Shopping Guide: How to Shop for Winter Shoes

Are you in the market for discount shoes online for men, or perhaps you are interested in cheap Adidas women’s shoes for that special someone? In either case, purchasing shoes in the winter is not the same as looking for spring trainers. Winter shoes must be functional and practical. While you can afford to purchase summer shoes that do not provide significant warmth, winter demands insulation and other characteristics of shoes. Therefore, before you can go searching for great winter footwear, consider the five attributes that make a shoe suitable for the winter months.

1. Materials

Buying men’s shoes online this winter season is all about finding a pair that is comprised of all the right materials. For example, you will want to select a waterproof option. Most durable boots will be made with leather and nylon products, offering superior protection against the harsh winter months. Also, many varieties of boots will come pre-treated with waterproofing, ensuring their longevity. However, if the shoes do not come pre-sealed, you can purchase an affordable waterproofer from most shoe stores.

2. Traction

One of the most important characteristics of any winter boot is traction. The winter months can be quite hazardous, even when completing simple everyday tasks, like walking to your mailbox or car. The snow and ice that can accumulate on the ground often lead to slip and fall injuries that are preventable if wearing the appropriate shoe and maintaining your walkways and driveway. Most boots are made with rubber soles, but not all rubber is created equal. Some rubber-soled shoes are too hard with a surface that does not provide adequate friction in snowy environments. Always test the traction of a shoe before buying.

3. Insulation

Proper insulation ensures that your feet will stay nice and warm this winter. There are two general materials that are used for insulating winter boots: (1) wool or (2) synthetic materials. Wool is a popular choice, and it does regulate temperature well. However, wool boots can feel a bit cumbersome and heavy. Synthetic materials, like Thinsulate, reduce the weight of the boot while maintaining warmth. Although, when working with synthetic materials, you will want to pay attention to weight – 200 grams or more, depending on your climate.

4. Function and Fit

While some pull-on boots will work just fine for day-to-day outdoor activities, you may want to purchase a pair of full lace-up boots for more vigorous adventures or chores. Lace-ups provide a tighter and more secure fit for greater confidence.

5. Height

Do you take a lot of outdoor adventures, even in the winter? Will you be trekking through the snow when it falls? Depending on what you do, the height of your boots can matter a great deal. For example, if you plan on walking through deep layers of snow, then finding a boot that keeps your calves warm is likely a good idea. However, if you are not the adventurous type, then shorter boots may make walking a little easier.

While, in general, shoe buying is about finding the right size shoe that shows off a little of your personality, winter shoe shopping means being a little more concerned about warmth, weatherproofing, traction and overall fit. Find the right pair for you by heading to your local shoe store and trying several pairs on.