepskin. They may or may not be insulated, depending on the boot’s intended use, and they may have varied levels of water resistance and walking comfort. The primary benefit of slip-on boots is convenience.

Fit

When picking the right size, consider how you intend to wear your men’s winter boots. A loose-fitting design will provide excellent warmth and comfort for winter chores and extreme cold conditions, but will not be comfortable enough for long-distance trekking. Tight boots will cause circulation problems and chilly feeling toes. 

Size your boots adequately for the socks you intend to wear, and make sure there is enough room in the toe box for your toes to move around. Warm feet are happy feet, and a pair of perfectly fitting winter boots will help you enjoy the cooler months.

Weight

All winter boots will be heavier than a pair of running shoes, although the weights will vary between popular models. Chelsea boots are often the lightest men’s winter boots for sale, weighing two to three pounds per pair. This is because they have no insulation above the soles. Winter hiking boots are likewise rather lightweight, weighing between two and four pounds per pair. 

These boots must be lightweight because they are frequently required to provide comfort while walking long distances. Pac boots and slip-on work boots typically feature additional insulation and toughness, as well as larger soles, weighing between four and six pounds per pair, or even more for the most heavy-duty types.

Weather Protection

Water retains its temperature much faster than air, therefore any water you encounter in the winter will most certainly be very cold. Bootmakers protect the foot from external moisture in two ways. It’s either by utilising inherently waterproof materials, such as treated leather or rubber, or sewing a thin waterproof membrane into the boot’s internal lining. 

Using waterproof materials such as leather and rubber will keep water out, but it will come at the expense of breathability. Depending on the material used, the outer shell may need to be treated regularly to keep it shedding water as well as when it was brand new, especially if an animal leather was used.